Abstract: The invention relates to a watercraft having a hull (10), an introduction installation (20) for an object (70) to be anchored in the water, said introduction installation (20) being disposed on said hull (10), and at least one compressor (30) having at least one compressed-air line (40) which leads into the water and is coupled to at least one compressed-air distribution installation (45) which has a horizontal extent and for generating a bubble curtain (50) below the hull (10) has a multiplicity of mutually spaced apart outflow openings (46), characterized in that the hull (10) has at least two sub-hulls (11, 12) which are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart and connected to one another, and a void (15) which is at least partially surrounded by the bubble curtain (50) is situated between the sub-hulls (11, 12).

Abstract: A flexible liquid separation media floats within an exterior liquid, e.g., body of water. At least three of a vertical outer support column are secured within the exterior liquid with upper connectors coupled to the flexible liquid separation media. A float within each of the at least three of a vertical outer support column are coupled to a lower portion of the flexible liquid separation media. The flexible liquid separation media is used to hold a contained liquid within the exterior liquid. The lower portion sinks and rises as the fluid level changes within the flexible liquid separation media while the floats within at least three of a vertical outer support column floatably anchors the lower portion and maintains the lower portion (105L) of the flexible liquid separation media (105) a consistent distance from the at least three of a vertical outer support column (120).

Abstract: A disclosed corrugated end cap includes a corrugated frame having one or more corrugations defined by one or more sets of alternating peaks and valleys. The end cap also includes one or more ribs disposed in one or more of the valleys and one or more valley reinforcements disposed in the valleys and running over a top surface of the corrugated frame. For example, the one or more ribs may be configured to increase a resistance of the frame to bending. Additionally or alternatively, the top surface, a front surface, and a rear of the corrugated frame surround a recess configured to receive latch ridges from a stormwater chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watercraft having a hull (10), an introduction installation (20) for an object (70) to be anchored in the water, said introduction installation (20) being disposed on said hull (10), and at least one compressor (30) having at least one compressed-air line (40) which leads into the water and is coupled to at least one compressed-air distribution installation (45) which has a horizontal extent and for generating a bubble curtain (50) below the hull (10) has a multiplicity of mutually spaced apart outflow openings (46), characterized in that the hull (10) has at least two sub-hulls (11, 12) which are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart and connected to one another, and a void (15) which is at least partially surrounded by the bubble curtain (50) is situated between the sub-hulls (11, 12).

Abstract: A method for recovering a sunken material from a body of water having a water layer and a sediment layer, the sunken material present at a water-sediment interface is presented, comprising using an impermeable hollow column and a high density fluid to float the sunken material to the top of the column for readily removal of the floated sunken material using surface material removing equipment.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer comprises a buoyant skimmer body. The swimming pool skimmer further comprises an electrical power supply including a solar cell mounted to a topside of the skimmer body. A set of proximity sensors are operatively connected to the electrical power supply, and are mounted at a forward end of the skimmer body. The set of proximity sensors are configured to generate a signal in response to detecting an obstruction. A set of pump jets are operatively connected to both the electrical power supply and the set of proximity sensors. The set of pump jets are configured to activate in response to the signal from the set of proximity sensors, thereby rotating the swimming pool skimmer away from the obstruction.

Abstract: A process for installing or removing a subsea structure in a non-vertical manner at a well includes securing a plurality of barges together in a linear formation in which one of the plurality of barges has a downline extending therefrom, connecting an end of the barges to a primary vessel, moving the primary vessel such that one of the barges is positioned over a target at or adjacent to the well, connecting a plurality of secondary vessels by plurality of mooring lines to an opposite end of the barges, tensioning the mooring line so as to fix the opposite end of the barges, positioning a deployment vessel away from the barges, deploying an ROV, manipulating the ROV so as to connect the subsea structure to the downline, and moving the downline and the subsea structure toward or away from the well.

Abstract: A well drilling fishing equipment alignment device that includes a base and an inner support that is connected to and that extends from that base. The inner support is configured to receive, hold, and vertically align an equipment retrieval device, typically an overshot. Also included is an outer cover that is configured to cover and protect at least a portion of the equipment retrieval device when it is connected to the inner support. The base provides a flat bottom and a handling feature. The inner support includes a preferably hollow vertical support member that includes a lower end guide support that mates with a feature of the equipment retrieval device. Beneficially the guide support includes a perimeter lip that engages a bottom edge of an equipment retrieval device guide to form a joint.

