Patents Assigned to Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
  • Patent number: 9316322
    Abstract: A gate valve has a gate valve seat for sealing a valve body to a gate of the gate valve. The valve seat extends from a flow passage of the valve body into a cavity of the valve body parallel to an axis of the flow passage. The cavity is perpendicular to the flow passage, and the gate is disposed within the cavity. The valve seat has a tubular body having a face for contact with a gate, and an end opposite the face adjacent to and in contact with the valve body. The valve seat also includes a sleeve positioned on an inner diameter of the tubular body, the sleeve adapted to receive a shear force for shearing a member extending through the flow passage, the inner sleeve having an adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventors: David James Alexander, Prabhu Palanisamy, Hussain Hashemizadeh
  • Patent number: 9309737
    Abstract: A rotating gate valve can be used to shear cables or tubing as it closes to obstruct flow. In embodiments, a valve body can have a flow passage and a lateral bore that is transverse to the flow passage. The gate can have a generally cylindrical shape and can rotate about the axis of the gate as it moves laterally to close a flow passage. The lateral and rotational movement can shear articles such as, for example, cables and tubing that extend through the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventors: David J. Alexander, Prabhu Palanisamy, Hussain Hashemizadeh
  • Patent number: 9284810
    Abstract: A system for injecting fluids into a well having a fluid supply line that is connected to a mandrel at the top of the production tree. The system is designed so that all components of the system are packaged together and run to the production tree in one run. The production tree is designed to provide a pathway for the fluid to travel from the mandrel to the production bore within the tree, and then into the production tubing of a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
    Inventors: William Thomas Bryson, Michael Adrian Wenham, Robert Bell
  • Patent number: 9267349
    Abstract: A device and method of handling a plug in a tubing hanger includes a pressure actuated sequence valve that has multiple outlets. Hydraulic fluid from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) provides hydraulic fluid that selectively flows through the valve for operating a tool that handles the plug. The valve outlets are ported to separate lines for operating different functions of the tool. Flow to a specific outlet occurs by sequencing the valve to a corresponding position, where the valve is sequenced by changing pressure of the hydraulic fluid. The sequence valve is disposed in a piston that is axially movable within the tool. A stroking rod attaches to the piston, and is actuated by diverting flow to sides of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Fenton
  • Patent number: 9109419
    Abstract: A system for maneuvering a plug in and out of a tubing hanger mounts to a subsea wellhead assembly. The system includes a tractor and an end effector that are sheltered in a housing. A control cable spools from a reel mounted on the housing and attaches to the tractor. The control cable provides communication from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to the tractor and end effector so that commands from the ROV via the control cable control the tractor and end effector. After the housing connects to the wellhead assembly, control signals from the ROV activate the tractor to drive the end effector into the wellhead assembly and command the end effector to set the plug in the tubing hanger, or to remove the plug from the tubing hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Fenton
  • Patent number: 9057238
    Abstract: A tree cap has a wedge type annular metal seal for capping and sealing a subsea tree and associated methods to energize the same. The tree cap includes a cam element having a lower end with a conical profile adapted to be disposed within a respective bore of the subsea tree. The cam element moves along an axis of the bore. The annular metal seal is disposed on an outer diameter of the cam element so that the cam element may compress the annular metal seal against an actuation member to seal the bore of the subsea tree. The tree cap includes a housing adapted to be disposed on and secure to the subsea tree. The housing carries the cam element and exerts an axial force on the cam element to deform the annular metal seal into sealing engagement between the tree cap and the subsea tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventor: Michael Shaw
  • Patent number: 9057463
    Abstract: A subsea connector includes first and second tubular members, each having a forward end with an external first flange. A guide basket with an open forward end extends around the first tubular member. A fluid cylinder assembly moves the guide basket axially relative to the first tubular member between a rearward position and a forward position. Lock dogs are carried by the second tubular member. Each of the dogs has a first load shoulder and a second load shoulder and is mounted to a dog support. The dog support has a forward portion that contracts and expands radially relative to the second tubular member. While the guide basket is in the forward position, an interior of the guide basket engages outer sides of the dogs to retain the first and second load shoulders of the dogs in engagement with the first and second flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventor: Cliff T. Haddox
