Abstract:
A containment machine for containing a contaminant in a body of water includes a set of buoy assemblies arrangeable in the body of water to form the end of a containment barrier for continuing the flow of contaminant in the body of water, cables being extendable from the respective buoy assemblies for holding barrier structure such as a set of truss/curtain assemblies which are connectable to form the containment barrier, a buoy sectional computer control unit in each of said buoy assemblies for receiving signals relating to the location of the respective barrier structure, the tension in the cables and the like, and for transmitting signals to a containment machine central computer control unit. The buoy sectional computer control unit also receives signals from a containment machine central computer control unit to establish set points for adjustment signals sent to the items under its control. Barges for each buoy assembly hold the barrier structure and other equipment for employment in the containment barrier, and a similar computer network exists including a barrier machine central computer control unit and barge sectional computer control units. A process for using the containment machine is also included.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/401,494, filed Aug. 13, 2010, under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to the containment of oil or other pollutants along coasts, shores, banks or the like or in the vicinity of offshore oil drilling, production, processing, storage platforms or the like in any body of water. The invention pertains more particularly to a containment assembly for oil or other pollutants in bodies of water involving the preparation and control of a barricade used in the body of water surrounding the oil or other pollutants in the body of water, and the method of using the containment assembly. 
         [0004]    2. Technical Field 
         [0005]    Oil spills can come from a number of sources, including oil tankers, oil drilling, extraction, processing, transportation and storage. 
         [0006]    The Oil Pollution Control Act passed in 1990 requires, among other things that the oil industry take greater precautions against spills and create detailed emergency response plans for cleaning up spills that do occur. To prevent widespread damage when spills occur, attempts are made to contain the spill using absorbent barriers or booms or to either skim or burn oil off the water&#39;s surface. Devices and methods for containing oil spills on marine surfaces are known in the art. Also, new bioremediation technologies are being developed using microorganisms to break the hydrocarbons down into less harmful compounds. When oil or other pollutant spills occur, these interventions to contain the spill take time to execute and are not good at containing the spread of the pollutant. For example, methods employed by BP to stop the leak or blowout in the Gulf of Mexico by shooting heavy drilling mud into the blown-out well 5,000 feet underwater or drilling relief wells took weeks and many attempts to realize results 
         [0007]    Because it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of contaminant spills on or in water during the extraction, processing, and transportation, it is important to have a well-designed plan in place that can be used to limit the spread. This invention can be ready and quickly deployed to drastically contain the spread of any contaminant. Effort has been made to design the apparatus in ways and using materials that are known and readily available, to facilitate speed of detail engineering, specification and deployment. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a containment system of oil or other pollutants in a body of water. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a containment system for oil or other pollutants in a body of water which includes at least one containment machine that can rapidly be prepared for operation and put into use. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a containment machine for oil or other pollutants in a body of water that can be suspended in the body of water around the oil or other pollutants to set up a barricade to contain the oil or other pollutants within the barricade. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a containment machine as set forth above which is in modular form and can be rapidly set up for operation. 
         [0012]    A still further object is to provide an oil or other pollutant-containment machine for a body of water, including a series of buoy assemblies which are arrangeable in a loop or other closed or partially closed shape to establish an upper end of the machine in the body of water, an electronic machine control assembly for controlling various components operatively connected to the respective buoy assemblies, and a barricade suspended from the buoy assemblies to block or impede the flow of oil or other pollutants through the barricade, where the buoy assemblies each has respectively an electronic machine control assembly (or buoy sectional computer control unit). 
         [0013]    Another related object of the present invention is to provide the containment machine where the barricade is open at its top and its bottom to enable large volumes of oil or other contaminant to be contained and removed such as by shuttle tankers. 
         [0014]    Another related object of the present invention is to provide the containment machine where the barricade can close at its top and open at its bottom to enable large volumes of oil to be contained and removed such as by shuttle tankers. 
         [0015]    Yet another related object of the invention is to provide an oil or other pollutant-containment machine for a body of water as set forth above where the barricade can be lowered or raised in the body of water by apparatus on the buoy assemblies under the control of the electronic containment machine central computer control unit, the lowering or raising being based on such factors as depth of the body of water, conditions in the body of water ambient to the system, the stability of the respective buoy assemblies and the condition of the other buoy assemblies and barricades suspended therefrom. 
         [0016]    It is still a further related object of the present invention to provide a containment machine as described above where the respective buoy assemblies have an appropriate keel structure to assist in maintaining the stability of the buoy assembly and of the containment machine. 
         [0017]    It is yet another object to provide as part of the barricade one or more items which have a compact condition for storage and for transport, and an enlarged condition for acting as a barrier to contaminants in the body of water. 
         [0018]    Yet another related object of the present invention is to provide a buoy and barricade assembly for the containment machine where the barricade includes a series of curtains extending between the surface of the body of water to near the depth of the body of water, and arranged in a general tubular form to contain the oil or other pollutants within the barricade. 
         [0019]    It is furthermore another related object of the present invention to provide a buoy and barricade assembly as described above where the buoy assemblies have an adjustable ballast apparatus which is adjustable in a controlled manner by the containment machine central computer control unit based on various factors affecting the buoy assembly. 
         [0020]    A related object is to provide a buoy and barricade assembly where the buoyancy of the respective buoy assemblies is adjustable by means of a ballast pump operated under the control of the containment machine central computer control unit and buoy sectional computer control units. 
         [0021]    Another related object of the present invention is the provision of a buoy and barricade assembly as described above where the barricade comprises a series of truss assemblies to which are attached curtain assemblies which are connectable between the surface of the body of water to near the depth of the body of water in a vertical direction, and side-by-side to form a general tubular assembly for containing the oil or other pollutants in position on the body of water within the tubular assembly. 
         [0022]    It is still an additional related object of the invention to provide the respective truss assembly and curtain assembly which is buoyant and in effect weightless in the body of water to facilitate its movement under the controls effected by the buoy sectional computer control unit and the containment machine central computer control unit. 
         [0023]    Another related provision of the invention is to provide a buoy assembly operatively connected to one or more respective truss assemblies and curtain assemblies by means of winches, cables to the respective truss assemblies and curtain assemblies, pulleys, and tension load cells, with respective motors and drive trains for operating the winches, under the control of the containment machine central computer control unit and the buoy sectional computer control unit, where data is transmitted, and control commands and set points are issued in real time. 
         [0024]    Another related provision of the invention is to provide a number of operatively connected computer control system components that issue control commands, set points, and other information-based instructions to control loops, which periodically update output control signals to various hardware which cause machine operation and action changes. 
         [0025]    It is another related object of the invention to provide the containment machine central computer control unit and the buoy sectional computer control unit having the appropriate Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) hardware and software. 
         [0026]    It is still a further related object of the invention to further incorporate an anchor structure for the respective buoy assemblies which is connected to the respective buoy assemblies based on the location of the respective buoy assemblies and on the depth of the body of water where the respective buoy assemblies are to be located. 
         [0027]    Another related object of the present invention is the provision of an anchor assembly for the respective buoy assemblies where the anchor assembly includes an anchor which is part of and attached to a respective buoy assembly by one or more cables windable within the respective buoy assemblies by appropriate guides and rollers under the control of motor-run winches, where the respective motors are controlled by the electronic containment machine central computer control unit and buoy sectional computer control units. 
         [0028]    Another related object of the invention is to provide buoy assemblies as described above which can be adapted to several modes, one for transport to a location in a body of water, one for deployment and recovery, and one for operation. 
         [0029]    Yet still a further related object of the invention is to provide a truss assembly as described above with effective and efficient buoyancy tanks. 
         [0030]    Another related object of the invention is to provide a truss assembly as discussed above having elements for attaching the respective truss assembly to a corresponding curtain assembly being suspended therefrom, and to adjacent truss assemblies and curtain assemblies located on either side thereof. 
         [0031]    It is another related object of the invention to provide a buoy assembly comprised of winch control loops, depth control loops, wireless or tethered communication with other components of an overall control system, components for acquiring data from different variables relating to the respective buoy assemblies, and from the respective truss assemblies and curtain assemblies, the data relating to conditions of the body of water, components for monitoring the integrity of the overall containment machine and components thereof, components for monitoring weather conditions and components for monitoring the installation state of the inventive containment machine. 
         [0032]    It is another related object of the invention to provide redundancy for the containment machine central computer control unit, the buoy sectional computer control unit and the buoy assembly, the buoy assembly including a generator, wireless radio equipment, absolute position sensors for the respective lines and cables, and a GPS for positioning the respective components of the inventive buoy assembly and containment machine. 
         [0033]    Another related object of the invention is to provide an electronic buoy sectional computer control unit for each of the respective buoy assemblies for managing each section of containment rings of a containment machine. 
         [0034]    An additional related object of the present invention is to provide an oil or pollutant containment system for a body of water, where the containment system is set up as a group of containment machines operating independently, including the operation of respective motors and mechanical devices under specified computer-driven set of parameters, each control unit using a personal communication network. 
         [0035]    It is a further related object of the present invention to provide an oil or other pollutant-containment machine for a body of water where the containment machine is adapted to be put in place to achieve the containment by barges holding respective containment machine components, the containment machine being composed respectively of buoy assemblies with electronic buoy sectional computer control units, truss assemblies connected to curtain assemblies, and apparatus on the respective buoy units to control the lowering and raising the truss/curtain assemblies based on data collected on the variables which could affect the operation of the respective components of the containment machine. 
         [0036]    These and other objects can be determined from the description to follow and from the appended claims. 
         [0037]    In the preferred embodiment of the invention discussed below, a containment machine is described as having an item or items to form a contaminant barrier. The item or items have a compact or collapsed condition for facilitating the storage and transport of a containment machine, and an enlarged condition for forming the containment barrier when in a body of water. This item or items is described generally herein as a “barrier structure,” and the barrier structure in the preferred embodiment of the invention is a truss/curtain assembly. Other versions of the barrier structure include rolled-up materials which can be rolled up to the compact condition, materials stored in concertina fold in the compact condition and unfolded in the enlarged condition and the like. Also, the central computer central computer control is described as a “containment machine central computer control unit.” However, the central computer control need not be confined to a hardware unit but could include software systems. In its broad sense, the central computer control is referred to as a “containment machine central computer control.” Likewise, the buoy sectional computer control is described in the preferred embodiment as a “buoy sectional computer control unit,” but it too could include software systems instead of hardware in a hardware unit. In its broad sense it is referred to herein as a “buoy sectional computer control.” A flexible, floating containment system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised of at least one containment machine having a series of buoy assemblies with anchors and truss/curtain assemblies. The containment machine has components that are pre-fabricated and available as modules. The truss/curtain assemblies remain on barges and the buoy assemblies are tethered together ready for towing in the vicinity of offshore oil drilling, production, processing, storage platforms or the like in any body of water. They are erected on location when needed using barges and cranes mounted thereon. The buoy assemblies are composed of:
       winches, complete with cables, tension load cells, motors, drive trains or the like;   ballast control pumps; and   buoy sectional computer control unit, including data (SCADA) hardware and software;   keels and controls for the keels (keels may be removable if required for transportation);   installation carriage to facilitate installation;   system of pulleys and carriages to facilitate deployment and removal; and   an anchor sized for depth and marine conditions.
 
