La Salle Marine, Inc.

Evaporation, Inc.

James H Files

John M Montague

Carlton T Sikes

Donald M Harrel

Thomas L Stansbury Sr

A method for concentrating salt water. Salt water is separated from oil-water mixture which has been produced from a well. Salt water is introduced into a recirculating weir and mixed with more concentrated brine. Brine is recirculated through a thermal syphon apparatus. Recirculation includes passing brine, including some salt water, from weir into boiler vessel. Brine is heated within boiler vessel to a boiling temperature whereby brine, while boiling, generates steam which passes up out of weir. All of foregoing steps are performed at atmospheric pressure. The density of brine is sensed at a location in the lower vicinity of weir. Concentrated brine is released from lower vicinity when density at sensed temperature is at a level corresponding to a brine concentration near the precipitation of salt from solution. Salt water and brine is passed through a magnetic water treating unit. The concentrated brine, as released, is passed into a holding vessel.

Self-contained oil well salt water concentration system

A replaceable marine fender mechanism according to the present invention is adapted for connection to marine structures such as the cylindrical legs of offshore platforms to prevent vessels and other objects from impacting against the platform legs and causing damage. The fender mechanism is supported by upper and lower energy cells with the lower energy cell having a stabbing and positioning receptacle that is adapted to receive a stabbing and positioning portion defined at the lower extremity of an elongated fender post. The upper extremity of the bumper post is releasably supported by a bolted connected structure that is presented at the free extremity of an upper energy cell that is also securable to the leg structure of the offshore platform. A cylindrical fender element is receivable about the fender post and is supported by a connector element to the upper energy absorbing structure. The lower portion of the fender post is provided with internal positioning element that establishes a close fitting relation with the inner peripheral surfaces of the resilient fender and thereby precludes transverse movement of the fender relative to the fender post.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

James H Files