Patents Examined by Patrick F Lambe
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Patent number: 11072993Abstract: —a subsea pump (30) arranged in fluid connection with the well interior (38, 39) providing a closed system suitable for pressure and flow regulation and establishing a temporary fluid flow between the subsea pump and the well interior, —a fluid source (31) supplying fluid to the subsea pump, wherein the subsea pump has a mode of operation for regulation of the flow and/or pressure between the pump and the well interior to operate equipment arranged in the well, —a safety control system for controlling shut down of a valve arrangement in a subsea position, which safety control system is also arranged in a subsea position and comprises a control unit (60) and an actuation unit (70) for local control and operation of the valve arrangement, —the valve arrangement is operated by the control unit into a valve configuration providing a barrier system between a reservoir in fluid communication with the well interior and the surroundings, —a plurality of sensors (100, 51, 52) arranged for measuring fluid parameters trType: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventors: Jon Thoresen, Harald Bjørn Hansen
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Patent number: 11066889Abstract: A subsea assembly includes a housing having a flange interface for interfacing with a flange of a process fluid carrying component, wherein the housing is configured such that boltheads or nuts exerting a fastening force on the subsea assembly when mounted to the process fluid carrying component are spaced from the flange interface so that the dimensions of the housing of the subsea assembly at the flange interface are not affected by a space required for a bolthead or nut fastening tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY ASInventors: Andrew Robert Eastoe, Kjetil Haldorsen, Hans Knutsson
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Patent number: 11028663Abstract: A process for installing the payload onto a subsea structure has the steps of affixing an adapter spool on to the subsea structure, deploying a plurality of winches in spaced relation to the subsea structure, connecting an end of a plurality of slings received on the plurality of sheaves to a plurality of winches, connecting an opposite end of the plurality of slings to the payload, lowering the payload in a direction toward the subsea structure, actuating the plurality of winches so as to draw the payload downwardly into a position on the subsea structure, and locking the payload onto the subsea structure. The adapter spool has a collar with a plurality of sheaves extending outwardly therefrom. The payload can be a capping stack and the subsea structure can be a blowout preventer.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Inventors: Patrick Michael Cargol, Jr., Brett Morry, Weili Guo
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Patent number: 11028662Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Seaboard International LLCInventors: Jerry Keith Rhodes, Kenneth Bean, Paul Horton, Jr.
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Patent number: 11015398Abstract: A marine installation system for installing an item on a riser includes a cable extending between two supporting points, the cable being inclined relative to the horizontal; a first ROV arranged to mount the item on the cable at a first position; and a second ROV arranged to remove the item from the cable at a second position, and to install the item on the riser.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: EQUINOR ENERGY ASInventor: Steinar Kristoffersen
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Patent number: 11008845Abstract: Provided are example methods and systems for treating a subterranean formation. An example method comprises alternately pumping a volume of proppant-laden fluid and a volume of spacer fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The proppant-laden fluid comprises an aqueous fluid and proppant. The spacer fluid comprises an aqueous fluid. At least one of the proppant-laden fluid or the spacer fluid comprises a synthetic clay. The volume of proppant-laden fluid and the volume of spacer fluid may be pumped in any order. The method further comprises repeating the alternately pumping a volume of proppant-laden fluid and a volume of spacer fluid at least once.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Dipti Singh, Ubong Inyang, Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 11002124Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole device for being moved downwards in a well by fluid to assist stimulation of a production zone of the well, the well comprising a well tubular structure having a first opening and a first movable sleeve arranged opposite the first opening, and the well tubular structure having an inner diameter, the downhole device having an axial extension, and comprising: a first part comprising two projection elements having a profile matching grooves in the sleeve, and a second part comprising: a body, two anchor elements projectable from the body for anchoring the second part in the well tubular structure, and a sealing element configured to seal against the well tubular structure, the downhole device further comprising: a displacement mechanism comprising a piston movable within a piston cylinder to displace, in the axial extension, the first part in relation to the second part when anchored in the well tubular structure to operate the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: WELLTEC A/SInventor: Satish Kumar
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Patent number: 10995773Abstract: A system includes a pump configured to pressurize a first fluid, and a pressure exchanger (PX). The PX is configured to receive a second fluid, to receive the pressurized first fluid, and to utilize the pressurized first fluid to pressurize the drilling mud for transport to a well.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Energy Recovery, Inc.Inventors: Adam Rothschild Hoffman, Joel Gay, Farshad Ghasripoor, David Deloyd Anderson, Jeremy Grant Martin