The term “buoy assembly” means any item which functions as a buoy, which could be a water vessel of some sort.
       
 
         [0045]    Ballasts located in the respective buoy assemblies and two adjustable keels projecting from the bottom of a buoy hull which control upright floatation apparatus are provided according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. The buoy assemblies are positioned a truss length apart. From a plan perspective, the buoy assemblies form the outline which will ultimately determine the shape of the closed containment machine. The ballasts, control pumps, winches and electronic buoy sectional computer control unit are located inside the buoy assembly. An anchor hangs from the bottom of the respective buoy assemblies and is attached to cables that are wound around the pulleys to the winches inside the buoy assembly. The length of the cable is determined by the location of the contaminant and the depth of the body of water that needs to be protected. From the winches, the cables are externalized as they run through water seals to the pulleys in the top of the buoy assembly, and down through cable guide pipes exiting the bottom of the buoy assembly. An installation carriage, composed of external guides, rollers, and a cable trolley are used in the buoy assemblies so that the external cables are accessible during the loading embodiment. The buoy assembly can be in one of three “modes,” namely:
       a sea transport mode, where an anchor secured directly under the buoy assembly and the installation carriage in a rest position;   a deployment and recovery mode, in which the anchor is down, the installation carriage out to the side; and   an in-place operation, where the anchor is down, and the installation carriage in a rest position.       
 
         [0049]    The truss/curtain assembly is comprised of: 
         [0050]    a truss assembly, including:
       buoyancy tanks;   a truss;   truss end plates, shackles, and possibly side guides for ropes and buoy anchor arrangements; and   an arrangement at the top of the truss for facilitating the attachment of the top of the lower curtain during installation; and       
 
         [0055]    a curtain assembly, which includes:
       a containment curtain;   a curtain flotation band;   curtain side fasteners; and   a curtain top flap.
 
The truss/curtain assembly is prefabricated and loaded onto barges. The truss/curtain assemblies are preferably available as modules and are assembled when needed. The shape, length and material of the truss assembly are determined based on marine conditions in the vicinity of the offshore oil drilling, production, processing, storage platforms or the like that the invention is meant to protect in the event of a contaminant spill. Buoyancy tanks that are part of the assembly are pre-attached to the respective truss assemblies. The buoyancy tanks can be pressurized for different depths. Truss end-plates and shackles are used to loosely connect the truss assemblies end-to-end during deployment.
       
 
         [0060]    A variety of curtain materials, thicknesses, sizes and configurations for the curtain assemblies are available depending on marine conditions and types of spills. Curtain materials include PVC coated polyester fabric, steel, aluminum, and the like. Rigid curtain material like aluminum, steel and the like are preferably fabricated as two plates separated by buoyant material. The buoyant material is advantageously located at the top of the fabric or flexible curtain, and creates a constant upward, positive curtain tension away from the bottom truss assemblies connected to the cables. In all designs, each curtain assembly is buoyant. When deployed, the curtain assemblies are fastened to the cables which extend from the winches located in the buoy assemblies down to the anchors sitting on the sea bed floor. Electronic buoy sectional computer control units are located in the buoy assemblies and are used to maintain a constant tension on the cables at all times and to monitor and acquire data from sensors located on the truss assemblies. 
         [0061]    Curtain assemblies are pre-attached to the truss assemblies and loaded onto the barges. Aluminum and steel curtain panels are transported either laying flat or braced upright. The fabric curtains and their truss assemblies can be rolled up and laid flat on the barges. 
         [0062]    The containment machine is comprised of the following: 
         [0063]    containment machine central computer control unit, to do real time controls and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) including the following:
       winch control loops;   depth control loops;   data acquisition components;   water quality monitoring components   structure integrity monitoring components;   buoy ballasts controls;   weather monitoring components;   Human Machine Interface (HMI); and   installation components; and       
 
         [0073]    hardware to support the containment machine central computer control units which include the following:
       Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) or the like device including a Computer Control Unit which is an industrial grade system and network;   uninterruptable power supply (UPS);   wireless radio equipment and/or tethered communication;   redundant Computer Control Units;   absolute position sensors for rope location; and   GPS for positioning.
 
