Abstract: An oil spill containment collar system for aquatic vessels. A deployable flotation collar and apron apparatus automatically surrounds the periphery of the vessel to be contained. This continuous collar only takes a few minutes to become fully functional. The collar is stored inboard of gunnel above the deck, and is lowered into the water by a gear or spring-torsion driven pivot arms that lift the collar from the deck area and up over the gunnel. The collar is inflated after lowering over gunnel, encircling the entire vessel and giving vertical support to an attached apron. The top edge of the apron is maintained level with the surface of the oil spill, by means of the attached and inflatable collar.

Abstract: A device for removing barnacles from a boat lift including an elevator riding on rails extending into a body of water, characterized by a blade and a mounting adapter connecting the blade to the elevator of the boat lift. The blade is positioned to remove barnacles from a submerged portion of a rail as the elevator traverses the rail.

Abstract: An offshore double cone structure for operation on an ocean foundation has a double-cone concrete shell having a neck ring at the top of the shell and a base caisson that supports the double-cone shell. The caisson rests on the ocean foundation. The environmental loads, topside weight, and self weight of the double-cone shell are transferred by double-cone shell action through the base caisson to the foundation. The base caisson's exterior wall can be either vertical or sloping. The neck ring is at an elevation sufficiently high that the wave and ice interactions with the neck ring do not increase global ice loads acting on the structure. The neck ring has sufficient area to provide room for facilities through the neck.

Abstract: A glory hole silo comprising a cylindrical casing open at the upper end thereof; an upwardly open porch for supporting a flowline, said porch extending horizontally from and cantilevered with respect to said casing, the upper surface of said porch opening to the interior of said casing and provided with means communicating with the interior of said casing for attaching a flowline; and a removable roof extending over the open upper end of said casing and porch. The porch structure permits flowlines to be readily connected without the intervention of a diver.

Abstract: A submersible mobile caisson having ice crush resistance for adapting semi-submersible mobile offshore drilling units and mobile offshore oil well production rigs, which are ice crush sensitive for use in ice bearing offshore ocean waters, is provided. The caisson comprises a floatable generally four sided structure composed of front and rear outer walls, and opposing side outer walls, with the rear outer wall having a removable entrance door. Inner walls are positioned in a spaced apart, opposing relationship with each of the outer walls, and so that the inner and outer walls define a perimeter structure and the inner walls define a cavity which is located within the perimeter structure. The perimeter structure has a plurality of ballast compartments which permit the caisson to float or be sunk so as to rest on the ocean floor. A drilling/production moon pool system is also provided in the perimeter structure.

Abstract: Growth of zebra mussels on a surface is inhibited by making the surface from an unsaturated polyester having copolymerized therein about 1-40% N-phenyl maleimide.

Abstract: Certain furan compounds are disclosed as being useful as marine or fresh water antifoulant compounds to be used in protective carrier compositions such as film forming polymer to protect fish nets, boats, pilings, and piers.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a pipeline having a deliberate weak link to relieve a large tension load, said weak link being a pipe loop in said pipeline of sufficient weakness to fail prior to reaching said large tension load.

Abstract: A method whereby a concentrated aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide is injected into offshore water intake facilities for preventing zebra mussel infestation therein is described. The chlorine dioxide is generated from generators positioned on a portable vessel above the water intake facilities. The treatment using concentrated chlorine dioxide solution permits periodic treatment so that the same portable generators may be used to treat a number of water intake facilities.

Abstract: A "rod accumulator" riser tensioning cylinder assembly for use with off-shore production and exploratory drilling facilities. The tensioner is basically a hydro-pneumatic spring having a tubular cylinder equipped with a hollow rod containing sufficient volume to act as an accumulator. The rod is internally ported to the annulus of the cylinder. The cylinder exterior is coated with a material that will insulate the unit when exposed to high temperature and flame. A wear sleeve is supplied over the insulation material to provide a low friction surface for an outer, cylindrically shaped rod insulation jacket to slide over the cylinder when the rod is stroked into the cylinder. When the rod is stroked out, the jacket is also extended, protecting the rod from flame and high temperature due to its insulative properties. This is a low mass and low volume system, with low lateral area so that an increased number of such cylinder assemblies can be provided in a given horizontal area.

