WO2011145059A2

WO2011145059A2 - Deep underwater oil leak containment system and containment and convective transfer vessel

Info

Publication number: WO2011145059A2
Application number: PCT/IB2011/052166
Authority: WO
Inventors: James G. P. Dehlsen; Alex Fleming; Nehal Gajjar
Original assignee: Ecomerit Technologies, Llc
Priority date: 2010-05-17
Filing date: 2011-05-17
Publication date: 2011-11-24
Also published as: WO2011145059A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a deep underwater oil leak containment system employing a skirt having a first collapsed position carried by a support structure and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring. The skirt has a second extended position with the anchor ring deployed downward from the support structure to the ocean bottom. A collar is supported from the support structure and connected to curtains extending from an upper periphery of the skirt, the curtains having a first open position concentric with the skirt. Anchors secure the support structure to the ocean bottom and a winch draws the curtains into a second closed position closely received around the collar and sealing the skirt to the collar. An exhaust bellows extends upward from the collar to the ocean surface. The invention also relates to a containment and convective transfer vessel (CCTV) system incorporating a capture vessel having a support ring and incorporating a collapsible skirt. The skirt has a first collapsed position and a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring. The skirt has a second extended position with the anchor ring deployed downward from the capture vessel to the ocean bottom over a discharge site. The capture vessel includes a convective transfer system for entrainment of effluent from the discharge site. Anchors secure the capture vessel to the ocean bottom and a riser extends upward from the support ring to the ocean surface.

Description

DEEP UNDERWATER OIL LEAK CONTAINMENT SYSTEM and CONTAINMENT

AND CONVECTIVE TRANSFER VESSEL This application relates generally to the field of underwa^¬ ter oil leak containment and more particularly to a structure for use in a deep water environment for deployment of an oil leak containment and extractions system.

Furthermore, this application relates generally to the field of underwater oil leak containment and more particularly to a structure for use in a deep water environment for containment and convective transfer of uncontrolled discharge of underwater oil and gas. The disclosed embodiments are also applicable ocean thermal energy conversion and hydrothermal vent energy extrac- tion.

Related Art

In deep ocean operations low density ~0.9gm/cm3 methane hy^¬ drates accumulate in structures employed for encapsulating a leaking well structure, adding buoyancy and obstructing flow which create significant issues with containment structures for covering leaking oil well systems that have been damaged.

It is therefore desirable to provide an encapsulation system which is avoids accumulation of methane hydrates and allows ef- fective encapsulation of an oil leak at significant depths.

Containing uncontrolled discharge of deep water oil and gas is significantly compromised by the currents and buffeting cre^¬ ated by the high velocity discharge and surrounding water. In deep ocean operations low density ~0.9gm/cm3 methane hydrates accumulate in structures employed for encapsulating a leaking well structure, adding buoyancy and obstructing flow which cre^¬ ate significant issues with containment structures for covering leaking oil well systems that have been damaged.

It is therefore desirable to provide containment system which is avoids accumulation of methane hydrates, controls fluid flow for buffeting and current reduction and direction and allows effective encapsulation of an oil leak at significant depths . SUMMARY

The first object of the present invention is solved by a deep underwater oil leak containment system comprising a skirt having a first collapsed position carried by a support structure and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring, the skirt having a second extended position with the anchor ring de^¬ ployed downward from the support structure to the ocean bottom; a collar supported from the support structure and connected to curtains extending from an upper periphery of the skirt, the curtains having a first open position concentric with the skirt; a winch for drawing the curtains into a second closed position closely received around the collar and sealing the skirt to the collar; and, an exhaust bellows extending upward from the collar to the ocean surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the deep underwater oil leak con- tainment system further comprises means for securing the support structure to the ocean bottom. The securing means may, for example, be provided as an anchor.

The first object is also solved by a method for underwater oil leak containment comprising providing a cylindrical skirt having a first collapsed position carried by a support structure and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring, a collar supported from the support structure and connected to cur^¬ tains extending from an upper periphery of the skirt, the curtains having a first open position concentric with the skirt lowering the support structure with the collapsed skirt and open curtains to the ocean bottom concentric with an oil leak; de^¬ ploying the anchor ring downward from the support structure to the ocean bottom extending the skirt to a second extended posi^¬ tion; drawing the curtains into a second closed position closely received around the collar sealing the skirt to the collar; and, deploying an exhaust bellows extending upward from the collar to the ocean surface. In a preferred embodiment, the method for underwater oil leak containment further comprises the step of securing the sup^¬ port structure to the ocean bottom, wherein it is preferred that said securing step includes an anchor.

