Testing Patents (Class 166/336)
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Patent number: 7938178Abstract: A deep water subsea tree completion having a distributed temperature sensing system. In a described embodiment, a method of installing an optical fiber in a well includes the steps of: conveying an optical fiber section into the well; and monitoring a light transmission quality of the optical fiber section while the section is being conveyed into the well.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, John L. Maida, Jr.
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Patent number: 7921916Abstract: To communicate measurement data from a well, data corresponding to measurement data collected by multiple sensors in a well is transformed downhole and passed to an intermediate communications device, which device in turn passes a subset of that data to a destination communications device. The destination communications device applies a second transformation to the data received from the intermediate communications device. The first and second transformations are designed such that meaningful data can be recovered at the destination communications device even though only a subset of the original transformed data has been received.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: John R. Lovell, Christian Chouzenoux, Christophe Champagnon, Ashish Chaudhary
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Publication number: 20110000677Abstract: Subsea test apparatus comprises: a connector for mating with a corresponding connector of subsea apparatus to provide at least one of electrical, optical, and fluid connection between the test apparatus and the subsea apparatus; measuring means connected to the test apparatus's connector and operable underwater in a measurement mode; a power supply arranged to power the measuring means; and disconnection means for disconnecting the test apparatus's connector from a mated subsea apparatus's connector. The measuring means, in said measurement mode, is arranged to perform at least one measurement, via the mated connectors, on connected subsea apparatus, and the test apparatus further comprises indicating means operable underwater and arranged to provide an indication of a result of the or each measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: ZETECHTICS LIMITEDInventor: Timothy Mark Overfield
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Publication number: 20100326664Abstract: A running tool sets a casing hanger packoff and ensures that the packoff is not pressure tested unless the proper setting stroke was made by the running tool. The running tool has a stem, an inner body, and a piston. The inner body is connected to the stem so that rotation of the stem relative to the inner body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. The piston is connected to the stem so that the stem and piston rotate and move longitudinally in unison. A test slot is located in the outer surface of the inner body. A limit pin is connected to the piston and is adapted to engage the test slot when the piston moves longitudinally relative to the inner body. The stem has a raised profile on a portion of its exterior surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Guilherme Pedro Eppinghaus Neto, Francisco Kobata, Nicholas P. Gette
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Patent number: 7845404Abstract: A system includes a Christmas tree assembly mounted to a hydrocarbon well, an optical feedthrough module, and a plurality of optical sensors. The optical feedthrough module is operable to communicate through a pressure boundary of the Christmas tree assembly. The plurality of optical sensors is disposed within the Christmas tree assembly for measuring parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly and is operable to communicate through the optical feedthrough module.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel McStay, Aidan Nolan, Gordon Shiach, Sean McAvoy, Espen Rokke
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Publication number: 20100300696Abstract: A technique facilitates collection of information on desired production related parameters in a subsea valve system. Collected data can be processed in a manner that enables enhanced production and/or an increased knowledge regarding operation of the entire subsea valve system. Sensors are coupled with a plurality of subsea valves, and those subsea valves are positioned at appropriate locations along a subsea hydrocarbon production system. The sensors also may be coupled with a data processing system to process the collected data for use by a well operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: David E. McCalvin, Lars Mangel
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Publication number: 20100276155Abstract: A technique operates a valve system in a subsea test tree via a control system of a type suitable for gaining desired industry ratings. A monitoring system is utilized to monitor functions of the control system, but the monitoring system is independent from the control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew W. Niemeyer, Jeffrey J. Marabella
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Publication number: 20100252269Abstract: A system for subsea wellbore monitoring is disclosed. The system includes: a communication control unit configured to be disposed at a sea floor and connected to a monitoring unit that is disposable in communication with the wellbore; a plurality of control unit connection ports disposed on the control unit and configured to operably connect with the subsea wellbore, the plurality of control unit connection ports including at least one blank control unit connection port; and a switch disposed in the control unit including a plurality of switch connection points, the plurality of switch connection points including at least one blank switch connection point configured to be operably connected to the at least one blank control unit connection port. A method of modifying a subsea wellbore monitoring system is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Philippe Legrand