Abstract: An underwater station that may include a filter manipulator that is arranged to input, without human intervention, a filter into a pool cleaning robot that is located in a filter replacement position and to assist, without human intervention, in positioning the filter at a filtering position in which the filter is at least partially disposed within a fluid path formed between a first fluid opening and a second fluid opening of the housing thereby allowing the filter to apply a filtering operation on fluid that passes through the fluid path.

Abstract: A platform performs wireless power supply to an underwater mobile object having a relatively movable relationship using coil pairs disposed to be opposable. The platform includes: a recessed section configured to accommodate at least a part of the underwater mobile object with a gap; a coil configured to constitute the first opposable coil pair (5A) on a first wall portion of the recessed section facing each other; and a coil configured to constitute the second opposable coil pair on a second wall portion of the recessed section facing each other.

Abstract: A wellhead vault for preventing alteration of the wellhead of a water supply. The vault is a heavy bell-shaped structure, formed of concrete, and having a downwardly facing concavity, and the vault placed over, with the concavity around the wellhead. The vaults too heavy to be removed by human lifting. Lifting elements are provided to allow the vault to be installed and removed by heavy construction equipment. The vault has a vent that communicates between the concavity and the outside, allowing air, but not liquid, liquid or solid contaminants, or animals, to pass through.

Abstract: An on-board re-inflatable containment boom for a waterborne vessel that lies substantially flat and capable of being spooled when deflated and floats in the proper orientation when inflated, that has re-inflatable float sections which are sequentially inflated during deployment and sequentially deflated during recovery, that can be repeatedly deployed and recovered for the purposes of training and testing, and that can be deployed immediately upon occurrence of an oil spill from a waterborne vessel because of its on-board location and its rapid deployment, and a control system for proper inflation and deflation of re-inflatable containment boom during deployment and recovery.

Abstract: A wellhead vault for preventing alteration of the wellhead of a water supply. The vault is a heavy bell-shaped structure, formed of concrete, and placed over and around the wellhead. The vaults too heavy to be removed by human lifting. Lifting elements are provided to allow the vault to be installed and removed by heavy construction equipment.

Abstract: An on-board re-inflatable containment boom system for a waterborne vessel providing an on-board re-inflatable containment boom that lies substantially flat and capable of being spooled when deflated and floats in the proper orientation when inflated, that has re-inflatable float sections which are sequentially inflated during deployment and sequentially deflated during recovery, that can be repeatedly deployed and recovered for the purposes of training and testing, and that can be deployed immediately upon occurrence of an oil spill from a waterborne vessel because of its on-board location and its rapid deployment, providing controlled inflation and deflation during deployment and recovery, and a method for containment of an oil spill from a waterborne vessel using an on-board re-inflatable containment boom system.

Abstract: A subsea containment system for capturing fluids leaking from a subsea well includes a clamping assembly and a storage system. The clamp assembly includes an annular clamp body configured to be disposed about the upper end of the well and a fluid outlet extending from the clamp body. The fluid outlet is in fluid communication with an inner cavity of the clamp body. The storage system is coupled to the fluid outlet of the clamping assembly. The storage system includes a first storage tank having an inlet in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the clamp body and a plurality of vertically spaced outlets.

Abstract: A collection device for collecting oil and gas that is placed near the sea floor over a leak or seep. The device is anchored to the seabed. It has a long body and a head into which oil and gas can flow and be captured. An extraction system is attached to the collector that utilizes long tubes to collect both the oil and gas and bring them to the surface. The collector can be used singly or it can be combined with many others to form a complete collection system.