Exemplary embodiments provide a containment skirt of ap^¬ proximately 200 foot diameter collapsed in an "accordion" fashion to an open ended ring or doughnut. A top ring maintains the open diameter of the skirt, a central collar is connected by cables to the top periphery of the collapsed skirt and an anchor ring is attached to the bottom of the skirt. The collapsed skirt is position and secured to the ocean bottom over the leak with SEPLA- suction pile anchors. The anchor ring is then released expanding the skirt to the ocean bottom. A radial winch in the central collar is then employed to draw the top periphery of the skirt upward and inward to the collar. A riser of segmented bellows of 10 foot diameter is then attached to the collar as a conduit for oil extraction and sealing operations. The bellows wall would incorporate an elastic non permeable membrane coupled to locking rings at 100 foot increments. Each locking ring would have anchoring lines attached to provide stability against cur^¬ rent while load is reduced via syntactic foam attached at the locking rings.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been dis^¬ cussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined in yet other embodi^¬ ments further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

The second object of the present invention is solved by a containment and convective transfer vessel (CCTV) system com- prising a capture vessel having a support ring and incorporating a skirt having a first collapsed position and having a lower pe^¬ riphery attached to an anchor ring, the skirt having a second extended position with the anchor ring deployed downward from the capture vessel to the ocean bottom over a discharge site, the capture vessel including a convective transfer system for entrainment of effluent from the discharge site; anchors for se- curing the capture vessel to the ocean bottom; and, a riser ex^¬ tending upward from the support ring to the ocean surface.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the independent claims.

Exemplary embodiments provide a containment and convective transfer vessel (CCTV) system with a capture vessel having a support ring and incorporating a collapsible skirt. The skirt has a first collapsed position and a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring. The skirt has a second extended position with the anchor ring deployed downward from the capture vessel to the ocean bottom over a discharge site. The capture vessel includes a convective transfer system for entrainment of effluent from the discharge site. Anchors secure the capture vessel to the ocean bottom and a riser extends upward from the support ring to the ocean surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the riser comprises a plurality of collapsible conduit sections each having a connection ring and an expandable bellows. The convective transfer system in^¬ cludes a telescoping proboscis having a heating radiator for convective flow control. The proboscis is extendible to entrain effluent from the discharge site.

In alternative embodiments, a venturi is suspended from the capture vessel with a heating radiator for convective entrainment of effluent.

The second object of the present invention is also solved by a method for underwater discharge effluent containment compris^¬ ing providing a capture vessel having a support ring and incorporating a skirt having a first collapsed position and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring, lowering the capture vessel with the collapsed skirt to the ocean bottom concentric with a discharge site; deploying expandable riser conduit sec^¬ tions extending upward from the support ring to the ocean sur^¬ face; anchoring the capture vessel to the ocean bottom; extend^¬ ing a proboscis from the capture vessel for thermal convective entrainment of effluent from the discharge site; and, deploying the anchor ring downward from the capture vessel to the ocean bottom extending the skirt to a second extended position for isolation of the discharge effluent from surrounding ocean water .

Preferred embodiments of the method mentioned above are set forth in the independent claims.

The embodiments disclosed provide a method for underwater discharge effluent containment wherein a capture vessel is pro^¬ vided having a support ring and incorporating a skirt having a first collapsed position and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring. The capture vessel with the collapsed skirt is lowered to the ocean bottom concentric with a discharge site and expandable riser conduit sections are deployed extending up^¬ ward from the support ring to the ocean surface. The capture vessel is anchored to the ocean bottom and a proboscis is ex^¬ tended from the capture vessel for thermal convective entrain- ment of effluent from the discharge site. The anchor ring is then deployed downward from the capture vessel to the ocean bot^¬ tom extending the skirt to a second extended position for isola^¬ tion of the discharge effluent from surrounding ocean water. In certain cases a venturi having a thermal radiator is suspended from the capture vessel for thermal convective entrainment of effluent from the discharge site for initial flow direction.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been dis^¬ cussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined in yet other embodi- ments further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the collapsed skirt and sup- port cage with anchors;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the skirt being extended with the anchor ring after placement of the guide anchors on the ocean bottom over the leak;

