DE2423652A1 - FLOATING AND TOWABLE CONTAINER - Google Patents

Description

H. MiTSCHERUCH D-β MDNCHEN 22

Dipl-I ... K. GUNSCHMÄNN. ΠΠΪμ

Dr. rer. not. W. KÖRBER * ⁰ ^

DipL-lng. J. SCHMiDT-EVERS 2423652

PATENT LAWYERS

May 15, 1974 ITIGKERS LIMIiEEB
Tickers House
Millbank Eower, Millbank
London SWt , England

Patent application

Floatable and towable container

The invention relates to a buoyant container and is particularly, but not exclusively, related to a buoyant container that can be used in conjunction is intended for the extraction or storage of petroleum.

In British Patent 1106258 a sehwimmfähiger container is described, which has a standing arranged column van relatively small cross-section, which carries at its lower end or in its IFähe a Ballasttammer of relatively large cross-section, further comprises a buoyant or a lift-producing structure , which also has a relatively large cross-section and is slidably guided on the column so that it can be moved between a lower position near the ballast chamber and an upper position at the upper end of the column or in its sows, as well as a device for fixing the structure in its upper position.

The container is primarily intended to be used at a fixed location, aoeh. he leaves him in Hauling water to the intended location? in order to make this possible, the mentioned structure can be moved on the column

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stored. Here it is possible to drag the container through the water while the ballast chamber contains only a relatively small amount of ballast, so that the container or the chamber formed by it floats on the water, the structure being arranged near the ballast chamber. In this sekleppfähigen state the container has a relatively shallow draft, as is very desirable for the towing process, because the draft of the container can be reduced by moving the structure along the column.

Once the desired location has been reached, the ballast chamber can be lowered and the structure raised until it is one position at or near the top of the column is reached, to bring the container into its position of use. This gives the container a great depth, see above that it receives sufficient stability.

The invention has for its object to use a container substantially similar to that described above Way is constructed so that it has the advantage that it can be dragged comfortably and at the desired location in its position of use can be brought, and such a container is designed in such a way that it enables a liquid to be extracted from a body of water. E.g. oil, which has a lower specific gravity than seawater, before the lighter one, to be collected and absorbed ! Liquid can reach the surface of the water.

To solve this problem, a buoyant container has been created by the invention, the only one has a standing, a buoyancy generating column with a relatively small cross-section, which at its lower The end carries a ballast chamber of relatively large cross-section that can be made to float, and one for generating buoyancy suitable or floatable structure, which is also has a relatively large cross-section and is slidably guided on the column, as well as a device for attaching the Construction on the column, whereby the buoyant container is thereby is characterized in that the column and the ballast chamber one

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Define the channel that is open at the bottom of the container and is provided with means which allow a liquid to enter said channel over a relatively large area to enter.

With this design of the container it is possible to arrange the container in such a way that, for example, material escapes from a deep borehole Oil or other liquid that strives to the water surface in the form of a relatively coherent column to rise, which gradually spreads during the ascent, by the means for introducing the liquid can be caught in the channel.

The ballast chamber is preferably provided with a conical base which forms an inverted hopper, which leads to the channel opening at the lower end of the container and said means for introducing the liquid forms in the canal. This construction of the container makes it possible under most occurring conditions that catch and collect escaping oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with one or more tanks, and it has means for transferring liquid from the channel into the or each tank. Here it is possible, if necessary, to flood the tank or at least some of the tanks around the container to bring into its position of use. If necessary, oil that has escaped the ascending column of the and through collected oil is taken from the container, if there is only one tank in this tank or in at least some be stored by multiple existing tanks; for this purpose existing valves at the upper end of the ballast chamber can be opened and the ballast water is pumped overboard, so that the oil in the space previously occupied by the .ßallastwasser can flow in. It is useful to provide the container with several such tanks and these tanks partially in the Ballast chamber and to accommodate the other part in the column and at its lower end. With such a construction

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it is possible to fill all tanks with ballast water to immerse the container so deep that the structure occupies a position at the top of the column, whereupon the Structure is attached to the top of the column. Once this is done, you can get the ballast water out of the or each Pump out the tank in the column to return the tank to its normal operating draft. Are expedient the means for transferring liquid from the channel into the or each tank are provided with pumps.

