Temporary Cap for a Blownout Subsea Wellhead

Abstract

A device for collecting and confining oil escaping from a sea bottom wellhead blowout. The device is easily and quickly moved into position to contain the oil from a subsea well blowout. The device provides an improved method for recovering the oil flowing from a subsea well blowout and preventing the mixing of such fluids with large quantities of the seawater. An improved method of oil containment includes the positioning of a vertical capsule over a subsea well blowout and the conducting of oil through a conduit to surface processing and storage equipment. In addition, an improved method includes the formation of a seal completely around the blownout wellhead.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A device for collecting and confining oil escaping from a sea bottom wellhead blowout, comprising:
 a vertical cylindrical capsule shaped recovery member constructed of a somewhat flexible material;   a plurality of suspension members and positioning members attached to said recovery member;   a plurality of control members and actuator members attached to said recovery member;   a weight line attached around the circumference of said recovery member; and   a closing member and an opening at the lower end of said recovery member.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said suspension members and positioning members are attached to a barge on one end and said recovery member on the other end. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said control members and actuator members are attached to a barge on one end and said recovery member on the other end. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said weight line is attached to said positioning members. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said closing member is attached to a battery pack. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said closing member is covered with fireproof shields. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said closing member is provided with a seam. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein said seam is threaded with a drawstring. 
     
     
         9 . A method for collecting and confining oil escaping from a sea bottom wellhead blowout, comprising:
 positioning the recovery member over the wellhead;   lowering said recovery member below the sea surface to encompass said wellhead;   pumping air and water from inside said recovery member to the sea surface;   pulling the drawstring to close said recovery member around said wellhead; and   pumping the oil contents of said wellhead to the oil collection device at the sea surface.   
     
     
         10 . A device for collecting and confining oil escaping from a sea bottom wellhead blowout, comprising:
 a vertical cylindrical capsule shaped recovery member constructed of a somewhat flexible material;   a plurality of suspension members and positioning members attached to said recovery member;   a plurality of control members and actuator members attached to said recovery member;   a weight line attached around the circumference of said recovery member;   a closing member and an opening at the lower end of said recovery member;   a battery pack attached to said closing member;   an electric motorized winch attached to said battery pack;   a seam on the circumference of said opening;   a drawstring threaded through said seam and attached to said wench.