Abstract: A subsea equipment includes two manifolds for fluid import and export from oil wells. The first and second manifolds are arranged in parallel and are interconnected by a jumper. The first manifold includes all equipment for field flow control, such as, for example, selection valves, actuators or robot for remote operations and mandrels for connection to the Christmas trees. The second manifold includes only block valves and mandrels for future interconnection or interconnection to the first manifold.

Abstract: A partially immersible system includes fuel burning equipment such as an electrical generator located above a flood plain. A hydraulic fluid pumping system is located above the flood plain, and is connected to an immersible hydraulically powered fuel pumping system, which includes hydraulic motors connected to pumps connected to a fuel tank and to the fuel burning equipment to supply fuel to the fuel burning equipment.

Abstract: A method for assembling a modular foundation of a wind turbine having a base and a plurality of foundation sections includes positioning the base of the foundation on a support surface, arranging a plurality of tensioning elements so as to extend from the base to a second location spaced from the base, and stacking a plurality of foundation sections on the base by guiding the foundation sections from the second location toward the base using the tensioning elements. A modular wind turbine foundation includes a base positioned on the seabed; a plurality of tensioning elements extending from the base to a location adjacent the surface of the water; and a plurality of serially stacked foundation segments on top of the base.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least one inner container disposed within the outer container. The at least one inner container contains at least one stored liquid which may be refilled from a surface vessel or host facility. The at least one inner container is flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volume of the at least one inner containers is variable. Disposed on the outer container is a balance assembly containing an isolation valve, a check valve, and a flexible bladder. The balance assembly allows for the hydrostatic pressure to be maintained during chemical dosing and tank raising operations.

Abstract: Provided is a device submersion preventing structure which is capable of releasing heat generated from a device such as a pump and oil vapor, and preventing submersion of the device. The device submersion preventing structure comprises an enclosure having an internal chamber 60 for installing a pump 20 therein, wherein the enclosure 60 is configured such that an opening 61 is provided only in a bottom portion thereof, and a remaining portion thereof is formed as an air-confining structure.

Abstract: An oil storage, loading and offloading system includes a submerged oil storage tank with multiple vertically placed flexible containers. The system directly connects to the topsides of an offshore oil production platform above water to assist oil loading and offloading operations. During loading, oil is pumped in and stored inside flexible containers, which are expanded to displace equivalent amount of water out of the oil storage tank; during offloading, oil is pumped out from flexible containers and the reduced volume of each contracted container is then filled in by the equivalent amount of water from the surroundings There is no physical contact between water and oil. The submerged tank on-bottom weight has a limited variation during the loading and offloading operations. This disclosed system can be utilized for fixed offshore platforms, especially for shallow water marginal field developments, and for deepwater floating platforms such as SPAR and semi-submersible (SEMI) structures.

Abstract: Submersible isolation enclosure apparatus constructed of flexible, water resistant to water proof fabric or sheeting for enclosing and isolating selected areas of water bottom and water volume from surrounding water with access to the isolated bottom area exposed within a Base Member through one or more closed wall, tubular Access Member(s) connected to the Base Member and accessible from the water surface. Center-radial and perimeter portions of the Base Member fitted with attachment points and one or more tubular, closed wall Sleeve Members to allow for use of floatation, internal supporting rods or piping, and weights, to assist in the movement, positioning, shaping and securing of the apparatus to the selected water bottom area. Flexible fabric and weighting system allows the lower perimeter of the Base Member to conform to bottom structure.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least one inner container disposed within the outer container. The at least one inner container contains at least one stored liquid which may be refilled from a surface vessel or host facility. The at least one inner container is flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volume of the at least one inner containers is variable. Disposed on the outer container is a balance assembly containing an isolation valve, a check valve, and a flexible bladder. The balance assembly allows for the hydrostatic pressure to be maintained during chemical dosing and tank raising operations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to fluid pump apparatuses. A fluid pump apparatus may comprise a suction compensator, a housing compensator, and a pump. A suction compensator may comprise an ambient fluid compensator, an ambient fluid bladder, and a spring compensator, wherein the spring compensator comprises a first separator partitioning an internal volume of the spring compensator into a first suction fluid chamber and a compensation fluid chamber. A housing compensator may comprise a second separator partitioning an internal volume of the housing compensator into a second suction fluid chamber and a lubrication fluid chamber. The compensation fluid chamber may be in fluid communication with the suction compensator. The first suction fluid chamber may be in fluid communication with the second suction fluid chamber. A pump may comprise a housing defining a lubrication fluid compartment in fluid communication with the lubrication fluid chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus determining a position of a submersible vehicle within a body of water are provided. A method comprises determining an initial position of the vehicle while the vehicle is at or near a water surface. The method further comprises coupling the vehicle and a base node to a weight and determining a position of the base node once the base node and vehicle have reached the floor of the body of water using acoustic modems of the vehicle and a surface vessel to aid in calculating the position as they descend, and acoustically transferring the at rest position on the seafloor from the vehicle to the node. The method further comprises decoupling the vehicle from the node and weight and determining a position of the vehicle based on the position of the base node and acoustic signals exchanged between acoustic modems of the vehicle and the base node.

