Submerged Well Patents (Class 166/335)
  • Patent number: 11536116
    Abstract: A drilling rig includes a rig component, an actuator coupled to the rig component, an electric power storage device coupled to the actuator and configured to cause the actuator to actuate. The actuator, by actuating, may perform a safety function in the rig component. The rig also includes a renewable power generator coupled to the electric power storage device and configured to supply at least some of the electric current to the electric power storage device that is supplied to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Olson, Stephen McGuire
  • Patent number: 11480043
    Abstract: A hydraulically driven underwater pumping system may include a pumping module connected to a subsea base. The subsea base may be connected to: a subsea producing well via a production line that carries the fluid produced by the subsea producing well; and a production unit via a riser and a service line. The hydraulically driven underwater pumping system may receive working fluid from the production unit via the service line. Additionally, a pump, located in the pumping module, may be driven hydraulically by the working fluid and pump the fluid produced by the subsea producing well to the production unit. The hydraulically driven underwater pumping system may mix the working fluid, after being used to drive the pump, with the fluid produced by the subsea producing well that is pumped to the production unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A.—PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Roberto Rodrigues, Carlos Alberto Bandeira Riberio Cardoso, Tatiane Silva Vieira
  • Patent number: 11435722
    Abstract: A process and smart controller for controlling a subsea smart electrical control unit. The process including collecting operating data from one or more devices and one or more control end points, calculating and performing in-situ analytics, and reporting a health and a status of the one or more devices and one or more control end points. The smart controller including one or more external sensors that create local control loops for real time operation, adjustment, and optimization of the controlled end device, wherein the external sensors are used with a smart controller to create one or more control loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SAFE MARINE TRANSFER, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Moreno, Matt York, Tom A. Gay, Art J. Schroeder, Jr., James E. Chitwood
  • Patent number: 11384591
    Abstract: A system for providing electronic features in a doorframe include a body structure having a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. The walls define an interior space of the body structure. A plurality of ports are formed in the top wall and a plurality of ports are formed in the bottom wall with each port opening into the interior space. One or more of the top wall ports is longitudinally aligned with a respective bottom wall port to form a port pair. A diverter is positioned in the interior space and extends in the interior space from one side wall and toward an opposing side wall. The diverter spans between the port pair. The diverter has a diverter surface that is configured for directing an element that extends through a port of the port pair toward an area in the body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Tadpole Products, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hicks, Gary E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11359451
    Abstract: An extendable wellbore tool may include a housing, a telescopic cylinder, and one or more hydraulic actuators. The telescopic cylinder may be disposed within the housing and may include two or more cylinders configured to extend and retract relative to each other. The one or more hydraulic actuators may be connected to the telescopic cylinder via a link arm, and may be configured to extend and retract the telescopic cylinder relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: FMC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Josué Vasconcelos Monteiro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11319768
    Abstract: In a subsea blowout preventer stack system connected to the surface with a drilling riser and with one or more control pods for control of the subsea blowout preventer stack, a method of providing a control umbilical of near neutral weight in the ocean water to provide control signals to the one or more control pods comprising providing a core of conductors such as wires and optical fibers, providing a flexible outer core comprising a mixture of resilient material and buoyant materials, providing a connector on the lower end of the umbilical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Patent number: 11293462
    Abstract: A valve for use in a hydraulic circuit to drive a piston is fluidly connected to a first actuating chamber of the hydraulic piston. The valve is piloted to close when the first chamber is pressurized. The valve vents the fluid in the first actuating chamber when the first chamber is not pressurized. The valve permits several fluid supplies connected to the chamber via check valves to be used to drive the piston. The hydraulic piston and hydraulic circuit may be implemented in a blowout preventer operating in a subsea environment to ensure safe drilling of deepwater wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Travis James Miller, Frank Benjamin Springett, James William Weir, James Landrith
  • Patent number: 11225847
