Apparatus and Method for Containment of Well Fluids from a Subsea Well Fluid Leak

An apparatus for containment of well fluids flowing from a subsea well fluid leak, the apparatus comprising:

• a containment structure comprising a hollow interior space having upper and lower openings at top and bottom ends of the hollow interior space, the lower opening being larger than the upper opening and being positioned over the well blowout to receive well fluid therefrom;
• an elongated collection conduit supported with an upper end thereof at an elevation above sea level and a lower end thereof submerged at a position over the upper opening of the containment structure to receive well fluid passing upward through the containment structure, the upper end of the collection conduit being exposed to atmospheric pressure and the lower end of the collection conduit being in fluid communication with sea water surrounding the containment structure and the collection conduit;
• a discharge conduit having an inlet end thereof connected to the elongated conduit at a position between the sea level and the upper end of the elongate conduit to fluidly communicate with a buildup of well fluids above sea level;
• and
• a receiving vessel at an outlet end of the discharge conduit opposite the inlet end thereof.