Abstract: A pipeline ballast has at least two sacks adapted to straddle a pipeline. Permeable sacks filled with inert high density aggregate such as barite uses less dry weight of aggregate to restrain buoyancy. Preferably a top sack and two pairs of side sacks connected to either side of the top sack, which when cinched, conform to the pipeline. Preferably each side sack is a pair of sacks which are flexibly hinged for more efficient loading onto the pipeline and for better conforming to the pipeline when cinched. Preferably a one piece cinching strap has two loops spaced thereon hook and loop type fasteners at the loose ends for securing together once cinched. The cinching strap is wrapped about the pipeline ballast and the lifting loops are positioned low on either side of the pipeline and lifted tangentially away from each other before the loose ends of the strap are secured to each other.

Abstract: A shallow water riser extending between a seabed connection and a floating support connection and of a length through the shallow water to be in wave form with at least one and, as illustrated, two wave areas in contact with the seabed. A protective sheath optionally surrounds the riser at the contact regions with the seabed. The upraised wave portions are supported by float elements.

Abstract: A stabilization system (10) for a section of submarine pipeline (11) comprising an end restraint (15) at each end of the section of pipeline and intermediate restraints (20) between the two end restraints (15) for limiting lateral movement of the pipeline (11) at the location of the restraints (15, 20). Each end restraint (15) is adapted to be secured to the pipeline (11) to transfer axial tension generated by lateral movement of the pipeline (11) to the seabed or ground on which the end restraint is installed. Each restraint (15, 20) comprises a pair of restraint faces (21) spaced apart to define a gap (23) through which the pipeline (11) can extend. Each restraint face (21) is configured to control curvature of the pipeline (11) during lateral movement thereof. A restraint device and a method of stabilizing a submarine pipeline is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A subsea cable (3) designed to extend from a floating structure (1) on the sea surface down to a subsea structure (2) on the sea floor with a first portion (3a) extending from the floating structure (1) to the sea floor and a second portion (3b) laid in or on the sea floor has an outer sheath and cables and/or conduits inside said outer sheath. The second portion (3b) of the subsea cable (3) is provided with at least one disc-shaped anchor (4) attached to the subsea cable (3b) with clamps. The at least one disc-shaped anchor (4) makes movement of the second portion (3b) more difficult.

Abstract: A method for deploying and retrieving seafloor equipment modules is disclosed. A conveyor has a fixed end and a free end. The conveyor is deployed into a body of water until the free end reaches, or is proximate to, the seafloor. The conveyor is dragged through the water. The equipment modules are slidably attached to the conveyor. The equipment modules slide along the conveyor to the seafloor, where the equipment modules engage the seafloor and are secured at a fixed position.

Abstract: A lightweight catenary system for deepsea operations in which a lightweight flexible pipe such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,779 is suspended in seawater from a vessel or platform, and having a positive or nearly positive buoyancy, and which is stabilized by disposing weight in proximity to or attached to the lower portion of the pipe at or near the seabed, whereby the weight and costs of supporting heavy pipe in offshore operations is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Method intended for automatic control of an underwater pipe for connecting the lower end of the pipe to a wellhead, wherein the following stages are carried out: Stage 1: determining a mathematical model expressing the position of the lower end of the pipe as a function of the position of the upper end of the pipe, Stage 2: determining a reference path leading to the wellhead, Stage 3: from the mathematical model determined in stage 1, determining control laws allowing to control the path of the lower end of the pipe, Stage 4: applying determined motions to the upper end of the pipe so that the position of the lower end is as close as possible to the reference path determined in stage 2.

