Pressure actuated flow control valve

Claim 2

A valve module apparatus comprising: body means defining a central opening therethrough and having port means in communication with said central opening, said body means being adapted for connection to similar body means of an adjacent valve module; piston means slidably disposed in said central opening of said body means and having first and second sealing means thereon, said piston means having a first position wherein said first sealing means sealingly closes said port means and a second position opening said port means; first pressure passageway means in communication with said piston means on a side of said second sealing means, whereby a force is applied on said piston means for holding said piston means in said first position; second pressure passageway means in communication with said piston means on an opposite side of said second sealing means, whereby a force is applied on said piston means for moving said piston means from said first position to said second position; and means for preventing movement of said piston means from said second position to said first position.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising shear means for holding said piston means in said first position.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said piston means further has third sealing means thereon; and said valve module is one of a plurality of valve modules oriented such that said third sealing means sealingly closes port means of an adjacent valve module as said piston means is moved from said first position to said second position.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said first and third sealing means are substantially the same diameter.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first and third sealing means are smaller than said second sealing means.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said means for preventing movement of said piston means from said second position to said first position comprises sleeve means annularly disposed around said piston means and having inner and outer sealing means thereon for sealingly engaging said piston means and said body means, respectively, said sleeve means having a first position and a second position; said second pressure passageway means is in communication with said sleeve means between said inner and outer sealing means and said first sealing means such that said force for moving said piston means from said first to said second position is applied through said sleeve means on said piston means, whereby said piston means is moved from said first position to said second position thereof as said sleeve means is moved from said first position to said second position thereof; and when said piston means is in said second position, said second sealing means is disengaged from said body means such that pressure from said first pressure passageway means is balanced on said piston means.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein after said second sealing means is disengaged, said pressure from said first pressure passageway means applies a force on said sleeve means for moving said sleeve means from said second to said first position thereof, said piston means remaining in said second position thereof.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: said piston means defines shoulder means thereon; and said sleeve means bears against said shoulder means for moving said piston means from said first to said second position.

Claim 10

A pressure actuated flow control valve comprising: an elongated body defining a central opening therethrough, a plurality of discharge ports in communication with said central opening; a plurality of pistons slidably disposed in said central opening of said body between first and second positions, each piston being positioned adjacent a corresponding discharge port; first sealing means on an end of each of said pistons for sealingly closing said corresponding discharge port when said piston is in said first position; second sealing means on an intermediate portion of each of said pistons for sealing engagement with said body when said piston is in said first position, said second sealing means being disengaged from said body when said piston is in said second position; third sealing means at an opposite end of each of said pistons for sealingly closing another discharge port adjacent said corresponding discharge port when said piston is in said second position; a plurality of sleeves, each of said sleeves being slidably disposed around a corresponding one of said pistons between said first and second sealing means thereon and movable between first and second positions; fourth sealing means on each of said sleeves for providing sealing engagement between each sleeve and said body and between each sleeve and the corresponding piston; a pressure line in communication with a volume adjacent said opposite end of every other piston and a volume adjacent said first-mentioned end of the remaining pistons; and a second pressure line in communication with a volume adjacent said first-mentioned end of every other piston and a volume adjacent said opposite end of said remaining pistons; wherein, alternate pressurizing of said first and second pressure lines results in sequential movement of said pistons from said first to said second positions.

Claim 11

A pressure actuated flow control valve comprising: an elongated body defining a central opening therethrough, a plurality of discharge ports in communication with said central opening; a plurality of pistons slidably disposed in said central opening of said body between first and second positions, each piston being positioned adjacent a corresponding discharge port; first sealing means on an end of each of said pistons for sealingly closing said corresponding discharge port when said piston is in said first position; second sealing means on an intermediate portion of each of said pistons for sealing engagement with said body when said piston is in said first position, said second sealing means being disengaged from said body when said piston is in said second position; third sealing means at an opposite end of each of said pistons for sealingly closing another discharge port adjacent said corresponding discharge port when said piston is in said second position; a plurality of sleeves, each of said sleeves being slidably disposed around a corresponding one of said pistons between said first and second sealing means thereon and movable between first and second positions; fourth sealing means on each of said sleeves for providing sealing engagement between each sleeve and said body and between each sleeve and the corresponding piston; a pressure line in communication with a volume adjacent said opposite end of every other piston and a volume adjacent said first-mentioned end of the remaining pistons; and a second pressure line in communication with a volume adjacent said first-mentioned end of every other piston and a volume adjacent said opposite end of said remaining pistons; wherein, alternate pressurizing of said first and second pressure lines results in sequential movement of said pistons from said first to said second positions.

