Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing and/or harvesting hydrocarbons from a wellbore. A method may include modeling a well to determine a length of a stimulation zone in the production interval, wherein the model is based, at least in part, on a reaction time for a stimulation process. Packers are placed in the well to fluidically isolate the stimulation zone from other zones in the well. The targeted zone is stimulated, such as by acid treatment. Hydrocarbons may be recovered from the stimulation zone.

Abstract: A vertical oil storage system includes an oil tank for storing oil and water, an oil caisson coupled to the top of the oil tank, a water caisson coupled to the bottom of the oil tank, a containment saucer positioned and floating substantially at the interface between the oil and the water stored in the oil tank, a water pipe extending from an upper water sump in the center well to the water caisson, a water passageway extending from the center well to the water caisson, and an oil pipe extending front the topside facility to the oil caisson. A corresponding method to displace water with oil and to separate oil from displaced water in the vertical oil storage system includes loading oil from a topside facility into an oil caisson via an oil pipe, offloading water from water caisson into an upper water sump in a center well via a water pipe, and offloading water from the center well is a water passageway and discharging it back to open water via a water outlet at the keel of the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the injection pressure of an aqueous polymer solution in a subsea oil wellhead, includes a linear pressure reducer in the form of a tube connected in series to the main injection line that is capable of absorbing the majority of the pressure drop and a choke that is capable of being regulated in order to enable a pressure control between 0 and 10 bar. Also, a process of offshore enhanced oil recovery by injection of an aqueous polymer solution uses the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and process for deployment of subsea drilling equipment through a moon pool of a drilling vessel is disclosed. The drilling equipment may include a subsea mudlift pump (MLP) that is configured to be deployed below the surface of the ocean and is adapted for conducting dual gradient drilling (DGD) operations. In the apparatus and process, the MLP may be suspended temporarily aboard the vessel by a holding mechanism. The MLP may be combined first with a lower marine riser package (LMRP) prior to suspension of the MLP and/or MLP/LMRP aboard the drilling vessel. An equipment combination, comprising at least a MLP and a LMRP, may be with a BOP, the mating occurring at a position below the surface of the ocean. In one aspect, the BOP may be separately deployed into the ocean, and then subsequently mated subsea with the LMRP and/or a MLP/LMRP combined equipment package.

Abstract: A gasless subsea accumulator having a series of opposing springs in two separate chambers defined by a central cross shaped member for translating force on a piston in the accumulator to dampen the movement of the piston. The body of the accumulator may be operably engaged to a bladder in fluid communication with one of the two chambers to provide additional dampening. The body may be vented through a port and have a port for controlling pressure on body through a pilot control circuit. The accumulator may be manually controlled by an ROV and operatively connected to a regulator.

Abstract: A subsea cap method and system having a canister attached to a port in a subsea cap that is positioned on a subsea structure and materials contained within the canister for release through the port into the defined area beneath the subsea cap and around the open upper end of the subsea structure. That is, the materials treat the water inside the cap and may optionally also treat the water outside the cap. The canister can be attached to, or removed from, the subsea cap subsea without removing the subsea cap from its resting place on the subsea structure. The system can be deployed via an ROV, diver or other means. The positioning of the subsea cap on the subsea structure and the placement and active or passive release of the material through the port into the defined area provides a system that protects the subsea structure from such problems as falling debris, silt, corrosion and organic growth while saving valuable time and resources.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for installing, maintaining and controlling a self-standing riser (SSR). SSRs are installed using wire pulleys or weights to place the SSRs over a wellhead. A flow diverter, which may be incorporated into or separate from a buoyancy chamber, allowing diversion of flow both into and out of an SSR. Non-annular buoyancy chambers configured to receive a riser of an SSR through a slot of the buoyancy chamber.

Abstract: A device for collecting used sealing fluids/grease being used as sealing and lubricating medium between two objects such as risers.

