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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Variable displacement fence for oil spill containment and recovery

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5374505
A flexible, inflatable, elongated barrier is used for the containment, separation, and recovery of oil spilled on water. It is constructed in the form of a tunnel inside of which there is a continuous passage for oil that enters the barrier beneath the water's surface on the upstream side and leaves the barrier on either end of the tunnel. The barrier is weighted at the bottom by suitable ballast means and buoyed at the top by long, continuous air chambers. Lengthwise cables ae attached along the top and bottom of the barrier for towing and control purposes. The barrier can be submerged during emergency conditions and is constructed for roll-up on a reel, as a continuous single element. (4 claims)
Assignee:
EDB-82-120226
Patent Number(s):
US 3710943
OSTI ID:
5374505
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English