Patents Assigned to FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
  • Patent number: 8084979
    Abstract: A method for testing an electric motor which is connected to a valve element by at least one component comprises starting the motor, measuring a movement parameter of at least one of the motor and the component without moving the valve element, and stopping the motor when the measured movement parameter indicates that the valve element is about to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
  • Publication number: 20110048727
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a riser joint for a riser with a joint connecting two parts of a riser where the two parts are allowed angular displacement. According to the invention the riser joint comprises means for connection to the two parts of the riser at a distance from the joint, and means for adding a force between the two parts. The invention also relates to a method for reducing bending moments in a riser at a connection between the riser and a subsea installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Hans-Paul Carlsen, Tor-Oystein Carlsen, Olav Inderberg
  • Patent number: 7891713
    Abstract: A pipe clamp includes two clamping members which are hinged together at one end and releasably secured together at the other end. The clamping members each comprising an arcuate, radially inner portion which extends in the longitudinal direction of the clamping member and which in profile comprises a bottom portion and two lips which each extend radially inwardly from a corresponding side of the bottom portion. Each lip includes a main portion which extends circumferentially along the inner portion, and at least one lip of at least one clamping member comprises an arcuate circle sector portion which extends between the main portion and an end of the clamping member. In addition, the main portion comprises a lip radius and the circle sector portion comprises a circle sector radius that is larger than the lip radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Knut Håvard Bekkevold
  • Publication number: 20110011593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid circulation system for circulating fluid in a subsea cavity, the cavity being filled with a first fluid and having first and second end ports. The system comprises a container (26) containing a second fluid, fluid lines (21, 27) extending from the container to the first and second end ports of the cavity, respectively, and a pump (22) for exchanging the second fluid provided in the container (26) and the first fluid provided in the subsea cavity (10). The invention also relates to a method for circulating fluid in a subsea cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Kristian Borhaug, Gunnar Herø
  • Publication number: 20110006790
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for measuring water content and salt concentration in a multiphase fluid flow. A capacitive sensor (6, 7) is arranged in a pipe section (5) through which the multiphase fluid flow passes. A signal generator (10) is connected to the capacitive sensor (6, 7). A first measuring transducer (40) is adapted to measure a voltage across the capacitive sensor, and a second measuring transducer (50) is adapted to measure a current through the capacitive sensor. An output circuit (60) is adapted to generate output signals (70, 72) that indicate the salt concentration and water content in the multiphase fluid flow, based on signals emitted from the first (40) and the second (50) measuring transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Odd Jan Kirkaune
  • Publication number: 20110005764
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tool for a tool for connecting an end of a first pipeline (22) to an end of a second pipeline (3) supported by a subsea structure (1) and being provided by at least two guide elements (11, 12). The tool comprising means for connecting the pipelines, and it comprises a receiving portion (32) provided to accommodate the end of the first pipeline in a slideable manner, and guiding means comprising at least two guiding sections (34, 35) extending from receiving portion (32). Each guiding section has an end arranged with an attachment portion (36, 37) interfacing with the guide elements (11, 12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Knut Håvard Bekkevold
  • Patent number: 7849926
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety joint (10; 100; 200) for a riser consisting of two telescoping parts that are arranged to break in the event of a predetermined axial tension load. The joint also comprises means (21, 41; 121, 141; 221, 241) for closing the passage in the joint in the event of fracture where the means are activated by means of the forces generated during the separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Olav Inderberg
  • Publication number: 20100307763
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontal Christmas tree comprising a central bore (72) and a horizontal outlet (70) extending laterally from the central bore. A tubing hanger (74) is locked into the central bore and connected to a production tubing (76) extending into the well. The tubing hanger comprises a first passage (78) axially aligned with the production tubing and a second passage (80) extending laterally from the first passage and aligned with the outlet. The first passage comprises means for releasable fastening of at least one plugging device (1a, 1b) for plugging the first passage above the second passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Sigurd Moe
  • Publication number: 20100252227
    Abstract: The present invention regards a subsea cooling unit having an inlet for a hot fluid and an outlet for cooled fluid, the cooling unit comprising a number of coils exposed to seawater, and means for generating a flow of seawater past the coils, where the means for generating the flow of seawater comprises a propeller and a rotatable actuator and that the cooler is enclosed in a duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Vidar Sten-Halvorsen, Erik Baggerud, Terje Hollingsaeter
  • Publication number: 20100243316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for manufacturing a composite cable, cables resulting from the manufacturing process and use of a composite cable in a well. According to the invention there are several elements to enhance a composite cable, where among a preheating process of conductors before joining them with a matrix, aligning the fibers in the matrix in parallel with each other and the conductors, adding exothermic starting agent to the liquid resin, forming the matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Olav Inderberg, Hans-Paul Carlsen, Christian Bendixen, Eirik Grønvold
