Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity from water flow held behind a barrier includes a convergent section connected to a first end of a mixing tube such that a venturi is defined between the end of the convergent section and the mixing tube; a diffuser section connected to a second end of the mixing tube, the diffuser section configured such that the pressure at the exit of the diffuser section is greater than the pressure at the venturi; and a turbine tube comprising a blade assembly having a plurality of blades. The turbine tube is supported in the convergent section and is rotatably mounted, the blades being attached to the inner surface of turbine tube such that water flow past the blades drives the rotation of the turbine tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity from water flow comprises a convergent section, a diffuser section and tube for locating within a body of water. The convergent section is connected to a first end of a mixing chamber such that a venturi is defined between the end of the convergent section and the mixing chamber. The diffuser section is connected to a second end of the mixing chamber, the diffuser section configured such that in use the pressure at the exit of the diffuser section is greater than the pressure at the venturi. At least part of the tube is located in the convergent section, such that an annulus is defined between the tube and the convergent section, to form a first flow passage. The tube defines a second flow passage within the tube; and a turbine connectable to a generator is located within the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity using water flow in a body of water comprises: an array of spaced apart elements. Each element defines an elongate flow passage and has an upstream side and an elongate downstream side, each element being provided with a series of holes spaced along its length and the downstream side extending and tapering away in the direction of flow. The elements are arranged side by side such that opposing walls of adjacent elements define a venturi section and a first diffuser section extending downstream from the venturi section. The apparatus also comprises:—a flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet;—a turbine located in the flow conduit;—and a generator connected to the turbine; The flow passages are connected to the outlet of the flow conduit such that the flow of water through the venturi sections causes water to be drawn through the flow conduit out via the holes the resulting flow driving the turbine.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating electricity using tidal, wave or current flow in a body of water, comprising: an arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes, each first pipe (10) being provided with a series of holes (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) spaced along its length, and the first pipes being arranged relative to the second pipes such that a venturi is defined between the walls of adjacent first and second pipes near the holes; a flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet; an impeller located in the flow conduit; and a generator connected to the impeller; wherein water from the body can enter the flow conduit via the inlet, and the first pipes are connected to the outlet of the flow conduit such that flow of water past the arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes causes the first pipes (10) to act as venturi pumps inducing flow from the inside of the first pipes through the holes (12, 13) so as to draw water through the flow conduit and drive the impeller.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity using water flow in a body of water comprises: an array of spaced apart elements. Each element defines an elongate flow passage and has an upstream side and an elongate downstream side, each element being provided with a series of holes spaced along its length and the downstream side extending and tapering away in the direction of flow. The elements are arranged side by side such that opposing walls of adjacent elements define a venturi section and a first diffuser section extending downstream from the venturi section. The apparatus also comprises: a flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet; a turbine located in the flow conduit; and a generator connected to the turbine; The flow passages are connected to the outlet of the flow conduit such that the flow of water through the venturi sections causes water to be drawn through the flow conduit out via the holes the resulting flow driving the turbine.

Abstract: A method of testing pipes for use in making subsea pipelines comprises cutting a ring from one or more pipes of the type used to make the pipeline; forming flat, substantially parallel surfaces on the ends of the ring; providing means for measuring strain and deformation of the ring; mounting the ring in a pressure chamber such that the ends of the ring form seals with opposing walls of the chamber to isolate the inside of the ring from the outside; increasing the pressure outside the ring and measuring the strain and deformation on the ring as the pressure increases; and using the deformation and strain measurements to determine a wall thickness for pipes to be used for the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting adjacent ends of first and second conduits including a frame assembly including a mounting point for mounting the end of the first conduit in a fixed position, a guide connected to the frame assembly and including first and second guide formations for receiving guide arms attached to the end of the second conduit and a moveable carrier mounted on the frame and including slots for engaging the guide arms. The carrier is moveable between a first position in which the slots align with the guide formations so that the guide arms can pass into the slots, and a second position in which the end of the second conduit is held against the end of the first conduit so as to allow a connection to be formed to secure the ends together.

Abstract: A method of testing pipes for use in making subsea pipelines comprises cutting a ring from one or more pipes of the type used to make the pipeline; forming flat, substantially parallel surfaces on the ends of the ring; providing means for measuring strain and deformation of the ring; mounting the ring in a pressure chamber such that the ends of the ring form seals with opposing walls of the chamber to isolate the inside of the ring from the outside; increasing the pressure outside the ring and measuring the strain and deformation on the ring as the pressure increases; and using the deformation and strain measurements to determine a wall thickness for pipes to be used for the pipeline.