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a tube having at least one flow outlet in communication with an interior of the tube. The apparatus includes valves for selectively connecting the flow outlet to one of a fluid return line and an inlet of a fluid pump. The apparatus also includes valves for selectively connecting the outlet of the pump to the fluid return line and closing the pump outlet. A method includes returning mud from a wellbore into a riser extending between the wellbore and a drilling unit on the surface of a body of water. Flow from a tube in the riser is selectively diverted to an inlet to a fluid pump or a mud return line extending from the tube to the drilling unit. When the flow is diverted to return mud flow in the riser is stopped above the tube. When flow is diverted to the inlet of the pump, the pump is operated to lift the mud to maintain a selected mud pressure in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bastiaan Liezenberg, Harold Tenorio, Jeffrey Ham, Lap Tran
  • Patent number: 11136846
    Abstract: An auxiliary control system, having a method for controlling same, controls subsea equipment such as a tree or manifold, for example, in the event of failure of a control umbilical. A power unit is installed subsea, and then a control tool is coupled to the subsea equipment. Control signals from topside source are transmitted to the power unit, which powers and controls the control tool in response to the control signals to operate a control element of the subsea equipment, such as a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Limited
    Inventor: James Andrew Jamieson
  • Patent number: 10995577
    Abstract: A well system and method including applying suction to a wellhead housing outlet (8) to divert the flow of subterranean gas from flowing through a gas conduit through the wellhead housing (4). An operation can then safely be performed on a component (e.g. removing a hanger) of the wellhead apparatus. Well gas can be diverted to a flare system (200). Suction can be applied by a venturi system including eductors (104, 106). The method may include opening the gas conduit outlet once a pressure sensed at the conduit outlet is negative. Suction may also be applied to an upper outlet (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Well Equipment Solutions Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Guido Stangherlin, Eugene Murphy
  • Patent number: 10855064
    Abstract: A system for providing electronic features in a doorframe include a body structure having a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. The walls define an interior space of the body structure. A plurality of ports are formed in the top wall and a plurality of ports are formed in the bottom wall with each port opening into the interior space. One or more of the top wall ports is longitudinally aligned with a respective bottom wall port to form a port pair. A diverter is positioned in the interior space and extends in the interior space from one side wall and toward an opposing side wall. The diverter spans between the port pair. The diverter has a diverter surface that is configured for directing an element that extends through a port of the port pair toward an area in the body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Tadpole Products, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hicks, Gary E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10597974
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in a wellbore of an oil, gas or water well, having a valve seat to seat a valve closure member such as a ball, and a control member that is adapted to cycle the valve assembly between first and second configurations of the valve assembly when the ball is seated on the seat. The valve assembly may be adapted to return the valve assembly to the first configuration when the valve closure member is seated on the seat, and may repeatedly, continuously and/or sequentially cycle from first to second configurations and back to first configuration to open and close an outlet port while the same valve member is seated on the seat. The valve seat may comprise first and second seat members and retain the ball in a cleft between the first and second seat members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: M-I DRILLING FLUIDS UK LTD
    Inventors: James Edward Atkins, Jonathan Peter Buckland, James Linklater
  • Patent number: 10577910
    Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, a system and method for using fuel cells to generate electricity for powering well stimulation equipment (e.g., high pressure hydraulic pumping units) at a well stimulation site are provided. The fuel cells may be coupled to the stimulation equipment via a DC/AC converter and, in some embodiments, via a variable frequency drive (VFD). The fuel cells may be arranged in a fuel cell stack that is used to generate electricity to power various electrical devices (e.g., electric motors) on the equipment. The fuel cells generally operate at higher efficiencies than is available through the use of diesel engines. In addition, the fuel cells may require less frequent refueling and provide a more centrally located area for refueling, lower emissions, and quieter operations than are currently available using diesel engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Vernon Stephenson
  • Patent number: 10472900
    Abstract: A bend stiffener (50) includes an elongate stiffener body (52) having polymer material and two ends. A passage (58) extends through the stiffener body from end to end for receiving and embracing a flexible member (60). The stiffener body includes a coupling (66) for mounting the stiffener body in cantilever fashion. The stiffener body is sufficiently flexible to curve somewhat along with the flexible member under a bending load but is sufficiently stiff to resist excessive curvature which could damage the flexible member, and sufficiently resilient to recover its original shape afterwards. The stiffener body includes at least two stiffener body parts (64a, 64b) defining the passage. Each stiffener body part includes a respective interface member (68, 70) having material stiffer than the polymer material of the stiffener body. A securing arrangement (80, 83) secures the interface members of different stiffener body parts together around the elongate flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Trelleborg Offshore UK Ltd.
