EP2927375B1 - Floating inflatable dam - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a floating inflatable barrier. It finds in particular an application for the retention of marine pollution, for example following degassing of a boat or during an oil spill.

Various types of dams configured for use in the open sea are known.

These dams generally comprise a plurality of inflatable pockets connected to each other in a sealed manner, which must be inflated one by one, for example from the deck of a boat or in the open sea, after the dam is closed. has been extended to deploy and use the dam. These dams usually mobilize several people for a significant time, making their deployment both costly, time consuming and dangerous for the people involved, as they evolve, for example, on an unstable support.

An alternative is described by the document US 5,374,133 which discloses a floating inflatable barrier comprising a body having a longitudinal direction, a proximal end and a distal end and having first and second inflatable pockets separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, the second pocket being located between the distal end and the first pocket; the dam further comprises a feed line extending along the body being fluidly connected to each of the first and second pockets.

In this dam, the different pockets are inflated via the feed line. Nevertheless, the dam must, prior to inflation, be deployed, to allow the flow of fluid in the supply line; as a result, its installation again mobilizes several people, for a significant time, exposing them to risky conditions. In addition, the space offered by the deck of a boat is particularly unsuited to the deployment of such a dam.

The document US 2011/0318109 describes a floating inflatable boom comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Object and summary of the invention

The present invention aims to solve, among others, the deficiencies described above floating inflatable barriers that exist, proposing a dam that can be installed quickly and mobilizing a space and a reduced number of people.

This object is achieved by the fact that the invention relates to a floating inflatable barrier further comprising an inflation sleeve extending between the proximal and distal ends and having a first end for the air inlet and a second end for the air outlet, the second end opening into the supply line near the second pocket, so as to allow to inflate the second pocket before the first pocket.

Thus, the inflation of the dam is allowed by the admission of air from a single point, in this case the first end of the inflation duct; the air then opens, through the second end of the sheath, into the feed line. By arranging the second end of the sheath close to the second pocket, the air thus flowing in the supply line primarily feeds the second pocket.

Generally, the dam according to the present invention is wound on itself and the first is to release the distal end, namely the second pocket, before the first pocket.

By this arrangement, only the portion of the body of the dam comprising the second pocket must be deployed, for example disposed on the deck of the boat on which the floating inflatable barrier to be deployed, to allow to begin the inflation of the dam. The space needed to inflate the dam is reduced, compared to the known dams of the prior art, thereby limiting the risks to which the user is exposed. In addition, the dam according to the invention can also be installed from a marine device, such as a boat, which requires a smaller dimensioning compared to those used to deploy the dams of the prior art.

Moreover, such a dam installation has a better efficiency, compared to dams in which it is necessary to inflate all the pockets simultaneously, or in which the first pocket must be inflated prior to the second pocket.

By the presence of the inflation sleeve, the inflation of the dam starts with the second bag, before being continued by the first bag; in other words, the distal end of the body of the dam is inflated before its proximal end.

The dam may of course comprise a plurality of additional inflatable pockets, separated from the first and second pockets in the longitudinal direction of the body, and disposed between the proximal end and the first pocket, between the first and second pockets, and / or between the first and second pockets. second pocket and the distal end.

The invention is described below in a series of alternative embodiments, which may be considered alone or in combination with one or more of the previous ones.

Advantageously, the inflation sheath is disposed in the supply line.

By this arrangement, the inflation duct is not likely to hinder the deployment of the dam, or to wrap around an element that may be on the boat, or on the body of water on which the dam is intended to be used. In addition, it is not likely to be cut accidentally, during installation or use of the dam, such a sectioning may compromise the operation of the dam.

In other words, the supply line constitutes a sheath in which the inflation sheath is housed.

Advantageously, the inflation sheath is rollable.

The inflation sleeve may in particular be wound on itself, so as to reduce the size of the dam, for example when it is not used.

Preferably, the inflation sheath has radial rigidity.