Abstract: A vertical oil storage system includes an oil tank for storing oil and water, an oil caisson coupled to the top of the oil tank, a water caisson coupled to the bottom of the oil tank, a containment saucer positioned and floating substantially at the interface between the oil and the water stored in the oil tank, a water pipe extending from an upper water sump in the center well to the water caisson, a water passageway extending from the center well to the water caisson, and an oil pipe extending front the topside facility to the oil caisson. A corresponding method to displace water with oil and to separate oil from displaced water in the vertical oil storage system includes loading oil from a topside facility into an oil caisson via an oil pipe, offloading water from water caisson into an upper water sump in a center well via a water pipe, and offloading water from the center well is a water passageway and discharging it back to open water via a water outlet at the keel of the platform.

Abstract: A recovery underwater base for handling an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with seismic sensors for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The recovery underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; an inlet part configured to control access to the storing part; a control part configured to control the inlet part; and a support part configured to support the control part, the storing part and the inlet part and to prevent a burial of the recovery underwater base if deployed on the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV from the ocean bottom to the inlet part.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods by which one can safely and effectively store fluids in undersea environments. Fluid is stored in a flexible bladder that is at least partially enclosed in a vessel. The bladder is coupled to a support, which supports the weight of the bladder with the aid of a support driver. A sensor may be used to monitor the position of the support, allowing determination of the volume of the bladder.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least two inner containers disposed within the outer container. The first inner container contains seawater, and the second inner container contains at least one stored liquid. The at least two inner containers are flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volumes of the at least two inner containers are variable. The liquid storage tank is provided for disposal and installation in a subsea environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing energy in gaseous form in submerged thin-walled tanks are secured to the ocean or lake floor but are open to the water at the tank bottoms and are configured to be filled with gas while submerged. A conduit operatively connected to the tanks provides flow from a surface source of an energy-containing gas to the tank interiors. Surface or subsurface pumping apparatus which may include piston-less pressure cylinders or have leveraged pistons provide a preselected flow rate of the energy-containing gas into the containment structure interior against a back pressure essentially equal to the static pressure of the body of water at the location of the tank to displace an equivalent volume of water through the open bottom. The conduit can be configured to allow heat transfer to vaporize liquefied gas prior to storage. Hydrogen gas can be generated and stored within the tank using Aluminum activated with Galinstan.

Abstract: An installation is provided. The installation includes a plurality of tanks, each tank including a filling opening and being adapted to be arranged on the sea bottom around the well and a device for capturing and distributing hydrocarbons escaping the well. The device includes a bell, a positioner for positioning the bell above the well and a connector for selectively connecting an apex of the bell to the filling opening of any one of the tanks in a fluid manner so as to transfer the fluid into that opening. The invention is applicable to uncontrolled eruptions of offshore oil wells.

Abstract: A method for deploying a gas storage vessel below the surface of the water comprises coupling an upper end of the gas storage vessel to a deployment apparatus positioned at the surface of the water. The gas storage vessel has a total dry weight and a lower end opposite the upper end. The gas storage vessel also includes a storage tank defining an inner region inside the tank and an exterior region outside the tank. In addition, the method comprises lowering the gas storage vessel below the surface of the water with the deployment apparatus. Further, the method comprises pumping a buoyancy control gas into the inner region of the tank. The buoyancy control gas in the inner region of the tank generates a buoyancy force acting on the gas storage vessel.

