US20120037063A1

US20120037063A1 - Subsea collection and containment system for hydrocarbon emissions.

Info

Publication number: US20120037063A1
Application number: US12/853,296
Authority: US
Inventors: Raymond Michael Backes; Paul Bryan Calzaretta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-10
Filing date: 2010-08-10
Publication date: 2012-02-16

Abstract

A rapidly deployable flexible enclosure system for the collection, containment and presentation of hydrocarbon emissions from compromised shallow or deepwater oil and gas well systems, pipelines, including subsea fissures.

The flexible containment enclosure can accommodate any depth and adapt to any collection terminator configuration required.

The flexible containment enclosure system is connected to the floating platform and supported by positive offset neutral buoyancy attachment devices.

The floating platform may be assembled onshore and towed, ferried or assembled on site.

Liquid and gaseous materials are directed to separate ports for removal from the rigid enclosure cavity integrated within the floating platform. Gaseous emissions may optionally be directed to a tethered floating flare system.

The systems all weather capabilities include the ability to submerge for extended durations and resurface on demand by transmitted signal or manually providing operations during hurricanes, heaving seas, and other surface threats.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

An all weather platform with self supporting flexible containment enclosure system for compromised shallow to deep water offshore oil and gas well systems and, other types of marine subsurface hydrocarbon emissions, operated as a submersible capable floating platform with attached co-located floating flare system, providing a means for the effective collection, containment and presentation of liquid and gaseous emissions for safe and efficient removal.


References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents

4,283,159	August 1981	Johnson
4,290,714	September 1981	Strange
4,358,218	November 1982	Graham
4,531,860	July 1985	Barnett
5,114,273	May 1992	Anderson
5,195,842	March 1993	Sakow

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oil leakage and or other environmentally sensitive hydrocarbon emissions originating from varied underwater compromised locations, including natural events, need to be addressed quickly and effectively to minimize damage. The longer the delay to respond and provide effective remediation for these situations, may cause unintended and exponential problems across economic, environmental and societal realms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The principle object of the invention is to provide a “life jacket or insurance” for the offshore oil and gas production industry and other responders with the advent of a readily deployable, effective and responsive system for compromised offshore subsurface wellheads, pipelines and associated systems or underground fissures to address the collection, containment and the presentation of the material emissions to responsible collection vessels that can manage and remove the product until the breached integrity has been corrected.
A featured object and embodiment of the floating platform if required, is the ability to perform submergence and resurfacing actions. The action to submerge said floating platform addresses increased levels of reliability and survivability to avoid heaving seas during hurricanes, tropical systems, other surface disturbances and or threats including potential above surface flammable situations.
The aforementioned feature places the platform safely below the surface at a desired depth where there is minimal or no turbulence providing minimal stress to the floating platform and the containment enclosure system and enabling the continuation of the containment activities of liquid material and the porting of gaseous material ensuring a significantly higher level of mission success.
Another object of the invention is the control, reduction or elimination of potential methane hydrates that may potentially block pipelines, risers and other processing or containment equipment, particularly when the product is under pressure and is combined with water frequently causing methane ice and sludge to form with the potential of creating production related issues. Reductions in methane icing and sludge is accomplished by an immediate pressure reduction and isolation from the water by the boundary barrier of the containment enclosure. This method provides an adequate volumetric chamber for any hydrates to reduce in volume by their naturally changing state by out gassing during ascent and benefiting by the lack of pressure in the containment enclosure.
The ship or tending vessel would either moor directly alongside the floating platform containment and collection system with appropriate bumpers or ideally be held at a distance from the ship(s) or tender(s) by lines and or outriggers. The management of the liquid and gaseous products may be ported and transferred to ship(s) or tenders(s) for storage and or flaring of the gaseous material.
Another subordinate feature of the invention required for gaseous emissions, is the included alternative flaring floating structure to distance the ported gaseous material away from the floating platform and other vessels in the area and to flare or burn off the gaseous material in a safe and low profile fashion in lieu of an appropriate vessel to stay on station to provide such capabilities.
Another feature of the invention is the volumetric capacity capabilities of the self supporting flexible enclosures that enables the enclosures to be partially evacuated by a crude carrier and to depart from the location with potentially a sufficient amount of time having lapsed before another crude carrier is required to be on station, to again partially evacuate the self supporting flexible enclosure system. A crude carrier vessel does not need to constantly be on station as reserve capacities are built into the floating platform containment enclosure system based on flow rates being contained.
The systems in this invention have foremost in priority by design, the ergonomic interfaces, safety considerations for personnel and the operations of underwater ROV s to efficiently install, manage and, manipulate the deployed system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Top view of an all weather system floating platform.

FIG. 2 Side view of an all weather system floating platform.

FIG. 3A Front view of a flexible containment enclosure panel section.

FIG. 3B Front view of terminators to support upper and lower sections.

FIG. 3C Front view of terminators for an external accessory terminator.

FIG. 3D Flexible containment enclosure interior compression seal view.

FIG. 3E Flexible containment enclosure exterior compression seal view.

FIG. 4A Side view of I connection component for containment enclosures.

FIG. 4B Side view of Y connection component for containment enclosures.

FIG. 4C Side view of the I connection component with barrier enhancement.

FIG. 4D Side view of the Y connection component with barrier enhancement.

FIG. 4E Side view of multiple Y connection layers.

FIG. 4F Side view of multiple I connection layers.

FIG. 5A Illustrates a deployed system—partial view of moorings, PONBADs.

FIG. 5B Expands on the PONBAD attachment method and terminators.

FIG. 6A View of a deployed self supporting flexible enclosure terminus.

FIG. 6B Typical terminus showing the containment panel connection plate.

FIG. 6C Typical terminus top view of containment panel connection plate.

FIG. 7A Side view of multiple enclosure lower section terminus and ports.

FIG. 7B Side view of terminus showing containment panel connection plate.