Thus, the inflation sleeve, even when it is subjected to radial pressure, for example because it is arranged under other elements, is not completely crushed; the radial rigidity of the inflation liner thus allows it to resist crushing, so as to allow the passage of air between its first and second ends, despite a radial pressure applied to the sheath.

Advantageously, the inflation sheath has an internal frame.

By this arrangement, the radial rigidity of the inflation sheath is further improved. The presence of the inner armature thus allows the passage of air between its first and second ends, despite a radial pressure applied to the sheath.

Advantageously, the armature is a chain, a cable, a rope, or any other means configured to contribute to the radial resistance of the inflation sheath.

Preferably, the feed line comprises at least one non-return valve opening into one or other of the first and second pockets.

Advantageously, the supply line comprises at least a first and a second nonreturn valves opening respectively in the first and second pockets.

By this arrangement, the air flowing in the supply line, following the introduction of air into the supply line through the second end of the inflation duct, after it has been introduced into the first and second pockets, can not return to the power line. In other words, the first and second inflated pockets can not deflate in the supply line.

Advantageously, the nonreturn valves comprise a substantially circular periphery.

By this arrangement, particularly when the body of the dam is wound on itself, the non-return valves, having no protruding portions, such as an acute angle, are not likely to perforate the pockets.

Preferably, the check valves have a reduced thickness.

By this arrangement, the storage of the dam, for example by winding the body on itself, is not compromised by the presence of non-return valves.

Advantageously, at least one of the elements taken from the feed line and the first and second pockets comprises a pressure relief valve opening outwardly of the dam.

Advantageously, the feed line and the first and second pockets each comprise at least one overpressure valve opening outwards.

The presence of the pressure relief valves makes it possible to prevent the feed line or the pockets from bursting, in the case where their internal volume is subjected to an excessive air pressure.

Preferably, the body comprises a first and a second portion fixed to each other, the first and second portions each comprising respectively the first and second pockets.

Advantageously, the first and second portions are fixed to each other removably.

It is thus possible to easily replace one or the other of the pockets, for example if it is pierced or that its pressure relief valve is defective, or for any other reason, without having to replace the entire dam. It is also possible to adapt the number of inflatable bags, and therefore the dimensions of the dam, to his needs. In other words, the attachment of the first and second portions to one another allows to have a modular dam, to adapt to its conditions of use and to simplify maintenance.

Advantageously, the first and second pockets are in fluid communication only via the feed line.

In other words, the first and second pockets do not fluidly communicate directly with each other. Their air supply is thus only allowed by the power line.

By this arrangement, the operation of the dam is not compromised, in the event that one of the inflatable pockets is defective, for example because it would be perforated.

Advantageously, the dam also comprises a plurality of non-return valves and a feed device configured to obstruct all or part of the check valves, so as to inflate only some of the pockets, for example to further reduce the time required to the installation of the dam.

Preferably, the feed line extends outside the body.

Thus, the manufacture of the dam is simplified, the feed line and the body of the dam can be manufactured separately, for example using different materials. In addition, the modularity of the body and its maintenance are simplified by the provision of the power line outside the body.

Advantageously, and optionally, the dam further comprises a proximal inflation means having a first end for the air inlet and a second end for the air outlet, the second end for end opening into the power line near the first pocket.

By this arrangement, the time required to inflate the dam can be further reduced, the inflation sleeve for inflating the dam from the distal end of the body, while the proximal inflation means allows inflation from the proximal end of the body.

Advantageously, the proximal inflation means has all or some of the characteristics of the inflation sheath; it can thus, among others, be rollable, have a radial rigidity and / or extend in the supply line.

Preferably, the dam alternately takes a storage position, in which the first and second pockets are deflated and the body is wound on itself, the proximal and distal ends being disposed respectively inside and outside the body. wound, and a use position, wherein the first and second pockets are inflated, the body being deployed.

Advantageously, the inflation sheath is configured to allow the passage of a fluid from its first to its second end, when the floating inflatable barrier is in the storage position.

