Patents Examined by Matthew Buck
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Patent number: 9157292Abstract: A valve comprises a housing including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a neutral chamber. In addition, the valve comprises a stem disposed within the housing. Further, the valve comprises a first valve member at least partially disposed in the first chamber and connected to the stem and a second valve member at least partially disposed in the second chamber and connected to the stem. The first valve member has a closed position seated in a first annular valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the first valve seat. The second valve member has a closed position seated in a second annular valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the second valve seat. Moreover, the valve comprises a biasing member configured to bias the second valve member to the closed position and the first valve member to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Nicolas Arteaga
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Patent number: 9151137Abstract: Systems and methods of production control are contemplated in which one or more multiphase flow meters are operationally coupled to a production conduit to provide flow and compositional information for the fluid in the production conduit. Data from the multiphase flow meter are then provided to a control system that uses the data to control operation of one or more choke valves of one or more well heads that are fluidly coupled to the production conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Fluor Technologies CorporationInventor: Timothy Paul Daigle
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Patent number: 9151430Abstract: Valve for throttling the flow rate of a fluid, distinguished in that it comprises a bolt (12), a pipe section (8) having inner dimension adapted to enclose the bolt sealingly, a groove (13) in at least one of the outer surface of the bolt and the inner surface of the pipe section, the groove providing a fluid passageway between the enclosed bolt and pipe section, an inlet port having fluid connection to an upstream end of the groove, an outlet port having fluid connection to a downstream end of the groove, and means to adjust a coaxial position of the bolt (12) relative to the pipe (8), by moving one or both of the bolt and pipe section, in order to adjust the throttling effect of the valve. System comprising valves of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Roxar Flow Measurement ASInventor: Rolf Wium
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Patent number: 9151121Abstract: A buoyancy compensating element for connection to a flexible pipe and method of producing a buoyancy compensating element are disclosed for increasing or decreasing buoyancy of the portion of flexible pipe. The buoyancy compensating element includes a body portion; and a channel extending through the body portion for receiving a portion of flexible pipe, wherein the body portion and channel are configured such that when a portion of flexible pipe is received in the channel, the portion of pipe has increasing ability to flex towards an end of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK LimitedInventors: Zhimin Tan, George Karabelas
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Patent number: 9151131Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a power and control pod for subsea artificial lift system. In one embodiment, a method of operating a downhole tool in a subsea wellbore includes: supplying a direct current (DC) power signal from a dry location to a subsea control pod; converting the DC power signal to an alternating current (AC) power signal by the control pod; and supplying the AC power signal from the control pod, into the subsea wellbore, and to the downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Zeitecs B.V.Inventors: Didier Drablier, Neil Griffiths, Eugene Bespalov
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Patent number: 9145761Abstract: Subsea well intervention module (100) for performing well intervention operations in a well (101) through a well head (120) from a surface vessel (102), comprising a supporting structure (110), a pipe assembly (170) fastened to the supporting structure and having two opposite ends, an inner diameter and a cavity (182) in which an intervention tool (171) may be arranged for pressurizing the cavity (182) when connected to the well head or a blowout preventer arranged on top of the well head to wellbore pressure before at least one valve (121) of a well head is opened and the tool is submerged into the well, a connection member connected with a first end (202) of the pipe assembly for providing a connection to the well head, a wireless intervention tool (171) having an outer diameter and comprising an electrical power device (196). The connection member has an open first end connectable with the well head or blowout preventer and a through-bore providing fluid passage from the first end to the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: WELLTEC A/SInventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel
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Patent number: 9145750Abstract: A method and a device are for extending at least the lifetime of a Christmas tree or an umbilical. The Christmas tree is provided with a high-pressure hydraulic valve package and a low-pressure hydraulic valve package and the umbilical includes electrical power and control cables and hydraulic pipes. The method includes: retrofitting an upgrading module including at least a control unit, a hydraulic high-pressure pump, a second high-pressure hydraulic valve package, and a hydraulic reservoir onto or at the Christmas tree; supplying the high-pressure pump, directly or via the reservoir, with hydraulic fluid from a pipe in the umbilical, the high-pressure pump being connected to the second high-pressure hydraulic valve package; connecting the second high-pressure hydraulic valve package to a downhole safety valve; connecting the electrical power and control cables of the umbilical to the control unit; and connecting control cables between the control unit and valves in the low-pressure hydraulic valve package.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Subsea Solutions ASInventor: Torfinn Borsheim
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Patent number: 9145751Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator assembly in which a hydraulic accumulator is associated with at least one responsive unit, which is responsive to the weight of the accumulator to provide an indication dependent on the weight of the accumulator. The accumulator is in an underwater fluid extraction well facility.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK LimitedInventor: Mark Edwin Organ
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Patent number: 9145737Abstract: The present invention relates to a coring system considering a tilt of a coring part and a method of compensating for a depth of a coring part using the same. A coring system according to the present invention includes: a coring part with a core to be filled with an object to be cored; a driving unit controlling upward/downward movement of the coring part; a rope connecting the coring part with the driving unit; and a tilt meter measuring a tilt of the coring part.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral ResourcesInventors: Moo Hee Kang, Gee Soo Kong, Kyong O Kim, Jin Ho Kim, Young Ho Yoon, Chang Sik Lee, Kyu Jung Kim
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Patent number: 9140115Abstract: A method of deploying a cable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation that includes providing a cable. The cable includes an insulated conductor; an armor wire layer surrounding the insulated conductor; and a polymeric material disposed in interstitial spaces formed between armor wires forming the armor wire layer, and in interstitial spaces formed between the at least one armor wire layer and the at least one insulated conductor. The method also includes introducing the cable into a wellbore and performing at least one operation in the wellbore utilizing the cable.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Joseph Varkey, Byong Jun Kim, Garud Sridhar, Wayne Fulin, Noor F. Sait, Matthew Billingham, Andrea Sbordone
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Patent number: 9140091Abstract: An apparatus for causing an indication of a connector of a subsea structure has a lifting structure pivotally affixed adjacent an upper end of the subsea structure, an extension extending outwardly adjacent a bottom of the subsea structure and an inclination tool cooperative with the extension so as to move the lower end of the subsea structure in an angular direction offset from horizontal. The inclination tool has a ratchet mechanism cooperative with a line extending from the lifting structure. Hydraulic actuators serve to draw the ratchet mechanism upwardly in a direction toward the lifting structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.Inventor: Brent Cox
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Patent number: 9140103Abstract: A releasable guidepost extension is used on the seabed together with a bottom fixed guidepost part. These parts make up a guidepost for use during the lowering of a component from the surface of the water to a subsea structure. The guidepost part includes an upward (in use position) projecting end designed for engagement with a lower (in use position) end of the guidepost extension. The guidepost extension is loosely connected to the bottom fixed guidepost part via a pin and socket part on respective ends. A gap, or clearance, exists between the pin and socket part in the longitudinal direction, and at least one friction forming device arranged in the gap on either the pin part or in the socket part. The friction forming device does not get in contact, or engaged, with the other part unless the guidepost extension is subjected to a lateral force.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: AKER AUBDEA ASInventors: Johan Larsson, Mathias Larsson
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Patent number: 9140110Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems. The treatment fluid can comprise a water-based fracturing fluid or a waterless liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fracturing fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: EVOLUTION WELL SERVICES, LLCInventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
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Patent number: 9140119Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising providing a drill string disposed within the wellbore having one or more tubulars associated therewith and forming one or more annuli around the drill string; placing an insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent into at least one of the one or more annuli surrounding the drill string; and performing a drill stem test while the insulating packer fluid is in place. A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising placing an insulating packer fluid in an annular space between a tubular and a marine riser extending from a surface vessel or platform and a subsea wellhead, wherein the insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent and has a thermal conductivity of from about 0.008 BTU/(hr·ft·F) to about 0.245 BTU/(hr·ft·F).Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Larry R. Deen
