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WO2005070757A1 - System for the extraction of hydrocarbons from sunken vessels - Google Patents

System for the extraction of hydrocarbons from sunken vessels Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005070757A1
WO2005070757A1 PCT/ES2005/000021 ES2005000021W WO2005070757A1 WO 2005070757 A1 WO2005070757 A1 WO 2005070757A1 ES 2005000021 W ES2005000021 W ES 2005000021W WO 2005070757 A1 WO2005070757 A1 WO 2005070757A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tank
hydrocarbon
vessel
cable
extraction system
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Ceased
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PCT/ES2005/000021
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Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alfonso OLIVEROS DÍAZ
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of WO2005070757A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005070757A1/en
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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63CLAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C7/00Salvaging of disabled, stranded, or sunken vessels; Salvaging of vessel parts or furnishings, e.g. of safes; Salvaging of other underwater objects
    • B63C7/006Emptying the contents of sunken, stranded, or disabled vessels, e.g. by engaging the vessel; Underwater collecting of buoyant contents, such as liquid, particulate or gaseous contents, escaping from sunken vessels, e.g. using funnels, or tents for recovery of escaping hydrocarbons

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a system for extracting hydrocarbons contained in sunken ships, based on a large submerged tank to an area near the bottom by means of a ballast to receive the transfer of the hydrocarbon contained in the sunken ship, and to raise the tank to the surface due to its buoyancy, after releasing the ballast.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a system that allows the extraction of petroleum residues stored in transport vessels of said type of product, which have suffered an accident and have sunk to great depths, thereby preventing the release of the hydrocarbon and its rise to the surface with the serious consequences that this would entail, especially if it takes place in areas near the coast.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The problems and enormous economic losses of the spill or discharge of hydrocarbons or residues of oil "chapapote" on the sea are well known, since it implies a contamination of the marine fauna as well as of the coasts, beaches, etc., with serious consequences that affect the ecosystem of the fauna itself as well as all those who live from fishing and, therefore, related to it, and therefore, to the short and long term consumers and society in general.
  • a system that allows the hydrocarbon to be extracted from a sunken ship, based on a robot that is submerged until it reaches the ship and is coupled to its hull so that, through an appropriate mouth, the oil is subtracted, pumping it through a conduit to a vessel located on the surface, all in combination with a power cable from the surface vessel to the robot to allow its control, as well as a conduit for pumping water from the surface with in order to push the hydrocarbon up and then allow the mixture to be pumped out.
  • the submersible float or floats are also interrelated with the sunken vessel through a conduit in which two or three concentric ducts may be established, one for the introduction of cold air intended to cool the chambers or pumping rooms, another for hot air outlet, and another for hydrocarbon extraction.
  • the suction is carried out with the collaboration of a robot applied on the hull of the sunken ship so that, through the respective mouths, the suction of the hydrocarbon is carried out. Said robot, of course, will be connected to the condition for the transfer of the hydrocarbon to the surface vessel.
  • injectors on the inner part of the duct with an inclined arrangement, which allow the entry of seawater, which, being of great pressure at these depths, produces an upward impulse that helps in the extraction of the hydrocarbon to the surface, also producing a neutralizing effect of the pressure exerted by the sea on the walls of the tube, in addition to that pressure entry of the water collaborates in maintaining the conduit without the hydrocarbon adhering to the internal surface of the conduit .
  • the system includes a special submersible float capable of reaching the bottom and being located next to the sunken ship, so that by means of a robot and the appropriate connection means, the transfer, practically horizontally, of the hydrocarbon will be carried out from the sunken ship's tank to that special submersible, this one having a water loading chamber as a ballast, which is exchanged for the hydrocarbon 'by means of an insulator, creating an internal straining effect and expelling the ballast (water) to the surface by the hoses DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the system of the invention is based on the second of the embodiments described in the previous invention patent 200301289, of the same applicant, specifically in that in which a tank is submerged to the bottom to effect a first transfer of the ship sunk to that tank, exchanging ballast for hydrocarbon, through the conduit that carries the ballast to the surface.
  • the novelty of the invention is characterized mainly by the expulsion of the ballast directly on the seabed and not on the surface as was done in the previous system. That is, in the new system the air circuit and ejection hose to the surface is dispensed with, as it is not necessary: the ballast is evacuated below, as it is exchanged for the oil (fuel) in the tank, through of the straining effect that it incorporates inside. In this way the tank hangs on a suspension and fixing cable. The downward and upward displacement will be carried out with the collaboration of said conveniently guided suspension cable, which on the one hand will be linked to the surface vessel and on the other to the tank submersible
  • the repeated tank will include a water ballast to get a dive to the bottom, in combination with a counterweight suspended from the bottom.
