초록 ▼

A method of using a buoyancy fluid presenting density that is less than that of sea water, and that is confined in a rigid or flexible leaktight casing, so as to constitute an immersed buoyancy element, wherein the buoyancy fluid is a compound that is naturally in the gaseous state at ambient atmosp

A method of using a buoyancy fluid presenting density that is less than that of sea water, and that is confined in a rigid or flexible leaktight casing, so as to constitute an immersed buoyancy element, wherein the buoyancy fluid is a compound that is naturally in the gaseous state at ambient atmospheric temperature and pressure, and in the liquid state at the underwater depth to which the buoyancy element is immersed. The present invention also relates to a method of putting a buoyancy element into place between the surface and the bed of the sea, wherein the fluid is stored in a tank on a surface ship as a liquid in the cooled or compressed liquid state, and it is injected in the liquid state into a pipe from the surface where it is stored to an said immersed casing at an underwater depth at which the underwater pressure is not greater than the vapor pressure of the gas corresponding to the compound at the temperature at the depth.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A device for stabilizing or controlling the lowering or raising of a structure between the surface and the bed of the sea, said structure including or being connected to a buoyancy element having:a casing; anda buoyancy fluid having a density that is less than that of se

The invention claimed is: 1. A device for stabilizing or controlling the lowering or raising of a structure between the surface and the bed of the sea, said structure including or being connected to a buoyancy element having:a casing; anda buoyancy fluid having a density that is less than that of sea water, the buoyancy fluid confined in and entirely filling said casing,wherein said buoyancy fluid is a quasi incompressible fluid and naturally in a gaseous state at ambient atmospheric temperature and pressure, and naturally in an entirely liquid state at an underwater depth to which said buoyancy element is immersed; andwherein said buoyancy element imparts buoyancy to an immersed structure to which it is one of connected, secured, or in which it is integrated;said device comprising:at least one connection element of the cable or chain type, comprising:a first end that is connected to a winch on board a floating support or ship on the surface of the sea, and on which the connection element is wound; anda second end that is connected to a fastener element on said structure, or on the buoyancy element that is connected to said structure; andwherein the length of said connection element is such that said winch is capable of winding or unwinding said first end of said connection element, so that a bottom portion of said connection element can hang beneath said fastener element.