Containment machine central computer control units of the containment machine are operated remotely, and are operatively connected to buoy sectional computer control units. The latter are respectively located in each buoy assembly and are used to manage each section of the containment machine. Sensors operatively connected to the buoy sectional computer control units are located on each truss assembly. The combination of buoy sectional computer control units and sensors creates a large containment machine that manages a plurality of generator sets, motors and motor drives for constant control and feedback of the apparatus function and operational conditions. The containment machine central control unit operates in real time, and provides “set points” and control commands to the buoy assembly and barge assembly sectional computer controls, as discussed below, to be used in their control loops, including feedback, to continuously adjust the machine operation in real time.
       
 
         [0080]    Each buoy sectional computer control unit operates independently within its own “sphere of control.” Specific responsibilities of each buoy sectional computer control unit includes the operation of the respective buoy asembly motors and mechanical functions within a specified computer driven set of parameters, using its own “personal area” communications network. 
         [0081]    All buoy sectional computer control units are in constant communication with the containment machine central computer control unit. The containment machine central computer control unit is responsible for control of the overall containment machine functions of the entire apparatus including the relationship of each of the independent buoy sectional computer control units to each other and communications to the outside world. Each buoy sectional computer control unit receives parameters of operation from the containment machine central computer control unit and constantly submits sensor information back to the containment machine central computer control unit so that the quality of operations is monitored at all times. This is all done in real time. All parts of the containment machine system will need to be appropriate for the environment they will be operating in. They must be explosion-proof where required and comply with appropriate national electric codes and regulations. Redundancy and safety considerations will also be met. 
         [0082]    The buoy sectional computer control unit housed in each buoy assembly lowers or raises the anchor of the buoy assembly, increases or decreases the tension of the cables or ropes, raises and lowers its section of the “containment arrangements” which are composed of truss/curtain assemblies. Each level of the combination of barrier structures in the containment machine, which in the preferred embodiment means each level of interconnected truss assemblies and curtain assemblies when the combination is in a body of water, is expected to be in the form of a ring, and the term “containment ring” is used substantially herein. However, there may be some situations due, for example, to water currents at certain levels in the body of water, where a ring would not be as effective as some other arrangement which would not require a closed loop at all. The broad term used herein for the shape of the combination of barrier structures at each level of this part of the containment machine is used herein a “barrier arrangement.” Each buoy sectional computer control unit is programmed to read its assigned sensors and perform its assigned functions (sometimes using feedback loops) in its prescribed area of control so that its buoy sectional computer control unit is acting appropriately for its position in the overall containment machine. For example, when the containment machine central computer control unit instructs each of the buoy assemblies to lower the truss/curtain assembly in a containment ring at a specific rate, each buoy assembly will lower it in coordinated fashion, even though each buoy sectional computer control unit may have variations of requirements in its specific microcosm that it is managing for itself. Each buoy sectional computer control unit controls the speed of its specific operation to ensure that it is continuously meeting the “set point” issued by the containment machine central computer control unit. The “set point” is continuously adjusted due to real-time commands from the containment machine central computer control. 
         [0083]    This large containment machine will generally be making movements with a long time base. Things will be moving relatively slowly. 
         [0084]    There are two separated sets of machines that will be working under computer control. Under some operating conditions there may be more than one containment machine central computer control unit, most probably installation and deinstallation, there could be an overall central computer control unit for controlling the operation of each of the containment machine central computer control units and the barge machine central computer control unit discussed below. The foregoing two separate machines are the following: 
         [0085]    1. The containment machine, which has:
       a containment machine central computer control unit;   a containment machine SCADA system;   a plurality of buoy sectional computer control units (one unit in each buoy assembly); and   software specific to the containment machine.       
 
         [0090]    2. The Barge Machine, which aids in the installation and contaminant collection, includes:
       a barge machine central computer control unit;   a barge machine SCADA system;   a plurality of barge machine sectional computer control systems (one system for each barge); and   software specific to the barge machine.       
 
         [0095]    The containment machine central computer control unit is located apart from the overall structure/machine on a ship, tug boat or the like, and includes:
       computer control unit, or RTU or C-WAVE (a particular type of industrial grade system and networks) or the like for computer control of all the assemblies;   communication structure for communicating with all other computer control units, or RTUs or C-WAVES on the buoy sectional computer control units via Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) or Wired or Optical Personal Area Network (PAN) or the like;   communication networks with Internet to outside world, including WIFI, cellular or the like;   communication with containment SCADA system;   means for human machine interface. This is the main way that people interact with the containment machine, and it may be via the computer control units, or RTUs or C-WAVE, containment assembly SCADA system, or another computer hooked into the network; and   monitoring sensors, as required.       
 
         [0102]    All physical pieces preferably should have full redundancy and be operating in “hot” back-up mode (i.e., able to take over immediately). 
         [0103]    The containment machine central computer control unit performs the following functions (or the like):
       accepting the control parameters entered by a human;   coordinating the operation of the buoy sectional computer control unit for installation and de-installation;   establishing and communicating the appropriate tension set points to the buoy sectional computer control units in a continuous, real-time manner;   ensuring all buoy sectional computer control units work in concert for the control of the overall apparatus; and   ensuring the whole apparatus of operating to set parameters and ensuring that there are corrective actions and/or alarms if values are outside of set ranges, by using various sensors on the containment machine.       
 
         [0109]    Each buoy assembly includes:
       buoy sectional computer control;   generator sets for power;   motor, gear box, brake, drive train and winch assemblies complete with load cells and other sensors;   ballast control pumps;   keel controls; and   an installation carriage to facilitate deployment.       
 
         [0116]    The buoy sectional computer control unit each includes;
       computer control unit, or RTU or C-WAVE (or the like) for computer control of all the assemblies, devices for communication with all the sensors, and for performance of control instructions (with redundancy);   Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) or Wired or Optical Personal Area Network (PAN) and the like for connection of all the pieces of the sectional system; and   communication devices connected to the containment machine central computer control unit (this would be wireless for main operation, perhaps with wired, tethered and set up for emergency operation).       
 
         [0120]    Each buoy sectional computer control unit performs the following functions (or the like):
       communicating with the containment machine central computer control unit, to send sensor and other data as required and receive instructions;   meeting the requirements to meet the “set points” issued by the containment machine central computer control unit;   communicating with its sensors;   operating winch control loops;   operating depth control loops;   operating buoy ballast controls;   performing installation state changes, including controlling of the installation carriage; and   performing monitoring functions to monitor the following:
           water quality;   structural integrity; and   weather.   
               