Abstract: A modular energy accumulator system using compressed air. The system comprises a plurality of bladder modules disposed underwater for subjection to a hydrostatic ambient pressure. The plurality of bladder modules include a first bladder module and at least a second bladder module, each of the bladder modules being oriented substantially longitudinally about a vertical axis when made buoyant by ingress of compressed air. An interconnection pipe assembly is configured to facilitate ingress of compressed air into the bladder modules to a pressure level substantially equal to the hydrostatic ambient pressure, and also to facilitate egress of air from the bladder modules at the hydrostatic ambient pressure. The bladder modules are tethered for being maintained in the underwater disposition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

Abstract: A system for autonomously supplying a chemical dispersant to a subsea hydrocarbon discharge site which comprises a subsea storage vessel configured to store the chemical dispersant subsea is described herein. The storage vessel includes a dispersant outlet in fluid communication with the subsea hydrocarbon discharge site.

Abstract: A lightweight towed submersible water transporter and storage system for liquids and solids, which employs a streamlined towable hull with exterior ballast/buoyancy cells and optional air and liquid storage bladders used not only to adjust buoyancy, but to allow the simultaneous transport and storage of different solids and liquids.

Abstract: A deep ocean gas storage system for storing compressed gas, the system comprising an inflexible thin walled storage vessel anchored to the sea floor having an axis located in water substantially perpendicular to and on a sea floor below sea level, a gas intake for admitting and discharging compressed natural gas to and from the vessel; a water port for admitting and discharging water to the vessel using hydrostatic pressure to discharge compressed gas from the vessel at a substantially constant discharge pressure as the volume of the gas in the storage vessel decreases when water content of the vessel increases; a conduit fluidly connected with the water port oriented substantially parallel to the axis having a discharge opening above the level of sea water in the vessel; and a valve disposed at the gas intake to the vessel for controlling compressed gas admission and discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing bulk materials in a marine environment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible pod configured for fluid communication to a host vessel. The pod stores materials under water.

Abstract: A semi-submersible floating transfer station for unloading liquid natural gas (LNG) from, or charging LNG to an oceangoing vessel. The station comprises at least one and preferably two or more pontoons that include outboard sections comprising LNG tanks and a depressed center section, said sections forming a U-shaped channel into which an oceangoing vessel may enter for discharging or loading. The station includes pumping and piping means for transferring LNG and ballast-deballast system for accommodating the depth of the center section to the draft of the vessel as it is unloaded or charged. Pontoon can be uncoupled for individual transport to a drydock.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching an object in a fluid environment having a tubular member with a forward muzzle end, an opposed rearward end. The object is positioned in the tubular member. Ends of the tubular member are closed by expellable members. Flood valves are located on the expellable members and, on activation, allow flooding of the tubular member by external fluid. A propellant device and an object contact member are disposed within the tubular member. When the propellant device is activated, the object contact member moves the object. These actions are controlled by a control device which first causes the flood valves to enable fluid to flood the interior region. Next, the control device causes the expellable members to be expelled from the tubular member. The control device then causes the propellant device to generate gas in a predetermined manner launching the object from the tubular member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing bulk materials in a marine environment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible pod configured for fluid communication to a host vessel. The pod stores materials under water.

Abstract: An oil storage vessel (10) comprises a hull (12) of generally tubular form having a double wall defining one or more ballast chambers (14). The orientation of the hull (12) relative to water in which it is floated is controllable by adjusting the content of some or all of the ballast chambers (14). Thus, by suitable manipulation of the ballast chambers (14) the barge (10) may be caused to float generally horizontally, that is, with its longitudinal axis parallel to the surface of the water. In this position, it is particularly useful for transportation of the hull contents. Alternatively, the hull (12) may, be manipulation of the ballast chambers (14) be arranged with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the surface of the water so that it can be used for collection and storage of liquids such as oil.

