System and method to stop underwater oil well leaks

Abstract

System for stopping underwater oil leaks, in which the leaking oil may be stopped by a magnetic material/electromagnet plate through which there is an opening connected to a hose or pressurized line through which a gas or liquid is forced. The magnetic material/electromagnet plate is adhered to a caisson, charged electrically if need be, and a gas or liquid, under pressure, is used to force expansion of the closed-end of the bladder/ballon to form a rigid inflated balloon/bladder that plugs the opening, thereby shutting off the leak until the caisson break can be repaired.

Description

FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for and methods of stopping and sealing underwater oil well leaks, and more particularly, to the use of sealing apparatus essentially comprising the combination of electromagnet, a gasket and bladder / balloon.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0002]Upon discovery of underwater oil well leaks, there is a compelling need to reduce the lag between the discovery of an underwater oil well leak and sealing of that leak. However, at present, this is a complex and labor intensive endeavor when attempting to seal the underwater oil well leaks.[0003]Further, there is huge risk to the environment, wild life, marine life and shore if the underwater oil well leak is not curtailed to prevent extensive damage.[0004]It is known to employ Inflatable bladders to seal ruptures in ships' hulls of tankers using magnets to secure a seal around the opening. In this operation, the bladder and magnets are separate from one another and it takes considerabl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]One object of the present advance is to provide apparatus to reduce the lag between the discovery of an underwater oil well leak and the sealing of the leak.

[0013]Another object of the present innovation is to provide a less complex and less labor intensive means of sealing underwater oil well leaks.

[0014]A further object of the present innovation is to reduce the risk to the environment, wild life, marine life and shore by more rapidly stopping underwater oil well leaks to curtail the extensive damage from the leaks.

Problems solved by technology

However, at present, this is a complex and labor intensive endeavor when attempting to seal the underwater oil well leaks.

Further, there is huge risk to the environment, wild life, marine life and shore if the underwater oil well leak is not curtailed to prevent extensive damage.

In this operation, the bladder and magnets are separate from one another and it takes considerable time, manpower and other resources to install the seal.

However, in the case of underwater oil well leaks, an apparatus / system is needed that extends beyond a ship's hull to stop underwater oil well leaks that requires less resources and labor to implement.

The resulting downward pressure can prevent upward movement of oil and gas, however, none of these have provided an effective solution to rapidly end the flow of crude oil into bodies of water.

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