  • the transfer from the ship to the tank is carried out through a conduit associated with a robot, so that as it is discharged from water it is loaded with hydrocarbon in collaboration with an ejector pump; a hydrocarbon and water separator filter being provided inside the tank, preventing hydrocarbon from leaving the sea.
  • the system intended to extract hydrocarbon contained in a ship 1 sunk at the bottom of the sea comprises a tank 2 constituted in a resistant material but of high buoyancy, or failing that, a capsule under vacuum for the same purpose, a light filling 3 provided in the upper area of the tank 2 collaborating therein, which also has elements like lugs or rings 4 and 5.
  • the ring 4 is used to hook a cable 10 provided between the tank 2 itself and a surface vessel 13 floatingly located above the water level 6.
  • the cable 10 is connected to that surface vessel 13 by means of a clipper or lathe 10 '.
  • a part of said tank 2 will be filled with water intended to constitute a ballast that collaborates, together with a counterweight 7 attached at the bottom, in the immersion of the tank 2 itself to the bottom or area near the vessel 1, to carry out the transfer of the hydrocarbon contained therein through a conduit 8 associated with a robot 9.
  • the counterweight 7 is held together to the tank 2 by a cable 11.
  • the tank 2 is linked to the cable 10 disposed between the surface vessel 13 and the own tank 2, specifically to the upper part or ring 4, while the second cable is connected to the lower ring 5
  • the counterweight 7 which, when immersing the tank 2 at the height of the vessel 1 from which the hydrocarbon is intended to be extracted, is supported on the bottom 12 of the sea.
  • said tank 2 internally incorporates a filter 14 (strainer effect), preventing hydrocarbon from leaving the sea, the latter operation that is carried out through an outlet conduit 16 by means of an ejector pump 15 ', all this in such a way that once its ascent is finished, the counterweight 7 is released that keeps it close to the bottom, ascending only to the surface, where it can be transferred to the mother ship or towed to land.
  • the sunken ship can be complemented with non-return injectors 15 in the compartments to be emptied for water inlet as a substitute and introduce high pressure for hydrocarbon thrust, which at the same time neutralizes the internal pressure of the duct and tank with the outside.
  • the system is capable of being complemented with a cable 17, as a clamping and electric force cable in case current is needed from the surface vessel 13 to the float tank 2. That cable 17 is finished off in a robot-drill 18 to make perforations in the sunken vessel 1.
  • a second counterweight (19) suspended from the surface vessel is also provided by means of a guide wire 20, which allows the operation of lowering the tank 2 to the seabed.
  • Tank 2 includes a hermetic gate 21 for emptying and cleaning on land.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Extraction Or Liquid Replacement (AREA)
  • Drilling And Exploitation, And Mining Machines And Methods (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for the extraction of hydrocarbons from sunken vessels. The inventive system comprises a tank (2) which is submerged using a water ballast and counterweight (7) to an area adjacent to the sunken vessel (1) from which the hydrocarbon is to be extracted. According to the invention, the hydrocarbon is transferred through a conduit (8) which is connected to a robot (9), such that, as the tank (2) is being filled with hydrocarbon, water is being emptied therefrom, an inner filter being provided (14) in order to prevent said two products from mixing. Once the tank (2) has been filled with hydrocarbon, it is released from the counterweight-forming ballast and floats to the surface, thereby enabling same to be emptied on a surface craft (13) or other crafts intended for said purpose. The tank (2) is connected to the craft (13) by means of a cable (10) which is connected to a winch (10').

