Abstract: A high-performance seafloor flexible oil storage system, solving the existing problems of high storage cost and difficult maintenance of crude oil in offshore oilfields, comprises, sequentially connected, an oil-water separator, a pressure pump, and an input riser extending downward below the sealevel; and a pipeline and multiple flexible oil storage tanks having the same structure with each communicated therewith through a control valve are arranged below the sealevel. One end of the pipeline is communicated with the input riser through a blocking valve and an input valve, and the other end further sequentially connected with an outlet booster pump, an output valve, and an output riser extending upwards above the sealevel and connected to a tanker through a cooler and an output pump. The flexible oil storage tank has a concrete counterweight connected thereunder for fixing it to a seabed. The system has simple structure, convenient maintenance and good practicability.

Abstract: An underwater energy storage system comprising a container where energy is stored by transporting water between the container and a body of water, is disclosed. 5 The container comprises a water- and gas-tight membrane surrounding a container volume, where the container is rendered mainly incompressible by a fill material comprising densely packed, incompressible objects arranged in the container volume, the fill material forming a mainly incompressible aggregate.

Abstract: A gravity-based structure (1) for supporting offshore installations comprising a foundation (4). The foundation (4) has a basal portion (11). The basal portion (11) has a plurality of openings (10) for drainage of water. There is at least one first layer (7) of filter material, with a gradation suitable for draining water entrapped beneath the basal portion (11) to the openings (10). The layer (7) is installed on the seabed (8) beneath the foundation (4). The foundation has a downwardly extending skirt (5) that is adapted to penetrate into the seabed beneath the filter material layer (7).

Abstract: The present application pertains to systems and methods for storing and generating power. In one embodiment the system pertains to a first storage reservoir near the surface of a body of water and configured to store a fluid which has a lower density than water. A second storage reservoir is located below the surface of the body of water and configured to store a fluid which has a higher density than water. A pump, generator, and the first and second reservoir are operatively connected such that power is stored by displacing the fluid which has a higher density than water in the second storage reservoir by pumping the fluid which has a lower density than water in the first storage reservoir to the second storage reservoir. Power is generated or discharged by allowing the fluid which has a lower density than water in the second storage reservoir to return to the first storage reservoir. The fluid which has a higher density than water may be in liquid form.

Abstract: A subsea energy storage installation comprises a pumped-storage system having pumping and hydropower generation components for, selectively, converting electricity into potential energy by expelling water from within a tank into the surrounding sea and for generating electricity from an incoming flow of water re-entering the tank under hydrostatic pressure. The tank comprises at least one elongate rigid pipeline that may be lowered to the seabed as part of a towable unit or laid on the seabed as a pipe string launched from a surface vessel.

Abstract: A compressed fluid energy storage system includes a submersible fluid containment subsystem charged with a compressed working fluid and submerged and ballasted in a body of water, with the fluid containment subsystem having a substantially flat portion closing a domed portion. The system also includes a compressor and an expander disposed to compress and expand the working fluid. The fluid containment subsystem is at least in part flexible, and includes an upper portion for storing compressed energy fluid and a lower portion for ballast material. The lower portion may be tapered proximate the flat portion to prevent it from being collapsed by ballast materials. The region between the fluid and the ballast has exchange ports to communicate water between the inside and outside of the containment subsystem. In other embodiments, an open-bottomed fluid containment system is held in position underneath a ballast system by a tensegrity structure.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling a well blowout comprising: a flow control device such as a blowout preventer on a wellbore, the primary throughbore of the flow control device for introducing control fluid into the primary throughbore portion of the wellbore throughbore to create a pressure drop within the primary throughbore sufficient to overcome the flowing blowout fluid pressure within the primary throughbore and optionally introducing control fluid into the primary throughbore using a conduit inserted directly into the wellbore throughbore to further enhance introduction of control fluid into the wellbore throughbore; and optionally a weighted fluid aperture may be positioned in the wellbore conduit, preferably below the control fluid aperture for introducing a weighted fluid into the wellbore throughbore while control fluid is also being concurrently introduced into the wellbore through the control fluid aperture.

