Abstract: Provided is an underwater repair system for a cavity region of a concrete panel rock-fill dam panel, including a moving platform, a work cabin, a pressure drainage apparatus, a traction apparatus, and a positioning apparatus; the traction apparatus controlling the movement of the moving platform on the surface of a dam concrete panel; the positioning apparatus transmits a detection position; the work cabin is a pressure cabin, the work cabin being connected to the pressure drainage apparatus, and a drill apparatus and grouting apparatus being arranged in the work cabin; the moving platform moves into the cavity region, and the pressure drainage apparatus starts up to drain the water in the work cabin, a partially closed waterless space being formed inside the work cabin, the drill apparatus drilling the concrete panel at the upper end of the cavity region and the grouting apparatus subsequently implementing grouting to complete the repair.

Abstract: A foot for a drilling device includes a foot frame and a plurality of louver assemblies attached to the foot frame. Each louver assembly includes a louver that is at a first position when the foot is on a surface and that is movable toward a second position to facilitate release of the foot from the surface.

Abstract: A sea-pen arrangement is for farming fish. The sea-pen arrangement has a service unit with a plurality of shafts projecting downwards and a pontoon at their lower portions. The shafts define an inner area. A net forms a closed enclosure. The sea-pen arrangement further includes at least one sea pen positioned in an outer area on the outside of two shafts. A frame structure has an upper frame with a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion, a bottom frame, and a fence fastened to the upper frame and the bottom frame. The frame structure is fastened to the service unit at the fastening portions, and the frame structure surrounds the at least one sea pen in the outer area.

Abstract: A pile driver configured to drive a pile into an underwater bed includes a floatable body with a pile guide configured to guide the pile in a downward direction, and an actuator that is fixed to the floatable body and that is configured to drive the pile from the floatable body into the underwater bed. A method of driving a pile into an underwater bed includes the steps of: positioning a floatable body; arranging a pile in a pile guide configured to guide said pile in a downward direction; and driving the pile from the floatable body into the underwater bed by an actuator that is fixed to the floatable body.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for rigging up intervention equipment (111) in a lifting arrangement (104) utilized on a floating vessel, and moving the intervention equipment between an inoperative and an operative position, wherein the method comprising: a) providing the lifting arrangement (104) with vertically extending guiding means (203) capable of transferring a load to the lifting arrangement; b) connecting a load transferring means (215) to the guiding means (203); c) connecting the intervention equipment (111) to a load carrying device (209) provided with displacement means (214) arranged in a manner allowing a load to be horizontally displaced while carried by the load carrying device; d) connecting the load carrying device (209) to the load transferring means (215); e) moving the intervention equipment from an inactive position to an operating position by moving the displacement means (214); and f) moving the intervention equipment from the operating position to the inactive position by moving the displ

Abstract: The invention described herein teaches that one drilling barge can be employed in two different areas. The standard drilling practice requires two vessels to perform the same work as one drilling barge invention. Standard drilling rigs require that one unit will drill well locations in water depths of 8?-18?. A second drilling unit must be provided to drill in water depths of 18?-60?. As a result of this invention, water depths of 8?-60? can be provided by use of the one vessel employing the novel stabilization system. The service area's coverage is increased greatly by use of the invention thereby creating excellent cost reduction and improved drilling procedures in remote and harsh drilling areas. The invention's cost is slightly more than the standard drilling barge however; coverage of the service area can be 500% greater than the standard vessel's coverage.

Abstract: A floating offshore platform is disclosed with one or more extension plates fixedly coupled to one or more pontoons on the offshore platform and extending from the pontoons. As the floating platform moves, the pontoon-coupled extension plates separate the water and cause drag on the platform. The water moving with the extension plates also increases the dynamic mass. The added drag and dynamic mass increases the natural period of the motion away from the wave excitation period to minimize the wave driven motion compared to a platform without the extension plates. The extension plates can be coupled to the pontoons during fabrication at the yard directly or through frame members. The extension plates generally are generally located inclusively between the top and bottom elevations of the pontoons, and therefore do not significantly reduce the clearance between the seabed and the hull at the quayside.