Abstract: A method for handling a hydro sound absorber in the region of an offshore construction site. The method includes, prior to beginning noise-emitting work, positioning a hydro sound absorber in the region of the offshore construction site. The method includes positioning a transport housing receiving the hydro sound absorber close to at least one of a seabed or a surface of the water. The method also includes spreading out the hydro sound absorber from a first functional position out of the transport housing at least one of vertically to the extent of the offshore construction site or horizontally to the geometry of the seabed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective device for preventing fluids, either gaseous or liquid, from escaping into a body of water in an unforeseen or uncontrolled manner, e.g. from a fault 14 in the bottom 15 of the body of water or from the defective riser 16 of a wellbore. The protective device has a dome-shaped membrane 12 that is impervious to the fluid. Further, it has individually navigable flotation devices 17 that are attached to the membrane 12 for the purpose of positioning and stabilizing the membrane 12. An outlet hose 102 for extracting the fluid is mounted on the membrane. The outlet hose also has individually navigable flotation devices 17 for positioning and stabilizing the outlet hose.

Abstract: The invention is a rapid deployment oil recovery apparatus (1) comprising a number of interconnected oil recovery sections, denoted as 1?n interconnected oil recovery sections (100) comprised of a fabric or flexible material. An oil accumulator (200) is distal from the breach and an oil interceptor (300) is secured at the breach. Compression tubes (500) at the outer circumference of an oil recovery section (100) seal a leak in the oil recovery section (100) and provide lift to the oil recovery section (100). The 1?n compression tubes (500) and the compression tube sections (550) are positioned by compression tube control lines (555). An air manifold frame (150) is within the oil interceptor (300) and is comprised of air manifold frame first section (153) and 1?n air manifold frame sections (155) comprising an air manifold (160) having an air manifold fluid supply (163).

Abstract: The present pool filtering system provides an elongated fine mesh filter with a large surface area; which can be removed and inserted through a standard filter access port found on pool decks. Because the filter assembly length is at least twice the diameter measurement, a large surface area is possible while remaining compact. The filter assembly includes a cylindrical porous filter basket that is completely lined with a filter bag. The filter bag can filter particulate matter as fine as three hundred microns or less. The present filtering system can provide preliminary filtering before water is delivered for further conditioning by secondary filters, heater, or the like. The present filter permits fine filtering without constant clogging or maintenance. When maintenance is required, there is easy access for cleaning and replacement. The elongated weir housing and weir door allows for a greater operating range of pool water level.

Abstract: Catastrophic events involving oceanic petroleum oil-wells are threats to ventures in this intriguing avenue.

Abstract: Two functionally and physically integrated subsystems form a supplemental disaster preventive system for offshore oil wells. A multi-function well subsystem modifies the sea-floor and in-well equipment to provide maintenance access, tools to cap the well, seal/re-seal the well, drill/re-drill the well, kill the well from the top, improve BOP reliability, add BOP functional redundancy, improve the cementing process, incorporate a sea-floor pressure relief/diversion function and improve the well's life cycle safety. A dome top cylindrical sidewall structure encloses the well's sea-floor equipment providing improved structural strength as well as passive protection from natural/human induced disasters. An intrusion detection and response subsystem provides sensing, processing and communication devices to detect, track & classify the 3D aspects of air/surface/sub-surface objects around a specific oil well or group of oil wells and provides the means to evaluate and eliminate threats.

Abstract: A fluid level control system comprising a structure containing oil and water; a fluid off-take located on said structure; a flow controller fluidly connected to said fluid off-take; a sensor located on said structure and adapted to measure a property of said oil and said water; and a computer for interpreting a signal from said sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting against environmental contamination at a drilling site is disclosed. The apparatus is used to form a perimeter around the drilling site, the interior of which is covered by a geomembrane. The portion of the geomembrane found along the perimeter is placed in the groove of the apparatus's base. A key block is then fit into the grove, thereby holding the geomembrane in place by the tension created between the base and the key block. At those perimeter locations that will be traversed by vehicles and equipment, two ramp pieces replace the key block in holding the geomembrane tight against the base.

Abstract: An Oil/Gas Recovery System, a Rotating Encasement Fitting (REF) and Methods of Using. The Oil/Gas Recovery System comprises a flexible shroud open at an end facing a leaking drill line arising from the bottom of a body of water, a recovery system operably coupled to the flexible shroud by an intake line, and a delivery system, operably coupled to the flexible shroud by a delivery line. The flexible shroud is adapted to be lowered or raised in a body of water, so that the open end encloses a source of crude oil or gas to be recovered. The Rotating Encasement Fitting (REF) for sealing a compromised pipeline fracture, comprises bladder glands at each end of the REF and a pipeline having a fracture therein. The bladder glands can be activated by a supply line or remotely supplied for multiple charges.

