US3831387A - Apparatus for salvaging oil from sunken vessels - Google Patents

Apparatus for salvaging oil from sunken vessels Download PDF

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Publication number
US3831387A
US3831387A US00342090A US34209073A US3831387A US 3831387 A US3831387 A US 3831387A US 00342090 A US00342090 A US 00342090A US 34209073 A US34209073 A US 34209073A US 3831387 A US3831387 A US 3831387A
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Prior art keywords
capsule
compartment
suction pipe
oil
opening
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English (en)
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J Rolleman
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SALVAGE OIL SYST Ltd
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SALVAGE OIL SYST Ltd
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C7/00—Salvaging of disabled, stranded, or sunken vessels; Salvaging of vessel parts or furnishings, e.g. of safes; Salvaging of other underwater objects
    • B63C7/006—Emptying the contents of sunken, stranded, or disabled vessels, e.g. by engaging the vessel; Underwater collecting of buoyant contents, such as liquid, particulate or gaseous contents, escaping from sunken vessels, e.g. using funnels, or tents for recovery of escaping hydrocarbons

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  • 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.
  • FIG. 13 F- XEZ r v f 1 l l E 1l L), 182 L,
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • special drilltap-thread anchor bolts for attaching the salvage capsule to the deck or
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the drill assembly 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 13 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.
  • the hydraulic system for operation of the various hydraulic actuators includes hydraulic pump 200 with inlet and outlet conduits 201,
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the inside of the capsule is pressurized to closely match the outside ocean pressure.
  • the oil suction drill assembly 42 is lowered into position and activated to drill the oil suction hole.
  • 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.
  • a plug e.g., 160 in FIG. 10 and 169 in FIGS. -17
  • the drill mechanism 42 or 72 is lowered to seat the torque wrench in the centre recess of the plug.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bunker C fuel
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Apparatus according to claim 13 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Removal Of Floating Material (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
US00342090A 1972-03-24 1973-03-16 Apparatus for salvaging oil from sunken vessels Expired - Lifetime US3831387A (en)

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GB1409172A GB1405175A (en) 1972-03-24 1972-03-24 Apparatus for use in salvaging fluid and fluidisable substances from sunken ships

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US (1) US3831387A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS4913968A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
CA (1) CA968639A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1405175A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4109601A (en) * 1975-12-08 1978-08-29 Skipsaksjeselskapet Suderoy Vessel for working under water
FR2406605A1 (fr) * 1977-10-21 1979-05-18 Banet Rivet Pierre Procede et dispositif de recuperation d'un fluide contenu dans une enceinte submergee
EP0071536A1 (fr) * 1981-07-30 1983-02-09 Framatome Dispositif d'élimination d'espaces de fuite entre les cloisons entourant le coeur d'un réacteur nucléaire à eau sous pression
US4901438A (en) * 1988-12-22 1990-02-20 Gibney Brian E Shielded cable cutting device
WO1995013211A1 (en) * 1993-11-08 1995-05-18 Sonatech, Inc. Undersea release apparatus
WO1995015280A1 (en) * 1993-11-30 1995-06-08 Framo Developments (Uk) Limited An apparatus for extraction of a fluent material from a container
WO1998007617A1 (en) * 1996-08-01 1998-02-26 Hansen Conrad Smedie Og Maskinvaerksted Rescue equipment with suction bell and injector canon for inflatable balls centered in connection with the drilling bolt
US6719496B1 (en) * 1997-11-01 2004-04-13 Shell Oil Company ROV installed suction piles
EP1459976A1 (de) * 2003-03-21 2004-09-22 Coperion Buss AG Verfahren sowie Anordnung zum Bergen von umweltschädlichen Flüssigkeiten
ES2217951A1 (es) * 2002-12-16 2004-11-01 Francisco Novo Martinez Sistema para la recuperacion del hidrocarburo de un petrolero hundido a gran profundidad.
US20050025574A1 (en) * 2002-12-23 2005-02-03 Lazes Richard J. Subsea oil collector
ES2230984A1 (es) * 2003-02-11 2005-05-01 Manuel Torres Martinez Perfeccionamientos en el objeto de la patente n.200300328 por sistema para la extraccion de productos petroquimicos de los tanques de un buque hundido.
EP1568600A1 (fr) 2004-02-26 2005-08-31 Saipem SA Dispositif et procédé d'ancrage d'une embase sur une paroi au fond de la mer
WO2005080191A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2005-09-01 Korea Ocean Research And Development Institute Remotely controlled apparatus for recovering liquid in sunken ship and method performed by the same
US20060245845A1 (en) * 2003-01-03 2006-11-02 Jean-Luc Dabi Installation for the recovery of a polluting fluid contained in at least one transverse section of the tanks of a sunken vessel
US20080135494A1 (en) * 2006-12-06 2008-06-12 David Usher Method and apparatus for subsurface oil recovery using a submersible unit
WO2008116997A1 (fr) 2007-03-02 2008-10-02 Saipem S.A. Dispositif de decoupe et ouverture/fermeture d'un orifice dans une paroi au fond de la mer
US20120110993A1 (en) * 2009-06-30 2012-05-10 Bp Generation Limited Method and apparatus to store energy
US20140311584A1 (en) * 2011-05-13 2014-10-23 Jlmd Ecologic Group Method for discharging liquid from a tank of a stricken ship
US20150159455A1 (en) * 2013-12-06 2015-06-11 Julius C. Trawick System and method to stop underwater oil well leaks
EP3444179A1 (de) * 2017-08-16 2019-02-20 B+Btec International Bv Zugangsvorrichtung für einen fluidtank
CN111005694A (zh) * 2019-11-18 2020-04-14 四川宏华石油设备有限公司 一种组合式钻机钻台面废液排放回收系统
CN111173701A (zh) * 2020-02-13 2020-05-19 山东交通学院 一种深潜式抽油器
US11364982B2 (en) * 2018-03-19 2022-06-21 Resolve Marine Group, Inc. Marine salvage drill assemblies and systems