Abstract: A submersible apparatus for transporting compressed gas comprising a plurality of spools, each having a central bore. A long continuous length of relatively small diameter line pipe for holding compressed natural gas is wound about each spool, so that an inner end of the pipe terminates in the bore, while an outer end of the pipe terminates at outer surface of the spool. A tank has a thin housing to store the spools vertically therein, with axis of the bores horizontally to create a continuous pathway therethrough. An inner header extends through the length of the continuous pathway of the bores and has the inner ends of the pipes connected thereto. An outer header extends the length of the tank and has the outer ends of the pipes connected thereto. A pair of access ports are provided with each located at one end of the tank to provide loading/unloading nozzles and access ways for maintenance personnel.

Abstract: An installation for offshore storage of hazardous waste, in particular radioactive waste comprises (i) a concrete body (11), which is transportable on the water as a floating body and adapted to rest on the seabed at a storage site, said base body being provided with interior storage spaces (S, K) for the waste and at least some of the storage spaces being arranged to be located below the water surface, and (ii) a concrete terminal body (10) which is transportable on the water as a floating body and adapted to rest on the seabed at the storage site, positioned by the side of and adjacent to the base body (11) and connected to the base body. The base body (11) and the terminal body (10) include communication ways (14) adapted to be connected to one another and to the storage spaces (S, K) of the base body, and the terminal body (10) is adapted to have facilities (15, 16) located above the water surface for receiving waste from water or air borne transportation means.

Abstract: A concrete barge having oil storage tanks secured to its deck is towed to an oil production site where it is sunk to the sea bottom. Oil from an adjacent caisson supported production facility is temporarily stored in the tanks pending later transfer to an oil tanker. The caisson may be braced from the barge in hard-bottomed locations or may be guyed to the sea floor. Compartments in the concrete barge are filled with water as required for ballast and trim while the barged is being towed to location. The compartments are flooded with seawater to provide the sinking force to carry the barge and tank assembly to the sea bottom and hold the assembly on the sea bottom. Descent of the barge from the surface to the sea bottom is regulated by controlling the placement and pressure of air in the storage tanks. The submerged barge and tanks are filled with seawater to prevent hydrostatically induced crushing pressure differentials.

Abstract: An arrangement for the underwater storage of environmentally hazardous waste, particularly radioactive or chemical waste, includes at least one secondary capsule (1) in the form of a cylindrical concrete body. The concrete body has a central, axially extending storage cavity (3). The cavity has the form of a shaft which is open at one end thereof and into which a waste-containing primary capsule (2) can be inserted, whereafter the open end of the shaft or cavity is sealed. Arranged in spaced relationship around the circumference of the concrete body (1) are a number of ballast chambers (4) which can be filled with water to varying degrees and the total, combined volume of the chambers is such as to enable the concrete body to be brought to a buoyant state, by emptying the chambers.

Abstract: A towable tank for holding a liquid is collapsible, submergible, and steele. A bladder for holding a liquid is disposed in a housing having openings formed therein. Horizontally mounted diving planes on the housing cause the tank to submerge when under tow. Hydrostatic pressure exerted on the bladder by water entering the openings in the housing causes the liquid in the bladder to be pumped to a liquid user. A tow line from the towing vehicle is connected to a tow bar. The tow bar is connected through a connecting rod to a vertically mounted crankshaft. The crankshaft is connected to a steering plane mounted on the exterior of the housing. While the tank is under tow, the steering plane aligns with the longitudinal axis of the tank. A spring attached between the crankshaft and housing causes the steering plane to steer the tank away from a direction being towed when the towing force is removed.

Abstract: The submersible vehicle system of the present invention comprises a unitary ndersea vehicle composed of a rigid hull submersible mated to an inflated auxiliary submersible. Both the rigid hull submersible and the auxiliary submersible may be initially stored aboard a mother vessel. The auxiliary submersible is provided with one or more compartments for storing fuel and/or ballast, either positive or negative.

Abstract: An oil storage system for an offshore platform having at least one submerged storage cell in which oil is stored on top of a water volume. In fluid communication with the submerged storage cell is another submerge cell containing water, the water storage cell is in fluid communication with ambient water outside the system.

Abstract: A parking garage is constructed substantially as a ship hull and includes a container which is preferably made of steel or reinforced concrete parts and is subdivided into three parking levels. The container can be sunk below the water surface of a lake or river at the intended location. At the corresponding predetermined depth the garage can be leveled by raising and lowering devices arranged on the longitudinal sides of the container and which substantially bore into the bed as a result of their own weight and additional weights placed on the top of the container. In the operating state the raising and lowering devices are controlled by sensors and activated, so that even in the case of positional changes, e.g. due to different loads, an exact leveling of the parking garage is ensured. The garage is provided with two, longitudinally spaced tubular tunnels, flanged to the longitudinal side of the container and connected to the lake or river bank.