 
         [0132]    The barge machine includes a barge machine central computer control unit. The barge machine central computer control unit is located apart from the overall container machine central control unit on a ship, tug boat or the like, and includes:
       one or more computer control unit, or RTU or C-WAVE or the like for computer control of all the barge assemblies,   communicating devices for communicating with all other Computer control unit, or RTU or C-WAVES or the like on the respective barge assemblies via Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN or Wired or Optical Personal Area Network (PAN) and the like);   communicating devices with Internet-to-outside world by means of WIFI, cellular or the like;   communicating devices with the barge machine SCADA system;   apparatus for human machine interface. This is the main way that people interact with the machine, and it may be via the computer control unit, or RTU or C-WAVE system or the like, the barge machine SCADA system, or another computer hooked into the communication assembly central network; and   monitoring sensors, as required.       
 
         [0139]    All physical pieces should have full redundancy and be operating in “hot” back-up mode. This means that they should be able to take over immediately in case of failure of any of the respective physical pieces. 
         [0140]    The barge machine central computer control unit performs the following functions (or the like):
       monitoring the operational status of all the barge assemblies—for example, if the barge assemblies are in the mode of collecting contaminants, the barge machine central computer control unit monitors the fill level of each barge assembly, the barge machine central computer control unit would effect the dispatching of tug boats and empty barge assemblies; and   acquiring data from respective barge machine sectional computer control units and communicating the acquired data appropriately to the outside world.       
 
         [0143]    The barge machine sectional computer control unit aids in the installation and contaminant collection if needed. Each barge machine sectional computer control system (or the like) includes:
       generator sets for power;   crane controls;   ballast controls;   pumps for collection of contaminant;   gas level monitoring equipment;   computer control unit, or RTU or C-WAVE or the like for computer control of all the respective barge machine components, communication with all the sensors, performance of control instructions (with redundancy) of the barge machine central computer control unit;   Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) for connection of all the pieces of the sectional system; and   communication devices operatively connected to the barge machine central computer control unit for barges (wireless for main operation, perhaps with wired or tethered, and set up for emergency operation).       
 
         [0152]    Each barge machine sectional computer control unit controls all equipment on each of the respective barge assemblies. 
         [0153]    The barge assembly is comprised of the following:
       flat deck to hold the truss/curtain assemblies;   cranes to facilitate installation;   one or more barge machine sectional computer control unit, or RTU or C-WAVE or the like for computer control of barge machine components;   radios;   bladder ballast tank to permit sea water to replace oil for buoyancy in rough seas (possibly bladder with two compartments);   separators for first level processing;   pumps and skimming equipment to be integrated with the cranes;   control system for a barge machine SCADA system;   generator sets for power;   all explosion-proof wiring;   fire pumps equipment, and foam equipment etc.;   gas level monitoring equipment;   life safety equipment, and pods sea-survival equipment;   anchor system for the barge assembly;   first aid equipment; and;   a small propeller system to move the barge away from a containment machine in case of fire or other emergency.       
 
         [0170]    The size of the barge assembly is determined by the truss assembly lengths. The ballasts tanks can be used to store siphoned oil and act as a capture vessel if needed. The chambers can hold up to 8000 barrels of oil. The stored oil would be offloaded to shuttle tankers to take the oil to shore for further processing. 
       Method of Installation 
       [0171]    Generally, there are many active platforms for offshore oil drilling and capture in one area at a time; for example the Gulf of Mexico and the like. Multiple instances of the invention can be available and ready for deployment in areas of high activity in an event of leakage from any one of the active platforms. The containment barrier modules and the barges are meant to be maintained in a state of continuous operational readiness. 
         [0172]    The containment barrier is fabricated as separate modular components and can be easily transported by plane, rail and/or barge. It is meant to be assembled when needed and can be mobilized to the site and be operational within days. To determine the optimum barrier shape and configuration for the intended location and the number of modules needed pre-planning and analysis, the following is required:
       1. site survey and risk assessment;   2. marine conditions; and   3. deployment requirements: where the modules should be located (on barges or on shore) and waiting.       
 
         [0176]    The site survey, risk assessment, marine conditions and deployment requirements dictates:
       truss design and material specifications,   truss connection design,   buoyancy tank design, pressure specifications,   curtain assembly design (flexible, rigid etc.), size and material specifications,   cable specifications,   anchor design and specifications,   stiffener requirements, and   buoy assembly size.       
 
         [0185]    The overall shape and number of modular components needed is determined by the size of a potential spill, depth of water, marine conditions and the like. The component architecture is easily assembled to create a barricade between the escaped oil and other pollutants and uncontaminated fresh or salt water. 
         [0186]    Once the structure is assembled based on information from the site survey and marine conditions, measurements are made to keep the structure within its operating limits. 
         [0000]    This includes:
       measuring the tension in the cables;   winch movement; and   buoy assembly level in the water.       
 
         [0190]    The containment barrier is a tubular barrier which is not sealed; rather it is open at the top and bottom allowing the contaminant to flow to the surface in a controlled and contained manner. The circumference of the containment barrier is intended to be large so that large volumes of oil can be contained and removed by shuttle tankers stationed outside of the barrier ring. The shuttle tankers or capture vessels ship the oil to shore for further processing. However, covers can be employed in a non-sealing manner in the event of inclement weather. 
         [0191]    Possible scenarios for getting the buoy assemblies in place:
       using a tug boat, in which a chain of the buoy assemblies are assembled behind the tug boat and pulled to location;   determining the size and optimal shape of the circumference of the system required to limit current drag forces then determine the GPS location of each buoy assembly;   using GPS to position each buoy assembly and dropping the anchors of the respective buoy assemblies one at a time, using under sea cameras to verify proper seating;   getting communication system (buoy assembly SCADA) up and running;   using another tug boat to bring in the flat deck barge assemblies carrying the truss/curtain assemblies complete with curtains; or   attaching all barge assemblies and buoy assemblies, with the anchor for the respective buoy assemblies up, tow to sea in place for the proper geometry then start lowering the anchors and proceed to installation.       
 
         [0198]    Each flat deck barge assembly has a number of small cranes (or the like) to lift the truss/curtain assemblies into place. 
         [0199]    Each containment machine is composed of containment rings of truss assemblies and curtain assemblies connected together in a closed tube-like structure virtually positioned in a body of water over a containment-containing location. The following is a brief description of the deployment of the containment machine: 
         [0200]    First or bottommost containment ring:
       with the barges on the outside of the circle or the like shape, move the truss assembly into the inside of the circle (or other closed shape) of buoy assemblies;   shackle each truss assembly to its neighboring truss assembly to form a complete enclosure;   attach the truss assembly at the junction point of the two truss assembly ends to the lowering cable from the respective buoy assemblies into the body of water; and   when the containment assembly enclosure is totally secured to the cables, the containment machine central computer control unit will give instructions to the buoy sectional computer control units to lower the respective truss assemblies, unrolling the respective curtain assemblies to their full extension.       
 
         [0205]    Second and subsequent rings:
       with the barges on the outside of the containment machine enclosure, move the truss assembly into the inside of the buoy assembly;   shackle each truss assembly to its neighboring truss assembly to form a complete circle (although the word “circle” is used, it means a closed figure);   attach the truss assembly at the junction point of the two truss assembly ends to the lowering cable;   attach the top of the lower curtain to the next truss assembly;   when the circle is totally secured to the cables and to the appropriate previous curtain assembly, the control system will lower the truss assembly, unrolling the curtain assembly to its full extension while installers secure the sealing web material making each curtain assembly a closed structure;   when the last curtain assembly is to be installed, a better seal is required for in between the curtain assembly to absolutely have a closed containment assembly wall to retain the oil until skimmed and pumped into the appropriate tank onto the barges.       
 
