US3831387A

US3831387A - Apparatus for salvaging oil from sunken vessels

Info

Publication number: US3831387A
Application number: US00342090A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Rolleman
Original assignee: SALVAGE OIL SYST Ltd
Current assignee: SALVAGE OIL SYST Ltd
Priority date: 1972-03-24
Filing date: 1973-03-16
Publication date: 1974-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 1991-08-27
Also published as: CA968639A; JPS4913968A; GB1405175A

Abstract

According to the invention, removal of oil from a sunken vessel is obtained by means of a remotely controlled submersible ''''pumphouse'''' or salvage capsule which performs, without the services of divers, all the necessary functions to gain access to, and remove to the surface, oil contained in the sunken vessel. Instead of relying on manual operations performed by divers on the sunken vessel, the essential features of the present invention include remotely controlled means on and within the salvage capsule for effecting the necessary functions including: means for securely but detachably fixing the capsule in the decking or hull of the vessel in proximity to the compartment from which the oil is to be salvaged; drill means for providing access to the compartment through one or more openings, extensible oil suction pipe means for insertion into the compartment through the opening, first pump means for removing oil from the ship compartment into a holding chamber within the capsule and second pump means for removing oil from the holding chamber to the surface where it may be held in suitable storage such as balloons or salvage tankers.

Description

United States Patent [191 Rolleman [451 Aug. 27, 1974 [75] Inventor: Jack Rolleman, Edmonton, Alberta,

Canada [73] Assignee: Salvage Oil Systems, Ltd.,

. Edmonton, Canada [22] Filed: Mar. 16, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 342,090

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Mar. 24, 1972 Great Britain 14091/72 [52] US. Cl. 61/69 A, 114/168 [51] Int. Cl. B63c 11/00 [58] Field of Search 61/63, 69 R, 69 A; 114/16.4, 16.8, 50; 175/6, 8

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,469,574 10/1923 Allan 114/50 1,775,595 9/1930 Lieske 114/16.4 1,822.435 9/1931 Facchin [14/168 X 1.912.271 5/1933 Furino 61/69 A 3,550,386 12/1970 Ballinger 61/69 R Primary Examiner-Mervin Stein Assistant ExaminerDavid H. Corbin 1 1 ABSTRACT According to the invention, removal of oil from a sunken vessel is obtained by means of a remotely controlled submersible pump-house or salvage capsule which performs, without the services of divers, all the necessary functions to gain access to, and remove to the surface, oil contained in the sunken vessel. Instead of relying on manual operations performed by divers on the sunken vessel, the essential features of the present invention include remotely controlled means on and within the salvage capsule for effecting the necessary functions including: means for securely but detachably fixing the capsule in the decking or hull of the vessel in proximity to the compartment from which the oil is to be salvaged; drill means for providing access to the compartment through one or more openings, extensible oil suction pipe means for insertion into the compartment through the opening, first pump means for removing oil from the ship compartment into a holding chamber within the capsule and second pump means for removing oil from the holding chamber to the surface where it may be held in suitable storage such as balloons or salvage tankers.

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APPARATUS FOR SALVAGING OIL FROM SUNKEN VESSELS This invention relates to an apparatus for salvaging petroleum or other fluid or fluidizable substances from sunken ships and, more particularly, to a salvaging apparatus which may be operated entirely by remote control thereby eliminating the need for the services of divers.

The pollution resulting from accidents involving ships and especially petroleum tankers and the public concern over the ecological affects of such pollution have increased markedly in recent years. In 1959, the worlds total loss of tankers was 350,000 deadweight tons and in 1969 this increased to almost 600,000 tons. This is the equivalent of thirty-three ships the size of the small tanker Arrow which ran aground off Nova Scotia, Canada in February 1970. This small accident alone fouled hundreds of miles of beaches, caused serious harm to marine and bird life and necessitated the expenditure of more than three million dollars in direct and indirect costs for salvage and clean-up operations. When the relatively small size of this ship (18,000 deadweight tons) is considered in relation to the super tankers of 200,000 tons or more which are now in operation and those of up to 400,000 tons which are soon to come into operation, the enormity of the economic and ecological implications of an accident at sea involving one of these giant ships can be readily appreciated. The importance of salvaging oil from such vessels in the event of their loss at sea needs no elaboration. Methods and equipment presently available for this purpose are not adequate to meet the task even under ideal salvage conditions much less under severe weather and/or deep water conditions. Present methods for salvage of oil from sunken ships require that divers work directly on the vessel to manually connect and disconnect the oil removal pipes to the sunken vessel. As a result, there are severe limitations on the depth and climatic conditions under which oil can be successfully removed from a sunken ship. This is particularly so in the case of removal of heavy oil such as Bunker C" fuel oil from tankers under cold water conditions since such materials have a tendency to congeal at low temperatures thereby necessitating the use of heat in order to permit the pumping and transport of the oil through conduits to the surface.