Abstract: A spar hull centerwell arrangement wherein an adjustable buoyancy centerwell device (ABCD) is disposed within the centerwell of the structure. The adjustable buoyancy centerwell device is rigidly connected to the interior walls of the hard tank and defines an adjustable buoyancy centerwell device within the centerwell. The adjustable variable buoyancy unit is a water and airtight buoyancy chamber that allows the interior ballast to be changed as required. This device can also be used as a storage unit for on board fluids and other produced hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An underwater energy storage system includes a tank for storing a compressed gas that is adapted to be stored underwater. The tank includes at least one water opening through which water from surrounding environment can flow into and out of the tank, and at least one gas opening through which the compressed gas is received. The underwater energy storage system further includes at least one duct communicating between the at least one opening for gas flow and a source of compressed gas and a compartment constructed over a roof of the tank, wherein said compartment is adapted for receiving weights at a sinking site of the tank.

Abstract: A subsea production system for conducting hydrocarbon recovery operations in a marine environment, including a trussed tower having a first end including a base residing proximate the seabed and a second end having a landing deck configured to receive and releasably attach to a floating drilling unit. The system also includes one or more hydrocarbon fluids storage cells. The storage cells reside at the seabed proximate the base of the trussed frame. The system further includes subsea production operational equipment that resides within the trussed frame near the water surface and is in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon fluids storage cells. A method for installing such components is also provided.

Abstract: A floating, offshore drilling and/or production platform such as a tension leg platform, semi-submersible, spar or the like is equipped with a ballast tank system that comprises the traditional tank and a shaft that runs typically vertically from top-of-hull level to the top of the tank. This shaft is large enough to allow the ballast pipe, sounding lines, instrumentation piping, etc. to be installed within it. In certain embodiments, the shaft itself functions as a vent line.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with equipment mounted thereon. The equipment may be liquid storage tanks, pumps, compressors, separators, metering systems, energy sources, communication systems, buoyancy tanks, and the like. The structure is used for disposal and installation in a subsea environment by changing the volume of buoyancy material within at least one buoyancy tank.

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

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for lifting a mass of water with a container from a larger body of water, in which method the container having at least one open opening is first located below the surface level of the larger body of water and the container is full of water, wherein the container is raised partially above the surface level of the water by elements attached to the container, and that the at least one open opening of the container is located below the surface level of the larger body of water during and after raising of the container thus lifting the mass of water located inside the raised portion of container above the surface level of the larger body of water.

Abstract: A system and method for underwater compressed fluid energy storage include a compressed fluid storage system that comprises a fluid containment vessel positioned on a floor of a body of water, wherein the fluid containment vessel comprises sediment positioned therein to ballast the vessel on the floor.

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

Abstract: The above invention pertains to the mining industry and can be applied for exploratory or industrial mining of oil, gas or gas hydrate from underwater sources and their transporting to or below the water surface. The purpose of the invention is to transport underwater mined oil, gas or gas hydrate to or below the water surface without using pipeline systems. The proposed transporting method utilizes submergable containers which gain positive buoyancy while being filled with the extracted materials. The proposed transporting method allows delivering mined materials continuously to the point of unloading, which can be located at or below the water surface. The proposed invention has an advantage of transporting simultaneously different types of extracted materials such as liquid, gaseous or solid to a water surface.

Abstract: An underwater energy storage system includes a tank for storing a compressed gas that is adapted to be stored underwater. The tank includes at least one water opening through which water from surrounding environment can flow into and out of the tank, and at least one gas opening through which the compressed gas is received. The underwater energy storage system further includes at least one duct communicating between the at least one opening for gas flow and a source of compressed gas and a compartment constructed over a roof of the tank, wherein said compartment is adapted for receiving weights at a sinking site of the tank.

