Abstract: A cable guide device for a manhole includes a wall supporting plate supported against a wall surface of an entrance part of the manhole, a cable guide body positioned at the bottom part of the wall supporting plate, a rotation shaft mounted vertically to the cable guide body and the wall supporting plate so that the cable guide body can be rotated from side to side with regard to the wall supporting plate, and at least one guide roller which rotates integrally with a roller shaft combined with the cable guide body so as to guide the cable into at least one underground pipe.

Abstract: A pipeline weighting device to straddle the longitudinal axis of a pipeline, a method of filling the device, and a method of weighting a pipeline with the device. The pipeline weighting device is formed of a plurality of interconnected, generally tubular-shaped lobes arranged to straddle the pipeline in a balanced manner along the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The lobes are formed of a flexible, water permeable fabric to hold weighting fill material. Each lobe has opposed and closed longitudinal side edges and opposed ends, one end being a closed end, and the other end forming an open or partially open filling end.

Abstract: A floating support including a retaining and holding device for retaining and holding a pipe suspended from a floating support of the type comprising a ship for laying a bottom-to-surface connection pipe. The retaining and holding device comprises at least a first collar releasably locked around an end forging of a pipe element together with a support part at the floating support, said support part including load transfer and a rotary joint enabling the inclination of the pipe to be guided and having an effect of automatically centering the pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the maintenance of pipelines. The method includes selecting a number of points along the pipeline and raising the pipeline at these points by an amount that the height difference between these points does not exceed the international flexibility standards. The apparatus includes at least one lifting frame, telescopic lifting arms and a flexible device connected to the lifting arms for engaging the pipeline.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, curved sheet pile is driven underneath an existing conduit using a pile driver guided hydraulically by an excavator or other heavy machinery. By vibrating the curved sheet piles, the soil is placed in suspension, which allows the piles to be directed through the soil along an arcuate path that has a curvature that substantially matches the radius of curvature of the piles. Once the pile is positioned as desired, each individual pile sheet can be welded to one another to form a unitary structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the curved sheet pile is inserted beneath a conduit using a vibratory pile driver that rotates about a fixed pivot element on an excavator or other heavy machine for positioning the pile driver to advance the curved sheet pile along a fixed arc.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for mounting conduits within spacers for underground installation. Spacers for side loading of conduit, as opposed to older methods of end loading, allow construction workers to easily assemble conduits to a plurality of spacers above-ground. The side loading technique uses spacers having bores that communicate with each other, preferably in a radial manner. Thus, a first plurality of conduits may be assembled or mounted to an inner portion of the spacers and then at least a second plurality of conduits may be assembled and mounted to an outer portion of the spacers. Cables later pulled through the conduits are typically those used for the transmission of electricity or communication signals. Other embodiments use bores that do not communicate with each other but are secured to the spacers with an outer banding saddle.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, curved sheet pile is driven underneath an existing conduit using a pile driver guided hydraulically by an excavator or other heavy machinery. By vibrating the curved sheet piles, the soil is placed in suspension, which allows the piles to be directed through the soil along an arcuate path that has a curvature that substantially matches the radius of curvature of the piles. Once the pile is positioned as desired, each individual pile sheet can be welded to one another to form a unitary structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the curved sheet pile is inserted beneath a conduit using a vibratory pile driver that rotates about a fixed pivot element on an excavator or other heavy machine for positioning the pile driver to advance the curved sheet pile along a fixed arc.

Abstract: A method of anchoring one or more load carrying components of an elongate subsea structure, such as a flexible pipeline or umbilical, to a termination or end fitting, comprising the steps of: inserting said load carrying component(s) into or through a cavity or void within the termination; and filling said cavity or void with a filler material whereby said load carrying component(s) are embedded and anchored therein; wherein said filler material comprises spheroidal beads.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polyurethane foams which are flotation resistant with sufficient strength and density to provide stability and inhibit erosion at pipeline trench sites, and other uses, wherein at least 50% of the foam is open cell and has a density of approximately 1.3 lbs/ft3 to 3.5 lbs/ft3.

Abstract: A method of attaching a branch outlet fitting to a metal pipe buried beneath the earth's surface while causing reduced disturbance to the earth above the pipe, comprising digging a vertical excavation from the earth's surface to expose a short length of the pipe; positioning a first fitting portion on a lower surface of the pipe; positioning a second fitting portion on an upper surface of the pipe in alignment with the first fitting portion, the first and second fitting portions having welding material thereon adjacent the pipe surfaces and each other; and from the earth's surface, activating the welding material to physically and sealably secure the fitting portions to the pipe and to each other.