Abstract: A conduit structure (44) connects subsea oil wells to a floating structure (12) such as a vessel, in shallow water, the conduit structure providing a low cost and reliable fluid connection during drift of the vessel. The conduit structure includes a seafloor riser support (50) with a lower end (52) fixed to the seafloor and an upper end (54) lying a plurality of meters above the seafloor. A flexible pipe or hose (46) extends in a double catenary curve from the top of the seafloor riser support, at a downward incline away from the seafloor riser support and then at an upward incline to the floating structure. A rigid pipe (70) can extend along a plurality of meters of the height of the riser support to minimize the required length of flexible hose and facilitate installation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for pipeline stabilization and shoreline erosion protection, termed a BulkMat device, for protecting and securing pipelines, which are typically located in ditches or on the floor of large bodies of water. In preferred form, the BulkMat comprises a long fabric mat with four to eight fabric compartments sewn onto the mat and filled with dry bulk sand/cement mix. In the preferred embodiment, the BulkMat is comprised of polypropylene. The BulkMat has four lifting loops that are used to pick-up and lower the BulkMat onto the desired location. When the bulk mat is placed on the location, and water sets in, the sand/cement mix in the compartments will harden to concrete. By hardening after it is set in place, the BulkMat will conform completely to the pipeline or covered area to be protected, precisely matching the specific area.

Abstract: A bottom-to-surface connection installation for an undersea pipe. The installation comprises a vertical riser having its bottom end connected to an undersea pipe on the sea bed, and having a float at its top end, and a pipe connecting a floating support at the top end of the vertical riser. The connection between the riser bottom end and the undersea pipe is via an anchor system having a base on the sea bed. The base holds and guides junction elements between the bottom end of the riser and the end of the lower end of the undersea pipe. The junction elements comprise a rigid pipe element presenting an angled bend and a pipe coupling element which are fixed to a moving support of the base. The junction elements are fixed to the moving support and are free to move only in translation in a single longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A composition comprising by weight: 70 to 96% of at least one polyamide chosen from PA-11, PA-12, aliphatic polyamides resulting from the condensation of an aliphatic diamine having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms and an aliphatic diacid having from 9 to 12 carbon atoms, and 11/12 copolyamides having either more than 90% of nylon-11 units or more than 90% of nylon-12 units; 4 to 10% of a plasticizer; 0 to 25% of an NBR or H-NBR elastomer; and the sum of the amount of plasticizer and the amount of elastomer is between 4 and 30%; can be manufactured by melt-blending the various constituents using standard techniques for thermoplastics. The composition is particularly useful for pipes used in the operation of offshore oil and gas fields. They exhibit very good ageing resistance. They are also useful for simpler pipes in motor vehicles, these compositions withstanding the ageing caused by the temperature under the bonnet of motor vehicles and the nature of the fluids transported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation providing a bottom-to-surface connection for an undersea pipe resting on the sea bottom, in particular at great depth, the installation being of the hybrid tower type having a static base placed on the sea bottom. In the installation of the present invention, said pipe resting on the sea bottom is connected by a flexible pipe element constituting a bend to a vertical riser whose bottom end is held in fixed position relative to said base.

Abstract: A loading arrangement includes a riser that extends from a subsea structure to a coupling element for coupling the riser to a vessel. The coupling element includes a buoy body which is connected to a retention member via a flexible connection part. The retention member, such as a submerged buoy, is attached to anchor lines which at or near their end parts are provided with buoy. The connection part, which can be a cable or a frame structure has a relatively high tensile strength to anchor the vessel to the sea bed and to prevent drift of the vessel when tension is exerted on the connection part and the anchor line.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a protecting and immobilizing element of the mattress-like type consists in providing containing means (2, 20) and a layer of flexible material (3, 21) inside them, with the peripheral edges (4, 22) of the flexible layer (3, 21) protruding from the containing means (2, 20). Anchoring means (5) and a first netting structure (6, 23) are also arranged inside the containing means (2, 20) so that the netting structure (6, 23) is in direct contact with the flexible layer (3, 21) and the anchoring means (5) pass through the netting structure at predetermined positions (12, 25). The containing means (2, 20) are then filled with a filling material (7) comprising solid and/or fluid elements, and a second netting structure (8) is superposed on the filling material. Finally, by superposing, at least partially, the peripheral edges (4, 22) of the flexible layer (3, 21), a closed cover is produced from which the ends (11, 27) of the anchoring means (5) protrude.

