Patents by Inventor Alan J. Sweeney

Alan J. Sweeney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9188246
    Abstract: A method of remediation of a wet buckled pipeline uses a Submersible Vehicle (SV), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), or Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) and includes the steps of retaining an end of the buckled pipeline; cutting the buckled pipeline underwater below a damaged section of the buckled pipeline; attaching a termination to the cut end of the buckled pipeline; connecting a hydraulic pump to the termination; and running the pump to pull water out of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Alan J Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20140234029
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure. In one embodiment, a method of wet-buckle remediation is provided using a subsea pump to unweight the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: VALKYRIE COMMISSIONING SERVICES
    Inventor: Alan J Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8770892
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including dewatering and chemical containment. A subsea pipeline service skid has a containment bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pump fluid from the subsea pipeline. A sensor system at the suction side of the pump detects the presence of seawater, water, chemical agent, or gas so the pump can be operated accordingly. The chemical agent used during dewatering operations of the pipeline is selectively pumped to the containment bladder subsea so the subsea vehicle can independently take the chemical agent to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Sweeney, Peter Dixon
  • Publication number: 20130160525
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: VALKYRIE COMMISSIONING SERVICES
    Inventor: Alan J. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8430168
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea control system testing including one or more of electrical, optical and fluidic conduit testing, wherein the testing is conducted subsea using a subsea testing skid. In one embodiment of the invention a subsea pipeline service skid is provided that includes at least one skid mounted pump dimensioned to deliver from about 3000 to about 20000 p.s.i. of pressure for pressure testing the fluidic conduits to desired pressures. Modular construction of the skid permits customization for testing service of unique subsea control equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Valkyrie Commissioning Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair R. Goodall, Alan J Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8381578
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Valkyrie Commissioning Services Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20120107051
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including dewatering and chemical containment. A subsea pipeline service skid has a containment bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pump fluid from the subsea pipeline. A sensor system at the suction side of the pump detects the presence of seawater, water, chemical agent, or gas so the pump can be operated accordingly. The chemical agent used during dewatering operations of the pipeline is selectively pumped to the containment bladder subsea so the subsea vehicle can independently take the chemical agent to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Alan J. Sweeney, Peter Dixon
  • Publication number: 20100089126
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Valkyrie Commissioning Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20090288836
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea control system testing including one or more of electrical, optical and fluidic conduit testing, wherein the testing is conducted subsea using a subsea testing skid. In one embodiment of the invention a subsea pipeline service skid is provided that includes at least one skid mounted pump dimensioned to deliver from about 3000 to about 20000 p.s.i. of pressure for pressure testing the fluidic conduits to desired pressures. Modular construction of the skid permits customization for testing service of unique subsea control equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: VALKYRIE COMMISSIONING SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Alastair R. Goodall, Alan J. Sweeney