Abstract: A boom configured to maneuver large objects, such as sections of pipe, which comprises a machine guard assembly having a support member. The support member includes an outer support surface with a protective layer disposed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular member configured to be supported by a pipe support device on board a pipelay vessel, the tubular member comprising at least one load bearing surface which is formed along the outer side of the tubular member, the at least one load bearing surface being constructed and arranged in order to allow a substantial axial load to be imparted onto said tubular member by the pipe support device, wherein the at least one load bearing surface tapers outwardly with respect to a main longitudinal axis of said tubular member. The present invention also relates to a tubular member comprising a plurality of load bearing surfaces. The present invention also relates to a method of laying a pipeline, to a pipe support device, to a pipelay vessel, to a method of processing a tubular member, to a method of assembling a pipe assembly and to a pipe assembly.

Abstract: A nonconductive bridge element is secured to a pair of end plates in a conduit retainer apparatus in a trench. The pair of end plates are secured to a trench wall by dowels extending through holes in the end plates and the bridge element is disposed in the trench on top of conduits. The end plates are two piece elements, a plate and an insert pin extending through the plate. The center bridge element comprises a nonconductive tube, the ends of which receive the insert pins.

Abstract: A rope having an outer jacket made of braided fibers surrounding a PTFE core and a method for making the rope. The rope is useful in high-tension, high-friction applications, such as serving as a stress member in an isolation section of an instrumented ocean-bottom cable. The PTFE core, which may consist of one or more strings of PTFE valve packing material, squeezes through the braided jacket as the rope is deformed in high-stress regions such as around a bollard. The PTFE material squeezed through the outer jacket lubricates the outside of the rope in the high-stress region to lower the friction.

Abstract: A stabilisation system (10) for stabilising a submarine pipeline (11) supported on a seabed (13) below water level. The seabed (13) is inclined in that it incorporates a sloping section (15) extending between an upper section (16) and a lower section (17). The stabilisation system (10) comprises an upper anchoring means (21) for anchoring the pipeline (11) to the upper seabed section (16) adjacent the top end of the sloping section (15) and the other being a lower anchoring means (22) for anchoring the pipeline (11) to the lower seabed section (17) adjacent the bottom end of the sloping seabed section (15). Buoyancy means (23) are provided along the extent of the pipeline section (11a) between the two anchoring means (21, 22). The buoyancy provided by the buoyancy means (23) is sufficient to maintain the pipe section (11a) above and out of contact with the sloping seabed section (15).

Abstract: A resiliently-mounted through-foundation pipe coupling is provided that is suited for building plumbing applications. The resiliently-mounted coupling assembly is a length of straight plastic pipe preferably with pipe couplings on each end. The combined length of the pipe and associated couplings is selected to roughly match the thickness of the foundation. The combined pipe and associated couplings are covered with and bonded to a relatively thick layer of foam rubber elastomeric material. The combination of pipe and elastomeric layer is placed in the desired position in a foundation form before the foundation is poured. The elastomeric layer cushions the plastic pipe from the forces of being cast in place as the foundation is poured, and also provides resilience to the eventually installed piping system (connected to the through-foundation pipe fitting) against the motion of back-filled soil, and against alignment forces and mechanical loading of attached plumbing.

Abstract: A pipeline weighting device to straddle the longitudinal axis of a pipeline, a method of filling the device, and a method of weighting a pipeline with the device. The pipeline weighting device is formed of a plurality of interconnected, generally tubular-shaped lobes arranged to straddle the pipeline in a balanced manner along the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The lobes are formed of a flexible, water permeable fabric to hold weighting fill material. Each lobe has opposed and closed longitudinal side edges and opposed ends, one end being a closed end, and the other end forming an open or partially open filling end.

Abstract: The invention is a means to eliminate thermal or pressure walking of a subset pipeline by applying a constant axial force to the pipeline through the interposition of a constant-thrust device between a point fixed to the pipeline and a point on a foundation, which pair of points are otherwise unconstrained relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.

