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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Apparatus and method for removing offshore pilings

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5498965

This patent describes an assembly for serving offshore tubular piling comprising: a support means for securing to a tubular piling adjacent the upper, open end thereof such that the open end is substantially unobstructed; guide means carried by the support means for positioning around the upper end of the piling; a pipe string suspended from the support means for extending into the tubular piling; a centralizer means secured in the pipe string for positioning in the tubular piling, the centralizer means having a body, the pipe string being rotatable relative to the body of the centralizer means; a cutter apparatus secured in the pipe string at the lower end thereof the cutter apparatus including means for severing the tubular piling in response to rotational movement of the pipe string; and means to rotate the pipe string. A method for removing offshore tubular piling is described. It comprises: attaching a support means to a tubular piling adjacent the top, open end of the tubular piling; providing a guide means for positioning around the upper end of the piling; suspending a cutting string from the support means and into the tubular piling; positioning the cutting string such that the centralizer and the cutter apparatus are disposed at a desired location in the tubular piling; rotating the pipe string to effect internal severing of the tubular piling; and removing the severed piling.

Assignee:
NOV; EDB-89-165963; NOV-89-078141
Patent Number(s):
US 4844660
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-122586A
OSTI ID:
5498965
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English