    Inventors: Austin Harbison, Mohammed Bilal Hussain, Stuart William Turton, Jonathan Lloyd Fox, Lewis John Watts
  • Patent number: 10435965
    Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventors: Dale Francis, Nicholas Francis, William P. Bernard, Oswald J. Bernard, Lan Hiscox, Brian Compton, Arthur Jones
  • Patent number: 10415354
    Abstract: A method of modeling effects of operational procedures during startup of a fluid production or injection system at a field includes determining initial conditions of the field at a first time based on field measurements of the field. The method also includes simulating startups of the fluid production or injection system based on the initial conditions. The method further includes determining operational procedures for starting up the fluid production or injection system based on the simulated startups. The method also includes determining whether a startup command has been received. The method further includes sending instructions to startup the fluid production or injection system using the operational procedures when the startup command is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ONESUBSEA IP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Cedric El Chidiac, Sarah Rae Kunz, Robert Edward Sauve, Tobias Voelkel, Burkhard Sommer
  • Patent number: 10401710
    Abstract: A hinge for an electronic device includes a base including a stem, a ball rigidly fixed to the stem, a first friction surface that contacts and is configured to move with respect to a first outer surface of the ball, a second friction surface that contacts and is configured to move with respect to a second outer surface of the ball, the second outer surface of the ball being on a side of the ball that is opposite the first outer surface of the ball, and a biasing member configured to bias the first and/or second friction surface against the ball to generate a frictional force sufficient to hold the first and second friction surfaces in a set position relative to the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Wilson, Kevin Booth, Jeffrey Law, Mark Kraz, Oliver Mueller
  • Patent number: 10399646
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel comprising a moonpool, a firing line hoist system, a stationary main deck for storing equipment and/or tubulars, and a mobile working deck having a front deck section and a rear deck section. The working deck can be moved between a working position and a transporting position. A rear deck lift system is provided for lifting and lowering a rear deck section between the working position and the transporting position. A front deck guide system is provided for guiding a front deck section in a substantially horizontal direction between the working position and the transporting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
  • Patent number: 10199975
    Abstract: Subsea power supply assembly (10, 20) supplying electric power to a motor (11) at a second location (90) from a first location (80), comprising a variable speed drive (13) (VSD) and a step-up transformer (15) connected to it. At a subsea location the assembly comprises a first step-down transformer (17) with input (17a) and output (17b) and an uninterruptable power supply (25) having an input (25a). A step-out cable (19) supplies power from the step-up transformer (15) to the motor (11). The cable (19) connects to the first step-down transformer (17). The speed of the electric motor (11) is proportional to the output frequency of the VSD (13). The power receiving input (25a) of the uninterruptable power supply (25) connects to the output (17b) of the first step-down transformer (17), thereby receiving electrical power with frequency equal to the output frequency of the VSD (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Aker Solutions AS
    Inventor: Truls Normann
  • Patent number: 10107061
    Abstract: A mineral extraction system may include a running tool configured to install a wellhead component in a wellhead assembly. The mineral extraction system may also include a plurality of sensors configured to monitor parameters of the running tool during the process of installing the wellhead component. Additionally, the mineral extraction system may include a controller configured to receive signals from the sensors and to provide indications based on the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: ONESUBSEA IP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: James Stephens, Alek Cywinski
  • Patent number: 9970287
    Abstract: A subsea electronic information system for managing data related to a characteristic of subsea equipment locatable subsea. The system includes sensors locatable subsea and in communication with and capable of measuring a characteristic of the subsea equipment. A sensor interface box (SIB) separate from the sensors and locatable subsea includes a processor and a memory device capable of receiving and storing sensor measurement data. Additionally, the SIB is in data and power communication with the sensors. The system further includes a subsea retrievable data capsule capable of recording all system data over a long period. The capsule may be recovered from subsea (independently of the other elements of the information system) for forensic analysis of the recorded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew Jaffrey