Abstract: Fire protection for the tensioner cylinders of a marine riser tensioner system in oil and gas offshore drilling and production rigs where the tensioner cylinders are coated with intumescent epoxy and their respective cylinder rods are enclosed within outer fire protection cylinders which comprise an inner metal lining and an outer jacket. The outer jacket comprises an inner multi-layer thick blanket of ceramic fibrous materials and barrier films contained within inner and outer layers of woven ceramic fibers for reinforcement and abrasion resistance. The outer fire protection cylinders telescope over the tensioner cylinders as the cylinder rods extend and retract in response to vertical movement of the rigs. The intumescent epoxy on the tensioner cylinders are covered with a bearing sleeve to provide a smooth surface for the telescoping fire protecting cylinders and fire retardant mechanisms are located at the tops and bottoms of the telescoping cylinders to prevent intrusion of heat and flame.

Abstract: Certain gamma lactones are disclosed as being useful as marine or fresh water antifoulant compounds to be used in protective carrier compositions such as film forming polymer to protect fish nets, boats, pilings, and piers.

Abstract: An improved columnar support for offshore drilling platforms intended for installation in a body of water such as the ocean, comprising a cylindrical shaft of unitary cemetitious construction, a frustrum shaped hollow capital having a first peripheral flange, a frustrum shaped hollow base having a second peripheral flange and seals, which may include removable plugs in the open ends of the capital and the base for creating a scuttle opening therein to admit water and sink the columnar support at a designated position on the sea floor.

Abstract: The system utilizes one or more buoyant members which are attached to a mooring line or lines anchored to the sea bed. The mooring line has a length limited to provide travel constraints on the travel path of the buoyant member, whereby upon collision of floating object with the buoyant member or mooring line, the resulting lateral displacement will effect downward travel of the buoyant member and absorb kinetic energy of a floating object approaching the offshore area to be protected. In one embodiment a number of buoyant members are connected to one another to partially or completely encircle the area to be protected. In another embodiment the buoyant members are arranged alongside a navigable route to prevent vessels from running aground or onto shoals.

Abstract: A marine structure has a surface corrosion resistant covering material of titanium-clad steel plates that are continuously arranged in vertical and horizontal directions. Long sides of the titanium-clad steel plates at the top and bottom steps of the corrosion resistant covering material are horizontally arranged to minimize the number of joints between adjacent titanium-clad steel plates, and a space exposed at an end of each joint at the top and bottom steps of the corrosion resistant covering material is closed with a sealing cover.

Abstract: The structure comprises a concrete monolithic caisson (3) consisting of a top slab (5) and a bottom slab (5') resting on a seabed. Two concentric peripheral walls (6, 7), an inner and an outer respectively, are designed to withstand the impacts of icebergs. These two walls (6, 7) extend substantially vertically between the slabs (5, 5') and are rigidly connected with them. Vertical partitions are arranged between the two walls so as to connect them in a lattice structure. Vertical defensive elements (8, 9) are disposed over at least a part of the outer periphery of the caisson. The defensive elements (8, 9) are integral with the outer wall of the caisson (3). These caissons are intended for a platform structure located in Arctic regions for production in a hydrocarbon field.

Abstract: Arrangement for protecting components such as valves and control units incorporated in subsea structures particularly for hydrocarbon production, including a template structure adapted to rest on the sea bed and provided with supporting members for a number of functional modules, each containing at least one of the components, each being adapted to be retrieved to the surface. Each of the modules is provided with at least one fixed roof element and at least one completely removable roof element, these fixed and removable roof elements together covering substantially the entire top area of the module, and the roof elements of all modules in the subsea structure together cover a major portion of the top area of the subsea structure to protect against objects falling from above or moving along the sea bed, such as trawls or the like.

Abstract: A fire protection system comprising a plurality of insulation protective jackets placed around the top joint of a riser string above and below the tensioner ring and its protective cover and over the threads or annular protrusions used to facilitate the connection of the tensioner ring to the top joint. Each protective jacket comprises an outer section of multiple layers of cloth, the outer layer being of an abrasive resistant, weather resistant material, and at least one of these layers being a woven ceramic fiber that helps to eliminate flame impingement, one or more layers of reinforcement (as many as required) and an inner section composed of a thick interior multi-layered composite layer of ceramic fibrous material and barrier films and an inner abrasion resistant liner to minimize heat transfer and gas passage to the protective part.

Abstract: A cover for eliminating marine life from the intake of a water intake positioned beneath the surface of a body of water. The cover is placeable over a water intake and is provided with a plurality of apertures formed therethrough which permit water to flow into the water intake. An electrical wire is embedded in a spiral or serpentine fashion within the cover. An insulated cable connects to the embedded wire and provides a radio frequency signal from an external source of power. The wire radiates radio frequency energy over the surface of the cover so that sea mussels and other marine life which have accumulated on the cover are repelled or killed. In a different configuration, electrical heating elements are connected to the wire and generate sufficient heat to drive off or kill the marine life. In a further embodiment, a sonic generator is attached to the cover and generates sonic waves which achieve the same result.

Abstract: An erosion control system that uses massive hollow reinforced concrete blocks that can contain bulky fill material such as sand, mud, shell or concrete rip rap. The blocks can be arranged in desired geometric patterns at coastal areas subject to erosion control.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dynamic absorption and damping of horizontal perturbations of a marine structure due to marine forces is disclosed. The apparatus includes an absorber tank having an internal toroidal shape, attached to the structure. The tank is to be partially filled with at least one liquid, e.g. water, and is arranged so as to be tuned to damp low frequency marine excitations, e.g. a subharmonic excitation frequency of the particular marine structure. The method includes constructing such a toroidal absorber tank, tuning the tank to the desired damping frequency, e.g. the subharmonic excitation frequency, and installing the tank on the structure. Tuning may be accomplished by varying the depth of liquid within the tank. The apparatus and method may be used on, inter alia, free-floating and tethered structures.

Abstract: A riser and tendon management system for offshore hydrocarbon production facilities has a data acquisition system with instrumentation suitable for gathering all necessary information concerning the immediate condition of the facility and a riser and tendon analysis system for comparing actual with ideal conditions for the facility. Information is generated as to what corrective action must be taken. The analysis system stores past corrective actions and results and factors this information into the current suggestion for correction thereby reducing riser and tendon stress while increasing their fatigue life.

Abstract: An epoxy coating composition, a coating and a method of applying the coating composition to items to be used or being used in marine environments and otherwise susceptible to the deleterious effects of erosion and/or corrosion. The coating composition is comprised of a polyamine converter and an epoxy resin that can be applied either to virgin metal or to preexisting metallic items immersed below sea level. The coating in either situation is comprised of a plurality of layers of the epoxy composition sequentially applied about the affected surface area of the item with a wrap of vitrified cloth disposed intervening between juxtaposed of said layers. Where on site restoration of an item is to be performed, some or all of the layer applications can be conducted underwater by preceding application of the coating with an abrasive blasting of the surface to be coated.

Abstract: As structural plastic pipe has an outer diameter of at least 10 inches and is suitable for use as a plastic piling. The pipe is at least 10 feet long and comprises an inner pipe core of no more than 6 inches in diameter. There is an outer, extruded, continuous, substantially homogeneous plastic layer at least two inches thick on substantially the entire length of the steel core. The plastic layer comprises low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, foaming agent, and antioxidant, as well as a synergist for the antioxidant. The plastic layer is extruded directly onto the pipe core in a single extruding operation. A die head can be used for imparting rotational motion to an extruded plastic composition before it is introduced into a mold used for forming the plastic pipe to make certain that the entire mold is filled with the plastic composition.

