METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONFINING AND SALVAGING OIL AND METHANE LEAKAGE FROM OFFSHORE LOCATIONS AND EXTRACTION OPERATIONS

摘要

A method of, and system for, collecting and controlling hydrocarbons leaking from offshore sea bottom environments entail providing a concrete containment barrier around the leak source, pumping concrete, opening ports and valves in a containment vessel while it is positioned over the leak source, at least partially embedding a containment vessel in the pumped concrete, closing the ports and valves to capture leaking fluids, and communicating the fluids to the surface for further processing. A system includes a modular containment barrier to be placed around an existing or potential well site, or an operating well, abandoned well or sea bottom fissure; an adaptable containment vessel with various ports and valves that may be opened to relieve pressure and allow ice to escape and closed to capture leaking fluids; a pumped submarine concrete anchor and ballast into which the vessel is at least partially embedded; and an optional catenary gasket with a central aperture attached to the bottom of the containment barrier.