The object of the present invention is to facilitate the removal of petroleum and the like substances from closed compartments of sunken vessels and particularly sunken tankers. It is in the nature of an improvement over prior apparatus and methods employed for this purpose which require the services of divers working on the sunken vessel to provide access to the oil containing compartments and to connect the necessary valves, piping etc. for removal of the oil to the surface. According to the invention, removal of oil from a sunken vessel is obtained by means of a remotely controlled submersible pump-house or salvage capsule which performs, without the services of divers, all the necessary functions to gain access to, and remove to the surface, oil contained in the sunken vessel. Instead of relying on manual operations performed by divers on the sunken vessel, the essential features of the present invention include remotely controlled means on and within the salvage capsule for effecting the necessary functions including: means for securely but detachably fixing the capsule to the decking or hull of the vessel in proximity to the compartment from which the oil is to be salvaged; drill means for providing access to the compartment through one or more openings, extensible oil suction pipe means for insertion into the compartment through the opening, first pump means for removing oil from the ship compartment into a holding chamber within the capsule and second pump means for removing oil from the holding chamber to the surface where it may be held in suitable storage such as balloons or salvage tankers.

In a more specific sense, the invention also provides novel means for performing numerous other useful and desirable functions including, for example: special drilltap-thread anchor bolts for attaching the salvage capsule to the deck or hull of the sunken vessel; toothed bolts or studs in the capsule base for preventing side slippage of the capsule on the vessel deck; special seals between the capsule base and the vessel deck and between various other moving components to prevent any spillage of oil from the sunken vessel or the salvage capsule into the surrounding water; television cameras at appropriate positions in and on the capsule for observing its position relative to the sunken vessel and for monitoring the various functions of the capsule; jet nozzle means on the capsule to assist in controlling its position and attitude; means for injection of water, steam or other fluids into the storage compartments of the sunken vessel to facilitate the removal of the oil (or other substances) therefrom; and means for plugging the openings into the compartments upon completion of the salvage operation or in the event premature removal of the salvage capsule from the sunken vessel is required for any reason.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein an illustrative embodiment of the invention is disclosed:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing, fragmentarily, a surface salvage vessel and sunken vessel with the remotely controlled salvage capsule of the invention operatively attached thereto",

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the salvage capsule showing details of the upper side thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the salvage capsule showing details of the base plate;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the capsule'floor taken approximately along the line IV--IV of FIG. 3 with much detail eliminated to show the basic layout of the suction, make-up water and anchor bolt chambers;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VV of FIG. 4 showing the relative positions of the oil suction pipe, the boring means for penetrating the sunken vessel deck, the means for inserting capsule anchor bolts into the deck as well as the water and oil pumps and related conduit systems;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view with portions broken away showing details of the means for securing anchoring bolts;

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are fragmentary views, partly in section, showing details of operation of the anchoring bolt means; I

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view with portions broken away showing details of the oil suction pipe opening drill means and the oil suction chamber;

FIG. 11 is a partly sectional view of the plug insertion means shown in FIG. taken along the lines Xl-Xl of FIG. 10',

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view with parts broken away showing details of one form of cutting head;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view showing details of the oil suction pipe, oil suction pipe valve means and oil suction chamber seals;

FIG. 14 is a detail cross-sectional view of one of the suction valves taken along the lines XIV-XIV of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 15, I6 and 17 are fragmentary, somewhat schematic views illustrating the operation of the plug reinsertion means;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view, similar to those of FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 but illustrating the steam injection P g;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the hydraulic system of the salvage capsule of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view showing an alternative suction pipe entry hole cutting means;

FIG. '21 is a view partly in section along the line XXI- -XXI of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary detail, partly in section, of the drill power head of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 are fragmentary views partly in section, showing the alternative suction pipe arrangement combining drilling and suction means utilized with the jet drive means of FIG. 20.