Abstract: Provided is an enclosed derrick structure of an arctic ship, which provides an installation space for an exhaust unit at an upper portion of an enclosed derrick. The enclosed derrick structure of the arctic ship includes: an enclosed derrick; a crown block section disposed at an upper portion of the enclosed derrick such that a crown block is installed and an installation workspace is formed thereinside; and an exhaust unit installed in the installation workspace to communicate with the exterior.

Abstract: A measuring system for controlling perpendicularity of a pile during driving of the pile includes a mounting frame for coupling the measuring system with a pile driving system, and a measuring frame provided with at least one measuring device for measuring perpendicularity of the pile. The measuring frame can be moveably coupled with the mounting frame.

Abstract: A method for drilling with a buoyant structure having a hull, a planar keel defining a lower hull diameter, a lower cylindrical portion connected to the planar keel, a lower frustoconical portion disposed above the lower cylindrical portion with inwardly-sloping wall at a first angle, an upper frustoconical portion directly connected to the lower frustoconical portion. The method uses a ballasted chambered buoyant storage ring which is either dockside and connected to the buoyant structure for drilling at a subsea location, or the ballasted chambered buoyant storage ring is preinstalled at a subsea location and then the buoyant structure is mounted to the ballasted chambered buoyant storage ring at sea.

Abstract: A triple activity drilling ship may be provided with two separate drilling centers, each including drilling apparatus. In addition, a trolley that is capable of supporting tubulars may be positioned between a first position within one of said drilling centers and a second position outside that drilling center. As a result, the trolley may be used to hold assembled tubulars while other activities are ongoing in one or more of the drilling centers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement for making a bore in the bed of a lake, sea or river with a platform which can be lowered for positioning on the bed of the lake, sea or river, a drill drive which is arranged on the service platform and a drill rod with drill head which can be driven in rotation via the drill drive. It is provided that the service platform comprises a guide tube, on the inner side of which at least one linear guide is arranged, along which at least one part of the drill drive is guided axially displaceably and the guide tube is held so that it can be adjusted and fixed in a mount of the service platform. The invention further relates to a method for creating a bore in the bed of a lake, sea or river.

Abstract: A semisubmersible mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) includes a submersible lower hull comprising a ring pontoon having a trapezoidal shape; an upper hull having the trapezoidal shape; three stability columns supporting the upper hull from the lower hull; and a drilling rig. The MODU may be operated in a tender assist mode or an independent drilling mode. The MODU may be equipped to prepare, drill, and complete a subsea wellbore or to workover an existing subsea wellbore.

Abstract: An underwater drilling arrangement for marking a bore in a bed of a lake, sea or river with a service platform which can be lowered for placing on the lake, sea or river bed, a drill drive which is mounted so that it is axially displaceable on the service platform, and a drill rod with drill head which can be driven in rotation via the drill drive. It is provided that a conveying channel is formed in the drill rod, through which a conveying fluid together with excavated drill cuttings can be conveyed upwards, and a discharge opening for the conveying fluid together with the excavated drill cuttings is provided, via which the conveying fluid can be discharged underwater together with the excavated drill cuttings above the drill drive. The invention further relates to a method for creating a bore in a bed of a lake, sea or river.

Abstract: A seabed anchor (20) is fixed to and deployable from an ROV (10) for positively anchoring the ROV (10) to the seabed (100). The seabed anchor (20) comprises three nested telescoping tubes (26, 28, & 30). The upper end of the oute (26) is fixed to the ROV (10). A rotary drill bit (38) is carried on the output shaft of a motor (34) that is mounted o of the innermost tube (30). The nested assembly of three telescopic tubes (26, 28, 30) can be controllably extended and retracted b controlled operation of a hydraulic ram or other linear actuator coupled between the outer tube (26) and the inner tube (30). Each the tubes (26, 28 & 30) carries a respective one or two pairs of inflatable packets (40, 42, & 44) that are normally un quiescent within respective recesses in the sides of the tubes where the packers do not interfere with telescopic relative movements of the tubes.

