Abstract: A storage container includes a wall structure defining an interior, where the interior is configured to contain a fluid. A portion of the wall structure is formed by a composite material. The composite material includes frozen water and a fibrous additive.

Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel for offshore operations is suitable to be operated in icy waters and in ice-free waters. The vessel includes an operating deck, at least one lower hull, an essentially vertical connecting structure between the at least one lower hull and the operating deck, and a ballast system. The connecting structure has a water portion and an icebreaking portion arranged on top of each other. The vessel is configured to have an icebreaking draft for icy waters, and a water draft for ice-free waters in which the waterline is substantially level with the water portion. The icebreaking portion has a closed tapered contour. During the water draft, the collective area of the water portion of the connecting structure intersecting the water surface is smaller than the collective area of the icebreaking portion of the connecting structure intersecting the water surface during the icebreaking draft.

Abstract: A monohull offshore drilling vessel includes a hull having a moonpool; a multiple firing line hoist system mounted on the hull at the moonpool and including a mast having a top side and a base connected to the hull, wherein the mast has a hollow construction with a first side and an opposed second side; a first hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a first firing line extending on the outside of and adjacent to the first side of the mast; a second hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a second firing line, which on the outside of and adjacent to the second side of the mast; wherein the first and second hoisting devices each include cable(s) and associated winch(es), the winches disposed in the hollow construction of the mast, to manipulate the position of each of the load attachment devices relative to the mast.

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: 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: 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 mobile drilling system comprising a top member with a drilling rig positioned thereon. The top member is removably engaged with a foundation member. The foundation member comprises a tower. The top member is moveable and adapted to be elevated out of the water for placement on top of the tower. The tower is preferably of concrete and extends out of the water and above any ice. A method is also described by which the top member is elevated out of the water either by jacking down legs or lifting by interaction with the tower.

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: A jack-up rig while in open water operates 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 display for an ice rink, comprising a first layer of ice within a peripheral boundary of the ice rink. An array of hermetically sealed, multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are positioned within the peripheral boundary on top of the first layer of ice. A second layer of ice on top of the array has an internal side facing the array and an external surface on a side opposite the internal side. A power source operatively connected to the array provides power to the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array. The multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are selectively controllable such that graphic images can be displayed by using specific organic light emitting diodes selected from among the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array and the graphic images will be visible through the external surface of the second layer of ice.

Abstract: A conical piled monopod provides a fixed, ice worthy structure used in cold weather offshore environments for accessing hydrocarbon deposits under the seafloor.

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: Protective structures for offshore installations and methods for using same are provided. The protective structure can include a body adapted to be disposed at least partially about a primary structure of an offshore installation, and a support system can be disposed on the body. One or more protrusions can be disposed about an outer surface of the body. The protrusions can have a first end adapted to break ice. The support system can be adapted to isolate the one or more bodies from the primary structure such that the one or more bodies can absorb at least a portion of ice generated vibrations.

Abstract: A mobile, year-round drilling system (MYADS) for drilling offshore wells and/or performing other offshore activities at multiple, successive locations in an arctic or sub-arctic environment is provided. The present invention combines the ability to move to different locations and the strength to resist ice loading when on location and when ice-covering is present in the arctic or sub-arctic environment. The MYADS applies a multiple leg “jack-up” concept in which supporting legs are lowered through a hull to touch down on the seabed and elevate the hull out of the water.

Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.

Abstract: The invention provides a concrete structure of which at least a part has been formed by slip forming with panels inside the slip form, the panels facing the slip form.

Abstract: A method of supporting a double hull platform section above the surface of the earth for the exploration of oil, gas, or hydrate reserves comprising lowering a platform to a distance above the surface of the earth, engaging a first set of supports with the surface of the earth, drilling holes in the earth, inserting a second set of supports in the drilled holes, adding a slurry in to the drilled holes, allowing the slurry to freeze to support the platform, and disengaging said first set of supports from the earth.

Abstract: A mobile drilling system comprising a top member with a drilling rig positioned thereon. The top member is removably engaged with a foundation member. The foundation member comprises a tower. The top member is moveable and adapted to be elevated out of the water for placement on top of the tower. The tower is preferably of concrete and extends out of the water and above any ice. A method is also described by which the top member is elevated out of the water either by jacking down legs or lifting by interaction with the tower.