Referring to the drawings, in FIG. 1 the oil salvage capsule 10 of the present invention is shown being utilized with a recovery supply ship 11 to remove oil from a sunken tanker 12. Service lines 13, which connect the salvage capsule 10 with the ship 11, lead into the interior of the capsule through sealed port 14. The service lines include all conduits. cables, etc. (which are not individually shown), necessary to supply electricity. water, steam and compressed air to the salvage capsule 10 as well as an oil recovery line for pumping oil to the surface. Recovery cable extends from the ship 11 and is attached to the lower side of the capsule by ring 16 (shown in FIG. 3). A second recovery cable 150 is attached to ring 160 on the top of capsule 10. The two

recovery cables

15 and 15a are utilized not only for raising and lowering the capsule 10 but also for aiding in the vertical and horizontal positioning of the capsule in relation to the sunken vessel 12. A tower 18 is secured to the upper side of capsule l0 and is adapted to support and selectively reciprocate a suction pipe 19. A water jet for aiding in the positioning of capsule 10 is located at the centre of the top plate of the capsule 10.

As shown particularly in FIG. 2, suction pipe support tower 18 is provided with a drive chain 21 which extends over a sprocket 22 attached to the drive shaft of a hydraulic motor 23. Suction pipe 19 is secured to drive chain 21 by means of

brackets

24 and 25 such that the vertical position of suction pipe 19 in relation to the capsule can be selectively altered by actuation of motor 23. A permanent annular seal 26 circumscribes suction pipe 19 to provide a fluid tight seal between the adjacent surfaces of the suction pipe 19 and the opening in capsule 10 through which the suction pipe extends.

As shown in FIG. 3, water jets 28 are also provided around the periphery of capsule 10 to further aid in positioning it in relation to the sunken vessel to which it is to be attached. Pressure-tight inspection doors 30 (one only shown) are provided on each side of the capsule and lead into the capsule interior. The base 32 of capsule 10 has a plurality of electromagnets 33 (twelve of which are shown) arranged around its outer periphery. These magnets can be activated to temporarily attach the capsule to the deck or hull of the sunken vessel. A plurality of toothed antislip pads 34 are also pro vided in base 32 to prevent lateral slipping of the capsule when it is magnetically attached on a sloping deck surface. Base 32 is also provided with four openings 36 for anchor bolts which are utilized to securely but detachably secure capsule 10 to the sunken vessel 12 as is described in more detail hereinbelow.

Ports

37 and 38 with surrounding sealing collars 37a and 38d communicate with the oil suction and water make-up chambers within the interior of the capsule 10 as is also described hereinbelow. Television cameras 39 positioned around the lower periphery of capsule 10 and at other key positions inside and outside the salvage capsule enable the capsule operators at the surface to monitor and control the position and various functions of the capsule.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, within capsule 10 there is a suction chamber 40 and a make-up or water boosting chamber 41 positioned on opposite sides of the base of the capsule 10. Chamber 40 is divided into an upper chamber 40a and a lower oil suction chamber 40b. Within chamber 40a is a drill mechanism 42 which functions to provide an opening into the sunken vessel for suction pipe 18. Drill mechanism 42 is attached to the interior wall 44 of chamber 40a by a support means 43 which is pivotable as shown at 45 to permit the drill mechanism to be swung horizontally to alternate position 42a. Also, within chamber 40 is a suction hole plug feeder 46 with an associated hydraulic actuator 47 extending radially outward from wall 44. Four equi-spaced chambers 48 are provided for housing the anchor bolt attachment mechanism. Within chamber 41 there is a make-up hole plug feeder 50 and a make-up hole steam plug feeder 51 with associated

actuators

52 and 53 extending radially outwardly from the side wall of chamber 41.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 10, it can be seen that the support means 43 for drill mechanism 42 includes upper and lower struts 60, a fixed to vertical guide rod 61. A sliding sleeve 62 on guide rod 61 is fixed to motor 63 by means of brackets 64. Drive shaft 65 of motor 63 extends through hydraulic cylinder 66 and has piston 67 fixed thereto to permit selective vertical movement of drill means 42 in response to hydraulic pressure exerted through

conduits

68, 68a (FIG. 10). Cutting head 69 is attached to the lower end of shaft 65. Hydraulic actuator 70 attached to wall 44 and strut 60a effects horizontal swivelling of drill means 42.

Positioned above water boosting chamber 41 is the drill assembly, indicated generally by the numeral 71, for boring the water, steam or air injection opening through the deck 72 of the sunken vessel 12. This drill assembly includes a drive motor 73 slidably attached to guide rod 74 by means of sleeve 75. Guide rod 74 is rigidly fixed to the interior wall of the capsule by

parallel struts

75a, 75b. Drive shaft 76 of motor 73 extends into hydraulic cylinder 77 and has piston 78 fixed thereon to enable vertical movement of assembly 70 in response to hydraulic pressure imposed through hydraulic fluid conduits (not shown). Cutting head 79 is attached to shaft 76 at its lower end.