         [0212]    There are several shape configurations for the containment assembly including the following:
       basic cylinder (“cylinder” means a regular shaped geometric figure such as a hexagon) with straight sides in an emergency situation is the fastest to deploy;   a shape to take into account stronger currents and to reduce drag forces; for example, it could be a pie shape with the pointed side facing into the current;   a shape for diverting any possible gas bubbles away from the drilling equipment, i.e., offset where the stem pipe will cross the sock structure to divert any bubbles which would come and affect the buoyancy of the rig or drilling ship or the like; and   a leaning structure leaning from the bottom to the top to place to containment away from the drill ship.       
 
         [0217]    There are different methods to secure the structure at different levels, including the following:
       employ a system of buoy assemblies and anchor them away from the containment assembly area with a guy wire attached at different levels; or   employ different buoy assemblies in a closed or open shape at different levels, to redirect flows and lessening the forces on the main containment machine.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0220]    A more complete understanding of the present invention, description, advantages, objects and methods thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which reference numbers indicate like features. 
           [0221]    It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and methods and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0222]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in its final erected state in a body of water. 
           [0223]      FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing barges with components of other parts of the invention, in position to be unloaded in a body of water. 
           [0224]      FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention with components of the invention being lowered into a body of water. 
           [0225]      FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing an arrangement for directing/deflecting water current. 
           [0226]      FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing an arrangement for compensating for water current. 
           [0227]      FIG. 6  is a schematic isometric view of interconnected rigid trusses according to the preferred embodiment of the invention with stiffeners for resisting lateral forces. 
           [0228]      FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention with a buoy assembly and anchor positioned to the side of the barricade formed by the respective buoy assemblies and the connected curtain assemblies and truss assemblies. 
           [0229]      FIG. 8  is a schematic isometric view of the rigid truss configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0230]      FIG. 9  is a schematic perspective view of the rigid truss connector assembly used to join two truss assemblies according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0231]      FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention having a sealing cover with gas scrubbers installed thereon. 
           [0232]      FIG. 11  is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention with the barricade whose cross section is in the shape of a triangle. 
           [0233]      FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective view of a rigid metal curtain forming a possible part of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0234]      FIG. 13  is a schematic side view of a rigid curtain forming a possible part of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0235]      FIG. 14  is a detailed view taken in the direction A-A in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0236]      FIG. 15  is a schematic perspective view of a buoy assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0237]      FIG. 16  is a schematic front view of the buoy assembly shown in  FIG. 15 , with the front plate removed to show the interior of the buoy assembly. 
           [0238]      FIG. 17  is a schematic isometric view of the buoy assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the invention with an anchor structure fully extended. 
           [0239]      FIG. 18  is a schematic side view of the buoy assembly illustrating the installment carriage according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0240]      FIG. 19  is a schematic perspective view of the truss assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0241]      FIG. 20  is a schematic perspective view of a curtain assembly attached to a truss assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0242]      FIG. 21  is a schematic perspective view of curtain assemblies and truss assemblies suspended from three buoy assemblies according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0243]      FIG. 22  is a schematic perspective view of curtain assemblies and truss assemblies suspended from three buoy assemblies in detail as shown in item A in  FIG. 21 . 
           [0244]      FIG. 23  is a schematic perspective view of curtain assemblies and truss assemblies suspended from three buoy assemblies in detail as shown in item B in  FIG. 21 . 
           [0245]      FIG. 24  is a schematic perspective view of two curtain assemblies connected together according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0246]      FIG. 25  is a schematic perspective view of the detail shown in item A of  FIG. 24 . 
           [0247]      FIG. 26  is a schematic perspective view of a barge carrying cranes and two buoy assemblies according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0248]      FIG. 27  is a plan view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 26 . 
           [0249]      FIG. 28  is a flow diagram of the electronic containment machine central computer control unit according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0250]      FIG. 29  is a flow diagram of the electronic barge machine central computer control unit according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0251]      FIG. 30  is a schematic perspective view of a truss connection assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0252]      FIG. 31  is a schematic side view of the truss connection assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0253]      FIG. 32  is a schematic front view of the truss connection assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0254]      FIG. 33  is a schematic perspective view of the barge with the deck plate removed according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0255]      FIGS. 34 ,  35  and  36  are sections of a generalized high level flow chart for the buoy sectional computer control unit controller for installation, run and dismantle modes of operation according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0256]      FIG. 1  shows a series of buoy assemblies  30  from which are suspended a set of truss assemblies  70  and a set of curtain assemblies  90  forming part of a containment machine  10 . Although the term “truss” is used herein, which generally means a structural framework, especially one arranged in triangles, used to support other items and is preferred in the structure being described herein, other elongated support structures are also included in the term “truss” as used herein. A set of barges, or the like (hereinafter referred to as “barges”)  50  ( FIGS. 2 ,  26 ,  27 ) have been omitted in  FIG. 1  to more clearly show buoy assemblies  30  floating on the water surface. Buoy assemblies  30  are positioned above the ends of each respective truss assemblies  70 , forming a hexagon around a contaminant source. Truss/curtain assemblies  70 ,  90 , designated hereinafter by numeral  100 , are attached to cables  31  that extend from winches (discussed below) through pulleys (also discussed below) located in buoy assemblies  30  and terminate at anchors  41  which sit on the ocean floor. Respective cables  31  are connected together to form a set of cables  150 . In this embodiment, there are two concentric and coaxial series of truss assemblies  70  and curtain assemblies  90  attached together and connected to set of cables  150 . Multiple containment rings  152  (“rings” means any closed configuration, not necessarily circular) (1 to n) are formed at each level of a closed set of truss/curtain assemblies  100 , and submerged. Each set of attached containment rings  152  forms a tubular barrier  55  (“tubular” means any closed figure which need not have a circular cross section) which is not sealed; rather it is open at the top and bottom allowing the contaminant to flow to the surface in a controlled and contained manner. There is enough space between the sea bed floor and the bottom curtain for pressure equalization. 
         [0257]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , truss/curtain assemblies  100  have been loaded onto the barges  50 . Tug boats have towed buoy assemblies  30  or barges  50  into position in the shape and circumference (or peripheral length) to contain the contaminant. The position of buoy assemblies  30 , determined by GPS, is based on site specific marine calculations to minimize current forces. A set of cranes  51  are in the ready position. Buoy assemblies  30 , with a set of anchors  41  in the transport position ready to be dropped, are attached to barge assemblies  50  with cranes  51 . 