FIG. 7C Top view of containment panel connection plate.

FIG. 8 Side view of multiple enclosure top section bridge.

FIG. 9A Side view of suspended flexible enclosure terminus over a fissure.

FIG. 9B Side view of terminus weighted panel skirt.

FIG. 10A Side view of Floating Flare Platform.

FIG. 10B Top view of Floating Flare Platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Drawing Group

1 and Discussion

FIG. 1 provides a top view and illustrates a floating platform 1 structure.
The flotation vessels 1A are major components and foundation of the floating platform 1 to build upon and provide the attachment of other systems and components. The requirements for enhanced structural integrity and reliability in the design and fabrication is paramount with the flotation vessels 1A including all aspects of the floating platform 1, subordinate components and systems.
Preferably the structural metal embodiments of this invention utilize significant amounts of 5086 marine grade aluminum alloy and is constructed in such a manner as to eliminate or minimize the movement of connected adjacent structural sections or components and potential creation of fatigue points.
A featured embodiment of the floating platform 1 is a capability to submerge for a prolonged period and to resurface when required. This submergence capability provides an increased level of reliability for said floating platform 1 enabling the avoidance or minimal impact due to heaving seas prior to and the duration of hurricanes, tropical systems, other surface disturbances or threats, including, but not limited to potential above surface flammable situations.
The aforementioned feature places the platform 1 safely below the surface at a desired depth where there is minimal or no turbulence providing less stress to said floating platform 1 and subordinate systems that it supports, continuing the containment activities of the liquid material and the venting of gaseous materials thereby ensuring a significantly higher level of mission success.
The flotation vessels 1A that support the floating and submersible platform 1 preferably contain a plurality of interior bulkheads, baffles and interfaces for the controlled and specific movement of liquid or gas to provide the desired buoyancy required and to enhance the stability of the floating platform 1 by the uniform distribution and controlled movement of liquid ballast to preclude instability due to agitation and external movements by varying sea conditions.
The flotation vessels 1A may be made from aluminum, steel, PVC or other materials that prove to be adequate in performance and application and of other shapes and dimensions.
The floating platform structure 1 and flotation vessels 1A preferably are constructed substantially from materials to include a super corrosion resistant marine grade aluminum 5086 alloy, 316 stainless steel fasteners and or other appropriate materials.
Other materials may be considered providing varying levels of structural integrity include steel, fiberglass, plastic, thick wall PVC enclosures and or other types of fabricated vessels and or bladders to include a suitable control system to enable the floating platform 1 to selectively stay surfaced or to become a submersible platform 1 being able to withstand such elements the system may be exposed to for prolonged durations either surfaced or submerged.
The preferred embodiment describing the Control System Logic and Ballast Management is provided in FIG. 11. The controls and support systems may be mounted within a watertight enclosure 9 FIG. 1 with the appropriate ingress and egress connections to facilitate air, water, power and control functions. The controls may be manually or remotely controlled by internal and or external actions in respect to the said enclosure 9 FIG. 1 and the required functions therein.
The action of submergence is performed by enabling logic function S2 FIG. 11 to activate and open valves to displace the air within the flotation vessels 1A FIG. 1 and to replace said air by the ingress of ballast water by means with such an amount as to achieve the desired displacement and buoyancy values within said flotation vessels 1A FIG. 1 obtaining the proper depth or draft required for the floating platform 1 FIG. 1 when at such time, the logic condition S2 in FIG. 11 is disabled.
The opposite action enabling logic function S1 in FIG. 11 to perform the action of surfacing or a rising function is the egress of ballast water being displaced with pressurized air to achieve the level of buoyancy required and at such time the logic condition S1 in FIG. 11 is disabled and the valves would be deactivated and closed.
The aforementioned preferred ballast management for the floating platform 1 FIG. 1 may be locally or remotely controlled and operated by the use of one or more of the following systems and components: a battery storage system, telemetry signaling control, switches, manual valves, electric solenoid valves, pneumatic valves, hydraulic control valves, check valves, filters, hoses, pipes, tubes and pumps for introducing into or removing from the floating platform 1 FIG. 1 buoyant tanks with air or other gaseous material from compressed tanks 8 FIG. 1 or a hose to provide such a level of flotation and to control any specific amount of liquid to be introduced or removed to allow a level of submergence required. The compressed air tanks 8 FIG. 1 may be recharged from a built in compressor when the floating platform is surfaced or recharged by external means.
The one or more watertight equipment enclosures 9 FIG. 1 mounted to the floating platform 1 provide a proper environment and containment of one or many and not limited to the following items inside or externally connected to include check valves, manual valves, inlet ports, outlet ports, solenoid valves that may be electric, hydraulic or pneumatic, both for the control of liquid and gaseous material, relays, switches, pumps, sensors, controllers, telemetry and control circuits along with regulators and power controllers for the storage battery systems.
Externally and connected to the enclosures 9 FIG. 1 are the following interfaces and not limited to, visual and acoustic navigation aids including mooring lights, strobe lights, solar panel(s) 7 FIG. 1 for charging the storage battery systems, light sensor(s), sensors, antennas and inlet valves for pressurized air tanks 8 FIG. 1, piping, flexible tubing, ports, valves and filter(s),
Internally the control systems components are contained within one or more watertight enclosures 9 FIG. 1 mounted to the floating platform 1 FIG. 1 to provide a suitable environment for the containment of batteries, relays, valves, pumps, and associated components that may further include and not limited to devices for the control and operation of visual and acoustic navigation aids, data loggers, sensors, beacons, GPS and control systems, computers, externally connected dusk to dawn light sensors, antennas and solar panel connections for charging of the storage battery systems and other requirements as may be dictated with the appropriate watertight bulkhead interfaces.
The floating platform upper deck surface 1B FIG. 1 may be constructed of marine grade approved materials preferably being a grated and or perforated decking to allow water to flow downwardly or upwardly through and to provide additional mounting locations as required for other topside components or devices.
The preferred embodiments and configuration drawing in FIG. 1 indicate a surface deck 1B on the floating platform 1 with the ported rigid enclosure 2 having two or more ports for presenting the liquid to a port 5 and or gaseous material to a port 6, one or more solar panels 7, compressed gas bottles 8 and, may also include the following and not limited to stanchions with cable or rope for safety, mooring posts, cleats, eye hooks, navigation lights, antennas.
The apparatus and included embodiments may make use of a plurality of appropriate and sufficient structural members that are welded together and or joined with fasteners providing the structural integrity, seaworthiness required, support and mechanical attachment points for the flotation vessel components 1A to and comprising the floating platform 1 providing a structural foundation for other mounted and attached devices or systems.
The floating platform 1 components and all metal materials used in fabrication would be selected, preferably by design requirements as not to be affected by environments to which they are exposed to and, to minimize or eliminate any and all potential fatigue points caused by movement or abrasion.
The embodiments may further contain such additional mechanical and mooring connection points on other surfaces of the floating platform 1 to include tethered lines, mooring lines and or mountings for other suspended and or elevated devices.