Also shown in FIG. 5 is water pump 80 communicating with the outside of capsule via conduit 81 and through conduit 82 with distribution manifold 83 for water jets and 28. Conduit 84 communicates pump with water make-up chamber 41. Steam manifold 85 which is connected to a steam supply line (not shown) from the surface is connected through conduit 86 with steam plug 87 of steam plug feeder 51. A second water pump 90 has

conduits

91 and 92 communicating with the supply ship and the outside of the capsule, respectively. Conduit 93 connects pump 90 with suction chamber 40b. Pump 90 functions to supply water under pressure to suction chamber 40b for the purpose of pressure testing the seal between the bases of the sealing

collars

37a and 38a and the deck 72. Main oil removal pump 94 is connected with oil suction chamber 40b through an oil meter 99 by means of conduit 98. Pump 94 is also connected with chamber 40b through by-pass 95 and is connected to an oil removal line leading to the surface ship. Pump 94 thus functions to boost oil from suction tank 40b to the surface. Vacuum pump is connected to chamber 40b through meter 99 by means of conduit 101. Vacuum pump 100 is used to initiate flow of oil from the sunken vessel into compartment 40b for removal to the surface by means of pump 94 in a manner described in more detail hereinbelow.

Referring to FIG. 6 as well as HO. 5, anchor bolt fastening means 111 includes a drive motor 112 slidably mounted on fixed guide rod by means of brackets 113 and sleeve 114. Guide rod 115 is fixed to upright support member 116. Drive shaft 118 extends from drive motor 112 through hydraulic cylinder 120 and having piston 121 fixed thereon to permit reciprocation of shaft 118 upon imposition of hydraulic pressure through conduits 122 and 123 (FIG. 6). The outer end 125 of shaft 118 is adapted to engage self-drillingtapping and threading anchor bolts 130. Anchor bolts are positioned for attachment by anchor bolt feed mechanism 132 which includes a hydraulic actuator 133, actuator rod 134 and bolt holder 135 on the outer end of rod 134. A supply of anchor bolts 130 is retained in bolt storage magazine 137 which has a gate member at its lower end (not shown) which holds bolts in the magazine until tripped by the returning holder 135.

Referring to FlGS. 7, 8 and 9, anchor bolts 130 include a drill position 140 on the leading end, a selftapping threading portion 141 adjacent the drill portion and an enlarged head portion formed with a threaded socket 143 adapted to receive the lower threaded end portion 125 of drill shaft 118. In the sequence of steps illustrated in F165. 7, 8 and 9, the carrier 135 with bolt 130 is extended to position over opening 36 in capsule base plate 32 as shown in F IG. 7. Threaded portion 125 of shaft 118 is then screwed into socket 143 and shaft 118 and bolt 130 are moved up a sufficient amount to permit holder 135 to be withdrawn (FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, shaft 118 and bolt 130 are then lowered through opening 36 and rotated under pressure to drill, tap and thread the bolt 130 into the deck 72 of the sunken vessel 12. Each of the four anchor bolt mechanisms functions in the manner just described to securely fasten the capsule 10 to deck 72. When it is desired to release the capsule from the deck, the shaft 118 is rotated in the reverse direction (counter-clockwise) to unscrew threaded end 125 from socket 143. The capsule 10 is then removed leaving anchor bolts 130 in the sunken ships deck.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 10, the oil suction pipe opening drill mechanism 42 includes an enlarged cylindrical portion 152 concentric with and fixed to the lower end of hydraulic cylinder 66 which is adapted to receive the drill bit 69 when the drill shaft 65 is at the upper limit of its path of vertical travel. A split ring clamp-seal and associated hydraulic actuators 151 are selectively extensible to provide a seal between cylinder 152 and the upper face of chamber 40b when the drill mechanism 42 is positioned as shown in FIG. 10 for extension into the suction chamber 40b and thence through opening 37. Within chamber 40b there is provided a movable split ring seal 155 for effecting a seal between the base 32 of chamber 40b and suction pipe 16 when the suction pipe is extended through opening 37 into the compartment from which oil is to be salvaged. Also shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is oil suction hole plug feeder 46 which consists of a magazine 159 for holding plugs 160, a plug holder 161 attached to the piston rod 162 of hydraulic actuator 47 for advancing the plug holder and plug into position over opening 37.

