초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for forming an off-shore ice island structure in waters which normally freeze in the winter. The ice island is useful as a base for oil field operations, for oil and gas storage, for docking ships during thaw periods, and the like. The structure comprises a plurality of elonga

A method and apparatus for forming an off-shore ice island structure in waters which normally freeze in the winter. The ice island is useful as a base for oil field operations, for oil and gas storage, for docking ships during thaw periods, and the like. The structure comprises a plurality of elongated hollow wall elements adapted to be vertically oriented and assembled in open water to form a bounded area. The elements become frozen in place during the winter and the bounded area is intermittently flooded at intervals to permit accumulation of ice sufficient to sink the ice island to the marine bottom. Additional wall elements are added to the first wall elements to form upward continuations to contain the flooding water and accumulated ice. Pumps are provided to convey water to the upper surface of the island for freezing, and to carry off brine during the freezing process. Refrigeration equipment can be utilized to keep the ice island in a frozen condition during seasonal thaws. The island can be adapted to be moved to other sites during thaw periods.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for forming an ice island structure comprising: a peripherally continuous, vertically oriented outer wall means defining a bounded space, at least the lowermost tier of said outer wall means including a plurality of separate, elongated buoyant elements, each having a hollow lower portion a

Apparatus for forming an ice island structure comprising: a peripherally continuous, vertically oriented outer wall means defining a bounded space, at least the lowermost tier of said outer wall means including a plurality of separate, elongated buoyant elements, each having a hollow lower portion and air vent and blow means openings into said lower portion for allowing sea water to flood said lower portion to aid in vertically orienting each said element in the water, and for pressurizing said lower portion to blow said lower portion; and means for introducing water into said bounded space for freezing by the elements whereby the mass of frozen water accumulates to form an ice island adapted to descend of its weight toward the substrate surface.