Description

SISTEMA DE EXTRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS CONTENIDOS EN BUQUES HUNDIDOS OBJETO DE LA INVENCIÓN La presente invención, según se expresa en el enunciado de esta memoria descriptiva, se refiere a un sistema de extracción de hidrocarburos contenidos en buques hundidos, basándose en un gran tanque que se sumerge hasta una zona próxima al fondo mediante un lastre para recibir el trasvase del hidrocarburo contenido en el buque hundido, y elevar el tanque a la superficie por flotabilidad de éste, previa liberación del lastre. El objeto de la invención es proporcionar un sistema • que permite extraer residuos derivados del petróleo almacenados en buques de transporte de dicho tipo de producto, que han sufrido un accidente y se han hundido a grandes profundidades, evitando con ello la liberación del hidrocarburo y su subida a la superficie con las graves consecuencias que ello supondría, sobre todo en el caso de que tenga lugar en zonas próximas a las costas. ANTECEDENTES DE LA INVENCIÓN Son sobradamente conocidos los problemas y enormes pérdidas económicas que supone el derrame o vertido de hidrocarburos o residuos derivados del petróleo "chapapote" sobre el mar, ya que supone una contaminación de la fauna marina así como de las costas, playas, etc., con graves consecuencias que afectan en el momento, a corto y largo plazo, tanto al ecosistema de la propia fauna como a todas aquellas personas que vivan de la pesca y, por ende, relacionadas con ella, y por lo tanto a los consumidores y a la sociedad en general. Son conocidos también los problemas que supone la recogida de los vertidos de hidrocarburos en las zonas próximas a las costas, ya que cuando los vertidos son considerables la recogida de toda o la mayor parte del vertido resulta imposible. Por otro lado, cuando un buque de transporte de hidrocarburos se hunde en zonas no lejanas a las costas, además de los problemas anteriormente referidos, puesto que en un hundimiento siempre se producen vertidos, hay que añadir el hecho del problema que supone el hidrocarburo contenido en los tanques de ese buque hundido, ya que en mayor o menor plazo los tanques se deterioraran y el hidrocarburo saldrá al exterior, alcanzando la superficie del agua por ser de menor densidad que ésta. En la actualidad se utiliza un sistema que permite extraer el hidrocarburo de un buque hundido, basado en un robot que se sumerge hasta alcanzar el buque y se acopla al casco de éste para que, a través de una boca apropiada, ir sustrayendo el hidrocarburo, bombeándolo a través de un conducto hacia una embarcación situada en la superficie, todo ello en combinación con un cable de energía desde la embarcación de superficie hasta el robot para permitir el control de éste, así como un conducto para bombeo de agua desde la superficie con el fin de conseguir empujar el hidrocarburo hacia arriba y permitir posteriormente el bombeo de la mezcla al exterior. Este sistema, si bien ha sido utilizado con eficacia en la extracción de hidrocarburos contenidos en buques hundidos, no es menos cierto que la extracción se ha realizado a profundidades inferiores a los 1000 metros, ya que a partir de estas profundidades las presiones van progresivamente aumentando y haciendo inviables los sistemas hasta ahora utilizados. La problemática referida, se solventa mediante el sistema de extracción descrito en la patente de invenciónSYSTEM FOR EXTRACTION OF HYDROCARBONS CONTAINED IN SUNKED VESSELS OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention, as expressed in the statement of this specification, refers to a system for extracting hydrocarbons contained in sunken ships, based on a large submerged tank to an area near the bottom by means of a ballast to receive the transfer of the hydrocarbon contained in the sunken ship, and to raise the tank to the surface due to its buoyancy, after releasing the ballast. The object of the invention is to provide a system that allows the extraction of petroleum residues stored in transport vessels of said type of product, which have suffered an accident and have sunk to great depths, thereby preventing the release of the hydrocarbon and its rise to the surface with the serious consequences that this would entail, especially if it takes place in areas near the coast. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The problems and enormous economic losses of the spill or discharge of hydrocarbons or residues of oil "chapapote" on the sea are well known, since it implies a contamination of the marine fauna as well as of the coasts, beaches, etc., with serious consequences that affect the ecosystem of the fauna itself as well as all those who live from fishing and, therefore, related to it, and therefore, to the short and long term consumers and society in general. The problems involved in the collection of oil spills in areas near the coasts are also known, since when the spills are considerable, the collection of all or most of the spill is impossible. On the other hand, when a hydrocarbon transport vessel sinks in areas not far from the coasts, in addition to the aforementioned problems, since in a subsidence there are always spills, the fact of the problem of the contained hydrocarbon must be added in the tanks of that sunken ship, since in more or less term the tanks will deteriorate and the hydrocarbon will go outside, reaching the surface of the water because it is of lower density than this one. Currently, a system is used that allows the hydrocarbon to be extracted from a sunken ship, based on a robot that is submerged until it reaches the ship and is coupled to its hull so that, through an appropriate mouth, the oil is subtracted, pumping it through a conduit to a vessel located on the surface, all in combination with a power cable from the surface vessel to the robot to allow its control, as well as a conduit for pumping water from the surface with in order to push the hydrocarbon up and then allow the mixture to be pumped out. This system, although it has been used effectively in the extraction of hydrocarbons contained in sunken ships, it is no less true that the extraction has been carried out at depths below 1000 meters, since from these depths the pressures are gradually increasing and making the systems used so far unfeasible. The referred problem is solved by the extraction system described in the invention patent