Drawing Group 2 and Discussion

FIG. 2 illustrates a side profile of the floating platform 1 that incorporates a rigid enclosure 2 mounted to the floating platform 1 structure providing an opening below for the downwardly directed self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E to be attached from and within the inner circumference of said rigid enclosure 2 and additionally provides the ability to port either liquid product 5 and or gaseous product 6 individually for the extraction of such materials from the flexible containment enclosure 1E and said rigid enclosure 2.
FIG. 2 side profile does not show the Solar Panels indicated in FIG. 1.
The gaseous emission component is percolated, expelled or bubbled and breaks away from the liquid surface caused by a vertical upward flow and distribution of dispersed gaseous bubbles contained within the self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E and such gaseous material is constrained within the rigid enclosure 2 and vented to a port 6 for proper and safe handling.
The liquid emission component is provided to a separate port 5 from a submerged conduit 3 below the water surface of sufficient depth and preferably to be additionally guyed 4 and or supported by members for enhanced rigidity and structural integrity.
FIG. 2. also illustrates the PONBAD devices 20 extended with the tethered support lines 20A that are normally stowed within the perimeter PONBAD locater buoy support enclosures 10 along with the PONBAD device 20 when the floating platform 1 structure is not submerged.
When the floating platform 1 is in the submerged mode, the floating PONBAD locater devices 20 are constrained and limited to no further exceed a depth as defined by the length of line 20A that is attached to the PONBAD 20 and to the submerged platform 1. The locater suffix to the PONBAD term is a reference to that of being a visual aid where the floating platform is located when submerged.
The PONBAD buoyant devices 20 connected to the floating platform 1 would be constructed preferably from a 5086 Aluminum Alloy of appropriate dimensions and designed to more than adequately exceed the buoyancy requirements for the total mass of the floating platform 1 and suspended attachments when fully submerged.
The PONBAD buoyant devices 20 would further require the structural robustness and integrity required of said PONBAD buoyant device that may potentially be exposed to collisions, shock, impact and potentially a flammable situation and thus being able to withstand and survive such exposures repeatedly.
The aforementioned PONBAD buoyant devices 20 would preferably be attached with lines 20A using a stainless steel multi-strand cablelaid coated aircraft cable that provides the required strength and flexibility for stowing and reliable self deployment.
The aforementioned cable assembly 20A may be a predetermined fixed length or a variable deployed amount such as that contained on a drum or winch; wherein the tethered cable(s) will be attached to a PONBAD 20 buoy of sufficient size and number to provide a buoyancy component to prevent further submergence in depth by the floating platform 1.
The preferred embodiment described primarily addresses the ported and separated gaseous material from port 6 away from the floating platform 1 by optional flaring considerations with two preferable methods and options supported, option one is by a separate and integrated flaring system FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B or, two is to hand off to a operator managed support vessel capable of flaring or storage of the material.
All though not preferable by design or recommended, a flaring tube could potentially be constructed and extended directly from the floating platform 1 in such a manner as to port the gaseous material directly from the rigid enclosure 2 port 6. This option could be contemplated if the floating platform was of significant size and capabilities as to ensure the safe handling and the required mechanical structure of the connected flare to be considered in association with the additional requirements and activities. At this time it is strongly discouraged.
The preferable method is supported by a separate and integrated flaring system FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B or handed off to a support vessel for flaring or storage if such a vessel is available on station.
The preferred embodiment addresses one method for the crude oil liquid product port interface 5 or other liquid material emissions as illustrated in drawing FIG. 2. where a suction or sump conduit from a tending vessel or a crude carrier tanker or other means would remove the product as required when the volumetric storage capacities of the self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E are such that require such removal of material in a timely fashion.