Abstract: A modular helical anchor apparatus includes at least two shaft sections connected by an anchor section. An end of each of the shaft sections is releasably connected to opposite ends of the anchor sections by fasteners. The anchor section includes a helical member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deployment of mooring systems for buoyant marine structures such as mobile offshore drilling units (MODU's) and for connecting the same to the mooring lines thereof. An anchor handling vessel carries one or more anchors each having a deployment connection and a mooring connection and individually moves each anchor over its stem roller and deploys it to the sea bottom for installation. A handling line is disconnected by ROV from the deployment connection and is moved from the deployment connection to the mooring connection so as to become the main mooring line. Syntactic buoys are then mounted on the main mooring line for elevating it above the sea bottom for recovery. When MODU stationing is desired the anchor handling vessel then recovers the surface buoy and connects to the rig mooring line using a short section of mooring chain. A J-chaser stopper device is then installed in the mooring string and is connected to the mooring line of the MODU by a short section of chain.

Abstract: An offshore loading or production system for dynamically positioned ships, comprising a riser means (4) extending between a supply means and a coupling head (5) for connection to a connecting means (6) on the ship (1). The riser means (4) comprises a lower riser portion (7) extending along the seabed (8) and being arranged to take up a wavy shape above the seabed by means of at least one bottom-anchored first buoyancy element (9), and an upper riser portion (10) of which the lower end is connected to the lower riser portion (7) via a second buoyancy element (11), and of which the upper end is connected to the coupling head (5) via a swivel unit (12). The second buoyancy element (11) is connected to a supporting anchoring (17) extending along the seabed (8) in a direction away from the lower riser portion (7).

Abstract: A screw form anchor device (10) intended for screwed penetration into a host material. The anchor device (10) includes a body (11) having a manipulating end (12) and a distal end (13). A screw thread (22) is formed by a plurality of tapering angular helix thread forms (22a) which extend from the distal end. Each angular helix thread form (22a) has an outward facing surface (24) and, relative to the distal end, a downward facing surface (25). In the preferred form an emergent helix thread (26) commences from a point distant from the distal end (13). This emergent helix thread (26) extends toward the manipulating end (12) of the body (11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deployment of mooring systems for buoyant marine structures such as mobile offshore drilling units (MODU's) and for connecting the same to the mooring lines thereof. An anchor handling vessel carries one or more anchors each having a deployment connection and a mooring connection and individually moves each anchor over its stern roller and deploys it to the sea bottom for installation. A handling line is disconnected by ROV from the deployment connection and is moved from the deployment connection to the mooring connection so as to become the main mooring line. Syntactic buoys are then mounted on the main mooring line for elevating it above the sea bottom for recovery. When MODU stationing is desired the anchor handling vessel then recovers the surface buoy and connects to the rig mooring line using a short section of mooring chain. A J-chaser stopper device is then installed in the mooring string and is connected to the mooring line of the MODU by a short section of chain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deployment of mooring systems for mobile offshore drilling units and for connecting the same to the mooring lines thereof. An anchor handling vessel is provided for transporting at least one suction anchor having a deployment connection and a mooring connection. The, said anchor handling vessel incorporates an anchor deployment mechanism having a handling wire with a quick-disconnect socket connector for accomplishing movement of said suction anchor from the service vessel for line deployment to the sea bottom. After deployment of the suction anchor, disconnecting the handling wire from the deployment connection and moving it to the mooring connection, such that the handling wire becomes the main mooring wire. Connecting buoys with the main mooring wire to position it for recovery. Repeating such procedure for each of the plurality suction anchors and mooring wires of the mobile offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: A method and vehicle to deploy and retrieve seismic apparatus to and from the ocean bottom and to acquire data from the seismic apparatus. Submersible robotic vessels deploy and retrieve the seismic apparatus to the ocean bottom to depths of up to 5,000 meters. The vessel can separate from the seismic apparatus and return to resume seismic operations. A robotic arm manipulates the seismic apparatus and attaches them to the ocean bottom utilizing fasteners to actively couple the seismic apparatus to the ocean bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deployment of mooring systems for buoyant marine structure such as mobile offshore drilling units (MODU's) and for connecting the same to the mooring lines thereof. An anchor handling vessel carries one or more anchors each having a deployment connection and a mooring connection and individually moves each anchor over its stern roller and deploys it to the sea bottom for installation. A handling line is disconnected by ROV from the deployment connection and is moved from the deployment connection to the mooring connection so as to become the main mooring line. Syntactic buoys are then mounted on the main mooring line for elevating it above the sea bottom for recovery. When MODU stationing is desired the anchor handling vessel then recovers the surface buoy and connects to the rig mooring line using a short section of mooring chain. A J-chaser stopper device is then installed in the mooring string and is connected to the mooring line of the MODU by a short section of chain.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a pipeline has a lower portion formed so as to be screwed into soil and firmly retained in the latter, an extension having a lower end connected with the lower portion and an upper end connectable to a rotary drive, and tether ropes having lower ends connected with the lower portion and upper ends adapted to be wrapped around a pipeline and firmly connected to the latter, so that the pipeline is held by the tether ropes at a desired depth.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a pipeline has a tubular lower portion formed so as to be screwed into soil and firmly retained in the soil, a tubular extension having a lower end connected with the lower portion and an upper end connectable to a rotary drive, and tether ropes extending inside the tubular lower portion and tubular extension and having lower ends connected with the lower portion and upper ends adapted to be wrapped around a pipeline and firmly connected to the pipeline, so that the pipeline is held by the tether ropes at a desired depth.