  • Patent number: 9970277
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting seawater from a seawater source to an inland site for utilization as a drilling and/or fracturing fluid are disclosed. In an aspect, systems and methods are disclosed wherein seawater is pumped from an ocean at a coastal location and transported to an inland drilling and hydraulic fracturing site, thereby providing a consistent, large volume supply of seawater for use in drilling and/or hydraulic fracturing operations. Such systems and methods may eliminate usage of locally-sourced fresh water, eliminating the unsustainable burden that drilling and hydraulic fracturing places on local water tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SEAWATER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Brent Smith
  • Patent number: 9970462
    Abstract: An exemplary system for supplying hydraulic pressure to an operational device includes two or more pressure supply devices connected in a pod, the pressure supply devices including an elongated body having an internal bore extending axially from a first end to a discharge end; a gas generator operationally connected at the first end; a piston movably disposed in the internal bore; a hydraulic fluid disposed in the internal bore between the piston and the discharge end, wherein a portion of the hydraulic fluid is exhausted under pressure through a discharge port in response to activation of the gas generator; the operational device in hydraulic connection with the discharge port to receive the exhausted hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Bastion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Don Coppedge, Dewey James Louvier, Anna Azzolari Ronalds, Hildebrand A Rumann
  • Patent number: 9890612
    Abstract: A self-contained portable unit for steam generation and injection by means of an injector wellhead hanger of coiled jacketed capillary tubing with a closed circuit and procedure for operation in oil wells comprises a portable, self-contained equipment for injection and dewaxing of heated fluids mounted on a hauler that includes a heat exchanger, a water tank, a heat exchanger, a softener, a centrifugal pum, a lubricant tank, a power engine, an electrical power generator, a control cabin, a fluids softener, a steam boiler, a reservoir tank, a fuel tank, a hose reel and one hose set for two lines of fluid injection and return of that connect to a wellhead hanger/injector for two capillaries making up a closed circuit. This wellhead includes three module and crowned with a lid, two of which are hangers and the rest are injection-type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: OIL ADDPER SERVICES S.R.L.
    Inventors: Martin Diez, Marcelo Viaggio
  • Patent number: 9890599
    Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: FRANCIS TORQUE SERVICE, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Francis, Nicholas Francis, William P. Bernard, Oswald J. Bernard, Lan Hiscox, Brian Compton, Arthur Jones
  • Patent number: 9879526
    Abstract: A subsea electronic information system for managing data related to a characteristic of subsea equipment locatable subsea. The system includes sensors locatable subsea and in communication with and capable of measuring a characteristic of the subsea equipment. A sensor interface box (SIB) separate from the sensors and locatable subsea includes a processor and a memory device capable of receiving and storing sensor measurement data. Additionally, the SIB is in data and power communication with the sensors. The system further includes a subsea retrievable data capsule capable of recording all system data over a long period. The capsule may be recovered from subsea (independently of the other elements of the information system) for forensic analysis of the recorded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron Internation Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Jaffrey
  • Patent number: 9845651
    Abstract: A downhole tool, a retrievable bridge plug system, and a method. The downhole tool includes a release mandrel, a plurality of slips disposed at least partially around the release mandrel, an upper cone disposed at least partially around the release mandrel and on a first axial side of the plurality of slips, a lower cone disposed at least partially around the outer mandrel and on a second axial side of the plurality of slips, and a collet positioned axially and radially between the release mandrel and the lower cone. The collet is configured to prevent downward movement of the lower cone relative to the release mandrel at least when the downhole tool is in a run-in configuration and when the downhole tool is in a set configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: FORUMS US, INC.