Abstract: An enclosed protective chamber for a subsea wellhead assembly includes a main body installed on the sea floor. Subsea wellhead apparatus is mounted in the chamber on top of a well. A pressure-containing lid is mounted on and sealed with respect to the main body such that chamber pressure is isolated from the subsea hydrostatic head. An inflatable, elongated, flexible storage tank or dracon is attached to the chamber through a conduit having a pressure-balanced relief valve therewithin. The dracon is attached to the conduit through a quick disconnect coupling and closure valve which permit ready attachment, removal, or replacement of the dracon. Under normal operating conditions the dracon is deflated. The dracon is preferably anchored to the sea floor. When a leak in the subsea wellhead assembly occurs, excess chamber pressure permits surplus fluid to enter and fill the dracon.

Abstract: A device and process for reinforcing underwater structures of branched joints having a main element (1) and at least one secondary element (2), one end to which is integral with the surface of element (1). The device incorporates a flange (3, 3'), a first portion (3') of which is initially fixed to the secondary element (2), and a second portion (3') of which is thereafter fixed to the first portion. The flange portions define an annular space between the flange and the elements. A liquid composition which generates an elastic polymerized material (4) is introduced into an enclosure to fill the annular space and encapsulate the flange, which enclosure defines the outer boundary of the polymerized material (4).

Abstract: A gravity base structure for an offshore platform having deck supporting columns extending from seabed to above seawater level includes bottom and top slabs having inner and outer protective walls extending between them with a lattice structure for transmitting impact energy from the outer wall to the inner wall. The deck supporting columns are substantialy free of means for transmitting impact energy from the inner and outer protective walls to them.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing re-growth of marine fouling on offshore marine structures comprises one or more flexible, multi-component collars adapted to surround a submerged structural support member of the marine structure. The apparatus is "powered" by the utilization of ocean forces in the form of waves, swells, tides and currents, whereby marine growth is prevented from re-establishing one the structural support member by virtue of the reciprocating motion of the apparatus about the member.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a boat from harmful contact with the piling of a dock is provided. The apparatus comprises a generally rigid, vertical, elongated tube, preferably made of PVC pipe and a hollow sleeve. The sleeve is preferably made of concentric layers of resilient and strength imparting material and has a hollow core aligned with the elongated axis of the tube. Lag bolts extend from inside the core of the sleeve, through the sleeve and wall of the tube into a wooden 2.times.4 within the tube. Also, lag bolts extend from inside the core of the sleeve, through the sleeve and into a piling. In this way, the tube is attached to the sleeve which is in turn attached to the piling. A seal and a cap with a vent are attached to the bottom and top of the tube respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing marine growth from offshore marine structures, said apparatus comprising flexible multi-component floating rings and submerged rings being adapted to surround a structural support member of the offshore marine structure, the apparatus being powered by the utilization of ocean forces in the form of waves, swells, tides and currents so that marine growth is removed from the structural support member by means of the reciprocating motion of the apparatus about the structural support member.

Abstract: A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a template having a three-dimensional framework enclosing one or more production bays, each bay having a well slot and a manifold slot. The space above the well slot is occupied by a tree module fitted with a high pressure cap. The space above the manifold slot is occupied by a manifold header module positioned on the template and forming the base of the equipment in the area of the manifold slot(s), isolation valve module(s) positioned adjacent to the manifold header module and connected thereto, flow control modules(s) positioned adjacent to the isolation valve module(s) and connected thereto, production choke module(s) positioned adjacent to the flow control module(s) and connected thereto, and production control pod(s) positioned adjacent to the flow control modules(s) and connected thereto. The tree module(s) are connected to the flow control module(s).

Abstract: A motion absorbing docking assembly for use in subsea docking operations. A tubular docking pile receives a pile head assembly in which a retractable pile head is positioned. When the pile head is impacted by a docking guide on a jacket being lowered into place, axially spaced shock cells having a common central support member absorb the relative motion between the pile head and the docking pile. This arrangement provides for absorption of twice the distance that each individual shock cell is capable of absorbing by itself.