Abstract: A triple activity drilling ship may be provided with two separate drilling centers, each including drilling apparatus. In addition, a trolley that is capable of supporting tubulars may be positioned between a first position within one of said drilling centers and a second position outside that drilling center. As a result, the trolley may be used to hold assembled tubulars while other activities are ongoing in one or more of the drilling centers.

Abstract: A modular transfigurable drilling rig comprises one or more transfigurable containers with drilling equipment to form an operational drilling rig. The transfigurable containers include a first and second load bearing support and a load bearing bottom disposed between the first and second load bearing supports, thereby forming a space. The container includes drilling equipment rotatably attached to the load bearing supports or the load bearing bottom. The drilling equipment is disposed within the space. The drilling rig further includes one or more connectors adapted to engage at least two transfigurable containers together. The drilling rig further includes piping adapted to connect the drilling equipment together, cabling adapted to provide communication between the drilling equipment, and a power source connected to the drilling equipment, wherein the power source is adapted to provide power to the drilling equipment.

Abstract: In a substructure (10) for a floating oil or gas production platform, an arrangement to tension a plurality of risers (16) extending from the sea bed up to the substructure, the arrangement comprising: a conventional hydraulic tensioner/heave compensator (17) for each riser, in which there is a soft spring formed by a piston cylinder combination acting against an accumulator, the heave compensators for the risers being disposed to compensate for vertical oscillations of relatively short period (e.g.

Abstract: A method for carrying out operations on petroleum and gas fields is provided. The method involves using a platform which is located underwater when in working position at a depth where it is not subject to storm waves or under the lower surface of an ice field. The platform is made in the form of a structure which is water-tight and which includes an inner volume in which all the equipment, systems and structures are provided. The platform is directed from the surface using a surface complex which moves on the water or the ice field at the same speed as that of the current or the ice drift in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An offshore drilling rig contains a heavy-duty support cart that straddles the moonpool and rides on rails. A funnel-shaped hole extends through the support cart, and a cutout on one side of the cart provides lateral access to the hole. The cart can be moved to the region of the rotary assembly, where a length of tubulars can be suspended from the cart. For instance, when the BOP is pulled out for installation of the Xmas tree assembly, the BOP and attached riser can be pulled up above the seabed and hung from the support cart, then moved laterally out of the way while the Xmas tree assembly is installed. This lateral movement lowers the possibility of collision between the BOP and Xmas tree assembly. The BOP assembly can then be disassembled and at a later time, or hung until is needed for an adjacent borehole. In a preferred embodiment, the cart is included on multi-activity rigs with more than one load path, hoist, and rotary assembly.

Abstract: An air-can riser tensioning device for use in the production of oil and gas at offshore locations includes at least one air-can used to place a vertical force on the riser. The air-can includes an open port that extends into the water toward the sea floor to a depth sufficient to prevent water from entering or air from leaving the air-can during its upward and downward vertical movements while in use. A manufacturing method includes fabricating the air-cans out of one material and fabricating the open port out of another material, and in particular making the open port from a material that is more corrosion resistant than the material the air-can is fabricated from. The manufacturing method further includes fabricating a passage in one soft tank for fluid communication with a second soft tank, and connecting the second soft tank with the passage.

Abstract: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Abstract: A buoyancy system for a deep water floating platform includes at least one composite buoyancy module coupled to the a riser having a length greater than 1000 feet and an associated weight. The composite buoyancy module is sized to have a volume to produce a buoyancy force at least as great as the weight of the riser. The composite buoyancy module may include a vessel with a composite vessel wall. The buoyancy module or vessel may have a non-circular cross-section defining an area which is greater than approximately 79 percent of an area defined by a square with sides tangent to the vessel wall to maximize buoyancy. A second buoyancy module may be directly coupled to the first buoyancy module to achieve a desired buoyancy.