Drawing Group 3 and Discussion

The floating platform 1 and the rigid enclosure 2 of FIG. 2 have attached from within and suspended downwardly, one or more in line consecutively attached containment enclosure segments 1E with the material components shown in FIG. 3A, with a primary component preferably being a qualified type of heavy duty geomembrane industrial fabric 14 constructed with the appropriate coating and material thickness to provide a sufficient boundary between liquids containing emissions including a broad range of hydrocarbon liquids and or gaseous products to be segregated from the uncontaminated fresh or sea water marine environment.
The construction and material of one or more self supporting flexible containment enclosures sections 1E may be comprised of one or more panel sections and scaled in size and length to accomplish the objectives of containment, volumetric requirements and, the number of such sections that are required to achieve the distance to the target.
FIGS. 3A, 3B and, 3C illustrate a preferable embodiment in the construction and design of one flexible containment enclosure panel section 14. A self supporting flexible containment enclosure section 1E may consist of one or a plurality of panel sections 14 connected edge to edge to form one enclosure section and, may be further joined with one or many additional enclosure sections vertically, providing the necessary circumferential size to achieve the length and volumetric requirements.
The preferred embodiment for the construction of the self supporting containment enclosures 1E is enhanced by creating a continuous weldment for the panel 14 material side edges when joining panel 14 sections creating a secure and tight seam.
The application of a support strap 19 folded over and sewn to the panel 14 weldment seam along its length and connecting to terminators 17 to interconnect additional completed containment enclosure 1E sections and provide the ability to include and connect terminators 18 for other attachments.
The application of a horizontal seam and weldment to the panel 14 material additionally provides a physical means for attaching a strap and the connecting and mating interface at the top and bottom of the enclosure sections 1E for the purpose of interconnecting said enclosure sections.
The top section of panel 14 preferably will use the Y connection 15 FIG. 4B and referenced as 15 as in FIG. 3A and other applicable drawings. The bottom section of panel 14 preferably will use the I connection 16 of FIG. 4A and referenced as 16 as in FIG. 3A and other applicable drawings.
FIG. 3A illustrates the additional placement of eyelets or grommets 19A attached periodically along the length of the strap 19 section. The eyelets, grommets and terminators may be provided with tethered loop handles, rings or carabiners attached to allow the ROV systems or others to easily handle, tow and manipulate the self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E.
FIG. 3B further illustrates a strap termination point (17) using a 316 Stainless Steel or other suitable material comprising a terminator strap connector with a bolt hole for connecting two strap segments 19 by appropriate fasteners. FIG. 3C illustrates an additional 316 Stainless Steel or suitable material protruding termination 18 at a right angle with a bolt hole for connecting by an appropriate fastener, and is affixed to provide for the attachments of a PONBAD and or a mooring rode system as shown in 20, 21 and 22 of FIG. 5. The strap terminators 17 and terminators 18 are fashioned preferably in having a small radius formed on all edges externally, including the internal cutouts for the strap materials or other objects to minimize any abrasion.
An enhanced corner section interface sealing method for the self supporting flexible containment enclosure is described below.
FIG. 3D illustrates an interior corner compression assembly 141 constructed preferably using a thick wall aluminum plate 14C or other rigid material, and fabricated in such a manner along the longitudinal length to create a partial and uniform elliptical end. The exterior surface 14C having a secured gasket material 14A covering and further using a single or plurality of fastening members 14B to mate said interior compression assembly 141 with a similar exterior corner compression assembly illustrated as 14E FIG. 3E.
FIG. 3E illustrates an exterior corner compression assembly 14E constructed preferably using a thick wall aluminum plate 14D or other rigid material, and fabricated in such a manner along the longitudinal length to create a partial and uniform elliptical end. The interior underside surface having secured a corresponding gasket material 14A covering the interior surface 14D with corresponding holes provided for the previously mentioned fastening members to attach both assemblies with appropriate fasteners and provide the compression for both gasket material surfaces to each side of the flexible enclosure panel corner section located and placed between the assemblies 14E FIGS. 3D and 14I FIG. 3E.
FIG. 3E and FIG. 3D are designed to be easily positioned and connected to each other during deployment, providing for an effective flexible gasket if required.
The interior radius of the arc or the interior diameter for assembly 14E of FIG. 3E will be such that it will fit without gaps over the exterior radius or the outside diameter of assembly 141 of FIG. 3D.

Drawing Group 4 and Discussion

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B indicate a preferred embodiment in this invention for the connection and closure of the self supporting flexible containment enclosures and other attachments. The embodiments are characterized by the symbolic shapes of the letter Y and is referenced as 15 typically and shown as a detail (14,15) FIG. 4B and, the letter I and is referenced as 16 typically and shown as a detail (14,16) FIG. 4A.
The two details noted typically as 15 and 16 are used in multiple discussion points and are referenced in other drawings or figures as a form of connection.
A connection member for a lower panel 14 section is represented by the letter symbol I with the hook material 16 of FIG. 4A. A connection member for the upper portion of the adjoining lower panel 14 section is represented by the letter symbol Y with the loop material 15 of FIG. 4B.
A connection for a Y (14,15) shaped design having the loop material sewn or physically attached to both inside flaps of the top inside of the Y (14,15) formed symbol descending downward to the bottom of the Y (14,15) symbol where the two upright lines protruding outwardly form an angle at the lower section and joined together. The Y (14,15) formed symbol may include additional material within the interior of panel material 14 or adjacent, to provide additional interfacing thickness, stiffening and stability.
A corresponding mating portion for the adjoining connecting panel section having the hook material sewn or physically attached to both sides of a vertical member shaped letter symbol I (14,16) that is used to mate with the loop material for the opposing Y (14,15) formed symbol shape. The I (14,16) formed symbol may include additional material within the interior of panel material 14 or adjacent, to provide additional interfacing thickness, stiffening and stability.
A flat piece of panel material 14 with hook material on both sides of the I (14,16) symbol would then be placed in between the flaps of the loop material inside the Y (14,15) symbol and compressed for closure.
The example describes a method using a six inch wide section of hook and loop material and illustrates the doubling of shear force, providing an efficient method for connecting and securing the self supporting flexible enclosure sections.
Example calculations for a Y (14,15) and I (14,16) connection follows below. A single sided application of the hook and loop material may possess 14 psi of separating shear strength. A 6 inch by 1 inch single sided piece of said hook and loop material by itself would have approximately 84 pounds of shear strength. With this method of hook and loop material being affixed and doubled with both sides of the I (14,16) and Y (14,15) shaped inside flaps utilized, the shear force is approximately 168 pounds for a 6 inch by 1 inch piece of mating connection.
The 168 pounds of shear force would then be multiplied by the linear length of the adjoining section in inches for connection purposes. A six inch wide connection by 140 inches lengthwise would figuratively yield 23,520 pounds of shear force required to separate the two mated panel section surfaces using the Y and I connection method described.
FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment in the invention with capabilities and means if required based on the viscosities encountered to significantly reduce or to eliminate seepage of material by the inclusion of a resilient and springy type elliptical, rectangular or other appropriate shape, consisting of a material being a silicon, neoprene or other appropriate type material and may have an outward protruding portion of material formed such that it may be incorporated and secured within or between members of panel material 14 and or the hook material 16 during fabrication.
FIG. 4D further illustrates the two mating Y (14,15) and I (14,16) components in relative position prior to closure by means of compression. The Y shaped symbol (14,15) in FIG. 4D has a similar type of a flexible, elastic type elliptical or rectangular material being a silicon, neoprene or other appropriate material having a protruding flat edge of material formed such that it may be incorporated and attached between the members of panel material 14 and loop material 15 during fabrication and or may be secured by special adhesives or other methods.
The membrane material 15A and 16A shown in FIG. 4D provide a barrier that is compressed by the adjacent hook and loop material providing a liquid and gas seal.
Mentioned previously, and an additional embodiment in the configuration of the I and Y connection and closure method may include additional material within the interior of panel material 14 and or between panel material 14 and the hook or loop material attached to provide additional interfacing thickness, stiffening and stability.
FIG. 4E further illustrates a female mating connection containing multiple members of a loop material for receiving a corresponding male group of mating members of a hook material illustrated in FIG. 4F. Essentially any number or combination of interfacing hook and loop materials and associated external flaps or members may be configured to accomplish a significantly robust closure and sealing method. The method may further entail exterior panels or strips of either a hook or loop and the corresponding material to provide a final seal enclosing a single or a plurality of internal connections.

