Abstract: A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.

Abstract: A spool has a cylinder, a first flange coupled to a first end of the cylinder and a second flange coupled to a second end of the cylinder. A compressible material surrounds the cylinder and an optical fiber is wrapped around the compressible material. When tension is applied to the optical fiber the compressible material can be deformed to reduce the tension on the optical fiber. When submerged underwater the water pressure will not compress the compressible material.

Abstract: A communications ducting system, and method of laying a communications duct assembly below a surface, usually in a carriageway or footpath, using an open slot which is subsequently backfilled. The width of the slot is preferably not substantially greater than the narrowest outer cross sectional width of the duct assembly. In at least one direction, the duct assembly has a dimension of less than 20 mm and thus the slot need be no more than 20 mm wide. The duct assembly can be laid along the bottom of the slot, preferably on a layer of sand or other bedding material. Access chambers may provide fiber blowing points along the slot for installing optical fiber in the duct assembly after the assembly is in place, either for the original installation of the fibers or for repair purposes. The access chambers can also be used to accommodate changes in direction of the slot and for repairs in the duct assembly.

Abstract: A technique for aiding an underground communications cable installer in the installation such cable in underground utilities neighborhoods. The technique manages the problem presented by a surface-visible, underground-pathway obstruction such as a sidewalk, which lies across the path of installation. The technique, or method, is useful with any kind of cable, such as fiberoptic cable or copper wire cable. Hydraulic water pressure is applied through a biased, flexible conduit to erode a pathway under the obstruction from ground surface on one side to ground surface on the opposite side of the obstruction, thereby forming a tunnel under the obstruction through which the cable can be easily pulled. In alternative embodiments, the cable can be inserted directly into and through the conduit while it is underground, the conduit then acting as a sleeve for the cable which is subsequently removed prior to burying the cable in a trench dug from street-located handhole to house.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for installing a pipe (313) when drilling a first hole with the aid of a rock drilling apparatus (100), wherein a tool (309) which can be connected to a drilling machine (306) via one or more drill rods (308) is used in said drilling, which method comprises—drilling a first part of said first hole,—installing a pipe (313) in at least a part or said first drilled part of said first hole, wherein the method further comprises:—installing said pipe (313) in said first hole while drilling of said first part of said first hole is in progress.—pulling said drill rod (308) out of said first hole before finishing drilling of said first hole to the desired, compared with said first part, deeper depth. The invention also relates to a system and to a rock drilling apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for recovering the core (108) of a subterranean sheathed electrical cable (106), while minimising the impact on the surrounding environment. The apparatus comprises a ram (102) operable to exert a pushing force on the core of a length of the cable, a plurality of linkages, each linkage being configured to be insertable into the cable along its length under the action of the ram to displace the core relative to an outer sheath of the cable, and a puller operable (104) to exert a pulling force on the core to thereby facilitate removal of the displaced core from the outer sheath by action of the pushing/pulling forces. The apparatus and method are found to be particularly suited to the recovery of high-tension copper core cables, while enabling any hydrocarbon (e.g. oil) impregnated inner sheathing to be controllably disposed of without hazard to the environment.

Abstract: To construct an underground cable line in-situ, cut and immediately evacuate a void in the existing covering surface. Next, lay or apply cable(s) into the void. Then, flow a non-shrinking composition into a portion of the void around the cable to fill a portion of the void. Upon rigidification the cable is encased in the void by the non-shrinking composition. Last, apply a topping material to the exposed surface of the composition in such volume as to fill any remaining portion of the void.

Abstract: A vessel (1) for laying a pipeline (2), comprising a tower (3) which comprises a firing line (4) and is connected to the vessel by a hinge assembly (5) comprising a tower pivot axis (6), wherein: the tower is pivotable relative to the vessel about the tower pivot axis, during pipelaying the tower comprises an upper end and a lower end and the pipeline moves relative to the vessel along the firing line in a laying direction from the upper end towards the lower end, and the tower pivot axis is located at a distance D1 from said upper end as viewed in the laying direction, a system for abandoning and recovering the pipeline, wherein: the system comprises at least one line for lowering and raising a member configured to be connected to the pipeline, and the at least one line is supported by the hinge assembly and/or by the tower at a distance of at least ? D1 from said upper end as viewed in the laying direction.