Abstract: Wellhead and welder protector comprising an easily erected, temporary shelter designed to envelope a wellhead and the immediate surrounding area of either a production platform, well bay area or jack up rig "texas deck", for providing an optimal environment for welding, heat treatment, and similar processes. The overhead protection means can be in the form of a horizontal, planar surface comprised of aluminum, galvanized sheet metal, thick fabric or the like, supported via telescopic support means above the wellhead for providing overhead protection for its occupants from overhead falling objects and liquids. Self contained ventilation means for the removal of any toxic fumes and gases associated with welding and related processes is also included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting an isolated well conductor of a shallow-water well by positioning a reinforcing frame with pile sleeves next to the well conductor near the water surface and driving piles through the pile sleeves into the ocean floor, and subsequently connecting the pile sleeves to the piles and the frame to the well conductor above the water surface.

Abstract: A floating structure to support maritime operations is constituted by a metallic platform, in the shape of an internally open square (10) floating in the ocean being moored to the bottom of the ocean by a cable system (C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3 . . . C.sub.n) tied to a pile system (E.sub.1, E.sub.2, E.sub.3 . . . E.sub.n). It retains in its interior a portion of the sea which is communicated to the outside ocean through an opening (11) in the walls of the said metallic platform (10) in such a way that, in that confined part of the ocean, the support boats to the sea work, may be moored due to the fact the interior of the open square is calm in respect to the rough sea outside the structure (10).

Abstract: A method for protecting a wood piling against marine borer attack wherein the piling is surrounded with a flexible sheet of UV-resistant material so as to define an annular space which is filled with a water-insoluble filler material.

Abstract: A new and improved shock absorber mechanism and method for use on the leg structure of a jack-up offshore drilling rig is disclosed. The shock absorbing mechanism is designed to be mounted on the bottom of each existing leg of a drilling rig and comprises a pointed piston member which is positioned on the bottom of the leg structure, wherein the piston member projects downward through the can/footing of the rig leg and is held in place by a resilient tension member which is designed to absorb shock forces during vertical/axial impact of the leg structure when contact is made with the ocean floor.

Abstract: Protective barrier consisting of at least two ballastable elements (3, 4) adapted to surround at least partially the work to be protected (1).The height of the individual elements is greater than the water depth. The elements comprise a connection device permitting the structural continuity of the elements after assembly. The protective barrier is entirely independent of the work to be protected. The positioning of the elements around the work is effected by means of a positioning system provided in the sea bed and/or the individual elements of the protective barrier.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a marine riser having means for disrupting smooth flow of seawater along its length of the riser and thus damping vertical oscillation of the riser when its lower end is released from a subsea wellhead.

Abstract: A point of junction of tubular metallic structures, notably for derrick platforms, includes a tubular element on which are welded the tubes which form the point of junction. At least one steel stiffening element, formed of a cylindrical main portion coaxial with the tubular element and provided with annular ribs, is ferruled inside the tubular element with a ferruling rate sufficient for preventing it from being disunited from the tubular element.

Abstract: A gravity base structure for an offshore platform includes a caisson having a bottom slab, a top slab, and inner and outer concentric walls which extend between the bottom and top slabs, and partition walls that form a lattice structure of triangular prisms between the concentric walls, and a plurality of teeth elements which extend outwardly of the outer wall of the caisson for absorbing the force of iceberg impacts and transmitting such force to the caisson.

Abstract: A protective bumper includes an elongated, resilient, planar member, a slider slidably mounted on and slidably positionable along the length of the planar member and an adjustable length line with fasteners attached at opposite ends for suspending and attaching the slider and the planar member to a stationary dock piling. A plurality of like planar members are interconnected end to end via mating projections and sockets formed on the ends of each planar member.