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JPS55108278A (en) * 1979-02-08 1980-08-20 Earth Chem Corp Ltd Fumigant and fumigation
NO171720C (no) * 1990-07-03 1993-04-28 Framo Dev As Fremgangsmaate og system for nedfoering av og neddykking avet pumpeaggregat i et tankfluid i en tank og baereorgan for aggregatet
CN109268244B (zh) * 2018-08-30 2021-03-09 林远毅 一种具有减震效果的水下抽油设备

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US1469574A (en) * 1921-02-07 1923-10-02 Allan Alexander Salvaging method and apparatus
US1775595A (en) * 1928-06-27 1930-09-09 Lieske Bernhard Air-piping device in connection with sunken submarine boats
US1822435A (en) * 1929-10-09 1931-09-08 Facchin Gioachino Life saving and salvage apparatus for submarines
US1912271A (en) * 1929-10-21 1933-05-30 Furino Submarine Salvage Corp Submarine salvage device
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1469574A (en) * 1921-02-07 1923-10-02 Allan Alexander Salvaging method and apparatus
US1775595A (en) * 1928-06-27 1930-09-09 Lieske Bernhard Air-piping device in connection with sunken submarine boats
US1822435A (en) * 1929-10-09 1931-09-08 Facchin Gioachino Life saving and salvage apparatus for submarines
US1912271A (en) * 1929-10-21 1933-05-30 Furino Submarine Salvage Corp Submarine salvage device
US3550386A (en) * 1967-03-31 1970-12-29 Atomic Energy Authority Uk Underwater vehicle