Abstract: A buoyancy system for a deep water floating platform includes at least one buoyancy module coupled to the a riser. The module may be coupled to a ring structure of an end cap coupled to the riser, or two modules may be coupled to a ring structure to couple them together. The modules have an interior flange extending into the interior cavity and abutting the ring structure. Fasteners couple the interior flange of the module to the ring structure to form an interior attachment. A seal may be formed between the flange of the buoyancy module and the ring structure, and may include a seal member disposed in a groove. A test port extends to the groove to allow testing of the seal. The module may include a material and may have a thickness that together allow a wall of the buoyancy module to expand outwardly under an internal pressure and force the flange against the ring structure to enhance sealing between the flange and ring structure.

Abstract: A tubing handling for subsea oilfield tubing operations, includes an isolation tube to mechanically and/or chemically protect the drill string and improved passage of the drill string and fluid return line to the drilling vessel that further protects them during drilling use. In addition, the improvements include an automatic safety apparatus to hold against unintended movement of the tubular members under extreme length and weight conditions as well as against human error at the rig. Further, the invention includes multi-segment coiled tubing drill strings that can be adapted to drilling requirements in a deep wellbore.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a subsea drilling, completion and/or workover apparatus which includes a spar buoy having a well therethrough, and a riser which extends through the well in the buoy for connection to the subsea wellhead during the drilling and/or completion process. A buoyancy tank is disposed about the riser within the buoy well to support the riser, and the upper end of the tank is fee to move vertically with respect to the well deck so that it will not be placed in compression despite anticipated rise and fall of the buoyancy tank.

Abstract: A drilling rig, in particular for the offshore industry, in the form of a jack-up platform on which a cantilever is mounted so as to be movable at least substantially horizontally and in a first direction, with the cantilever projecting more or less outside the jack-up platform. On the cantilever a drilling platform is present, which drilling platform is movable relative to the jack-up platform in a second direction, different herefrom. This drilling platform is fixedly mounted on the cantilever while the latter is movable relative to the jack-up platform in both abovesaid directions.

Abstract: A multi-activity drillship, or the like, method and apparatus having a single derrick and multiple tubular activity stations within the derrick wherein primary drilling activity may be conducted from the derrick and simultaneously auxiliary drilling activity may be conducted from the same derrick to reduce the length of the primary drilling activity critical path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in connection with the drilling of oil wells, especially with coil tubing, and more specifically an arrangement comprising heave compensation by such drilling, comprising a first frame-like structure (3) which in relation to a floating vessel (1A) is mounted for allowing movement at least in the vertical direction in relation to said vessel, as well as devices for providing compensating power between said first frame stucture (3) and said vessel (1A), and in order to provide an improved heave compensation system it is according to the present invention suggested that said arrangement further comprising a second frame-like structure (1) arranged stationary on the deck (1AA) of the vessel (1A), said first compensated frame-like structure (3) and said second frame-like structure (1) being assembled by means of a further system (4) allowing compensation of said relative movement between the vessel (1A) and said compensated structure (3), i.e.

Abstract: A subsea well drilling and completion system allows the use of a jack-up rig for drilling with completion by a floater rig. The system uses an outer wellhead housing which is run on releasable conductor riser. An inner wellhead housing is lowered through the conductor riser and lands in the outer wellhead housing. Cement returns flow through a plurality of cement ports in the outer wellhead housing. A first hanger lands in the inner wellhead housing and supports an intermediate string of casing. The first hanger has a mudline profile in its interior. A second hanger supports a second string of casing and latches into the mudline profile. After drilling, tieback adapters are secured to each hanger for sealing to the inner wellhead housing.

