DEEP UNDERWATER OIL LEAK CONTAINMENT SYSTEM AND CONTAINMENT AND CONVECTIVE TRANSFER VESSEL

摘要

The present invention relates to a deep underwater oil leak containment system employing a skirt having a first collapsed position carried by a support structure and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring. The skirt has a second extended position with the anchor ring deployed downward from the support structure to the ocean bottom. A collar is supported from the support structure and connected to curtains extending from an upper periphery of the skirt, the curtains having a first open position concentric with the skirt. Anchors secure the support structure to the ocean bottom and a winch draws the curtains into a second closed position closely received around the collar and sealing the skirt to the collar. An exhaust bellows extends upward from the collar to the ocean surface. The invention also relates to a containment and convective transfer vessel (CCTV) system incorporating a capture vessel having a support ring and incorporating a collapsible skirt. The skirt has a first collapsed position and a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring. The skirt has a second extended position with the anchor ring deployed downward from the capture vessel to the ocean bottom over a discharge site. The capture vessel includes a convective transfer system for entrainment of effluent from the discharge site. Anchors secure the capture vessel to the ocean bottom and a riser extends upward from the support ring to the ocean surface.