Coffer dam for servicing marine structures

Abstract

A coffer dam for use in maintenance and repair of support pylons for marine structures such as piers, wharfs, and drilling platforms. Insulated bottom, side walls and roof members form an enclosure that can be heated, or cooled, to provide a good work environment and can protect against undesirable condensation that could adversely effect chemicals and coating materials. A grated floor member allows for debris to be collected and a vacuum system is used for proper disposal, and an improved seal protects against water leaking into the enclosure.

1 . A coffer dam for use in providing maintenance and repair of a support member for a marine platform, said coffer dam comprising a plurality of wall segments, a bottom portion and segmented roof portions for creating a closed work space enclosed by said wall segments, means for securing said segments together about the support member, and sealing means below said coffer dam for keeping water from entering into said enclosed work space. 
   
   
       2 . A coffer dam as defined in  claim 1  wherein said sealing means is comprised of arcuate closed cell foam members for receiving said bottom portion of said coffer dam, and inflatable tubular means for forming a seal with the support member. 
   
   
       3 . A coffer dam as defined in  claim 1  wherein said wall segments, said bottom portion and said segmented roof portions each contain insulation material for providing climate control of said closed work space. 
   
   
       4 . A coffer dam as defined in  claim 3  including means for selectively heating or cooling said closed work space. 
   
   
       5 . A coffer dam as defined in  claim 1  including a grated floor member having openings for allowing debris to pass therethrough and be collected at said bottom portion. 
   
   
       6 . A coffer dam as defined in  claim 5  including vacuum means for collecting and removing said debris from said bottom portion.