Abstract: A wastewater effluents orifice shield. The shield has a roof section with a wall section. The wall section is configured to straddle and attached to a wastewater or effluents dispersion line. The dispersion line is configured with a plurality of discharge port's. The discharge port's jettison the effluents. The orifice shield diverts the effluents jettisoned from the dispersion line into a soil bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for maintaining very long tubes or pipelines in position and damping same in relation to fixed support structures. The device is inserted between a pipeline and a fixed support which can be used to position a plurality of pipelines. The device includes a cylindrical sleeve comprising a central hub and side walls which project out externally, such that a pipeline can be passed through a central hole. An elastically-deformable shaped component is provided around the central hub and between the side walls of the sleeve in order to provide damping at least radially and to perform an elastic return function. The component deforms temporarily when it abuts against the fixed support in accordance with the movements of the pipeline owing to environmental stresses. The device controls and absorbs axial and radial movements following the positioning of the pipeline and the expansion thereof.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed for use in deep sea oil exploration operations. The clamp includes a pre-formed metallic belt (12) to which a first rigid metallic curve (13) is welded. The rigid metallic curve reinforces and protects the anchorage housing of an electro-hydraulic hose which is secured by the clamp. The belt (12) further includes a second rigid metallic curve (14) to reinforce and protect an electric cable which is secured by the clamp. The belt includes rigid symmetrical forks (15) and (16) that are welded in the rotation area of screws that serve to tighten the clamp. The clamp includes a body made of vulcanized rubber having three tips (26), (27) and (28), which are formed at equidistant angles of 120°. The clamp body includes a larger bore hole in the center (17), a medium bore hole in half oblong form (9) in the tip (27), a small bore hole in half oblong form (8) in the tip (26), and a bore slot (18) in the tip (28) suitable for the opening and closing of the clamp (1).

Abstract: A method for triggering and controlling lateral bucking in underwater pipelines by installation of supporting systems, positioned in certain points of the seabed. Upper surfaces of the supports, on which the pipelines rest, are tilted with respect to the horizontal plane, and transversally with respect to the direction of the pipelines.

Abstract: A guide apparatus to guide axial pipe movement includes a base, a support frame mounted on the base, and rollers supported in a generally “U” shaped configuration by the support frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for constructing a pipeline with an in-line or add-on device from a pipeline laying vessel, the method comprising the steps of: (a) suspending the pipeline from a clamping device on the vessel; (b) connecting an in-line or add-on device to the pipeline above the clamping device; (c) moving at least part of the clamping device away from the pipeline to provide clearance at the pipeline; (d) lowering the pipeline by a pipeline, deployment device until the in-line or add-on device has moved beyond the clamping device.

Abstract: A housing has a central recessed area with a first end and a second end. Each end has an inside rim with at least one aperture there through. The housing has an outside end with an outside end rim with at least one aperture there through. The housing has a central portion with a full circumference. At least one elastomeric pad has an upper face and a lower face. The upper face is coupled to the housing. A compound lifting assembly coupling the pad to the housing.

Abstract: Abstract of disclosureA cable guide device for a manhole includes a wall supporting plate supported against a wall surface of an entrance part of the manhole, a cable guide body positioned at the bottom part of the wall supporting plate, a rotation shaft mounted vertically to the cable guide body and the wall supporting plate so that the cable guide body can be rotated from side to side with regard to the wall supporting plate, and at least one guide roller which rotates integrally with a roller shaft combined with the cable guide body so as to guide the cable into at least one underground pipe.

Abstract: A cable cup can be mounted in an optimal location on the wall of an otherwise inaccessible duct, so that, above all, inlets into the duct are not obstructed. A mounting device has a carriage that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the duct. A supporting unit for the cable cup is mounted on the carriage. A carrier is pivotally connected to the carriage via a longitudinal shaft. A directing unit supports the cable cup and is movable toward the wall of the duct. A drilling device and a screwdriver device are longitudinally movable on the shaft. By pivoting the support and thus the directing unit, the cable cup is fixed in the desired position on the wall, a hole is drilled through the cable cup and into the wall of the duct and a screw is screwed into the hole by the screwdriver device.

Abstract: A pipeline ballast has at least two sacks adapted to straddle a pipeline. Permeable sacks filled with inert high density aggregate such as barite uses less dry weight of aggregate to restrain buoyancy. Preferably a top sack and two pairs of side sacks connected to either side of the top sack, which when cinched, conform to the pipeline. Preferably each side sack is a pair of sacks which are flexibly hinged for more efficient loading onto the pipeline and for better conforming to the pipeline when cinched. Preferably a one piece cinching strap has two loops spaced thereon hook and loop type fasteners at the loose ends for securing together once cinched. The cinching strap is wrapped about the pipeline ballast and the lifting loops are positioned low on either side of the pipeline and lifted tangentially away from each other before the loose ends of the strap are secured to each other.

