Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus of and a method for inhibiting corossion of reinforcement in a reinforced structure wherein one or more anodes (3) are arranged adjacent a surface of the structure (1) to be protected and a body of ionically conductive cementitious material (6) is arranged to suround the anodes and make contact with ionically conductive cementitious material of the structure (1), said body of ionically conductive cementitious material (6) being surrounded by a cover (4) of moisture resistant substantially non-porous material to maintain said material (6) in an ionically conducting condition. Said electrodes (3) and reinforcement (2) within the body (1) can be electrically connected to cause a current to pass through said two sorts of ionically conductive cementitious material to protect the reinforcement (2) against electrolytic corrosion.

Abstract: A device suitable for recovering viscous material derived from petroleum, comprises a plurality of pairs of blades (1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6) each blade (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) being pivotally mounted at either end, and the pivots on at least one end being connected to an actuating rod or rods, (11, 12, 13, 14). The blades and rods are arranged so that in a first position the pairs of blades are vertical, in a second position they form V-shaped containers (21, 23, 25) and in a third position the blades are again in pairs, which are either the same or different pairs from the original position.

Abstract: A method for the dispersal of oil comprising the steps of(a) deploying a barrier on water contaminated with oil to enclose, at least partially, an area containing oil, said barrier having one or more weirs in the barrier connecting the enclosed area with a gallery and means for removing oil from the gallery;(b) allowing oil and associated water to flow over the one or more weirs into the gallery;(c) adding a dispersant to the oil and water subsequent to its passage over the weir or weirs;(d) pumping the oil and water from the gallery under conditions such that an emulsion of oil, water and dispersant is formed, and(e) discharging the emulsion into the water outside the enclosed area.Also claimed is a barrier suitable for use in the method described for the dispersal of oil spilt on water.

Abstract: A barrier for impeding the spread of oil spilt on water comprising two angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10) each of which is moulded onto a respective angled stiffener (2 and 5) to form Z-shaped members (1 and 4) in cross-section. The two Z-shaped members (1 and 4) are positioned back to back so that each is a mirror image of the other. The ends of the angled stiffeners (2 and 5) remote from the angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10) are rotatably connected and the two angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10) are releasably joined by a fastener 7. A flexible membrane (3) passes around the ends of the angled stiffeners (2 and 5) remote from the angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10), each end of the membrane (3) being moulded into one of the angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10).

Abstract: A rotatable fairlead suitable for use in the deployment, control and recovery of anti-pollution booms, comprises two end pieces (1 and 2), two pins, or rollers, 3 and 4, mounted between the end pieces and spaced sufficiently apart that a partially inflated boom may pass between the pins, means for rotating the said end pieces and pins through at least 270.degree. and means for holding them at a given angle of rotation.

Abstract: A barrier for the containment and recovery of oil spilt on water comprises a first buoyant air chamber 1, a ballast water chamber 2, an oil and water discharge tube 3 and a second buoyant air chamber 6. The first air chamber 1 has a plurality of sections of reduced diameter 7, which together with the ballast water chamber 2 define a series of weirs for oil and water to pass into a gallery formed by the ballast water chamber 2, the oil and water discharge tube 3 and the second air chamber 6. Pumps 4 may be provided in the oil and water discharge tube 3 to remove oil from the gallery. The second air chamber 6 provides buoyancy to maintain the optimum configuration of the weirs.

Abstract: Anti-pollution barrier comprises a buoyant air tube, a ballast water tube and a membrane. Sections of reduced diameter in the air tube provide weirs over which surface oil and water spill. An oil and water discharge tube is provided which may be inside or outside the water tube. If inside, then one end of the membrane is connected to the air tube and the other end to the ballast tube to form a gallery for reception of the overspill. If outside, then one end of the membrane is connected to the air tube and the other end to the discharge tube to form the gallery. Pumps may be provided in the discharge tube to remove overspill from the gallery.

Abstract: An inflatable barrier for oil spilt on water consists of an air chamber and a water chamber which when inflated give a figure-of-eight cross-section, and in order to facilitate laying there is a pilot air tube attached to the air chamber preferably 1/500 the cross-sectional area of the air chamber. The pilot air tube is quickly inflated and prevents sinking or twisting of the barrier prior to inflation of the air and water chambers.

Abstract: Seapack. Pack which can be attached to the deck of a support vessel comprises a deflated anti-pollution boom comprising a continuous water inflatable water chamber, a driven roller which can pull the barrier aboard the vessel and cause its deflation, means to attach a first end of the barrier to the vessel, means to inflate the gas chamber and means to inflate the water chamber.