Oil leak containment system and method
US9890618B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A20/204
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Apparatus for containing oil and/or gas leakage from a drilling operation (off-shore or on-shore) comprised of an expandable membrane surrounding a central spline, an apparatus adapted to the removal of the captured oil or gas, and a blowout-handling “fuse” capability. The bottom section of the off-shore version includes operator-controlled extension members to expand the membrane to fully surround the drill site. Any further leakage from the well site will further expand the membrane from the spline sections as it moves upward. When the leaked material reaches the top an extraction apparatus included allows it to be extracted safely.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.