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Patent number: 7779916Abstract: A subsea intervention system is disclosed comprising a floating vessel and a source of coiled tubing at the floating vessel. The system includes a seabed installation including a wellhead and compliant guide having one end operatively connected to the floating vessel and the second end operatively connected to the seabed installation. The compliant guide provides a conduit between the floating vessel and the wellhead for the coiled tubing. At least one injector is present at the floating vessel for inserting the coiled tubing into the compliant guide, and a carousel is proximate the wellhead which comprises a plurality of chambers with intervention tools in at least two of those chambers. The system may also include a plurality of sensing units that are disposed at spaced intervals along the compliant guide to monitor various aspects of the compliant guide and to transmit that information to a repositioning system.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Warren M. Zemlak, John A. Kerr
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Patent number: 7757771Abstract: A wellhead seal unit for sealing a subsea oil and/or gas well at the wellhead. The unit comprises a sleeve, sealingly engaged to the workstring and to which, blow out preventer rams can engage. The unit allows the workstring to be rotated and reciprocated within the wellbore without releasing the seal. Methods of cleaning the sealed well and performing an inflow test are described.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group LimitedInventor: Paul David Howlett
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Patent number: 7740074Abstract: A subsea production tree has an external annular profile formed on an upper portion of the tree. A vertical passage extending from a lower end of the tree to an upper end of the tree for communicating with a string of tubing extending into the well. A lateral passage in the tree extending from the vertical passage. A flow path in fluid communication with the lateral passage extends laterally from the tree, the flow path having an upward facing receptacle. An adapter lands on the upper portion of the tree and connects to the profile, the adapter having a passage that registers with the vertical passage of the tree while the adapter lands on the tree. A flow interface device mounts to and lands with the adapter, the flow interface device having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, one of the conduits being connected to the passage in the adapter, the other of the conduits stabbing into sealing engagement with the receptacle as the adapter lands on the tree.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Paul W. White, Paul F. Milne, Norman Brammer
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Publication number: 20100116504Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a casing tester for plugging and abandoning a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of testing an annulus defined between a first tubular string and a second tubular string includes engaging a first annular packer with an outer surface of the first tubular string and engaging a second annular packer with an outer surface of the second tubular string. The tubular strings extend into a wellbore. The method further includes injecting a test fluid between the packers until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Corey Eugene Hoffman, Dolphus C. Green, III
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Patent number: 7673690Abstract: A method for updating a software of a sub-sea controller (31) located under the sea level. The sub-sea controller manages a plurality of tools in a sub-sea well. An application module (35) is downloaded into the sub-sea controller. The application module is executed using a virtual machine (36) implemented within the sub-sea controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Tibor Somogyi, Jack Booker, Yutaka Imasato
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Publication number: 20100051286Abstract: A system includes a Christmas tree assembly mounted to a hydrocarbon well, an optical feedthrough module, and a plurality of optical sensors. The optical feedthrough module is operable to communicate through a pressure boundary of the Christmas tree assembly. The plurality of optical sensors is disposed within the Christmas tree assembly for measuring parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly and is operable to communicate through the optical feedthrough module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: DANIEL MCSTAY, Aidan Nolan, Gordan Shiach, Sean McAvoy, Espen Rokke
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Patent number: 7660670Abstract: The invention relates to a method for predicting zonal productivity of an oilfield drilling operation. The method includes acquiring critical drawdown pressure profile (CDPP) of at least one selected from a group consisting of an open well and a cased well, establishing a CDPP criteria according to geomechanics based model, identifying sand failure according to the CDPP criteria, and predicting zonal productivity of a drilling operation according to the sand failure.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gary Eugene Drebit, Brian William Smith
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Patent number: 7647973Abstract: A tool is employed with a subsea wellhead assembly for preventing the collapse of a wear bushing located in a drill-through tubular member due to external test forces being applied to it. The tool has a connector that connects to the drill-through tubular member. A stem extends downward from the connector and has a reacting member at its lower end. The reacting member engages an inner diameter of the wear bushing to resist inwardly directed forces due to fluid pressure on the exterior of the wear bushing. The tool can be incorporated with a running tool or with a blowout preventer isolation test tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Marc Minassian, Robert K. Voss, Kevin G. Buckle, Steven P. Fenton
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Publication number: 20090288836Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: VALKYRIE COMMISSIONING SERVICES INC.Inventors: Alastair R. Goodall, Alan J. Sweeney
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Publication number: 20090288835Abstract: A technique enables determination of changes in length of a conveyance deployed between a surface vessel and a subsea installation. The technique allows information to be obtained on the relationship between length of conveyance spooled out or spooled in at a surface location and the depth and/or speed of an intervention well tool deployed in a well. The information can be used to determine the actual depth of the well tool deployed in the well for the intervention operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventor: ANDREA SBORDONE