  • Publication number: 20100180769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsea installation for treatment of hydrocarbons from a subsea well, having a pipe system comprising a first manifold (2) connected to at least one well (1) and at least two first pipe segments (3) with an inlet connected to the manifold (2) and where the first pipe segments (3) comprise at least two outlets, where the first manifold (2) and the first pipe segments (3) are arranged in a first plane and where one of the outlets from the first pipe segments leads to a second manifold (7). According to the invention a second of the outlets from the first pipe segments (3) leads to at least two second pipe segments (9) arranged in a second plane and where at least one of the outlets forms an inlet to the second pipe segments (9), where the second pipe segments (9) comprise at least one outlet leading to a third manifold (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS
    Inventors: Jens Grenstad, Marit Mork, Odd Marius Rosvold, Magnus Bernt
  • Patent number: 7654329
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dual-type plug to be used in a wellhead. The plug has a separate retrievable inner plug (50). Retrieving only the inner plug allows the use of lighter workover equipment than if the whole plug (10) must be pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Hans Jørgen Lindland, Stein Følkner
  • Patent number: 7549476
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a pressure containment device for use in a lubricator. The device includes a housing having a first main bore extending throughout its length a number of transversal bores intersecting the main bore. Pairs of opposing rams are located in the transversal bores to grip and seal around a cable in the main bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Hans-Paul Carlsen, Olav Inderberg
  • Publication number: 20090127485
    Abstract: The present invention describes a valve actuator having a first motor (30) for moving a valve element and a second motor (30?) for energizing a failsafe spring (130). The second motor is operated independently from the first, thus allowing the valve element to be moved between its open and closed positions while the spring is energized. In an emergency, the spring will be de-energized and move the valve element to its failsafe position no matter the position of the valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS
    Inventors: Jorgen Wessel, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen, Torstein Kasin, John A. Johansen
  • Publication number: 20080271896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heave compensator for a riser, particularly a working riser (9), comprising a telescopic connection (10) with a first chamber (60) which is in fluid connection with the interior of the riser and a second chamber (62) which is connected with a source of pressure fluid. By varying the pressure in the second chamber in response to the movements of the platform, the telescopic connection can be arranged to move in correspondence with the platform's movements, thereby permitting access to the riser during working operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Olav Inderberg, Hans-Paul Carlsen, Anthony D. Muff
  • Publication number: 20080223467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regulating a pressure in a hydraulic system for operating at least one actuator in a subsea installation, having a fluid supply line (102) connected to a source of pressurized fluid (101) at a remote location delivering fluid at a constant pressure to the subsea installation, comprising first and second control valves (103, 105) controlled by an electronic control unit (107), and at least one pressure sensor (106) and an accumulator (104) arranged between the first and second control valve (103, 105), where the pressure in the fluid supply line (102?) to the actuator is regulated by regulating the pressure in the accumulator (104) by adding fluid from the source of pressurized fluid (101) through the first control valve (103) if the pressure is too low or releasing pressure through the second control valve (105) to a fluid return line (120) if the pressure is too high and thereby establishing the desired pressure for operating the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Johannes Tore Tveita
  • Patent number: 7401627
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, these and other problems in the prior art are addressed by providing a valve which comprises a valve body which includes an passage that extends at least partially therethrough, a valve seat which is formed in the passage, a valve member which is movably positioned in the passage proximate the valve seat, a first sealing element which is supported on the valve member and which in a closed position of the valve engages the valve seat to block fluid flow through the passage, and a protective member which is movable relative to the valve member between a first position in which the protective member substantially covers the first sealing element when the valve is in the open position and a second position in which the protective member is retracted from the first sealing element when the valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Heyn Halfdan Magnus, Petter Støvset
  • Publication number: 20080105435
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety joint (10; 100; 200) for a riser consisting of two telescoping parts that are arranged to break in the event of a predetermined axial tension load. The joint also comprises means (21, 41; 121, 141; 221, 241) for closing the passage in the joint in the event of fracture where the means are activated by means of the forces generated during the separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Olav Inderberg
  • Patent number: 7273105
    Abstract: A system is described for monitoring a subsea formation, which is under development. Instruments located in a completed but unconnected well are employed for providing information by a provisional monitoring unit being lowered downhole and connected to the well. Changes in the reservoir as a result of operations in other adjacent wells are intercepted by the instruments in the well and transmitted via an acoustic link to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: John A. Johansen, Morten Sivertsen
  • Publication number: 20070173957
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for a subsea installation based on CAN bus technology. A single cable forms a backbone for transmitting signals and/or power from a central control unit to a number of devices or sensors on the installation. Terminals are attached to the cable at intervals, allowing devices to be plugged in while the system is operable. A termination may also include repeaters or amplifiers for transmitting signals over longer distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS
    Inventors: John Johansen, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen