Abstract: Disclosed is a manufactured three-dimensional convex-concave fairing with attached vortex generators, for hydraulic structures such as bridge piers and abutments, whose shape prevents the local scour problem around such hydraulic structures. The device is a conventionally made concrete or fiber-reinforced composite, or combination of both, vortex generator equipped hydrodynamic fairing that is fit or cast over an existing or new hydraulic structure around the base of the structure and above the footing. The vortex generators are positioned so as to energize decelerating near wall flow with higher-momentum outer layer flow. The result is a more steady, compact separation and wake and substantially mitigated scour inducing vortical flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in stage-cementing an oil well in the region of a lost circulation zone that is proximate an annular space defined by the lower end of an outer casing surrounding an inner casing include a load-bearing annular steel plate of substantial thickness that is positioned on, and maintained stationary relative to the inner casing by supporting and retaining means secured to the inner casing, the outer diameter of the plate being less than the inside diameter of the outer casing so that the plate can be lowered with the inner casing string to the desired location inside of the outer casing and, with a layer of gravel, to provide a seal and support the cement poured into the annulus between the inner and outer casings.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved power generation through movement of water retrofitting existing hydroelectric dams with draft tube inserts and tailrace walls to increase water velocity for production of power using hydrokinetic turbines installed in the tailrace. By initial design or by draft tube inserts and tailrace walls, increased and streamlined water flow leads to higher efficiencies of the hydrokinetic turbine, thus more efficiently converting available kinetic energy of the water into usable energy.

Abstract: A method and associated vessel for transferring liquids from offshore tankers to an onshore storage facility. The system utilizes a flexible pipe that is heavier than the water it displaces, such that the flexible pipe sinks to the sea floor even when empty. The high weight and relatively small profile of the flexible pipe avoids the need for anchoring the pipe to the sea floor. The flexible pipe has a bending radius of no greater than five feet, such that it can be wound onto spools onboard the vessel, and can be rapidly deployed, retrieved, and reused in another location. The vessel containing the spools of flexible pipe is dynamic positioning capable, and contains the equipment required to establish a position onshore to receive the liquid being transferred; means to deploy, retrieve, and repair the flexible pipe; and means to receive liquid from a tanker vessel and pump that liquid through the flexible pipe to the onshore storage facility.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools comprise a body including a face at a leading end thereof and a shank at a trailing end. At least one primary blade may extend radially outward over the face and may comprise a plurality of cutting elements disposed thereon. At least one secondary blade may also extend radially outward over a portion of the face and the at least one secondary blade may comprise a plurality of cutting elements disposed thereon only over at least a portion of an area of greatest work rate per cutting element. Methods of forming earth-boring tools and methods of designing earth-boring tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A product, system and method for controlling fluid loss in oil wells, including lost circulation while drilling wells. A load of fluid control pods is pumped down the drill string into the target formation using water, drilling mud or another suitable delivery fluid. Each pod comprises a discrete mass of swelling agent with a frictional surface. Preferably, the pod comprises superabsorbent granules inside a fabric sack that is deformable and elastic and provides the frictional surface. After the pods have time to swell and become compressed against each other in the voids, drilling or other procedures may be continued. The size and frictional surface of the pods facilitates stable positioning of the pods in the voids of the formation, minimizes the total amount of swelling agent required, and reduces the tendency of the pods to become dislodged.

Abstract: The teachings herein are directed to a wave forming apparatus and method including a channel directing a flow of water over modular forms in the bed of the channel, such as aerofoils, that can be changed, repositioned or removed to create various effects such as barrel waves for surfing. Also disclosed is a water smoothener system and method for reducing turbulence in water flowing through such an apparatus.

Abstract: A lay ramp for an underwater-pipeline laying vessel has an inside ramp hinged to the laying vessel; an outside ramp hinged to the inside ramp; and an actuating device having a first actuating assembly for rotating the inside ramp with respect to the laying vessel, and a second actuating assembly secured to the outside ramp and to the first actuating assembly to rotate the outside ramp with respect to the inside ramp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for supporting a conduit. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes support beams extending across an excavated opening. For example, a pair of beams may be positioned to span the excavated opening with the opposing ends of the beams supported on the ground above the excavated opening. Support rods may be positioned to extend through and/or from the beams and into the excavated opening. In one exemplary embodiment, the support rods include a J-hook configured for receipt within an opening in sections of curved sheet pile positioned beneath a conduit. By using a plurality of rods, the individual sections of curved sheet pile may be connected to the beams to provide a support structure for the curved sheet pile and, correspondingly, the conduit extending above the curved sheet pile and below the beam.

Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: Subsea oilfield equipment (2), such as an oil and/or gas production template, is installed at the water bottom (16) by means of a submerged installation vessel (1) from which hoisting lines (3A, 3B) are deployed to support the equipment during the installation procedure, which lines (3A,3B) are reeled from at least one hoisting line reeling winch (3A,3B) mounted at the submerged installation vessel (1) to lower the equipment (2) at a desired speed and in a substantially horizontal position onto the water bottom (16).

Abstract: A method and system for moving a large temporary building from a first location to a second location, while the building remains erect, are disclosed. The invention is particularly suited for moving such a building during the remediation of a contaminated waste site.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore includes running a liner drilling assembly into the wellbore, the liner drilling assembly having a liner, a conveying member, one or more connection members, and a drilling member. The method includes temporarily suspending the liner at a location below the rig floor; releasing the conveying member and the drilling member from the liner; re-connecting the conveying member to the liner; releasing the liner from its location of temporary suspension; and advancing the liner drilling assembly.

Abstract: A re-tensionable cable bolt and related methods are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the bolt includes a sleeve for connecting or securing to a cable. The sleeve includes a lower end having a bore adapted for receiving a threaded shank for associating with a tension nut. A plurality of facets along a peripheral portion of the sleeve create corners that prevent the cable from rotating within the borehole during installation. The sleeve may be secured to the cable using resin, which forms another aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A system for drilling a well having a wellbore includes a first pipe string positioned in the wellbore with a first annulus being present between the first pipe string and the wellbore. A second pipe string, smaller in diameter than the first pipe string, is positioned within the first pipe string to form a second annulus between the first pipe string and the second pipe string. The second pipe string is configured to be attached to a drill bit. A first rotator is operably associated with the first pipe string to rotate the first pipe string in a first direction at a first speed, and a second rotator is operably associated with the second pipe string to rotate the second pipe string in a second direction at a second speed.

Abstract: Superabrasive inserts are disclosed. More particularly, a superabrasive insert may comprise a superabrasive layer bonded to a substrate at an interface. Further, the superabrasive layer may include a central substantially planar surface, a peripheral side surface, and an arcuate peripheral surface extending between the central substantially planar surface and the peripheral side surface. In one embodiment, the arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a lateral extent and an extension depth, wherein a ratio of the lateral extent to the extension depth is at least about 1.5. In another embodiment, an arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a substantially circular arc, wherein the substantially planar surface is tangent to the substantially circular arc and a tangent reference line to the substantially circular arc forms an angle of at least about 10° with the peripheral side surface. Subterranean drilling tools (e.g., drill bits) including at least one superabrasive insert are disclosed.

Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base plate, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The planar base plate is an integral structural member which, in conjunction with the seal between the base plate and the wall and the riser and the conductor, are sufficiently robust to support the weight of the conductor pipe and its auxiliary equipment. The sealed well cellar is afforded with a laterally extending flange which serves as an anti-buoyancy anchor. A anti-buoyancy port allows the upward floatation pressure to be balanced out by water pressure within the cellar during placement to avoid floatation. A sacrificial anode housing is provided with a removable lid and holes for allowing passage of electrolyte. Although the preferred embodiments of sealed well cellars are metal and plastic, a cementaceous embodiment is also envisioned.

Abstract: Drainage units comprise lightweight aggregate held within a perforated sleeve having an exterior surface, where at least a portion of the exterior surface comprises a barrier material which is substantially impervious to solids.

Abstract: A preassembled drainage line element is fabricated with one or more flaps. In one embodiment, the drainage line unit is made from a webs of net material and a web of water permeable material and has two flaps at diametric points. The webs are formed about a barrel and the longitudinal edges are secured together, as by sewing a seam, to form a flap. The seam can be sewn at one of a plurality of spacings from the barrel to form a drainage line element of a different diameter from a standard diameter without need to adjust or replace other components of the fabricating machine.