Abstract: A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.

Abstract: A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cutting a trench (e.g., for a fiber optic cable or wire conductors) in an existing covering surface (e.g., a road surface). Debris from the cut trench is evacuated (e.g., vacuumed) from the trench as the trench is cut. The trench may be backfilled using a flowable composition. In one example, the flowable composition rigidifies after being flowed into the trench, and thereafter is substantially impermeable (e.g., having a hydraulic permeability of less than 0.0000001 cm/s upon drying), non-compressible and/or non-expanding.

Abstract: A condition of a flexible pipeline may be monitored by scanning a section of the flexible pipeline with an ultrasonic scanner and using the ultrasonic scanner to produce a first ultrasonic signal that penetrates the section of the flexible pipeline and is used to create a set of condition data indicative of a condition present near or within an annulus of the flexible pipeline, the condition comprising pressure on or within the flexible pipeline.

Abstract: A subsea pipeline coated with a thermally insulating coating has a radially outer surface shaped to define external hold-back formations. In a J-lay operation, the weight load of a pipeline catenary is held back using a complementary bushing or clamp of an installation vessel engaged with the hold-back formations. The weight load is transferred from the catenary to the bushing or clamp by shear forces acting through the coating. The coating extends continuously along the pipe and is interposed between the hold-back formations and the underlying pipe. The hold-back formations may be integral with the coating.

Abstract: A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.

Abstract: Systems for providing pipe trenching, and methods of installing the same, are disclosed. Methods of detecting one or more leaks in a pipe trench system and repairing those leaks are also disclosed. The systems may include one or more housings, which may include a trench portion, a lid, a gasket, and one or more leak detectors. The leak detectors may provide a visual indication of a leak in the one or more housings. The leak may be accurately detected, inspected, and repaired without demolition of decking material, excavation of dirt, or damage to the system or surrounding decking material.

Abstract: A method for determining start and stop times of at least one selected operation on a pipe deployment vessel includes measuring either or both tension on a pipe deployed from a reel on the vessel and velocity of pipe motion with respect to the vessel. Rotational velocity of the reel is measured. Geodetic position of the vessel with respect to time is measured. The start and stop times of the at least one selected operation are determined from the measured tension, motion velocity, rotational velocity and geodetic position. The start and stop times are recorded.

Abstract: A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.

Abstract: A method of assembling a pipe on a water-supported floating platform is provided. The platform includes an open central bay, and a gantry on the platform is arranged so as to surround at least a portion of the bay. The method includes providing a pipe intake assembly and staves on the platform; transferring the pipe intake assembly to the interior space of the bay; assembling the individual staves on the pipe intake assembly in an offset construction; lowering the pipe portion within the bay and into the water until the upper ends of the staves reside within a lower portion of the gantry; increasing the length of the pipe portion by assembling additional staves to the upper ends of the assembled staves; and repeating the step of increasing the length of the portion of the pipe until the pipe has a desired length.

Abstract: A bundle of cables includes at least two underwater cables and a fastener for fastening the underwater cables together. The fastener is water-soluble, biologically decomposable and/or chemically decomposable. A method of laying at least two underwater cables simultaneously from a vessel and a method of using a water-soluble, biologically decomposable and/or chemically decomposable fastener to fasten at least two underwater cables together to form a bundle of cables are also described.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for installing lines or cables, including, without limitation, power lines, low voltage lines, telecommunications lines or cables (e.g., telephone cables, network cables, television cables, etc.), and/or the like, and, in particular, installing optical fiber and/or other lines, slightly below ground level in a roadway or other ground surface. In some cases, a method might include creating a channel in the ground surface, placing one or more lines (e.g., power lines, low voltage lines, telecommunications lines, and/or the like) in the channel, and placing a capping material in the channel, thereby encapsulating the lines. In some cases, placing the one or more lines in the channel might include placing a conduit (containing the one or more lines) in the channel, and encapsulating the one or more lines might include encapsulating the conduit. The capping material might include polyurea, thermosetting material, and/or any other suitable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heating a pipeline system, comprising at least two pipelines (1), along which in each case one electrical resistance heating element extends, wherein a potential close to the ground potential is set at each electrical resistance heating element at at least one end (3, 5), and the electrical resistance heating element is connected to a terminal of a DC source or to in each case one phase (7) of an n-phase AC source (9) at a position remote from this end (3, 5), where, when using an n-phase AC source (9), n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine pipeline installation system for laying an offshore pipeline and/or installing a subsea riser. The system comprises: a pipeline launch tower (10), a pipeline guide (16) provided at an elevated position for guiding said pipeline to the pipeline launch trajectory along said tower, one or more tensioners (18), an abandonment and recovery (A&R) system (30) comprising at least one A&R cable and associated A&R winch and a sheave arrangement with one or more sheaves supported by the pipeline launch tower at an upper position thereof. Furthermore, an auxiliary trolley (38, 50) is provided which is adapted to support the weight of the launched pipeline and which is movable along a rail in the pipeline launch trajectory when the one or more tensioner frames are in the retracted non-operable position, from a position above the uppermost tensioner to a position below the lowermost tensioner, the rail being supported by the pipeline launch tower.