Abstract: A device for collection of oil and gas from an underwater source comprising a balloon-like structure (1) defined by an envelope having an opening (18), which, in operation, is on the underside of the balloon-like structure, which balloon-like structure includes: a vent (23) adapted to vent gas in the envelope, and control means (2) for controlling the oil upper level having a closure valve (3) adapted to control flow of gas in the envelope through the vent, the valve being closable by a valve closure member operable by a float (8) adapted to float on the oil to determine the minimum volume of gas in the envelope, wherein, in use, the balloon-like structure is adapted to be placed over the source to collect oil and gasses from said underwater source. The balloon-like structure further includes buoyancy means (10, 12, 14, 16, 17) adapted to control the buoyancy of the structure to enable ascent to the surface of the water in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for limiting structural damage to an affected offshore platform and preventing damage spread from the affected offshore platform to another platform during an accident or an emergency condition. An offshore platform arrangement includes a mobile offshore production unit (MOPU), a mobile storage platform and a mobile offloading platform which are disposed at a clearance distance from one another. The platforms are fluidly connected by pipes to allow hydrocarbon fluid transfer therebetween. The pipes are adapted to cease fluid communication of hydrocarbon fluid between platforms for preventing damage spread therebetween. Also disclosed is an offloading system for hydrocarbon fluid transfer which includes a lifting system having an extendable lifting arm and a spreader frame platform rotatably coupled to the lifting arm. The spreader frame platform is operable to support a transfer skid and allow angular adjustment of the transfer skid in a horizontal plane.

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

Abstract: An underwater energy storage system includes a tank for storing a compressed gas that is adapted to be stored underwater. The tank includes at least one water opening through which water from surrounding environment can flow into and out of the tank, and at least one gas opening through which the compressed gas is received. The underwater energy storage system further includes at least one duct communicating between the at least one opening for gas flow and a source of compressed gas and a compartment constructed over a roof of the tank, wherein said compartment is adapted for receiving weights at a sinking site of the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon transport device intended to be immersed and arranged at an extraction wellhead, comprising a first pipe through which a first fluid leaving the extraction well flows, the first pipe being arranged in an external protective casing, a piloting system to pilot the temperature in the first pipe controlling an activation element of a regulating system for regulating a heat exchange between the first pipe and the liquid medium filling the immersed external casing, the regulating system comprising at least a second pipe arranged around the first pipe and delimiting an annular space enclosing at least one regulating fluid, this regulating fluid being injected into or expelled from the annular space by the activation element of the regulating system.

Abstract: A decorative memorial serves to display a sealed, visible portion of cremation ashes.

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

Abstract: An underwater oil well blowout spill containment system includes a folded curtain positioned in a magazine around a deep water well head and blowout preventer (BOP). The magazine is positioned around the well-head and BOP and leaves room for required construction and maintenance. In the event of a blowout, the curtain is drawn upward from the magazine and cinched to contain leaking oil. A hose is connected to a port on the magazine to draw the oil to a tanker on the surface.

Abstract: A liquid displacement system includes a storage tank, a volume of a first gas, and a volume of a second gas. The storage tank has at least one water ballast compartment to store water and at least one liquid storage compartment to store liquid and is configured symmetrically. A pump module may also be coupled to the storage tank. The pump module has at least one pair of loading pumps operating substantially at equal mass flow rate to displace the water with the liquid, and at least one pair of offloading pumps operating substantially at equal mass flow rate to displace the liquid with the water. Also, a gas valve module may be coupled to the storage tank to control pressure of the first gas and the second gas in the storage tank. The first gas is natural gas or inert gas. The second gas is natural gas.

Abstract: An underwater carbon dioxide storage facility including a carbon dioxide deposit stored underwater as a clathrate includes a flexible barrier disposed at least partially over the carbon dioxide deposit. The carbon dioxide deposit may be stored in or at the bottom of a body of water.