Abstract: A containment apparatus can be used to contain fluids leaking through a tubular wall of the pipe from an interior of the pipe to an environment surrounding the pipe. The containment apparatus can include a fluid container that can be positioned on an exterior surface of the pipe. The containment apparatus includes a seal for sealingly engaging the diameter of the pipe. In embodiments, the seal can be inflated with a pressure media to form a tighter seal between the containment apparatus and the pipe. For subsea pipeline applications, the containment apparatus can include a riser extending to the surface of the sea, from which the leaking fluid can be collected. In embodiments, the containment apparatus can include a valve that can selectively permit leaking fluid to flow toward a collection receptacle.

Abstract: An oil containment recovery dome including an upper containment portion and at least one bladder. The upper containment portion has an enclosure defined therein that is adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction with a well and to retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well. The at least one bladder is attached to the upper containment portion.

Abstract: A subsea contaminate remediation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit. The conduit includes a first end adapted to receive a first liquid stream having at least one contaminate; a second end adapted to release a second liquid stream; a grating associated with the second end of the housing; and at least one chemical injection port. The chemical injection port is adapted to introduce a chemical to the first liquid stream to form the second liquid stream.

Abstract: A split emergency containment dome for use in conjunction with an oil or gas well. The split emergency containment dome includes an upper containment portion and a closure mechanism. The upper containment portion has an enclosure defined therein that is adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction with the well and to retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well. The upper containment portion includes a wall having an opening formed therein. The opening extends from a lower end to an upper end of the upper containment portion. The closure mechanism is capable of selectively closing at least a portion of the opening.

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting and temporarily storing fluids (16) escaping from an underwater source (12, 64) and having lower density than surrounding water includes a collector (18) placed over the underwater source for collecting the escaping fluids, a riser tube (20) for transferring the collected fluids together towards the surface; and a buoyant buffer reservoir (22) maintained submerged under the surface and having an open-bottom chamber (30) for storage of the fluids. The riser tube has flow restrictors has flow restrictors comprising choke disks (58, 58?) arranged in its interior for restricting the flow of the fluids. The flow restrictors are arranged along the length of the riser tube. The buffer reservoir has arranged in its chamber a separator vessel (32) for separating gas from the fluids. The riser tube opens into the interior of the separator for discharging the fluids.

Abstract: A floating oil containment boom is comprised of boom sections connected end to end. Each boom section is of a tubular member or pipe section. The pipe or tubular member is buoyant, either closed at its ends and/or filled with foam or other buoyant material. Plates extend above and below the tubular member or pipe section for each section of boom. A specially configured connecter joins each boom section to the other, the connecter extending above and below the pipe or tubular member. An elastomeric block forms an interface between connectors on each boom section while simultaneously sealing the area between boom sections to flow of oil.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface.

Abstract: A system and a method to contain and recover crude oil and/or gas from a leaking wellhead on a sea bed is described. The system broadly consists of a series of elongated tubes positioned vertically from the sea floor and enclosing the wellhead and rising to the sea surface to be recovered. The leaking crude oil and/or gas rises is contained in the elongated tubes and rises through the series of elongated tubes to sea surface for recovery. Recovery of the crude oil and/or gas on the sea surface is carried out by any of the means currently applicable for this purpose. The method describes how to deploy the crude oil and/or gas containment and recovery system.

Abstract: A cold water piping system including a floating platform having horizontal and vertical surfaces, the platform including a moon pool generally in the middle of the horizontal surface in the form of a vertical cylinder with four recesses having a rectangular shape, an articulating interface suspended directly from the platform, the interface including a tubular shape made of fabric and a bellows assembly disposed at a bottom portion thereof. The system also includes at least two suspension cable assemblies secured to the platform, where the at least two suspension cables cross the moon pool, vertically mounted modular elements, where ends of the suspension cable assemblies are fastened to a top modular element at four diametrically opposed points, and a strainer having sea water intakes including a counterweight connected to the lowest modular element. The system also includes winches disposed on the horizontal surface of the platform and deployment cables connected to the strainer and winches.