Abstract: A method and a device for the protective encapsulation of an oil or natural gas pipe loop within an outer jacket or cover for installation on the seabed, where the end portions of the pipe loop are coupled to an underwater structure. The protecting encapsulation of the pipe loop within the cover or outer jacket is performed on the surface and the pipe loop is lowered, substantially completely protected, to an installation position. On the seabed, the outer jacket or cover in which the pipe loop is confined may be covered with a layer of chippings.

Abstract: Concrete blocks with an open cell structure extending throughout the block are assembled in substantially parallel columns and rows to from a mat structure capable of articulating over underwater structures. The blocks are assembled by flexible cables that pass through the center of each block through perpendicular apertures, which are located on different horizontal planes to prevent intersection of the cables. A removable abrasive resistant pad is placed on one surface of the blocks to prevent the concrete block from causing damage to the structure. The pad is comprised of a solid base with an opening matching the opening on the block. It also has a plurality of upwardly extending post which serve as a contact point between the pad and the underwater structure and at least one self-locking dowel extending downward, which are inserted into dowel holes on one surface of the block, after the concrete has hardened. The entire pad is one homogeneous material.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing a tubular structure of a floating installation to an anchor fixedly secured to an underwater floor has a first connection element mounted at one end of the tubular structure and a second connection element configured at one end to couple with the first connection element. The second connection element includes a pair of guides secured thereto which extend horizontally therefrom. A hinge device connects the second connection element to the anchor such that the second connection element is pivotably connected to the anchor. A plurality of cables connect to both the tubular structure and the anchor, whereby the pair of guides cooperate with the cables such that when the cables are under tension, the cables urge the second connection element to pivot and align with the first connection element.

Abstract: A cable deployment system and method for laying a cable on the sea floor. The cable deployment system includes a cable having a first cable section connected to a riser cable section. The riser cable section includes an armor that is connected to a drum capable of containing a required length of the first cable section. A stinger is attached to the drum and shaped to allow the first cable section to exit the drum. The cable deployment system also includes a tensioning device attached to the drum. The tensioning device is capable of maintaining a tension in the first cable section during deployment of the first cable section from the drum. The method of deploying the cable in deep water from a surface vessel includes the steps of containing the first cable section within the drum and lowering the drum from the surface vessel. An end of the first cable section is secured to the sea floor and the first cable section is deployed from the drum onto the sea floor.