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Publication number: 20090277644Abstract: A method for monitoring a Christmas tree assembly installed on a subsea hydrocarbon well includes receiving a plurality of parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly. A health metric for the Christmas tree assembly is determined based on the parameters. A problem condition with the Christmas tree assembly is identified based on the determined health metric.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: DANIEL MCSTAY, AIDAN NOLAN, GORDON SHIACH, SEAN MCAVOY, ESPEN ROKKE
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Publication number: 20090260829Abstract: An embodiment of a method for limiting the probability of failure on demand of a subsea test tree (“SSTT”) includes the steps of providing a safety shut-in system for actuating a safety valve of the SSTT, the safety shut-in system including a surface control station positioned above a water surface connected via an umbilical to a subsea control system positioned below the water surface to actuate the safety valve; and diagnostically testing the safety shut-in system without actuating the safety valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: David J. Mathis
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Publication number: 20090229830Abstract: A subsea completion testing tree (SCTT) for connection in a tubular string includes a lower tree portion having a control valve; an upper tree portion separably connected to the lower tree portion at a latch; a circulation valve connected with the upper tree portion; and a retainer valve connected with the upper tree portion between the circulation valve and the latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: John A. Kerr
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Patent number: 7578350Abstract: A system for controlling gas in a subsea drilling operation is disclosed in one embodiment. The system includes a subsea blow-out preventer, riser coupled to the blow-out preventer, a gas sensor, a controller, and a signal pathway. The gas sensor is configured for placement below the riser and configured to contact wellbore fluids during normal drilling operation. The controller configured to automatically cause manipulation the blow-out preventer based upon information from the gas sensor. The signal pathway couples the gas sensor with the controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Iain Cooper, Walter Aldred
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Publication number: 20090107682Abstract: A method of monitoring a solenoid (1) of a directional control valve (DCV) associated with a subsea control module (6) in a subsea hydrocarbon production system is disclosed. A voltage is applied across a coil of the solenoid, for moving the armature (4) thereof, and a current through the coil is sensed to produce an indication of if and when the armature is moved.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: Vetco Gray Controls LimitedInventor: Julian R. Davis
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Patent number: 7520332Abstract: A method and associated system for setting downhole control pressure. A method of setting a downhole control pressure includes the steps of: installing a pressure control system with a pressure source; connecting a proximal end of a line to the pressure source and a distal end to a well tool; and calibrating the system by applying an overshoot pressure to the proximal end, then sensing a settled pressure in the proximal end resulting from the overshoot pressure, and determining a mathematical relationship between the overshoot and settled pressures. A system for setting a downhole control pressure includes a pressure source, a pressure limiter and an interface for applying pressure to a proximal end of a control line and a well tool connected to a distal end of the control line.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventor: Mitchell C. Smithson
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Patent number: 7477160Abstract: A subsea communication system includes addressable nodes in a wellbore and addressable nodes on a floor, where the nodes in the wellbore and on the floor are able to communicate wirelessly with each other, such as through a formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Erwann Lemenager, Herve Ohmer, Klaus B. Huber, Randolph J. Sheffield
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Publication number: 20080236836Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for determining injected fluid vertical placement in a formation. The apparatus includes a borehole drilled through a formation, and an injection conduit within the borehole. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a fiber optic cable within the borehole wrapped helically around the injection conduit such that the fiber optic cable reads temperatures at specific depths and radial angles throughout the borehole. The apparatus includes a thermal insulation layer interposed between the injection conduit and the fiber optic cable such that the fiber optic cable detects the formation temperature rather than the injection conduit temperature. The apparatus includes a computer programmed to determine the vertical placement of the injected fluid within the formation based on the temperature readings. The apparatus detects an induced hydraulic fracture height, and detects whether an induced hydraulic fracture has deviated from the plane of the borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventor: Xiaowei Weng
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Publication number: 20080236837Abstract: To communicate measurement data from a well, data corresponding to measurement data collected by multiple sensors in a well is transformed downhole and passed to an intermediate communications device, which device in turn passes a subset of that data to a destination communications device. The destination communications device applies a second transformation to the data received from the intermediate communications device. The first and second transformations are designed such that meaningful data can be recovered at the destination communications device even though only a subset of the original transformed data has been received.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Lovell, Christian Chouzenoux, Christophe Champagnon, Ashish Chaudhary