Claim 12

The control valve of claim 9 further comprising a shear pin holding each of said pistons in said first position.

Claim 13

The control valve of claim 9 wherein said body comprises: a plurality of substantially identical body portions, each of said body portions having one of said discharge ports thereon and corresponding to one of said pistons; a first adapter having one of said discharge ports thereon and closing one end of said central opening; and a second adapted defining an inlet to said central opening.

Claim 14

The control valve of claim 11 wherein: each body portion comprises: a first bore adapted for sealingly receiving said first sealing means of said corresponding piston and further adapted for receiving said third sealing means of a piston adjacent said corresponding piston; a second bore for sealingly receiving said second sealing means when said corresponding piston is in said first position and for sealingly receiving said fourth sealing means; and a recess for non-sealingly receiving said second sealing means when said corresponding piston is in said second position; and said first adapter comprises a bore for receiving said third sealing means of an adjacent piston.

Claim 15

The control valve of claim 12 wherein: a differential pressure across a piston and corresponding sleeve exerts a force for moving the piston and corresponding sleeve from said first positions to said second positions thereof; and an opposite differential pressure across the piston and corresponding sleeve exerts a force for moving said corresponding sleeve from said second position to said first position thereof with said piston remaining in said second position thereof.

Claim 16

The control valve of claim 13 wherein each piston has a shoulder thereon which is engaged by the corresponding sleeve when said differential pressure acts thereacross.

Claim 17

The control valve of claim 12 wherein: each body portion defines a pressure port therein adapted for receiving a portion of one of said first and second pressure lines and further defines a longitudinal passageway in communication with said pressure port and extending between said recess in said body portion and an opposite end of said body portion; and said first adapter defines a pressure port therein adapted for receiving a portion of one of said first and second pressure lines and further defines a longitudinal passageway in communication with said pressure port in said first adapter and extending between an end of said first adapter and said pressure port therein.

Claim 18

The control valve of claim 9 wherein each of said first and third sealing means comprises a pair of piston rings adapted for sealing on opposite sides of a discharge port.

Claim 19

The control valve of claim 9 wherein each of said discharge ports has a pair of transverse holes equally longitudinally positioned on said body.

Claim 20

The control valve of claim 9 wherein said first and second sealing means are substantially the same diameter.

Claim 21

The control valve of claim 18 wherein said second sealing means is larger than said first and third sealing means.

Claim 22

An inflation system for inflating a plurality of inflatable packers on an offshore platform, said system comprising: a pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports in communication with an inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and discharge ports; and a pressure line separate from said inflation lines providing communication between said means and a pressure source separate from said inflation source.

Claim 23

An inflation system for inflating a plurality of inflatable packers on an offshore platform, said system comprising: a pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports in communication with an inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and discharge ports; and a pressure line separate from said inflation lines providing communication between said means and a pressure source separate from said inflation source.

Claim 24

The system of claim 20 wherein each of said inflation lines comprises check valve means for preventing deflation of said packers.

Claim 25

The system of claim 20 wherein: said valve defines a central passageway therethrough in communication with said inflation source; and said means comprises: a plurality of piston assemblies in said central passageway, each piston assembly being movable from a position closing a discharge port to another position opening said discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said piston assembly; and said pressure line provides communication between said piston assemblies and said pressure source.

Claim 26

The system of claim 22 wherein said valve further comprises means for preventing reverse movement of said piston assemblies.

Claim 27

A grout system for grouting a plurality of annuli defined between jackets and corresponding piles of an offshore platform leg assembly, said system comprising: a pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports in communication with a grout source; a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said discharge ports; and a pressure line separate from said grout lines for providing communication between said means and a pressure source separate from said grout source.