As mentioned, oil can be extracted from the rising oil mass that has escaped, depending on the respective conditions collect and store the 01 in the tank or in at least some of several tanks. However, the container can also be provided with devices that enable liquid, e.g. oil, to be pumped out of the channel up to a point, which is above the waterline of the container. Instead of storing the 01 in the manner described, it is then possible to the oil directly to a waiting tanker or device pump known as the "Dracone".

The channel of the container can be provided with an upwardly projecting extension, which becomes a horizontally arranged one Line section leads, which with its outboard side towards the end protrudes well beyond the structure; in addition, there are gas-tight connections that allow the To keep the channel sealed gas-tight when the structure is moved along the column. Such a facility enables it to discharge unwanted gases from the duct to the atmosphere.

The invention and advantageous details of the invention are shown below with reference to schematic drawings an exemplary embodiment explained in more detail. It shows:

1 shows a vertical section through an embodiment of a buoyant container;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are an enlarged vertical section through the lower part of the container of FIG. 1 and one, respectively

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enlarged horizontal section through the column and the ballast chamber of the container; and

! ig. 3A and 3B are a vertical section, respectively through the top of the column or a horizontal section through the top of the column.

According to FIG. 1, the container shown has as main parts a ballast chamber 1, a standing central column 2 and a structure 3 made of light metal. The total height of the container from the bottom of the ballast chamber to the top The end of the construction can e.g. are of the order of 76 m.

The base chamber 1 has a cylindrical jacket 4 of has a relatively large cross-section and can, for example, have a diameter of about 30 ω and a height of about 10 m; the ballast chamber is manufactured as a welded construction from mild steel using the rules applicable in shipbuilding. The cylindrical one Shell 4 is provided with a channel section 5, which is open at its lower end and therefore accessible for seawater ' is borrowed, and the bottom of the ballast chamber 1 is through a watertight conical wall 4a is formed, which is arranged so that there is an inverted funnel, which to the opening of the channel section 5 leads at the lower end of the container. The interior of the ballast chamber is shown in FIG. 2B by radial Partition walls are divided into eight separate, radially outwardly extending tanks 6, one of which is the central channel section 5 form the surrounding wreath; alternatively, one could only have a single tank or a number of other than the number 8 Arrange tanks in ballast chamber 1.

The column 2 is attached to the ballast chamber 1, it protrudes upwards from the ballast chamber, and it has two Sections of different diameter, namely a lower section 7 of larger diameter, which, according to extends up to the normal water line of the container, as well as an upwardly tapered portion 8, the is connected to the section 7, and to which an upper

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Section 9 of smaller diameter connects. The column 2 is also designed as a welded structure made of mild steel and provided with stiffening rings in a manner similar to the pressure hulls of submarines.

The column 2 is divided into several watertight chambers 11, namely by at regular intervals distributed horizontal bulkheads, and it is designed so that it delimits a channel section 12, which is after extends up to the upper column section 9, and which opens with its lower end in the further channel section 5, so that the two channel sections form a single continuous channel. In the channel section 12 is a lifting rod (Lift trunk) 13 is arranged, which extends between the upper end of the column 2 and the channel section 5. Direct Above the ballast chamber 1, the bottom watertight chamber of the central column 2 forms a ballast water tank 14, which is used when the container is to be loaded so that it reaches its greatest immersion depth to thereby the To bring the superstructure 3 to the top of the column in a manner yet to be explained; ballast pumps 15 (Fig. 2A) which serve to convey liquid from the channel to the tanks 6 in the ballast chamber 1.