Abstract: A stinger (1) for a pipeline laying vessel, the stinger includes at least one track (3) which in use at least partly surrounds a firing line along which the pipeline (5) is laid, and at least one pipeline support (6) for supporting the pipeline, which pipeline support is movable along said track.

Abstract: A method of remediation of a wet buckled pipeline uses a Submersible Vehicle (SV), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), or Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) and includes the steps of retaining an end of the buckled pipeline; cutting the buckled pipeline underwater below a damaged section of the buckled pipeline; attaching a termination to the cut end of the buckled pipeline; connecting a hydraulic pump to the termination; and running the pump to pull water out of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for electrically connecting an offshore first electrical plant to a second electrical plant, the offshore first electrical plant being an offshore wind turbine generator, the method comprising providing a transition cable terminated at one end with a first connector part, the transition cable being connected or connectable at the other end to the offshore wind turbine generator above the water surface, and providing a cable terminated at one end with a second connector part and connected or connectable at the other end to the second electrical plant, the second connector part being adapted to mate with the first connector part to form a connector.

Abstract: A gripper for selectively gripping continuous elongated members can include a tubular supporting structure extending along a given axis and designed to surround a continuous elongated member. The gripper can also include at least two inflatable bags within the tubular structure and in the shape of complementary cylindrical sectors.

Abstract: Provided is an article comprising a flexible tube having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner surface at least partially covered with a low friction material. Also provided is an article comprising a cold shrinkable sleeve disposed on a tubular support core in a stretched condition, at least a portion of the cold shrinkable sleeve folded such that at least one portion of the cold shrinkable sleeve overlaps another portion of the cold shrinkable sleeve, wherein a flexible tube having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner surface at least partially covered with a low friction material, is positioned between the overlapping portions of the cold shrinkable sleeve.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing the condition of a pipe carrying a fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of generating a pressure wave in the fluid being carried along the pipe and detecting a pressure wave interaction signal resulting from an interaction of the pressure wave with a localized variation in pipe condition. The method then involves determining from the timing of the pressure wave interaction signal the location of the localized variation in pipe condition and the extent of the localized variation in pipe condition based on a characteristic of the pressure wave interaction signal.

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: 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: [Problem] To provide a water catchment pipe burying assistance instrument and a water catchment pipe burying method employing same with which it is possible to bury a resin water catchment pipe without damaging same even when dirt flows into a lead hole.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fluid storage apparatus includes a fluid storage tank having a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a channel disposed on an outer surface of the fluid storage tank, the channel configured to receive an anchor strap used to secure the fluid storage tank to a ground surface of an underground installation site.

Abstract: A system and method for securely cradling a subsea pipeline is claimed that lands on one side of the pipeline, is embedded into the sea floor, reaches under the pipeline, positions the cradling structure, and then lifts the pipeline. The system typically comprises a gravity driven pile based device, comprising a pile tower, a roller carriage assembly, and a jacking assembly that engages the roller carriage assembly and pile tower rails.