Claim 28

A grout system for grouting a plurality of annuli defined between jackets and corresponding piles of an offshore platform leg assembly, said system comprising: a pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports in communication with a grout source; a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said discharge ports; and a pressure line separate from said grout lines for providing communication between said means and a pressure source separate from said grout source.

Claim 29

The system of claim 24 wherein each of said grout lines comprises check valve means for preventing reverse flow of grout therethrough.

Claim 30

The system of claim 25 wherein: said valve defines a central passageway therethrough in communication with said grout source; and said means comprises: a plurality of piston assemblies in said central passageway, each piston assembly being movable from a position closing a discharge port to another position opening said discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said piston assembly; and said pressure line provides communication between said piston assemblies and said pressure source.

Claim 31

The system of claim 26 wherein said valve further comprises means for preventing reverse movement of said piston assemblies.

Claim 32

An offshore platform with an above surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon and comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports an inflation pressure line providing communication between said inflation means and a pressure source separate from said inflation source; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon and comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source; a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports; and a grout pressure line providing communication between said grout means and a pressure source separate from said grout source.

Claim 33

An offshore platform with an above surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon and comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports an inflation pressure line providing communication between said inflation means and a pressure source separate from said inflation source; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon and comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source; a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports; and a grout pressure line providing communication between said grout means and a pressure source separate from said grout source.

Claim 34

The platform of claim 28 wherein: each of said inflation lines comprises an inflation check valve therein for preventing deflation of said packers; and each of said grout lines comprises a grout check valve therein for preventing reverse flow of grout therethrough.

Claim 35

The platform of claim 28 wherein said inflation source is positioned on said platform portion and further comprising a main inflation line providing communication between said inflation source and said inflation valve means.

Claim 36

The platform of claim 28 wherein said grout source is positioned on said platform portion and further comprising a main grout line providing communication between said grout source and said grout valve means.

Claim 37

The platform of claim 28 wherein: said inflation valve means defines an inflation passageway therethrough; said grout valve means defines a grout passageway therethrough; said inflation means comprises: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and said inflation pressure line provides communication between said inflation pistons and the pressure source; and said grout means comprises: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable from a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and said grout pressure line provides communication between said grout pistons and the pressure source.

Claim 38

The platform of claim 32 wherein at least one of said pressure sources is on said platform portion.

Claim 39

The platform of claim 32 wherein: said inflation valve means further comprises means for preventing reverse movement of said inflation pistons; and said grout valve means further comprises means for preventing reverse movement of said grout pistons.

Claim 40

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon and comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; an inflation pressure line providing communication between said inflation means and a pressure source separate from said inflation source; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon and comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source; a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports; and a grout pressure line providing communication between said grout means and a pressure source separate from said grout source.

Claim 41

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon and comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; an inflation pressure line providing communication between said inflation means and a pressure source separate from said inflation source; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon and comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source; a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports; and a grout pressure line providing communication between said grout means and a pressure source separate from said grout source.

Claim 42

The template of claim 35 wherein: each of said inflation lines comprises an inflation check valve therein for preventing inflation of said packers; and each of said grout lines comprises a check valve therein for preventing reverse flow of grout therethrough.

Claim 43

The template of claim 35 wherein said inflation source is positioned on an above surface platform portion of said tension leg platform and further comprising a main inflation line providing communication between said inflation source and said inflation valve means.

Claim 44

The template of claim 37 wherein said main inflation line is permanently connected to said inflation valve means.

Claim 45

The template of claim 35 wherein said grout source is positioned on an above surface platform portion of said tension leg platform and further comprising a main grout line provided in communication between said grout source and said grout valve means.

Claim 46

The template of claim 39 wherein said main grout line is permanently connected to said grout valve means.

Claim 47

The template of claim 35 wherein: said inflation valve means defines an inflation passageway therethrough; said grout valve means defines a grout passageway therethrough; said inflation means comprises: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and said inflation pressure line provides communication between said inflation pistons and the pressure source; and said grout means comprises: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable between a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and said grout pressure line provides communication between said grout pistons and the pressure source.

