Abstract: A method for accelerating the freezing of sea water by two different, but related approaches. One involves the use of fluorinated or fluorochemical surfactants, other surfactants with specific activity in saline water, and the other by treatment with ice nucleation agents or the use of both. The specific application for the process is construction of improved load bearing ice structures as used in Arctic regions in supprot of hydrocarbon exploration and production activities.

Abstract: A method for accelerating construction of a load bearing ice island, formed by either sea water spraying or flooding techniques, of higher quality or in a shorter time or both than would otherwise be possible. The method involves forced refreezing of spray ice by application of a vertical stream of cold ambient air, as produced by a fan or other devices described, directly downward on the ice surface or by application of the downwardly directed air stream to an impounded mass of sea water. The specific application for the process is construction of improved load bearing structures as used in Arctic regions in support of offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production activities.

Abstract: The method of the present invention involves a two-phase process for in-situ retorting and recovery of carbonaceous material contained within typical subterranean tar sand formations, and includes formation of conventional arrays of in-seam ducts, and positioning heating devices to heat a section of the formation over a large extent thereof. The operation of the heating devices in the first phase is controlled to provide heat into the formation without burning of the carbonaceous material therein, resulting in development of a quasi-stable zone of pyrolysis about the heating duct, to thermally crack the carbonaceous material producing various organic liquid oil fractions and derived condensible vapors and non-condensible gases. The products produced thereby are then withdrawn through a suitable array of collection wells.