Abstract: A weight transfer system for pitch plows that allows the pitch plows to draw underground at an accurate depth without inadvertent depth changes in the operation of the plow. The dynamic weight transfer system exerts upward or downward force on the plow to optimize plow operation. The reaction force of the dynamic weight transfer system is applied to the towing mechanism. The amount of force and direction can be adjusted to optimize the plowing operation as plowing conditions change.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method for Burying Elongate Member Apparatus for laying an elongate member in a trench, the apparatus comprises a main body portion; ground-contacting apparatus on which the main body portion is mounted and by which the apparatus may in use move over the ground; an elongate member moving device configured to move the elongate member from an initial position to a elongate member laying position; and a depressor attached to the main body portion and configured to guide the elongate member from its elongate member laying position to its in-trench location, the depressor having an elongate member entry portion and an elongate member exit portion, wherein the depressor is rotatable in use about an axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a trench alongside a vehicle (for burying fiber optic cables, electrical conductors, and conduits). A cutting blade is coupled to the vehicle via an offset arm. As the vehicle is advanced along a road, the cutting blade is laterally offset from the vehicle and positioned so as to cut a narrow (e.g., 0.5-1.5 inches) and deep (e.g., 10-12 inches) trench alongside the vehicle (e.g., at the inner face of the street curb between the curb and a sidewalk abutting the curb). The offset arm includes one or more mechanical joints to facilitate adjustment of one or more of a lateral offset distance between the vehicle and the blade, a vertical offset distance between a blade housing and a road surface, and rotation of the blade housing around at least two axes to facilitate appropriate positioning of the cutting blade with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A cooling system for a subterranean power line may include a cooling tube configured to house a fluid. Heat generated by the subterranean power line may be radiated and/or conducted to the cooling tube and absorbed by the fluid within the cooling tube. As the fluid heats up, it may change phase from a liquid to a gas. The hot gas may rise to a heat-exchanging condenser configured to dissipate the heat and condense the fluid back into a liquid. The cool, condensed liquid my return from the heat-exchanging condenser to the cooling tube. Risers, gas transport tubes, pressure regulation systems, fluid storage tanks, and other components described herein may increase the efficiency of the cooling system and/or otherwise improve the viability of the cooling system for subterranean power lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rehabilitating an underground water conduit having at least one service entrance including a plug having a light emitter which is responsive to the presence of an electromagnetic field, wherein the at least one service entrance is plugged with the plug and a semi-transparent membrane lining the internal surface of the underground water conduit thereby covering the plug. A drilling head is disposed on a body moveable within the underground water conduit, the drill head having a drill bit and a coil inductor concentric with the drill bit. The coil inductor is adapted to generate an electromagnetic field near the drilling head, wherein the light emitter of the plug is adapted to be turned on by the electromagnetic field emitted by the coil inductor to allow visual alignment of the drill bit with the light emitted by the light emitter through the semi-transparent membrane.

Abstract: A pipe retriever for retrieving an unsecured pipe has a head connectable to a drilling pipe and defines a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the head is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drilling pipe when connected. A tail extends from the head at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tail defines a hook shape having inward and outward surfaces. The inward hook surface defines a pipe recess sized to receive the unsecured pipe.

Abstract: A single operator extruder main body dispenses aggregate, pipe and geotextile during a trenching operation. Lifting elements allows the main body to be manipulated by a single operator.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are related to water management units for extracting water from moist soil. The units extract water and collect it to be siphoned away as waste water or for later use. A water management unit comprising: an elongate collection portion; and an extraction portion arranged to discharge extracted water into the collection portion, wherein the extraction portion comprises at least one rib extending laterally from the collection portion along a length of the collection portion. Water is collected by capillary action.

Abstract: A plough vehicle assembly is described. The plough vehicle assembly may be able to lay pipe or cable, and include a plough vehicle and a support mounted to the plough vehicle to support a pipe to be laid. The support may include a ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus to be mounted on a vessel for laying a marine pipeline having accessories on the end of the pipeline and/or at one or more intermediate locations along the pipeline, the apparatus including a launch ramp having a guide for guiding and controlling the movement of a pipeline along a pipeline firing line in the direction of the seabed, a clamp downstream of the guide for selectively clamping and supporting the launched pipeline, wherein the launch ramp is provided with an opening downstream of the guide and upstream of the clamp for passage of an accessory between a storage position and an installation location in the pipeline firing line to allow the accessory to be connected to an end of the pipeline supported by the clamp.

Abstract: One invention relates to a liner (5) for repairing the connection between a main pipeline (100) and a lateral pipe (200). The liner (5) includes a main pipeline lining part (12) that in use forms a tubular portion for lining an inner circumferential portion of the main pipeline (100) and a lateral pipe lining part (14) that in use forms a tubular portion for lining an inner circumferential portion of the lateral pipe (200). Located between the lateral pipe lining part (12) and the main pipe lining part (14) there is a transition zone (16) that in use is arranged to line a junction zone (150) between the main pipeline (100) and the lateral pipe (200). The transition zone (16) of the liner (5) is formed integrally with the main pipeline lining part (12) and the lateral pipe lining part (14).

Abstract: A liner plate structure, system and method is provided for lining of mine shaft bores, tunnels and the like. The liner plate structure includes a primary plate portion and at least one flange disposed at a side edge of the primary plate portion. A polymer seal element extends along a recess within an exterior surface of the flange.

Abstract: A skid for positioning a pipe or a piece of earth boring equipment includes a first frame and a second frame slidably mounted on the first frame. The second frame forms a rectangular trough having an open upper end. An upwardly opening cradle rests in the open upper end of the rectangular tough of the second frame that supports the pipe or the piece of earth boring equipment. A first vertical sack mechanism is attached to a first end of the first frame and a first end of the second frame. A second vertical jack mechanism is attached to a second end of the first frame and a second end of the second frame. The first and second vertical jack mechanisms raise and lower the second frame and the upwardly opening cradle supporting the pipe or the earth boring equipment to a desired position.