FIG. 12 shows details of the cutting head 79 which functions both to drill the make-up water opening through the sunken vessels deck and insert plugs in the opening. Cutting head 79 comprises a body portion 165, cutter blade 166 and a magnetic torque wrench 167 which is slidably mounted on socket 168 in the body part 165. A spring 169 within socket 168 constantly biasses wrench 167 outwardly to a point below the lowest point of cutter 166. Also built into the body portion of cutter 79 is a high intensity light 170 and a television camera 171 which permits operators at the surface to observe conditions in the path of the cutter head 79. Cutter head 69 for suction hole drill assembly 42 has essentially the same construction as that just described for head 79 but without the television camera and high intensity light.

The operation of the

plug insertion mechanisms

46 and 50 in conjunction with a cutter head of the type just described is illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17. A plug 169 carried by a holder 172 is advanced into position over opening 38. Cutter head 76 is then lowered and magnetic torque wrench 167 is biassed into socket 173 in plug 169. The cutting head is then moved upwardly to permit the plug holder 172 to be removed from over opening 38. The cutter head 76 and plug 169 are then lowered through opening38 and rotated to thread plug 169 into the opening in the sunken vessel deck 72. FIG. 18 illustrates a slight modification of the foregoing procedure wherein the steam injection plug 87 is positioned over opening 38 for injection stem into the storage compartment of the sunken vessel, for example, in order to liquify petroleum products such as Bunker C oil which tends to congeal in cold water. Steam plug 87 includes a steam inlet conduit 174 which is connected with steam inlet manifold 85 previously described, and sealing element 176.

FIG. 13 shows oil suction pipe 19 and related elements in operative position extending through the oil suction chamber 40b and into a compartment C from which oil is to be salvaged. Pipe 18 has a plurality of foot valves positioned along one side. Each of these valves is generally in the form of a cylinder 181 extending radially from about the centre of the pipe 18 and having a slidably valve element therein consisting of a rod 182, a cap 183 and a valve member 184 which is adapted to engage a valve seat 185 formed at the inner end of cylinder 181. Valves 180 will open, permitting the flow of fluid out of suction pipe 18, when the pressure outside the pipe is less than the pressure inside.

The construction of the sealing elements 37b is shown in FIG. 13. This consists of an outer circular element 190 welded to the base 32 of capsule l and an inner telescoping circular member 191 in movable but sealing relationship with outer member 190 and having an annular flange portion 192 and seal 193 which engages the surface of deck 72.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the hydraulic system for operation of the various hydraulic actuators includes hydraulic pump 200 with inlet and outlet conduits 201,

202.

Conduits

201, 202 are connected through control valve 203 with actuator 204 which operates stop-cocks 205 (one only shown) for

water jets

20 and 28.

Conduits

201 and 202 connect through control valve 212 with actuator 70, through control valve 213 with actuators 66, through control valve 214 with actuators 151, through control valve 215 with actuators 156 and through control valve 216 with actuator 161. Actuator 111 is connected with

conduits

201, 202 through control valve 220, actuator 133 through control valve 221, actuator 74 through control valve 222, actuator 50 through control valve 223 and actuator 51 through control valve 224. Each of the control valves is operated remotely from the main control panel for the capsule located in the recovery and supply vessel.

Referring now to FIGS. 20 through 25, which illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the oil suction pipe assembly wherein the drilling and suction pipe means are combined rather then comprising separate assemblies as in the embodiment illustrated in the preceding Figures. According to this embodiment of the invention, suction pipe 230 has attached thereto a high pressure water jet nozzle 231 for rotating pipe 230 when water is forced through the nozzle under high pressure. This arrangement includes water inlet pipe 232 and, as shown in FIG. 22, a water inlet manifold 233 having an annular channel 234 which maintains constant communication with inlet 232 and outlet 235 as nozzle 231 rotates. In order to enable the vertical movement of suction pipe 230 while it is rotating, there is provided a thrust bearing assembly indicated generally at 240 which comprises an annular sleeve 241 slidably mounted on pipe 230 and having an integral collar element 242 and a threaded lower end 243 to which is attached a locking nut 244. Two

annular ring members

246 and 247 are positioned around sleeve 241 such as to permit rotation of sleeve 241 within them.

