Abstract: Disclosed is a fast-laid floating breakwater, which belongs to the field of ocean engineering and includes a foldable net cage, box-type rubber airbags, a counterweight system and a mooring system. The foldable net cage includes frames and a flexible net, and the frames divide the net cage into cabins. An air valve is provided at the upper part of each box-type rubber airbag and connected to the net, and the airbags are fixed in the cabins. The counterweight system is provided at the bottoms of the frames. The mooring system includes pull rings, mooring chains and anchors; the pull rings are connected to two sides of the lower end of each frame. The immersion depth of the breakwater can be regulated through weights of the frames and the counterweights, thereby fastening the breakwater laying.

Abstract: A method for chemical processing an internal cavity of an additive manufactured (AM) metal workpiece is disclosed in which a connector is provided in fluid connection with the internal cavity and a chemical polishing solution is flowed through the connector and the internal cavity to process the internal cavity to a desired finish.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a stretch display device and a preparation method. The method includes providing a substrate on which a flexible substrate is disposed, and a film layer constituting a thin film transistor disposed on a side of the flexible substrate away from the substrate, the film layer being away from the flexible substrate. One side defines a plurality of pixel regions; a hollow portion is formed between adjacent two of the pixel regions, the hollow portion penetrates through the film layer and the flexible substrate; and thermal separation is provided in the hollow portion via a gel; a light-emitting element is disposed in the pixel region, and an encapsulating film layer is disposed on a side of the light-emitting element and the thermal separation gel away from the flexible substrate; heating the thermal separation gel, and the flexible liner. The bottom and the substrate are peeled off.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrophilic material oil fence having a double-porous mesh. The hydrophilic material oil fence having the double-porous mesh includes a floating body floating on a water surface, and a skirt coupled to an upper portion and a lower portion of the floating body and made of a hydrophilic material through which a hydrophilic fluid selectively passes. A mesh hole size of a partial region of the skirt and a mesh hole size of the other region of the skirt are different.

Abstract: Absorbent element for spilled petroleum or its derivatives comprising an oil-absorbent, hydrophobic and oleophilic material, essentially based on polyurethane foam, having a specific weight in the range of 15-30 g/l and delimiting open cells and closed cells, the latter being in a percentage equal to or lower than 10% of the total cells. The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of such elements and a method for fabricating an oil-absorbent material.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for building an underwater construction comprising a hardened grout, wherein the device has a housing with a receiving volume, and moreover a filter apparatus which is arranged at least partially therein and which is designed to filter out constituents which have been released from the grout. A filter apparatus which can be used in the device, and a method for filling a device for building an underwater construction with a grout, using this filter apparatus, are moreover.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatic operation and status indication of a marine barrier gate. Embodiments include a system having a buoyant barrier gate that is movable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator moves the gate between the open and closed positions, and a sensor is operably connected to the actuator to generate data relating to a position of the barrier gate between the open and closed positions. A processor receives the data from the sensor and processes the data to move the gate between the open and closed positions, and detect the position of the gate. A human-machine interface is operably connected to the processor for communicating the detected position of the barrier gate to a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polycarbonate resin that contains a repeating unit represented by formula (1). (In the formula, a, b, c and d are each an integer of 0 or higher, and a+b+c+d=12 to 48 inclusive.) Furthermore, the present invention provides an oil-absorbing material that uses the polycarbonate resin.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for repairing or reinforcing a damaged oil containment boom. The apparatus includes two end connectors and a curtain attached between the two end connectors. The end connectors are attached to a damaged, existing boom via a vertically extending slot formed in each of the end connectors. After attachment, a tight seal is formed between the curtain and the damaged boom. The method for reinforcing a boom includes engaging the two end connectors to an existing boom while stretching the curtain over the damaged boom section in an overlapping relationship. Finally, the connectors are locked into place via a lock-pin mechanism. This invention creates a tight seal over the damaged area, creating a “patch” to keep out oil contaminants from the protected area. The disclosed invention can be used to repair, patch, or reinforce an existing oil containment boom.

Abstract: A method of forming a maintenance free channel is disclosed. The method consists of positioning a plurality of curtain devices along a desired path in a waterway. The curtain devices each consists of an elongated float and an elongated flexible curtain depending from a first side of the elongated float. The elongated curtain has a bottom end with a weight extending along the entire length of the elongated float. The elongated float is configured to be sufficiently buoyant to support the curtain in an upward direction. The length of the elongated float is selected to equal a desired length of the channel. The height of the elongated flexible curtain is selected to be approximately equal to the depth of the waterway such that the elongated weight remains on the bottom while the elongated cylindrical float remains on the surface.

Abstract: A filtering machine (10) for filtering a condensate which includes entrained oily contaminant, the machine (10) including a filter (14) through which the condensate passes from an inlet (17), to a main filter chamber outlet (24), the filter (14) including an exterior housing (15) through which the condensate, in use, passes into a filter interior, and through which filtrate, in use, passes from the filter interior, and the filter interior including a mass of filter material which includes silica-based oleophillic fibers (29).

Abstract: Strong fabrics can be used to fabricate booms that can be moved or gathered without the use of ropes or nettings. Methods are provided that can simplify the fabrication of these booms and provide a means of attaching booms to each other or to another structure or device. Materials that pass the criteria for NSF/ANSI Standard 61 and/or the criteria for SW-846 can be used to fabricate the sleeve for a boom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to floating lakes and to the treatment of the water in such lakes. The present invention further relates to large floating lakes that can be installed within a natural or artificial water body to improve water conditions that are unsuitable for recreational uses. The floating lake can be provided with a chemical application system; a filtration system including a mobile suctioning device and filters; a skimmer system, and optionally a coordination system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adsorbing and/or absorbing oil, by bringing oil into contact with a polyurethane sponge with excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A fence post which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood. A plurality of fence post(s) may be used to form a fence (FIG. 8). Each fence post includes an engaging mechanism at a first end thereof, which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood, and, a retaining mechanism at a second end thereof to retain the post near its pre-released position, such that the fence posts may be easily re-installed after the flood has passed.

Abstract: A rapid-deployment system for containing oil spills and similar water contaminations comprises a pre-manufactured sleeve having air-inflatable or gas-inflatable compartments and water inflatable compartments. In some embodiments uninflated sleeve is stored as a reel of sleeve material, and the deployment system, optionally mounted in a small boat, comprises a machine for inflating the air and water compartments at the site of a spill. In some embodiments, air and/or water compartments may be self-inflating. The system is relatively inexpensive, light, and not bulky, so may easily be stored at potential spill sites (including vessels), and may be used to rapidly manufacture a floating oil boom around a spill, thereby containing the spill before it has a chance to spread. A variety of boom configurations which are efficient in blocking movement of oil even in turbulent water, and which are stable under conditions of wind and wave, are presented.

Abstract: An offshore atoll system includes a continuous barrier positioned at a sea surface and configured to reduce a magnitude of incoming waves on at least one side of the continuous barrier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for managing a hydrocarbon (e.g., oil) release with one or more booms is described. The method comprises: deploying one or more booms to a location in a body of water, wherein each of the booms has a floating section that is partially disposed in the body of water and extends out of the body of water, a skirt and ballast section beneath the floating section, and an anchor section that secures the boom at a relatively fixed location, wherein at least one of the one or more booms has a boom monitoring section that includes a measurement component.

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: One (1) or more cylindrical units of bound and compressed vegetative matter (round hay bales) are aligned along shorelines which are subject to erosion and/or to an influx of petroleum-based pollutants as are released/discharged into waterways following an oil spill. As deployed, these units dissipate wave energy and capture sediment and/or pollutants. Specific embodiments are enumerated.

Abstract: A system and method for an engineered joint according to one example embodiment includes a hinge pin and loops that extend from membranes around the hinge pin. Multiple embodiments include loops that extend from an upper module membrane and cross to attach to a second upper module membrane and loops that extend from a first lower module membrane and cross to attach to a second lower module membrane.

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: The oil recovery boom of the present invention is designed to collect great amounts of oil if used in conjunction with many other booms. The oil recovery boom includes a set of eductors, and removes the adjacent oil for extraction from the sea. A high pressure pump placed at one end of the boom takes water from the sea and pumps it through a flexible manifold. The manifold in turn provides water pressure to each eductor and, the oil carried with the water is then pumped into a barge or containment with overflow sections, which will then separate the oil from the water for later processing. Embodiments of the present invention adopts an array of eductors which can be positioned either in series or in parallel. The oil recovery boom of the present invention provides for the immediate and large-scale removal of oil from the sea.