In the watertight chamber at the upper end of the column section 7, filling material pumps 16 (Fig. 3A) are accommodated, which are required to transfer collected oil from the canal to a waiting tanker or a device of the aforesaid Promote kind labeled "Dracone". The after The column section 8 which tapers conically at the top is from a non-watertight extension 17 of the lower column section 7 which serves to protect the distribution lines to which dispensing hoses can be connected, and which at the same time forms a support structure for a slidingly guided collar 18 which encloses the uppermost column section 9 and serves a purpose yet to be explained.

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The structure 3, which has a relatively large cross-section, consists of an aluminum alloy and can be along the column 2 between that shown in Fig. 1 with solid lines Position and a position in contact with the ballast chamber 1, which is indicated in Fig. 1 with dashed lines, move. If the structure 3 is in its upper position of use, it is firmly connected to the column 2 by the collar 18, which is also made of aluminum. The collar has the shape of a ring, which is dimensioned so that it the difference in diameter between the lower pillar section 7 and the upper column section 9, along which the structure is movable. Of course, it is necessary to take precautions against the occurrence of galvanic Prevent operations at the bimetallic connection between the collar 18 made of aluminum and the central column 2 made of steel.

The structure has three decks, namely a top deck as a take-off and landing platform for helicopters, and a middle one Deck with a deckhouse that houses living quarters, as well as a lower deck to accommodate machines and Workshops. The base of the structure 3 is double-walled, so that containers for storing fuel and water be available. At the top of the column, three stages or decks are arranged so that they are in horizontal alignment stand with the three decks of the superstructure when the superstructure is on at the top of the column.

The container described above can be brought into one of two possible positions as required, namely in a transport or towing position in which the ballast chamber 1 contains no ballast and the structure 3 rests against the ballast chamber, as indicated in FIG. 1 with dashed lines is, the container has the depth indicated in Fig. 1 at 19, and a position of use in which the ball load chamber 1 is completely submerged, while the structure 3 is above the surface of the water, the container has the draft indicated in Fig. 1 at 21, which at

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the embodiment described here is about 55 m, so that the cargo transfer hoses are about 6 m above the waterline. Not shown Devices are used to fasten the structure to the column 2 in either of the two possible positions. In the transport position The required stability results from the inertia of the water surface a ballast chamber with a relatively large cross-section, and stability is ensured in the position of use, that there is a distance between the center of gravity of the container and the center of buoyancy, so that an underwater stability is available. If the container is to be brought from the transport position to the usage position, water is allowed to flow into the ballast tanks 6, usually each in two diametrically opposite tanks to keep the container in its upright position, the means for securing the structure 3 being released. To make this possible, each ballast tank 6 is provided with a seawater valve Mistake. Thus, it is possible to lower the ballast chamber 1 and at the same time the column 2 down through the Pulling structure 3 through it, which floats on the water, until it has reached its uppermost position opposite the column, after which it is attached to the column.

While the superstructure is being raised, all eight ballast tanks will be removed 6 filled, and to submerge the container so deep that the structure is raised to the top of the column the tank 14 is supplied with additional ballast water. If the container is to be returned to its position of use and on the corresponding one The ballast water is removed from the tank 14 again. By setting accordingly the amount of ballast water left in the tanks, it is possible to determine the draft, trim and Maintain heel in the desired manner.

Has an oil spill occurred referring to, for example, damage to wellhead equipment, damage to the wellbore or a leak in a pipe or pipe

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connection on the seabed, the container is dragged in its transport position to the relevant job and there as exactly as it is is practically possible, arranged over the center of the oil breakout point to then in the manner described in the To be brought into use position.