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting and temporarily storing fluids (16) escaping from an underwater source (12, 64) and having lower density than surrounding water includes a collector (18) placed over the underwater source for collecting the escaping fluids, a riser tube (20) for transferring the collected fluids together towards the surface; and a buoyant buffer reservoir (22) maintained submerged under the surface and having an open-bottom chamber (30) for storage of the fluids. The riser tube has flow restrictors has flow restrictors comprising choke disks (58, 58?) arranged in its interior for restricting the flow of the fluids. The flow restrictors are arranged along the length of the riser tube. The buffer reservoir has arranged in its chamber a separator vessel (32) for separating gas from the fluids. The riser tube opens into the interior of the separator for discharging the fluids.

Abstract: A submerged hydrocarbon recovery apparatus for the collection and conveyance of fluids from sub surface leaks to the water body surface. The apparatus comprises a hydrocarbon fluid collector having an opening for receiving and collecting fluids emanating from an underwater hydrocarbon leak; a floatation assembly located below the water surface at a depth not affected by surface disturbances; and a conduit extending between the fluid collector and floatation assembly. The apparatus includes components to prevent the formation of hydrates or accumulation of solids that would obstruct the conveyance of fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for sealing a borehole from which oil discharges uncontrolled. Thereby, a hull is filled with cement and the cement mass is lowered around a cone-shaped pipe so that the cone-shaped pipe is simultaneously fixated and also sealed.

Abstract: A device for collection of oil and gas from an underwater source comprising a balloon-like structure (1) defined by an envelope having an opening (18), which, in operation, is on the underside of the balloon-like structure, which balloon-like structure includes: a vent (23) adapted to vent gas in the envelope, and control means (2) for controlling the oil upper level having a closure valve (3) adapted to control flow of gas in the envelope through the vent, the valve being closable by a valve closure member operable by a float (8) adapted to float on the oil to determine the minimum volume of gas in the envelope, wherein, in use, the balloon-like structure is adapted to be placed over the source to collect oil and gasses from said underwater source. The balloon-like structure further includes buoyancy means (10, 12, 14, 16, 17) adapted to control the buoyancy of the structure to enable ascent to the surface of the water in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Two embodiments (FIGS. 1 through 6) of a system design and methods of the apparatus utilizing the properties of Bermuda Straw, rectangular bales, encased in biodegradable burlap fabric to render an environmentally friendly oil containment vehicle/product to block, deter, arrest, capture, filter, absorb and detoxify contaminants, such as oil from drilling spills, and/or leaks from pipe lines and other sources to prevent intrusion into and on the shorelines of coastal areas oceans, lakes, rivers, waterways and beaches. The second preferred embodiment (FIGS. 6A through 11B) incorporates the inclusion of filter rack frames to the basic design and methods of the first preferred embodiment that enhances the process of oil containment and prevention of intrusion with oil blanket filters. A third preferred embodiment: (FIGS. 7A through 11A) incorporates the use of (1?) Cork Board and (FIGS.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for recovering oil from a submerged oil source, wherein the system includes a submerged conduit having at least two openings, with a first opening capable of being located in proximity of a leak in order to capture leaking oil, and with a second opening capable of communicating captured leaking oil to another location. A natural gas separator, coupled to the submerged conduit separates the boiling vapor phase natural gas from the captured oil thereby outputting oil with water contaminant. An oil/water separator coupled to the natural gas separator then separates out the contaminant water, resulting in a processed recovered oil product for storage and subsequent refinement. The flow to capture the leak is induced by generating a lower pressure at nozzle in the conduit via power jet, air lift, pumping of fluid out of conduit close to sea level, or other methods.