Claim 48

The template of claim 41 wherein at least one of said pressure sources is positioned on an above surface platform portion of said tension leg platform.

Claim 49

The template of claim 41 wherein: said inflation valve means further comprises means for preventing reverse movement of said inflation pistons; and said grout valve means further comprises means for preventing reverse movement of said grout pistons.

Claim 50

An inflation system for inflating a plurality of inflatable packers on an offshore platform, said system comprising: a pressure actuated valve defining a central passageway therethrough in communication with an inflation source and having a plurality of discharge ports thereon, said valve further comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said means comprising: a plurality of piston assemblies in said central passageway, each piston assembly being movable from a position closing a discharge port to another position opening said discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said piston assembly; and first and second pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said piston assemblies and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and discharge ports.

Claim 51

An inflation system for inflating a plurality of inflatable packers on an offshore platform, said system comprising: a pressure actuated valve defining a central passageway therethrough in communication with an inflation source and having a plurality of discharge ports thereon, said valve further comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said means comprising: a plurality of piston assemblies in said central passageway, each piston assembly being movable from a position closing a discharge port to another position opening said discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said piston assembly; and first and second pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said piston assemblies and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and discharge ports.

Claim 52

A grout system for grouting a plurality of annuli defined between jackets and corresponding piles of an offshore platform leg assembly, said system comprising: a pressure actuated valve defining a central passageway therethrough in communication with a grout source and having a plurality of discharge ports thereon, said valve further comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said means comprising: a plurality of piston assemblies in said central passageway, each piston assembly being movable from a position closing a discharge port to another position opening said discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said piston assembly; and first and second pressure lines for providing communication between opposite sides of said piston assemblies and a pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said discharge ports.

Claim 53

A grout system for grouting a plurality of annuli defined between jackets and corresponding piles of an offshore platform leg assembly, said system comprising: a pressure actuated valve defining a central passageway therethrough in communication with a grout source and having a plurality of discharge ports thereon, said valve further comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said means comprising: a plurality of piston assemblies in said central passageway, each piston assembly being movable from a position closing a discharge port to another position opening said discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said piston assembly; and first and second pressure lines for providing communication between opposite sides of said piston assemblies and a pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said discharge ports.

Claim 54

An offshore platform with an above-surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon and comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon and comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said discharge ports; wherein, said inflation valve means and grout valve means form a single pressure actuated control valve means adapted for alternate communication with said inflation source and said grout source.

Claim 55

An offshore platform with an above-surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon and comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon and comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said discharge ports; wherein, said inflation valve means and grout valve means form a single pressure actuated control valve means adapted for alternate communication with said inflation source and said grout source.

Claim 56

An offshore platform with an above-surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and first and second inflation pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said inflation pistons and a pressure source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable from a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grount discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and first and second grout pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said grout pistons and another pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 57

An offshore platform with an above-surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and first and second inflation pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said inflation pistons and a pressure source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable from a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grount discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and first and second grout pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said grout pistons and another pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 58

A offshore platform with an above-surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; a inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said inflation pistons and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable from a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said grout pistons and another pressure source, wherein at least one of said pressure sources is an ocean hydrostatic pressure; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 59

A offshore platform with an above-surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; a inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said inflation pistons and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable from a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said grout pistons and another pressure source, wherein at least one of said pressure sources is an ocean hydrostatic pressure; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 60

An offshore platform with an above-surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said inflation piston and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable from a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said grout pistons and said pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 61

An offshore platform with an above-surface platform portion and comprising: a plurality of jacket legs extending downwardly from said platform portion to a sea floor; a leg pile disposed within each of said jacket legs such that a leg annulus is defined therebetween, said leg pile being driven into said sea floor; a plurality of skirt sleeves attached to each of said jacket legs and positioned on said sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each leg annulus and sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said inflation piston and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable from a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said grout pistons and said pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 62

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon and comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines provided in communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon and comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports; wherein, said inflation valve means and said grout valve means form a single pressure actuated control valve means adapted for alternate communication with said inflation source and said grout source.

Claim 63

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon and comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines provided in communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon and comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports; wherein, said inflation valve means and said grout valve means form a single pressure actuated control valve means adapted for alternate communication with said inflation source and said grout source.