Abstract: A pier cushioning system is disclosed having a contact surface, sliding elements and hydraulic cylinders and apparatus to determine the mass and velocity of a docking vessel and to respond with the necessary counterforce to assist in the docking of the vessel. The mass and velocity determining capabilities utilize a flow and pressure transducer in combination with either a microprocessor or analog electronic circuit to perform the necessary calculations and thus adjust the flow of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic cylinder in accordance with the force exerted by the docking vessel.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for structures comprising a plurality of substantially identical structural cells, each comprising a cube having concrete walls of selected or calculated thickness. The walls enclose a hollow interior so that each cube is floatable. The walls are constructed so that tendons can be passed inside the walls in orthogonal directions. The tendons are tensioned after the structure has been assembled so as to prestress all walls along at least two dimensions so as to provide a three dimensional posttensioning effect on the concrete in the structure. Means are also provided which communicate with each of the cells for selectively filling or emptying each cell with liquid. The cells can be joined together at a drydock on land or at sea to form the structure.

Abstract: A wellhead and welder protector comprising an easily erected, temporary shelter designed to envelope a wellhead and the immediate surrounding area of either a production platform, well bay area or jack up rig "texas deck", for providing an optimal environment for welding, heat treatment, and similar processes. The overhead protection means can be in the form of a horizontal, planer surface comprised of aluminum, galvanized sheet metal, thick fabric or the like, supported via telescopic support means above the wellhead for providing overhead protection for its occupants from overhead falling objects and liquids. Self contained ventilation means for the removal of any toxic fumes and gases associated with welding and related processes is also included.

Abstract: An apparatus of reinforcing a hollow underwater member of an offshore platform which includes removable power-actuated motors, retaining means for preventing rotational movement of the motors relative to the retaining means while permitting axial movement of the motors, a drill and tap operatively connected to and driven by the motors for forming at least one port through a side wall of the hollow underwater member, and means operatively engageable with the motors for controlling the axial movement of the drill and tap in at least one direction during a port-forming operation.

Abstract: A wave damping system and method for use on a body of water. A floating collar structure is oriented to define a restraining area in which pieces of ice of random size are disposed. The floating collar has a shield to maintain the ice pieces therein. The collar structure is connected to a positioner element, such as an anchored buoy, a tug boat or a submersible to position and maintain the collar structure in a substantially stationary location on a body of water relative to an offshore or onshore element to be protected. The ice pieces form a stabilizing field of ice in at least a portion of the restraining area whereby to dampen waves in the restraining area to protect the offshore or onshore structure against the damaging effects of such waves.

Abstract: A drag unit to absorb the kinetic energy from large floating bodies of ice is constructed around a buoyancy chamber (14). The buoyancy chamber is attached to a torque arm (16) and this is secured at its remote end to an anchor line (6). The buoyancy chamber supports a rotatable drag wheel (20) at either end. The drag wheels each have a plurality of sharp impeller blades on their outer surfaces. The drag wheels are impeded from rotation by brakes (40) attached to the buoyancy chamber (14), the brakes being energized hydraulically from a high pressure gas chamber (71). When a large mass of ice contacts the drag wheels, a braking force determined by the pressure in the gas chamber (71) is applied to the ice, thereby reducing its speed.

Abstract: Deep sea shark cable protectors of the invention are lengths of pipe which encircle the cable, having a plurality of spaced apart spikes extending outwardly around the circumference of the pipe to prevent the shark from gripping the cable in its mouth. The lengths of pipe are hinged and have closures for securing the pipe sections, and the pipe lengths may be made of brass or other materials. The spikes may extend from around the outer surface of the pipe or may extend from the outer perimeter of clamps which encircle the cable or which encircle and/or join pipe sections.

Abstract: A marine operations structure for use in arctic seas having steel/concrete composite ice walls positioned to permit multi-year ice ridges to be broken up with lower vertical forces imposed on the structure than heretofore possible. The structure provides for simultaneous contacting and fracturing of both surface ice floe and multi-year ice ridges by proportioning of the ratio of the annular dimension of a first sloped surface to the radius of the structure within the range of about from 0.15 to 0.30. The structure is fabricated by modular construction techniques which lowers total construction costs. The structure is in the form of a sixteen-sided polygonal sloped walled marine structure with internal ballast tanks for providing gravity founding of the structure on the sea floor. Modular drilling equipment is provided for and supported by the structure for use through two rectangular shaped moon pools extending vertical throughout the central core of the structure.