Abstract: At a location where unevenness 1000 is present, the condition of a seabed 200 is investigated in advance to examine the respective numbers of large filter units 51 and small filter units 52 to be used, and the position where the large filter units 51 and the small filter units 52 are to be installed. Based on the investigation result, the small filter units 52 are installed on the bottom of the unevenness 1000. The large filter units 51 are installed on the upper surface formed by the installed small filter units 52, and are leveled so that the upper surface formed by the installed large filter units 51 becomes flush with the seabed 200.

Abstract: A method of driving a pipe into the ground includes steps of placing a pipe to be driven into the ground onto a series of at least two spaced skids each having an upwardly opening cradle thereon so that the pipe spans and is supported by the skid cradles, one skid proximate a front end of the pipe and the other skid proximate a rear end of the pipe, each skid including a vertical jack mechanism for raising and lowering the pipe supported by the skid, positioning the pipe in a position for ramming into the ground by operating the vertical jack mechanisms as needed to raise the pipe into the ramming position, and ramming the pipe using an impact ramming tool applied to push the pipe into the ground.

Abstract: A mandrel is formed with a projection, depression or a surface irregularity to retain the seal material sealing a passage in the mandrel or an annular space around it against differential pressure. The material can be a shape memory or swelling material.

Abstract: An extractor for removing agricultural tubing from soil of a field and related methods are provided. The extractor includes a frame and a pivot frame disposed on the frame. The pivot frame can have a pivot axis around which at least a portion of the pivot frame is pivotal. The extractor can include a first roller secured to the frame and a second roller secured to the pivot frame that is moveable by the pivot frame with the first roller being positioned closer to the soil than the second roller so that a tubing to be extracted is threadable under the first roller and over the second roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting a string section to a pulling element which extends through the string section. The device includes a tilt lever support (100), at least one tilt lever (102), which is connected to the tilt lever support so as to enable the tilt lever to pivot about a pivot point, and thereby moving a support part (105) of the tilt lever for support on the string section from a retracted position into an extended position, wherein the retracted position is closer to the center axis of the device than the extended position. The device further includes a connection for connecting the tilt lever support to the pulling element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for introducing at least one pipe (2) for at least one optical cable (3) into a solid bed with the aid of a laying device, wherein at least one groove (1) is milled or cut in the bed and the at least one pipe (2) is inserted in the at least one groove (1), wherein at least one side wall (1?) of the at least one groove (1) is configured with a step (1?) for supporting a filler material (5, 6), by which after laying the at least one pipe (2) the possibly remaining volume of each groove (1) is filled, or a pipe (2) formed according to the groove (1). Preferably both side walls (1?) of the at least one groove (1) are configured with a supporting step (1??), resulting in a substantially T-shaped cross-section of the groove (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes: heating and melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; and butt fusing the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion, thereby creating a fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and associated vessel for transferring liquids from offshore tankers to an onshore storage facility. The system utilizes a flexible pipe that is heavier than the water it displaces, such that the flexible pipe sinks to the sea floor even when empty. The high weight and relatively small profile of the flexible pipe avoids the need for anchoring the pipe to the sea floor. The flexible pipe has a bending radius of no greater than five feet, such that it can be wound onto spools onboard the vessel, and can be rapidly deployed, retrieved, and reused in another location. The vessel containing the spools of flexible pipe is dynamic positioning capable, and contains the equipment required to establish a position onshore to receive the liquid being transferred; means to deploy, retrieve, and repair the flexible pipe; and means to receive liquid from a tanker vessel and pump that liquid through the flexible pipe to the onshore storage facility.

Abstract: The current inventive technology relates to methods and apparatus for a providing an energy efficient and durable landscape lamp. The lamp can retract when not in use to prevent damage. The high efficiency retractable landscape lamp of this invention may be powered by conventional distributed low voltage or by a solar photovoltaic (PV) source. In some embodiments the lamp may be powered by low voltage, it may be individually interchangeable with a conventional low voltage landscape lamp or may be installed in a low voltage lighting complete system. This lamp may house the electrical components and gearmotor in an upper dry compartment making it reliable in outdoor installations, even in wet environments. This invention can also relate to operation without the need for unreliable limit switches for the raising and lowering of the lamp.