  • Patent number: 9038726
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing umbilical lines and one or more jumpers are provided. An example of a system includes a deployment platform carrying a winch and spool assembly, a tether management assembly, and an integrated electrical and/or hydraulic umbilical line extending between a spool on the winch and spool assembly and the tether management assembly. The winch and spool assembly is configured to deploy and to support the umbilical line. The tether management assembly includes a winch and spool assembly for deploying a flying lead and/or annulus jumper adapted to connect to an emergency disconnect package of a well control package for a well. A set of buoyant modules are connected to or integral with a portion of the umbilical line to be used to form an artificial heave compensation loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
    Inventors: David Stewart Christie, Michael Marr, Ian Calder, Steven Salman
  • Patent number: 8950483
    Abstract: A positional feedback system includes a seal assembly coupled to a running tool, the seal assembly having a seal ring and an energizing ring positioned between a hanger and a subsea wellhead. The energizing ring moves relative to the seal ring from an unset position to a set position to seal to the wellhead and the hanger. The system includes a magnet disposed on the energizing ring and having a magnetic field. One or more sensing devices are disposed on running tool and positioned in the magnetic field of the magnet in the set position and the unset position. The sensing devices are configured to communicate with a surface platform when the rare earth magnet passes a magnetic field through the sensing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Guy Harvey Mason, Stephen Paul Fenton
  • Publication number: 20150021035
    Abstract: A landing string for landing a tubing hanger in a tubing spool has flow lines for actuating annulus access valves. A tubing string depends from the tubing hanger, and projects into a wellbore lined with casing when the tubing hanger is landed. Piping outside of the tubing spool connects to a bore formed through the tubing spool to provide access to an annulus between the tubing string and casing. The annulus access valve is in the flow line to control flow to the annulus. The valve is driven by an actuator that is operated by fluid in a flow line ported through the landing string, and in communication with the tubing spool when the tubing hanger is landed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
    Inventor: Darren Lee Miller
  • Patent number: 8779932
    Abstract: Systems and methods for visually indicating an engagement status of a submerged subsea connector are provided. An example of a system includes a measurement device positioned to provide a signal indicating positive engagement of a locking mechanism for a submerged subsea connector, and a visual engagement status indicator assembly including a visual engagement status indicator positioned on an outside portion of a surrounding frame to provide a visual indication corresponding to an engagement status of the locking mechanism provided by the measurement device. A power supply assembly is configured to interface with portions of an adjacent cathodic protection system to provide supply power or voltage multiplication to the visual engagement status indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventor: Michal Damian Burzynski
  • Publication number: 20140182858
    Abstract: A device and method of handling a plug in a tubing hanger includes a pressure actuated sequence valve that has multiple outlets. Hydraulic fluid from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) provides hydraulic fluid that selectively flows through the valve for operating a tool that handles the plug. The valve outlets are ported to separate lines for operating different functions of the tool. Flow to a specific outlet occurs by sequencing the valve to a corresponding position, where the valve is sequenced by changing pressure of the hydraulic fluid. The sequence valve is disposed in a piston that is axially movable within the tool. A stroking rod attaches to the piston, and is actuated by diverting flow to sides of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY U.K., LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Fenton
  • Publication number: 20140151024
    Abstract: A packoff assembly for sealing a space between an inner well member and an outer well member. The packoff assembly has a packoff body, and a sealing mechanism with a U-shaped cross-section, including a packoff body leg and a well component leg extending substantially downward from a transverse connecting section. The well component leg is elastically bendable so that it resists inward deflection toward the packoff body and so that the sealing mechanism can be set without the use of an energizing ring. The packoff body leg is configured for engagement with the packoff body, and the well component leg has a sealing surface configured for sealing engagement with the inner or the outer well member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY U.K., LIMITED
    Inventors: James Anderson Sinnott, Arlane Petrie Christie
  • Publication number: 20140054045