    Inventors: Mark McCoy, Benny Layton, Michael J. Harris, William M. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9845665
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a system for liner drilling in a wellbore that includes a drill bit, a mud motor, a reamer, a drill pipe work string including an expandable liner hanger running tool, and a thruster coupled to an expandable liner hanger and liner. A release pin may be provided in the expandable liner hanger running tool that can be sheared to de-couple the expandable liner hanger from the expandable liner hanger running tool allowing the drill pipe work string to be removed from the borehole while the liner remains in place. A latch coupling is also provided for coupling the expandable liner hanger running tool to the expandable liner hanger when the drill pipe work string is tripped back into the borehole so the liner drilling can be performed using the thruster until the thruster is at full stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. De Clute-Melancon
  • Patent number: 9845654
    Abstract: A subsea support system comprises: at least one component (501) which is configured to be fixedly connected to a pressure conductor (101) in a seabed; and a subsea support (601) which is configured to compliantly support the at least one component (501); wherein, when the at least one component (501) is fixedly connected to the pressure conductor (101), substantially all of a mechanical load (T) which is applied to the subsea support (601) is transmitted by the subsea support (601) to the seabed while the at least one component (501) is substantially free of the mechanical load and remains fixed relative to the pressure conductor (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Paul Hopper, Johnnie Kotrla, John T. Evans
  • Patent number: 9832549
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for subsea optical to electrical distribution. The present invention comprises one or more routing units adapted to convert optical signals to electrical signals and route the converted electrical signals to an appropriate end device. The routing unit is a compact device that may be installed without the use of heavy equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Greene, Huijiang Xi
  • Patent number: 9640829
    Abstract: A heater includes a heater housing extending along a heater axis; a fuel cell stack assembly disposed within the heater housing and having a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent; an electric resistive heating element disposed within the heater housing and electrically connected to the fuel cell stack assembly; and a first thermal switch located between the fuel cell stack assembly and the electric resistive heating element. The first thermal switch is closed to place the fuel cell stack assembly in electrical communication with the electric resistive heating element when the fuel cell stack assembly is electrochemically active and is open to prevent electrical communication between the fuel cell stack assembly and the electric resistive heating element when the fuel cell stack assembly is not electrochemically active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Giulio A. Ricci-Ottati, Bernhard A. Fischer, Thomas W. Silvis, Kurtis F. Weess
  • Patent number: 9528340
    Abstract: A subsea blowout preventer control system has horizontally oriented solenoid valve housings. Solenoid valves mounted within each of the solenoid valve housings are electrically controlled to selectively provide a hydraulic pilot signal to a hydraulic valve. A vertically extending central chamber contains a dielectric liquid and extends alongside the solenoid valve housings. A communication tube for each solenoid valve housing has an open upper end within the central chamber adjacent an upper end of the central chamber. Each of the communication tubes has an open lower end extending into one of the solenoid valve housings for communicating dielectric liquid in the central chamber with an interior of each of the solenoid valve housings. A separate drain line mounted to each of the solenoid valve housings enables draining of one of the solenoid valve housings for maintenance without requiring draining of other of the solenoid valve housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Hydrill USA Distribution LLC
    Inventors: Thomas David Beales, Alexander McAuley, Zachary William Stewart, Daniel Carrera
  • Patent number: 9511831
    Abstract: An underwater mobile inspection apparatus is capable of inspecting a subsea pipeline (inspection object) while cruising. The underwater mobile inspection apparatus includes: a cruising body configured to submerge under water and cruise along the inspection object in such a manner as not to come into contact with the subsea pipeline; a first movable arm provided on the cruising body; an inspection tool unit for use in inspecting the subsea pipeline, the inspection tool unit being provided on the first movable arm; and a controller configured to, when the cruising body cruises along the subsea pipeline in such a manner as not to come into contact with the subsea pipeline, operate the first movable arm to move the inspection tool unit, such that a positional relationship of the inspection tool unit with the subsea pipeline becomes a predetermined target positional relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Kimura, Noriyuki Okaya, Kazuya Sumino, Minehiko Mukaida, Hiroaki Kagaya, Masanori Hamamatsu, Akiyoshi Saiki, Tetsuya Kubota, Masayuki Enomoto
  • Patent number: 9243462
    Abstract: A subsea fluid connector is disclosed. The body of the connector has a first portion and a connection profile portion, a first port through an outer surface of the first portion, a plurality of openings through an outer surface of the connection profile portion, and a plurality of fluid passages through the body and coupled between the first port and the plurality of openings. The subsea fluid connector may have a first fluid flow path extending through the plurality of fluid passages between the first port through the outer surface of the first portion and the plurality of openings through the outer surface of the connection profile portion, and a second fluid flow path extending through a fluid passage between a second port through the outer surface of the first portion and a third port through the outer surface of the connection profile portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Gutierrez, Shane Wells, Daniel Gutierrez, James Edward Fuselier