Now the sea water is sucked out of the central column 2 with the aid of the pumps 16 at the upper end of the column and to the Outboard side of the device promoted and diverted. While this is happening, that escaped from the eruption site Oil replace the water displaced from the space under the conical bottom 4a, and the pumps 16 are kept running, until all the seawater has been pumped out of the central column is. As soon as this is done, the pumps are put out of operation and the hoses already mentioned are put on hold Tanker or a well-known device called "Dracone" is connected, whereupon the pumps return can be put into operation to remove the collected oil from the column. Is it desirable to have a larger amount of oil in the To store containers, existing valves on the top of the ballast chamber 1 are opened and it becomes ballast water Pumped overboard so that oil was previously removed from the ballast water occupied space can flow in. You can do this as needed and add water to the central to balance it out Introduce ballast water tank 14 as required to maintain the desired draft of the vessel. The amount of oil taken from a container of the above Dimensions can be recorded in total, should be about 6000 to.

According to prop. 1 and 3A is the central channel section 12 provided with an upwardly extending extension which extends to the upper end of the upper column section 9 and serves to vent undesired gases from the duct to the atmosphere. This protruding extension is through a centrally arranged gas channel 22 is formed which surrounds the upper portion of the lifting rod 15 and to a horizontal

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Pipeline 23 leads, which extends below the helicopter landing deck, cantilevered outwards, with her outer section is angled upwards and becomes one Point 24 extends at a sufficient distance from the superstructure 3. The pipeline 23 must have gas-tight bushings where it extends through the collar 18, and it is flame arrester in accordance with applicable regulations equipped. The gas-tight bushings make it possible to move the structure 3 relative to the column 2 and at the same time to keep the central channel sealed gas-tight.

A container according to the invention with the dimensions mentioned above is suitable for oil outbreaks on the seabed to be used in a water depth of up to approx. 76 m, i.e. at such a water depth at which the escaping oil tends to be proportionate to the water surface in the form of a to climb up a contiguous column and at the same time gradually expand in all directions as it is similarly observed in smoke rising in the atmosphere. In the case of formations under the North Sea The specific gravity of oil can be down to 0.81. The amount of turbulence affecting the ascending 01 pillar can be communicated, of course, depends on the existing flow and vortex conditions§n. However, even in locations where the conditions are relatively unfavorable, it is quite advantageous to to catch the escaped oil before ea the surface of the water reached, instead of collecting it afterwards, when it has already started, spreading in all directions on the surface of the water spread out.

Claims;

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Claims (7)

PATENT CLAIMS 1. J Floatable or floatable container with a single gen upright arranged, a buoyancy generating column of relatively small cross-section, which at its lower end has a floatable ballast chamber of relatively large cross-section carries, a also having a relatively large cross-section, a buoyancy generating structure on the column is displaceably mounted, as well as with devices for attaching the structure to the column, characterized in that that the column (2) and the ballast chamber (1) delimit a channel (12, I?) which is open at the lower end of the container and has a device (4a) which enables a liquid to be introduced into the channel from a relatively large area to feed. 2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the ballast chamber (1) is conical Has base (4a) which forms an inverted funnel which leads to the opening of the channel (5, 12) at the lower The end of the container leads and forms the means for supplying liquid to the channel. 3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that 'that the container with one or more Tanks (6) is provided. And has devices (15) which make it possible to transfer liquid from the channel (12, 5) into the or each tank. 4. Container according to claim 3, characterized in that the container has more than one tank, and that these tanks (6, 14) are partially in the ballast chamber (1) and partially in the lower end of the column (2) are arranged. 409849/0362 5. Container according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that - k. ennzeich.net that to the facilities for transferring of liquid from the channel (12, 5) belonging to the or each tank pumps (15). 6. Container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that devices (16) are present which allow liquid from the channel (12, 5) upwards to a lying above the waterline of the container Point to pumping. 7. Container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the channel (5, 12) for discharge unwanted gases from the channel to the atmosphere with an upwardly extending extension (22) is provided which leads to a horizontally arranged pipeline (23), the outboard end (24) of which is cantilevered over a considerable Distance opposite the structure (3) protrudes to the outside, and that gas-tight feedthroughs are available to maintain it a gas-tight closure of the channel enable the structure to be moved relative to the column (2). The patent attorney: 4098A9 / 0362