Abstract:
The present invention relates to a device for collecting oil/mineral oil leaking from the seabed. More specifically, the device according to the present invention consists in a flexible funnel for guiding and collecting oil/mineral oil leaking from the seabed. 
     In addition, the present invention relates to an oil storage device which consists, more specifically, of an oil storage device that floats on water and can be inflated, receiving a continuous oil flow and allowing oil, water and volatile and explosive gases from an oil well to be separated inside the device.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a device for collecting oil from a leak in the seabed. More precisely, the device of the present invention consists of a flexible funnel for directing and collecting oil from a leak in the seabed. 
         [0002]    Additionally, the present invention relates to an oil storage device, more specifically, it consists of a water floating device to storage the oil that can be inflated. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    The recent decline in natural reserves of mineral oil becomes ever more necessary to his quest in places that are hard to reach or environments that were once considered too unstable. One such environment is the sea, which became the new focus of search for mineral oil reserves and, consequently, of new technologies in order to make this exploration increasingly economically feasible and safe. 
         [0004]    Consequently, security in mineral oil exploration in marine environment is of fundamental importance, since any mineral oil leak of greater proportion into the sea causes extensive environmental damage. The main reasons for these leaks to be so disastrous is due to the lower density and immiscibility of the oil compared to water, which when spilled in the sea forms a film of negligible thickness, but with high surface area. Additionally, the sea and its undulations help in the dispersion of this film, and so significant damage are settled in the nature. Among the most serious damages are the damages to shallow water, to the seaweed in need of solar radiation in order to survive, and since the oil film is translucent, eventually blocks the proper passage of such radiation. In addition, animals that live in or near marine environment are much impaired due to a decrease in the luminosity of the sea, hindering the vision, and the oil ends up sticking to these animals, especially poultry, impairing their mobility and resulting in many problems to their health. 
         [0005]    These mineral oil spills can occur through accidents on the platform itself, as in the vessels transporting this input, or through leaks in the well opened in the seabed, the latter being the focus of the present invention. 
         [0006]    Mineral oil spills on the seabed which occur in the wells are difficult to be contained, an example being the leakage occurred on a platform of British Petroleum in the Gulf of Mexico on Apr. 10, 2010, where thousands of barrels of oil leaked per day, causing extensive environmental damage and leading to a claim for containment devices and methods for this kind of leakage to be developed. However, many were not successful in practice, and failed to contain the leakage; others managed to attack only part of the problem. 
         [0007]    Among one of the devices performed in order to contain all the mineral oil leaked through the well on the seabed is an oil collector device which consists of a flexible inverted funnel which is some meters distant from the opening of the leak, and wherein said funnel has a rigid structural opening ring which allows the opening of the funnel to be always open. Said device is fixed on the leakage through ballasts connected by steel bars. At the top of the funnel is a second smaller rigid structure ring which serves as a transmitter of strength and adjust of the flexible duct that originates from this ring and continues up to the surface. This device ends up eventually having the function of collecting the mineral oil near the leakage, but there is a drawback to this invention, since it does not perform the storage of such oil nor its future transfer to another location. 
         [0008]    Another invention that there is in the art is a device known as DIFIS (“Double Inverted Funnel for the Intervention on Ship wrecks”). This device operates so as to be provided with an inverted funnel on the seabed near the leak (this leak being in a sunken ship) that is collected through this funnel so that the lower density of the mineral oil compared to water causes such mineral oil to rise to an storage apparatus located a few meters from the funnel. Due to the strength of rising of the mineral oil, this storage apparatus will rise to the surface of the sea, where it can be collected by a ship. However, this method has some drawbacks as serving only to store a fixed volume of the mineral oil contained in a sunken ship, and not being able to store a continuous flow of mineral oil that reaches the storage apparatus. Another drawback is due to this apparatus having to move from the seabed to the surface, and thus being susceptible to finding an ocean current and moving several meters by the sea, or allowing the mineral oil to escape. 
         [0009]    Additionally, the mineral oil that comes from a natural reservoir contains significant amounts of volatile and explosive gases such as methane, and one of the proposals of the present invention addresses the processing of this gas in the storage device. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    First, during the course of this patent, the term “oil” is used to refer to “mineral oil” or to any water-immiscible oil and less dense than water. Additionally, said oil could consist of pure oil or a mixture of oils, gas and water coming from any known oil reservoir. 