P-200301289, del ' mismo solicitante que la presente invención, ya que el sistema que se describe en esa patente permite extraer hidrocarburos o residuos similares a profundidades que pueden sobrepasar los 3500 metros, basándose en situar entre la superficie del mar y el buque hundido del que se pretende extraer el hidrocarburo, uno o más flotadores sumergibles con una cámara destinada a ser llenada de agua para cumplir la función de lastre y una cámara estanca como sala de máquinas o de bombeo, siendo controlada y gobernada desde la superficie, concretamente desde una embarcación situada en la superficie y destinada a recibir el hidrocarburo que se va extrayendo, embarcación ésta que está prevista para sujetar, mediante apropiados cables, el flotador o flotadores sumergibles, pudiendo disponer dos embarcaciones de superficie para poder conseguir una mayor estabilización. El flotador o flotadores sumergibles están también relacionados entre sí con el buque hundido a través de un conducto en el que pueden estar establecidos dos o tres conductos concéntricos, uno para la introducción de aire frío destinado a refrigerar las cámaras o salas de bombeo, otro para salida de aire caliente, y otro para la extracción del hidrocarburo. El succionado se efectúa con la colaboración de un robot aplicado sobre el casco del buque hundido para que, a través de las respectivas bocas, se realice el succionado del hidrocarburo. Dicho robot, como es lógico, estará conectado al condμcto para el trasiego del hidrocarburo hasta la embarcación de superficie. También se incluyen en esta patente de invención unos inyectores sobre la parte interior del conducto, con una disposición inclinada, que permiten la entrada del agua del mar, que por ser de gran presión a esas profundidades produce una impulsión hacia arriba que colabora en la extracción del hidrocarburo hasta la superficie, produciendo asimismo un efecto neutralizador de la presión que ejerce el mar en las paredes del tubo, además de que esa entrada a presión del agua colabora en mantener el conducto sin que el hidrocarburo se adhiera a la superficie interna del conducto. En una variante de la realización, el sistema incluye un flotador sumergible especial capaz de alcanzar el fondo y ser situado junto al buque hundido, de manera que mediante un robot y los medios de conexión apropiados se realizará el trasvase, prácticamente en horizontal, del hidrocarburo desde el tanque del buque hundido hasta ese sumergible especial, contando éste con una cámara de carga de agua como lastre, que se intercambia por el hidrocarburo' mediante un aislador, creando un efecto colador interno y expulsando el lastre (agua) a la superficie por las mangueras . DESCRIPCIÓN DE LA INVENCIÓN El sistema de la invención está basado en la segunda de las variantes de realización descritas en la patente de invención 200301289 anterior, del mismo solicitante, concretamente en aquélla en la que se sumerge un tanque hasta el fondo para efectuar un primer trasvase del buque hundido a ese tanque, intercambiando lastre por hidrocarburo, a través del conducto que lleva el lastre hasta la superficie. La novedad de la invención, se caracteriza fundamentalmente por la expulsión del lastre directamente en el fondo marino y no en la superficie como se hacía en el anterior sistema. Es decir, en el nuevo sistema se prescinde del circuito de aire y manguera de expulsión a la superficie, ya que no es necesario: se evacúa el lastre abajo, a medida que se intercambia por el hidrocarburo (fuel) en el tanque, a través del efecto colador que incorpora dentro. De esta forma el tanque pende de un cable de suspensión y fijación. El desplazamiento descendente y ascendente se efectuará con la colaboración de dicho cable de suspensión convenientemente guiado, que por un lado estará vinculado a la embarcación de superficie y por el otro al tanque sumergible . El repetido tanque incluirá un lastre de agua para conseguir una inmersión hasta el fondo, en combinación con un contrapeso suspendido de la parte inferior. El trasvase desde el buque al tanque se efectúa a través de un conducto asociado a un robot, de manera que a medida que se va descargando de agua se va cargando de hidrocarburo con la colaboración de una bomba expulsora; habiéndose previsto en el interior del tanque un filtro separador de hidrocarburo y agua, evitando que salga hidrocarburo al mar. Una vez intercambiado el agua del tanque por el hidrocarburo, se libera el contrapeso que lo mantiene próximo al fondo y él solo sale a la superficie, donde podrá ser trasegado al buque nodriza o remolcado a refinería. En resumen, el sistema o procedimiento anterior se ve sustancialmente simplificado ganando mayor seguridad y eficacia, a la vez que sencillez y economía, sin riesgos de montaje ni posibles averías. BREVE DESCRIPCIÓN DE LOS DIBUJOS Para completar la descripción que seguidamente se va a realizar y con objeto de llegar a una mejor comprensión de las características del invento, se acompaña a