FIG. 2B is side view of the extended skirt with details of the work deck and support structure;

FIGs. 3A - 3D are pictorial views demonstrating the winching details for closure of the top periphery of the skirt; FIG. 4 is a side view of the fully extended and secured skirt in position for pumping and sealing operations;

FIG. 5 is a flow schematic for description of the deployment sequence ;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the installed skirt and riser in^¬ stalled;

FIG. 7 is a side section view of the capture vessel with collapsed skirt and proboscis with radiator;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective of the capture vessel showing the proboscis;

FIG. 9 is a side section view of the capture vessel mounted to the sea bottom using rigid leg structures with the proboscis in the extended position;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective of the capture vessel suspended from the descent cables with a first collapsed riser conduit section positioned for mounting;

FIG. 11 is a side section view of the top portion of a riser conduit section;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a riser conduit section;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an intermediary propulsor for mounting in the riser;

FIG. 13B is a side section view of a riser conduit section with the propulsor installed and an additional thermal radiator element for enhanced convective flow control within the riser;

FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of the capture vessel suspended from the descent cables entering the water from the support ship with a first collapsed riser conduit section positioned and a second collapsed conduit riser section in position on the gantry for sequential insertion;

FIGs. 15A-15D are sequential visualizations of the deploy^¬ ment and installation and operation steps for the containment and convective transfer vessel (CCTV) system;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a venturi flow control element de^¬ pending from the capture vessel; and,

FIG. 17 is a detailed view of the venture flow control ele^¬ ment showing flow entry apertures DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, embodiments of the in^¬ vention incorporate a skirt 10 which is initially collapsed with accordion pleats and carried within a support structure 12. The lower circumference of the skirt is attached to an anchor ring or base ring 14. Anchor weights 16, SEPLA- suction pile anchors for the embodiment shown, are connected to the support struc^¬ ture. For the embodiment shown, the support structure includes a cage 18 which carries the collapsed skirt. A grated work deck 20 is carried at the top of the cage. Winching equipment, to be described in greater detail subsequently, cameras, lights and other operational equipment may be secured to the work deck. A support ring 22 is attached to the cage with cables 24. The support ring is attached to cables 25 for support from the ocean surface during deployment. In the exemplary embodiment the skirt, support structure and deck are approximately 200 feet in diameter

As shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, a collar 26 is attached to a top periphery of the skirt which extends from a top ring 28 which may be a portion of or integrated with the support cage. The top periphery includes deployable elements or curtains 30, the function of which will be described in greater detail subse^¬ quently.

As also shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, after lowering of the col- lapsed skirt and support structure over the oil leak and secur^¬ ing with the anchors 16, the anchor ring is deployed downward from the support structure extending the skirt from the struc^¬ ture to surround the oil plume from the leak. As shown in FIGs. 3A-3D, the curtains 30 on the skirt are then drawn closed using cables 32 extending from the top periphery to the collar. For the embodiment shown, a rotary winch drive 34 winds the cables through feed holes in the collar drawing the curtains into the collar and creating a top covering for the skirt thereby encap^¬ sulating the leaking oil plume. A seal cap 36 may be lowered over the drawn curtain at the collar to further enhance the encapsulation by the tent created by the skirt and curtain. FIG. 4 shows the skirt and curtains fully deployed from the support ring 22 with the anchor ring 14 resting on the ocean floor. Operational elements such as extraction piping 40 and vent and/or cement feed piping 42 may be deployed through the support ring and collar.

An exhaust bellows 44, best seen in FIG. 6, having a diame^¬ ter substantially common with the collar 24 may be deployed dur^¬ ing the descent of the collapsed skirt and support structure or after installation concentric with the surface support cables 25. In the embodiment shown, the exhaust bellows is approxi^¬ mately 10 feet in diameter and constructed with a spiral support structure 46 of steel or pultruded composite pole and elastic non permeable membrane coupled to locking rings at 100 foot in^¬ crements. In the exemplary embodiment the skirt, curtains and bellows are constructed from industrial tent material. The ex^¬ haust bellows is deployed in sections each having a float ring 48 with buoyancy calculated to support the depending section of the bellows. The spiral support structure allows the bellows sections to be collapsed prior to deployment and extended as the skirt and support structure are lowered.