Abstract: A protective device having a shell structure and being shaped from a plate-shaped material, in particular but not exclusively, adapted for covering of a sub sea structure, such as at least one pipe line (21, 22), a Christmas tree or parts of such constructions. The protective device is designed as a downward open and upwards closed convex container or channel, comprising a substantially plane roof plate (5), e.g., two substantially plane and inclined side walls (3, 4) which may end in an individual foot plate (1, 2). The protective device or parts thereof is (are) designed with a shallow wave structure or with a weakly corrugated structure, the waves having a wave length (1) above 2.5 times the wave-height (h), and where the wave height does not exceed 10 times the thickness (d) of the plate-shaped material. As examples of usages the following may be mentioned: protection of constructions on land, lining of tunnels, building materials and modules for offshore living quarters.

Abstract: A pipeline weight includes a first flexible pouch and a second flexible pouch with a connecting web extending between the first pouch and the second pouch. Each of the first pouch and the second pouch are filled with a weight enhancing filler material.

Abstract: A series of height-adjustable pipe-supports are used to lay a flexible conduit such as the sewer line of a recreation vehicle at a gradually decreasing slant above a ground surface. Gutter segments are also used between the pipe and its supports to prevent sagging between them. Each support comprises a substantially hemispherical clamp mounted on a threaded rod that can be adjusted screwed into a pedestal. An intermediary extension can be interposed between the clamp and the pedestal to provide additional height.

Abstract: A pipeline buoyancy control assembly includes a pair of anchor rods, a pair of tie-down attachment members, a pair of termination members, and a flexible endless strap having an endless loop configuration. The anchor rods are driven partially into the ground along opposite lateral sides of the pipeline. The tie-down attachment members are disposed on and mounted to upper end portions of the anchor rods with each tie-down attachment member having a tubular mounting body defining an axial passageway through which the upper end portion of one anchor rod extends and a retainer body disposed in an oblique relation and attached to the tubular mounting body. Each termination member is mounted to the upper end portion of one of the anchor rods. The endless strap has opposite portions secured to the tie-down attachment members and main portions laid over a top of and disposed in a substantially transverse relation to the pipeline and extending between and attached to the opposite portions.

Abstract: A riser system for connecting a seabed installation to a floating vessel consists of first and second fluid conveying conduits (13,14) connected by an articulated joint (7). In a standby condition the articulated joint (7) is anchored to the seabed, the two conduits (13,14) are not in fluid communication with one another and the upper conduit (13) rises substantially vertically with the aid of a buoyancy device (9). In use, the upper conduit (13) is pulled in to a floating vessel, thereby releasing the articulated joint (7) from the anchor (8) and allowing the joint to pivot in order to connect the upper and lower conduits (13,14) to allow passage of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An articulated underwater cable riser system includes at least one articulated anchor section having a plurality of modular anchor segments and an articulated mid-span buoy having a plurality of modular buoy segments. The anchor segments and buoy segments encircle the cable and are secured adjacent one another in appropriate positions along the cable by cable clamps. The buoy segments and anchor segments are interfaced to the cable clamps by fairings which present smooth outlines for the anchor sections and mid-span buoy between the segments and the clamps to facilitate handling the anchor sections and mid-span buoy using conventional cable laying equipment. The anchor segments and buoy segments can be one-piece or, preferably, assembled by securing segment halves to one another. Bend limiters are coupled to at least some of the anchor segments to prevent an articulated anchor section from exceeding the minimum bend radius for the cable.

Abstract: A mat installation is disclosed which reduces shoreline deterioration due to wave and tide surging, comprising a series of concrete elements, disposed over a set of pipes fastened together, preferably in groups of three, by strapping or other suitable means and protected with a geotextitle fabric. The mat is then placed over the set of pipes and anchored at the onshore side of the pipes, with the pipes laterally facing the wave action.

Abstract: Device for the adjustment of buoyancy of a seismic cable comprising a main part (1) adapted to firm, integrated mounting into a chosen point in the length of the cable, the main part (1) comprising fastening means (3,4) for one or more weight or buoyancy elements (2) and one or more exchangeable weight or buoyancy elements (2) adapted to being mounted into the main part (1).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for weighting pipe segments of the type that are interconnected to form a pipeline for transporting fluids such as natural gas and the like. The exterior surface of each segment is wetted with a friction reducing agent prior to forming a coating of weighting material along the length of the pipe segment, the friction reducing agent selected to prevent the adhering of the weighting material to the pipe. In the preferred embodiment, where a medial portion of the pipe segment is wrapped with an adhesive material prior to wetting the remaining portion of the pipe segment's external surface with the friction reducing agent, and encasing same with the weighting material. Preferably, the adhesive material is joint tape, the friction reducing agent is vegetable oil, and the weighting material is concrete.