Thus, the dam according to the present invention has a small footprint when not in use, can thus be easily placed in a boat for possible use, or be easily transported. The inflation liner, the supply line and the body are also configured to be wound so as to allow the dam to be disposed in the storage position.

Furthermore, the inflation sleeve has radial stiffness characteristics such that air can flow between its first and second ends, even when the dam is in the storage position. In other words, the second pocket of the body of the dam can thus be inflated when the dam is in the storage position, or only a distal portion of the body of the dam is deployed, to begin the inflation of the dam by the dam. distal end of the body, so as to limit the space required, for example on the deck of the boat, to pass the dam in the position of use. So, it is not necessary to unroll the entire body of the dam to inflate the pockets of the dam.

It is therefore understood that the distal end of the body of the dam is a free end.

Advantageously, the floating inflatable barrier further comprises a skirt extending under the first and second pockets and a weighting means configured to arrange the skirt substantially vertically in the position of use.

Thus, when the dam in the position of use is disposed in the water, for example to circumscribe a layer of hydrocarbons, the sheet is retained by the dam, in particular by its skirt which extends under the pockets and according to the longitudinal direction of the body of the dam. Moreover, the presence of the weighting means makes it possible to ensure that the skirt is correctly deployed, which guarantees the effectiveness of the dam, even when it is used in unstable conditions, for example on a rough sea.

Preferably, the invention also relates to a dam assembly comprising a drum having an axis, and a floating inflatable boom according to the present invention, the floating inflatable boom being wound around the axis of the drum in the storage position.

Thus, the dam assembly is compact when the dam is in the storage position. It can therefore be easily transported or stored when not in use. In addition, the use of a drum and the arrangement of the dam around its axis in the storage position facilitate its deployment: for example, you can have the drum at one end of the deck of a boat, the gravity to release alternately each of the inflatable pockets, beginning with the second pocket which, once inflated, is directly disposed on the body of water on which the dam is intended to be used.

Advantageously, the first end of the inflation sheath is fixed to the axis of the drum.

Advantageously, the barrier assembly further comprises a rotary joint mounted on the first end of the inflation duct.

By this arrangement, the inflation of the floating inflation boom can be controlled directly from the drum, so as to limit the risks inherent in the presence of a person on the deck of a boat; in in other words, a person can easily, and without compromising his safety, move the dam from his storage position to his position of use.

For example and without limitation, the axis of the reel is rotated, manually or by means of rotating, such as a hydraulic system; the rotation is carried out continuously, or step by step.

The portion of the barrel body thus unwound is guided, for example by means of a pull applied by a user on the distal end of the body of the dam, while successively inflating the different pockets of the body of the dam, starting with those arranged near the distal end, such as the second pocket, before inflating the first pocket.

Preferably, and optionally, the barrier assembly includes an air distribution device configured to introduce a fluid alternately into the inflation sleeve and into the proximal inflation means at their first end.

Thus, depending on the progress of the deployment of the dam, air can alternatively be introduced into the supply line by the inflation duct or by the proximal inflation means: for example, to start the deployment of the dam, while it is in the storage position, the air circulates through the inflation duct, so as to inflate the various pockets, beginning with the distal end and then successively inflating the pockets located closer and closer, in the longitudinal direction of the body, the proximal end. When the pockets near the distal end are inflated, and the body of the dam is at least partially deployed, the air distribution device can be actuated, so as to circulate the air by the inflation means proximally, so as to inflate, or to finish swelling, the various pockets, starting with the proximal end and then successively inflating the pockets located closer and closer in the longitudinal direction of the body, the distal end.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement un exemple d'ensemble de barrage selon la présente invention, le barrage étant dans la position d'usage ;
• la figure 2 représente schématiquement l'ensemble de barrage de la figure 1 , le barrage étant dans la position de rangement ;
• la figure 3 représente schématiquement l'ensemble de barrage de la figure 1 , le corps du barrage étant partiellement déployé ;
• les figures 4A et 4B représentent schématiquement des vues en perspective du barrage selon la présente invention, le corps du barrage étant partiellement déployé ; et
• les figures 5A et 5B représentent schématiquement le touret et l'extrémité proximale du corps du barrage selon la présente invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and completely on reading the following description. of a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the following appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 schematically represents an example of a dam assembly according to the present invention, the dam being in the position of use;
• the figure 2 schematically represents the dam assembly of the figure 1 , the dam being in the storage position;
• the figure 3 schematically represents the dam assembly of the figure 1 the body of the dam being partially deployed;
• the Figures 4A and 4B schematically represent perspective views of the dam according to the present invention, the body of the dam being partially deployed; and
• the Figures 5A and 5B schematically represent the drum and the proximal end of the body of the dam according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The figures 1 and 2 schematically represent a dam assembly 100 according to the present invention.

