Abstract: Various base station enclosures and systems are detailed herein. Such systems can include, a radio unit (RU) and a plurality of cellular antennas. A base station cellular enclosure is present that reduces wind drag. The enclosure can include an airfoil enclosure housing that defines a cavity for housing the plurality of antennas and is at least partially covered in dimples to reduce wind drag.

Abstract: An active barrier to termites and other insects includes a polymeric or paper substrate; and a copper-carbon matrix, wherein the copper-carbon matrix is incorporated into or is coated onto the polymeric or paper substrate. The resulting combination of the substrate and copper-carbon matrix allows for the creation of films, tapes, coated paper and fabric, or molded or formed parts that interfere with and block the passage or entry beyond the barrier of termites or other insects. Uses may be as diverse as but not limited to underlayment(s) for temporary, semi-permanent or permanent structures as well as films and barriers for walls, roofs of permanent, semi-permanent or temporary structures, or interior spaces, cabinets, or vehicles or protecting equipment, telecommunication gear, electronics or other assets that may be impacted, damaged or degraded by termite or other such insect infestation.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems for securing a bend stiffener to a riser in an offshore energy production facility. In one system, the lower end of the bend stiffener has a magnet that repels a magnet in a clamp on the riser a distance below the bend stiffener. The magnets repel one another with a force during operation to decelerate falling and prevent contact between the clamp and the bend stiffener. Methods are provided for retrofitting a riser system by adding the magnets. In another system, the riser has an upper portion and a tapered portion immediately below the upper portion. The outer diameter of the tapered portion increases such that the tapered portion can be friction fit into the lower end of the bend stiffener in the event that the bend stiffener is forced down or free falls onto the riser.

Abstract: An energy-supply rotary inertia driver system for an offshore platform includes an annular fixed plate, an active control module, a wind power generation module and a solar power generation module. The system can monitor a motion state of the offshore platform in real time, and can generate a force through the active control module if necessary to apply a force torque of the offshore platform to further achieve the vibration suppression. Moreover, when the offshore platform is under normal operation, the system can act as an energy supply device via wind and solar power generation to feed electric energy to the active control module and other electrical equipment on the offshore platform when needed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing scouring around piles are described. The system includes a pile and an enclosure. The pile has a maximum cross-sectional dimension, Dp. The enclosure is circumferentially disposed around the pile, the enclosure having a first end proximate a surface of a seabed; a second end distal the surface of the seabed; and a maximum cross-sectional dimension, De, wherein De is at least 1.25*Dp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow through a drill string includes a housing having an axis, a radial wall with a bore extending axially therethrough, and an aperture formed in the radial wall. The aperture is in fluid communication with the bore. A piston is located inside the housing and has an orifice configured to permit axial fluid flow through the housing. The spring axially biases the piston to a closed position.

Abstract: A fairing device and method for the reduction of vortex-induced vibrations or motions, the minimization of drag about a substantially cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium, comprising; a fairing rotatably mounted about the cylindrical element, the fairing comprising a shell with a mainly cylindrical cross-sectional shape with an outer diameter (D) following the outer diameter of the cylindrical element from an upward stagnation point of 0 degrees to at least +/?90 degrees, and which at +/?90 degrees continues as two fin-like portions in an aft direction, further comprising that the fin-like portions are convexly curved aft of +/?90 degrees thus tapering towards each other and defining a tail end opening or gap less than the fairing standoff height. A method for mounting, storage, and deployment of the fairing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pile maintenance method, system, and apparatus including a shell configured to be opened and closed longitudinally such that the shell forms a chamber between a length of a pile and an inner surface of the shell when the shell is closed around the pile, at least one fixing member configured to fix the shell to the pile such that the shell is substantially centered on the pile, at least one sealing member provided proximate a bottom of the shell and configured to form a substantially watertight seal at a bottom of the chamber, a plurality of nozzles provided inside the shell and configured to spray one or more media onto the pile, and a drain outlet provided proximate the bottom of the shell and configured to drain contents from the chamber formed by the shell.

Abstract: A vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression system including a strake having a cylindrical body portion dimensioned to encircle an underlying tubular and having opposing ends that form at least one gap extending from a top end to a bottom end of the body portion, a fin portion extending radially outward from the body portion and helically positioned around the body portion, and a connecting member dimensioned to secure the opposing ends of the body portion in a fixed position with respect to one another; and a collar dimensioned to encircle the underlying tubular and position the strake at a fixed axial location along the underlying tubular.