Abstract: A means of containing or stopping flow through a pipe underwater by a self contained system with a thermal clamshell that will freeze the oil or fuel piping closed by means of refrigeration and a self propelled machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Geometric Universal Pumping Platform (GUPP) that comprises a platform containing an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump for producing high pressure hydraulic fluid and one or more pumps powered by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The pump is selected for the desired commissioning method to be carried out, such as flooding, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The GUPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric current for the electric motor supported by the GUPP.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Universal Power Platform (UPP) that powers the pump or pumps that may not be on the platform but that are in a skid subsea near the pipeline for a desired pre-commissioning method to be carried out, such as cleaning, filling, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The UPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric power for running the selected pump(s). The Power Platform also is used as a testing system for control umbilicals that usually are near the pipelines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Universal Pumping Platform (UPP) that comprises a platform containing an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump for producing high pressure hydraulic fluid and one or more pumps powered by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The pump is selected for the desired commissioning method to be carried out, such as filling, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The UPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric current for the electric motor supported by the UPP.

Abstract: Method for laying a pipeline onto a seabed from a lay barge, the pipeline having an inner corrosion proof metallic cladding that is closely fitted with metallic contact to an outer pipe material that is less corrosion proof. The method includes reeling a section of the pipeline onto a pipe laying drum, while an overpressure of 5-25 bar is maintained within the section by a pressurized fluid inside the section, b) joining a further pipeline section to the section already reeled onto the pipe laying drum, while the pipeline is motionless without mechanical movement, as the overpressure can he relieved as long as the sections are without mechanical movement, c) applying an overpressure of 5-25 bar within the sections and the further section is reeled onto the pipe laying drum, d) and joining several sections together and reeling the joined sections onto one or several pipe laying drums by repeating step b) and c) until the predetermined pipeline length is achieved.

Abstract: A soil penetrating plate to position a flexible geothermal conduit loop in spoil is described. The soil penetrating plate has a leading soil penetrating formation which is provided with hook arrangements to hook an end loop portion of a conduit loop. The soil penetrating plate is securable to a force transmitting shaft or cable to displace the soil penetrating plate in soil whereby to position the conduit loop thereinto.

Abstract: A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.

Abstract: The machine allows the placing of small troughs in trenches, made up by a loading platform (1) with a rotating conveyor (4) or sliding (7) for the small troughs (CA) to a feeding train (2) directing them towards an aligning box (3). The feeding train has folding sections (21), (22) and (23), being the central section (22) the one that has the coupling and linking means (24) to the tractor (T) and also where the loading platform (1) is journalled, the first section (21) is the one receiving the small troughs from the rotating conveyor (4), the second section (22) receives them from the sliding conveyor (7) and the third section (23) deposits the small troughs (CA) in the aligning box (2), which aligns the small troughs (CA) on which the corresponding covers (P) are overlapped by a device based on a framework (8) and an inclined platform (9).

Abstract: A pipelayer having an undercarriage with at least two tracks and a main assembly. Each track has a track frame coupled to the undercarriage and a track shoe supported by and movable around the track frame. The main assembly is supported by and rotatable relative to the undercarriage, and has a main frame, a boom pivotally mounted to the main frame, an operator cab, and a cab riser connecting the operator cab to the main frame. The cab riser is operable to selectively raise and lower the operator cab relative to the main frame. Also provided is a movable cab assembly having an operator cab, an adjustment mechanism to connect the cab to a vehicle frame and move to change the operator's view, and a guide to align the cab. A method for laying pipe using a pipelayer having a movable cab is also provided.

Abstract: A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.

Abstract: A metal conduit pipe, which is covered with an extruded layer made of polyamide moulding compound, is used to produce a duct laid in water, wherein in the course of laying the duct, the coating is exposed to a shearing pressure load and/or a bending load due to laying method selected.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for deploying optical fiber-optic cables or other cables. A general planar device is formed with a conduit disposed along the device. One or more fiber-optic cables or other types of communication cables are inserted through the conduit. The device with the embedded cables is pressed into the ground and can be used to provide high-bandwidth communications to a user's home from a service provider.

Abstract: A method of joining pipes (3) to produce underwater pipelines (2), wherein the facing free ends (15) of two adjacent pipes (3), aligned along an axis (A), are welded to define a cutback (18); a protective sheet (22) of plastic material is extruded close to the cutback (18); and the protective sheet (22) is wound about the cutback (18).

Abstract: A pipeline 100 comprising an outer rigid conduit 30, which is formed of a composite material, the composite material being arranged such that thermal expansion in the longitudinal direction is an effective longitudinal CTE from zero to about ?/+10×10?6° K?1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a cable core from a cable sheath, which cable core comprises an envelope (8), wherein, at an end of the cable (1), a flowable medium (22) is introduced under pressure into the cable tube (9) so as to reduce friction, and a tensile force (F) is exerted on the cable core at an end (5) of the cable (1). To provide a method by which existing cables can be freed from their core in as quick and inexpensive a manner as possible, it is provided for the flowable medium to be introduced precisely targeted into the annular space between the inner side of the cable sheath and the envelope (8) of the cable core.