The dam assembly 100 includes a floating inflatable boom 10 which is shown on the figures 1 and 2 respectively in a position of use and in a storage position.

The dam 10 has a body 12 having a longitudinal direction, and two longitudinal ends, namely a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16 .

For example and without limitation, in the embodiment shown in the various figures, the distal and proximal ends of the dam 10 correspond to the distal 14 and proximal ends 16 of the body 12 of the dam 10 .

The body 12 further comprises a plurality of inflatable pockets 20, 20 ', 20 " , separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the body 12 .

The dam 10 further comprises a skirt 18 , extending under the inflatable pockets 20, 20 ', 20 " and a weighting means 19 fixed to the lower edge of the skirt 18 .

The dam 10 also comprises a plurality of sleeves 22 , 22 ' , 22 " fixed, for example by gluing or welding, on the inflatable pockets 20 , 20' , 20".

The dam 10 also comprises a feed line 24 which extends along the body 12 by being inserted into the sleeves 22, 22 ', 22 " .

As will be described in more detail below, the feed line 24 is fluidly connected to each of the pockets 20, 20 ', 20 ".

The dam assembly 100 also comprises a drum 110 having an axis 112 ; for example and without limitation, as shown in the figure 1 , the drum 110 is placed on the deck of a boat B.

The dam assembly 100 further comprises a fluid intake device 120 including, for example and without limitation, a compressor 122 , such as a hydraulic compressor, and a pipe 124 mounted on the axis 112 of the drum 110 and connected to the compressor 122 .

The figure 1 represents the dam assembly 100 when the dam 10 is in the position of use.

In this position, the body 12 is deployed in its longitudinal direction and all or part of its pockets 20, 20 ', 20 " is inflated, the dam 10 then extends over the water, for example on the sea, floating .

It is understood that the flotation of the dam 10 is enabled by the inflated pockets 20, 20 ', 20 " , and possibly by the feed line 24 which can also be inflated.

As it appears on the figure 1 when the dam 10 is in the position of use, the skirt 18 extends substantially vertically downwards from the pockets 20, 20 ', 20 " being, at least partially, immersed, the weighting means 19 being configured to maintain the skirt 18 in its substantially vertical position.

In this position of use, the dam 12 is configured so as to circumscribe a portion of the body of water on which it floats, for example, to surround a sheet of oil released by a boat, for example during of an oil spill.

As shown on the figure 1 , For example and without limitation, in the position of use, the distal end 14 of the body 12 of the dam 10 is free, while its proximal end 16 is held fixed to the drum 110 ; Of course, it would be conceivable, and within the scope of the present invention, a dam 10 , in the position of use, the proximal ends 16 and distal 14 of the body 12 are both free, and are optionally connected to one another. to another to define a closed perimeter.

The figure 2 represents the dam 10 in its storage position.

In this position, the pockets 20, 20 ', 20 " are deflated, the body 12 , the feed line 24 , the skirt 18 and the weighting means 19 are wound on themselves. the storage position, the dam 10 is wound on itself around the axis 112 of the drum 110 , so that it has a limited size, to facilitate its storage, storage and / or movement.

