| 摘要 |
An enclosure is set up around the layer of petroleum. This forms a closed, floating reservoir for the mass of hydrocarbons, confining it internally, on the surface of the water. An Independent claim is included for corresponding equipment to carry out the method. A synthetic band of material (2) carries inflatable floats (1) on one edge, ballast (3) on the other, to form the enclosing wall. Each end of the band has a connecting profile, to join and seal both ends of the band together. The profiles are an interlocking C-shape, with hinged catches locking them together. Preferred features: The floating enclosure closes back on itself. Its ends are connected together, sealed. The layer is pumped out, decreasing its thickness to a point when water would become mixed in. At this point the enclosure is divided successively into parts, drawing-in peripheral points together to decrease the surface area included. This causes a corresponding thickness increase in the hydrocarbon layer. Trapped hydrocarbon is pumped out of the enclosure into a smaller floating reservoir, and thence into a tanker.
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