Abstract: A spar-buoy type boring device including a main pipe and a central pipe installed in the main pipe. The main pipe, which has a service deck at the top and a float near the top so that the float stays underneath the water, is anchored at the bottom to a sinker which is placed on the seabed, and the central pipe with the bottom end opening in the sea is used for guiding boring equipments to the seabed and collecting samples from the seabed.

Abstract: The invention is related to a submarine vehicle for the deep ocean research. This vehicle is composed of a penetrator (1) and of a support structure (2 to 7). The vehicle descends by gravity due to a ballast disposed in the lower part (11) of the penetrator. Apart from this ballast, the vehicle can be recovered due to a discoupling of the ballast by an explosive bolt (13). After discoupling, the float clusters (8) located in the upper part of said support structure supply the mounting thrust necessary for transferring the vehicle up to the ocean surface. If this thrust is insufficient, a pyrotechnical device (15) can be provided, which inflates a bag and thus creates an additional thrust directed to the upside.The invention is particularly useful in the investigation at the deep ocean sea-bottom.

Abstract: A floating/tensioned production system for use in deepwater drilling and production operations generally combining a relatively small tension leg platform with a semisubmersible platform. The semisubmersible platform is provided with a working deck supported above the water surface so that an air gap exists between the working deck and the water surface. The tension leg platform provides a heave-restrained production deck for near-surface wellhead equipment. The production deck is supported above the drill site but beneath the water surface by buoyancy members and held in place by one or more tethers. Most other drilling and production equipment is located on the semisubmersible working deck. A caisson, surrounding the production deck, is used to provide a substantially dry working area. In one embodiment, the caisson is retractably attached to the production deck.

Abstract: A semi-submersible drill rig structure includes a ring-like enclosure surrounding a central drilling axis. In the structure are magazines holding drill string elements vertically. Lifting means on the structure raise the vertical drill string elements from their magazines and carry them to the drilling axis. A guide ring is displaceable to and from the drilling axis, in synchronism with the lifting means, to restrain the lower end of each raised element against pendulation. The magazines are rotatable about vertical axes to bring the individual elements under the line of movement of the lifting means and guide ring. Well casing elements are similarly restrained by the guide ring as they also are carried in a vertical orientation to the drilling axis. The disposition of the magazines in a structure surrounding the drilling axis provides a relatively calm region through which the drilling operations can be conducted.

Abstract: A floating semisubmersible off-shore drilling platform or the like comprises an upper working level portion and a lower pontoon portion. When the platform is transported from one place to another, it floats on the pontoon portion, but when it is working as a stationary unit in open water, it is submerged deeper, so that the pontoon portion is at a considerable distance below the water surface and the working level portion is at a considerable distance above the water surface. The platform is adapted to withstand ice pressure from ice occurring in the ambient water by giving the pontoon portion of the platform a form particularly advantageous in ice conditions. When ice occurs, the platform is lifted to such a position, that its pontoon portion comes to float at the water surface level.

Abstract: A drilling, production and oil storage caisson for use in deep water offshore well operations in which the caisson has such a deep draft that its bottom end is subject only to minimal excitation forces caused by wave, wind and current acting on the caisson, the caisson including a plurality of oil storage compartments, a plurality of water ballast compartments above said oil storage compartments, a through axial passageway through said compartments; a riser system including a plurality of riser pipes in concentric circular arrangement within the through passageway or center well, each of the riser pipes being supported and tensioned by a buoyant flotation unit connected thereto; a drill string extending axially through said passageway between said riser pipes; and mooring lines connected to the bottom portion of the caisson extending therefrom with relatively low scope of 1:1 or less and providing a small watch circle for anchors for said mooring lines, the mooring lines being tensioned so that the mooring li

Abstract: A multi-well hydrocarbon development system is economically established and operated by drilling cluster wells through the piles securing the base structure which supports a semisubmersible tension leg buoy through a single leg assembly. The buoy includes a turntable with skid beams on which a drilling rig is slidably mounted so that the rig can be positioned over the piles and cluster wells can be drilled through the piles. Produced fluids are transported into a containment means for separation and storage within the buoy. A captive processing vessel may be moored to the buoy and a means is provided to dispose processed water and/or gas responsibly.