Abstract: A hose guide that allows an individual to stretch a hose over a fence in a commercial or residential setting, and by doing so, avoiding damage to either the hose or the fence. The hose guide includes two separate posts that can be each mounted on individual slats of a fence, with a center tube connecting the two separate posts. Each of the posts and the center tube have a bottom-mounted slot that allows the hose guide to be easily mounted onto the slats of a fence, allowing a hose to rest atop the center tube as it travels over the fence and not touch individual components on the fence.

Abstract: The object is to provide a construction method of an information-communicable underground pipe whereby communication cables can be readily laid in an underground pipeline having a main pipe and branch pipes branched therefrom thereby allowing the underground pipeline to be used as an information-communicable underground pipe, and to provide a construction structure and a construction member therefor.

Abstract: A composite structural reinforcement is realized within the pipe through in situ stratification of at least one band of reinforcement fibers and a resin matrix. The band is arranged according to a helicoidal path along the internal side of the pipe.

Abstract: A subsea cable (3) designed to extend from a floating structure (1) on the sea surface down to a subsea structure (2) on the sea floor with a first portion (3a) extending from the floating structure (1) to the sea floor and a second portion (3b) laid in or on the sea floor has an outer sheath and cables and/or conduits inside said outer sheath. The second portion (3b) of the subsea cable (3) is provided with at least one disc-shaped anchor (4) attached to the subsea cable (3b) with clamps. The at least one disc-shaped anchor (4) makes movement of the second portion (3b) more difficult.

Abstract: Conduit retainer apparatus includes a central bridge element and a pair of end plates secured to the central bridge element. The conduit retainer apparatus is disposed in a trench on top of conduits. The end plates dig into the sides of the trench to prevent the conduits from rising or floating as the conduit is being encased in concrete. The end plates include barb elements to help lock the conduit apparatus to the sides of the trench. Different configurations of barb elements are illustrated, and also different embodiments of end plates and bridge elements.

Abstract: A housing has a central recessed area with a first end and a second end. Each end has an inside rim with at least one aperture there through. The housing has an outside end with an outside end rim with at least one aperture there through. The housing has a central portion with a full circumference. At least one elastomeric pad has an upper face and a lower face. The upper face is coupled to the housing. At least one lifting member are coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An expansion loop for an above-ground pipeline that utilizes cold bent pipe sections having a bend angle of less than 90 degrees and a bend rate (in degrees per foot) of relatively low severity.

Abstract: A laying method for laying communication cables (16) is provided which allows to lay optical fiber cables (20) in an underground pipeline such as a sewage pipe neither placing direct tension nor allowing slack on them, and for a main pipe in which a plurality of optical fiber cables (20) are to be laid, the method also allows to lay optical fiber cables (20) in the upper space of inside the pipeline and to obviate the need of an expensive robot for the laying operation. In the proposed laying method, a high-strength low-elongation tension member is disposed to be slidable in the lengthwise direction along each optical fiber cable (20, 21, 22), and the tension members (25, 26, 27) are drawn into the underground pipeline (1) to tension the trunk tension member (25) thereby stretching the trunk tension member (25) substantially straight in the underground pipeline (1), and thus the optical fiber cables (20, 21, 22) are laid in the upper space of inside the underground pipeline (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and aligning one or more otherwise unsupported conduits in predetermined relation to a self-supported conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for substantially horizontal connection of a conduit to a subsea structure: A frame connectable to and supportable by the subsea structure, the frame has a docking device operable to allow a horizontal connection device, including one of a remotely operated vehicle and a toolskid, to dock with the frame such that the frame is capable of bearing at least part of an operational load associated with the horizontal connection of the conduit to the subsea structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a pipeline support for reducing corrosion on a pipeline surface comprising support fill material, a case for housing the support fill material; wherein when a cathodic protective current contacts the support, the current flows through the support to the pipeline surface to reduce corrosion on the surface.