Abstract: A pressure vessel capable of withstanding elevated external hydrostatic pressures is provided, comprising a tubular casing capable of withstanding hydrostatic pressures having an internal cavity and at least one end opening permitting entry into the cavity. An end closure seals the end opening and defines an external joint between the closure and the pressure vessel casing upon sealing of the opening. The end closure has an outer circumferential surface which is coextensive, that is flush, with the adjacent circumferential surface of the pressure vessel casing. At least a portion of the pressure vessel casing and closure are encapsulated by a seamless tubular sleeve of heat or air-shrinkable material which covers the entire extent of the external joint and is heat or air-shrunk about the vessel to seal the external joint. There is a layer of sealant in the form of an adhesive or a mastic, between the shrunk sleeve and the vessel.

Abstract: A concretized coating which encapsulates canisters of radioactive, heat-producing materials is caused to be formed by immersing said canister in a sea floor sedimentary layer, the sediment containing feldspathic material. The canister heats the surrounding water causing alkali and alkaline materials to be leached from the seabed sediment. An indurated concretized layer of anhydrite and sedimentary particles is then formed by precipitation of anhydrite and other agents from the hot pore water, that is, water in the proximate environment of the canister. This concretized barrier provides protection to the fuel capsule against intrusion by the corrosive seawater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for the ground material removed by a ground working device, for example, a mud plough or a suction device from the bottom of a watercourse. Such a container is known in the form of a compartment trough moved by the tugboat of the mud plough or the hopper barge. A disadvantage of such a container is that it is heavy and hence transportable only with difficulty while it is expensive and cannot be emptied by a simple procedure. The invention has for its object to obviate these disadvantages and provides to this end a container of the kind set forth in the preamble constructed in the form of a flexible bag that can be connected with the ground working device.

Abstract: Cryogenically cooled and liquified energy gases are stored at substantial depth offshore in an insulated container normally resting on the seabed. Piston action of the container promotes liquid state of the liquified gases by transfer thereto of controlled pressure derived totally or in part from the ambient deep seawater.

Abstract: Improvements in an offshore platform and submarine storage facility for highly chilled liquified gas, such as liquified natural gas, are disclosed. The improved facility includes an elongated, vertically oriented submerged anchoring frame to which one or more insulated storage tanks are moveably mounted so they can be positioned at a selected depth in the water. The double piston tank is constructed with improved seals to transfer ambient water pressure of the selected depth to the cryogenic liquified gas without intermixture. This transferred pressure at the depth selected aids in maintaining the liquified state of the stored liquified gas. Structural improvements to the tank facilitating ballasting, locking the double piston cylinders together and further facilitating surface access to the tank for inspection, repairs and removal, and structural improvements to the platform are disclosed.

Abstract: A single leg mooring terminal is described, of the type which includes a buoy assembly extending from the sea floor to the sea surface to moor a tanker vessel, and a separate fluid conduit extending at an upward incline to the vessel for carrying oil to or from it, and wherein the buoy assembly includes a tilt joint and both the buoy assembly and hose structure must rotate without limit about the same vertical axis to follow drifting of the vessel about the installation. The vertical rotation joint which joins the rotatable upper portion of the buoy assembly to the stationary lower portion thereof, is located below the tilt joint, and a fluid swivel of the conduit is joined to a sidewardly-extending pipe which extends sidewardly at a level above the vertical rotation joint but below the top of the tilt joint.

Abstract: In order to transfer a fluid from a station on the sea bed for a vessel or vice versa, a discharging/loading buoy comprising coupling apparatus for fluid flow is placed in a submerged state and fixed in this state with anchoring apparatus. A vessel is brought and held in position above the buoy by means of dynamic positioning. Then the coupling apparatus for the fluid flow is connected to a coupling section on the vessel.