Rings

246 and 247 are attached by means of

radial extensions

248, 248a to traveller 249 which, in turn, is fixed to the drive chain 21 on tower 18 previously described. Four

annular bearing members

250, 251, 252 and 253 are positioned around sleeve 241 between collar element 242,

annular rings

246 and 247, and lock nut 244.0- ring type seals 254 are provided between bearing

elements

251 and 252. Hydraulic fluid conduits 255 and 256 are provided in ring 247 and bearing member 253 in communication through an annular channel 256 formed at the interfact of ring 247 and bearing member 253. This arrangement maintains communication between

fluid conduits

254 and 255 during rotation of pipe 230. A mechanical-hydraulic clamp 260 consisting of a pair of

opposed clamp elements

261, 262 straddling suction pipe 230 and fixed to locking nut 244 by means of struts 263 has a hydraulic actuator 264 for selectively securing clamp member 260 to pipe 230.

The cutting head for pipe 230, which is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, includes a first submersible pump 270 having its output side communicating with the interior of suction pipe 230 as shown by the arrow at 271 and its intake side opening through the lower end of suction pipe 230 as shown at 272. A second submersible pump 275 has its inlet side opening through the wall of suction pipe 230 as shown at 276 and its outlet side communicating through the lower end of suction pipe 230 through a nozzle 277. The outlet of pump 275 also communicates with an annular bladder 278 positioned in a recess around the lower end of pipe 230. A cutter element 280 is secured to the lower end of suction pipe 230 below bladder 278. In the operation of this embodiment, the suction pipe is rotated by means of jet nozzle drive 231 until lack of cutting resistance is observed. The suction pipe 230 is then advanced a short distance to ensure the bladder 278 is positioned adjacent the deck 72 (FIG. 25) of the storage compartment which the cutter has penetrated. Pump 275 is then actuated causing the bladder 278 to expand, engage the deck plate and provide a seal between the deck and the suction pipe 230. Pump 270 is actuated to transfer the mixture of oil and water to the suction chamber through the same type of valving arrangement as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 and the oil water mixture is then transferred to the surface by the main oil pump.

in the operation of the salvage capsule of the present invention, after the sunken ship is located by the various known detection methods (Sonar, etc.) a surveillance camera is lowered to determine the position and lay of the sunken vessel. If available, the plans of the sunken vessel should be studied in order to know the stringer and tank locations.

The salvage capsule 10 is lowered from the deck of the supply recovery ship 11 by means of a portable crane boom or other suitable apparatus. Television cameras 39 on the outside of the capsule indicate on the control room monitor the approach of the capsule to the desired location on the sunken vessels deck, with the final manoeuvre to the exact location assisted laterally by water jets 28 and vertically water jet 20 as well as by successive activation of the submersible electromagnets 39 in the base of the capsule. During the descent, the inside of the capsule is pressurized to closely match the outside ocean pressure. Once the base 32 of the capsule is held by electromagnets 39 and antislip pads 34 in firm contact with the deck plate in the desired location, then a water pressure test of the oil chamber seals 37a and the make-up chamber seals 38a is made by activating water pumps and to pressurize

chambers

41 and 40b respectively. If both seals are holding 5 lbs. or more above the outside ocean water pressure, then the hydraulic anchor bolt drill mechanisms 111 are activated to drill and anchor the drill-self tapping bolts to attach the capsule securely to the deck 72 of the sunken vessel. When this is accomplished, the electromagnets are turned off. Each drill 111 is left locked on the anchor bolts 130 until such time as release of the capsule is desired.

Next, the oil suction drill assembly 42 is lowered into position and activated to drill the oil suction hole. When the hole is completed, the drill 42 is raised and swung out of the way (as shown at 42a) to allow the oil suction pipe 18 to be lowered into the tanker to the desired depth.

Next, the hydraulic drill assembly 71 for drilling the make-up water inlet is lowered into position and the make-up hole is drilled.

The circles of deck plate left after drilling fall through into the tank. After observing with the television cameras inside the capsule that both openings into the tank are operative, then the suction chamber vacuum pump 100 is activated to fill the oil suction chamber 40b with oil by causing oil to flow up through suction pipe 18 and through those valves 180 which are within chamber 40b. Air is then introduced in the make-up hole 38 and the main oil pump 94 is activated. As pumping continues, air and later water is added through the make-up hole to maintain a balance. Prior to the introduction of water, an inspection inside the tank may be made by means of the camera 171 located inside the make-up drill bit 79. When all oil has been removed, the suction pipe 18 can be withdrawn and the tank drill holes can be plugged. This is accomplished by moving a plug (e.g., 160 in FIG. 10 and 169 in FIGS. -17) hydraulically from the