Claim 64

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and first and second pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said inflation pistons and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines provided in communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable between a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and first and second pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said grout pistons and another pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 65

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and first and second pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said inflation pistons and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines provided in communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable between a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout piston; and first and second pressure lines providing communication between opposite sides of each of said grout pistons and another pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 66

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said inflation pistons and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable between a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout pistons; and a pressure line providing communication between said grout pistons and another pressure source, wherein at least one of said pressure sources is an ocean hydrostatic pressure; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 67

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed within each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said inflation pistons and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable between a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout pistons; and a pressure line providing communication between said grout pistons and another pressure source, wherein at least one of said pressure sources is an ocean hydrostatic pressure; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 68

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed with each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said inflation pistons and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable between a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout pistons; and a pressure line providing communication between said grout pistons and said pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 69

A template for an offshore tension leg platform, said template comprising: a plurality of skirt sleeves positioned on a sea floor; a sleeve pile disposed with each of said skirt sleeves such that a sleeve annulus is defined therebetween, said sleeve pile being driven into said sea floor; an inflatable packer disposed at a lower end of each sleeve annulus; an inflation source; pressure actuated inflation valve means defining an inflation passageway therethrough and having a plurality of inflation discharge ports thereon, said inflation valve means further comprising inflation means for sequentially placing said inflation discharge ports in communication with said inflation source, said inflation means comprising: a plurality of inflation pistons in said inflation passageway and movable from a first position closing an inflation discharge port to a second position opening said inflation discharge port in response to a differential pressure across said inflation piston; and a pressure line providing communication between said inflation pistons and a pressure source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and said inflation discharge ports; a grout source; pressure actuated grout valve means defining a grout passageway therethrough and having a plurality of grout discharge ports thereon, said grout valve means further comprising grout means for sequentially placing said grout discharge ports in communication with said grout source, said grout means comprising: a plurality of grout pistons in said grout passageway and movable between a first position closing a grout discharge port to a second position opening said grout discharge port in response to a pressure differential across said grout pistons; and a pressure line providing communication between said grout pistons and said pressure source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said grout discharge ports.

Claim 70

An inflation system for inflating a plurality of inflatable packers on an offshore platform, each of said packers being disposed in an annulus defined between a jacket and a pile of corresponding legs and skirts of said offshore platform, said system comprising: a first pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports on said first valve in communication with an inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and discharge ports on said first valve; a pressure line providing communication between said means and a pressure source separate from said inflation source; a second pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports on said second valve in communication with a grout source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and discharge ports on said second valve.

Claim 71

An inflation system for inflating a plurality of inflatable packers on an offshore platform, each of said packers being disposed in an annulus defined between a jacket and a pile of corresponding legs and skirts of said offshore platform, said system comprising: a first pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports on said first valve in communication with an inflation source; a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and discharge ports on said first valve; a pressure line providing communication between said means and a pressure source separate from said inflation source; a second pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports on said second valve in communication with a grout source; and a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and discharge ports on said second valve.

Claim 72

A grout system for grouting a plurality of annuli defined between jackets and corresponding piles of an offshore platform leg assembly wherein an inflatable packer is disposed in a lower end of each of said annuli, said system comprising: a first pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports on said first valve in communication with a grout source; a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said discharge ports on said first valve; a pressure line for providing communication between said means and a pressure source separate from said grout source; a second pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports on said second valve in communication with an inflation source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and discharge ports on said second valve.

Claim 73

A grout system for grouting a plurality of annuli defined between jackets and corresponding piles of an offshore platform leg assembly wherein an inflatable packer is disposed in a lower end of each of said annuli, said system comprising: a first pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports on said first valve in communication with a grout source; a plurality of grout lines providing communication between corresponding annuli and said discharge ports on said first valve; a pressure line for providing communication between said means and a pressure source separate from said grout source; a second pressure actuated valve having a plurality of discharge ports thereon and comprising means for sequentially placing said discharge ports on said second valve in communication with an inflation source; and a plurality of inflation lines providing communication between corresponding packers and discharge ports on said second valve.