Abstract: Method and system is described to enhance operations for managing the hydrocarbon release. The system utilizes an airborne detection device equipped with measurement components and communication components. The system may utilize various measurement techniques to determine the thickness of the oil slick. This remote detection method may provide a dedicated airborne detection device for each response vessel and that can identify the location and thickness of the oil slick.

Abstract: Method and system is described to enhance operations for managing the hydrocarbon release. The system utilizes remote controlled devices equipped with herder delivery components. The system may utilize herders to perform in-situ burning of the oil slick. This method may provide dedicated remote control device for each response vessel to further enhance the response to oil slicks.

Abstract: An oil spill treatment composition including one or more surfactants formulated to reduce the thickness of oil floating the surface of a body of water, a method for use, and method of manufacturing thereof are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are oil spill treatment compositions comprising one or more chemical dispersants and one or more crude or refined oils having the same or similar composition as the oil spill to be treated. Methods for use thereof and methods of manufacture thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for clearing an approaching floating ice mass comprising locating a hydrocarbon development platform in a marine environment, and determining a direction from which the ice mass is approaching the hydrocarbon development platform. The method also includes providing an intervention vessel having a water-agitating mechanism associated therewith for propagating artificially generated waves towards a leading edge of the approaching ice mass to fracture the ice mass along the leading edge, thereby causing small ice pieces to separate from the ice mass.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a liquid under a surface and characterizing Ice are provided The liquid may be a liquid hydrocarbon such as crude oil or fuel oil or mineral oil The surface may be ice, snow, or water, and the method may be practiced in an arctic region to detect oil spills, leaks, or seepages The methods may be used with a range finder to characterize marine ice The methods may include a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tool with antenna to send a radio-frequency (RF) excitation pulse or signal into volume of substances being detected, detect an NMR response signal to determine the presence of the liquid of interest The NMR response may include a relaxation time element and an intensity level and may include a free induction signal (T2*), a spin echo signal (T2), a train of spin echo signals (T2), or a thermal equilibrium signal (T 1).

Abstract: A method for dispersing oil from an oil spill in a marine environment, in a bay, a sea or ocean in an Arctic region The method generally comprises identifying an oil spill in proximity to an ice field, and further locating an intervention vessel in proximity to the ice field, the intervention vessel having a water-agitating mechanism The method includes actuating the water-agitating mechanism while the intervention vessel is in a substantially stationary location, serving to propagate artificially generated waves into the ice field The method includes continuing to operate the water-agitating mechanism so as to fracture the at least one floating ice mass into smaller ice pieces The method further comprises applying a chemical dispersant to the oil spill, while further operating the water-agitating mechanism, enhancing wave energy within the oil spill, thereby causing oil to disperse within the marine environment

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extending the horizontal distance through which wells can be drilled. A horizontal tubular is used to convey a drillstring from a drilling rig toward a target location and a mud return line and pump on the surface is used to pump drilling mud returning from the bit back to the drilling rig.

Abstract: A system and method for clearing an approaching floating ice mass comprising locating a hydrocarbon development platform in a marine environment, and determining a direction from which the ice mass is approaching the hydrocarbon development platform. The method also includes providing an intervention vessel having a water-agitating mechanism associated therewith for propagating artificially generated waves towards a leading edge of the approaching ice mass to fracture the ice mass along the leading edge, thereby causing small ice pieces to separate from the ice mass.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a liquid under a surface and characterizing Ice are provided The liquid may be a liquid hydrocarbon such as crude oil or fuel oil or mineral oil The surface may be ice, snow, or water, and the method may be practiced in an arctic region to detect oil spills, leaks, or seepages The methods may be used with a range finder to characterize marine ice The methods may include a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tool with antenna to send a radio-frequency (RF) excitation pulse or signal into volume of substances being detected, detect an NMR response signal to determine the presence of the liquid of interest The NMR response may include a relaxation time element and an intensity level and may include a free induction signal (T2*), a spin echo signal (T2), a train of spin echo signals (T2), or a thermal equilibrium signal (T 1).

Abstract: An agent and a method for dispersing spilled oil, particularly on a body of water. The compound is a viscous dispersant liquid comprising a mixture of surfactants and a viscosifying agent that may be stored, shipped, mixed, and delivered on site using standard equipment and methods. The compound is released as a cohesive, persistent, visible, gel-like or paste-like liquid that floats on water. At least one method includes delivering the viscous dispersant liquid onto an oil spill in a body of water utilizing a jet airplane flying at over about 100 feet and spraying the liquid in large, pea-sized droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a vessel is provided. The apparatus, or “hydrogyroscope,” includes a liquid container disposed along the hull of a floating vessel. The liquid container provides a rotational flow path therein for a spinning liquid mass. The liquid container also preferably includes a valve for receiving water or other liquid into the rotational flow path of the container. The liquid is preferably supplied from the marine environment in which the vessel operates. In one embodiment, a motor is provided for rotating the liquid container, causing the water to rotate along the rotational flow path within the container and relative to the hull of the vessel. A method is also provided for stabilizing the vessel. The method in one embodiment includes the steps of moving the vessel to a desired location within a marine body, filling the liquid container of the vessel stabilizing apparatus, and actuating a motor that causes liquid to flow along the rotational flow path of the liquid container.