Cited By (41)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4109601A (en) * 1975-12-08 1978-08-29 Skipsaksjeselskapet Suderoy Vessel for working under water
FR2406605A1 (fr) * 1977-10-21 1979-05-18 Banet Rivet Pierre Procede et dispositif de recuperation d'un fluide contenu dans une enceinte submergee
EP0071536A1 (fr) * 1981-07-30 1983-02-09 Framatome Dispositif d'élimination d'espaces de fuite entre les cloisons entourant le coeur d'un réacteur nucléaire à eau sous pression
US4901438A (en) * 1988-12-22 1990-02-20 Gibney Brian E Shielded cable cutting device
US5775390A (en) * 1993-11-03 1998-07-07 Mohn; Frank Apparatus for extraction of a fluent material from a container
WO1995013211A1 (en) * 1993-11-08 1995-05-18 Sonatech, Inc. Undersea release apparatus
US5513886A (en) * 1993-11-08 1996-05-07 Sonatech, Inc. Undersea release apparatus
WO1995015280A1 (en) * 1993-11-30 1995-06-08 Framo Developments (Uk) Limited An apparatus for extraction of a fluent material from a container
WO1998007617A1 (en) * 1996-08-01 1998-02-26 Hansen Conrad Smedie Og Maskinvaerksted Rescue equipment with suction bell and injector canon for inflatable balls centered in connection with the drilling bolt
US6719496B1 (en) * 1997-11-01 2004-04-13 Shell Oil Company ROV installed suction piles
ES2217951A1 (es) * 2002-12-16 2004-11-01 Francisco Novo Martinez Sistema para la recuperacion del hidrocarburo de un petrolero hundido a gran profundidad.
US20050025574A1 (en) * 2002-12-23 2005-02-03 Lazes Richard J. Subsea oil collector
US20060245845A1 (en) * 2003-01-03 2006-11-02 Jean-Luc Dabi Installation for the recovery of a polluting fluid contained in at least one transverse section of the tanks of a sunken vessel
ES2230984A1 (es) * 2003-02-11 2005-05-01 Manuel Torres Martinez Perfeccionamientos en el objeto de la patente n.200300328 por sistema para la extraccion de productos petroquimicos de los tanques de un buque hundido.
ES2230982A1 (es) * 2003-02-11 2005-05-01 Manuel Torres Martinez Sistema para la extraccion de productos petroquimicos de los tanques de un buque hundido.
ES2230982B1 (es) * 2003-02-11 2007-03-01 Manuel Torres Martinez Sistema para la extraccion de productos petroquimicos de los tanques de un buque hundido.
ES2230984B1 (es) * 2003-02-11 2007-03-01 Manuel Torres Martinez Perfeccionamientos en el objeto de la patente n.200300328 por sistema para la extraccion de productos petroquimicos de los tanques de un buque hundido.
EP1459976A1 (de) * 2003-03-21 2004-09-22 Coperion Buss AG Verfahren sowie Anordnung zum Bergen von umweltschädlichen Flüssigkeiten
US20070261629A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2007-11-15 Hyek-Jin Choi Romotely Controlled Apparatus for Recovering Liquid in Sunken Ship and Method Performed by the Same
US7377226B2 (en) * 2004-02-25 2008-05-27 Korea Ocean Research And Development Institute Remotely controlled apparatus for recovering liquid in sunken ship and method performed by the same
WO2005080191A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2005-09-01 Korea Ocean Research And Development Institute Remotely controlled apparatus for recovering liquid in sunken ship and method performed by the same
EP1568600A1 (fr) 2004-02-26 2005-08-31 Saipem SA Dispositif et procédé d'ancrage d'une embase sur une paroi au fond de la mer
US20080135494A1 (en) * 2006-12-06 2008-06-12 David Usher Method and apparatus for subsurface oil recovery using a submersible unit
US7597811B2 (en) 2006-12-06 2009-10-06 David Usher Method and apparatus for subsurface oil recovery using a submersible unit
WO2008116997A1 (fr) 2007-03-02 2008-10-02 Saipem S.A. Dispositif de decoupe et ouverture/fermeture d'un orifice dans une paroi au fond de la mer
US20100058967A1 (en) * 2007-03-02 2010-03-11 Saipem S.A. Device for Cutting out and Opening/Closing an Orifice in a Wall at the Bottom of the Sea
US8186294B2 (en) 2007-03-02 2012-05-29 Saipem S.A. Device for cutting out and opening/closing an orifice in a wall at the bottom of the sea
US20120110993A1 (en) * 2009-06-30 2012-05-10 Bp Generation Limited Method and apparatus to store energy
US9446819B2 (en) * 2011-05-13 2016-09-20 Jlmd Ecologic Group Method for discharging liquid from a tank of a stricken ship
US20140311584A1 (en) * 2011-05-13 2014-10-23 Jlmd Ecologic Group Method for discharging liquid from a tank of a stricken ship
US20150159455A1 (en) * 2013-12-06 2015-06-11 Julius C. Trawick System and method to stop underwater oil well leaks
EP3444179A1 (de) * 2017-08-16 2019-02-20 B+Btec International Bv Zugangsvorrichtung für einen fluidtank
US10661321B2 (en) 2017-08-16 2020-05-26 B+Btec International Bv Access device for a fluid tank
US11364982B2 (en) * 2018-03-19 2022-06-21 Resolve Marine Group, Inc. Marine salvage drill assemblies and systems
US20220388616A1 (en) * 2018-03-19 2022-12-08 Resolve Marine Group, Inc. Marine salvage drill assemblies and systems
US11708139B2 (en) * 2018-03-19 2023-07-25 Resolve Marine Group, Inc. Marine salvage drill assemblies and systems
US12227273B2 (en) 2018-03-19 2025-02-18 Resolve Marine Group, Inc. Marine salvage drill assemblies and systems
CN111005694A (zh) * 2019-11-18 2020-04-14 四川宏华石油设备有限公司 一种组合式钻机钻台面废液排放回收系统
CN111005694B (zh) * 2019-11-18 2024-04-09 四川宏华石油设备有限公司 一种组合式钻机钻台面废液排放回收系统
CN111173701A (zh) * 2020-02-13 2020-05-19 山东交通学院 一种深潜式抽油器
CN111173701B (zh) * 2020-02-13 2021-08-03 山东交通学院 一种深潜式抽油器的抽油方法

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CA968639A (en) 1975-06-03
JPS4913968A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-02-06
GB1405175A (en) 1975-09-03

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