Structure with supporting inflatable beam members, and method for containing and recovering hydrocarbons or toxic fluids leaking from a compromised sub-sea structure
US10400411B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04H2015/201
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.