Flexible barrage for gathering e.g. oil from surface of sea - adopts bow form when towed by tanker having pumping group serviced by functional cord

摘要

Used to gather and pick up pollutants, e.g. oil, from the surface of the sea, the system utilises a floating flexible barrage which is towed e.g. by a tanker. Cables at each extremity attach the barrage to the aft of the tanker, the barrage adopting a bow shape in plan with an inlet of adjustable width. A pumping battery is mounted on the central section of the barrage, being attached to the tanker by a third cable which also serves as a pipe line and a pump feed line. The barrage may have a round hollow section, e.g. of 2.5 m. dia., to counter sea swell, being inflated by compressed air, and having a vertical integral submerged skirt with built in ballast. The tanker may include storage compartments and controls for trawls which adjust the barrage inlet.