Abstract: An installation technique is shown for use with a pre-insulated steam piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of foam insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. An expansion loop is used to create an artificial low point in the overall pipeline which allows the pipeline to avoid a buried obstruction without the necessity of increasing the depth of the remaining portion of the pipeline on either side of the loop. The expansion loop has a pair of oppositely arranged side legs which are joined by a cross-leg portion of the loop, the cross-leg portion of the loop being angled downwardly at a predetermined angle, to thereby provide a change in elevation which avoids the buried obstruction in the pathway of the pipeline.

Abstract: A mobile waste processing system and method is disclosed for processing materials in a tank, typically an underground storage tank. A mobile fluid processing module is disposed adjacent to or over the tank, and sealingly connected to the tank through a tank riser. Support equipment, which may include an electric power module, a chiller module, a heating module, and a control and monitor module, are disposed a distance from the processing module, and connected thereto. A pump and optionally a dispersal nozzle are deployed from the processing module into the tank, and effluent is extracted for processing. The processing trailer includes effluent processing equipment such as an evaporator and demister, condenser, vacuum pump, and interim storage tank. The effluent is processed, and at least a portion is removed. Some of the processed effluent may be returned to the tank.

Abstract: An installation for and a method for driving a submarine pipeline scraper, wherein one of the ends of the pipeline has a launch device and the other end has a receiving device. The scraper defines an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. It can be launched inside the pipeline from the launch device in the direction of the receiving device, allowing water to enter through the launch device in order to subject the upstream chamber to hydrostatic pressure. The receiving device is identical to the launch device, such that water can enter through the receiving device in order to balance the pressure of the two chambers, and also enables a fluid to be injected into the downstream chamber to drive the scraper toward the launch device.

Abstract: A system comprising a structure defining an interior of the system; an apparatus exterior to the structure, the apparatus adapted to reduce in size when lowered into a body of water; a strap exterior to the apparatus, the strap adapted to reduce in size as the apparatus reduces in size.

Abstract: A cable guide device for a manhole includes a wall supporting plate supported against a wall surface of an entrance part of the manhole, a cable guide body positioned at the bottom part of the wall supporting plate, a rotation shaft mounted vertically to the cable guide body and the wall supporting plate so that the cable guide body can be rotated from side to side with regard to the wall supporting plate, and at least one guide roller which rotates integrally with a roller shaft combined with the cable guide body so as to guide the cable into at least one underground pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the maintenance of pipelines. The method includes selecting a number of points along the pipeline and raising the pipeline at these points by an amount that the height difference between these points does not exceed the international flexibility standards. The apparatus includes at least one lifting frame, telescopic lifting arms and a flexible device connected to the lifting arms for engaging the pipeline.

Abstract: A strand-like material laying device for an appliance for laying any kind of strand-like material into the ground is disclosed. The strand-like material laying device is designed to lay a more rigid strand-like material such as steel pipes into the ground, and assures that the strand-like material to be laid can smoothly be fed into a trench formed in the ground without risking that a bending radius thereof falls below a minimum allowable bending radius which depends on the type of the strand-like material to be laid. The strand-like material laying device can also be immersed into the ground to form a subterranean trench while being moved in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a cable core from a cable sheath, which cable core comprises an envelope (8), wherein, at an end of the cable (1), a flowable medium (22) is introduced under pressure into the cable tube (9) so as to reduce friction, and a tensile force (F) is exerted on the cable core at an end (5) of the cable (1). To provide a method by which existing cables can be freed from their core in as quick and inexpensive a manner as possible, it is provided for the flowable medium to be introduced precisely targeted into the annular space between the inner side of the cable sheath and the envelope (8) of the cable core.

Abstract: A subterranean ground heat exchange system, a method of installation, and a grout composition therefor. The grout composition is a pumpable slurry formed of from about 70 to about 85 parts by weight natural flake graphite and from about 30 to about 15 parts by weight bentonite. The solids content of the pumpable grout slurry is preferably at least 35% by weight and is more preferably at least 40% by weight. The ground exchange apparatus preferably utilizes an improved supply and return header comprised of supply and return ports which are provided through the vertically extending outer wall of a header housing. The header also includes an interior supply conduit which extends from the supply port into the interior of the header housing and includes a bend positioned in the interior of the housing for directing the heat transfer fluid downwardly.