         [0258]      FIG. 3  shows the erection of truss assemblies  70  and curtain assemblies  90 . Truss assemblies  70  have been loaded onto barges  50 . The tug boats have towed buoy assemblies  30  and barges  50  into position in the shape and circumference to contain the contaminant. Cranes  51  are shown in the ready position. Buoy assemblies  30  are attached respectively to the barges  50 . Buoy assemblies  30  are positioned above the ends of each truss assembly  70 , forming a hexagon around the contaminant source. The truss/curtain assemblies  70 ,  90  are attached to cables  31  that extend from a set of winches  43  (discussed below) located in respective buoy assemblies  30  through a set of pulleys  44  (discussed below) and terminate at anchors  41  which sit on the ocean floor. In this embodiment, there are two concentric series of truss assemblies  70  and curtain assemblies  90  attached together and connected to the cables  31 . The multiple (1-n) containment rings  152  are submerged. Tubular barrier  55  is not sealed; rather, it is open at the top and bottom allowing the contaminant to flow to the surface in a controlled and contained manner. There is enough space between the sea bed floor and the bottom curtain assembly  90  for pressure equalization. The number of containment rings  152  is determined by depth and curtain specifications, and is generally many more than two. 
         [0259]      FIG. 4  shows the preferred embodiment arranged to compensate for water current. In this case, the shape of tubular barrier  55  is hexagonal with concentric curtain/truss assemblies  100  forming containment rings  152  extending to near the water body floor. An attached unit has been added to direct/deflect current. A deflection unit  91  is comprised of three buoy assemblies  30 , each having anchor  41 , and rigid curtain/truss assemblies  100  in a V shape. 
         [0260]      FIG. 5  shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention also compensating for water current. In this case, the shape of determined by marine conditions is long, narrow and pointed at both ends positioned parallel to water current. Each curtain/truss assembly  100  includes curtains  106  made of steel plates. Buoyant material  108  is located between the plates. Buoy assemblies  30  are positioned above the ends of each truss assembly  70 . The truss/curtain assemblies  100  are attached to cables  31  that extend from winches  43  (discussed below) through pulleys  44  (discussed below) located in the buoy assemblies  30  and terminate at anchors  41  which sit on the ocean floor. 
         [0261]      FIG. 6  depicts a rigid truss configuration  80  having truss assemblies  70  connected together by rigid truss connectors  78  with a set of stiffeners  74  designed to resist lateral forces like current, wind and the like. 
         [0262]      FIG. 7  shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention having a buoy assembly  30  located off to the side of truss/curtain assemblies  100 . Cable  105  is connected to anchor  41  of side-located buoy assembly  30  and to an intersection of truss assemblies  70 . The tension of cable  105  can be controlled. Cable  105  is used to direct the containment assembly  10  to a desired position. 
         [0263]      FIG. 8  illustrates a rigid truss assembly configuration composed of interconnected truss assemblies  70 . The shape is determined by marine conditions such as water depth at the location of the truss, water currents, water quality and water conditions. 
         [0264]      FIG. 9  is a detail of the rigid truss connector  78  used to join two truss assemblies  70 . Other connectors can be used such as gusset plates and the like. Rigid truss connector  78  is a truncated pyramid-like structure having four inclined side faces  114 , each narrow face having narrow surfaces connected to a rectangular end plate  116 . Connector  78  is made from a non-corrosive metal. 
         [0265]      FIG. 10  depicts the preferred embodiment of the invention with a sealing covering  110  extending over the top of containment machine  10 , and having mounted thereon gas scrubbers  111 . In hurricane conditions, barges  50  would need to be brought back to the containment site. With a sealing cover  110  over the exposed contaminant, the entire structure of the containment machine  10  and attached barges  50  could be lowered under the water a safe distance. The contaminant could be pumped from containment machine  10  to the likewise submerged barges  50  until the hurricane or the like has passed. For safety, gas scrubbers  111  would also need to be part of the cover  110  with a means to vent safely to the surface. 
         [0266]      FIG. 11  shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention where the containment machine  10  has the shape of a triangle. This shape was utilized due to the marine conditions like those noted above. 
         [0267]      FIG. 12  illustrates a rigid metal curtain assembly  102 . It includes curtain assembly  102  and a buoyancy material  116 . 
         [0268]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the rigid curtain assembly  102 , also showing buoyancy material  116 . 
         [0269]      FIG. 14  is a detail of rigid metal curtain assembly  102  showing buoyancy material  116  located between the steel plates and a buoyancy band  118  along the top of the curtain assembly  102 . 
         [0270]      FIG. 15  is a view of a buoy assembly  30 , external view of the cables  31 , a set of two keels  34  and anchor weight  41 . Two keels  34  project from the bottom of the buoy  30  for stability. Buoy assemblies  30  are towed into position and float upright in situ. The winches  43  and electronic controls (not shown) are located inside the buoy hull  35 . The cables  31  are attached to anchor weight  41  at a set of anchor pulleys  42 , cable  31  being threaded up through the bottom of the buoy assembly  30  through a pair of cable guide pipes  39 , wound around pulleys  44 , then threaded down through a pair of water seals  33  at the top of buoy assembly  30 , and threaded onto a pair of winches  43 A and  43 B. Seals  33  are disposed at the top so that water cannot enter in the buoy assembly chamber. The cables  31  are externalized in this way so that truss assemblies  70  can be attached manually during the loading process without people entering the water. During installation and de-installation, an installation trolley system takes cable  31  from the bottom of the buoy assembly  30  and lifts it to a buoy assembly deck  45 , for manual attachment of truss assembly  70  to cable  31 . Winch  43  is used to pull in (wind up), let out (wind out) or to otherwise adjust the tension of cable  31 . 
         [0271]      FIG. 16  illustrates buoy assembly  30 , an external view of cables  31  and keels  34 . The front face has been removed to expose winches  43  located inside buoy assembly  30 . 
         [0272]      FIG. 17  also shows buoy assembly  30 , external view of cables  31 , keels  34  and anchor weight  41  fully extended. Buoy assembly  30  includes a cable trolley  36  discussed below. 
         [0273]      FIG. 18  depicts the side view of buoy assembly  30 , showing the detail of an installation carriage  117  comprising a trolley carriage  38 , rollers  37  to keep cables  31  away from both buoy assembly  30  and trolley carriage  38 , and cable trolley  36 . Keel  34  projects from the bottom of buoy assembly  30  for stability. Cables  31  extend from winches  43  inside buoy assembly  30  through water seals  33 , up around pulleys  44 , through cable guide pipe  39 , to the bottom of buoy assembly  30 , where cable trolley  38  in its lowered position catches cable  31  and lifts it along trolley carriage  30  over rollers  37 , to deck level  45  of buoy assembly  30 . Cable trolley  36  pulls cable  31  up along trolley carriage  38  located on the front so that the cable  31  is accessible during erection for curtain assembly  90  attachment and removal. 
         [0274]      FIG. 19  illustrates one length of truss assembly  70 , a set of three buoyancy tanks  72  and truss connection assembly  75 . The number, material and configuration of tanks  72  and truss assembly geometry will vary with truss length, depth, material and the like. Truss assembly  70  is preferably a grid of strong corrosion-resistant steel alloy composed of interconnected struts  122  with appropriate connections and braces  73  for holding tanks  72 . 
         [0275]      FIG. 20  shows one panel of the curtain assembly  90  attached to truss assembly  70  at the bottom, a set of side fasteners  93  and a buoyancy band and band flap  92  at the top. Buoyancy curtain band and band flap  92  and buoyancy tanks  72  attached to truss assembly  70  produce a weightless assembly in water. Curtain assembly  90  can be made of two sheets of steel or the like that sandwich buoyancy material  116 , a PVC-coated polyester fabric  124  and the like. The material is chosen based on the marine forces and conditions of the site. 
         [0276]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the buoy assemblies  30 , attached curtain assemblies  90  and anchor weights  41  extended to their full length. Truss assemblies  70  can be seen and the end of each curtain assembly  90 . The number of curtain assemblies  90  is dictated by the water depth and circumference of the closed area. 