Abstract: A subsea electrical device has a penetrator extending through a housing for the connection of a motor lead cable supplying electric power or electric signals. The penetrator has a glass or glass-ceramic body sealed to the housing. A connector, such as a pin connector, extends through the glass or glass-ceramic body. The motor lead cable connects to one end of the connector while the other end of the connector allows for the transfer of the electric power or electric signals to the components within the housing. The glass or glass-ceramic body withstands the high pressure and harsh environment of the subsea atmosphere, allowing for the long term us of the electrical device without need for replacement due to failure of the penetrator.

Abstract: A valve useable in an undersea apparatus for generating a force for closing a blowout preventer (BOP) based on a pressure difference between a low pressure recipient and ambient pressure, an apparatus including the valve and related methods are provided. The valve includes a valve body enclosing a chamber with an input port selectively connectable to an output port, and a chamber separating assembly configured to separate the chamber from a region of different pressure. The assembly includes (1) a backup plate having a first portion of a first diameter towards the chamber and a second portion of a second diameter larger than the first diameter, towards the region, and (2) an upper seat located between the first portion of the backup plate and the valve body.

Abstract: A system for pulling a subsea structure includes an adapter configured to be mounted to an upper end of a subsea pile. In addition, the system includes an interface assembly fixably coupled to the adapter. The interface assembly includes a first channel configured to receive a flexible tension member and a first chuck disposed in the first channel. The tension assembly includes a second channel configured to receive the flexible tension member and a second chuck disposed in the second channel. Each chuck is configured to pivot about a horizontal axis between an unlocked position allowing the flexible tension member to move in a first axial direction and a locked position preventing the tension member from moving in a second axial direction that is opposite the first axial direction.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve of the kind that is used in a subsea control pod comprises a valve assembly (2) and a solenoid assembly (1). The valve assembly (2) comprising has fluid ports (P, S, T) for the receipt and delivery of hydraulic control fluid and a valve element (37, 38, 39) that is actuable between open and closed positions in order to control the flow of hydraulic control fluid between the fluid ports. The valve element (37, 38, 39) is actuable by an actuating member of the solenoid assembly (1). The solenoid chamber (A) is filled with oil and sealed against ingress of hydraulic control fluid from the valve chamber (36) and from the ingress of oil and/or seawater from the control pod. A movable pressure balancing device (30) is provided in the solenoid assembly (1) so as to ensure that the internal pressure of the oil in the solenoid chamber (A) and the external pressure of the oil in the control pod are balanced.

Abstract: A method for stimulating fluid flow in an upwardly oriented oilfield tubular (1, 12) comprises heating the tubular along at least part of its length to such a temperature that at least some liquid hydrocarbons, such as crude oil and/or condensates, evaporate and provide a gas lift effect.

Abstract: An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Abstract: A valve, system and method for controlling flow of fluid about a wellsite component of a wellsite are provided. The wellsite component has a flowline to pass the fluid therethrough. The valve includes a valve housing, a cage having holes therethrough positionable in selective fluid communication with the flowline, a valve plate operatively connectable between the valve housing and the cage (the valve plate having a sealing surface thereon), and a spool assembly comprising a spool slidably positionable in the cage. The spool assembly is selectively positionable in sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the valve plate to define a sealing interface therebetween, and is movable between an inlet position defining a fluid intake path and an outlet position defining a fluid outtake path whereby the fluid is selectively diverted through the wellsite component.

Abstract: Systems and methods comprise structures and methods for using a plurality of chemicals which are mixed subsea, resulting in a heated fluid which can be delivered by various means to an area about a subsea structure such as a pipe or other structure which has been compromised by a plug such as a solid gas hydrate or paraffinic plug. Various embodiments allow for selective use of insulated chambers and baffled conduits and the like, or combinations thereof, to aid in the mixing of the various chemicals and achieving a desired temperature.

Abstract: A method of applying acid-wash to a subsea connection assembly, in particular a stabplate connection, in order to remove unwanted material such as marine growth and calcareous deposits. The method consists of inserting a plug, containing channels, into a central in a stabplate connection and injecting acid-wash through the plug. The plug may be carried by an operating tool arm of a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV).

Abstract: There is provided synthetic proppants, and in particular polysilocarb derived ceramic proppants. There is further provided hydraulic fracturing treatments utilizing these proppants, and methods of enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: A subsea arrangement comprising an external casing and a pressure equalizing valve for equalization of the fluid pressure in an internal space of the casing. The pressure equalizing valve comprises a swing arm and a valve member arranged inside the casing. The swing arm carries the valve member and is pivotable about a pivot axis, under the effect of an external fluid pressure acting on the valve member, from a resting position, in which the valve member covers an opening provided in the casing and prevents fluid flow through this opening, to a raised position, in which the valve member uncovers said opening and allows fluid flow through it from the surroundings into said space for equalization of the fluid pressure therein when the arrangement is lowered into the sea. The swing arm is pivotable from the raised position to the resting position under the effect of gravity.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least two inner containers disposed within the outer container. The first inner container contains seawater, and the second inner container contains at least one stored liquid. The at least two inner containers are flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volumes of the at least two inner containers are variable. The liquid storage tank is provided for disposal and installation in a subsea environment.

Abstract: A method for removing a fluid influx from a subsea wellbore drilled using a pump to return fluid from the wellbore to the surface. The method includes detecting the influx when a rate of the return pump increases. Flow from the wellbore is diverted from the return pump to a choke line when the influx reaches the wellhead. A choke in the choke line is operated so that a substantially constant bottom hold pressure is maintained while drilling fluid continues to be pumped through the drill sgring. Fluid flow from the wellbore is redirected to the return pump inlet when the influx has substantially left the well.

Abstract: A method for maintaining wellbore pressure includes reducing flow rate of a drilling fluid pump fluidly connected to a drill pipe in the wellbore. Flow out of the well is enabled into a first auxiliary line associated with a drilling riser. A seal around the drill pipe is closed. Fluid is pumped down a second auxiliary line at a rate selected to maintain a specific pressure in the wellbore. Drilling fluid flow through the drill pipe is stopped.

Abstract: A method for lifting drilling mud from subsea to a drilling vessel which a pump having a body with a chamber, and a bladder in the chamber. The bladder attaches to the body and defines water and mud sides in the chamber. A mud inlet valve allows mud into the mud side of the chamber; which moves the bladder into the water side and urges water in the water side from the chamber and through a water exit valve. Pressurized water enters the chamber through a water inlet valve, which in turn pushes the bladder and mud from the chamber through a mud exit valve. The bladder separates the mud and water as it reciprocates in the chamber. Water and/or mud inlet valves are opened before associated exit valves to reduce pressure fluctuations in the fluid lines.

Abstract: A fluid recovery system is provided. In one embodiment, the fluid recovery system includes a telescoping joint of a marine riser having an inner barrel and an outer barrel configured to extend and retract with respect to one another when installed as part of the marine riser. A drip pan is coupled to the outer barrel to enable the drip pan to catch fluid, such as drilling mud, leaking from the telescoping joint between the inner barrel and the outer barrel. In this embodiment, the fluid recovery system also includes a pump and a return conduit that are coupled to enable the pump to pump caught fluid from the drip pan back into the telescoping joint via the return conduit. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diverter system having stabbing dogs is provided. In one embodiment, such a system includes a diverter, a housing, and a plurality of stabbing dogs coupled to the housing. The stabbing dogs are positioned to enable locking elements of the stabbing dogs to be extended into recesses in the diverter to secure the diverter within the housing. At least one of the recesses in the diverter is connected to a fluid conduit within the diverter, and at least one stabbing dog includes a fluid passage that enables fluid to be routed into the fluid conduit within the diverter through the at least one stabbing dog. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal assembly (30) and a running tool (20) are provided for sealing a casing annulus in a wellhead (14). A casing hanger (12) includes a radially external groove therein, and wellhead has a radially internal groove therein. A locking ring (36) may be actuated by the running tool to move into the internal recess in the wellhead and thereby axially connect the seal assembly and the wellhead. Another locking ring (40) is radially movable to connect the seal assembly to the casing hanger. The seal assembly seals the casing annulus while being interconnected with the wellhead and the casing hanger.

Abstract: A subsea arrangement comprising an external casing and a pressure equalizing valve for equalization of the fluid pressure in an internal space of the casing. The pressure equalizing valve is provided with a valve body including a base section displaceably received in an opening provided in the casing; and a valve member secured to the base section and arranged inside the casing, the valve member facing a valve seat surrounding said opening. The valve body is displaceable upwards, under the effect of an external fluid pressure, from a resting position, in which the valve member prevents fluid flow into and out of said internal space, to a raised position, in which the valve member allows fluid flow from the surroundings into said internal space for equalization of the fluid pressure therein when the subsea arrangement is lowered into the sea.

Abstract: Subsea wellhead assembly with an inner bore for conduction of produced hydrocarbons, equipped with a cooling means for cooling a section of the wellhead assembly exposed to heating by said hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus to construct subsea wells with redundant parallel fluid flow control systems to allow new methods to stop subsea blow outs. More specifically, this invention provides methods and apparatus to construct subsea wells with a plurality of redundant parallel paths allowing for the first time drill pipe and other intervention conduits, wire line, and fluids to be deployed below a damaged drilling riser and or a damaged blow out preventer through a separate blow out preventer and riser system presented in this invention.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus is described comprising a body and a sealing arrangement located on the body. The body has a longitudinal axis and the sealing arrangement comprises at least one elongated sealing member with an axis of elongation extending around the longitudinal axis. The sealing member comprises a material selected to expand on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, such as a hydrocarbon or aqueous fluid encountered in a wellbore. A method of forming the apparatus and methods of use are described. Embodiments of the invention relate to wellbore packers.

Abstract: The operating performance and reliability of a pump, e.g. a hydraulic pump, can be significantly improved by incorporating an actively controlled positive displacement control valve in fluid communication with a fixed displacement pump, supply fluid line, and return fluid line. In use, the pump may be used to move fluid from the suction side to the discharge side of the pump, including fully opening the suction circuit to the pump cylinder and fully closing the pump discharge circuit during a pump suction stroke, fully closing the suction circuit and fully opening the pump discharge circuit to a downstream circuit during a pump discharge stroke, and allowing fluid to be pumped without the fluid passing through a valve spring loaded check valve.

Abstract: A buoyancy module assembly reduces the effective weight of a sub-sea conduit used in a deep-water wellbore drilling installation. The assembly includes a buoyant sleeve positioned around the conduit between upper and lower stop collar assemblies. The sleeve contains buoyant material forming most of its cross-section, with cross sectional segments thereof each encapsulated in a non-porous resinous material that forms an outer jacket around each segment. In one embodiment, a non-rotating generally circular inside diameter of the sleeve is formed by the thin layer of jacket material bonded directly to an interior reinforcing cage. A narrow gap is formed between the ID of the non-rotating sleeve and the OD of the conduit. The collar assemblies comprise an inner collar rigidly affixed to the conduit and contained within a larger diameter outer shell adapted for rotation relative to the fixed inner collar.

Abstract: A combination blowout preventer and recovery device, comprising a lower part that is placed over a well pipe, and an upper part having a channel and plates to close it. The large end of the valve is placed over a well pipe through which fluid is flowing out. The small end of the valve is connected to the channel. A sleeve connected to the return pipe is placed over the well pipe. Positioning rings are attached to a high pressure pipe, that can fit inside the well pipe. Grinders remove matter from the well pipe. Pistons are attached to each of the plates. The pistons propel the plates across the channel to seal it off and stop the leak. Flanges may limit the pistons' movement. Gears can engage teeth on the pistons to withdraw the plates from the channel, to reopen it and allow the flow of fluid to resume.

Abstract: A blowout preventer and flow regulator, comprising blocks, each having a channel and plates to close it. The blocks are placed over a pipe through which oil or other fluid is escaping, so that the pipe is in their channels. Alongside the channel in each block are one or more plates, having diameters somewhat larger than the diameter of the channel. One or more pistons are attached to each of the plates. Explosive charges, or other suitable means, move the pistons to propel the plates across the channel to seal it off and stop the leak. Flanges may limit the pistons' movement. Gears can engage teeth on the pistons to withdraw the plates from the channel, to reopen it and allow the flow of oil or other fluid to resume. Plates may be withdrawn part way from the channel, to reduce and control the flow, without cutting it off completely.

Abstract: A subsea installation kit is described. The kit is provided with a subsea tree, a plurality of tubing sections, a plurality of acoustic repeaters and a mechanical filter. The subsea tree is configured to be coupled to a subsea well having a wellbore. The tubing sections are configured to be connected together to form a tubing string extending from above the tree into the wellbore. The acoustic repeaters are configured to be attached to the tubing string in a spaced apart manner. One of the acoustic repeaters is a last acoustic repeater configured to be attached to the tubing string within or above the tree. The mechanical filter is configured to be connected into the tubing string and form a part of the tubing string above the last acoustic repeater, the mechanical filter configured to cause an attenuation to acoustic signals propagating in the tubing string above the tree.

Abstract: Subsea apparatus (10) for processing a well stream (2) and a method of processing a well stream subsea is described. In an embodiment, liquid (5) and gas (3) contained in the well stream (2) is separated. The separated gas (3) is cooled and the cooled gas (32) is combined with the separated liquid (5) to form a wet gas (52) for a compressor (90). An active cooling arrangement (30) may be used in one example to enhance the cooling effect provided by the cooler (30). Advantageously, the apparatus (10) can be arranged compactly, and may be provided on a subsea retrievable module.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method for determining core wettability characteristics of reservoir rock samples based on modified form of Washburn equation. The method involves saturating a core sample with a first reservoir fluid such as water and imbibing with a second reservoir fluid such as oil. The change in square of the core mass with respect to time is monitored during an imbibition process to acquire a data to calculate a contact angle to determine the wettability of the sample. The contact angle is calculated by using the modified form of Washburn equation. A single or twin core sample is used to calculate the wettability characteristics. The method measures wettability characteristics in terms of contact angle and not in terms of wettability index.

Abstract: There is provided a device and method for high speed hydraulic actuation. The method includes adjusting a position of an actuator using a hydraulic pressure regulator. Adjusting the position of the actuator includes increasing pressure on the hydraulic pressure regulator to open the actuator using a first solenoid, or decreasing pressure on the hydraulic pressure regulator to close the actuator using a second solenoid.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for connecting components of a subsea conduit system extending between a wellhead and a surface structure, for example, a riser system. Male and female components are provided, and a latching device to releasably latch the male and female components together when the two are engaged. The male and female components incorporate a main sealing device to seal the male and female components together to contain the high pressure wellbore fluids passing between them when the male and female components are engaged. The latching device also incorporates a second sealing device configured to contain fluids when the male and the female components are disengaged, so that during disconnection, any fluids escaping the inner conduit are contained.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon processing method, including processing a gaseous hydrocarbon stream to form a first production stream and a first injection stream; and compressing the first injection stream in a compressor placed at a selected location below a surface of a sea; wherein the location of the subsea compressor relative to a nearest inhabited area is determined based on a bubble plume trajectory of a model leak of the first injection stream from the compressor; and wherein the bubble plume trajectory is determined using one or more crossflow momentum parameters is disclosed herein. Also disclosed are hydrocarbon processing facilities having subsea compressors placed at such selected locations, processes for designing such hydrocarbon processing facilities, and a mathematical model useful in such methods, processes, facilities.