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Publication number: 20080223583Abstract: A free standing riser system includes a riser, a subsea intervention unit, and an umbilical line. The riser includes interconnected joints linked to one another, a lower-end of the riser being coupled to a wellhead and an upper-end of the riser enclosed in a buoy assembly, including a terminal, the riser being maintained in an erect, substantially vertical position. The subsea intervention unit is provided above the riser, and includes three connections: one connection to the terminal of the riser, one connection to a flexible jumper that is connected to a FPU, and one connection that provides a vertical conveyance to an intervention rig.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRASInventors: Francisco Edward Roveri, Cezar Augusto Silva Paulo, Roberto Rodrigues, Renato Brandao Mansano, Carlos Alberto Giacomin Pereira
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Patent number: 7420475Abstract: A well site communication system for providing communication from downhole devices to surface systems and from surface system to downhole systems, and methods of using are presented. The communication system is particularly applicable for use with spooled conveyances disposed on a reel. The communication system comprises a communication assembly that may be provided in the reel. The communication assembly may be used to process data or information received from devices disposed in a wellbore and the communication assembly may communicate wirelessly with surface or downhole devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Sarmad Adnan, Michael G. Gay
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Patent number: 7380597Abstract: A method of installing a sensor located in a chamber on the out-side of a casing, comprising the steps of positioning the casing in a well, cementing the casing in position, positioning a drilling tool inside the casing level with the chamber, drilling through the casing, chamber and cement into the formation surrounding the well so as to create a fluid communication path, and sealing the hole drilled in the casing.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: John Edwards, Philippe Gambier, Vincent Tourillon, Christian Chouzenoux, Emmanuel Rioufol
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Publication number: 20080110633Abstract: A method and system of operating a landing string utilized on a floating platform. The landing string is disposed within a marine riser, with the marine riser being connected to a subsea production tree, and wherein the subsea production tree contains internal conduits communicating controls through a series of stab passageways. The method comprises providing a tubing hanger operatively connected to the landing string, delivering hydraulic or electrical controls from the floating platform through a control system umbilical to a junction plate operatively attached to the subsea production tree. The method further comprises landing the tubing hanger into the subsea production tree, establishing control of the tubing hanger by providing the hydraulic controls to the tubing hanger with the series of stab passageways through the subsea production tree, and establishing control of the completion bottom hole assembly with the stab passageways.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventor: Ross John Trewhella
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Publication number: 20080105432Abstract: A subsea intervention system is disclosed comprising a floating vessel and a source of coiled tubing at the floating vessel. The system includes a seabed installation including a wellhead and compliant guide having one end operatively connected to the floating vessel and the second end operatively connected to the seabed installation. The compliant guide provides a conduit between the floating vessel and the wellhead for the coiled tubing. At least one injector is present at the floating vessel for inserting the coiled tubing into the compliant guide, and a carousel is proximate the wellhead which comprises a plurality of chambers with intervention tools in at least two of those chambers. The system may also include a plurality of sensing units that are disposed at spaced intervals along the compliant guide to monitor various aspects of the compliant guide and to transmit that information to a repositioning system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Warren M. Zemlak, John A. Kerr
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Patent number: 7331393Abstract: Subsea lubricator device, comprising a blowout preventer assembly, a tool housing assembly and a stuffing box, intended to be located at a subsea Christmas tree, and methods of circulating fluids in a subsea lubricator. The device comprises a blowout preventer (40) and a lubricator (60). Along the entire length of the device a bypass (46, 66) is located. The bypass communicates fluid with the device via a fluid connection (72) at the upper end of the tool housing and via a valve assembly (51) at the bottom of the blowout preventer. This permits removal of gas or oil being present in the device by circulating the hydrocarbons in the well.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Karl-Willie Hoel
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Patent number: 7273105Abstract: A system is described for monitoring a subsea formation, which is under development. Instruments located in a completed but unconnected well are employed for providing information by a provisional monitoring unit being lowered downhole and connected to the well. Changes in the reservoir as a result of operations in other adjacent wells are intercepted by the instruments in the well and transmitted via an acoustic link to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventors: John A. Johansen, Morten Sivertsen
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Patent number: 7261162Abstract: A subsea communications module includes an interface to communicate with a surface facility over a communications link using a packet-based protocol. The communications link can be implemented with a fiber optic line, wire-based line, and/or other types of communications lines.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gregor E. Deans, Roderick MacKenzie, John A. Kerr, David J. Mathis, Eric Smedstad