         [0277]      FIG. 22  is a detailed view of truss/curtain assemblies  100  and cable  31  attachment. Truss assemblies  70  are fastened to cables  31  and cables  31  are in constant tension anchored on the sea bed floor. 
         [0278]      FIG. 23  is a back view of the detail shown in  FIG. 22  of truss assembly  70 , truss connection assembly  75  and truss attachment to both its curtain assembly  90  (top curtain) and a flap  94  of the lower curtain assembly  90 . Buoyancy curtain band and band flap  92  and flap  94  are part of lower curtain assemblies  90 . Four curtain assemblies  90  are attached to cables  31  and supported by three buoy assemblies  30 . 
         [0279]      FIG. 24  illustrates curtains forming part of curtain assembly  91 , a top buoyancy band side  96  and bottom fasteners  95 . 
         [0280]      FIG. 25  is a detailed view of curtain assembly  90  having a bottom fastener  95  and a side joining curtain fastener/splicer  97 . Metal loops  125  are attached to splicers  126  and a rope  178  is threaded through loop  125 . This is only one embodiment of the curtain side attachment and therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. 
         [0281]      FIG. 26  depicts barge  50 , cranes  51  and two buoy assemblies  30  of the in-place and ready position for unloading and erection. Cranes  51  are extended and buoy assemblies  30  are fastened to the barges  50 . 
         [0282]      FIG. 27  shows the top of the barge  50 , cranes  51  and two buoy assemblies  30  of the in-place and ready position for unloading and erection. Cranes  51  are extended and buoy assemblies  30  are fastened to the barge  50 . 
         [0283]      FIG. 28  is a flow diagram of the control scheme for containment machine central computer control unit for containment machine  10 . The base control scheme of the apparatus has a containment machine central computer control unit  200 , a containment machine SCADA historian unit  202 , a plurality of wireless communications systems  204  with a plurality of units and a plurality of buoy sectional computer control units  400 . 
         [0284]    With reference to  FIG. 28 , a containment machine central computer control unit  200  is operatively connected to a containment machine SCADA historian unit  202  with which containment machine central computer control unit  200  is in electronic correspondence to continuously update data in unit  200 . Containment machine central computer control unit  200  is in operative connection with Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)  204  for exchanging pertinent information. Unit  200  is also in operative connection with a series of buoy sectional computer control units  400 . Each of units  400  is located in a buoy assembly  30  in a containment machine  10 . Each buoy sectional computer control unit  400  receives input signals from sensors indicated at numerals  208  from components of each of the respective buoy assemblies  30  indicative of such figures as the depth of the respective truss assemblies  70 , curtain assemblies  90  and truss/curtain assemblies  100  in the respective containment rings  152 , as well as with sensors  210  for absolute winch drum positions and sensors or load cells  212  associated with the respective cables  31 . The foregoing signals received by containment machine central computer control unit  200  from buoy sectional computer control unit  400  result in containment machine central computer control unit  200  transmitting set points for the various values measured by buoy sectional computer control units  400 . Historian unit  202  sends signals to containment machine central computer control unit  200 , which in turn continuously causes the respective buoy sectional computer control units  206  to make the necessary adjustments to ballasts  40  by means of signals to ballasts side winch motors/brakes  214  and ballasts side carriage  216 . 
         [0285]      FIG. 29  is a diagram of the control scheme for the barge machine. The base control scheme of the apparatus consists of: one barge machine central computer control unit  300 , one barge machine SCADA unit  302 , a plurality of wireless communications systems  304  with a plurality of units and a plurality of barge machine sectional computer control units  306 . 
         [0286]    Barge machine central computer control unit  300  is in constant communication with barge machine SCADA historian unit  302  for continuously maintaining proper data in unit  300 . Barge machine central computer control unit  300  is also in operative contact with WPAN  304  for transmitting and receiving pertinent information. Each barge machine sectional control units  306  are in contact with sensors with the various equipment located on each of the barges. Signals from the latter equipment are transmitted to barge machine sectional computer control units  306  which exchange signals with barge machine central computer control unit  300 . The latter unit  300  continuously establishes set points for the respective barge equipment, transmits those set points to the respective barge machine sectional computer control units  306 , which in turn transmits control signals to the component equipment on the respective barges. 
         [0287]      FIG. 30  illustrates a group of truss connection assemblies  75  showing a cable clamp  79  securely attaching respective truss assembly connection assemblies to respective cables  31 .  FIG. 31  shows the side of the truss connection assembly  75  showing cable clamp  79  attached to right cable  31  and left cable  31  threaded through a cable guide  80 , and the attaching of the two pieces using a shackle  77 .  FIG. 32  shows the front of a truss connection assembly  75  which mounts on an end plate  76 . 
         [0288]      FIG. 33  reveals the barge  50  with the deck plate removed. The two end compartments are intended to be machinery and equipment rooms  54  with access doors  56 . The three center compartments are ballast tanks  59  each with two bladders (not shown), one for water, and one for oil. Computer controller will control the levels of oil and water, depending on the barge mode of operation. 
         [0289]      FIGS. 34 ,  35  and  36  are a generalized high level flow chart for a buoy sectional computer control unit of a respective buoy assembly  30  for installation, run and dismantle modes of operation. 
         [0290]    As noted with respect to  FIG. 28 , each buoy sectional computer control unit  400  is operatively connected to containment machine central computer control unit  200 . Upon receiving an appropriate signal from containment machine central computer control unit  200 , buoy sectional computer control unit  400  sends a signal to lower anchor  41  and raise cable trolley  36 . The signals are exchanged between sensors at cable trolley  36  until cable trolley  36  is in position. A signal is then received from buoy sectional computer control unit  400  to set a tension for cables  31  in accordance with set points received from containment machine central computer control unit  200 . Signals are received indicating the tension in respective cables  31 , and if they are not at the set point, signals are sent to respective ballasts  40  to increase or decrease the ballast to maintain the proper tension in cables  31 . The tension from the respective buoy assemblies  30  are transmitted to containment machine central computer control unit  200 , and the foregoing signals are continued until each buoy assembly  30  is in its set position. Curtain/truss assemblies  100  are attached to respective buoy assemblies  30 , and upon receipt of the signal from containment machine central computer control unit  200  via buoy sectional computer control unit  400 , truss/curtain assemblies  100  are lowered into the body of water from respective buoy assemblies  30 . Signals are exchanged between control units of respective cable trolleys  36  and containment machine central computer control units  200  via buoy sectional computer control units  400  so that cable trolleys  36  lower truss/curtain assemblies  200  for an optimal run time as established by containment machine central computer control unit  200 . 
         [0291]    The tension in respective cables  31  is monitored, and the tension is increased or decreased according to the measured tension. The required tension for respective cables  31  is achieved. The level of buoy assemblies  30  is adjusted by means of ballast adjustment signals exchanged between buoy sectional computer control units  400  and respective ballasts  40 . All of the signals are monitored by means of communications with containment machine central computer control units  200 . 
         [0292]    When the contaminant in the body of water has been successfully removed, a dismantling process proceeds. Control signals for the tension in respective cables  31  are exchanged, and signals are transmitted to cable trolley  36  in each buoy assembly  30  to raise the respective cables. The tension in respective cables  31  is monitored, and appropriate adjustments are made and maintain the desired tension in cables  31 . The respective levels of buoy assemblies  30  is also monitored, and signals are transmitted to respective ballasts  30  to maintain the buoys at the desired level. When buoy assemblies  30  reach the desired level, signals are transmitted to effect the raising of truss/curtain assemblies  30 , and the latter are loaded into barges  50  by cranes  51 . Each anchor assembly  41  is raised, and the respective buoy assemblies  30  are towed for storage. 