         [0011]    The present invention deals primarily with an oil collector device which consists of a flexible funnel which is a few meters away from the opening of the leak, wherein said funnel comprises a rigid structural opening ring which allows the opening of the funnel to be always open. Said device is fixed on the leakage through ballasts connected by steel bars. At the top of the funnel is a second smaller rigid structure ring which serves as a transmitter of strength and adjust of the flexible duct that originates from this ring and continues up to the surface. 
         [0012]    Thus, by the present invention the oil is naturally pumped to the surface or to a storage device through the flexible duct, taking advantage of the physical laws that allow it to happen. The oil (mineral oil) is less dense than the water in a ratio of 0.8:1, and therefore it tends to go to the surface by floating at 200 km/m 3 , at a velocity of 240 m/h. Thus, there is no need to pump the oil to the surface. As the oil goes through the duct, it also “sucks” a bit of sea water into the duct. It is known that the water on the seabed does not freeze due to the high pressure there. Thus, the water temperature is maintained at about 4° C. So, while the oil is taking water into the duct, there will be no risk of freezing. 
         [0013]    The present invention was developed in a manner that can be easily transportable by helicopter or airplane, but especially by helicopter, since this kind of accident often occurs in areas far away from the coast and also require urgency. 
         [0014]    Additionally, the present invention relates to a device that floats in water and stores oil which consists of flexible synthetic laminate material which can be inflated. On the circumference of said device, there is an outer floating ring that gives a biconvex lens shape to said inflated device which is additionally enclosed by steel cables which help anchoring and transporting the same. The oil enters said device through an assessor duct located in its lower end, which is additionally provided with an unidirectional valve for the output of water only. The upper end of the present invention is provided with a valve that allows the passage of volatile and explosive gases from the heavy oil extracted from mineral oil reserves, but prevents the discharge of the oil. Furthermore, said device can contain large quantities of oil at one time, and receive a continuous flow even during a prolonged period of time, and there is a duct for withdrawal of oil from the storage location. 
         [0015]    Thus, the present invention provides an oil storage device which can provide a practical and quick solution to assist in the containment of oil leaks, the device being able to be connected to many oil collector devices from the seabed known in the art through the assessor tube located at the lower end. Said device is also able to allow the volatile and explosives gases from a natural mineral oil deposit to be burnt after going through the upper end of said invention. 
         [0016]    The present invention has been further developed so that it can be easily packed and transported before use, without requiring fixed and rigid structures to stabilize it, thus allowing it to be stored on oil rigs or to be transported by any common vehicle to the location where it will be requested. 
         [0017]    For a better understanding the following schematic figures will be presented of a particular embodiment of the invention, whose dimensions and proportions are not necessarily the actual ones, because the figures are only for the purpose of didactically presenting one of the preferred applications, whose scope of protection is determined by the scope of the annexed claims. 
     
    
     
         [0018]    The invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings which represent: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of the oil leak collector device, object of the present invention which comprises 12 ballasts; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising six ballasts; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  shows a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  shows a front view of the oil storage device, object of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the oil storage device stressing the upper part; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  shows a top view of the embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the oil storage device stressing the lower part. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oil collector device consists of a flexible funnel ( 1 ) made of a flexible synthetic membrane ( 7 ), wherein the mouth of the funnel is held open by a lower ring ( 2 ). The funnel ( 1 ) is connected to a flexible duct ( 5 ) through an upper ring ( 6 ), wherein said duct ( 5 ) connects said funnel ( 1 ) to the surface, and wherein at least two steel cables ( 4 ) accompany the flexible duct ( 5 ) to find the upper ring ( 6 ). From the upper ring ( 6 ), each steel cable ( 4 ) extends at three further cables to the lower ring ( 2 ), from where said steel cables ( 4 ) bind to the ballasts ( 3 ). 
         [0030]    The lower ring ( 2 ) has a geometric format of 6-24 sides, preferably of 12 sides. 
         [0031]    The flexible duct ( 5 ) is all interlocked to avoid the risk of rupture with the force of thrust, i.e., the fluctuation itself inside the duct ( 5 ) can break it. Thus, to a depth of 1600 m, the duct is locked every 48 m. 