Drawing Group 5 and Discussion

In FIG. 5A the quantity, dimensions, material selections and the intended locations for the PONBAD 20 buoyancy attachments are carefully calculated to provide the desired slight positive or negative buoyancy for each section or sections of the self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E and other associated attachments.
The said self supporting flexible containment enclosure sections 1E can be made of any length with regard to the practicality and limitations of transportation, handling and deployment. The preference for a typical design is approximately a 500 foot section 1E comprising a weight just over 2200 pounds. Calculations specifically designed for the attached PONBADs 20, the buoyancy value may be established for a net positive 100 pounds per section, whereas the calculations for the fabrication of the PONBADs 20 could provide any required value of buoyancy.
The PONBAD 20 requirements are based on exacting calculations of the dimensions and material types required to achieve the desired amount of sufficiency based on F=Vw (Force=Volume Displaced×Weight of the Liquid Medium the buoyancy device is displacing). Considerations are required for the type of material, location of use, environmental, mechanical capabilities, depth requirements and other factors.
FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a deployed floating platform 1 and rigid enclosure 2 with the self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E descending and connected to the targeted area 23 on the seabed 22 being supported periodically along the length by PONBAD 20 attachments. A view is indicated of just one group of mooring lines 21, where a plurality of mooring lines 21 or distributed groups of said mooring lines 21 may be utilized and determined by situational requirements. Where said mooring lines 21 are connected to suitable anchors 22A and secured to the seabed 22.
The illustration represented in FIG. 5A show an arbitrary number of self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E sections and is not limited by the number of said self supporting flexible enclosure 1E sections.
If requirements exists for rode mooring lines 21 FIG. 5A or other such additions to the self supporting flexible containment enclosure, the increase in the attached weight may be compensated for by the appropriate sizing of, or additional PONBAD 20 devices attached by terminator 20B or additional mounting points on terminator 18 as shown in FIG. 5B.
FIG. 5B further illustrates the connection of the support straps 19 and termination points for the flexible enclosure sections 1E and the PONBAD 20 with the PONBAD attachment line 20A and mooring line 21 secured to terminator 18 being mechanically connected to the terminators 17 of said flexible enclosure section panel end illustrated in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C.
FIG. 5A further indicates the targeted area 23 that may be further evaluated in detail by FIG. 6A showing said self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E bottom terminator section to interface with the compromised situation as an example being a wellhead or a Blow Out Preventer.
An example for a containment and collection solution addressing a 5000 foot deep, below the surface wellhead failure may be represented by, a self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E, comprising of 4 panels, 144 inch width for each with 2 inch seams to form one flexible containment enclosure section 1E, a quantity consisting of 12-500 foot long sections 1E with a total length of 6000 feet. Provisions of an extra 20% increase in length account for currents and or slight deviations allowed from being directly on station. The aforementioned configuration provides an approximate capacity of 185,000 barrels plus or 7.7 million gallons plus of liquid product.
A defined and limited amount of slack is advisable and is readily accommodated by using additional sectional lengths that are adequate for the application, anticipated weather conditions, water column current strengths, drag force coefficients, depths and location. Anticipations, planning and subsequent deployment considerations increase the reliability of the total system.
The floating platform 1 FIG. 5A can optionally stay on station by one or more partial rode mooring 21 or guy lines 21 descending to the sea floor and by means of anchoring 22A said mooring lines 21 connected or affixed to the sea floor 22 by means of many known techniques such as dead weight, mushroom or screw in moorings. The mooring lines 21 may provide the appropriate counteractions to water current and wind drift issues. The anchor 22A and mooring lines 21 may also be affixed at predetermined distances as required along the length of the self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E or where the PONBAD 20 FIG. 5B terminators 18 FIG. 5B are located. A partial rode system of anchoring would be appropriate for the self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E as illustrated in FIG. 5A where one or more sets of lines 21 specified will maintain an on station position if not tethered or moored to surface tenders or ships.
Another embodiment of the floating platform 1 system is that it can be guyed, moored and or make use of attached thrusters or like type motors operated by a control system to further assist in keeping the floating platform 1 on station in a surfaced or submerged state.