Abstract: A containment machine for containing a contaminant in a body of water includes a set of buoy assemblies arrangeable in the body of water to form the end of a containment barrier for continuing the flow of contaminant in the body of water, cables being extendable from the respective buoy assemblies for holding barrier structure such as a set of truss/curtain assemblies which are connectable to form the containment barrier, a buoy sectional computer control unit in each of said buoy assemblies for receiving signals relating to the location of the respective barrier structure, the tension in the cables and the like, and for transmitting signals to a containment machine central computer control unit. The buoy sectional computer control unit also receives signals from a containment machine central computer control unit to establish set points for adjustment signals sent to the items under its control.

Abstract: There is disclosed a floating barrier for installation in deep oceans for dampening winds, waves, and currents, and for containing oil spills. Applications of this invention include tsunami wave alleviation, storm protection, and oil spill containment.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving a floating or submerged marine structure. Embodiments include a track fixedly mounted near or under the waterline surface, extending from a first point to a second point for defining a path of motion of the marine structure. A riser cable has a first end movably attached to the track between the first and second points, and a second end fixedly attached to the marine structure. A trolley is attached to the first end of the riser cable between the first end and the track, and has a roller for engaging the track for distributing environmental forces of the marine structure to the track. A drive unit is attached to the marine structure (or to the trolley) for moving the marine structure (or the trolley) such that the marine structure or one end of the marine structure moves along the path of the track.

Abstract: A collection basin for use adjacent a vessel or structure in open water for collecting material from the vessel or structure to prevent its dissemination in the water. The collection basin includes a floating boom spaced from the vessel, and a tension cable to deploy the basin. At respective ends, flaps are formed to prevent escape of the captured material out of the ends of the basin. The flaps are formed with connection means such as flexible magnets that attach to the ferrous material of the vessel or structure to provide a fluid seal and maintain the basin in place.

Abstract: A wave break structure having a body with a bulkhead and a first pontoon and a second pontoon. The first pontoon is positioned on one side of the bulkhead and the second pontoon is positioned on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extends substantially above the first and second pontoons. The bulkhead and the pontoons are integrally formed together of a metallic material. The bulkhead having a first wall extending at least 45° with respect to a second wall of said bulkhead so as to have an inverted V-shaped configuration. A crushed stone coating is applied to a surface of the bulkhead.

Abstract: A containment boom system for remediating an oil spill in a body of water includes a base support structure and two spaced apart containment booms defining a channel therebetween. An elongated rod has a proximal end and a spaced apart distal end. The proximal end is hingedly attached to the base support structure and extends laterally therefrom. A buoy is coupled to the distal end of the elongated rod. The buoy has sufficient buoyancy so as to remain floating on the liquid body while supporting the elongated rod. A reclamation loop is disposed in the water, a first portion of which is disposed in the oil spill and a second portion is disposed in the channel. The reclamation loop is continuously driven through a reclamation station, which removes oil therefrom.

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: 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: A floatation spar for an oil containment boom having a vertically suspended oil containment curtain is provided. The floatation spar includes a buoyant body having an attachment surface and a retainer strip having a plurality of surface penetrating fasteners projecting from and spaced along an inwardly facing side of the retainer strip. The retainer strip is secured to the attachment surface with the containment curtain sandwiched between the retainer strip and the attachment surface by the fasteners penetrating through the attachment surface and into the body. The body is elongated and hollow at its lower end and includes apertures at the lower end into the interior thereof, the body is weighted at the lower end and includes a buoyant material at its upper end, wherein when the body is dropped onto a body of water, it will self-right and float in a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: According to the invention, a security net can be erected in or on water or on the ground and is provided with a net or net-like structure (1) manufactured substantially from wire material, rope material, strand material or plastics material (2). The net (1) is bent together and forms longitudinal flanks (3, 4) and at least one arched region (5). The overlapping longitudinal flanks (3, 4) can be connected together and several stabilizers (8) are associated with the net (1). In cross-section, the net (1) is constructed similarly to a teardrop, with the arched region (5) lying on or at least partially in the water. In this way, a largely double-walled security system is obtained, which is able to intercept impacting objects reliably and moreover gently, because the net and the three-dimensional protective net structure is deformable due to the relative flexibility thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil fence and to a method for storing same. The oil fence includes: a vertical support part on which an air chamber, a water chamber, and a ballast are successively disposed in the lengthwise direction thereof; a curtain part connected between the vertical support parts disposed parallel to and spaced a predetermined distance from each other in the widthwise direction thereof; and attenuation bags disposed on the upper and lower portions of the curtain part. Thus, the oil fence may prevent seawater containing oil from overflowing in spite of high waves. Also, the oil fence may stably float on the sea in spite of poor weather conditions and high waves and may be easily stored and unfolded.

