Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for providing storage for hydrocarbons produced at an offshore production facility. A tank assembly having inner and outer tanks defining an annular chamber therebetween and the inner tank defining an inner chamber, has a piling projection extending from one end thereof. A first piping system is connected to the annular chamber and input piping system connected to the inner chamber and an output piping system connected to the inner chamber. The outer chamber is flooded to provide ballast for the system during and after placement of the piling into the soil beneath a platform.

Abstract: An aqueous emulsion accumulating and breaking system for an offshore drilling or hydrocarbon producing platform, located at an offshore operating site. The system is comprised of a primary emulsion separator, which receives untreated aqueous emulsion and includes a hydrocarbon component, and further includes an emulsion accumulating system of conductors which collect rainwater and discharge it into the separator or to a secondary accumulating tank. A control system in the emulsion separator includes a liquid level monitor, which activates a flow regulating valve at the separator inlet to adjust the influx of the aqueous emulsion as a function of the emulsion level within the separator.

Abstract: A separator or emulsion breaker for separating the emulsion into a hydrocarbon component which is lighter than an aqueous component and having capability for handling excessive amounts of water, the separator, includes a tank having an emulsion permeable partition forming or flow stabilizer within the tank dividing the latter into an entry chamber and a separating compartment. The emulsion permeable stabilizer receives a turbulent stream of incoming emulsion and discharges the same as a relatively quiescent flow in an upward direction to facilitate separation of the hydrocarbon component from the aqueous component. The solids contained in the emulsion flow downwardly into the sand trap. As the lighter component is raised by the rising water surface, it can be removed through a multi-port discharge opening.

Abstract: A Marine Structure for use in a body of water, having a deck positioned above the water's surface, and a vessel landing stage position at the water surface. A stairway having its upper and hinged to the deck, is normally supported with its lower end in contact with the landing stage. An elevating mechanism depending from the deck is operable to lift the stairway's lower end to a position above the water's surface, adjacent to the deck. The stairway is retained in its raised position by a docking facility, and is secured thereby from damage which could otherwise occur due to strong wind and wave action. An alignment coupling carried on the respective stairway and docking facility allows the two members to be firmly, yet resiliently joined to better resist wind or wave forces.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing usable hydrocarbon product from an offshore reservoir. The method includes the economically desirable step of producing a valuable hydrocarbon product from the formation, soon after its being discovered. The product is then extracted from its reservoir, long prior to, and during the period when a marine structure is being fabricated and installed to more fully develop the reservoir and to receive a flow of the product.