Drawing Group 6 and Discussion

One example of a preferred embodiment of a containment enclosure terminator section interfacing with a compromised well-head or BOP is illustrated in the drawing FIG. 6A.
The well head or BOP riser assembly could very well be cutoff leaving a short stub where the ROV could easily place the terminator FIG. 6A by using the handles 28 and manipulate said terminator FIG. 6A over the riser stub, and securing said terminator FIG. 6A by tightening the tapered pointed set bolts 30 onto the riser stub section.
The ROV would remove a plug preferably made of paraffin or rubber or other such material from the lower conduit section 27 of the terminator FIG. 6A prior to securing it on the BOP riser stub. The purpose of a plug is to prevent the unnecessary entrance of water into the containment enclosure 1E during its deployment and descent. Any entrapped air in the containment enclosure 1E during the deployment would rise to the surface and said containment enclosure 1E would essentially be collapsed and ready to engage the containment of the compromised emissions.
Prior to deployment the assemblage of the end point terminator panel enclosure may be accomplished topside by the following method.
The terminator components 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 shown in FIG. 6B form a vertical terminator conduit assembly. The terminator panel enclosure section assembly 25 FIG. 6A is placed on the deck with the opening at the bottom center of the panel enclosure located such that the vertical terminator conduit assembly is placed upright within the opening in the center of said panel enclosure 25 FIG. 6A.
The panel enclosure section is pulled substantially upward toward the panel terminator plate 26 FIG. 6B until it will not ascend any further. This is due to the intentional design of the opening of said terminator panel enclosure section assembly 25 FIG. 6A being smaller in circumference compared to said terminator plate 26 FIG. 6B. This design method will provide a sufficient seal with the split plates 26C FIG. 6D and the compression straps 26D FIG. 6D secured by fasteners 26B indicated by the plurality of mounting positions 26A illustrated in the underside view of plate 26 FIG. 6C.
There may be a number of variations on the attachment and the assemblage of the end point termination assembly without deviating from the general intent of the invention and designs.
The example illustrated provides a relatively simple and robust assembly that can be quickly configured topside before deployment.
The terminator plate 26 is designed to be extremely smooth with rounded edges to eliminate wear and chaffing and is larger in length and width than the circumferential lower opening of the terminator panel material 25 that is secured to said terminator plate 26.
FIG. 6A further illustrates an upper section eye bolt 29 providing for the attachment of guy lines 24A between the terminator conduit and the tapered flexible containment enclosure to reduce any unnecessary forces between the vertical terminator conduit 27 and the panel enclosure 25 assembly.
FIG. 6A further illustrates a lower section eye bolt 29 providing for the attachment of guy lines 29A between the terminator conduit 27 and the object that the terminator is connected to, such as a BOP riser stub to further provide redundancy to the tapered pointed set bolts 30 on the terminator connection where 29A may be mounted to any secure attachment point on the lower portion of the BOP.
The aforementioned completed terminator assembly FIG. 6A would typically be constructed and integrated topside before deployment and then attached to the first flexible containment enclosure sections 1E with FIG. 6A as the first section to go submerged with the suggested and previously mentioned paraffin or rubber plug.

Drawing Group 7-8 and Discussion

An additional embodiment of this invention is found in the bridging capabilities illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 8 where combining below the floating submersible platform 1 FIG. 1 a plurality of self supporting containment enclosures 1E connected together providing a significant increase in the volumetric capacity of liquid product and or the ability to interface with other distribution systems.
Additionally by crafting such enclosures to perform the function of multiple self supporting flexible containment enclosures 1E being ported apart and then combined again to form a single enclosure at a sufficient depth below and attached in a normal singular enclosure section to the floating platform 1 FIG. 1 provides a significant increase storage capacity. Additionally, a number of configurations with multiple self supporting flexible containment enclosures sections 1E are able to be achieved including connections to one or many terminus sections.
The aforementioned expansion capabilities of the self supporting flexible containment enclosures 1E connected in parallel are illustrated in FIG. 7A being the lower section interface and FIG. 8 being the upper section interface to combine the two said self supporting containment enclosures back to a single said self supporting flexible containment enclosure being connected to the floating platform 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.
The additional said self supporting flexible containment enclosures 1E may be attached to a lower terminator section as is shown in FIG. 7A being provisioned with a tee section 27A or manifold with valves 27B to enable and control the flow to a plurality of additional connections and said pair of self supporting flexible containment enclosures 1E to be connected and secured in a parallel fashion.
A flanged port 27D and valve 27B from the tee 27A or manifold could be configured to present the liquid and gaseous material product to a conduit routed to a new or existing sea floor distribution system line. A plurality of ports and valves connected to the tee or manifold would enable additional volumes of material to be contained and presented to the floating platform 1 FIG. 1 or temporarily stored in larger bladder enclosures.