Abstract: A large diameter subsea gravity separator for ultra deep water conditions of 2000 to more than 4000 m includes a vessel having a shell which defines a cylindrical tubular portion and closure portions at axially both ends of the tubular portion. The shell is a sandwich shell which is dimensioned to provide for a predetermined collapse resistance of at least MPa and includes an inner steel layer, an outer steel layer and a concrete layer completely filling the space between the inner steel layer and the outer steel layer.

Abstract: A subsea production system for conducting hydrocarbon recovery operations in a marine environment, including a trussed tower having a first end including a base residing proximate the seabed and a second end having a landing deck configured to receive and releasably attach to a floating drilling unit. The system also includes one or more hydrocarbon fluids storage cells. The storage cells reside at the seabed proximate the base of the trussed frame. The system further includes subsea production operational equipment that resides within the trussed frame near the water surface and is in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon fluids storage cells. A method for installing such components is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for containing and recovering undersea oil or gas well leakage by reason of the leaked fluid being lighter than sea water may include a canopy, or a series of interconnected canopies, which, when placed over a leak site, allow leaked fluid to be captured and displace sea water with the canopy or series of canopies having an arrangement, such as one or more conduits, for flow of leaked fluid upward from a respective canopy to the surface. With a system with multiple canopies in a series with exit arrangements for leaked fluid from a lower canopy to a next upper canopy, the series can readily extend from the surface to a great depth and allow transfer of volumes of the leaked fluid that are not limited by the capacity of canopies or conduits at deep locations.

Abstract: The oil recovery system minimizes environmental contamination and oil leakage into the ocean in the event of a rupture of the hull of an oil tanker. The oil recovery system includes at least one buoyant reservoir for receiving recovered oil, which is deployed into the ocean upon detection of a breach or rupture in the hull of the oil tanker. At least one conduit is in fluid communication between at least one oil tank housed within the oil tanker and the at least one buoyant reservoir. Upon detection of an oil spill from the oil tanker, the at least one buoyant reservoir is released from the hull of the oil tanker into the water and oil from the at least one oil tank is routed to the at least one buoyant reservoir to minimize the size of the oil spill.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto

Abstract: An underwater oil and gas containment and retrieval system comprising a collapsible deployable oil and gas containment canopy including a dome comprised of several separately stored dome panels (1), a discharge vent tube (2) including inflatable air chambers (14) to provide some rigidity and shape, dome panel storage containers (3) for storing the dome panels (1) on the ocean floor, and a separate discharge vent tube storage container (16) for storing the discharge vent tube separately on the ocean floor. The system is especially useful for deep water wells below 500 feet deep.

Abstract: A large diameter duct formed of flexible material extends above an undersea oil leak. The large diameter dissipates the high well head pressure, which, in turn, decreases the velocity of the escaping oil. Because the oil is contained within the tubular structure and is under low pressure, it will rise slowly due to differences in the oil's and seawater's specific gravities. At the top of the tubular structure, the oil and water flows into a reservoir where the oil floating above the water can be offloaded to a storage vessel.

Abstract: A method and device for recovering drilling fluid used in connection with the provision of a subsea well, in which the drilling fluid is circulated from a vessel on a sea surface via a drill string and out through a drill bit into an annulus which is defined by a borehole and the drill string. The device includes a filtering device which is connected, in respect of fluid, to an annulus and which is arranged to contain drill cuttings and drilling fluid. A fluid line extends from a portion of the filtering device to the vessel, the fluid line being arranged to carry drilling fluid which has been separated from the drill cuttings back to the vessel.

Abstract: A quay structure (1) comprising a quay top (12) is described, wherein one or more storage receptacles (2), which are structured in a manner allowing them to receive an anchor chain (4), are disposed underneath an available area (16) provided on, or in association with, the quay top (12), the storage receptacle (2) being provided with a cover (23) forming, when in a closed state, a portion of said available area (16). A method of using the quay structure (1) for storage of an anchor chain in association with a maintenance operation on the anchor chain is also described.