It is thus clear that, in the storage position, the proximal end 16 of the body 12 of the dam is disposed inside the dam 10 wound on itself, while the distal end 14 is outside the body 12 of the dam 10 .

The figures 3 , 4A and 4B represent a portion of the body 12 of the dam 10 according to the present invention, when the body 12 is partially deployed; in these different figures, the part of the body 12 of the dam 10 which is shown is arranged near the distal end 14 of the body 12 .

For the sake of simplification, figures 3 , 4A and 4B represent a first pocket 20 and a second pocket 20 ' separated from each other in the longitudinal direction L of the body 12 of the dam 10 .

It is therefore understood that the second pocket 20 ' is located between the distal end 14 and the first pocket 20 .

For example and without limitation, and as shown in particular on the figure 1 , the dam 10 also comprises a plurality of inflatable pockets disposed between the first pocket 20 and the proximal end 16 of the body 12 .

It is of course conceivable, and without departing from the scope of the present invention, the presence of additional inflatable pockets, disposed between the first and second pockets 20, 20 ' and / or between the second pocket 20' and the distal end 14 .

As previously described, the feed line 24 extends along the body 12 , in the longitudinal direction L of the body 12 , being fluidly connected to the first 20 ' and second 20' pockets.

For example and without limitation, the fluid connection between the feed line 24 and the first and second pockets 20, 20 ' is enabled by a first (not shown) and a second 30' check valves.

For example and without limitation, the check valves 30 ' have a substantially circular periphery and a thickness such that they do not prevent the winding of the supply line 24 and the body 12 on themselves when the dam 10 is in its storage position described above.

The check valves 30 ' can thus for example comprise two discs of material, for example metal, superimposed and perforated, a membrane, for example plastic, being held between the two discs of material, being configured to allow the passage a fluid, such as air, from the supply line 24 to the pockets 20 , 20 ' while preventing the passage of the fluid pockets 20, 20' to the supply line 24 .

For example and without limitation, the supply line 24 extends outside the body 12 being disposed in the sleeves 22, 22 ' reported on the pockets 20, 20' .

It could of course be conceived, and within the scope of the present invention, a feed line 24 which would be disposed within the body 12 , extending, for example, in the inflatable pockets 20, 20 ' .

It is thus understood that the pockets 20, 20 ' are in fluid communication only through the feed line 24 ; in other words, the pockets are fluidly connected to one another indirectly via the feed line 24 .

In addition, and as represented in particular on Figures 4A and 4B , the barrier 10 comprises an inflation sleeve 40 arranged, for example and without limitation, in the supply line 24 .

The inflation sheath 40 extends along the body 12 in the longitudinal direction L , between its proximal ends 16 and distal 14 .

The inflation sheath 40 has a first end 42 , shown on the Figures 5A and 5B and which will be described later, the first end 42 being configured for the air inlet, and a second end 44 for the air outlet which opens, as shown in FIGS. Figures 4A and 4B , in the feed line 24 near the second pocket 20 ' , and more particularly, for example and without limitation, near the second nonreturn valve 30' .

For example and without limitation, the inflation sleeve 40 comprises a flexible hose of the type used for irrigation devices.

The inflation sleeve 40 is configured to be wound on itself to allow the barrier 10 to be disposed in the storage position described above.

Furthermore, the inflation sleeve 40 has a radial rigidity configured to allow air to flow between its first and second 42, 44 ends, even when the body 12 of the dam is in a partially deployed position as shown in FIGS. figures 3 , 4A and 4B and that a significant radial pressure, constituted by the weight of the barrel wound on itself, is applied to the inflation sheath 40 .

The inflation tube 40 has a radial stiffness configured to withstand a significant crushing, a load of up to several hundreds of kg as may be applied when a body 12 of dam 10 having a length of several hundred meters is wound on itself even ; the radial rigidity of the inflation sheath 40 is thus configured to allow, even when the barrier 10 is in its storage position, the circulation of air at a pressure of between 0.5 and 1.5 bars, preferably between 0.6 and 0.9 bar.