Abstract: A tunneling system including a tunneling apparatus including a cutting structure for forming a borehole and at least one linkage section for transmitting a force generally toward the cutting structure is disclosed. A method of disposing a casing string within a subterranean formation by applying a force generally to the trailing end of the tunneling apparatus, generally toward the leading end thereof, but without transmitting the entire force through the entire casing string is also disclosed. At least one linkage section extending within but not in contact with at least one casing section of the casing string may transmit the force. Also, a force limiting member may limit a force applied to the casing string.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for pipeline stabilization and shoreline erosion protection, termed a BulkMat device, for protecting and securing pipelines, which are typically located in ditches or on the floor of large bodies of water. In preferred form, the BulkMat comprises a long fabric mat with four to eight fabric compartments sewn onto the mat and filled with dry bulk sand/cement mix. In the preferred embodiment, the BulkMat is comprised of polypropylene. The BulkMat has four lifting loops that are used to pick-up and lower the BulkMat onto the desired location. When the bulk mat is placed on the location, and water sets in, the sand/cement mix in the compartments will harden to concrete. By hardening after it is set in place, the BulkMat will conform completely to the pipeline or covered area to be protected, precisely matching the specific area.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods to traverse an undersea topographic feature (12) with a subsea pipeline (18) are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods of the present invention accomplish this task through the use of a concentrated buoyancy scheme (10). The invention disclosed can allow more efficient and cost effective traversal of hostile terrain for subsea pipelines at great depths while minimizing the risk of rupturing the pipeline (18) or negatively impacting the surrounding undersea environment.

Abstract: During recovery of an offshore pipeline, to a floating vessel for repair, for example, the pipeline is secured to a hang-off clamp. Due to the motion of the vessel, oscillating bending moments can be caused in the pipeline below the clamp. To reduce these bending moments an auxiliary member is employed which restricts “radial” movement of the pipeline below the clamp. The auxiliary member comprises an elongate element, such as a pipe, whose upper end is fixed to the vessel and whose lower end carries a member connecting it to the pipeline. Axial movement of the pipeline with respect to the connecting member is permitted. The auxiliary member is designed to have predetermined amount of flexibility, this being provided in particular by flexibility of the pipe, and it thus restricts the amount of radial movement of the pipeline which is permitted below the clamp.

Abstract: Articulated pipe jack clamps include a pair of laterally opposed L-shaped legs hinged at an upper end to a central threaded collar, each having an elongate upper portion and a shorter inwardly turned bottom portion engageable with the underside of a wide V-shaped cradle of a pipe jack. A threaded stem engaged in the collar has a handle at its top end and an inverted V-shaped head connected at its bottom end by a ball-and-socket connection. The clamp is placed vertically downward over a work piece supported in the pipe jack cradle such that its V-shaped head is engaged on the top of the work piece, and the bottom portion of each leg is disposed beneath the sides of the cradle, then the head is screwed down to raise and engage the bottom portion of the legs on the underside of the cradle to clamp the work piece in the pipe jack.

Abstract: A support assembly for a flexible line comprises a hanger to suspend the flexible line from an offshore oil rig without subjecting the line to a bending stress adjacent the support assembly, a frame supporting the hanger, and a connector coupled to the frame to removeably connect the support assembly to the rig. In an embodiment, the support assembly further comprises a base that may be a plate, an open-ended box, or a plurality of beams. In another embodiment, the flexible line includes an end comprising a swivel plate that mates with the hanger.

Abstract: When a glass fiber cable emerging from a main channel (1) is guided into a domestic channel line (2), in order to prevent this glass fiber cable from unacceptably having an excessively small radius of curvature in the direction-changing area (6), and thus being damaged, and in order to ensure that the glass fiber cable (3) is in the correct position, this glass fiber cable (3) is guided in a rigid guide tube (7) whose longitudinal axis runs essentially along a cylindrical envelope surface in its central section (7??). The rigid guide tube (7) is fixed in a pipe connecting stub (10) which can be widened elastically and thus, after insertion into the domestic channel line (2), rests on the wall thereof in a stressed manner, and is fixed in its position. That end of the guide tube (7) which projects into the domestic channel line (2) is connected via a sleeve (8) to a flexible pipe, tube (5) or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a stable soil by surrounding a chilled gas pipe with a material that has an antifreeze component that prevents the soil from freezing. By keeping the soil from freezing, it remains stable at all times. The method calls for excavating a trench, lining it with a geotextile membrane that keeps water from infiltrating into the trench, and then surrounding it with a bed of limestone (calcium carbonate) that is mixed with calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which acts as an anti-freeze agent. The limestone-CMA mixture surrounds the pipe. The trench is covered by another geotextile membrane to completely seal it. In this way, the pipeline is surrounded by a material that is not subject to freezing. As such, it provides a stable bed for the pipeline to prevent frost heaving.