Abstract: An umbilical is flushed with a fluid to wash out any permeants in the interstices within the umbilical core. A housing may be installed on an open end of the core with the flushing fluid introduced therein, the core elements passing through the housing. In a free-flooding umbilical installation, the flushing fluid may be gravity drained from the top of the umbilical. In other installations, the flushing fluid may be introduced under pressure. Bactericides and other active agents may be added to the flushing fluid, as desired. The flushing fluid is released from the opposite end of the core and may be captured for disposal, recycled, or released into the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the load handling capacity of a system, having at least one fluid driven compensating means, incorporates a booster fluid actuated piston cylinder assembly interconnecting portions of the compensating system so as to substantially affect the force reacting characteristics thereof, whereby greater loads will produce lesser movement of the compensating means.