Device for underwater hydrocarbon storage, and corresponding capture and storage installation

Abstract

A device including a tank adapted to be arranged on a sea bottom having a filling opening is provided. The tank includes an inflatable bladder with an elongated shape, made from a flexible material, provided with the filling opening at one end and equipped with connecting members. At least one cable extends over at least the largest length of the bladder and is connected thereto by the connecting members. The present invention is applicable to the treatment of uncontrolled eruptions of offshore oil wells.

1 . A device for underwater hydrocarbon storage, of the type comprising a tank adapted to be arranged on a sea bottom and provided with a filling opening, the tank comprising:
 an inflatable bladder with an elongated shape, made from a flexible material, having a filling opening at one end and connecting members; and   at least one cable extending over at least the largest length of the bladder and connected to the bladder by the connecting members.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the bladder includes a plurality of compartments secured to each other and communicating with each other by passages. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the bladder includes at least two longitudinal portions extending on either side of the at least one cable and folded one on the other in a standby position of the bladder. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein the bladder includes a central portion bordered by two cables and framed by two side portions folded on the central portion in the standby position of the bladder. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 3 , further comprising frangible connections for keeping the bladder in the folded position. 
     
     
         6 . The device according  claim 3 , further comprising a drum on which the folded bladder is wound in the standby position. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the bladder includes, on an upper surface, at least one connector, and the device further comprises a compensating balloon connectable to the connector. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the filling opening of the bladder includes a funnel open downwardly. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the or each at least one cable is provided at each end with a connector for connecting to another cable. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a series of connections adapted to connect the or each cable to moorings. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising chains adapted to be connected to the or each cable. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the connector for connecting to another cable is a connector for connecting to a cable of another bladder. 
     
     
         13 . An installation for capturing and storing hydrocarbons escaping from an underwater well comprising:
 a plurality of storage devices according to  claim 1 , the tanks of which are arranged around the well; and   a device for capturing and distributing hydrocarbons escaping the well, the device comprising:   a bell;   a positioner 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 bladders in the plurality of storage devices in a fluid manner so as to transfer fluid into the opening.   
     
     
         14 . The installation according to  claim 13 , wherein the filling opening of the bladder includes a funnel open downwardly, and the connector includes a pipe provided at a free end with an upper orifice adapted to be arranged under the funnel of each bladder.