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Patent number: 7219736Abstract: An externally testable redundant connection for a subsea well includes a tube, a connector assembly, and collar. The connector assembly includes a jam nut over the tube; a ferrule over the tube adjacent the jam nut; and a double jam nut disposed over the tube adjacent to the ferrule. The double jam nut includes a test port adapted to receive a test fluid through the test port for determining if the primary seal and the secondary seal are providing a leak proof sealing engagement. The collar engage the tube and transfers an axial force from the double jam nut and compresses the tube into a female profile forming a primary seal. A secondary seal is formed from a compression of the ferrule into the double jam nut using the jam nut.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Petrotechnologies, Inc.Inventor: David Levy
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Patent number: 7145471Abstract: A sequential hydraulic well control system provides actuator selection and operation utilizing pressure applied to hydraulic lines in a sequence. In a disclosed embodiment, an actuation control device of a well control system includes multiple pistons, at least one of which is included in a latch for selectively permitting and preventing displacement of another of the pistons. When one of the pistons displaces in response to pressure applied sequentially to hydraulic inputs of the control device, an associated actuator is placed in fluid communication with the inputs.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: WellDynamics, Inc.Inventors: Daniel G. Purkis, Michael A. Reid
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Patent number: 7137451Abstract: A system for use in controlling and/or testing an underwater hydrocarbon production system, has a number of control modules for controlling well trees. The control modules are provided, not at the trees, but at a control center for location underwater. The trees are in communication with associated ones of the control modules.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls LimitedInventor: David Martin Smith
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Patent number: 7108069Abstract: A system, method, and software for optimizing the commingling of well fluids from a plurality of producing subsea wells. The mixing temperature and water content in each header of a collection manifold are calculated for each subsea well and header combinations, responsive to data from sensors at the collection manifold. Combinations with conditions outside operational limits are then discarded. Remaining combinations are ranked based on predetermined optimization criteria. The ranked combinations are provided for the operator for optimizing flow properties and well fluid production. The calculations can restart with new, real-time sensed values from the subsea collection manifold.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Offshore Systems, Inc.Inventors: Rune Killie, John Allen
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Patent number: 7013980Abstract: A control system for use in controlling actuation of tools in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a control system includes a well tool, an actuator for the well tool and a control module interconnected between the actuator and first and second fluid lines. The control module is operative to meter a predetermined volume of fluid from the actuator to the second line in response to pressure applied to the first line.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: WellDynamics, Inc.Inventors: Daniel G. Purkis, Alfred R. Curington
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Patent number: 6978839Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has a tree that connects internally to the bore of wellhead housing. The tree has a lower end that has a lock member that is moved radially outward into engagement with a profile in the bore of the wellhead housing. The tree is a monobore, having a production passage but no tubing annulus passage extending through it. The tubing hanger has a tubing annulus passage and a production passage. A valve is mounted in the tubing hanger for controlling flow through the tubing annulus passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Stephen Paul Fenton, Francisco Dezen, Lars-Petter Sollie, Jon E. Hed
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Patent number: 6913083Abstract: A method and apparatus for logging, controlling, or monitoring a subsea well or group of wells through a path not within production tubing. Preferred embodiments allow logging tools, wire rope, optic fibers, electrical cables, monitoring and measuring instruments and other items known to those skilled in the art of oil and gas production to be disposed into the well without interfering with the flow path through the production string. A further preferred embodiment includes the mooring or tethering of an instrument pod over the subsea well. The instrument pod is designed to provide on-board data storage, data processing, data receiving, and data transmission equipment, such that data from the well can be transmitted back to a receiving network where the data may be stored and processed into useful information for reservoir operators.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Sensor Highway LimitedInventor: David Randolph Smith
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Patent number: 6907931Abstract: The invention concerns a device for driving into the marine subsurface, in particular at great depths exceeding a thousand meters, a tubular tool for soil sampling or for measuring said soil characteristics. The invention is characterized in that the tubular tool (1) to be driven into the marine subsurface is secured to a base plate for positioning on the sea floor, and the device comprises at least a fluidic actuator (16), capable of being controlled from the surface, which is fixed to said base plate comprising a piston (4) moving in a cylindrical annular chamber (3) with an axis oriented parallel to the axis (y?y) of the tool (1) penetration, driving in the tool (1) depending on the discharge of intake of the fluid which is produced in said chamber (3), said piston (4) being subjected to the hydrostatic pressure prevailing at the depth where the device has been lowered by being in communication with the marine environment by its side external to said chamber (3).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventor: Julien Bessonart