         [0293]    Referring to the drawings and more particularly to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , contaminants seeping into the surrounding body of water are confined to the area shape and circumference defined by the buoy assembly  30  positions. This represents one embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention. Different configurations will depend on location of the spill, size of the spill, current and other weather conditions. The shape and materials of the component assemblies are determined by site analysis, risk assessment, marine conditions and the like. 
         [0294]    Buoy assemblies  30  float on the water surface and are positioned in sequence above the ends of each truss assembly  70  and curtain assembly  90  section, forming a hexagon as in this embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Circles, triangles or other closed shapes as seen in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 11  can be created based on weather and marine conditions to surround contaminant source. Truss/curtain assemblies  100  are attached to cables  31  that extend from winches  43 , located in a buoy hull  35 , through pulleys  44  and terminate at anchor pulleys  42  ( FIG. 15 ) attached to anchors  41  which sit on or near the ocean floor. For additional stability the anchors  41  can be attached to the ocean floor if required. Buoy sectional computer control units  400  are located in the buoy assemblies  30  and are used to maintain a constant tension on the cables  31  and  105  at all times and to monitor and acquire data from sensors (discussed below) located on the truss assemblies  70  as defined with respect to  FIG. 28 . Each concentric series of truss assemblies  70  and curtain assemblies  90  are attached to the cables  31 , lowered by the winches  43  and pulleys  44  and submerged. One end of each truss/curtain assembly  100  is securely attached to the cable  31  with a clamp  79 , but the other end simply has a cable guide  82  through which the cable  31  is threaded and moves freely. Once containment ring  152  is completely submerged, the next containment ring  152  is attached and submerged in sequence to create a full length tubular barrier  55  anchored on the ocean floor. Curtain assemblies  90  are attached to the truss assemblies  70  with metal plates and bottom fasteners  95 , and the sides of each curtain assembly  90  are attached with side fasteners  93 . Tubular barrier  55  is not sealed; rather it is open at the top and bottom allowing the contaminant to flow to the surface in a controlled and contained manner. There is enough space between the sea bed floor and the bottom curtain assembly  90  for pressure equalization. 
         [0295]    The truss curtain assemblies  100  are weightless due to the buoyancy band and band flap  92  on each curtain assembly  90 , and buoyancy tanks  72  are attached to the truss assemblies  70  using braces  73 . There are end plates  76  and truss connection assemblies  75  at the end of each truss assembly  70 . Truss assemblies  70  are loosely coupled together using shackles  77  so that the system is flexible and can adapt to a wide range of potential scenarios. Based on marine conditions, each truss assembly  70  can be further stiffened to resist lateral forces by using rigid truss connectors  78  and/or adding stiffeners  74 . 
         [0296]    During installation as seen in  FIG. 2 , the truss/curtain assemblies  100  have been loaded onto the barges  50 , and tug boats tow the buoy assemblies  30 , each having an anchor  41 , and barges  50  into position. Oceanic/marine conditions are assessed and dictate the overall shape of the closed system to minimize marine forces. GPS readings are used to position the floating buoy assemblies  30 . Because buoy assemblies  30  are modules, any shape can be created to accommodate the site specific marine conditions. During erection, buoy assemblies  30  are attached to the barges  50  and cranes  51  on barges  50  to move and place the truss/curtain assemblies  100  into position. A barge hull  52  is large so that it can accommodate the full length of truss assemblies  70  on deck and can internally store fire equipment, pumps, motors, safety equipment, generators and computer control units etc. There are access doors  53  on the barge floor to provide access to the interior. 
         [0297]      FIG. 15  depicts buoy assembly  30 . Ballasts  40  located in buoy assembly  30  and two adjustable keels  34  projecting from the bottom of buoy assembly  30 , control upright floatation. Buoy assemblies  30  are positioned a truss length apart. From a plan perspective, buoy assemblies  30  form the outline which will ultimately determine the shape of closed containment assembly  10 . Hull  35  of buoy assembly  30  is large enough for humans to stand on buoy assembly deck  45  comfortably. Ballasts  40 , control pumps (not shown), winches  43  (not shown) and electronic buoy sectional computer control units are located inside respective buoy assemblies  30 . Anchor  41  hangs from the bottom of buoy assembly  30  and is attached to cables  31  that run through cable guide pipes  39  around pulleys  44  and are wound around the winches  43  inside buoy assembly  30 . There are water seals  33  located at the top of buoy assembly  30  to prevent water entering the buoy chamber. The length of cable  31  is determined by the location of the contaminant and the depth of the body of water that needs to be protected. To access cables  31  for curtain assembly  90  attachment during the erection phase, a cable trolley  36  moves along the trolley carriage  38 , hooks cable  31  and moves it to the top of the trolley carriage  38  located on the front of the buoy  30 .  FIG. 18  shows the side view with cable trolley  36  fully extending cable  31  for easy access. 
         [0298]    The installation carriage consisting of a cable trolley  36 , roller  37  and trolley carriage  38  mounted on the side of buoy assembly  30  are used so that the external cables  31  are accessible during the loading embodiment and to provide support on cables  31 . Winches  43  provide tension on cables  31 . 
         [0299]    Truss/curtain assemblies  100  shown in  FIG. 20  are available as modules and are assembled when needed. The shape, length and material of truss assembly  70  are determined based on marine conditions in the vicinity of the offshore oil drilling, production, processing, storage platforms or the like that the invention is meant to protect in the event of a contaminant spill. Buoyancy tanks  72  are part of the assembly and are pre-attached to the truss assemblies  70  using braces  73  ( FIG. 23 ). Tanks  72  can be pressurized for different depths. Truss end-plates  76  and shackles  77  are used to loosely connect the truss assemblies  70  end-to-end during deployment. 
         [0300]      FIG. 4  depicts the preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in the event of a strong current. A combination of three buoy assemblies  30 , anchored into position to support a set of rigid truss/curtain assemblies  100  in the shape of a V to deflect current forces away from containment assembly  10 . The rigid truss/curtain assembly  100  is made of steel and the like. A buoyant material  101  is sandwiched between two rigid plates of truss/curtain assembly  100 . The containment assembly  10  is in the shape of a hexagon with concentric curtain/trusses assemblies  100  extending to the floor of the body of water. An attached deflection unit  91  has been added to direct/deflect current. Deflection unit  91  is comprised of three buoy assemblies  30 , each having an anchor  41 , assemblies and curtain/truss assemblies  90 ,  70  in a V shape. 
         [0301]      FIG. 5  indicates the preferred embodiment of the present invention for coping with marine conditions which require a containment assembly which is long, narrow and pointed at both ends positioned parallel to water current. Each rigid truss/curtain assembly  100  is made of steel plates. Buoyant material  101  is located between the plates. Buoy assemblies  30  are positioned above the ends of each truss assembly  70 . The truss/curtain assemblies  70 ,  90  are attached to cables  31  that extend from winches  43  located in buoy assemblies  30  and terminate at anchor pulleys  42  attached to an anchor  41  which sits on the ocean floor. 
         [0302]      FIG. 7  shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a side buoy assembly  30  with an anchor  41  is located off the side. The tension of a side cable  105  can be controlled to direct the closed system off to an angle. 
         [0303]    During hurricanes or other weather conditions, sealing cover  110  as shown in  FIG. 10  can be positioned over the exposed contaminant that has collected on the water surface and contained. Barges  50  with crane  51  assembled thereon are re-deployed to position sealing cover  110  and scrubbers  111 . 
         [0304]    The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, but variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and from the appended claims.