For example and without limitation, the inflation sleeve 40 may also comprise an internal reinforcement such as a chain, a rope or any other means for contributing to the radial rigidity of the inflation sheath 40 , to allow the circulation of air between its first and second ends 42, 44 , even when a significant radial pressure is applied to the sheath inflation 40.

It is therefore clear that when the dam 10 is in the storage position, represented by the figure 2 , or in a position in which the body 12 of the dam 10 is partially deployed, the air, introduced by the first end 42 of the inflation sheath 40 , circulates along the inflation sheath 40 until reaching its second end 44 . The air then opens into the supply line 24 , near the second inflatable bag 20 ' and more particularly near the second non-return valve 30' . The air then makes it possible to inflate the second pocket 20 '.

As a result, when the second pocket 20 ' is inflated, as shown in particular on the Figure 4A , that is to say when the pressure of the air contained in the second pocket 20 ' and that of the portion of the feed line 24 disposed near the nonreturn valve 30' , are substantially identical to the one to the other, the air circulates in the supply line 24 , towards the first pocket 20 and more particularly in the direction of the non-return valve which fluidly connects the feed line 24 to the first pocket 20 .

As shown in particular on the figure 3 when the body 12 of the dam 10 is partially deployed, and a significant portion of the feed line 24 is wound on itself, the portion of the feed line 24 , into which air introduced by the inflation sleeve 40 circulates, is circumscribed between, on the one hand, the distal end 14 of the body 12 , and, on the other hand, the part of the body 12 of the dam 10 wound on itself which obstructs, at least in part, the feed line 24 ; in other words, when the body 12 of the dam 10 is partially deployed, the air can circulate in the supply line 24 only in its portion arranged facing the pockets of said deployed portion of the body 12 .

It is therefore understood that the supply line 24 and the inflation duct 40 are formed, for example and without limitation, in materials having different properties of radial stiffness, so as to allow the circulation of air over the entire area. length of the sheath inflation 40 when the body of the dam 10 is wound on itself, while the circulation in the feed line 24 is limited to the portion mounted on the deployed portion of the body 12 of the dam 10 .

It would of course be conceivable, and within the scope of the present invention, a dam 10 whose feed line 24 would have the same radial strength properties as the inflation sleeve 20 , the only fact that the second end 44 of the inflation sleeve 40 opens into the supply line 24 near the second bag 20 ' sufficient to allow to inflate the second bag 20' before the first bag 20 .

As shown on the Figures 4A and 4B , the first and second pockets 20, 20 ' each comprise a pressure relief valve 50, 50' opening outwardly of the dam 10 ; the supply line also comprises at least one overpressure valve 52 , also opening towards the outside of the dam 10 .

The pressure relief valves 50, 50 ', 52 are configured to allow the evacuation of the air contained in the pockets 20, 20' and / or in the supply line 24 , when the internal pressure of these elements becomes greater than a predetermined threshold.

In other words, the pressure relief valves 50, 50 ', 52 constitute safety devices, so as to prevent bursting of the pockets 20, 20' and / or the supply line 24 when their internal pressure becomes greater than a predetermined threshold.

Furthermore, the first 20 and second 20 ' pockets also comprise deflation valves 54, 54' configured to allow the air contained in the pockets 20, 20 ' to be evacuated to move the dam 10 from its position of use in its storage position.

After the first 20 and second 20 ' pouches have been inflated, as described in the observation of figures 3 , 4A and 4B , the axis 112 of the drum 110 is rotated, manually or by means of rotation, such as a hydraulic system, to continue the deployment of the body 12 of the dam 10 , so as to release new inflatable pockets and as a result, of the portion of the feed line 24 extending next to these newly released pockets. In combination with the rotation of the axis 112 of the drum 110 , a traction is exerted on the distal end 14 , so as to guide the deployment of the body 12 of the dam 10 .

The pockets thus released by the unfolding of the body 12 of the dam 10 around the axis 112 of the drum 110 can then be inflated in a manner similar to the method described in the observation of figures 3 , 4A and 4B .

