Apparatus and method for urgently emptying tanks of distressed tankers at sea

摘要

The invention relates to the field of surface vessels, and in particular the equipment associated with them. Described is a device and method for the emergency emptying of the tanks of oil tankers in the event of damage to the ship, the invention calling for openings in the ship's sides (5) to be linked to hose connectors (15) by flexible double-wall hoses (12) folded between the ship's side and the tanks. The invention also calls for a hose-deployment system (14) with its own power supply and with an inflatable bag (26) connected to the hose by a line (16). Fitted over these openings are hatch covers (7) which can be blown off by explosive charges. After the openings in the ship's sides have been opened in this way, the hoses are deployed into the sea, in the same way as a torpedo is launched, and brought to the surface by inflation of the bags (26) at the ends of the lines (16), where they can easily be recovered and connected up to tanks. All operations in this process are carried out by radio control. The removal of the tanker cargo is carried out mainly by means of compressed air through the double-walled hoses.