Grout applicator

Abstract

An apparatus for applying grout in a region between a tubular sub-sea foundation pile and a leg of an offshore structure inserted into the foundation pile is provided. The apparatus includes a rigid tube adapted to be inserted into the region. The rigid tube includes an inlet for receiving grout, and an outlet. A method for grout application is also provided.

1 . An apparatus for applying grout in a region between a tubular sub-sea foundation pile and a leg of an offshore structure inserted into the foundation pile, the apparatus comprising a rigid tube adapted to be inserted into the region, the rigid tube comprising an inlet for receiving grout, and an outlet. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the leg of the offshore structure does not comprise any internal and/or integrated means for conveying grout into the tubular sub-sea foundation pile. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the rigid tube comprises a sidewall, and wherein the outlet is disposed in the sidewall. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , comprising a closed end opposite to the inlet end. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the rigid tube comprises a plurality of outlets disposed in the sidewall, the outlets being circumferentially spaced thereabout. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall of the rigid tube comprises indicia, the indicia configured to provide, in use, an indication of the depth to which the outlet is inserted into a foundation pile. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according  claim 4 , wherein the closed end is provided by a plug or cap. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible conduit, the flexible conduit having a first end for connection with a source of grout, and a second end connected to the rigid tube. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the rigid tube has a diameter of between 2 and 4 inches. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the flexible conduit has a diameter of between 2 and 4 inches. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a flange configured to be attached to the leg and limit the extent to which the leg can be inserted into the foundation pile. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the flange comprises a funnel guide arranged to guide the rigid tube into the foundation pile. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the flange further comprises one or more apertures extending therethrough for locating the rigid tube, in use, relative to a foundation pile, the or each aperture having a conical portion extending thereabout to guide the rigid tube towards the aperture. 
     
     
         14 . An offshore structure foundation building system, comprising an apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , an offshore structure having a leg, and a foundation pile. 
     
     
         15 . The offshore structure foundation building system according to  claim 14 , wherein the leg of the offshore structure does not comprise any internal and/or integrated means for conveying grout into the tubular sub-sea foundation pile. 
     
     
         16 . A kit of parts comprising a rigid tube according to  claim 1  and a flexible conduit having a first end for connection with a source of grout, and a second end connected to the rigid tube. 
     
     
         17 . A method of fixing an offshore structure to a pre-piled sub-sea foundation pile, wherein the foundation pile comprises a tube piled into the sea floor and the offshore structure comprises a leg inserted into the foundation pile, wherein the method comprises lowering a rigid tube into a region described between the foundation pile and the leg such than an outlet of the rigid tube is at a first position, and applying grout to a first region between an end of the leg and the sea floor within the foundation pile via the rigid tube. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the leg does not comprise any internal and/or integrated means for conveying grout into the tubular sub-sea foundation pile.