  • Patent number: 9234614
    Abstract: An assembly for coupling a pair of double-walled tubes is provided. The assembly includes a pair of flanges disposed in an opposing relation to each other and mutually coupled thereto. Each flange defines a central opening that is configured to correspond with a similar opening on an opposing flange. The central openings of the coupled flanges are configured to communicate a first fluid. The assembly further includes an annular hub portion extending axially away from each of the flanges. The annular hub portion is disposed about the central opening of the respective flange. The assembly further includes a lip portion depending frustoconically from the hub portion. The flange, the hub portion, and the lip portion define a conduit extending therethrough. The conduits are configured to allow passage of a second fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Denman Norris
  • Patent number: 9157302
    Abstract: A technique facilitates the pumping of fluids in a subsea environment. A pumping system is formed by combining a submersible pump with a permanent magnet motor to power the submersible pump. The pumping system is positioned in cooperation with a subsea structure to improve the fluid flow and the functionality of the system in specific applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin T. Scarsdale, Chris McLeod
  • Publication number: 20150136406
    Abstract: A plug pulling device includes an elongated housing comprising a production tree connection interface, a shifting tool disposed within and along a substantial length the housing and comprising a distal end configured to couple to a tubing plug, and a seal disposed within the housing and formed around a portion of the shifting tool. The seal isolates a first portion of the housing from a second portion of the housing. The second portion of the housing is adjacent to the production tree connection interface. The shifting tool is configured to move partially in and out of the first portion of the housing when there is a pressure differential between the first portion of the housing and an environment external to the first portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Mauricio Baez, Raymond A. Stawaisz, John Lloyd Busby, Brian Saucier, Stephen Gregory Pierce, Walter Warren Weaver
  • Publication number: 20150136407
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. BAILEY, Don M. Hannegan, James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner
  • Patent number: 9033053
    Abstract: A method and a device are for extending the lifetime of a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is provided with at least a first high-pressure hydraulic valve pack, a first low-pressure hydraulic valve pack or a first chemical valve pack, and the Christmas tree is arranged to be connectable to an umbilical, which comprises at least electrical power or control cables, hydraulic tubes or chemical tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Subsea Solutions AS
    Inventor: Torfinn Borsheim
  • Publication number: 20150122503
    Abstract: A free-standing riser system connects a subsea source to a surface structure. The system includes a concentric free-standing riser comprising inner and outer risers defining an annulus there between. A lower end of the riser is fluidly coupled to the subsea source through a lower riser assembly (LRA) and one or more subsea flexible conduits. An upper end of the riser is connected to a buoyancy assembly and the surface structure through an upper riser assembly (URA) and one or more upper flexible conduits, the riser also mechanically connected to a buoyancy assembly that applies upward tension to the riser. The riser may be insulated for flow assurance, either by a flow assurance fluid in the annulus, insulation of the outside of the outer riser, or both. The system may include a hydrate inhibition system and/or a subsea dispersant system. The surface structure may be dynamically positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Roy Shilling, Paul W. Gulgowski, Jr., Philip D. Maule, Kevin Kennelley, Walter Greene, Robert W. Franklin, Vicki Corso, Tony Oldfield, Adam L. Ballard, Graeme Steele, David E. Wilkinson, Ricky Thethi, Chau Nguyen, Steve Hatton
  • Publication number: 20150114655
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preventing gas hydrates formation in BOP fluids in deep water well operations that includes the step of adding at least 28% glycol by volume to a BOP fluid, whereby the hydrate phase equilibrium line shifts to the point where the operating conditions will not form a hydrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Aaron Barr, John Kozicz
  • Publication number: 20150114661
    Abstract: A casing head assembly for landing on a stem head of a floating structure can include a stem head adapter assembly that includes a ring shaped stem head adapter plate. A solid upper ring is spaced axially above the stem head adapter plate, defining an adapter gap between the upper ring and the stem head adapter plate. At least one load cell can have a first end that is supported by the stem head adapter plate and a second end that engages the upper ring. At least one piston assembly is selectively secured to the upper ring. The casing head assembly also includes a casing head landed on, and secured to, the upper ring of the stem head adapter assembly. The load cell is selectively constrained between the upper ring and the stem head adapter plate by a load on the casing head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Anthony McGilvray, JR., Alfred Olvera, Gajanan B. Hegde, Keith M. Adams