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Patent number: 6782949Abstract: In a sub-sea wellhead insert-type choke valve having a bonnet, a pair of pressure transmitters are mounted in the bonnet. One transmitter is connected by a passageway with the annular clearance between the cartridge of the insert assembly and the valve body. This transmitter measures the pressure of the fluid in the clearance and transmits signals indicative thereof to a receiver at surface. The other transmitter is connected by a passageway with the fluid in the valve outlet, measures the pressure of this fluid and transmits signals indicative thereof to the receiver. In this way the high and low pressures upstream and downstream of the choke valve flow trim are monitored by transmitters, which can be serviced by bringing the insert assembly to surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Master Flo Valve Inc.Inventors: Harry Richard Cove, Larry J. Bohaychuk
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Publication number: 20040144543Abstract: A method of controlling flows from plural hydrocarbon extraction wellhead trees (50, 52, 54, 56) in an extraction system including plural wellhead trees (50) connected by a pipeline network (60, 62, 88, 104) to a host facility (64) via a manifold system (130, 132) situated remotely from the host facility (64). Each wellhead tree (50) has a production outlet connected by a production conduit (88) to the manifold system (130, 132) and a test flow outlet (76) connected by a test conduit (104) to the manifold system (130, 132). Wellhead tree outlet valves are operable to divert the flow from one wellhead tree only to the manifold system (130, 132) from where it is routed via a test pipeline (62) to testing equipment at the host facility. Alternatively, one or more modules (132) of the manifold system (130, 132) may be replaced by one or more different modules each containing a multi-phase flow meter so that testing can take place at the manifold system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2004Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: David Eric Appleford, Brian William Lane, Ronald Geoffrey William Smith
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Patent number: 6725924Abstract: A system that is usable in a subsea well includes a tubular string that extends from a surface platform toward the sea floor. The string has an upper end and a lower remote end that is located closer to the sea floor than to the platform. At least one sensor of the system is located near the remote end of the string to monitor deployment of subsea equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kenneth C. Davidson, John A. Kerr, Roderick MacKenzie, Alan J. Johnston
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Publication number: 20040069492Abstract: A system for use in controlling and/or testing an underwater hydrocarbon production system, has a number of control modules for controlling well trees. The control modules are provided, not at the trees, but at a control centre for location underwater. The trees are in communication with associated ones of the control modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: David Martin Smith
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Publication number: 20040020653Abstract: A method for logging, controlling, or monitoring a subsea well or group of wells through a path not within production tubing is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the present invention allow logging tools, wire rope, optic fibers, electrical cables, monitoring and measuring instruments and other items known to those skilled in the art of oil and gas production to be disposed into the well without interfering with the flow path through the production string. In another aspect of the invention, a preferred embodiment includes the mooring or tethering of an instrument pod over the sub-sea well. The instrument pod is designed provide on-board data storage, data processing, data receiving, and data transmission equipment, such that data from the well can be transmitted back to a receiving network where said data may be stored and processed into useful information for reservoir operators.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: David Randolph Smith
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Patent number: 6648073Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow from multiple isolated producing zones in a well is provided. Components of the system are placeable in and retrievable from bottom entry side pocket mandrel sections permanently installed in a production tubing string in the well. These components include retrievable isolation valve modules. Control signals for modules are developed either downhole or at the surface and modules may be placed or retrieved through the production tubing without pulling the production tubing from the well. In high flow rate applications the sliding sleeve flow control valve of the present invention provides a variable aperture valve having a fully open cross sectional area equal to that of the production tubing, thereby achieving a minimal pressure drop across the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventors: Kerry D. Jernigan, Phillip S. Sizer, Mark S. Crawford
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Patent number: 6640900Abstract: A method for logging, controlling, or monitoring a subsea well or group of wells through a path not within production tubing. Preferred embodiments of the present invention allow logging tools, wire rope, optic fibers, electrical cables, monitoring and measuring instruments and other items known to those skilled in the art of oil and gas production to be disposed into the well without interfering with the flow path through the production string. In another aspect of the invention, a preferred embodiment includes the mooring or tethering of an instrument pod over the subsea well. The instrument pod is designed provide on-board data storage, data processing, data receiving, and data transmission equipment, such that data from the well can be transmitted back to a receiving network where said data may be stored and processed into useful information for reservoir operators.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Sensor Highway LimitedInventor: David Randolph Smith