Abstract: The invention provides a gate valve for control of production of petroleum, distinctive in that the valve comprises a coating or hard facing on the internal bore surface exposed to flow of petroleum and associated fluids and solids.

Abstract: A subsea processor may be located near the seabed of a drilling site and used to coordinate operations of underwater drilling components. The subsea processor may be enclosed in a single interchangeable unit that fits a receptor on an underwater drilling component, such as a blow-out preventer (BOP). The subsea processor may issue commands to control the BOP and receive measurements from sensors located throughout the BOP. A shared communications bus may interconnect the subsea processor and underwater components and the subsea processor and a surface or onshore network. The shared communications bus may be operated according to a time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme.

Abstract: A seabed positioned subsea installation comprise processing equipment. The subsea installation is provided with at least one guide way and at least one manipulator device. The base of the manipulator device is movably attached to the at least one guide way, and the subsea installation further comprises a frame extending over the processing equipment.

Abstract: A method for providing auxiliary electrical power to an underwater well installation, the installation being linked to a surface location via an umbilical cable, to supplement any electrical power received at the installation from the umbilical cable, comprises the steps of: providing power generation means at the installation; and providing an electrical power output line for transferring electrical power generated by the power generation means to the installation.

Abstract: A method, system, and composition for producing oil from a formation utilizing an oil recovery formulation comprising a surfactant, an alkali, a polymer, and a paraffin inhibitor are provided.

Abstract: removable blowout recovery valve. The large end of the valve (or funnel) is placed over a well pipe (or other pipe) through which oil (or other fluid) is flowing out. The small end of the valve is connected to a return pipe. A high pressure pipe with a smaller diameter is inserted into the well pipe. A sleeve connected to the return pipe is placed over the well pipe. A locking collar is attached to the sleeve. Positioning rings are attached to the high pressure pipe, that can fit inside the well pipe. A sharp edge extends from the sleeve, by which irregularities in the well pipe can be cut. Lasers or other cutting devices are attached to extension arms, that can also cut irregularities in the well pipe. The slope of the valve can be changed. The valve can be removed and raised with the aid of floats.

Abstract: A production shutdown system for an underwater hydrocarbon production facility, comprising, on the topside: a safety system, and a communications module; and, underwater; drive control means, and an underwater communications component; wherein in use safety signals are passed from the safety system to the drive control means via the topside communications module and the underwater communications component, and wherein the safety system and drive control means are rated according to a prescribed safety level but the communications module and underwater communications component are not so rated.

Abstract: Method for marine seismic acquisition using both monopole (91) and dipole (92) source types. Through a combination of source design and operation and/or combination or summing of the data in a processing step, the source ghost is either attenuated or, if desired, enhanced (93). The properties of the two different source types allow them to be adjusted so that the first down going wave from each has either opposite polarity or the same polarity, whereas the source-ghost wave will have, respectively same polarity or opposite polarity. This allows cancellation or enhancement of the source ghost. If the survey also employs two-component sensor acquisition, then the combined data sets may be both sensor de-ghosted and source de-ghosted.

Abstract: Linear movement via a sliding mandrel configured to translate axially is converted into radial movement to compress a packer. The packer is configured to seal an item of oilfield equipment typically in a subsea environment. The packer may also be used to return or reverse the radial movement and/or the linear movement.

Abstract: A method of drilling a bore at a subsea location is provided, the method comprising providing a remotely operated drilling assembly at a subsurface location; providing a conduit extending from the surface of the water to the remotely operated drilling assembly; and drilling the bore at the subsea location using the remotely operated drilling assembly. An apparatus for conducting a drilling operation at the seabed comprises a remotely operable drilling assembly deployed at a subsea location; and a conduit extending from the drilling assembly to the surface of the water.