    Abstract: A downhole control system can include a pair of drive lines passing through a wellbore member such as a tubing hanger, and a plurality of hydraulic switches, each in communication with the drive lines. Each hydraulic switch can have a unique pressure band, wherein the switch only responds when the pressure in the drive lines is within the unique pressure band. Once the pressure in the drive lines is within the pressure band, the switch can open or close in response to a pressure differential in the drive lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
    Inventor: Robert Bell
  • Publication number: 20140048269
    Abstract: A system for injecting fluids into a well having a fluid supply tine that is connected to a mandrel at the top of the production tree. The system is designed so that all components of the system are packaged together and run to the production tree in one run. The production tree is designed to provide a pathway for the fluid to travel from the mandrel to the production bore within the tree, and then into the production tubing of a well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
    Inventors: William Thomas Bryson, Michael Adrian Wenham, Robert Bell
  • Publication number: 20140014334
    Abstract: A positional feedback system includes a seal assembly coupled to a running tool, the seal assembly having a seal ring and an energizing ring positioned between a hanger and a subsea wellhead. The energizing ring moves relative to the seal ring from an unset position to a set position to seal to the wellhead and the hanger. The system includes a magnet disposed on the energizing ring and having a magnetic field. One or more sensing devices are disposed on running tool and positioned in the magnetic field of the magnet in the set position and the unset position. The sensing devices are configured to communicate with a surface platform when the rare earth magnet passes a magnetic field through the sensing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Guy Harvey Mason, Stephen Paul Fenton
  • Publication number: 20140001390
    Abstract: A gate valve has a gate valve seat for sealing a valve body to a gate of the gate valve. The valve seat extends from a flow passage of the valve body into a cavity of the valve body parallel to an axis of the flow passage. The cavity is perpendicular to the flow passage, and the gate is disposed within the cavity. The valve seat has a tubular body having a face for contact with a gate, and an end opposite the face adjacent to and in contact with the valve body. The valve seat also includes a sleeve positioned on an inner diameter of the tubular body, the sleeve adapted to receive a shear force for shearing a member extending through the flow passage, the inner sleeve having an adjustable length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
    Inventors: David James Alexander, Prabhu Palanisamy, Hussain Hashemizadeh
  • Publication number: 20130306325
    Abstract: A tree cap has a wedge type annular metal seal for capping and sealing a subsea tree and associated methods to energize the same. The tree cap includes a cam element having a lower end with a conical profile adapted to be disposed within a respective bore of the subsea tree. The cam element moves along an axis of the bore. The annular metal seal is disposed on an outer diameter of the cam element so that the cam element may compress the annular metal seal against an actuation member to seal the bore of the subsea tree. The tree cap includes a housing adapted to be disposed on and secure to the subsea tree. The housing carries the cam element and exerts an axial force on the cam element to deform the annular metal seal into sealing engagement between the tree cap and the subsea tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
    Inventor: Michael Shaw
  • Publication number: 20130292127
    Abstract: A system for maneuvering a plug in and out of a tubing hanger mounts to a subsea wellhead assembly. The system includes a tractor and an end effector that are sheltered in a housing. A control cable spools from a reel mounted on the housing and attaches to the tractor. The control cable provides communication from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to the tractor and end effector so that commands from the ROV via the control cable control the tractor and end effector. After the housing connects to the wellhead assembly, control signals from the ROV activate the tractor to drive the end effector into the wellhead assembly and command the end effector to set the plug in the tubing hanger, or to remove the plug from the tubing hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY U.K. LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Fenton
  • Publication number: 20130249210
    Abstract: A subsea connector includes first and second tubular members, each having a forward end with an external first flange. A guide basket with an open forward end extends around the first tubular member. A fluid cylinder assembly moves the guide basket axially relative to the first tubular member between a rearward position and a forward position. Lock dogs are carried by the second tubular member. Each of the dogs has a first load shoulder and a second load shoulder and is mounted to a dog support. The dog support has a forward portion that contracts and expands radially relative to the second tubular member. While the guide basket is in the forward position, an interior of the guide basket engages outer sides of the dogs to retain the first and second load shoulders of the dogs in engagement with the first and second flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Vetco Gray U.K., Limited
    Inventor: Cliff T. Haddox