Abstract: The invention is David Stauffer's river bottom siphon and hydroelectricity generator for a pollution-free hydroelectric energy generator using a submerged river pipeline and gravity for the delivery of fresh river-water for agriculture and drinking through a fabricated ecosystem to ease the problems of global warming, rising ocean levels, flooding, drought, pollution, depletion of the ozone layer, the blockage of fish migration by dams, and loss of rain forests, grazing land, and agricultural land through a system of large river-bottom pipelines to transfer the abundant supply of fresh water on the bottoms of the Columbia and Mississippi Rivers and, eventually, the Nile, Tigris, Rhine, Yellow, and all other rivers throughout the world to lands in need of fresh water (no really, I'm not joking) invention.

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 method and an apparatus for introducing at least one pipe for at least one optical cable into a solid bed with the aid of a laying device. At least one groove is milled or cut in the bed and the at least one pipe is inserted in the groove. At least one side wall of the groove is configured with a step for supporting a filler material. After laying the pipe the remaining volume of the groove is filled. Alternatively, the pipe can be formed according to the groove. In addition, the friction between the at least one pipe laid in the groove and the side walls of the groove can be increased so that emergence of the at least one pipe of its own accord from the at least one groove is prevented.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling lateral deformation and reducing axial displacement, also referred to as walking, of a subsea conduit such as a pipeline for conveying produced hydrocarbon fluids. The systems and methods include the installation of rolling assemblies on the conduit at predetermined locations. The rolling assemblies include elements for forming rolling modules rotatable with respect to the conduit. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring displacement of the conduit over time.

Abstract: A boreable multiduct assembly packaged for sale includes a receiver, a continuous outer conduit having a central lumen and multiple innerducts held freely in that lumen.

Abstract: A tubular seismic sensing cable for use in wells and a method of deployment into wells to provide higher seismic sensitivity.

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 submarine pipeline towing equipment including: a floater of prismatic shape with a horizontal or vertical axis, with a variable or partially variable buoyancy, whose lower base is at least partially open by an opening or hole to operate as an air chamber. The floater includes: at least one inlet including a valve through which air is supplied; at least one outlet including a valve through which air is discharged; an actuator to control the valve to supply air; an actuator to control the valve to discharge air; a mechanism connecting the equipment to the pipeline; a mechanism transferring air to the floater; a mechanism actuating the actuator to control the valve to supply air in function of a predefined level in the floater; and a mechanism actuating the actuator to control the valve to discharge air in function of the distance of the floater itself from the seabed.

Abstract: A method of positioning on the sea floor, from a floating vessel, an unlaid end portion of a pipe that is being laid from its other end on the sea floor is disclosed. The method includes lowering the unlaid end portion of the pipe to a lowered position above the sea floor. Transfer of the load of the unlaid end portion of the pipe occurs from the lowering device to a line for suspending the unlaid end portion of the pipe. Lowering the line for suspending and the unlaid end portion of the pipe occurs. There is disclosed a corresponding method of recovery as well as associated apparatus. A method for effecting a subsea connection between one line and an object suspended below the surface of the sea by another line and associated apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus and component for removing (and perhaps replacing) pipes, in particular underground pipes, as suitable for use in trenchless pipe removal methods such as that of WO 2008/071997. The invention provides a component which is securable to a cable, and which has a sleeve for surrounding an end of the pipe. The component has an opening through which a settable fluid may be delivered into the pipe in use. A surface of the component is adapted to seal the end of the pipe so that the settable fluid may not leak from the pipe before it has set. The apparatus comprises the component, a cable secured to the component, a winch and a settable fluid.

Abstract: An optical fiber management system for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) includes a spool containing a length of optical cable, a motor coupled to the spool, a motor controller, a speed sensor and a feed mechanism. The motor controller can detect the speed of the ROV through water and control the rotational speed of the motor so that the optical cable is removed from the spool at a speed that is equal to or greater than the speed of the ROV. A feed mechanism is used to apply a tension to the optical cable so that it is removed from the spool and emitted from the ROV without becoming tangled.

Abstract: A method for installing a geothermal system, comprising boring at least one hole in an earth mass to accept a geothermal column; inserting a geothermal column into each of said at least one hole; excavating trench lines to accommodate connections between said geothermal column in each of said at least one hole and a Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC) system; filling said hollow tube with a non-antifreeze fluid; connecting said geothermal column to said HVAC system; and backfilling said at least one hole and said trench lines.