Abstract: A display for an ice rink, comprising a first layer of ice within a peripheral boundary of the ice rink. An array of hermetically sealed, multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are positioned within the peripheral boundary on top of the first layer of ice. A second layer of ice on top of the array has an internal side facing the array and an external surface on a side opposite the internal side. A power source operatively connected to the array provides power to the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array. The multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are selectively controllable such that graphic images can be displayed by using specific organic light emitting diodes selected from among the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array and the graphic images will be visible through the external surface of the second layer of ice.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a system and method of constructing drilling and production platforms that are particularly useful in remote, inaccessible and/or environmentally sensitive operating environments. According to one aspect of the invention, an arctic drilling platform is provided wherein various methods and means of interlocking neighboring platform modules are provided. Methods and means for sealing the intersections formed between a plurality of interlocked platform modules are also disclosed. According to further aspects of the invention, improved platform floor plans are provided, and various wellhead cellar layouts and sealing means are also described. Methods and to means of enhancing the usefulness of modular storage platforms are disclosed, and a number of support post installation and removal techniques are also provided.

Abstract: A method for constructing a structure from ice in a low-temperature environment includes providing a plurality of icicles and attaching icicles to each other to form a framework of icicles. Additional ice is grown on the framework, and then the steps of providing icicles, attaching icicles to each other and to the existing framework, and growing additional ice on the framework are repeated as needed until the structure is completed.

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: The invention relates to a conical piled monopod which is a fixed, ice worthy structure used in cold weather offshore environments for accessing hydrocarbon deposits under the seafloor. The conical piled monopod provides a much lower cost offshore facility as compared to a very large, gravity based structure. The conical piled monopod has a base that is designed to rest on a minimally prepared seafloor and be held in a fixed locations by pilings inserted deep into the seafloor. The top deck is designed to be at least 60 feet across with a sloped or inclined perimeter surface to bend and break the ice that comes into contact with the conical piled monopod as the ice would otherwise impose significant lateral forces.

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: An ice anchor system, configured to secure items to a layer of ice formed at the surface of a body of water, is provided. The layer of ice has a bottom surface. The ice anchor system includes an anchor configured to seat against the bottom surface of the layer of ice. The anchor has a fin. A line is attached to the anchor and a float is slidably attached to the line. The float has a buoyancy. The anchor is configured for a substantially vertical orientation for insertion through an opening in the layer of ice and the fin is configured to urge the anchor into a substantially horizontal orientation for seating against the bottom surface of the layer of ice. The buoyancy of the float is configured to maintain the seating of the anchor against the bottom surface of the layer of ice.

Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. The exterior side walls of the polygonal hull have flat surfaces and sharp corners to cut ice sheets, resist and break ice, and move ice pressure ridges away from the structure. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel to accomplish ice cutting, breaking and moving operations. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.

Abstract: A jackup rig having a built-in capability of driving and extracting piles without need for dedicated pile drivers or extractors. The jackup rig provides an ice breaking functional capability, supplied by a jacking system, for operating in icy waters.

Abstract: A mobile, year-round drilling system (MYADS) for drilling offshore wells and/or performing other offshore activities at multiple, successive locations in an arctic or sub-arctic environment is provided. The present invention combines the ability to move to different locations and the strength to resist ice loading when on location and when ice-covering is present in the arctic or sub-arctic environment. The MYADS applies a multiple leg “jack-up” concept in which supporting legs are lowered through a hull to touch down on the seabed and elevate the hull out of the water.

Abstract: A device for preventing dock piling or structure piling uplift includes a tubular member concentrically disposed around the piling so as to form an annular space between the tubular member and the piling. A heating element is disposed within the tubular member and connected to a power source. The heating element prevents the water or ground within the annular space from freezing to a point where it adheres to the piling and shifts the same upward in response to changing tides or ground shifts in cold weather.

Abstract: A drilling bit for penetrating an iceberg a predetermined distance to establish an anchor point for towing the iceberg to a predetermined location. The drilling bit has three sections for achieving its goal. It has a cutting head, a torque transmission body and a driving end for coupling to a power-twisting device which energizes the bit. The bit has separate passageways therein to permit the bit to remove water and ice produced by the cutting head during a drilling operation. The drill has a passageway for circulating liquid nitrogen therein to cause the water remaining in the hole to freeze to the drill bit solidly into the iceberg. The drill bit is also provided with a heating coil resistor to melt the area where the bit is held captive by the frozen ice.