Abstract: A single anchor leg mooring (SALM) installation which enables replacement of a product distribution unit (PDU) without removal of the upper buoyancy structure, including a plurality of arms that can extend around the PDU to connect the buoyancy structure lying above the PDU with a lower structure that lies below the PDU and extends to the sea floor. The transference of oil or other cargo can continue during the replacement of a malfunctioning PDU, by providing a pair of PDUs and a pair of valves for bypassing one of them which is to be removed.

Abstract: A submergible barge and process for submerging and storing radioactive waste material along a seabed. A submergible barge receives individual packages of radwaste within segregated cells. The cells are formed integrally within the barge, preferably surrounded by reinforced concrete. The cells are individually sealed by a concrete decking and by concrete hatch covers. Seawater may be vented into the cells for cooling, through an integral vent arrangement. The vent ducts may be attached to pumps when the barge is bouyant. The ducts are also arranged to promote passive ventilation of the cells when the barge is submerged. Packages of the radwaste are loaded into individual cells within the barge. The cells are then sealed and the barge is towed to the designated disposal-storage site. There, the individual cells are flooded and the barge will begin descent controlled by a powered submarine control device to the seabed storage site.

Abstract: An accumulator for storing pressurized air underwater comprises a reservoir anchored to the bottom of the sea or suspended underwater, and a pair of inlet and outlet passages for respectively supplying and discharging pressurized air into and out of the reservoir. The reservoir has an opening or openings through which water is flowable into and out of the reservoir. The anchored reservoir has a winch for winding or unwinding a chain connected to a weight, the winch being energizable when the water head at the reservoir changes so as to maintain pressurized air in the reservoir under constant pressure. The reservoir which is suspended has a plurality of floats that are inflatable or rigid with holes and are movable up and down as the water level in the reservoir varies so as to stabilize the air pressure in the reservoir.

Abstract: A structure for an underwater hull or tank which is required to withstand a high external pressure due to use at great immersion depths. The hull or tank is composed of one or more toric components formed of metal, which may be filled with a pressure-resistant material for added strength. The toric components are interconnected by connecting rings welded between adjacent toric components, and longitudinal connecting beams which are welded to the toric components and connecting rings.

Abstract: An offshore submarine storage facility for highly chilled liquified gas, such as liquified natural gas, is disclosed. The facility includes an elongated, vertically oriented submerged frame. An insulated storage tank is movably mounted to the frame so as to be positionable at various depths in the water. The tank is constructed to transfer external ambient water pressure to the liquified gas without intermixture. This transferred pressure aids in maintaining the liquified state of the stored liquified gas.

Abstract: An underwater gas/liquid reservoir 1, particularly designed to be used as a ballast/buoyancy tank in an offshore drilling platform, has a pressurized supply duct 2 for introducing gas into the reservoir to control the liquid level therein. The gas supply duct has two openings 8, 11, one near the bottom of the reservoir and the other near the top. A movable straddle packer 14 is disposed in the gas supply duct for selectively closing the bottom opening 8 so that gas is allowed to flow only through the top opening 11 of the supply duct. The packer can also be positioned to uncover the bottom opening 8 of the gas supply duct. In operation, the liquid level within the reservoir is controlled by the introduction or release of pressurized gas into or from the reservoir through the openings of the gas supply duct either to force liquid from the reservoir or to allow liquid to flow into it.

Abstract: Underwater liquid storage tank or facility adapted to hold or temporarily store varying quantities of a liquid having a density less than water. Said liquid can include crude oil and petroleum products. The facility includes means for maintaining the holding space in a full condition by the addition or removal of water. Further included is means to avoid inadvertent pollution of the surrounding water through the unintentional discharge of amounts of the less dense liquid which can be carried by water leaving the tank. Also included is means forming a protective barrier about the liquid holding tank to avoid serious leakage and possible damage to the environment in the event the facility is ruptured by a floating vessel or other object.

Abstract: Underwater liquid storage tank or facility adapted to hold or temporarily store varying quantities of a liquid having a density less than water. Said liquid can include crude oil and petroleum products. The facility includes means for maintaining the holding space in a full condition by the addition or removal of water. Further included is means to avoid inadvertent pollution of the surrounding water through the unintentional discharge of amounts of the less dense liquid which can be carried by water leaving the tank. Also included is means forming a protective barrier about the liquid holding tank to avoid serious leakage and possible damage to the environment in the event the facility is ruptured by a floating vessel or other object.