FIG. 5 shows sequential visualizations of the deployment of the embodiment described. In scene 100, the containment kit 102 incorporating the collapsed skirt carried within the support structure is hoisted into position over the leak by support ship 104. The containment kit is then submerged into position over the leak at the ocean floor with bellows sections added during descent as shown in scene 106. The gravity anchors 16 are set in position for extension of the skirt. As shown in scene 108, the base ring or anchor ring 14 is extended to the ocean floor drawing the skirt 10 downward forming a perimeter around the leak. The curtains 30 are then in position to close. FIG. 6 shows the system as completely deployed.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 a containment vessel or other collection reservoir 50 is attached to the top of the ex- haust bellows riser for collection of the oil discharged from the leak by convective transfer. Sufficient diameter of the res- ervoir and exhaust bellows riser prevents blockage by methane hydrate icing.

Having now described various embodiments of the invention in detail as required by the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and substitutions to the spe^¬ cific embodiments disclosed herein. Such modifications are within the scope and intent of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

Referring to FIG. 7 of the drawings, embodiments of the in- vention include a capture vessel 1010 incorporating a skirt 1012 which is initially collapsed with accordion pleats. The cap 1011 of the capture vessel is angled from the skirt within a range of 30 to 60 degrees to avoid hydrate formation during flow turning. The lower periphery of the skirt is attached to an anchor ring or base ring 1014. Support anchor structure 1016, SEPLA- suc^¬ tion pile anchors with attaching cables for one embodiment or rigid leg structures as will be described in greater detail sub^¬ sequently, are connected to the capture vessel. A support ring 1022 is attached to or integral with the capture vessel. The support ring is attached to cables 1025 for support from the ocean surface during deployment. Within the capture vessel sus^¬ pended from the support ring is a convective effluent transfer system incorporating a proboscis 1018 which includes a telescop^¬ ing flow control section 1020 and heating radiator element 1021 which is also shown extended in phantom. The electrically pow^¬ ered heating radiator in the exemplary embodiment employs ap^¬ proximately 8 MWatts of power. The proboscis incorporates fluid flow conduits 1024 for transfer of methanol or other anti-freeze agent for prevention of the formation of methane hydrates. As detailed in FIG. 8, the telescoped proboscis extends below an^¬ chor ring 1014 with skirt 1012 collapsed to assist in flow control of the discharge effluent as will be described in greater detail subsequently.

As shown in FIG. 9, the capture vessel is mounted by the rigid leg anchor structure 1016 to the ocean bottom in an exem^¬ plary embodiment, as will be described in greater detail subse^¬ quently, with the proboscis positioned over the source 1030 of the discharge effluent. A riser 1038 extends from the support ring to the surface for convective transfer of the discharge ef^¬ fluent to the ocean surface.

The riser is constructed from collapsible riser conduit sec- tions 1040 which are concentrically engaged by the deployment cables 1025 as shown in FIG. 10. Each conduit section incorpo^¬ rates a connection ring 1042 which includes float elements 1044 that provide neutral buoyancy for the riser section after de^¬ ployment. The connection ring may employ a relief mechanism for pressure equalization or excess gas release from the effluent if required. As shown in FIGs. 11 and 12, the float elements 1044 may be constructed from syntactic foams or comparable buoyancy elements and arranged around the periphery of the connection ring. For the embodiment shown, the connection ring is con- structed from a fiberglass or other high strength composite ma^¬ terial. A bellows element 1046, having a diameter substantially common with the connection ring may be deployed during the descent of the capture vessel or after installation concentric with the surface support cables 1025. In the embodiment shown, the bellows is approximately 10 feet in diameter and constructed with a spiral support structure 1048 of steel or pultruded com^¬ posite pole and elastic non permeable membrane coupled to the connection rings for approximately 100 foot increments in each riser conduit section. The spiral support structure allows the bellows sections to be collapsed prior to deployment and ex^¬ tended as the capture vessel is lowered. The bellows and connection ring may be double wall construction to allow

insulation with hollow glass beads or other materials for thermal transfer control in the riser.

FIG. 13A shows a propulsor 1050 which may be inserted be^¬ tween adjacent riser conduit sections or mounted into selected connection rings to allow flow assistance for transfer of the effluent. FIG. 13B shows a riser conduit section 1040 with the propulsor 1050 installed and an additional thermal radiator ele- ment 1051 for enhanced convective flow control within the riser. Electrical cabling 1052 for power supply to the thermal radiator elements in the conduit sections and the proboscis descend along the support cables.

