Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for producing a cavity in a soil from a starting point to a target point along a drilling line for introducing timbering for holding the cavity open having a tunneling head (11), at the outer end of which at least one cutting element (12) for Stripping the soil is provided, wherein the tunneling head (11) has a receiving Chamber (15) which has an opening (16), to which a face conveyor line (17) is connected, and in which at least a first nozzle (21) for discharging a liquid for transporting the stripped soil away from the receiving Chamber is provided, which first nozzle (21) is provided in such a way that the discharge opening thereof is oriented substantially in the direction of the face conveyor line, wherein the advancing drive takes place via an advancing device. It is provided here that at least one second nozzle (23) is provided which is arranged in such a way that the discharge opening thereof is directed substantially onto the soil to be stripped.

Abstract: A method for repairing a support piling, in situ, while immersed in water, comprising the steps of encircling a portion of said piling in need of repair above and below the water line in a coffer dam; and evacuating water from said coffer dam for exposing the portion of the piling in need of repair. Repair steps include blasting damaged portions with high pressure water and/or abrasive particles, adding metal support rods where needed, applying zinc or similar metal for protection against electrolysis, and treating the repaired area with a protective coating such as concrete or grout.

Abstract: The hydraulic transportation apparatus and method of the present invention incorporate a multiple chamber framework internally disposed preferably within at least one single shaft structure, which facilitates movement of object transport containers within the multiple chamber framework. Preferably, fluid elevation is employed to elevate and lower object transport containers and their contents within the multiple chamber framework. Each single shaft structure may be constructed from an existing rehabilitated shaft, or a newly drilled shaft. The present invention may be utilized in vertical or incline lifting environments, and an auxiliary hoist chamber may be incorporated into the multiple chamber framework for use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, elevating objects by employing fluid elevation. The present invention may be employed in a variety of heavy lifting scenarios, including underground mining or in above ground lifting environments.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for transporting objects within a multiple chamber framework may include loading objects into a transport container, elevating the container in a delivery chamber and lowering the container in a return chamber. Preferably, fluid elevation is employed to elevate object transport containers and their contents within the delivery chamber. Such methods may be utilized in vertical or incline lifting environments, and an auxiliary chamber may be incorporated into the multiple chamber framework for use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, elevating objects by employing fluid elevation. The auxiliary chamber may be laterally disposed to the delivery chamber or the return chamber.

Abstract: A process for the production of a frame for a construction adapted to float includes the steps consisting in: forming a flotation element (12) whose upper portion includes a network of grooves adapted to form formwork for beams (14) of concrete as well as wells, passing through the flotation element (12), adapted to form formwork for concrete columns (16); preferably, arranging reinforcing iron in the formworks and adding at the periphery a formwork to form a belt; and pouring the concrete.

Abstract: A system for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker (26) in shallow waters, for regasing, or heating the offloaded LNG to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, or gas, for pressurizing the gas, and for flowing the gas to an onshore station (56), includes a structure that is fixed to the sea floor and projects above the sea surface and aids in mooring the tanker. In one system, the structure that is fixed to the sea floor is a largely cylindrical tower (12) with a mooring yoke (20) rotatably mounted on its upper end. A floating structure (14) such as a barge that weathervanes, has a bow end pivotally connected to a distal end of the yoke, so the barge is held close to the tower but can drift around the tower with changing winds, waves and currents. The tanker is moored to the barge so the barge and tanker form a combination that weathervanes as a combination.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical or sleeve-like or tubular housing 2 having an opening at one end which is locatable to be in sealing engagement with the outer surface of part of the hull 3 of a submarine with said housing 2 forming a water evacuable space around the propulsor unit 1 of the submarine, and access passages or ducts 4,5 for work personnel in communication with said space and extending upwardly from said housing 2 such as to, in use, to be above the surface of the water in which the submarine is floating.

Abstract: A system and method removes contaminated sediments during mechanical dredging operations, while maintaining a predetermined low moisture content of the contaminated sediments. The system uses a specially designed positive pressure controlled enclosure or enclosed excavator that houses a mechanical bucket and prevents ambient water from contacting the sediment during the excavation process.

Abstract: A caisson (1) provided with at least one air pocket (5), and at least one vertical duct or conduit (2) extending transversally along the whole portion of the caisson (1) where the respective air pocket (5) is present. The lower portion of the caisson (1) is filled with water (6), and the vertical duct (2) extends upwards, and communicates with the outside without reaching the sea surface. The height of the air pocket (5), starting from the ceiling of the caisson (1) towards its base, being adjusted so as to obtain the resonance condition, in which the period of the detected pressure fluctuations, at the upper opening (3) of the vertical duct (2), is equal to the period of detected pressure fluctuations of the air pocket (5). Inside the vertical duct (2) turbines may be installed in order to obtain energy conversion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for installing a tubular member, having an upper end and a closed lower end, axially into and through an over-pressured region of the earth by using a mandrel to drive the tubular member from near the bottom, which results in a significant section of the tubular member being pulled through the over-pressured region. In another embodiment, a filler material is inserted into at least a portion of the tubular member, and the tubular member is driven from the upper end, with the filler material assisting the progression of the tubular member through the over-pressured region.

Abstract: An oil drilling barge stabilization system and method provide that an array of substantially vertically-oriented piles is formed in the sea bed to a depth beneath the sea bed that finds solid support. A barge is towed into position over the array of piles, and the barge is partially flooded with ballast to lower it in the water so that a set of cylindrical tubes is positioned to surround top ends of at least some of the piles. Air is then forced into the tubes to force the water out the bottom of the tubes, to create a dry environment for workers. Workers weld the tubes to the piles. The air pressure is removed from the interior of the tubes so that water may again flood the bottom of the tubes. The joints between the tubes and piles secure the barge to the array of piles, even in the face of varying tides, currents, and ice flow conditions. The barge may be used to support oil rigs and a variety of other support facilities.

