Abstract: An improved magnet configuration of the magnet field generated by the magnetic roller in a magnetic separator to increase the separation capability of magnetic separators includes disc shaped magnets forming a magnetic roller beneath a Kevlar.TM. belt upon which withdrawn catalyst is placed. Catalyst particles having paramagnetic and/or ferromagnetic properties are attracted to the belt because of the influence of the magnetic field. Particles not having ferromagnetic and/or paramagnetic properties are carried further by momentum than those with the ferromagnetic and/or paramagnetic properties. The magnetic roller provides a concentrated magnetic field by placing a series of disc magnets arranged so that like poles face each other with spacers placed between the magnets. In this stacked configuration the magnetic field strength is doubled, which permits a greater range of operation of the speed at which the belt may be operated.

Abstract: The present invention is a moderate excess nitrogen Braun Purifier.TM. process, wherein has been found an unexpected improvement in capacity and efficiency of operation of ammonia plants designed without the Braun Purifier.TM. process. In addition, the refrigeration necessary for the fractionation and/or separation of the desired hydrogen and nitrogen from the undesired methane and inerts can by provided by prior art methods or by the novel methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in the combined fractionation steps of deethanization and C2 splitting for ethylene and ethane separation. Theoretical stages are added to the rectification section of a deethanizer above a liquid or vapor sidedraw. Polymer grade ethylene product up comprising to 30 percent of the ethylene in the deethanizer feed is obtained in an overhead stream according to the present invention. Lesser recovery at the same ethylene purity or higher recovery at lower ethylene purity are obtained varying recovery or numbers of additional stages in the rectification. An overall reduction in total cold utilities for the overhead condensers for the deethanizer and downstream C2 splitter are obtained in practicing the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in the combined fractionation steps of deethanization and C2 splitting for ethylene and ethane separation. Theoretical stages are added to the rectification section of a deethanizer above a liquid or vapor sidedraw. Polymer grade ethylene product up comprising to 30 percent of the ethylene in the deethanizer feed is obtained in an overhead stream according to the present invention. Lesser recovery at the same ethylene purity or higher recovery at lower ethylene purity are obtained varying recovery or numbers of additional stages in the rectification. An overall reduction in total cold utilities for the overhead condensers for the deethanizer and downstream C2 splitter are obtained in practicing the present invention.

Abstract: A variety of electrified fish barriers are suitable for diverting fish from protected structures, e.g. pump intakes. Most take the form of linear curtain arrays (i.e. arrays of fixedly spaced-apart vertical elements). Many are characterized by the use of three or more pulsed driving signals of different voltages. This results in an electrical field pattern that extends broadside of the array, permitting fish an opportunity to turn and swim away before reaching a dangerous field strength. One barrier advantageously integrates the electrodes with a physical control structure that can be used to equalize the through-barrier water flow along its length. Others employ sets of electrodes that are driven in staggered, time-multiplexed fashion so as to reduce peak power requirements. Barriers used to screen pump intakes on the sides of flowing waterways are desirably sized and placed so that the velocity of water flow through the barrier is one-half, or less, of the waterway bypass flow adjacent the barrier.

Abstract: An electrofishing method and apparatus employs programmable hardware to generate output waveforms that will stun or alter the behavior of fish while minimizing the harm done to the fish. By programming a variety of instructions into the programmable hardware, a wide range of different output waveforms can be produced. The programmable hardware can also monitor environmental conditions to automatically adjust and optimize the waveform parameters. Finally, the programmable hardware can be interconnected by a data network to form an array of charged electrodes, with each output related and synchronized in a predetermined way for use in electric fish barriers and guidance systems.

Abstract: Offshore well drivepipe or caisson may be supported by a skeletal frame type supported having spaced apart caisson receiving guide sleeves and spaced apart sets of pile guide sleeves interconnected by lateral and diagonal brace members. The support may be totally submerged and sleeved over the caisson while resting on the seabed and secured thereto by conventional piles which are installed through the pile guide sleeves and driven to temporary or permanent depth. The support structure provides a low-cost, reusable, temporary or permanent support for well caissons or drivepipes.

Abstract: A pipeline of an indeterminate length, having a substantially constant inner diameter throughout its length, is formed by frictionally joining together a plurality of adjacent pipe segments. The ends of each pair of adjacent pipe segments are frictionally joined within an external, cylindrical sleeve member. The sleeve member has a substantially smooth inner bore and a substantially constant inner diameter, and is adapted to receive the adjacent pipe ends which abut within the sleeve.The joint of the disclosed pipeline is so designed that its strength can develop at least the yield stress of the material from which the pipeline is constructed.

Abstract: A jacket for supporting an offshore platform or the like comprises at least one vertical column member, laterally and vertically spaced guide sleeves for piles to be driven into the sea floor and lateral bracing connecting the guide sleeves to the column member. The jacket may be installed with the piles prepositioned extending through the guide sleeves and temporarily secured thereto until the jacket and pile assembly is in position on the sea floor and ready for pile driving. The vertical column member may receive a pile which may include a well casing. A method of installation for the jacket may include drilling a well through the column member after installation of the jacket and securement to the sea floor by the piles which extend through the guide sleeves.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for simultaneously trenching and laying a submarine pipeline within the bed of a body of water covered with a relatively thick ice mass. The apparatus comprises a pipeline construction spread which precedes a trenching and pipe installation spread, both of which traverse the ice mass. The pipe installation vehicle advances toward the constructed pipeline, elevates the pipeline, forms a slot-like opening in the ice and directs the pipeline into the water through the slot. A submersible dredging assembly extends from a installation vehicle which forms part of the installation spread. As the vehicle advances, the dredging assembly forms a trench in the sea bed. At the same time the dredging assembly guides the pipeline into the trench and provides support to a submerged component of the pipeline which is threaded through a slot in the dredging assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the joining of one tubular member to another tubular member through the use of the substantially instantaneous application of high energy to the tubular members, such as by the use of explosives, while placing one tubular member in a state of substantially elastic deformation and the other tubular member in a state of substantially plastic and elastic deformation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a deep water guyed marine structure has a foundation which uses a system of piles connected to the marine structure only at a top portion thereof. The marine structure further has a mooring system which employs pairs of transversely, closely spaced guy lines connected to clump weights and further pairs of transversely, closely spaced guy lines connected from the clump weights to an anchor system. The marine structure mooring system can further provide a vessel mooring system in order to provide adequate control of the vessels during on and off loading of the marine structure and further to prevent fouling of the marine structure mooring system.

Abstract: System for maintaining a preselected constant torque on a loaded reel of a winding mechanism. The system includes a d.c. motor wherein both the armature and field windings are adapted for independent rotation about a common axis. The field winding is coupled to the reel so that the reel rotates at a velocity proportional to that of the field winding. A drive motor establishes a constant speed rotation of the armature winding. A torque control drives constant currents through the armature and field windings of the motor. The amplitudes of the armature and field currents are preselected so that a constant torque is maintained at the reel irrespective of variations of the load.

Abstract: An offshore jacket is provided which comprises a plurality of main hollow pile sleeves and a plurality of secondary hollow pile sleeves of shorter height than the main sleeves and connected thereto by framing. A plurality of main piles and secondary piles are disposed within the main sleeves and secondary sleeves, respectively, and project downwardly therebeyond into the seabed. The main and secondary piles are connected to their respective main and secondary sleeves by grout disposed within an annulus between the sleeve and the pile, so that the pile resists axial forces. The grout within the secondary piles extends to the seabed. The grout within at least some of the main sleeves terminates above the seabed to decrease the axial spring value of the associated piles and thereby increase the proportion of the axial forces which are borne by the secondary piles.

Abstract: A mobile offshore platform and method of fabrication are disclosed. The platform features a deck member, a base member, leg structures interconnecting the two members, and means for varying the distance between the members. The leg structures are secured to the base and are preferably spaced around the periphery of the work area at the vertices of a regular polygon to provide a deck member having a large, substantially obstruction-free, work area. The legs are also connected to the base member to provide a force resistant to vertical flexing of the base member, and to distribute more uniformly the loading of the base member. The base member is adapted to store petroleum products. A multi-tiered embodiment for deep water work is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for offshore operations including individually significant aspects comprising:1. Methods and apparatus for providing lateral force transmitting arch means extending across a vessel passageway which is laterally bounded by upwardly projecting portions of a substructure and bounded on the top by an integrated deck:2. Methods and apparatus for assembling an integrated deck with a substructure wherein there are effected horizontal and vertical shock absorbing action, motion dampening, and desired alignment; and3. Methods and apparatus for assembling an integrated deck with a substructure wherein, at a relatively slower rate, an integrated deck is lowered into engagement with a substructure and, at a subsequent more rapid rate, a vessel initially supporting the integrated deck is vertically separated therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for offshore operations including individually significant aspects comprising:1. Methods and apparatus for providing lateral force transmitting arch means extending across a vessel passageway which is laterally bounded by upwardly projecting portions of a substructure and bounded on the top by an integrated deck:2. Methods and apparatus for assembling an integrated deck with a substructure wherein there are effected horizontal and vertical shock absorbing action, motion dampening, and desired alignment; and3. Methods and apparatus for assemblying an integrated deck with a substructure wherein, at a relatively slower rate, an integrated deck is lowered into engagement with a substructure and, at a subsequent more rapid rate, a vessel initially supporting the integrated deck is vertically separated therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for offshore operations including individually significant aspects comprising:1. Methods and apparatus for providing lateral force transmitting arch means extending across a vessel passageway which is laterally bounded by upwardly projecting portions of a substructure and bounded on the top by an integrated deck:2. Methods and apparatus for assemblying an integrated deck with a substructure wherein there are effected horizontal and vertical shock absorbing action, motion dampening, and desired alignment; and3. Methods and apparatus for assemblying an integrated deck with a substructure wherein, at a relatively slower rate, an integrated deck is lowered into engagement with a substructure and, at a subsequent more rapid rate, a vessel initially supporting the integrated deck is vertically separated therefrom.

Abstract: A flooding and grouting valve is provided for use in an offshore jacket. The valve mechanism includes a flood valve portion including an opening to ambient water and a rotatable gate for selectively covering and uncovering the opening. The valve mechanism also includes a check valve mounted on the gate for rotation therewith. The check valve includes a passage which communicates with the interior of the gate, whereby the check valve and gate together form a passage for conducting grout. The check valve is to be connected to a grout supply line such that opening of the check valve is opened by the action of incoming grout. A conduit-type, drive rod is rotatably mounted on the jacket, is connected to the check valve, and serves as a grout conduit. The rod extends to an upper end of the jacket whereby an operator at the water surface may rotate the check valve, and thus the gate, to open or close the flood openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a deep water guyed marine structure has a foundation which uses a system of piles connected to the marine structure only at a top portion thereof. The marine structure further has a mooring system which employs pairs of transversely, closely spaced guy lines connected to clump weights and further pairs of transversely, closely spaced guy lines connected from the clump weights to an anchor system. The marine structure mooring system can further provide a vessel mooring system in order to provide adequate control of the vessels during on and off loading of the marine structure and further to prevent fouling of the marine structure mooring system.