Initial deployment of the CCTV from a support ship 1054 is shown in FIG. 14. Capture vessel 1010 suspended from deployment cables 1025 extending from gantry 1056 is just entering the wa^¬ ter with a first riser conduit section 1040a concentrically sup^¬ ported on the deployment cables and with bellows element 1046 expanding with the descent of the capture vessel. A second con^¬ duit section 1040b is being position on the gantry to move into concentric engagement with the deployment cables. Interconnec^¬ tion of the distal end of the bellows in the second conduit sec^¬ tion to the connection ring of the first conduit section will then allow expansion of the second conduit section. Third conduit section 1040c and additional sections are then added as re- quired for the full extent of the riser.

A highly energetic discharge which may be present in, for example, an uncontrolled deep water oil and gas well blowout, can create significant turbulent flow in the water around the source. The resulting turbulence and buffeting may signifi- cantly hamper installation efforts for a containment system.

FIGs 15A-15D show sequential visualizations of the deployment of the CCTV embodiment described. In FIG. 15A, the capture vessel 1010 incorporating the collapsed skirt 1012 is hoisted into po^¬ sition over the discharge site by support ship 1054 and initial launching is conducted as describe with respect to FIG. 14. The capture vessel is then submerged into position over the dis^¬ charge site at the ocean floor using the anchor legs 1016 for engagement with and attachment to the ocean floor. Riser conduit sections are added during descent to provide a completed riser as shown in FIG. 15B. The proboscis 1018 is then extended down^¬ ward into the discharge plume (generally designated as 1060) where stabilizing and directing of the flow commences as repre^¬ sented in FIG. 15C. Heating of the radiator 1021 in the probos^¬ cis creates high convective energy for thermally entraining the discharge flow. Apertures in the proboscis allow entrainment of the flow from the effluent pool along the length of the probos^¬ cis. As shown in FIG. 15D, with the proboscis extended and gen- erating significant convective energy addition with the heating radiator, the discharge plume 1060 begins to be routed through the capture vessel. If a top closure system as defined in this application is employed, the flow initially will be directed through the cylindrical skirt 1012 upward along the riser con^¬ duit 1038 as well as through it. Upon closure of the chamber curtain closing the top of the capture vessel, all flow is di^¬ rected into the conduit. Jet current 1061 created by the con^¬ trolled flow will impinge on the flow zone created by the pro- boscis and create a bypass flow around the capture vessel. When flow control is established, then the anchor or base ring 1014 is deployed onto the ocean bottom extending the skirt to create isolating walls for the capture vessel to prevent further water inflow. The deployed capture vessel acts as a thermal taming chamber to organize and direct the flow of effluent being dis^¬ charged. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to provide venting capability at interface 1023 between the support ring and capture vessel cap 1011 to allow venting of gas which may accumulate in the capture vessel to avoid buoyancy effects.

As shown in FIG. 15E, the base ring or anchor ring 1014 is extended to the ocean floor drawing the skirt 1012 downward forming a perimeter around the leak. The system as completely deployed in the embodiment shown incorporates guy wiring 1062 from the connection rings of the riser conduit to the ocean bot- torn for stability. In deep water applications, guy wiring from upper sections of the riser may not be feasible as shown in the drawing and active positioning may be required to maintain the position of the flexible riser. A containment vessel or other collection reservoir 1063 is attached to the top of the riser for collection of the oil discharged from the leak by convective transfer. Sufficient diameter of the reservoir and riser conduit sections prevents blockage by methane hydrate icing. Oil and gas separation may be employed and recovered gas used to power gen^¬ eration equipment for the electrical power requirements of the proboscis heating radiator. The reservoir may be suspended below the surface for reduced impact of waves and surface currents. In alternative embodiments the reservoir itself may be located at the surface. One or more conduits 1065 are employed for transfer of the effluent to a surface vessel for processing. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 10, the base ring may employ transparent portals 1064 for external viewing of operation with in the capture vessel by ROVs or other means. Additionally, an entry such as a roll-up door 1066 may be employed for ingress and egress of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) into the fully deployed CCTV to operate on the internal components or the dis^¬ charge source. Adjustable louvers 1068 may be employed for pressure equalization with exterior of the CCTV if required.

While the embodiments disclosed herein are specifically de^¬ fined in terms of effluent capture from oil and gas leaks the structure disclosed is equally applicable to thermal energy con^¬ version and hydrothermal vent energy extraction.

