Abstract: A composite structure of lightweight is used as a tensioned tether element for mooring of offshore facilities. The composite structure comprises bonded inner and outer tubular members having an annular space therebetween. Aramid or other fibrous, high strength material is bonded to the inner surface of the outer tubular member to provide additional tensile strength thereto. The remainder of the annulus between the inner and outer tubing may be filled with a foam material such as polyurethane foam. The composite structure can be made so as to be of neutral, positive or negative buoyancy. The composite allows greater tensile loadings than steel materials by themselves at greatly reduced weight.

Abstract: A composition which is particularly suitable for providing cathodic protection of metal structures is disclosed. The composition comprises a major amount of particulate anode material and a minor amount of a thixotropic carrier material. A method of using the composition is disclosed. Also, an apparatus which uses the composition is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for restricting uncontrolled fluid flow through a pipe by positioning a heat conductor through the pipe wall and in contact with fluid flowing through the pipe and cooling the heat transfer surfaces of the heat conductor to freeze a portion of the flowing fluid on the heat transfer surfaces. The freezing is continued to form a plug which substantially restricts or stops flow through the pipe.

Abstract: A composition which is particularly suitable for providing cathodic protection of metal structures is disclosed. The composition comprises a major amount of particulate anode material and a minor amount of a thixotropic carrier material. A method of using the composition is disclosed. Also, an apparatus which uses the composition is disclosed.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode apparatus for providing cathodic protection of metal structures, a portion of which is in water is disclosed. The anode apparatus comprises:(a) a perforated subsurface container for anode material,(b) sacrificial anode material in continuous form extending through a conduit into the container from a source of supply located on the metal structure above water level,(c) a continuous source of supply for said anode material,(d) an electrical connection between the anode and the metal structure, and,(e) a device for feeding the anode material to the container in response to the electrochemical potential requirement of the structure being protected.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant bimetallic structure which includes a pair of butt-welded steel elements having protected surfaces extending to the weld; spaced, protective overlays of corrosion resistant non-ferrous metal joined to portions of the protected surface of each steel element on opposed sides of the weld; and a non-ferrous metal bridging plate bridging the weld and joined to outer sides of the spaced protective overlays by welds using said corrosion resistant non-ferrous metal as the weld metal. The space between the bridging plate, the spaced ends of the protective layers and the steel elements adjacent the weld is sealed against ingress of corrosive liquid.In a method of making the described structure, the steel elements are welded in end-to-end alignment. Sections of each element spaced from the weld are then encased with a corrosion resistant non-ferrous metal.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode apparatus for providing cathodic protection of metal structures, especially steel offshore platforms, is disclosed. The anode apparatus comprises (a) container for anode material, (b) anode material, and (c) means for continuously and/or periodically conveying said anode material to said container.

Abstract: Scale formation on metallic surfaces exposed to liquids containing scale-forming components is retarded by coating the surfaces with a mixture of a low surface energy polymer having hydrophobic properties and a low surface energy filler having hydrophilic properties.

Abstract: A gangway for transferring personnel between a ship and a fixed structure is formed by first and second mating extensible members which are arranged to form a platform. Springs are mounted inside the platform which permit the first and second members to elongate or shorten about a neutral point in order to accommodate a movement of the ship during heavy seas. Attaching devices are provided in each end of the gangway to secure it to the ship and to the fixed structure, respectively. An elastic tread can be placed on the gangway so that, when the gangway elongates or shortens, personnel walking on the gangway will not be injured or lose footing. A plurality of hoops can be attached along the gangway with elastic material stretched between the hoops and covering same so that, should personnel momentarily lose their footing, they will not be thrown overboard.

Abstract: Submerged offshore steel platform joints are coated with concrete with the steel members between concrete-covered joints protected cathodically to prevent corrosion and corrosion fatigue. The combination allows more economical cathodic protection and extends the useful life of the submerged joints of the offshore structure.

Abstract: A dry powdered drilling fluid composition and method of use thereof prepared by mixing together under conditions of high shear a major portion of water and a minor portion of a hydrophobic silica.

Abstract: Method of preparing an insulated negative buoyancy conduit wherein a jacket is placed around the conduit and an insulating material comprising a porous filler and a resin-forming composition is positioned in the annulus between the jacket and the conduit.