Abstract: A loading system for transfer of hydrocarbons between an installation on the sea bed (16) and a floating vessel (10) in areas exposed to drifting ice. The system including a submerged turret buoy (19), a flexible riser (18) extending from the sea bed installation (24) to the buoy (19) intended to be securely connected to a corresponding pipe on board the vessel (10), and a plurality of mooring lines (17) connected to the buoy (19) and extending outwards therefrom. The system further including a riser protection element (20) for protecting the riser (18) from impacts when the riser (18) is in an extended, load transferring mode, and a protective structure (24) located in or on the sea bed (16) for protection of the riser (18) when in a retracted position in a non-operative mode; that the protective structure (24) containing riser reel (28) for storing the riser (18) in a protected position when disconnected and retracted from the vessel (10).

Abstract: A system for protecting a dock from ice damage. The system includes a circumferentially fluted, water-impermeable housing capable of longitudinal and radial expansion and contraction. The housing defines a cavity with upper and lower openings into the cavity through the housing. The openings are configured and arranged to engage a dock-supporting post at longitudinally spaced upper and lower points along the length of the post with the upper point positioned above the water line and the lower point positioned below the frost line.

Abstract: A piling anti-lift system utilizes a heat trace cable secured around a piling and extending above and below the water level of the surrounding water. An annular space is formed between the piling anti-lift system. The heated piling anti-lift system prevents the water in the annular space from freezing and thereby prevents the piling from being subject to uplifting or heaving that results from the rising tide of surrounding frozen waters. In the event of extreme water temperatures and the freezing of the water in the formed annular space, the piling anti-lift system keeps the piling independent of the frozen surrounding water. In this situation, the piling anti-lift system will break free from the frozen water in the annular area and rise with the rising tide waters, thus continuing to keep the piling independent from the rising frozen tide waters.

Abstract: A system for protecting a dock from ice damage. The system includes a circumferentially fluted, water-impermeable housing capable of longitudinal and radial expansion and contraction. The housing defines a cavity with upper and lower openings into the cavity through the housing. The openings are configured and arranged to engage a dock-supporting post at longitudinally spaced upper and lower points along the length of the post with the upper point positioned above the water line and the lower point positioned below the frost line.

Abstract: An ice composite body (10) has an inner ice core (11) and a protective outer armour shell (12). The outer armour shell (12) consists of a base section (13), side sections (14) and a separate top section (15), which is free to move vertically between the side sections (14). The inner ice core (11) is maintained in a frozen condition in use by refrigeration pipes (21), which are located at various levels therethrough. The inner ice core (11) is built up from thin layers of ice which are frozen one after the other. Following the freezing of each layer of ice the layer is rolled using a roller apparatus which provides a roller pressure in the range of 3.5 to 8 Newtons/mm2. The ice composite body (10) can be used in warm or cool waters for applications such as bridges, breakwaters, causeways, pontoons, artificial islands, dams, tidal barrages, wave power barrages, harbour walls, wind power farms or aircraft runways.

Abstract: An antijacking pile solution particularly suited for use in permafrost or cold regions. The pile includes bond breaking material for preventing frozen soil from directly gripping a pile near the surface of the soil and pulling the pile upward. A collar is attached to the pile to prevent damage and/or displacement of the bond breaking material during driving of the pile. The pile may be attached to a building by way of an adjustable connection system allowing for future adjustments in the event of vertical movement.

Abstract: An ice composite body (10) has an inner ice core (11) and a protective outer armour shell (12). The outer armour shell (12) consists of a base section (13), side sections (14) and a separate top section (15), which is free to move vertically between the side sections (14). The inner ice core (11) is maintained in a frozen condition in use by refrigeration pipes (21), which are located at various levels therethrough. The inner ice core (11) is built up from thin layers of ice which are frozen one after the other. Following the freezing of each layer of ice the layer is rolled using a roller apparatus which provides a roller pressure in the range of 3.5 to 8 Newtons/mm2. The ice composite body (10) can be used in warm or cool waters for applications such as bridges, breakwaters, causeways, pontoons, artificial islands, dams, tidal barrages, wave power barrages, harbour walls, wind power farms or aircraft runways.

Abstract: A method of constructing pipelines in shallow ice covered waters includes freezing a long narrow pipeline workway so as to thicken ice until an ice mass grounds to an ocean floor, and removing ice in the ice mass to create a construction work area for laying a pipeline.