plug feeder

47 or 50 as the case may be, to centre over the opening in the tank and the

drill mechanism

42 or 72 is lowered to seat the torque wrench in the centre recess of the plug. Then the controlled drive is activated to give the torque required to tighten the plug to the limit of its self tapping threads. If. at any time during the salvage operation, a storm should come up, or in any type of emergency, the oil pumping can cease and, in a few minutes, the suction pipe can be withdrawn and the holes can be plugged to prevent any oil leaks and the capsule re- The best drilling location for oil removal is through the deck of the tanker. If a sunken tanker is lying with the deck at an angle greater than 90 with the sea bottom, then the recovery capsule must have the suction pipe drill tower removed and use a short drill pipe. The compartment above the suction chamber in the recovery capsule is sealed to prevent the flow of oil out into the remainder of the capsule.

For Bunker C" fuel, provision is made for the introduction of steam and hot water through steam plug 87. When Bunker C has been exposed to cold temperatures for some time (34F. Pour Point) it hardens. Steam is introduced through plug 87 placed over the make-up hole. Subsequently, hot water may be introduced through the make-up hole.

For the removal of diesel fuel which is often located in tanks below the superstructure, the suction pipe and water jet-drill arrangement shown in FIGS. -25 is used to penetrate the tanks through the superstructure. Suction pipe 230 has two

submersible pumps

270 and 275 in its base. Pump 270 pumps diesel fuel up to the surface and pump 275 forces ocean water into the tank.

The apparatus of the present invention is particularly adapted for salvaging oil from vessels which have sunk in deep water, but it will be appreciated that it will also have application in shallow water particularly where conditions, such as extreme cold, make it difficult or impossible for divers to work. Also, of course, the capsule of the invention may also be employed in salvage operations wherein sunken ships are raised to the surface by removal of water from flooded compartments and injection of a buoyancy agent such as expanded vermiculite.

What I claim as new and desire to protect-by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. Apparatus for salvaging fluid and fluidizable substances from closed compartments of sunken vessels which comprises: a submersible capsule having an interior space capable of pressurization to resist the pressure of surrounding water in which it is submerged; means for lowering said capsule to and raising it from a sunken vessel from which the salvable substance is to be salvaged; attachment means on said capsule for securely but detachably fixing said capsule to said sunken vessel; at least one holding chamber within said capsule, said chamber being sealed off from said interior space of said capsule and having an opening to the exterior of said capsule; drill means operative to extend through said chamber opening for drilling an opening through the wall of said compartment into said compartment; sealing means for preventing surrounding water from entering said holding chamber and said compartment through said openings; an elongated axially movable oil suction pipe extending into said holding chamber and having valves opening into said chamber; means for selectively axially moving said suction pipe to extend through said openings into said compartment; first pump means within said capsule for causing said salvable substance to flow from said compartment through said suction pipe and suction pipe valves into said holding chamber through said suction pipe; oil conduit means extending from said capsule to a container on the surface; second pump means within said capsule for removing oil from said holding chamber to the surface via said conduit means; and means for remotely controlling from the surface said attachment means, drill means, oil suction pipe moving means and first and second pump means whereby salvaging of said substance from the sunken vessel is effected without the aid of divers.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including two holding chambers, the first of said chambers being arranged to receive said salvable substance through said suction pipe and the second of said chambers being connected with water and air supply conduits to enable water and air to be forced into said compartment through said opening through said compartment wall.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 including means within said second chamber for introducing steam directly into said compartment through said opening through said compartment wall.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said means for introducing steam is a self tapping plug connected to a steam inlet line and adapted to be threaded into the said opening through said compartment wall by said drill means within said compartment.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for detachably fixing said capsule to said sunken vessel includes a plurality of remotely controlled electromagnets positioned on the outside of said capsule and effective for attaching said capsule to the hull of said sunken vessel, a plurality of anchor bolt chambers within each said capsule, said anchor bolt chamber being sealed off from the interior space of said capsule and having an opening to the exterior of said capsule; means within each said anchor bolt chamber for positioning a combination drill-tap-thread anchor bolt in said opening; and remotely controlled drill press means in said capsule having a drive shaft extending into each said anchor bolt chamber for drilling, tapping and se curing said bolts into said hull to secure said capsule thereto, said drill press means also being effective to unscrew said bolts to permit the capsule to be detached therefrom.

6. Apparatus according to claim including a plurality of toothed studs on said capsule adapted to contact said hull to prevent side slippage of said capsule when it is attached thereto by means of said electromagnets.

7. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said drill means includes a hydraulically actuated drill press within said capsule having a drive shaft extended into said first holding chamber and a cutting head on said drive shaft for cutting a relatively large diameter disc from the hull of said sunken vessel to provide an opening thereinto.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 including means within said first holding chamber for positioning selftapping plugs over said opening through said compartment wall and means on said cutting head for inserting said plug into said opening to selectively seal it.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said cutting head includes a cylindrical body portion, an axially extending cutter blade attached to the periphery thereof, a magnetic torque wrench slidably mounted in said body portion and effective for engaging a corresponding socket portion in said self-tapping plugs and high intensity light and television camera means positioned within said body portion for enabling observation of conditions in the path of said cutter head.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises a first annular ring secured to said capsule around said opening into each said holding chamber, a second annular ring in sealing telescoping relationship within said first ring and an annular flange on said second ring carrying a sealing member for sea]- ing engagement with said hull.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said oil suction pipe extends from outside of the capsule through an opening in said capsule and means are provided on said capsule for supporting the portion of said suction pipe extending from said capsule.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said oil suction pipe has a plurality of foot valves positioned along its length, said valves being operative to permit flow of fluid out of said suction pipe when the pressure outside said pipe is less than the pressure inside whereby by maintaining such lesser pressure only in said holding chamber, fluid is caused to flow from said compartment through said suction pipe into said holding chamber.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said capsule has a plurality of remotely controlled water jet nozzles positioned on the outside thereof for assisting in controlling the attitude of said capsule in relation to the sunken vessel from which salvable substances are to be recovered.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said pump means includes a submersible pump in the lower end of said suction pipe for pumping water into said compartment to form a mixture with said salvable substance and a second submersible pump in the lower end of said suction pipe for pumping said mixture from said compartment through said oil suction pipe into said holding chamber.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said drill means includes a cutting head on the lower end of said suction pipe for enabling penetration of said suction pipe into said compartment, drive means for rotating said suction pipe and expansible sealing means on the lower end of said suction pipe for providing a seal between said pipe and said opening after said pipe has penetrated said compartment.

16. An apparatus for use in the recovery of oil and petroleum products from a closed compartment of a sunken vessel to surface containers for removal to shore comprising: a recovery capsule capable of being lowered from a recovery-supply vessel on the surface to the sunken vessel from which said products are to be salvaged; remotely controlled means for securely but detachably attaching said capsule on said vessel; an oil holding chamber within said capsule; remotely controlled means for providing access from within said holding chamber to within said closedcompartment while preventing surrounding water from entering said chamber and compartment; remotely controlled pump means for removing said products from said compartment into said holding chamber and for removing said products from said holding chamber to said surface containers via a conduit connecting said capsule with the surface.

Claims

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for detachably fixing said capsule to said sunken vessel includes a plurality of remotely controlled electromagnets positioned on the outside of said capsule and effective for attaching said capsule to the hull of said sunken vessel, a plurality of anchor bolt chambers within each said capsule, said anchor bolt chamber being sealed off from the interior space of said capsule and having an opening to the exterior of said capsule; means within each said anchor bolt chamber for positioning a combination drill-tap-thread anchor bolt in said opening; and remotely controlled drill press means in said capsule having a drive shaft extending into each said anchor bolt chamber for drilling, tapping and securing said bolts into said hull to secure said capsule thereto, said drill press means also being effective to unscrew said bolts to permit the capsule to be detached therefrom.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 including a plurality of toothed studs on said capsule adapted to contact said hull to prevent side slippage of said capsule when it is attached thereto by means of said electromagnets.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 including means within said first holding chamber for positioning self-tapping plugs over said opening through said compartment wall and means on said cutting head for inserting said plug into said opening to selectively seal it.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises a first annular ring secured to said capsule around said opening into each said holding chamber, a second annular ring in sealing telescoping relationship within said first ring and an annular flange on said second ring carrying a sealing member for sealing engagement with said hull.

16. An apparatus for use in the recovery of oil and petroleum products from a closed compartment of a sunken vessel to surface containers for removal to shore comprising: a recovery capsule capable of being lowered from a recovery-supply vessel on the surface to the sunken vessel from which said products are to be salvaged; remotely controlled means for securely but detachably attaching said capsule on said vessel; an oil holding chamber within said capsule; remotely controlled means for providing access from within said holding chamber to within said closed compartment while preventing surrounding water from entering said chamber and compartment; remotely controlled pump means for removing said products from said compartment into said holding chamber and for removing said products from said holding chamber to said surface containers via a conduit connecting said capsule with the surface.