Abstract: A storage device for retaining an extended length of floating oil boom therein and a method of using the same. The storage device is made from a sheet of material that is foldable to define and surround an interior cavity in which the oil boom is received. A closure mechanism is engaged to secure the folded storage device about the oil boom. A lifting mechanism on the storage device is engaged with a cable extending from a suspension assembly mounted on a vessel for use on a large body of water. The suspension assembly maintains the storage boom adjacent a side wall of the vessel and a distance above the surface of the water until the oil boom retained therein is needed in an emergency.

Abstract: A leak prevention device and method of use to prevent leakage and sinkage of ships that have collided with immobile objects comprising at least two inflatable cylindrical bodies that have cables attached to each of its ends. The cylinders are lowered over one side of a ship or delivered by rescue vessels and then manipulated by the cables or guide wires, one past the stern of the ship and the other past the bow of the ship so that the lines are on the opposite side of the ship, so that guide-wires pass under the hull of the ship and surround the object of the collision fully on one side. The process is repeated on the opposite side of the ship so that the two cylindrical structures crisscross. The cables are then tensioned and inflated with compressed air forming a tight seal between the hull and the point of collision.

Abstract: A wave break structure having a body with a bulkhead and a first pontoon and a second pontoon. The first pontoon is positioned on one side of the bulkhead and the second pontoon is positioned on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extends substantially above the first and second pontoons. The bulkhead and the pontoons are integrally formed together of a metallic material. The body has a first tow bar and a second tow bar affixed at an end thereof. A plurality of ports extends through a thickness of bulkhead. The bulkhead and the pontoons have angled surfaces so that one body can nest within an adjacent body.

Abstract: A flotation structure for a buoyant flood protection barrier includes a flotation body (1) adapted to rise and fall with flood water. A flexible membrane (3) is sealed at an upper region to the flotation body and sealed at a lower region. A plurality of panels (5) are hinged by means of hinge pins about substantially parallel horizontal axes, a topmost panel being hinged to the flotation body, a lowermost panel being hinged substantially at ground level, and intervening panels being hinged to each other. A scissor arrangement (9) is pivotably mounted at an upper end to the flotation body and pivotably mounted at a lower end and provided with a pivot pin (17) at a crossing point of arms (11, 13) of the scissor arrangement, the pivot pin being secured to a member (19) provided on at least one of the hinge pins (23).

Abstract: A large diameter duct formed of flexible material extends above an undersea oil leak. The large diameter dissipates the high well head pressure, which, in turn, decreases the velocity of the escaping oil. Because the oil is contained within the tubular structure and is under low pressure, it will rise slowly due to differences in the oil's and seawater's specific gravities. At the top of the tubular structure, the oil and water flows into a reservoir where the oil floating above the water can be offloaded to a storage vessel.

Abstract: The shore side of a shore line water barrier is protected from flooding caused by storm surge over-topping the barrier. Water overtopping the barrier, such as from wind waves crashing against the barrier, is trapped, impounded and accumulated between a parapet atop the barrier and walls on the sides of a buoyant gate unit taller than the parapet and walls and normally resident below grade on the shore side of the barrier, hinged about an axis generally parallel to the barrier and spaced from the parapet by a distance not less than the height of the gate unit. The accumulated overtopping water is applied to rotationally float the gate unit from the horizontal position initially principally by buoyancy and then principally by hydrostatic pressure to drive the gate unit to an upright position to oppose storm surges having a water level higher than the parapet.

Abstract: In a water environment in conjunction with one or more types of oil, a method of in-situ burning including placing a fire resistant sorbent material in contact with the oil and allowing the oil to wick into the sorbent material. The method further includes burning the oil using the sorbent material as a wick.

Abstract: A containment machine for containing a contaminant in a body of water includes a set of buoy assemblies arrangeable in the body of water to form the end of a containment barrier for continuing the flow of contaminant in the body of water, cables being extendable from the respective buoy assemblies for holding barrier structure such as a set of truss/curtain assemblies which are connectable to form the containment barrier, a buoy sectional computer control unit in each of said buoy assemblies for receiving signals relating to the location of the respective barrier structure, the tension in the cables and the like, and for transmitting signals to a containment machine central computer control unit. The buoy sectional computer control unit also receives signals from a containment machine central computer control unit to establish set points for adjustment signals sent to the items under its control.