Abstract: A system can include a float, a winch, a line, and a collapsible fairing. The winch can be coupled to the float. The line can be associated with the winch, where the winch is configured to extend and retract the line. The collapsible fairing can surround the line. Extension and retraction of the line can cause the collapsible fairing to extend and collapse.

Abstract: The Open End Friction Pile comprises of four steel plates, four brackets, and one driving head. The steel plates have a first bend line and a second bend line that are equidistant from a distal end. The first bend line and second bend line of the steel plates are equidistant from each other creating a center portion. The brackets have a first bend line and a second bend line that are equidistant from a distal end. The first bend line and second bend line of the brackets are equidistant from each other creating a center portion. The bracket has a third bend line along the center portion. One bracket is connected to one steel plate along the distal ends and center portion. All four steel plates and four brackets concurrently connect along the distal ends to form two open-ends. A driving head is connected covering the top open-end.

Abstract: A passive annular grout seal assembly is disclosed for sealing an annular opening between a driven pile and a skirt pile sleeve for an offshore platform. The annular seals are located at the bottom of the pile sleeves near sea floor and automatically activated when piles are inserted and driven through the pile sleeves without any active operational procedure during offshore piling. The seal configuration fully utilizes the seal height, the grout column height and the density difference between grout and sea water to produce enhanced sealing capacity against the column of grout above.

Abstract: A fabric formed footing has a column retainer assembly with a post socket and a post socket base. The column retainer assembly is a rigid structural member. A base plate is connected to the post socket. The base plate has a base plate underside opposing a base plate top surface. The base plate is connected to the post socket at the base plate top surface. A moment leg is connected to the base plate. The moment leg is connected to the base plate underside. The moment leg has a moment leg horizontal section, a moment leg vertical section, and a bend between the moment leg horizontal section and the moment leg vertical section. The moment leg vertical section is the portion of the moment leg that is connected to the base plate underside.

Abstract: A marine drilling riser protection system including a plurality of protection modules adapted for fitment at spaced intervals along the length of a riser, and a plurality of cover parts, wherein each cover part is adapted to be fitted at one end of the cover part to a first protection module, and at an opposite end of the cover part to a second protection module.

Abstract: A power distribution system for a dynamically positioned vessel may include: a plurality of busses including a first bus to which a load is connectable; a plurality of switches including a first switch and a second switch, wherein the plurality of busses is connected via the switches in a interjacent manner to form a ring, the first bus is connected between the first switch and the second switch, and the power distribution system is configured to concurrently open the first switch and second switches, if a first current flowing via the first switch towards the first bus is above a predetermined current threshold for longer than a predetermined time and a second current flowing via the second switch towards the first bus is above the predetermined current threshold for longer than the predetermined time, thereby disconnecting the first bus from the ring while all other buses remain connected together.

Abstract: A system including a vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression device dimensioned to suppress a vortex-induced vibration of a support structure, the VIV suppression device having a base portion that encircles at least a portion of the support structure and a support member formed along the base portion. The system further including a collar having a body portion defining an annular channel and a flange portion extending outwardly from the annular channel, the flange portion dimensioned to form a receiving channel around the support structure for receiving the support member. The support member is received within the receiving channel to secure the VIV suppression device to the support structure and the VIV suppression device is capable of rotating around the support structure along the receiving channel.

Abstract: An oil spill clean-up apparatus and method, and more specifically to a self-contained oil spill clean-up vessel with ice displacement capabilities. One preferred oil spill clean-up system includes a vessel subsystem, an ice displacement subsystem, and an oil spill skimming subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include at least one storage subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include an oil/water separation and removal subsystem.

Abstract: A pole splint, generally for use with a broken wooden utility pole, which can provide for a strong repair at a pole breakpoint and which uses relatively little manpower and equipment to install, even under difficult conditions. The splint generally comprises two panels which are designed to be interconnected with elongated connectors. The connectors will generally interact with one of the panels through the use of a nut and washer, and may connect with the other panel through a nut and washer or via a chain formed of chain links.