Abstract: Non-abrasive and non-shielding pads are attached to the at least one side of concrete elements with polymeric based fasteners that are embedded into a cast material, such as concrete, when the latter is soft. A flexible rope is laced through the center of each element in two directions to form a mat in a row-column array, and a groove is established to interconnect two mats together. Adequate spacing is provided between each element to allow the mat to conform to an uneven seabed or structure. The non-abrasive non-shielding pads separate the elements from the underwater installation to prevent the elements from scratching and permitting cathodic protection of the structures. Grooves are provided in selected elements, and loops are provided at the outer edges of the mat to enable several mats to be linked together.

Abstract: Non-abrasive pads are attached to the at least one side of concrete elements with nylon rivets that are embedded into the concrete when the latter is soft. A flexible rope is laced through the center of each element in two directions to form a mat in a row-column array. Adequate spacing is provided between each element to allow the mat to conform to an uneven seabed and cover the underwater installation. The non-abrasive pads separate the concrete elements from the underwater installation to prevent the concrete elements from scratching and ablating the delicate underwater installations. Grooves are provided in selected elements, and loops are provided at the outer edges of the mat to enable several mats to be linked together.

Abstract: Each module includes a tubular member filled with filling material, such as concrete, and a tube located in the filling material and extending longitudinally of the tubular member. Tubes or holes extend transversely through the tubular member and the filling material. The longitudinal tube facilitates connection of the module in end-to-end relationship with the modules using connecting mechanisms. The transverse tubes or holes facilitate securing the module to one or more like modules in side-by-side relationship using securing mechanisms. The modules may be assembled together so as to form, for example, a pipeline stabilizing and protection mat to ballast and protect underwater pipelines.

Abstract: A placement and support system for installing long lengths of connected pipe sections and method of using the same are provided having a series of pairs of spaced apart piles that are installed at predetermined sites by pile-driving into the floor of an expanse and, in particular, a body of water. Each pile has a bent seat at lower end and the piles are driven until the seats are positioned at the desired distance above the floor. The sections of pipe are preconnected on land or on a barge to a desired length. A prefabricated pipe saddle assembly is installed between each pair of piles and positioned above the water line by wedging or a hydraulic jack to form a series of pipe saddle assemblies. Each pipe saddle assembly has a transverse support beam. There is a pipe sleeve at each end of the support beam dimensioned to slide over the piles. A generally U-shaped pipe saddle is affixed to the transverse beam.

Abstract: A pipeline anchor apparatus provides left and right anchor units connected by a tie-down strap made of heavy-duty polyester or nylon webbing. The strap prevents the pipeline from floating in wet conditions. By flexibly conforming to the surface of the pipeline, the tie-down strap prevents denting of the pipeline which weakens the pipeline, contributing to pipeline bending. Each anchor unit provides a helix anchor attached to an anchor rod that is buried deep in the soil. The anchor rod is connected to an extension rod by a lower coupling. A tie-down bracket having a tubular body and a sleeve is carried by the extension rod. Each end of the tie-down strap is attached to the sleeve of a tie-down bracket of an anchor unit. The tie-down brackets may pivot about the extension rod to lessen stress as water forces the pipeline upwardly, against the tie-down strap. The sleeve of the tie-down bracket is radially outwardly from the axis of the tubular body.