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Patent number: 9141130Abstract: A device for the application of a preload between a subsea wellhead and a conductor housing comprises an activating member (1), a support housing (2), a locking member (3), end means (9) for securing the support housing relative to the well-head. Movement of the activating member causes an inclined lateral movement of the locking member. The activating member carries a ratchet (7) comprising a multiplicity of serrations which have a regular pitch in the activating direction and the support housing (1, 2) cames at least two latches (19, 20) which allow the relative movement and can engage the ratchet to inhibit movement reverse to the activating direction. The discrete locking positions provided by one of the latches are positionally out of phase with the discrete locking positions provided by the other latch or latches.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: AKER SUBSEA LIMITEDInventor: Stuart James Ellison
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Patent number: 9140077Abstract: A thermal insulation of pipes of a drill pipe riser, the novelty consisting basically in the fact that the thermal insulation comprises several layers around the pipe and between the first layer and the pipe, and between two adjacent layers, there are spaces where sea water penetrates. A thermal insulation system of joint couplings of pipes for a drill pipe riser comprising a tubular segment that circumferentially surrounds the region of the joint coupling and, so that between the tubular segment and the pipes is formed a space where sea water penetrates.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: IPB-GR Indústria Mecânica Ltda.Inventors: Gilmar Souza Cupolillo, Renato Cesar Martins Vieira
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Patent number: 9133670Abstract: The riser system of the present invention includes an external production riser for floating structures with interfaces to the dry and subsea wellheads, internal tieback riser with a special lower overshot/slipping connector for elevated temperatures. The seals can be metallic and/or non-metallic dynamic seals. Special centralizing pipe connectors and a special subsea wellhead tubing hanger are also included. This riser system avoids the penalty of pipe within pipe differential thermal growth and the resulting unwanted effects on the floating structure. This is accomplished by allowing an overshot sealing slipping connector to swallow an expanding polished rod as thermal conditions cause pipe elongation axially. When elevated temperatures fall to ambient the opposite occurs as the pipe shrinks axially. Alternatively, a system is possible where a two pipe drilling riser is needed. The internal pipe in this case would be an inner riser rather than a tubing string.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: David Cain, William Puccio, Shian Chou
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Patent number: 9133690Abstract: Disclosed are fluid handling systems and methods for mitigating the effects of pressure drops that occur at the startup of subsea pumps associated with liquid producing reservoirs. The systems and methods are particularly useful in conjunction with subsea pumps used for producing liquids from high-pressure, low permeability hydrocarbon reservoirs. The systems and methods can mitigate damage to reservoir completions and reservoirs caused by high pressure transients downstream of the pump. A choke valve is used to restrict the flow of the liquids prior to the startup of the subsea pump. After the start of the subsea pump, the choke valve is gradually opened while a recirculation valve is gradually closed, and a full bore valve is opened.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Baha Tulu Tanju, Joseph Micheal Smoorenburg, Brian Jake Arias, Emile Boudreaux, Karry Guidry, Marcus Paul Abshire, Fred Anderson, Lee Eric Mitchell
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Patent number: 9133691Abstract: A system comprising a floating host located over a first drilling center in a body of water, the floating host comprising drilling facilities; a floating spar located over a second drilling center; a first fluid transfer conduit between the second drilling center and the spar; and a second fluid transfer conduit between the spar and the floating host.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Daniel Rudge
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Patent number: 9133677Abstract: An offshore well system for a subsea well. The system includes a floating platform, an external riser and an internal riser nested within the external riser. A external riser tension device tensions the external riser. The drilling system also includes a surface wellhead system that includes a wellhead, a collet, and a flange assembly. The wellhead, collet, and flange assembly are assembled to establish a common bore for receiving the top of the internal riser. A gasket located between the top of the internal riser and an inner shoulder of the flange assembly seals between the wellhead system and the top of the internal riser. The surface wellhead system also retains the internal riser in tension with the wellhead, the internal riser extending above the wellhead into the collet.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: David Cain, William F. Puccio, Shian J. Chou, Vijay A. Cheruvu, Kirk P. Guidry, Clint Trimble