Abstract: A jackup deployed riser protection structure comprises a plurality of coupler receivers disposed onto a jackup hull, a tubular sleeve, wherein the tubular sleeve is a hollow structure that allows a riser to pass through, a support structure coupled with the tubular sleeve to provide support for the tubular sleeve, and a plurality of couplers coupled with the support structure, wherein each of the plurality of couplers is coupled with one of the plurality of coupler receivers, so that the jackup deployed riser protection structure is supported by the jackup hull in order to provide protection to the riser.

Abstract: A multilayer marine wrapping is proposed wherein each layer has a removal strip and the removal strips are staggered, such that a single layer can be removed at a time.

Abstract: A collapsible marine riser fairing that includes members configured to retract into a storage space and be deployed from the storage space when needed. The collapsible fairing is semi-permanently attached to the riser.

Abstract: A diversion assembly to protect a leg of an maritime structure from floating debris includes at least one upper inclined surface and at least one flotation element to buoy the diversion assembly around the leg of the maritime structure, wherein the at least one inclined surface is configured to divert floating debris away from the leg of the maritime structure. A method to protect an offshore platform from damage due to floating debris includes attaching a diversion assembly about the periphery of at least one leg of the offshore platform and diverting the floating debris away from the at least one leg of the offshore platform with at least one inclined surface.

Abstract: A pad for protecting nautical sails from the rigging including a material having a soft outer surface and an inner surface with hook and loop material attached to the material. The pad also includes a restraint attached to the inner surface of the material and a strap engaged by the restraint. A method of using the described pad to protect sails and other fabrics is also provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic fender is configured to improve workability during folding up, be conveniently secured during transport, and suppress damage during folding up and during transport, thus increasing durability. A method for transporting the pneumatic fender also has these characteristics. In the, pneumatic fender, at least one crease is formed extending in the lengthwise direction at the outer surface of a torso body section in the pneumatic fender. After the air has been discharged from the pneumatic fender, a bag is pushed flat with mirror body sections as the upper surface of the torso body section and then with the crease as a boundary, the bag is folded towards the upper surface. In this folded state, the pneumatic fenders are loaded into a container and transported.

Abstract: A device for scour protection of offshore structures includes one or more elastic plates made of rubber and connected to each other, and weight elements which are fastened on the plates by fasteners.

Abstract: An ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: A marine barrier has substantially vertical panels, each having a buoyant portion, and a plurality of hinges, each hinge for elastically connecting a side of a first one of the panels to a side of an adjacent second one of the panels with an included angle therebetween, to form a buoyant continuous pleated row of panels, with the hinges arranged in first and second substantially parallel rows. An impact cable is attached to opposing ends of the pleated row of panels passing through each of the hinges in the first row of hinges. When the barrier is floating in water and a moving vessel impacts the impact cable, the impact cable deflects to transfer a force of the impact to one or more of the panels, which in turn engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.

Abstract: A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a frame rail member and a removable resilient rub-rail member. The frame rail member includes a first side configured for securing the frame rail member to a side of the boat dock structure; a second side opposing the first side; a first channel extending along a length of the frame rail member; and a second channel below the first channel, the second channel extending along the length of the frame rail member. An interlocking frame rail system for boat dock structures includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member, and an upper connector member extending along at least a portion of a length of the first frame rail member and at least a portion of the length of a second frame rail member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jack-up rig. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with a lower portion that is an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration. Furthermore, the jack-up rig comprises at least two derricks.

Abstract: A technique for protecting a structure from an impact with ice involves providing a horizontal spall initiator extending from the wall a distance of 1 to 10 cm, the horizontal spall initiator being resilient to the ice impact, and formed by blade segments having a blade width less than ½ a thickness of an expected hard zone of the ice; and situating the horizontal spell initiator at an elevation of the expected hard zone. Situating the horizontal spall initiator at an elevation of the hard zone may involve providing an elevation control mechanism (e.g. buoyancy, mechanical, or hydrodynamic), or may involve a panel with a plurality of horizontal spell initiators at respective elevations. The horizontal spell initiator may be driven.

Abstract: This invention introduces three-dimensional (3D) damper arrangements that are used to suppress dynamic motions of a subsea line like a riser, on which the dampers are installed. Damping surfaces (shapes) are mounted on the line so that their combined drag per line unit length dampens motions in 3 mutually perpendicular directions: axial, in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP). 3D suppression is provided by integral 3D dampers or by combining IP-OOP dampers like strakes with neighboring axial dampers. Increased line motions suppression is achieved by decoupling, particularly on dampers mounted in regions of high line curvature and/or small effective tension. This invention also presents Short Lazy Wave (SLW) configurations of rigid catenary risers, which are also used to suppress dynamic motions. 3D dampers can be used together with SLWs. Motion suppression is introduced to reduce dynamic stresses and to increase fatigue life of the lines.

Abstract: Various clamps for connecting one tubular member to another, methods of using and making such clamps are disclosed. In one aspect a clamp for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided. The clamp includes a first clamp half and a second clamp half engageable with the first clamp half. The first and second clamp halves define a first through bore to accommodate the first tubular member and a second through bore to accommodate the second tubular member. A strap is adapted to circumscribe at least a portion of and bring into engagement the first and second clamp halves. The clamp is buoyant in water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig with a conical piled monopod working together to drill wells and produce hydrocarbons in ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig. Both the hull and conical piled monopod are shaped with ice-bending surfaces to bend and break up ice that comes into contact.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for limiting structural damage to an affected offshore platform and preventing damage spread from the affected offshore platform to another platform during an accident or an emergency condition. An offshore platform arrangement includes a mobile offshore production unit (MOPU), a mobile storage platform and a mobile offloading platform which are disposed at a clearance distance from one another. The platforms are fluidly connected by pipes to allow hydrocarbon fluid transfer therebetween. The pipes are adapted to cease fluid communication of hydrocarbon fluid between platforms for preventing damage spread therebetween. Also disclosed is an offloading system for hydrocarbon fluid transfer which includes a lifting system having an extendable lifting arm and a spreader frame platform rotatably coupled to the lifting arm. The spreader frame platform is operable to support a transfer skid and allow angular adjustment of the transfer skid in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A leg mating unit for installation of offshore structures. A housing has a ram movably mounted in the housing. Elastomeric material is received in the housing immediately below the ram. An open space below the elastomeric material is filled with a disposable, granular material such as sand. A drain valve for selectively releasing the disposable material is provided on the housing. A load absorbing ring is engaged with the ram. A stop ring is rigidly mounted on the leg of the topside structure and engages the load absorbing ring during installation of the topside structure onto its lower supporting structure. The housing is removably mounted on the lower support structure such that the leg mating unit is removable and reusable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for securing a fairing around a marine element. The apparatus can include first and second opposing sides, and a third side extending between the first and second sides. An attachment mechanism can extend from the third side, and is configured to interlock with a corresponding attachment mechanism of an opposing connector to secure the fairing around a marine element.

Abstract: A flange free, semi-rigid resilient, hollow, dock fender having a skeletal triangular shape with a set of radiused edges and end fasteners to support the dock fender as the dock fender longitudinally and transversely distorts and flexes to distribute an impact force to protect objects proximate either side of an impact area on the dock fender with the skeletal triangular shape enabling use of low cost manufacturing techniques to form the dock fender from semi-rigid materials where the shape of the dock fender rather than the compressibility of the material of the dock fender enables the dock fender to absorb repeated impacts without damage to the dock fender and the securement of a hanger to end caps to a dock fender allows the dock fender to be used as a hanging dock fender, which inhibits rotation of the dock fender during an impact or the dock fender where the dock fender may or may not be in kit form.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig with a conical piled monopod working together to drill wells and produce hydrocarbons in ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and in sockets attached to the conical piled monopod. Both the hull and conical piled monopod are shaped with ice-bending surfaces to bend and break up ice that comes into contact.

Abstract: A system operates like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: A method for repairing a support piling, in situ, while immersed in water, comprising the steps of encircling a portion of said piling in need of repair above and below the water line in a coffer dam; and evacuating water from said coffer dam for exposing the portion of the piling in need of repair. Repair steps include blasting damaged portions with high pressure water and/or abrasive particles, adding metal support rods where needed, applying zinc or similar metal for protection against electrolysis, and treating the repaired area with a protective coating such as concrete or grout.

Abstract: A pile encapsulation system include a lower collar that is removably secured to the concrete pile at a position beneath the damaged section, an upper collar that is removably secured to the concrete pile at a position above the damaged section, and one or more form units interposed between the upper and lower collars, each of the form units including a hollow interior space for surround the damaged section of the concrete pile and forming a mold for fresh concrete.

