E02B15/0814

CONTAINMENT BOOM, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONFINING AN OIL SPILL
20230047236 · 2023-02-16 · ·

A containment boom is for confining an oil spill within a restricted area on a water surface, wherein the containment boom has an openable link and connection means for connecting the containment boom at each side of the link to separate towing vessels. A system is for confining an oil spill having the containment boom and a storage means for storing the containment boom, wherein the storage means is configured to be situated at the perimeter of an offshore structure above the water surface, and wherein the lower part of the storage means is configured to be able to be opened and release the containment boom into the water upon deployment of the system. An offshore structure includes the system. A method is for confining an oil spill using the system.

Biochar containment boom and blanket
11499281 · 2022-11-15 · ·

A water remediation device is disclosed, including a water-permeable outer fabric defining a cavity therein, a buoyant core disposed within the cavity, and a mass of water remediation media including biochar disposed between the buoyant core and the water-permeable outer fabric. The remediation media is configured to reduce a quantity of a polyfluoroalkyl substance present in a sample of contaminated water when the remediation device is placed in the sample of contaminated water. The device may be formed into an elongated boom that is configured to float on or partially-submerge in water. Alternatively, the device may be formed of a pad or blanket that may be entirely submerged in water during use.

Onboard oil containment system

An oil containment system aboard a vessel includes a pneumatic system to provide power to a winch and reel assembly containing boom whereby the pneumatic supply is capable of simultaneously powering the winch-reel assembly for boom deployment through inflatable gas fed to a pneumatic motor while also inflating the boom. The inflation of the boom is accomplished by diverting, all or any portion thereof, the inflatable gas from a pneumatic supply through a hose that runs concurrently on the outside of the boom. The pneumatic supply originates from a single pneumatic system powering both the winch and reel assembly as well as associated brake and feeding inflatable gas pressure to the inflation hose running concurrently with the boom. The system can be utilized to confine a discharge of a floating material such as hydrocarbons floating on the surface from a vessel or structure.

SUBSEA BOOMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING A SUBSEA BOOMING SYSTEM
20170350085 · 2017-12-07 ·

A subsea blooming system and method of deploying a subsea blooming system includes a first buoyant module, a first line extending downwardly from the first buoyant module, a first ballast module affixed adjacent an end of the first line, at least one boom translatably connected to the first line, and a variable buoyant module cooperative with the boom. The first buoyant module is positively and non-variably buoyant. The first ballast module is negatively and non-variably buoyant. The boom includes a plurality of booms that are connected in end-to-end relationship in a desired array.

STRUCTURE WITH SUPPORTING INFLATABLE BEAM MEMBERS, AND METHOD FOR CONTAINING AND RECOVERING HYDROCARBONS OR TOXIC FLUIDS LEAKING FROM A COMPROMISED SUB-SEA STRUCTURE
20170298587 · 2017-10-19 · ·

A resiliently deformable containment structure having an open bottom end and a raised center portion. A central hub, situated centrally in a textile containment sheet, is provided. A plurality of elongate inflatable beam members are arranged circumferentially around the central hub, each extending radially outwardly and in a downwardly-extending manner therefrom and each underlying or overlying the textile containment sheet to support, when inflated, the textile containment sheet in a downwardly-extending shape to form an enclosure having an open bottom end. Distal ends of the inflatable beam members are tethered to one or more anchor members situated below the open bottom end of the dome structure. The structure is suited for placement above and over a compromised sub-sea structure for collecting and recovering to surface fluids which may be leaking therefrom. A method for containing and recovering such fluids from a compromised sub-sea structure is further disclosed.

Recovering mature fine tailings from oil sands tailings ponds
09782700 · 2017-10-10 · ·

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for recovering mature fine tailings (MFT) from oil sands tailings ponds. Some examples include a hollow, fully enclosed around its perimeter, ideally of cylindrical form, open bottom structure (a hollow conduit), of predetermined geometry, which is placed at the pond surface. The hollow conduit can penetrate MFT deposits to or below a level at which MFT of required density is located. A width or diameter of the hollow conduit can be determined with respect to the MFT inflow velocity and the corresponding shear rate, so as to enable MFT flow into the hollow conduit at a rate matching a rate at which the MFT is removed from the pond (e.g., a recovery rate). An MFT fill level inside the hollow conduit can be kept constant and equal to a required fill level throughout MFT recovery operations. MFT can enter the hollow conduit during MFT recovery operations solely under action of hydraulic head pressure. MFT can be transferred from within the hollow conduit utilizing a mechanical device such as a pump or a siphon, for transfer to shore based facilities and further processing.

INTEGRATED MARINE BARRIER

A submergible marine barrier protecting marine installations in a protected zone against intrusion and providing a containment barrier against spread of floating spills or bodies. The body of the barrier is supported above water by a main body thus preventing intrusion and containing floating spillage. A weight in main body keeps the barrier upright, and a rigid floatation chamber in the main body keeps it afloat when full of air. A skimming pipe collects floating pollution. Flooding the floatation chambers causes the barrier to submerge allowing access to the protected zone and protecting the barrier from storms. Body, main body, and floatation chambers are made of extruded material with flotation properties (e.g. plastic pipes). Floatation chambers are connected by air hoses and have air venting tubes at their bottom. Sensors detect approaching intruders and pollution, while spikes, barbed-wire and diver-net or any known barrier are used to stop them.

A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING FLOATING OBJECTS ON A SURFACE OF WATER

A method and system for collecting objects floating on or suspended near a surface of water. A collecting system is employed comprising a floating barrier. The collecting system is unanchored to or on the seabed such that the collecting system is free to move along the surface of the water. A submerged portion and non-submerged portion is provided connected to the floating barrier, such that a velocity of the floating barrier along the surface of the water differs from a surface velocity of the water at the location of the floating barrier. Collected plastic objects can be recycled. Further, the ocean currents are followed while being able to collect plastic.

Buoyant containment and/or filtration

Embodiments disclosed here include a containment system and methods of containment which may include a segmented buoyant rim. Certain embodiments also include an inflatable rim with at least one inflation/deflation valve in the rim segments and ballast in the rim segments. Additionally, certain embodiments include material connected to the rim segments, to enclose a void created in the rim and to hang below the buoyant rim.

RESTRICTIVE BARRIER
20210372066 · 2021-12-02 ·

A barrier for restriction of passage across or through a body of water, the barrier including a plurality of interconnected buoyant bodies which are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal array, a plurality of deterrent components on or between the buoyant bodies and obstructive material which in use extends downwardly from the buoyant bodies.