         [0032]    The funnel ( 1 ) is designed to present a parabolic curve, so that its angle creates acceleration. Furthermore, once it is a double and opposed curvature there is an increased dimensional stability of the structure, since it reduces the stresses of synthetic membrane. Thus, if there is a pressure jet, the funnel is inflated but does not break because, besides the dimensional stability, the synthetic membrane has an elastic capacity around 20%. 
         [0033]    Moreover, as the structure is open and the steel cables are hollow, there is a pressure of 1000 kg/m 3  which, in the case of a depth of 1600 m, would be a pressure around 1.6×10 6  kgf/m 2 . 
         [0034]    Besides, as the entire structure is flexible, the pressure equilibrates internally and externally as the structure goes down to be put at the site of the leak. 
         [0035]    If the device of the present invention ware a structure formed by straight steel plates, for example, it would be something expensive, of low recovery and high risk of rupture, since the plate would tend to warp due to differences in internal and external pressure, and might require reinforcement with metal trusses. 
         [0036]    An important factor of the present invention is to always be kept at least 1 m high from the location of the leak, since it is essential that the water enters the structure so that the same does not take the risk of freezing. 
         [0037]    Further, the opening of the lower ring ( 2 ) is from 6 m to 15 m, preferably of 12 m. In deep ocean regions, there may be ocean currents arriving at about 5 knots. Thus, as the outputs of leakage usually have no more than 0.5 m, even if ocean currents push the leakage, the opening ring ( 2 ) is wide enough to capture the oil that is rising. 
         [0038]    The distance between the lower ring ( 2 ) and upper ring ( 6 ) can be from 8 m to 15 m, preferably of 10 m. The distance between the base of the ballasts ( 3 ) and lower ring ( 2 ) is from 1 m to 5 m, preferably of 2.5 m. 
         [0039]    The upper ring ( 6 ) can be from 1 m to 5 m in diameter, preferably of 1.5 m in diameter. 
         [0040]    Further, the upper ring ( 6 ) is made of a rigid material such as steel, to support and transmit the forces of the cables as well as adjust the flexible duct ( 5 ). However, nothing prevents a flexible material to be also applied to the upper ring ( 6 ), provided that it has the same mechanical capabilities to sustain and transmit the forces of the cables. 
         [0041]    The synthetic membrane of the present invention is preferably of PVC+PTFE (polyvinyl chloride and polytetrafluoroethylene), but it may also be of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or any other flexible and resilient synthetic material. The membrane applied in the present invention is capable of withstanding about 5 t/m 2 , and is easily foldable and portable. 
         [0042]    The funnel ( 1 ) is anchored to the seabed through the ballasts ( 3 ) fixed by steel cables ( 4 ). There are about 6-24 ballasts weighing in total about 60 tons (6 ballasts of 10 tons each, 12 ballasts of 5 tons each or 24 ballasts of 2.5 tons each). Preferably, about 6 ballasts of 10 tons each are applied to the present invention. Each ballast ( 3 ) will have no more than 3 meters. The steel cables ( 4 ) that support the ballasts ( 3 ) and keep the structure of the present invention are also easily transportable since they are twisted. Therefore, the lower ring ( 2 ) of the funnel ( 1 ) is mountable and, thus, easily transportable, since it is a dodecagonal structure formed by 12 iron bars. The weights ( 3 ) can be of concrete or metal, being preferably of concrete. 
         [0043]    Thus, the ballast maintains the shape of the structure by traction. 
         [0044]    Additionally, the present invention concerns an oil storage device, as can be seen from  FIG. 7 , which is provided with an outer floating ring ( 15 ) which forms the structural basis responsible for supporting at least one flexible synthetic membrane ( 20 ) that is fastened to said ring ( 15 ) forming an upper membrane ( 20   a ) and a lower membrane ( 20   b ) with respect to this. On the circumference of said floating ring ( 15 ) there is the arrangement of cables ( 100 ) that allow the whole structure to be towed and anchored as needed. In said lower membrane ( 20   b ) at least one opening ( 30 ) is provided adjacent the outer floating ring ( 100 ) for engagement of a rising duct ( 30 ′) (“riser”) which transports the oil into the device. 
         [0045]    Said rising duct “riser” can connect to any other oil collector device known in the art and, through this connection, the oil in its heavy form from an underground reservoir or a sunken ship can be transferred to the storage device. 