Abstract: A marine terminal has a cargo crane for directly transferring cargo between two marine vessels or between a marine vessel and a land-side vehicle. The marine terminal may comprise a wharf having a docking side along which marine vessels dock, and a cargo crane movable lengthwise along the wharf for directly transferring cargo from a vessel docked alongside the wharf to a land-side vehicle, such as railcars or trucks. The marine terminal may comprise a pier having opposed docking sides, and a cargo crane movable lengthwise along the pier for directly transferring cargo from a vessel docked along one docking side of the pier to a vessel docked along the other docking side of the pier.

Abstract: A marine terminal has a cargo crane for directly transferring cargo between two marine vessels or between a marine vessel and a land-side vehicle. The marine terminal may comprise a wharf having a docking side along which marine vessels dock, and a cargo crane movable lengthwise along the wharf for directly transferring cargo from a vessel docked alongside the wharf to a land-side vehicle, such as railcars or trucks. The marine terminal may comprise a pier having opposed docking sides, and a cargo crane movable lengthwise along the pier for directly transferring cargo from a vessel docked along one docking side of the pier to a vessel docked along the other docking side of the pier.

Abstract: A programmable, variable volume and pressure, coolant system regulating the amount of coolant flow to a cutting tool by controlling the speed of a coolant pump, and is comprised of a fluid control unit and an electrical control panel. The fluid control unit includes a pump and a AC pump motor operatively connected thereto. The electrical control panel includes: a power supply; circuit breakers; a computer; a variable frequency drive; control relays; and a junction block for making electrical connections to the control panel. The computer receives signals from the tool and a pressure transducer, and is programmed with information concerning the total flow area of the coolant orifices. Using this information, the computer determines an ideal pump speed, and sends a control signal to the variable frequency drive which in turn determines the pump motor speed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a means and a method for inspecting and repairing a propeller on a propeller shaft on a ship. The ship is in the water. A truss is positioned on the propeller shaft. A habitat bag is positioned over the upper part of the propeller and is attached to the truss. Then, the truss is inflated with air. An inspector and/or a repair person can enter into the habitat and work in a dry environment while the ship is in the water. There is no need, in many instances, to place the ship in a dry dock.

Abstract: A modular caisson installation demountably installed at a preselected water site. The modular caisson installation includes a plurality of caissons having tops and bottoms and being individually demountably installed in a predetermined configuration at a preselected water site with the caisson bottoms removably seated on a bed at the preselected water site. The caissons being constructed of one or more floatable sections each being fluid trimmable and fluid ballastable and having means for trimming and ballasting the section with fluid to effect controlled lowering and positioning thereof during formation of the installation and controlled raising and removal thereof by floatation to enable demounting of the installation.

Abstract: A plurality of floatable modular caissons are constructed onshore, either in whole or in part, towed to a desired site for port and harbor construction, expansion or modernization, precisely trimmed and ballasted down, and assembled in different combinations to form marine structures and/or integrated marine structures/marine cargo terminals to construct breakwaters, breakwater piers, bulkhead wharves, wharves and piers. The breakwaters and/or breakwater piers are arranged to form a protected port or harbor and are designed to withstand maximum force waves and winds at the harbor site. As an integral part of the breakwater piers, modular caissons are assembled to form marine cargo terminals, such as liquid bulk terminals and LNG/LPG terminals.

Abstract: A method of positioning a pipeline across a water-course. A first coffer dam is formed to isolate a first area of the water-course and a first part of the pipeline is then positioned in the first area. A chamber is put at the distal end of the first part of the pipeline. The chamber has an upper portion with an open top and a lower portion as opposed ports to receive the pipeline. The first coffer dam is then dismantled. A second coffer dam is formed to isolate a second area of the water-course. The second area includes the chamber. The first and second areas of the water-course are positioned to include the path of the pipeline across the water-course. A second part of the pipeline is located in the chamber and a aligned with the first part of the pipeline. The ports are sealed around the pipeline. Water is removed from the chamber to allow make-up of the pipeline by joining of the first and second parts within the chamber. The upper portion of the chamber is removed and the second coffer dam is dismantled.

Abstract: An underground work chamber assembly including a chamber, elevator shaft, air path, utility path, and slotted grout pipes which is assembled as lowered into a drilled hole on dry land or underwater, the slotted grout pipes facilitating a controlled grouting of the space surrounding the underground work chamber assembly when in place.

Abstract: A mobile submersible caisson is employed to drill for and recover petroleum products from subsea wells and to deliver the products to shore or to vessels at the well site. The well drilling technique applies to water depths beyond 300 ft. and in areas where severe winds, waves, spray and frigid atmosphere can cause long downtime or make it impossible to maintain the positions of surface platforms for extended periods of time. Caissons containing drilling, completion, workever, separation, pumping and compressing equipment are towed to sea in the caisson in the horizontal position. At the work site the caisson is erected, connects an attached wire cable to a platform placed on the sea bottom, and is submerged and winched down. The caisson mates and becomes sealed with the platform, providing a one atmosphere working space for the drilling crew. Water between the caisson and the platform is pumped out so this area can also be used as a work area.

Abstract: In a process of lowering building structures, such as shutdown nuclear power plants or building structures which are to be erected as they are lowered, a caisson is constructed below the bed plate of the building structure. The caisson has a reinforced top plate for supporting the building structure by means of supporting elements and a reinforced concrete ring which depends from the rim of the top plate to constitute a cutting edge. A transfer duct, which is lowered with the top plate, is provided adjacent the rim of the top plate. Superatmospheric pressure is maintained by means of air locks in a working chamber which is defined under the top plate and enclosed by the ring.