  • Publication number: 20150096758
    Abstract: This disclosure includes manifolds, subsea valve modules, and related methods. Some manifolds and/or subsea valve modules include one or more inlets, each configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a fluid source, one or more outlets, each in selective fluid communication with at least one of the inlets, and one or more subsea valve assemblies, each configured to selectively control hydraulic fluid communication from at least one of the inlets to at least one of the outlets, where at least one of the outlets is configured to be in fluid communication with an actuation port of the hydraulically actuated device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Guy Robert Babbitt
  • Publication number: 20150090459
    Abstract: An embodiment of a tool for clearing a deposit within a fluid flowline, including a body having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a radially outer surface extending axially from the first end of the second end. In addition, the tool includes a first energy element coupled to the first end, and an electrode extending radially from the radially outer surface of the body. The first energy element and the electrodes are each configured to emit energy to dissipate the deposit in the fluid flowline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy David Cain, Charles Michael Scroggins
  • Publication number: 20150083429
    Abstract: A system and method include pumping drilling fluid through a drill string extended into a wellbore extending below the bottom of a body of water, out the bottom of the drill string and into the wellbore annulus. Fluid is discharged from the annulus into a riser and a discharge conduit. The riser is disposed above the top of the wellbore and extends to the water surface. The discharge conduit couples to the riser and includes a controllable fluid choke. A fluid return line is coupled to an outlet of the choke and extends to the water surface. Gas under pressure is pumped into the return line at a selected depth below the water surface. The controllable fluid choke may be operated to maintain a selected drilling fluid level in the riser, the selected fluid level being a selected distance below the water surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Donald D. Reitsma, Ossama R. Sehsah, Yawan Couturier
  • Publication number: 20150075805
    Abstract: The invention in one of its aspects provides a connection apparatus for a subsea hydraulic circuit and method of use in a sampling application. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal body configured to be removably docked with a subsea hydraulic circuit receptacle. The body comprises a plurality of radial ports axially displaced along the body, and an axial bore accommodating a spool having at least one fluid barrier. The spool and fluid barrier are actuable to be axially moved in the bore to control axial flow paths along the bore between the plurality of radial ports. The apparatus may be configured as a sampling hot stab in an application to sampling a production fluid from a subsea hydrocarbon production system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20150075801
    Abstract: A stripper packer for sealing a tubular of a wellsite is provided. The stripper packer includes an extendable housing, a packer, and a sliding window. The extendable housing has a passage therethrough to receive the tubular, and includes a piston operatively connectable between an upper and a lower portion of the extendable housing for selective movement therebetween. The packer is positionable within the extendable housing and sealingly engageable with the tubular. The sliding window is slidably positionable in the passage of the extendable housing and engageable with the packer. The sliding window is movable with the piston in response to pressure whereby the packer is sealable with the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard Michael WARD, James Allen DOUTY, Jeffrey Thomas MELANCON, Douglas Avery WARE
  • Publication number: 20150068758
    Abstract: A method of operating a system for handling an influx of gas into a marine riser during the drilling of a well bore includes the steps of operating a first riser closure apparatus to close the riser at a first point above a flow spool provided in the riser, there being a riser gas handling line extending from the riser at the flow spool to a riser gas handling manifold, operating a second riser closure apparatus to close the riser at a second point below the flow spool, pumping fluid into an inlet line which extends into the riser at a point above the second point but below the flow spool, and operating a choke provided in the riser gas handling manifold to maintain the pressure in the inlet line or the riser at a substantially constant pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: MANAGED PRESSURE OPERATIONS PTE LTD
    Inventors: Christian Leuchtenberg, Michael Chandra, Carlos Goncalves
  • Publication number: 20150060078
    Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Jose A. TREVINO, Albert C. ODELL, II, Tuong Thanh LE, Wei Jake XU, Guy F. FEASEY
  • Patent number: 8955592
    Abstract: A grease delivery system for delivering grease to a location is provided. The grease delivery system comprises: a first grease reservoir having a first grease output and a first output device configured to output grease from the first grease reservoir; a second grease reservoir having a second grease output and a second output device configured to output grease from the second grease reservoir; and a common grease output for delivering grease to the location, wherein the common grease output is fluidly connected to the first and second grease outputs, wherein the system is configured to simultaneously output grease from the first and second grease reservoirs to the common grease output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventors: Mark Organ, Peter Davey, Graeme Thomson