Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric valve device used in remotely operable applications. It comprises a valve body with a centrally placed slidable valve core. The core has an aperture for fluid passage and may be held in position by an electromagnet in the valve body. Windings are placed in one end of the valve body so that they encircle the slidable core and a spring is placed in the other end. To move the core, a DC current source is connected to the windings so that when they are energized a force is generated to move the core in a specific direction. The core is then held in this position by the contact between the electromagnet in the valve body and the valve core until the current in the magnetic windings is switched off, then the spring return to the core to its original, closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric valve device used in subsea applications. It comprises a valve body with a centrally placed slidable valve core. The core has an aperture for fluid passage and may be held in position by 2 permanent magnets in the valve body. Windings are placed in the valve body so that they encircle the slidable core. To move the core, a DC current source is attached to the windings so that when they are energized a force is generated to move the core in a specific direction. The core is then held in this position by the contact between the magnets in the valve body and the valve core until the polarity of the windings is switched and the valve is moved in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric valve device used in remotely operable applications. It comprises a valve body with a centrally placed slidable valve core. The core has an aperture for fluid passage and may be held in position by an electromagnet in the valve body. Windings are placed in one end of the valve body so that they encircle the slidable core and a spring is placed in the other end. To move the core, a DC current source is connected to the windings so that when they are energized a force is generated to move the core in a specific direction. The core is then held in this position by the contact between the electromagnet in the valve body and the valve core until the current in the magnetic windings is switched off, then the spring return to the core to its original, closed position.

Abstract: A subsea drilling and production system where the production unit is removably connected onto a drilling template and operatively connected to one or more Christmas trees so that the production unit may be disconnected from the trees and removed from the template without first removing any of the trees and so that any of the trees may be disconnected from the production unit and removed from the underwater site without removing the production unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for separating multiphasic mixtures of such things as gas and oil, from liquids, such as petroleum production fluids. It includes a centrifugal gas/liquid separator having a generally conical inner surface, a gas/liquid inlet located on this inner surface, an area for retaining the liquid and for allowing further gravity separation of the gas/liquid phase, an enclosure for the above mentioned elements, a gas outlet, and a liquid outlet.The device functions by initially separating the gas from the oil by centrifugation in the conical separator, then by allowing the remaining liquid to further separate by gravity in the retention area.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the present invention relates to an electromagnetic valve for subsea applications. It comprises a valve body, a rotatable core (with an aperture) located within the valve body (it may be shaped like a plug or a ball), a means for creating a magnetic field located between the valve body and the core and electrically conductive windings wrapped around the rotatable core. The windings are connected to a source of DC power and when energized they cause the core to rotate in one direction or the other depending on the polarity of the DC current.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods used to suppress the motion of an offshore structure due to wind, wave, seismic, and current forces. More specifically, the invention suppresses structural excitation due to secondary wave forces.The apparatus comprises a mechanical energy absorbing means and a submerged mass. The mechanical energy absorbing means may be a combination of linear or non-linear springs and dampers and is attached to the structure so the vibrating motion may be transferred to the motion damper. The proper weight or size of the damper and mechanical energy absorbing means is determined by first measuring the natural frequency of the structure and the mass of the structure then using those numbers in an equation to calculate the mass and spring constant for the desired apparatus.

Abstract: Pressurized gas filled tubular tendons provide a means for detecting leaks therein. Filling the tendon with a gaseous fluid provides increased buoyancy and reduces the weight supported by the buoyant structure. The use of a corrosion inhibiting gaseous fluid reduces the corrosion of the interior tendon wall.

Abstract: A compliant offshore drilling and producing structure is disclosed. Axial piles extend from articulated joints on a pile base at the sea floor to above the water's surface and are enveloped by sleeves extending downwardly from a rigid platform. Buoyant chambers attached to the sleeves support most of the platform weight and provide righting stability. The platform weight is supported by the axial piles through hydraulic means.

Abstract: A compliant offshore drilling and producing structure is disclosed. Axial piles extend from articulated joints on a pile base at the sea floor to above the water's surface and are enveloped by sleeves extending downwardly from a rigid platform. Buoyant chambers attached to the sleeves support most of the platform weight and provide righting stability. The platform weight is supported by the axial piles through hydraulic means.

Abstract: A compliant offshore drilling and producing structure is disclosed. Axial piles extend from the sea floor above the water's surface and are enveloped by sleeves extending downwardly from a rigid platform. Buoyant chambers attached to the sleeves provide an upward buoyant force in excess of the weight of the platform and sleeves. This excess upward force is counterbalanced by the axial piles through hydraulic means.

Abstract: A compliant offshore drilling and producing structure is disclosed. Axial piles extend from the sea floor above the water's surface and are enveloped by sleeves extending downwardly from a rigid platform. Buoyant chambers attached to the sleeves support most of the platform weight and provide righting stability. The platform weight is supported by the axial piles through hydraulic means.

Abstract: A negative energy power supply which operates submerged equipment like a hydraulic actuator. A main component of the system is a submerged chamber held at substantially atmospheric pressure. It is connected to submerged equipment having intake and discharge ports controllable by remotely operated valves. When the intake port is opened to water at the submerged depth of the equipment and the discharge port is vented to the chamber, the resulting pressure difference operates the submerged equipment. The system can also have appropriately connected to it, a pressure amplifier to increase the water pressure at a submerged location and a pump to purge the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring an offshore tension leg platform which includes a platform supported above an ocean surface by buoyant supports comprising at least three vertical buoyant support members. Each vertical support member includes a central axial conductor tube for passage of drill pipe adapted to be connected to anchor members carried at the bottom of the vertical support member, the drill pipe providing a for lowering the anchor member, for drilling beneath the anchor member to pin the anchor member in the ocean bottom, and for transfer of ballast from the vertical support member to the anchor member. Each vertical support member includes longitudinally extending anchor line casings spaced from the axial tube to provide passageways for anchor tension lines connected to the anchor and adapted to be tensioned at the upper end of the vertical support member or at the platform.