la presente memoria descriptiva una hoja única de planos en base a la cual se comprenderán más fácilmente las innovaciones y ventajas del sistema de extracción de hidrocarburos realizada de acuerdo con el objeto de la invención. La figura muestra una representación esquemática del sistema de extracción propiamente dicho. DESCRIPCIÓN DE LA FORMA DE REALIZACIÓN PREFERIDA A la vista de la comentada figura, puede observarse como el sistema previsto para extraer hidrocarburo contenido en un buque 1 hundido en el fondo del mar, comprende un tanque 2 constituido en un material resistente pero de elevada flotabilidad, o en su defecto, una cápsula al vacío con la misma finalidad, colaborando en ésta un relleno ligero 3 previsto en la zona superior del tanque 2, el cual cuenta además con unos elementos a modo de orejetas o argollas 4 y 5. La argolla 4 sirve para enganche de un cable 10 previsto entre el propio tanque 2 y una embarcación de superficie 13 situada de manera flotante sobre el nivel 6 del agua. El cable 10 está conectado a esa embarcación de superficie 13 mediante una maquinilla o torno 10 ' . Una parte de dicho tanque 2 se llenará de agua destinada a constituir un lastre que colabora, junto con un contrapeso 7 sujeto en la parte inferior, en la inmersión del propio tanque 2 hasta el fondo o zona próxima al buque 1, para llevar a efecto el trasvase del hidrocarburo contenido en éste a través de un conducto 8 asociado a un robot 9. El contrapeso 7 se mantiene unido al tanque 2 mediante un cable 11. El tanque 2 está vinculado al cable 10 dispuesto entre la embarcación de superficie 13 y el propio tanque 2, concretamente a la parte o argolla superior 4, mientras que sobre la argolla inferior 5 va vinculado el segundo cableP-200301289, of the same applicant as the present invention, since the system described in that patent allows hydrocarbons or similar residues to be extracted at depths that may exceed 3500 meters, based on placing between the sea surface and the ship sunk from which it is intended to extract the hydrocarbon, one or more submersible floats with a chamber intended to be filled with water to fulfill the function of ballast and a sealed chamber as a machine or pump room, being controlled and governed from the surface, specifically from a vessel located on the surface and destined to receive the hydrocarbon that is being extracted, this vessel that is intended to hold, by appropriate cables, the submersible float or floats, being able to arrange two surface vessels to achieve greater stabilization. The submersible float or floats are also interrelated with the sunken vessel through a conduit in which two or three concentric ducts may be established, one for the introduction of cold air intended to cool the chambers or pumping rooms, another for hot air outlet, and another for hydrocarbon extraction. The suction is carried out with the collaboration of a robot applied on the hull of the sunken ship so that, through the respective mouths, the suction of the hydrocarbon is carried out. Said robot, of course, will be connected to the condition for the transfer of the hydrocarbon to the surface vessel. Also included in this patent of invention are injectors on the inner part of the duct, with an inclined arrangement, which allow the entry of seawater, which, being of great pressure at these depths, produces an upward impulse that helps in the extraction of the hydrocarbon to the surface, also producing a neutralizing effect of the pressure exerted by the sea on the walls of the tube, in addition to that pressure entry of the water collaborates in maintaining the conduit without the hydrocarbon adhering to the internal surface of the conduit . In a variant of the embodiment, the system includes a special submersible float capable of reaching the bottom and being located next to the sunken ship, so that by means of a robot and the appropriate connection means, the transfer, practically horizontally, of the hydrocarbon will be carried out from the sunken ship's tank to that special submersible, this one having a water loading chamber as a ballast, which is exchanged for the hydrocarbon 'by means of an insulator, creating an internal straining effect and expelling the ballast (water) to the surface by the hoses DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The system of the invention is based on the second of the embodiments described in the previous invention patent 200301289, of the same applicant, specifically in that in which a tank is submerged to the bottom to effect a first transfer of the ship sunk to that tank, exchanging ballast for hydrocarbon, through the conduit that carries the ballast to the surface. The novelty of the invention is characterized mainly by the expulsion of the ballast directly on the seabed and not on the surface as was done in the previous system. That is, in the new system the air circuit and ejection hose to the surface is dispensed with, as it is not necessary: the ballast is evacuated below, as it is exchanged for the oil (fuel) in the tank, through of the straining effect that it incorporates inside. In this way the tank hangs on a suspension and fixing cable. The downward and upward displacement will be carried out with the collaboration of said conveniently guided suspension cable, which on the one hand will be linked to the surface vessel and on the other to the tank submersible The repeated tank will include a water ballast to get a dive to the bottom, in combination with a counterweight suspended from the bottom. The transfer from the ship to the tank is carried out through a conduit associated with a robot, so that as it is discharged from water it is loaded with