It is therefore clear that the dam 10 according to the present invention is configured so that its inflatable pockets 20, 20 ', 20 " are inflated in turn, starting from the pockets disposed near its distal end 14 , to the pockets arranged. near its proximal end 16 .

In other words, the body 12 of the dam 10 does not need to be deployed fully prior to the inflation of its pockets 20, 20 ', 20 " .On the contrary, the body 12 of the dam 10 can be deployed as and when measuring the inflation of its pockets 20, 20 ', 20 ", the presence of the inflation sheath 40 allowing the fluid introduced by its first end 42 to circulate all along the body 12 wound on itself before reaching and inflating the pockets disposed near the distal end 14 of the body 12 .

For example and in a nonlimiting manner, the body 12 of the dam 10 has a first 51 and a second 51 ' portions fixed to each other by fixing means 53 , the first and second portions 51, 51' each comprising respectively the first 20 and second 20 ' inflatable pockets.

For example and in a nonlimiting manner, the fixing means 53 are configured so as to allow the first and second portions 51, 51 ' to be detached from one another, for example to replace one of the pockets 20, 20 'if it were to be perforated, or if the check valve 30' were to be defective.

For example and without limitation, the fastening means 53 comprise a plate screwed to the ends of the portions 51, 51 ' arranged opposite one another.

One could of course conceive, and without departing from the scope of the present invention, a body 12 formed in one piece.

The Figures 5A and 5B represent the drum 110 of the dam assembly 100 of the present invention, the body 12 of the dam 10 being fully deployed.

As shown, the first end 42 for the air inlet into the inflation duct 40 is fixed to the axis 112 of the drum 110 .

It is thus understood that the fluid intake device 120 is connected, by the axis 112 of the drum, to the inflation sheath 40 .

As shown on the Figures 5A and 5B , the dam 10 according to the present invention further comprises a connecting means 71 which connects a proximal inflatable means 60 having a first end 62 for the air inlet, and a second end 64 for the air outlet, to the inflation sleeve 40 .

For example and in a nonlimiting manner, the joining means 71 comprises a T-shaped connection, a first branch of which is connected to the first end 42 of the inflation sleeve 40 , a second branch of which is connected to the body of the sheath. inflation device 40 which extends into the supply line 24 , and whose third limb is connected to the first end 62 of the proximal inflation means 60 .

It is thus understood that the inflation sheath 40 and the proximal inflation means 60 are both fluidly connected to the fluid intake device 120 .

As it appears in particular on the Figure 5B , and similarly to the inflation sleeve 40 , the second end 64 of the proximal inflation means 60 opens into the supply line 24 .

In contrast, unlike the inflation sheath 40 which extends all along the body 12 of the dam 10 until reaching the portion of the feed line 24 disposed near one of the nearest pockets of the distal end 14 , the proximal inflation means 60 opens into the supply line 24 near one of the pockets 20 " close to the proximal end 16 of the body 12 of the dam 10.

It will therefore be understood that the proximal inflation means 60 is configured to allow the pockets proximate the proximal end 16 to inflate before those disposed near the distal end 14 .

The dam 10 further comprises an air distribution device 70 comprising a first valve 72 and a second valve 74 , respectively mounted on the inflation sleeve 40 and the proximal inflation means 60 ; the dispensing device 70 is thus configured to allow the circulation of the air circulating in the first end 42 of the inflation duct 40 alternately in the portion of the inflation duct 40 extending in the supply line 24 , for successively inflating the different pockets starting from those arranged near the distal end 14 , by unfolding as the body 12 of the dam 10 , or in the first end 62 of the proximal inflation means 60 , to inflate the pockets located near the proximal end 16 of the body 12 after it has been deployed.

Thus, it is understood that the proximal inflation means 60 may for example be used to finalize the inflation of the pockets 20, 20 ', 20 " , after the body 12 has been deployed and all or part of its pockets has been inflated by the fluid flowing in the inflation duct 40 .

The embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B is in no way limiting and it can quite be conceived, within the scope of the present invention, a dam 10 having no proximal inflatable means 60 , the first end 42 of the inflation sleeve 40 then being only and directly connected to the portion of the inflation duct 40 extending into the supply line 24 .

For example and in a nonlimiting manner, the dam assembly 100 comprises a rotary joint 114 mounted on the axis 112 of the drum 110 , to introduce the air of the fluid intake device 120 into the inflation sleeve 40 and / or in the proximal inflation means 60 .

In the embodiment described in the observation of the various figures, it is understood that the inflation sheath 40 is configured to allow inflation of the pocket located closest to the distal end 14 of the body 12 before inflating in turn the pockets separating it from the proximal end 16 .

It would of course be conceivable, and within the scope of the present invention, a dam 10 whose pockets disposed in the immediate vicinity of the distal end 14 would be inflated by conventional means of inflation, the inflation sleeve 40 opening to near an inflatable bag disposed between the distal end 14 and other pockets located near the proximal end 16.

The above description is given by way of example, and is therefore not limiting of the invention.

In particular, the invention, although particularly suitable for the field of retention of marine pollution, may have other uses, for example for fishing, a net may extend under the inflatable pockets of the dam.

Claims (17)

1. An inflatable boom (10) comprising:

   - a body (12) having a longitudinal direction (L), a proximal end (16), and a distal end (14), and including at least a first inflatable pouch (20) and a second inflatable pouch (20') that are separate from each other in the longitudinal direction, the second pouch being situated between the distal end and the first pouch; and

   - a feed line (24) that extends along the body, being in fluid-flow connection with each of the first and second pouches;

   the boom being characterized in that it further comprises an inflator sheath (40) that extends between its proximal and distal ends (16, 14), and having a first end (42) for air admission and a second end (44) for air discharge, the second end opening out into the feed line in the proximity of the second pouch, so as to enable the second pouch to inflate before the first pouch.
2. An inflatable boom (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflator sheath (40) is arranged in the feed line (24).
3. An inflatable boom (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the inflator sheath can be rolled up.
4. An inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inflator sheath presents radial stiffness.
5. An inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inflator sheath includes internal reinforcement.
6. An inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the feed line includes at least one check valve (30') that opens out into one or the other of the first and second pouches (20, 20').
7. An inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the elements from among the feed line and the first and second pouches includes a pressure-release valve (50, 50', 52) that opens out to the outside of the boom.
8. An inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the body includes first and second portions (51, 51') that are fastened to each other, each of the first and second portions including respectively the first and second pouches.
9. An inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first and second pouches are in fluid-flow communication only via the feed line.
10. An inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the feed line extends outside the body.
11. An inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further includes proximal inflator means (60) having a first end (62) for air admission and a second end (64) for air discharge, the second end opening out into the feed line in the proximity of the first pouch.
12. An inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it can take up either a stowed position in which the first and second pouches are deflated and the body is rolled up, the proximal and distal ends being arranged inside and outside the rolled-up body respectively, or else a working position in which the first and second pouches are inflated, the body being deployed.
13. An inflatable boom (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the inflator sheath (24) is configured so as to enable a fluid to pass from its first end to its second end when the inflatable boom is in its stowed position.
14. An inflatable boom (10) according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that it further includes a skirt (18) that extends below the first and second pouches, and ballast means (19) that are configured to hold the skirt in substantially-vertical manner in its working position.
15. A boom assembly (100) comprising a reel (110) having an axle (112), and an inflatable boom (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and according to claim 12, the inflatable boom being rolled up around the axle of the reel in the stowed position.
16. A boom assembly (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the first end (42) of the inflator sheath (40) is fastened to the axle of the reel.
17. A boom assembly (100) according to claim 15 or claim 16 and according to claim 11, characterized in that it includes an air delivery device (70) that is configured to inject a fluid in alternation into the inflator sheath (40) and into the proximal inflator means (60) via their respective first ends (42, 62).

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