Abstract: A subsea hydrocarbon containment apparatus comprises a containment housing. In addition, the containment apparatus comprises a diverter plate mounted to the containment housing. The containment housing is configured to receive direct hydrocarbon fluids from a subsea hydrocarbon source and direct the hydrocarbon fluids to the diverter plate.

Abstract: A liquid storage, loading and offloading system includes a storage tank having a water ballast compartment for storing water and a liquid storage compartment for storing liquid. The water ballast compartment and the liquid storage compartment are coupled to each other to form a closed interconnected system with pressurized inert gas above water and liquid. The storage tank is configured symmetrically and the center of gravity and buoyancy of it move along a vertical Z axis. Besides, a pump module may also be included and have a pair of loading pumps and a pair of offloading pumps. The pair of loading pumps operates substantially at equal mass flow rate to displace water with liquid. The pair of offloading pumps also operates substantially at equal mass flow rate to displace liquid with water. Therefore an equal mass flow rate displacement system is formed to keep a constant draft.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; transporting the drill cuttings placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and removing the cuttings 520 from the storage area 30.

Abstract: A quay structure (1) comprising a quay top (12) is described, wherein one or more storage receptacles (2), which are structured in a manner allowing them to receive an anchor chain (4), are disposed underneath an available area (16) provided on, or in association with, the quay top (12), the storage receptacle (2) being provided with a cover (23) forming, when in a closed state, a portion of said available area (16). A method of using the quay structure (1) for storage of an anchor chain in association with a maintenance operation on the anchor chain is also described.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for containing an oil spill caused by a subsea blowout, (i.e., a source of pollution located on a floor of an ocean, (e.g., a defective blowout preventer (BOP) that caused the oil spill)). A cylindrical containment assembly may be positioned such that a wall of the cylindrical containment assembly circumvents a portion of a floor of an ocean where the subsea blowout occurred. At least one mud flap may be configured to selectively protrude from the wall or retract into the wall when activated to control the depth that the cylindrical containment assembly sinks to below the ocean floor. A valve assembly may be positioned on the top perimeter of the wall. The top perimeter of the wall may have the same diameter as the outer perimeter of the valve assembly.

Abstract: An oil reclamation apparatus comprising a central panel, a plurality of side panels extending downwardly from the central panel, and at least one discharge pipe extending through the central panel so as to establish fluid communication through the central panel. At least one of the side panels has an opening formed therein, and a relief door is connected to one of the side panels so as to be moveable between an open position wherein the relief door is positioned to permit fluid to pass through the opening and a closed position wherein the relief door is positioned about the opening to form a fluid tight seal about the opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for containing an oil spill caused by a subsea blowout. A blowout preventer (BOP) stack, located on a floor of an ocean, may be circumvented with a hollow wall of a cylindrical containment assembly. The containment assembly may be reinforced by filling the wall with cement. A valve assembly having a hollow cavity may be positioned on a top perimeter of the wall and may be reinforced by filling the cavity with cement. Alternatively, a cylindrical containment assembly may be positioned such that a wall of the assembly circumvents a portion of a floor of an ocean where a subsea blowout occurred and at least one of oil or gas is spewing into the ocean. The wall may be reinforced with cement, a valve assembly may be positioned on a top perimeter of the wall, and the valve assembly may be reinforced with cement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including dewatering and chemical containment. A subsea pipeline service skid has a containment bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pump fluid from the subsea pipeline. A sensor system at the suction side of the pump detects the presence of seawater, water, chemical agent, or gas so the pump can be operated accordingly. The chemical agent used during dewatering operations of the pipeline is selectively pumped to the containment bladder subsea so the subsea vehicle can independently take the chemical agent to the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressed gas energy storage using underwater tanks for storing and releasing compressed gas in offshore wind farms has been disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for forming a protected region in a body of water with a wall (2) and an internal region (4) delimited from the body of water by means of the wall (2), wherein the wall (2) is formed from a plurality of hollow bodies (3) which are connected to one another and arranged in a stacked structure. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling an apparatus (1) for forming a protected region in a body of water.