Drawing Group 9 and Discussion

FIG. 9 further illustrates yet another preferred embodiment in this invention with a lower terminator 25 section connected to the self supporting flexible containment enclosure section 1E to address a sub sea floor fissure with liquid and or gaseous emissions and, providing an extensible method of positioning and securing the terminator enclosure section.
The said self supporting containment enclosure section 1E may terminate to a larger enveloped canopy enclosure 25 terminus of any practical size, area and height where said enveloped canopy enclosure terminus 25 is held in position by mooring lines 21 connected to termination points 24 and to 22B a magnetic attachment device that are magnetically engaged by a lever action to the positioned plates of steel 22C or iron, steel I-Beams, or other ferromagnetic material including steel or iron distribution pipes. The magnetic attachment devices when engaged can provide upwards of 4000 pounds of attachment force.
FIG. 9A further illustrates the attachment of guy lines 24A between the lower and upper terminators 24 incorporated in the enveloped canopy enclosure 25 terminus.
The guy lines 24A reduce unnecessary tension and forces on said enveloped canopy enclosure 25 terminus enclosure between the lower terminus sea floor mounting points and the self supporting containment enclosure 1E assembly.
The tension and forces can be calculated, constructed and minimized by the exacting values in the PONBAD devices used in the overall self supporting flexible containment enclosure system.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 9B with the accessory to perform as a weighted skirt attachment 15 FIG. 9B using the hook and loop mating and closure method and connecting to 16 FIG. 9A. The attachment comprising of 15A and 15 FIG. 9B is fabricated with a sleeved opening along the length of the skirt attachment providing the ability to place a chain or other weighted material within said sleeve 15A FIG. 9B.
The extensibility of the sea floor 25 terminus enclosure example is further enhanced by the ability to incorporate the connection of additional panel segments illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B by using the Y and I mating connection method and attaching said additional segments to the extending connection point 16 FIG. 9. along the perimeter of said sea floor terminus enclosure and constructing outwardly to achieve a larger coverage area if required.
The flexible containment enclosure 1E may incorporate various forms of one or many connected terminations to optimally address the type of and, method required to attach various receiving type adapters for gaseous and or liquid product that need to be contained and removed by the self supporting flexible containment enclosure 1E. This may include sub-surface weights to hold down and position larger enveloped areas, an example of such may include one or many sub-sea floor fissures.
The attached termination devices may be tethered, anchored or suspended, to provide a physically, mechanically, magnetically, connecting or enveloping a targeted area.
An additional embodiment may also include a requirement for a termination section containing a remotely powered rotating vane, spiral or multi-bladed system or a means to include the introduction and injection of a widely dispersed gaseous material to create and assist in providing the required updraft or movement of material within the self supporting flexible containment enclosure from very low pressure or seeping emission locations possibly having varied material types and viscosities to deal with.

Drawing Group 10 and Discussion

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B illustrate a preferred embodiment being a subordinate accessory feature as referred to in Claim 12 in this invention providing for an integrated apparatus to flare or to burn off such gaseous emissions that are directed from the gaseous port 6 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 by the movement of such gaseous material from said port 6 through a tethered flexible conduit 46 FIG. 10A to the floating flare buoyant system 40 FIG. 10A located at an approximal distance on the water surface 40W. The flexible conduit 46 FIG. 10A may also have attached to it other transport lines to convey liquid, air, gas and electricity. An additional and primary consideration is for the purpose of enhancing the electrical grounding and to minimize static and to provide lightning protection and providing a means to produce the water spray if required for cooling the flare tube and the electrical powering of navigation aids and or other requirements.
The tethered conduit 46 FIG. 10A is supported by one or plurality of guyed hangers 47 and collars 47A connected to flotation enclosures 40 where the gaseous emissions are further directed and connected into conduit 42 and flare conduit 41 that are supported by a plurality of structural members 50 FIG. 10B being substantially submerged and positioned under the waterline.
The flare conduit 41 of FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B emerging from the waterline in a vertical fashion and said flare conduit 41 of FIG. 10A being further secured below with structural members 50 FIG. 10B and a plurality of structural members or guy lines 47 FIG. 10A connected and or secured to a plurality of connected collars 47A FIG. 10A or with fasteners to the lower portion of conduits 41 and 42 of FIG. 10A.
The upper and exposed member of conduit 41 FIG. 10A indicates yet another feature embodiment and may include an outwardly beveled collar 45 attached to preclude substantial amounts of cooling water from entering said conduit 41 by the use of optional water spray 49 nozzles or jets mounted on the floating flare platform and directed toward and for the purpose of cooling said vertical conduit member 41.
If required, said water jets or nozzles that project a spray 49 of water would obtain their water supply and pressure from a hose or conduit member 48 FIG. 10A that may be powered by a pump on the floating flare system platform 40 or as illustrated in FIG. 10A from the floating platform 1 of FIG. 1 or may be powered by external vessels or by other sources.
Another feature in the embodiment may also include a tapered annulus 43 as illustrated in FIG. 10A connected to a conduit 44 for the removal of any condensate by means of air pressure or a submerged pump 44A including an optional check and or solenoid valve that may be operated periodically by a hall effect sensor or high impedance switch or other such means that detects the presence of accumulated liquid and will operate only for such time to remove said liquid.
Another feature in the embodiment not shown, may include a remotely controlled battery operated spark igniter to ignite the flare function adjacent to the opening of conduit 41 connected to the beveled collar 45 where such igniter electrodes are mounted near the opening to initiate said flare and the actual spark generating control is mounted away from any damaging heat source.

Drawing Group 11 and Discussion

FIG. 11 is primarily a logic drawing, it does however show a cutaway side view of one flotation vessel 1A containing two ports, the port with the long vertical conduit being the water port and the port with the short vertical conduit is the air port with both mounted from the top of the buoyancy vessel 1A. Solenoid valves that are not active are normally closed with the logic condition being 0 or not enabled.
The action and process of submergence is performed by enabling logic function S2 in FIG. 11 will cause activation of a valve to displace the air within the flotation vessels 1A FIG. 1 and to replace the air with the ingress of such an amount of ballast water by a pump and a valve to control specifically the amount of displacement and buoyancy within the said flotation vessels 1A FIG. 1 to achieve the proper depth or draft desired for the floating platform 1 FIG. 1 when at such time the logic condition S2 in FIG. 11 is disabled and the associated valves and the pump would be deactivated or closed.
The opposite action enabling logic function S1 in FIG. 11 to perform the action of surfacing or a rising function is the egress of ballast water being displaced with pressurized air to achieve the level of buoyancy required and at such time the logic condition S1 in FIG. 11 being disabled and the associated valves would be deactivated or closed.
The two ports mentioned may be mounted at other locations if required, preferably within the interior perimeter of the floating platform 1 FIG. 1 plurality of flotation vessels 1A FIG. 1 and to the exterior upper vertical surface of said flotation vessels 1A FIG. 1 mid-position located at the highest location on the vertical surface.
In accordance with the aforementioned and described embodiments of the present invention there may be inclusions, omissions or alterations that may be made without departure from the intended spirit thereof.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. An apparatus and means for the collection, containment and presentation of gaseous and or liquid hydrocarbon material products from compromised sub sea surface pipelines, well head assemblies, surface floor fissures and or other underwater situations whereas the management of material from said compromised situations may be contained and presented for safe and efficient removal being comprised of the following systems and components:

a floating platform with means capable of maintaining extended submersion and surfacing intervals of said floating platform by use of a buoyancy control system and said floating platform integrated with a rigid containment enclosure providing liquid and gaseous material ports;

a downwardly directed means of attachment and connection of one or a plurality of self supporting flexible containment enclosure sections and terminus sections;

a floating flare platform with means connecting in proximity to said floating platform rigid containment enclosure system gaseous material port.

2. An apparatus of claim 1 and means wherein said systems and components are configured to address a number of in situ remedies based on estimates of on station duration requirements, projected weather conditions, depth to target requirements, projected type of emissions and quantities that are to be contained and brought to the surface for removal, available support vessels, with the said apparatus, systems and, components further comprising:

a floating platform with means to become fully submersible and rise to the surface again by the commands and actions from said buoyant control system with ballast materials added or removed from one or many buoyant vessels of said floating platform;

a rigid and ported semi-submerged enclosure mechanically mounted and secured to said floating platform that is open from the bottom and supporting from within and downwardly an open conduit into and below the liquid surface and connected to a port providing the means for removal of liquid material;

a self supporting flexible containment enclosure connected within and descending downwardly from the inside circumference of said rigid and ported semi-submerged enclosure;

a said self supporting flexible containment enclosure made of one or more sections of suitable fabric and other materials;

a said self supporting flexible containment enclosure with means to adapt a number of types and configurations of lower termination sections;

an incorporation of Positive Offset Neutral Buoyancy Attachment Devices—a PONBAD buoyant component or device.

3. An apparatus in claim 2 wherein said PONBAD buoyant components or devices are comprised of and by means of rigorous steps in the selection of materials, specific dimensions, methods of construction, connection methods and the exacting calculations required for the PONBADs and their respective locations of use and purpose, with the definition of PONBAD for this invention being a “Positive Offset Neutral Buoyancy Attachment Device” means used for defining and providing the exacting needs to suspend, support, maintain tension and to position the apparatuses, components and, systems as described in this invention.

4. An apparatus in claim 2 further comprising said floating platform with means that can remain at the surface or electively be submerged for extended periods to any depth within and not to exceed a fixed predetermined depth and, be brought back to the surface on demand and controlled by means of said buoyant control system.

5. An apparatus in claim 4 further comprising a plurality of said PONBAD buoys extended from said floating platform and connected with a fixed length of cable, wire, rope, tether or other means to disallow submergence any lower than a fixed and predetermined distance.

6. An apparatus in claim 2 further comprising said rigid and ported enclosure secured to said floating platform structure with means providing for a physical boundary to isolate any gaseous material from escaping other than through one or more designated ports, where said rigid and ported enclosure will protrude below the waterline surface for such a depth to ensure the effective isolation required in providing containment within said rigid and ported enclosure and the boundary layer of the liquid surface to ensure the safe handling and egress of said gaseous material in order that it may be diverted, collected and or flared as requirements dictate.

7. An apparatus in claim 2 with further means comprising a said downwardly directed self supporting flexible containment enclosure of any variable length, size and number of sections defined to be of sufficient means for the volumetric requirements and length required to reach the targeted area and further comprising:

an upper section of said self supporting flexible containment enclosure that is physically connected above the waterline and within the inner circumference of said floating platforms ported rigid enclosure as described in claim 4;

a circumferential size and length of said self supporting flexible containment enclosure adjusted by means prior to fabrication and deployment to accommodate the projected volumetric requirements with less or additional material segments and material widths that are to be connected;

a further means to configure and bridge or join together at the lower and upper sections of said self supporting flexible containment enclosures additional said self supporting flexible containment enclosures to substantially increase the volumetric capacity and to include by means of a single or a plurality of various end terminator sections;

a connection means including one or a plurality of additional said termination points at the beginning and end of said self supporting flexible containment enclosure sections secured together with said additional termination points incorporated for the attachment of said PONBAD buoyancy devices as described in claim 3 and, or additional attachments of mooring lines and, or other devices.

8. An appropriate lower termination section of said flexible self supporting containment enclosure as referenced in claim 2 with means to address a physical connection and or be held in place, or by encompassing a compromised area, wherein said lower termination section may be tapered, tethered, anchored or suspended, covering a larger or smaller area by physically, mechanically, magnetically, connecting to or enveloping the targeted area by such methods.

9. An apparatus in claim 2 wherein said self supporting flexible containment enclosure and other attachments having such means may additionally include a connection method comprising:

A connection means for attachment of multiple self supporting flexible containment enclosure sections, terminator sections and, or other components to include using a hook and loop material;

A mated connection having one or a plurality of insertion members with either a hook or loop material attached to one or both sides of said members and to be inserted into one or a plurality of receiving members having either the corresponding opposing and mating hook or loop material attached to one or both sides of said receiving members;

The said insertion members and receiving members are physically positioned and with appropriate compression of such members providing the required connection assemblage;

The exterior of the mated assemblage may have additional hook or loop material affixed for the means and purposes of additional attachments or seals.

10. An apparatus in claim 1 further including a means for an alternative connection from said floating platforms rigid ported enclosure described in claim 4 to a said independent floating platform incorporating a flare system to provide as requirements dictate, the means to direct the gaseous hydrocarbons for the purpose of safely burning off such gaseous product in lieu of an appropriate vessel to accomplish the flaring task.