hydrocarbon in collaboration with an ejector pump; a hydrocarbon and water separator filter being provided inside the tank, preventing hydrocarbon from leaving the sea. Once the water in the tank has been exchanged for the hydrocarbon, the counterweight that keeps it close to the bottom is released and it only goes to the surface, where it can be transferred to the mothership or towed to the refinery. In summary, the previous system or procedure is substantially simplified, gaining greater safety and efficiency, as well as simplicity and economy, without assembly risks or possible failures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to complete the description that is to be carried out below and in order to arrive at a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a single sheet of plans is attached to the present specification based on which more will be understood Easily innovations and advantages of the hydrocarbon extraction system carried out in accordance with the object of the invention. The figure shows a schematic representation of the extraction system itself. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In view of the aforementioned figure, it can be seen how the system intended to extract hydrocarbon contained in a ship 1 sunk at the bottom of the sea, comprises a tank 2 constituted in a resistant material but of high buoyancy, or failing that, a capsule under vacuum for the same purpose, a light filling 3 provided in the upper area of the tank 2 collaborating therein, which also has elements like lugs or rings 4 and 5. The ring 4 is used to hook a cable 10 provided between the tank 2 itself and a surface vessel 13 floatingly located above the water level 6. The cable 10 is connected to that surface vessel 13 by means of a clipper or lathe 10 '. A part of said tank 2 will be filled with water intended to constitute a ballast that collaborates, together with a counterweight 7 attached at the bottom, in the immersion of the tank 2 itself to the bottom or area near the vessel 1, to carry out the transfer of the hydrocarbon contained therein through a conduit 8 associated with a robot 9. The counterweight 7 is held together to the tank 2 by a cable 11. The tank 2 is linked to the cable 10 disposed between the surface vessel 13 and the own tank 2, specifically to the upper part or ring 4, while the second cable is connected to the lower ring 5

11 para la suspensión el contrapeso 7 que, en la inmersión del tanque 2 a la altura del buque 1 del que se pretende extraer el hidrocarburo, queda apoyado sobre el fondo 12 del mar. Asimismo, se ha previsto que el referido tanque 2 incorpore interiormente un filtro 14 (efecto colador) , evitando que salga hidrocarburo al mar, operación esta última que se efectúa a través de un conducto de salida 16 mediante una bomba expulsora 15 ' , todo ello de manera tal que una vez terminado su ascenso, se libera el contrapeso 7 que lo mantiene próximo al fondo, ascendiendo él solo hasta la superficie, donde podrá ser trasegado al buque nodriza o remolcado a tierra. También se ha previsto que el buque hundido pueda complementarse con inyectores antirretorno 15 en los compartimentos a vaciar para entrada de agua como sucedáneo e introducir alta presión para empuje del hidrocarburo, que al mismo tiempo neutraliza la presión interior del conducto y tanque con la exterior. El sistema es susceptible de complementarse con un cable 17, como cable de sujeción y de fuerza eléctrica por si se necesita corriente desde la embarcación de superficie 13 al tanque flotador 2. Ese cable 17 se remata en un robot-taladro 18 para hacer perforaciones en el buque hundido 1. Asimismo, se ha previsto un segundo contrapeso (19) suspendido de la embarcación de superficie mediante un cable-guía 20, que permite la operación de bajada del tanque 2 al fondo marino. El tanque 2 incluye una compuerta hermética 21 para vaciado y limpieza en tierra. Finalmente, decir que la operación de extracción bajo el mar será supervisada por un batiscafo que se encargará de los acoplamientos y vigilancia. 11 for the suspension the counterweight 7 which, when immersing the tank 2 at the height of the vessel 1 from which the hydrocarbon is intended to be extracted, is supported on the bottom 12 of the sea. Likewise, it is provided that said tank 2 internally incorporates a filter 14 (strainer effect), preventing hydrocarbon from leaving the sea, the latter operation that is carried out through an outlet conduit 16 by means of an ejector pump 15 ', all this in such a way that once its ascent is finished, the counterweight 7 is released that keeps it close to the bottom, ascending only to the surface, where it can be transferred to the mother ship or towed to land. It is also envisaged that the sunken ship can be complemented with non-return injectors 15 in the compartments to be emptied for water inlet as a substitute and introduce high pressure for hydrocarbon thrust, which at the same time neutralizes the internal pressure of the duct and tank with the outside. The system is capable of being complemented with a cable 17, as a clamping and electric force cable in case current is needed from the surface vessel 13 to the float tank 2. That cable 17 is finished off in a robot-drill 18 to make perforations in the sunken vessel 1. A second counterweight (19) suspended from the surface vessel is also provided by means of a guide wire 20, which allows the operation of lowering the tank 2 to the seabed. Tank 2 includes a hermetic gate 21 for emptying and cleaning on land. Finally, say that the extraction operation under the sea will be supervised by a bathyscaphe that will be in charge of the couplings and surveillance.