Abstract: A pipe gripper device including first and second gripper bodies and a clevis assembly. The gripper bodies each have a head and an arm. The head forms a slot. The arm defines a grip segment proximate a leading end and forms a textured exterior surface. The arms are pivotably coupled and slidably contact one another along corresponding interiors. The clevis assembly includes a clevis mounted to the heads by a pin passing through the respective slots. The gripper device is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state by pivoting of the gripper bodies at the corresponding pivot points, with the pin sliding within the slots to define a limit of the expanded state. In the contracted state, the grip segments are readily inserted into a pipe; upon transitioning toward the expanded state, the grip segments engage the pipe interior for application of a pulling force.

Abstract: A method of joining pipes to produce an underwater pipeline on a firing line includes supplying the firing line with pipes having previously roughened end portions; welding the end portions of adjacent pipes to form cutbacks, each of which is defined by two end portions, and by an annular weld bead between the two end portions; cleaning, by cryogenic blasting, the outer surface of each cutback; and forming a protective joint coating about each cutback.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating electrical pipe-to-soil impedance of a coated segment of a pipeline includes simulating a current injection point to a buried pipe section, simulating a first output signal from a magnetometer positioned at a first location over the buried pipe section, simulating a second output signal from a magnetometer positioned at a second location over the buried pipe section, simulating bonding of pipe coating of the pipe section, and simulating soil resistance of a soil environment surrounding the buried pipe section. The invention includes both field-test simulation with calibration pipe samples, and bench-test simulation using electronic simulation of the pipe coating. The simulations may be used for test and general calibration of MEIS pipeline coating inspection systems.

Abstract: The pipe extractor includes a main frame supported by wheels mounted on the main frame. The wheels are vertically movable, relative to the main frame, by a hydraulic cylinder. An extractor frame is pivotally attached to the main frame for pivotal movement about an extractor axis. A shank has an upper end attached to the extractor frame. A shoe with a pipe through passage is connected to a lower end of the shank. A self leveling linkage pivots the extractor frame about the extractor axis in response vertical movement of the wheels. A hitch beam is pivotally attached to the main frame. Pipe contacts the pipe through passage in the shoe and steers the main frame. A lister is mounted on the hitch beam. A ramp assembly and rear plow are pivotally connected to the shoe.

Abstract: A modular naval complex comprises a basic vessel provided with means for varying the height of the waterline thereof and housing the bottom of which is formed by a platform that can be moved between a raised position and a submerged position by operating said means to vary the height of the waterline, the naval complex comprising equipped floating modules suitable for being inserted into said housing and to be extracted floating from the latter when the platform is in the submerged position, the modules resting on the platform when it is in the raised position, on the equipped modules active operating means being integrated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pig receiver used in a dewatering method for subsea pipelines. In the dewatering method a pig is placed in one end of the pipeline filled with water and a compressed gas is introduced behind the pig; in addition the water and pig are drawn by a subsea pump operated by a submersible vehicle (SV) operating near the sea floor to a pig receiver of the present invention. A feature of the pig receiver is a gas sensor that shuts the pump off when gas enters the receiver to prevent a gas (vapor) lock of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixation device for fixation of a position of an inner pipe of a double-walled pipe with respect to a pipe laying structure and/or an outer pipe of said double-walled pipe, said fixation device comprising: an inner pipe gripping device (23) configured to grip said inner pipe, and a connection device (24,25,2S) configured to connect said inner pipe gripping device with said pipe laying structure and/or said outer pipe, said connection device having a flexible state in which, during use, the inner pipe gripping device is movable with respect to said pipe laying structure and/or said outer pipe, and a fixation state in which, during use, the inner pipe gripping device is fixated with respect to the pipe-laying structure and/or said outer pipe.

Abstract: A system for distributing large pipe or conduit at a job site includes a containment mounted on a vehicle and configured to contain a quantity of pipe. The containment defines an opening sized for passage of a pipe lengthwise. A pipe dispensing apparatus is disposed within the opening and includes a pair of grabber plates each defining a slot to receive a pipe therein. The grabber plates are simultaneously rotated to acquire a pipe from within the containment and convey the pipe through the opening. The grabber plates continue to rotate until the slots are oriented so that the pipe drops from the grabber plates by gravity. The vehicle is then moved to another location to drop another pipe.