As an additional element in the flow control system of the

CCTV for exceptional discharge conditions, a venturi 1070 may be employed as shown in FIG. 16. Suspended below the capture cham^¬ ber 1010 with the skirt 1012 and proboscis 1018 both in the re^¬ tracted position, venturi 1070 is equipped with a methanol dis- pensing conduit 1072 for methane hydrate control as previously described and a heating radiator 1074 comparable to the radiator in the proboscis. The venturi may be constructed of high

strength steel or cast concrete to provide a high mass resisting turbulence induced motion. Heating of effluent in the center of the venturi creates convective flow as previously described for the proboscis allowing capture and entrainment of a fluid jet. As shown in FIG. 17, multiple apertures 1076 may be present in the lower periphery of the venturi for additional flow entrainment. Upon completion of initial flow stabilization, the probos- cis is extended from the capture vessel to further entrain the flow as described previously. For the embodiment shown, the proboscis engages the top periphery of the venture to create the convective flow path. In alternative embodiments, the proboscis and venturi may be sized for internal or external concentric en- gagement .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A deep underwater oil leak containment system

comprising:

a skirt having a first collapsed position carried by a support structure and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring, the skirt having a second extended position with the anchor ring deployed downward from the support structure to the ocean bottom;

a collar supported from the support structure and connected to curtains extending from an upper periphery of the skirt, the curtains having a first open position concentric with the skirt;

a winch for drawing the curtains into a second closed position closely received around the collar and sealing the skirt to the collar; and,

an exhaust bellows extending upward from the collar to the ocean surface.

2. A deep underwater oil leak containment system as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for securing the support structure to the ocean bottom.

3. A deep underwater oil leak containment system in accordance with claims 1, wherein said securing means is an anchor .

4. A method for underwater oil leak containment

comprising:

providing a cylindrical skirt having a first collapsed position carried by a support structure and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring,

a collar supported from the support structure and connected to curtains extending from an upper periphery of the 2 skirt, the curtains having a first open position concentric with the skirt

lowering the support structure with the collapsed skirt and open curtains to the ocean bottom concentric with an oil leak;

deploying the anchor ring downward from the support structure to the ocean bottom extending the skirt to a second extended position;

drawing the curtains into a second closed position closely received around the collar sealing the skirt to the collar; and,

deploying an exhaust bellows extending upward from the collar to the ocean surface.

5. The method for underwater oil leak containment as defined in claim 4, further comprising the step of securing the support structure to the ocean bottom.

6. The method for underwater oil leak containment as defined in claim 5, wherein said securing step includes an anchor .

7. A containment and convective transfer vessel (CCTV) system comprising:

a capture vessel having a support ring and incorporating a skirt having a first collapsed position and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring, the skirt having a second extended position with the anchor ring

deployed downward from the capture vessel to the ocean bottom over a discharge site, the capture vessel including a

convective transfer system for entrainment of effluent from the discharge site;

anchors for securing the capture vessel to the ocean bottom; and,

a riser extending upward from the support ring to the ocean surface.

8. The containment and convective transfer vessel (CCTV) system as defined in claim 7 wherein the riser comprises a plurality of collapsible conduit sections each having a connection ring and an expandable bellows.

9. The containment and convective transfer vessel (CCTV) system as defined in claim 7 wherein the convective transfer system includes a telescoping proboscis having a heating radiator for convective flow control, said proboscis

extendible to entrain effluent from the discharge site.

10. The containment and convective transfer vessel (CCTV) system as defined in claim 7 further comprising a venturi suspended from the capture vessel and having a heating radiator for convective entrainment of effluent.

11. A method for underwater discharge effluent containment comprising :

providing a capture vessel having a support ring and incorporating a skirt having a first collapsed position and having a lower periphery attached to an anchor ring, ,

lowering the capture vessel with the collapsed skirt to the ocean bottom concentric with a discharge site;

deploying expandable riser conduit sections extending upward from the support ring to the ocean surface;

anchoring the capture vessel to the ocean bottom; extending a proboscis from the capture vessel for thermal convective entrainment of effluent from the discharge site; and,

deploying the anchor ring downward from the capture vessel to the ocean bottom extending the skirt to a second extended position for isolation of the discharge effluent from surrounding ocean water.

The method of claim 11 further comprising suspending a venturi having a thermal radiator from the capture vessel for thermal convective entrainment of effluent from the discharge site for initial flow direction.