Claims

REIVINDICACIONES 1.- SISTEMA DE EXTRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS CONTENIDOSCLAIMS 1.- HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION SYSTEM CONTAINED EN BUQUES HUNDIDOS, que estando previsto para permitir la extracción a grandes profundidades, mediante sumergido del mismo en el agua hasta alcanzar el buque hundido, basándose en la utilización de un robot acoplable al buque hundido, para extraer por succionado el hidrocarburo contenido en el mismo, se caracteriza porque comprende un tanque flotanteIN SUNK SHIPS, which being planned to allow extraction at great depths, by submerging it in the water until reaching the sunken ship, based on the use of a robot that can be attached to the sunken ship, to suction the hydrocarbon contained in it , is characterized in that it comprises a floating tank (2) que se sumerge mediante lastre hasta una zona próxima al buque hundido (1) contenedor del hidrocarburo, comunicándose buque y tanque mediante un conducto (8) que por un extremo incorpora acoplado el correspondiente robot(2) that is submerged by ballast to an area near the sunken vessel (1) hydrocarbon container, vessel and tank communicating through a conduit (8) that incorporates the corresponding robot attached at one end (9) , mientras que su otro extremo desemboca en el interior del tanque (2) , permitiendo el trasvase del hidrocarburo desde el buque (1) al tanque (2) ; con la particularidad de que éste último se encuentra relacionado mediante un cable apropiado (10) con una embarcación de superficie (13) ; habiéndose previsto que una parte del lastre la constituya un volumen de agua que se carga sobre el tanque (2) antes de efectuarse el sumergido de éste hasta el fondo, mientras que otra parte del lastre está constituida por un contrapeso (7) sujeto sobre la parte inferior y externa del tanque (2) a través de un cable (11) , siendo descargado el agua de dicho tanque (2) con la colaboración de una bomba a medida que se carga de hidrocarburo procedente del buque hundido (1) , liberándose el contrapeso (7) una vez cargado el hidrocarburo para conseguir el ascenso y flotabilidad de dicho tanque (2) con el hidrocarburo hasta la superficie (6) , en la que está situada la embarcación (13) o embarcaciones destinadas a la recepción del hidrocarburo extraído . 2.- SISTEMA DE EXTRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS CONTENIDOS(9), while its other end flows into the interior of the tank (2), allowing the transfer of the hydrocarbon from the vessel (1) to the tank (2); with the particularity that the latter is related by means of an appropriate cable (10) with a surface vessel (13); having provided that a part of the ballast is constituted by a volume of water that is loaded onto the tank (2) before submerging it to the bottom, while another part of the ballast is constituted by a counterweight (7) held on the lower and outer part of the tank (2) through a cable (11), the water being discharged from said tank (2) with the collaboration of a pump as hydrocarbon is loaded from the sunken ship (1), being released the counterweight (7) once the hydrocarbon is loaded to achieve the ascent and buoyancy of said tank (2) with the hydrocarbon to the surface (6), in which the vessel (13) or vessels destined to receive the hydrocarbon is located extracted. 2.- HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION SYSTEM CONTAINED EN BUQUES HUNDIDOS, según reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque el tanque (2) presenta una configuración apropiada, preferentemente redondeada, con una parte superior dotada de un relleno ligero (3) para potenciar la flotabilidad del propio tanque (2) . 3.- SISTEMA DE EXTRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS CONTENIDOS EN BUQUES HUNDIDOS, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque el tanque (2) incluye interiormente un filtro (14) constitutivo de un separador entre el hidrocarburo que entra procedente del buque (1) y el agua contenida en dicho tanque (2) , y que es impulsada mediante la bomba al exterior a medida que se va cargando de hidrocarburo. 4.- SISTEMA DE EXTRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS CONTENIDOS EN BUQUES HUNDIDOS, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque el tanque (2) presenta en sus extremos superior e inferior sendas argollas u orejetas (4) y (5) de enganche para el correspondiente cable (10) de vinculación del tanque (2) a la embarcación de superficie (13) y para enganche del cable (11) de soporte del contrapeso (7) , respectivamente . 5.- SISTEMA DE EXTRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS CONTENIDOS EN BUQUES HUNDIDOS, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque el cable (10) está vinculado a la embarcación de superficie (13) , a través de una maquinilla (10') prevista en ésta. 6.