Abstract: A deep draft oil well drilling platform having a large hollow body is shaped, designed, and ballasted to have a substantial portion thereof submerged under the surface of the ocean a sufficient distance to be substantially unaffected by surface waves and weather. The body contains an oil well drilling rig and all supplies, equipment, and materials normally necessary to drill an oil well, with such rig, equipment, and the like positioned well below the surface of the water.

Abstract: A method for drilling wellbores from an offshore platform to penetrate a subterranean formation using a combination of surface drilling techniques and subsea drilling techniques to achieve an improved effectiveness by avoiding the necessity for large conduits communicating the ocean floor and the offshore platform.

Abstract: Marine structure adapted to be fixed to the ocean floor for drilling wellbores into the latter. A drill conductor cage is removably positioned within the marine structure at a submerged position. The cage holds one or more drill string guides in a manner that directionally oriented wells can be drilled without movement of the structure. The cage is readily disengaged from its under-water working position in order that it can be brought to the water's surface, or otherwise adjusted to facilitate the addition of further conductor guides.

Abstract: Pipes which are to be inserted vertically into the sea bed for the extraction of fluids therefrom, such as liquids and gases, are connected together in groups, with each pipe group being constructed on shore and then supported horizontally by the water while it is being moved to a platform site. The pipes are then flooded to turn the pipe package to a vertical position and the package is then connected with a platform by being engaged in a receiving groove in the platform edge. The pipe packages are then driven vertically into the sea bed and can then be fixedly connected to the platform and suitable connections made thereto for the flow of fluids upwardly in the sea bed through the pipe packages to the platform.

Abstract: A multiple well platform is described for producing hydrocarbons, preferably using a free-standing single riser caisson. Although the wells are connected up to the surface, the largest casings (and preferably most of the other casings) are terminated at about the mudline. The apparatus uses a guide located at a level about the ocean floor which can be oriented to direct well installing apparatus to any of several exit holes and enables multiple wells to be installed through a riser caisson only slightly larger than the diameter of the largest size well casing. The apparatus preferably has a single riser caisson to extend from about the marine bottom to above the water level with at least one buoyancy chamber attached to its upper portion, and an enlarged bottom section. The bottom section contains the guide means to direct apparatus such as drills and casing into appropriate exit holes.

Abstract: A submarine well drilling and geological exploration station includes an inner pressure hull specially configured for submerged drilling and exploration and an outer fairing hull of conventional submarine design. The pressure hull is divided by an air lock into an atmospheric pressure chamber and a superatmospheric pressure chamber. Ballast tanks are arranged so that the station may be rotated from a horizontal in-transit orientation to a vertical drilling and exploration orientation. The superatmospheric chamber permits exploration and drilling operations therein in the vertical orientation. A tandem propeller system is used to stabilize the station in position while in the vertical orientation and to propel the station from location to location while submerged in the horizontal orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing directional drilling from an offshore drilling platform, the drilling platform being of monopod construction with a submerged base, a single vertical column extending up from the base and supporting a platform above the water, the column having a vertical moon pool extending downwardly from the platform and opening in the base. A conductor pipe for receiving a drill string from a drilling rig mounted on the platform extends from the platform through the moon pool, the conductor pipe curving in an arc. The conductor pipe is supported vertically at its upper end. The conductor pipe is supported at the lower end at a position displaced from the center of the moon pool. The upper and lower supports permit rotation of the conductor pipe about a common vertical axis, the radial displacement of the lower end of the conductor pipe from this axis due to the curvature of the pipe being adjustable.