Abstract: An offshore structure which is resistant to wave, earthquake and ice loads and can be quickly installed and abandoned in response to changing environmental conditions includes a caisson having an upper section and a lower foundation section which are separated by a structural diaphragm. When installed, the lower foundation section extends downwardly a distance from the seafloor to provide sufficient lateral and vertical soil resistance to resist lateral and vertical loads on the structure. The upper section is adapted to support a deck structure. The structural diaphragm is adapted to rest on the seafloor when an offshore structure has been fully installed to enhance the lateral and vertical load carrying capacity of the offshore structure. During installation, the structural diaphragm and a pump are used to form suction in the lower foundation section, thus enhancing the penetration of the lower foundation section into the seafloor.

Abstract: An ice composite body has an inner ice core covered by a protective outer armor layer. Thermal insulation is provided between the inner core and the outer armor layer. Refrigeration is accomplished by a system of conduits for refrigerant are located within the body. The insulation and the refrigeration are adapted to maintain the ice core in a frozen condition relative to the ambient temperature. The base of the body cavity can be in direct contact with the water bed such that the ice core is freeze bonded to an advancing ice front in the water bed. The ice composite body provides structures of equal or greater strength than equivalent structures using conventional materials.

Abstract: A modular caisson installation demountably installed at a preselected water site. The modular caisson installation includes a plurality of caissons having tops and bottoms and being individually demountably installed in a predetermined configuration at a preselected water site with the caisson bottoms removably seated on a bed at the preselected water site. The caissons being constructed of one or more floatable sections each being fluid trimmable and fluid ballastable and having means for trimming and ballasting the section with fluid to effect controlled lowering and positioning thereof during formation of the installation and controlled raising and removal thereof by floatation to enable demounting of the installation.

Abstract: An offshore structure is disclosed for placement on a sea floor foundation located in a body of water containing moving ice masses and water waves. The offshore structure has a foundation base which contacts the sea floor foundation and at least three stepped stages which are stacked above the foundation base. Each stage has an outer hull to engage moving ice masses and water waves. Additionally, each stage has an outer horizontal diameter which is smaller than the outer horizontal diameter of the stage immediately below it.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to sloped-faced, ice control elements that are each spaced apart across a riverbed adjacent to a floodplain region. The elements arrest a breakup ice run. The size and spacing of the ice-resisting elements can vary with river size and average ice piece size diameter. The ice-resisting elements, for example, can comprise three or four quarried granite blocks buried in the riverbed in a relatively narrow river of 100 feet or less. This arrangement allows gaps between each ice-resisting element for easy canoe and fish passage. These gaps prevent the ice pieces of the ice jam from passing through during breakup ice runs. The ice-resisting elements may be formed from various materials such as quarried rock, poured concrete, rock-filled cribs, etc. After the ice-resisting elements have retained and stabilized the ice jam, water levels recede and warming water temperatures melt the ice in place behind the ice-resisting elements.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved structure for standing offshore, particularly in arctic environments, and a method for installing this structure. The structure comprises a shield portion which rests on a seabed and primarily resists environmental loads, such as from ice, and a separate support portion which comprises a plurality of piles driven into the seabed to support a deck payload. The method for installing the structure comprises moving a shield portion of the structure to its intended location with piles pre-installed therein, setting the structure on the seabed, driving the piles into the seabed, and then severing any connection between the piles and the shield portion.

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 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: A method for strengthening the soil and rock formations forming the structural base of a structure wherein a cement slurry is injected into the soil and rock formations. The method is particularly useful in strengthening the foundations of offshore structures.

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: A sleeve covering to surround a vent pipe which is to be buried and inserted into and connected to a T-fitting trap of a sanitary sewer system is described which sleeve covering will prevent the frost or frozen earth from heaving the pipe which it surrounds. The repeating sleeve covering is basically a number of hollow vertical sections or coupling members, generally cylindrical in shape, whose inside diameter of the bottom portion of each is slightly greater than the pipe which it surrounds. Vertical movement of the sleeve sections or coupling members (one or more or all) is possible without causing any vertical movement of the pipe that the sections surround. Also, because of the particular exterior shape (frusto-conical) of the top portion of each section, the exterior forces exerted upon same by the earth when it freezes actually tends to force the sleeve sections downward rather than upward.