Abstract: A containment boom mooring system for efficiently anchoring containment booms over extended periods of time and in varying sea conditions. The containment boom mooring system generally includes a clamping frame having a first and second frame section pivotally connected upon a first end and having a latching assembly upon a second end for securing the frame sections in a pivotally closed position, a first and second resilient retainer extending along the inner sides of the first and second frame sections to frictionally engage a first side and a second side of a containment boom, a first and a second buoyancy member extending from the first and second frame sections, and an anchor assembly extending from the clamping frame which is adapted to extend below a water surface for mooring the clamping frame.

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: A marine barrier gate includes a pleated row of buoyant panels movable between an expanded position and a retracted position, where the panels are substantially parallel. A first buoy is attached to a first end of the panel row, and a second buoy is remote from the panels when the panels are in the retracted position. The second buoy has a tow winch and cable attached to a second end opposite the first end, for moving the panels from the retracted position to the expanded position. The first buoy comprises a catenary winch and cable movably engagable with the panels and attached to the second buoy. When the panels are in the retracted position, the catenary winch sets a length or tension of the catenary cable such that it absorbs catenary loads on the barrier when the panels are moved to the expanded position by the tow winch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a low floating boom curtain constructed of absorptive material made for use in waters polluted by oil, fuel, diesel fuel, chemicals such as dispersants or other petroleum based contaminants or the like wherein the boom curtain is comprised of an upper and a lower portion wherein the upper portion is the buoyant portion and the lower portion is a skirt portion, wherein the skirt portion has a weighted portion on the bottom of the skirt portion so that together they form an absorptive boom curtain for removing oil from oil containing waters. The upper portion, which provides the main flotation for the device, has an internal float/foam member which provides sufficient flotation and which foam member is wrapped in a single or double layer of absorptive material and wherein the entire device is made of and or covered by absorptive material.

Abstract: An oil containment system, an oil separator sock, and a method of containing oil, in which the oil separator sock includes a plurality of cable ties attached between a plurality of segments of the separator sock; in which the separator sock is anchored to a plurality of anchor pylons around a wellhead of an oil well at a height that allows escaping oil from the oil well to enter the separator sock and submersibles to work on a pipeline to affect a seal, in which the segments have flexibility on the cable ties to reduce stress, and in which the cable ties attached to the segments form a continuous attachment from anchor pylons at the wellhead to the inner ring of a compass leveler anchor or anchor attachments located in a pumping well on a pumping barge. The system that may be transported by air, land, or sea for a more rapid deployment.

Abstract: A boom mooring system for anchoring containment booms over extended periods and in varying sea conditions. The system generally includes a buoy having a frame, a buoyancy member mounted thereto, connecting plates located on first and second ends of the frame for connecting containment booms, and an anchor secured to the frame for mooring the buoy. The frame evenly distributes stresses caused from securely anchoring the containment boom in a dynamic sea environment. The anchor may be secured to the frame in various manners, such as via a pipe movably extending through the frame or an elongated member, such as a rope, cable, etc. secured to the frame or pin of the frame. Various signaling devices may extend from the buoy, such as lights, flags, etc. to designate presence of the buoys and containment boom and/or to designate openings in the containment boom to allow passage of spill response vessels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing deposited pollutant oil using air, and more particularly to a method of removing pollutant oil, which comprises injecting compressed air when oil has been deposited at the bottom of the sea, and injecting compressed air while supplying water when oil has been deposited on water-free sand, rock or soil, thereby degassing the oil while floating the remaining degassed oil on the water surface. More specifically, the method: introducing an air jet at the bottom below the water surface; injecting compressed air from the air jet, thereby raising water and sand or soil together with the compressed water, discharging gas by the kinetic energy of air bubbles caused by the compressed air flow to degas oil, and floating the degassed oil on the water surface; and removing the floated oil.

Abstract: A standoff system for keeping a containment boom or other floating barrier device spaced at a desired standoff distance away from a structure. The system includes an inner side member, an outer side member, and a plurality of compression members disposed between the side members. The system has a collapsed configuration in which the distance between the inner and outer side members is less than the desired standoff distance, and a deployed configuration in which the distance between the side members is greater than or substantially equal to the desired standoff distance. Alternatively, the system can be collapsed longitudinally by moving the adjacent compression members into abutting relationship with each other. The system is towed into place in the collapsed configuration, and once in place, is transformed into the deployed configuration by applying tension to the side members.