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Patent number: 10989009Abstract: Method of stopping production and making safe an undersea bottom-to-surface connection production pipe having a first pipe portion on the sea bottom from a well head to the bottom end of a second pipe portion extending to a ship or floating support. After stopping production, depressurization of the entire undersea bottom-to-surface connection production pipe is performed. Thereafter, the following steps are preformed: isolating the first production pipe portion from the second pipe portion, and leaving the production fluid in the first production pipe portion, but not in said second pipe portion, depressurizing the first production pipe portion filled with production fluid by reducing the pressure in the first pipe portion and by discharging more completely the gas contained in the production fluid that it contains.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: SAIPEM S.A.Inventors: Stéphanie Abrand, Stéphane Anres, Lionel Macauley
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Patent number: 10975632Abstract: The publication relates to a depth compensated actuator, for a transportable inline depth compensated heave com-pensator for subsea lifting operations. The actuator comprises a cylinder shaped body and a piston with a piston rod, the piston rod being intended for exposure to external water pressure, a first and second connection means associated with the actuator. Further, the actuator comprises a depth compensator comprising a cylinder, a piston and a piston rod, the end of which being exposed to surrounding water; and conduit means between at least one volume in the actuator and one volume in the depth compensator. The pistons and piston rods are shaped as any of: hollow piston rod, ring shaped piston, ring piston rod. The depth compensated actuator solves the problem if improving depth compensation performance regarding size, weight, required fluid consumption, internal/inherent friction and adaptability. Further, use of a depth compensated actuator is claimed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: SAFELINK ASInventors: Tord B Martinsen, Andre Skare Berg
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Patent number: 10975642Abstract: A shifting tool is provided for locating and actuating downhole tools in a downhole tubular string, such as sleeve valves spaced along a completion string. The shifting tool includes dogs at ends of two or more radially controllable, and circumferentially spaced support arms. The arms are manipulated with an axially movable arm-constrictor spider for engaging radially variable cams on the sides of the arms. The spider includes cam follower tabs to cam the arms radially inward for in and out of hole movement, and for releasing the arms for sleeve locating and sleeve profile engagement. The tabs are radially inset from the arms to minimize obstruction of a tool annulus and interference damage when travelling along the downhole string.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: KOBOLD CORPORATIONInventors: Per Angman, Mark Andreychuk
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Patent number: 10961820Abstract: A sand bridge inducer for a downhole tool can include a wall defining a main opening therethrough and one or more angled passageways defined through the wall such that the one or more angled passageways open from a radially inward opening and traverse axially downward through the wall toward a radially outward opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Stewart Darold Reed
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Patent number: 10961679Abstract: A wellhead foundation is for one or more subsea wells. The wellhead foundation has a suction foundation provided with a housing with an open bottom and a top which is closable with a top cover, and one or more pipes being attached to the housing and extending from the top of the housing and at least over a substantial part of the vertical extent of the housing towards or beyond the open bottom of the housing inside or outside of the periphery of the housing, and a straight upper portion of each pipe projecting up above the top of the housing and forming an upper well-pipe portion which forms part of a high-pressure barrier in the well. The straight upper pipe portion of each pipe is arranged parallel to the center axis of the housing. A method of establishing a subsea wellhead foundation is described as well.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: NeoDrill ASInventors: Wolfgang Mathis, Harald Strand
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Patent number: 10941623Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for cleaning rock debris when deep-water surface drilling is done. The apparatus for cleaning rock debris when deep-water surface drilling is done comprises: an open barrel having an open through groove which is axially provided; a plurality of debris cleaning mechanisms connected to the open barrel at an interval in a circumferential direction of the open barrel, wherein each of the debris cleaning mechanisms comprises: a fixed block connected to an outer wall of the open barrel; a debris cleaning leg having one end rotatably connected to the fixed block, and the other end provided with a debris cleaning impeller; and a pull rod having one end connected to the outer wall of the open barrel above the fixed block, and the other end movably connected to the debris cleaning leg.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: China University of Petroleum-BeijingInventors: Jin Yang, Qishuai Yin, Shanshan Shi
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Patent number: 10941634Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well includes a first valve, a control line fluidly coupled to the first valve, an equalizing line disposed externally to and separate from the first valve, and at least a second valve disposed in the equalizing line and in fluid communication with the control line. The first valve includes a body defining a lumen, and an upper portion, and a lower portion. The equalizing line is in fluid communication with the lumen between the upper portion and the lower portion of the body. The second valve equalizes a pressure between the upper and lower portions of the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: James Dan Vick, Jr.
