Abstract A sizeable number of substantially rectangular buoyant lightweight and fireproof platforms are provided which are connected in series and adapted to be towed to the site while flat, made to surround the area from which the pollutants are to be removed, and then rotated approximately 180* on their axes to assume a substantially vertical position. While in vertical position these substantially rectangular platforms are adjustable as to the depth to which they extend. After the pollutants have been removed to a satisfactory extent, the substantially rectangular platforms are rotated on their longitudinal axes to assume their initial flat position, and then towed away while still serially connected as before. Means for effecting the aforementioned rotational movement of each of the substantially rectangular platforms is provided by one or more elongated tanks which extend transversely of the platforms, and which are divided by an airtight partition into an airtight flotation compartment and an airtight ballast compartment, together with means for adjusting the quantity of water in each of the ballast tanks; also for adjusting the depth to which the platforms extend into the water when in their vertical positions.
Apparatus for confining floating pollutants comprising, in combination a plurality of individual substantially rectangular buoyant and relatively flat platforms which are connected together and adapted to float flatwise and be moved in tandem into position surrounding the fluid body to be removed; at least one transversely disposed elongated pressure tank attached to and carried by each of said individual buoyant platforms; each of said pressure tanks being transversely partitioned and providing an air-sealed flotation compartment on one side and an air-sealed ballast compartment on the other; means for supplying the ballast compartment of each of said pressure tanks with sufficient water to cause the buoyant platform by which it is carried to move into substantially vertical position; whereby the plurality of such platforms may surround the area of the floating pollutants while in said position; means for adjusting the quantity of water in each of said ballast compartments to thereby raise or lower the buoyant platforms according to the depth of the floating pollutants; and removing the water from the ballast compartments of the pressuRe tanks on the buoyant platforms until the latter again assume substantially horizontal position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
Apparatus for confining floating pollutants comprising, in combination a plurality of individual substantially rectangular buoyant and relatively flat platforms which are connected together and adapted to float flatwise and be moved in tandem into position surrounding the fluid body to be removed; at least one transversely disposed elongated pressure tank attached to and carried by each of said individual buoyant platforms; each of said pressure tanks being transversely partitioned and providing an air-sealed flotation compartment on one side and an air-sealed ballast compartment on the other; means for supplying the ballast compartment of each of said pressure tanks with sufficient water to cause the buoyant platform by which it is carried to move into substantially vertical position; whereby the plurality of such platforms may surround the area of the floating pollutants while in said position; means for adjusting the quantity of water in each of said ballast compartments to thereby raise or lower the buoyant platforms according to the depth of the floating pollutants; and removing the water from the ballast compartments of the pressuRe tanks on the buoyant platforms until the latter again assume substantially horizontal position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said water supplying means, said water adjusting means, and said water removing means comprise a pair of conduits which pass through said flotation compartment and said transverse partition and communicate with the interior of said ballast compartment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 1, together with a pollutant skimming basin and a plurality of pressure tanks of the type described disposed vertically and secured to the edges of said skimming basin at appropriately spaced positions with respect thereto, whereby said basin may also be raised or lowered with respect to the depth of the area of the floating pollutants.