Subsea oil collector

Abstract

A subsea fluid collector is provided, comprising a container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a vessel positioning device which is attachable to a submerged vessel leaking oil or other fluids. The container is positioned by the vessel positioning device to receive, through the fluid inlet, a leaking fluid (such as crude oil, gasoline, diesel, or the like) exiting from a fluid leak source on the vessel, and the water residing within the container is displaced as leaking fluid enters the container. The vessel positioning device may be attached or detached from the vessel by divers or remotely using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). In one embodiment, the container may be guided into position above the leak by a guide cable. Once the container is filled by the leaking fluid, it ascends to the surface of the sea for retrieval and removal of the contents.

Description

RELATION TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS [0001] This nonprovisional application is based on prior provisional applications, U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 436,119 filed on Dec. 23, 2002, and U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 444,028 filed on Jan. 31, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] I. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to devices and methods used to contain leaks of oil and other liquids having a specific gravity less than that of water from vessels or other fluid-containing structures below the surface of the ocean or any other body of water. [0004] II. Background and Prior Art [0005] It is well known that oil tankers, barges, and other oil-containing vessels occasionally sustain damage and release the contents of their cargo into the surrounding water. The cargo is typically oil, although other combustible fuels having a specific gravity less than water, such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, are often transported in this manner. Because the most common cargo is oil, however, t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] In another alternate embodiment, the collector further includes a ballast chain and handling wire wherein the container is attached to ballast chain which is in turn attached to a lighter, high tensile, handling wire. The chain provides negative buoyancy to assist the container on its descent. Once the containe

Problems solved by technology

It is well known that oil tankers, barges, and other oil-containing vessels occasionally sustain damage and release the contents of their cargo into the surrounding water.

Such leaks sometimes occur when the vessel is still afloat, and in other cases, the vessel sinks to the bottom of the ocean and remains their permanently.

In those instances when a vessel sinks, the oil may still be contained within the vessel, but may slowly leak out through

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