Abstract: A system for supplying a chemical dispersant to a subsea hydrocarbon discharge site comprises a dispersant source and a dispersant pump configured to pump dispersant from the dispersant source. In addition, the system comprises a first flow line coupled to the pump. Further, the system comprises a subsea dispersant distribution system coupled to the first flow line. Still further, the system comprises a dispersant injection device coupled to the distribution system and configured to inject dispersant from the dispersant source into a subsea hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: An installation is provided. The installation includes a plurality of tanks, each tank including a filling opening and being adapted to be arranged on the sea bottom around the well and a device for capturing and distributing hydrocarbons escaping the well. The device includes a bell, a positioner for positioning the bell above the well and a connector for selectively connecting an apex of the bell to the filling opening of any one of the tanks in a fluid manner so as to transfer the fluid into that opening. The invention is applicable to uncontrolled eruptions of offshore oil wells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a barrier are presented. Example embodiments of the disclosed systems protect a selected shoreline or other area from contaminated water. In example embodiments, a support frame is provided and a barrier fabric is attached to the support frame. The support frame is then attached to support poles which have been driven into the earth such that the barrier fabric surrounds the selected area to be protected. Example embodiments of the barrier fabric allow tidal water to flow through the fabric while absorbing the oil and for hindering the oil from passing through. In this way, the selected area is protected from oil contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deep-water oil well plug apparatus having a plunger member on an elongate shaft and a plurality of inflatable members configured and shapes to seal within the well bore, and a bell-shaped chamber placed on top of the oil well and adapted to be filled with concrete, and a hydraulic mechanism to remove and release the bell-shaped chamber from the oil well.

Abstract: A method for preparing an oil extractor is provided. The method includes dissolving 0.1˜30% by weight of a potassium sulfate, 0.1˜30% by weight of a potassium persulfate, and 0.1˜30% by weight of a manganese sulfate in a solvent to form a solution; heating the solution to synthesize a compound by a microwave; cooling a temperature of the compound to a room temperature; and removing the solvent from the compound. An extractor prepared from the method is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, dispersants are injected directly into a plume of oil in a subsea environment. The dispersant is supplied from a vessel, through a tubular string and flows through a routing manifold into a flexible hose. The hose then transports the dispersant to a distribution manifold, which is disposed on the sea floor, and permits injection of dispersants at multiple locations at the same time around the leaking oil. Injection of dispersants from the distribution manifold may be through injection wands, or the dispersant may be transferred to a containment or collection device located above the plume of oil, wherein nozzles are disposed around the circumference of such containment or collection device. If the dispersants are injected into the leaking oil through injection wands, such wands may be held and/or manipulated by an ROV.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil or other pollutants from the surface of water, comprising a platform having a left side wall, aright side wall, a rear wall, a front opening, a floor, and a bottom, one or more ballasts which adjust the platform floor relative to a level of oil on the water surface, wherein the oil flows from the front opening across the floor to the rear wall, a rear location near the rear wall to collect the oil from the platform floor; and a pump connected to the rear location that removes the oil from the rear location to a storage area which does not affect the ballast of the platform. The skimmer vessel can work stationary in the water, and does not require a propellor means, as the oil will continue to flow into the skimmer as the oil is pumped out of the rear by the gravity flow to the rear of the vessel.

Abstract: A subsea well containment and intervention apparatus. The invention provides a rigid frame that includes a set of pilings for securely affixing the apparatus to the seafloor. Buoyancy modules included in the frame make the weight of the invention more manageable when in the water. Lifting eyes are provided on the frame for installation and removal. A series of tools are attached to the frame to eliminate the need for frequent trips to the surface to replace and replenish.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing the harm done by pollution to marshlands and beaches due to hydrocarbon discharges in nearby waters is disclosed. A barrier boom apparatus is assembled by connecting together multiple individual modules, each consisting of at least one bale of Bermuda straw that is wrapped in burlap material with one end open and with excess burlap material extending away from the straw bale. The closed end of a second module is inserted into the open end of the first module's burlap bag and the modules are then held together by straps. The subsequent extended boom can be assembled without gaps between the straw bales while shaping it to conform to the contours of the land areas to be protected, and then secured on location by attachment to fence posts. The Bermuda straw bales contain oil eating microbes to detoxify the hydrocarbon pollutants.

Abstract: An underwater oil well blowout spill containment system includes a folded curtain positioned in a magazine around a deep water well head and blowout preventer (BOP). The magazine is positioned around the well-head and BOP and leaves room for required construction and maintenance. In the event of a blowout, the curtain is drawn upward from the magazine and cinched to contain leaking oil. A hose is connected to a port on the magazine to draw the oil to a tanker on the surface.