Abstract: A removal impact cover (14) for a marine riser buoyancy module (10) has an arcuate shape with an open face (21). The cover (14) has a number of recesses (18) arranged to engage with recesses (22) on the module (10). The recesses (18) each contain an aperture (20) and the recesses (22) each contain an aperture (23). The cover (14) and the module (10) are engaged by fastening means preferably extending the apertures 20 and 23. More preferably the engaged cover (14) is spaced from the module (10) to reduce direct transmission of forces to the module (10).

Abstract: Roughness is added to the surface of a bluff body in a relative motion with respect to a fluid. The amount, size, and distribution of roughness on the body surface is controlled passively or actively to modify the flow around the body and subsequently the Vortex Induced Forces and Motion (VIFM). The added roughness, when designed and implemented appropriately, affects in a predetermined way the boundary layer, the separation of the boundary layer, the level of turbulence, the wake, the drag and lift forces, and consequently the Vortex Induced Motion (VIM), and the fluid-structure interaction. The goal of surface roughness control is to decrease/suppress Vortex Induced Forces and Motion. Suppression is required when fluid-structure interaction becomes destructive as in VIM of flexible cylinders or rigid cylinders on elastic support, such as underwater pipelines, marine risers, tubes in heat exchangers, nuclear fuel rods, cooling towers, SPAR offshore platforms.

Abstract: A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.

Abstract: A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a frame rail member and a removable resilient rub-rail member. The frame rail member includes a first side configured for securing the frame rail member to a side of the boat dock structure; a second side opposing the first side; a first channel extending along a length of the frame rail member; and a second channel below the first channel, the second channel extending along the length of the frame rail member. An interlocking frame rail system for boat dock structures includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member, and an upper connector member extending along at least a portion of a length of the first frame rail member and at least a portion of the length of a second frame rail member.

Abstract: A Floating Salt Farm is a system which uses extracted seawater to reliably and regularly produce substantial amounts of crystallized salt and bittern through the evaporation process. The seawater used for the evaporation process of the Floating Salt Farm can be 1) seawater affected by volcanic activities, 2) seawater affected by spring water from thermal springs, and 3) seawater extracted from specific water depths and from specific offshore locations. The crystallized salt and bittern to be produced are affected by placing contents, such as volcanic rocks, inside the evaporator tank with the seawater during the evaporation process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a tubular member in an offshore marine environment provides a specially configured shell having shell halves, longitudinal seals, and optionally upper and lower seals. Additionally, the shell halves are each provided with a plurality of threaded fasteners that will help with shell alignment, holding the shell rigidly to the tubular member prior to grouting operations.

Abstract: A riser support system for use in a body of water comprises a buoyant and ballastable support structure and a plurality of substantially vertical and rigid risers each of which is attached to the inside of the support structure at a location below the center of buoyancy of the support structure and below the surface of the body of water. Usually, each riser passes through the inside of a single tube in the support structure. Typically, the riser support system is used to support a plurality of risers and their surface wellheads inside the hull of an offshore platform, usually in such a manner that the axial movement of the risers and support structure is independent of the axial movement of the hull.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disk for reducing scour around a pile, such as a monopole, installed in the seabed. The disk has a pile opening through which the pile protrudes. The disk includes a peripheral skirt for embedding into the seabed below the portion of the disk installed above the seabed. The disk can include partitions for segmenting chambers of the disk. The disk can include mesh on the top, bottom, or both surfaces with one or more fill bags installed in the chambers. The disk can include chambers that can be filled with fluidized fill material, such as grout or concrete. The fill material can be inserted into the fill bags through conduits with valves that can be remotely operated with an ROV. The fill material can also be injected below the disk using the conduits for support on the seabed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a buoyancy module onto a rigid pipe having a clamp. In one embodiment the clamp includes pads for clamping onto the outer surface or coating of the rigid pip, the pads having a teeth or serrations formed thereon for gripping the outer surface of the pipe. In a second embodiment, the clamp includes one or more coil springs formed from a resilient material adapted to be wound around the outer circumference of the pipe. The method for mounting a buoyancy module onto a rigid pipe includes the steps of reducing the outer diameter of the pipe at a location of the pipe to which a buoyancy module is to be attached and subsequently mounting a buoyancy module at such location.