Oil collection system and method for deepwater spills

Abstract

A subsea spill containment system comprising: a funnel structure positioned over a subsea leak; a plurality of interconnected skirts serially joined above the funnel; a collection dome above the skirts; and a hose connected to the dome. The skirts may be supported by one or more central internal longitudinal supports, such a drillpipe or solid rods. There may be multiple supports and/or multiple skirts per support. The skirts are preferably sealed to the dome, the funnel, and each other. The system may be held in place over the leak using cables secured to two or more anchor points, such as suction piles. The system may be moved aside by manipulating the cables, thereby providing access to the leak.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.