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Patent number: 10933511Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond constructions comprise a diamond body attached with a substrate during high pressure/high temperature processing, and include a modified reaction zone interposed between the body and substrate that is engineered to minimize or eliminate unwanted back diffusion of carbon from the diamond body into the substrate during the high pressure/high temperature processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey Bruce Lund, Sharlynn Davis
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Patent number: 10927664Abstract: A method for use in or for detecting a downhole feature in a well comprises transmitting an electromagnetic signal from a first position located substantially at or adjacent to surface through a first space to the downhole feature. The method further comprises receiving an electromagnetic signal at a second position located substantially at or adjacent to surface after reflection of the transmitted electromagnetic signal from the downhole feature and after propagation of the reflected electromagnetic signal through a second space. The method may comprise sealing the well before transmitting the electromagnetic signal. Such a method may be used to detector determine a distance from surface to a downhole feature such as a fluid interface in a completed production, injection or observation well.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: WELLDATA (SUBSURFACE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS) LTDInventors: Sydney Joseph Littleford, Christopher Kim Gardiner, Duncan Paul Shepherd
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Patent number: 10907450Abstract: A gas vent system for use in a wellbore that includes a substantially horizontal portion is provided. The gas vent system includes a gas vent conduit positioned within the wellbore. The gas vent conduit defining a gas vent intake passage situated within the substantially horizontal portion of the wellbore and configured to facilitate a flow of gaseous substances therethrough. A gas vent valve coupled to the gas vent conduit and situated outside the wellbore. The gas vent valve controls the flow of gaseous substances through the gas vent conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: James Rollins Maughan, Jeremy Daniel Van Dam, Kalpesh Singal, Chengkun Zhang
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Patent number: 10890034Abstract: A combination of a drilling installation for drilling a well and a control and signal lines deployment module is disclosed. The drilling installation includes a rig floor slip device adapted to be cleared from a well centre opening to create a clear space around the well centre opening. The combination includes a temporary workspace floor, adapted to be mounted in the clear space at a level below a rig floor surface and to provide a workspace floor for an operator standing in said clear space on the work space floor, allowing the operator to secure at a securing level said one or more control/and or signal lines externally to a second tubulars string suspended from a module slip device.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: ITREC B.V.Inventors: Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Joop Roodenburg
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Patent number: 10865152Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact including a cemented carbide substrate and a polycrystalline diamond layer bonded to the cemented carbide substrate. The cemented carbide substrate is cylindrical and includes a circumferential wall. The polycrystalline diamond layer includes a central part including between 8 and 15 wt. % of cobalt and an outer part including between 0.5 and 2 wt. % of cobalt. The outer part is a columnar ring belt and includes a chamfer. The outer part includes an upper surface, a side surface connected to the circumferential wall of the cemented carbide substrate, and a chamfer surface connecting the upper surface and the side surface. The chamfer includes a first terminal connected to the upper surface of the outer part and a second terminal connected to the side surface of the outer part.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: SF DIAMOND CO., LTD.Inventors: Caili Wang, Dongpeng Zhao, Saifei Yang, Haijiang Fang