- SISTEMA DE EXTRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS CONTENIDOS EN BUQUES HUNDIDOS, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque opcionalmente se incluye un cable (17) como medio de sujeción y de fuerza eléctrica para permitir la utilización de energía eléctrica desde la embarcación de superficie (13) , sobre el tanque (2) ; con la particularidad de que dicho cable de fuerza (17) se remata en un robot- taladro (18) para operaciones de perforado sobre el tanque hundido (1) . 7.- SISTEMA DE EXTRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS CONTENIDOSIN SUNK SHIPS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (2) has an appropriate configuration, preferably rounded, with a top provided of a light filling (3) to enhance the buoyancy of the tank itself (2). 3. HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION SYSTEM CONTAINED IN SUNKED VESSELS, according to previous claims, characterized in that the tank (2) internally includes a filter (14) constituting a separator between the hydrocarbon entering from the vessel (1) and the water contained in said tank (2), and which is driven by the pump to the outside as it is being loaded with hydrocarbon. 4.- HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION SYSTEM CONTAINED IN SUNKED VESSELS, according to previous claims, characterized in that the tank (2) has at its upper and lower ends both rings or lugs (4) and (5) for hitching for the corresponding cable (10 ) for linking the tank (2) to the surface vessel (13) and for hooking the weight support cable (11) (7), respectively. 5. HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION SYSTEM CONTAINED IN SUNKED VESSELS, according to previous claims, characterized in that the cable (10) is linked to the surface vessel (13), through a clipper (10 ') provided therein. 6. HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION SYSTEM CONTAINED IN SUNKED VESSELS, according to previous claims, characterized in that optionally a cable (17) is included as a means of clamping and electric force to allow the use of electric energy from the surface vessel (13) , on the tank (2); with the particularity that said power cable (17) is finished off in a robot drill (18) for drilling operations on the sunken tank (1). 7.- HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION SYSTEM CONTAINED EN BUQUES HUNDIDOS, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque incluye un segundo contrapeso (19) suspendido de un cable-guía (20) que sirve de guía en el descenso del tanque (2) . 8.- SISTEMA DE EXTRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS CONTENIDOSIN SHIPS, according to previous claims, characterized in that it includes a second counterweight (19) suspended from a guide wire (20) that guides the descent of the tank (2). 8.- HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION SYSTEM CONTAINED EN BUQUES HUNDIDOS, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque el tanque (2) está dotado de una compuerta hermética (21) para vaciado y limpieza en tierra del mismo. IN SUNK SHIPS, according to previous claims, characterized in that the tank (2) is provided with a hermetic gate (21) for emptying and cleaning it on land.
PCT/ES2005/000021 2004-01-23 2005-01-19 System for the extraction of hydrocarbons from sunken vessels Ceased WO2005070757A1 (en)

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ESP200400138 2004-01-23
ES200400138A ES2238005B1 (en) 2004-01-23 2004-01-23 HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION SYSTEM CONTAINED IN SUNKED VESSELS.

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110329465A (en) * 2019-07-11 2019-10-15 海南中控科技有限公司 Submersible automatic hanging fills recovery system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992005998A1 (en) * 1990-10-01 1992-04-16 Aalgaard Odd Sigmund A device especially for the recovery of hydrocarbons or other chemicals from tanks of a wrecked ship
US5775390A (en) * 1993-11-03 1998-07-07 Mohn; Frank Apparatus for extraction of a fluent material from a container
US6053199A (en) * 1997-03-05 2000-04-25 Ellis; Stanley William Underwater recovery of fluids from submerged tank

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992005998A1 (en) * 1990-10-01 1992-04-16 Aalgaard Odd Sigmund A device especially for the recovery of hydrocarbons or other chemicals from tanks of a wrecked ship
US5775390A (en) * 1993-11-03 1998-07-07 Mohn; Frank Apparatus for extraction of a fluent material from a container
US6053199A (en) * 1997-03-05 2000-04-25 Ellis; Stanley William Underwater recovery of fluids from submerged tank

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110329465A (en) * 2019-07-11 2019-10-15 海南中控科技有限公司 Submersible automatic hanging fills recovery system

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ES2238005B1 (en) 2006-11-01

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