         [0046]    Still in the lower membrane ( 20   b ) is provided at least one duct to the water outlet ( 40 ) which allows only its output through a valve consisting of a buoy ( 70 ) with density smaller than water but greater than the oil, from 0.99 to 0.81, preferably of 0.9. This buoy rises in the presence of water and allows its exit from said device so that only oil is stored, allowing a greater volume thereof to be stored. Thus, since all water is removed, the oil gets in contact with said buoy, which sinks, blocking the inlet of the duct to the water outlet ( 40 ). 
         [0047]    In the upper membrane ( 20   a ) of the present invention, it is provided at least one duct for the gas outlet ( 50 ) which allows the gas to exit only through a valve consisting of a buoy ( 80 ) having lower density than the oil, whose density is lower than 0.79, preferably 0.7. Thus, when there is the presence of gas within the said device, said buoy ( 80 ) allows the passage of gas through the duct to the outside, and when the oil gets into contact with said buoy ( 80 ) it will rise and prevent the passage of oil out of the device. The removal of gas from within the device is of fundamental importance to the viability of said invention, since these gases which consist primarily of methane, ethane, propane and butane, which are volatile and explosive organic compounds, may cause a possible accident when under pressure or heat and thus need to be removed from the location of storage. 
         [0048]    Still in the upper membrane ( 20   a ) is provided at least one duct for withdrawing oil ( 60 ) via a buoy ( 90 ) which allows only the outlet of oil, and is thus less dense than the water and heavier than the oil, with density from 0.99 to 0.81, preferably of 0.9. This buoy ( 90 ), when in contact with water, floats and prevents its passage through said duct and when in contact only with the oil sinks and leaves the duct open for the passage of oil. 
         [0049]    Said outer floating ring ( 15 ) may be formed of any rigid and inert to oil synthetic sheet material known in the art, preferably composed of PVC, teflon or fiberglass, and it may optionally be reinforced by polyester. This ring thus provides structural support to said device and allows, once inflated, the structure to adopt a format of biconvex lens, thus maximizing the storage volume and conferring a greater structural strength against the sea waves and storms. Said cables ( 100 ) may be of steel or synthetic. 
         [0050]    Additionally, inflatable floats may be attached to said ring ( 15 ) external to the float, increasing its floating capacity and providing greater resistance against possible impacts of boats. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment of the invention the upper end to the gas outlet ( 50 ) can contain a combustor device in order to accomplish the burning of the gas exiting said device. 
         [0052]    The present invention can be performed with diameters between 10 and 35 m, preferably 20 m, and the distance between the upper and lower ends can vary between 4 and 10 m, preferably 8 m, and thus in its preferred embodiment, said device is capable of handling volumes of oil of about 1,000,000 L. 
         [0053]    Said rising duct ( 30 ′) (“riser”) and the oil removal duct ( 60 ) are made of any synthetic sheet material which is inert to the oil known in the art. 
         [0054]    Said buoys ( 70 ), ( 80 ) and ( 90 ) may consist of any material inert to oil known in the art which confers said desired density so that its function is exerted. 
         [0055]    Further, the buoys ( 70 ), ( 80 ), ( 90 ) can be fastened to a boat with a motor or by anchors, or in some cases they are anchored by the duct “riser”, which in turn is anchored by the lower funnel, and this by wires and stakes, or ballasts and cables that anchor to the seabed. 
         [0056]    The synthetic flexible membrane may be formed of any flexible synthetic material inert to oil known in the art, preferably PVC, Teflon or fiberglass. 
         [0057]    This device and its components described above provide a practical and quick solution to store the oil from a leak or a sunken ship. The present invention can be easily transported by helicopter or stored on an oil rig, and once it is placed in the sea it can be inflated by any method known in the art, in order to give the device its characteristic shape, allowing it to start storing oil. 
         [0058]    Finally, the present invention does not attempt to contain the mineral oil spills on the seabed, on the contrary, the present invention is designed so that it is still possible to continue using the oil that is leaking. The objective of the present invention is thus to “discipline” the oil spills so that they do not spread in the ocean, contaminating marine species or even the coastline. 
         [0059]    It is worth noting that although the invention has been described with respect to what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment presented, but rather covers various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the nature and the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be in accordance with a broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar adjustments.