Abstract: Non-abrasive pads are attached to the at least one side of concrete elements with nylon rivets that are embedded into the concrete when the latter is soft. A flexible rope is laced through the center of each element in two directions to form a mat in a row-column array. Adequate spacing is provided between each element to allow the mat to conform to an uneven seabed and cover the underwater installation. The non-abrasive pads separate the concrete elements from the underwater installation to prevent the concrete elements from scratching and ablating the delicate underwater installations. Grooves are provided in selected elements, and loops are provided at the outer edges of the mat to enable several mats to be linked together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laying underwater pipeline which includes a plurality of buoyancy control valves formed thereon. Each buoyancy control valve includes an air escape hole formed in the pipeline with a sliding weight member disposed in a first position upstream immediately adjacent to an air escape hole. During use, the air escape holes enables air to escape from the pipeline as it sinks at one end and descends to the sea floor in a catenary. As it descends to the sea floor, the sliding weight member slides via gravity from a first to a second position on the pipeline. When disposed in the second position, the sliding weight member covers the adjacent air escape hole. A hydraulically controlled restraining chain is disposed around the pipeline to control the sliding action of the sliding weight member until the pipeline has reached a pre-determine depth.

Abstract: A pipeline weight includes a primary body and a pair of secondary bodies pivotally connected in opposed wing-like fashion to the primary body. The secondary bodies are then secured together by bolts.

Abstract: A method of installing sewer pipes for a new sewer line for achieving proper gradient, utilizes a plurality of two-piece pipe bracket-mounts. Typically, each length of sewer pipe is supported by two such bracket-mounts. Each two-piece bracket-mount consists of a lower, or bottom, semicircular half-section having a downwardly-projecting sleeve with a through-opening therethrough. The through-opening allows for the passage of an elongated, pointed-tip spike, which spike is driven into the bottom of the ditch by a hammer, or the like, to an amount that will achieve the proper gradient for the pipe to be associated therewith. After all of the spike have been driven in, the pipes are then laid on the lower semicircular half-sections and snapped in place therein. Then, the installer attaches the upper semicircular half-sections to the bottom semicircular half-sections.

Abstract: A pipe support frame for positioning a subsea pipeline. The support frame includes lower and upper skids which are maintained in vertical alignment with one another. The lower skid includes vertical lower skid members and the upper skid includes mating vertical upper skid members which slidably engage the vertical lower skid members and maintain vertical alignment. Water jacking bags are positioned between the upper and lower skids to alter the elevation of the upper skid. The upper skid includes a pair of parallel beams. A trolley assembly is movably mounted to the pair of parallel beams to adjust the lateral position of the pipeline. A saddle for receiving the pipeline is attached to the trolley assembly. A threaded drive rod is rotatably mounted between the pair of parallel beams. The threaded drive rod is threadably engaged with the trolley assembly such that the lateral position of the trolley assembly is controllable by manipulating the threaded drive rod.

Abstract: Prefabricated concrete pipe encasements are disclosed for stabilizing underground conduit systems from movement caused by flotation, back filling or settling. In one embodiment, a sewer chimney includes a plastic riser connected between a tee-fitting in a sewer main and a cap block at a branch service line. At least one pipe encasement and a prefabricated concrete base encircles the riser for maintaining alignment with the tee-fitting. In other embodiments the pipe encasement encircles a generally horizontal pipe line.

Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged subsea pipeline setting on the seabed includes the lowering of pipe support frames to the seabed and positioning the pipe support frames beneath the subsea pipeline on each side of the damaged pipeline section. The pipe support frames are expanded to elevate the damaged pipeline section. A pair of pipe attachment and receiving (PAR) assemblies are lowered to the seabed and positioned astride the pipeline on each side of the damaged section of the pipeline. The pipeline is gripped by the PAR assemblies. Cutting modules are lowered to the seabed and attached to each of the PAR assemblies. The pipeline is cut at each location with the cutting modules. The cutting modules are detached from the PAR assembly and a pair of docking modules are lowered to the seabed. One docking module is attached to each of the PAR assemblies. A telescoping spool section is lowered to the seabed and docked onto the docking modules.

Abstract: A conduit weighting device comprising containment device adapted to supportingly receive a superposed charge of ballast material, in contained relation within an at least one enclosure circumscribed on all sides by upwardly extending containment device walls adapted to retainingly confine the charge between the walls. The device is adapted to be positioned in straddling, superposed relation over a conduit, to thereby at least partly counter displacement forces effecting the conduit means.