Abstract: An adjustable casing sub having an outer housing, an inner housing insertable into the outer housing, and a ratcheting system for coupling the inner housing within the outer housing. An annulus is between a portion of the inner and outer housing, the annulus including an inwardly tapered section. A metal faced seal is disposed in the annulus, wherein the metal faced seal includes a sliding surface and a compressive sealing surface. The sliding surface may include a malleable inlay and the compressive sealing surface may include a spring like element. Moreover, the metal faced seal radial thickness is greater than the inwardly tapered section radial thickness.

Abstract: Dual gradient drilling may be performed by anchoring drilling tubulars from a drilling ship on the seabed. The drilling tubulars may include an inline pump for pumping mud through another set of tubulars that actually drill the well. Then dual gradient drilling may be instituted by controlling the pressure by controlling the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly that includes a wellhead housing, a production tree, a tubing hanger adapted to land in the wellhead assembly inside the wellhead housing, and a bore formed through the production tree having an inner diameter greater than the tubing hanger outer diameter. A hanger adapter may be included having an annular body disposed on the tubing hanger upper surface and a flange member projecting radially outward from the annular body.

Abstract: A modular tree production tree assembly reduces the weight during transfer of the tree components from a barge to a production rig. The tree assembly includes an upper tree module, a lower tree module, and a choke bridge module. The upper tree module has a tree head, the lower tree module has a guidance system and ties in the flow lines to the in-field infrastructure, and the choke bridge module has the choke and instrumentation bridge to link the three components together. Prior to delivery to the rig, the components of the modular tree assembly may be joined together and tested on shore. Upon arrival at the rig, the components are individually lifted from the barge onto the rig by a crane. After the tree components are on the rig, the modular tree is reassembled and then deployed to the sea floor via the draw works.

Abstract: The method of removing a first liquid from a subsea pipeline which has a central portion lower than each of the ends of the subsea pipeline by pumping a second lower density fluid into the pipeline and the either removing the second lower density fluid by either displacing it with gas or evaporating the second lower density fluid to a gas.

Abstract: A system for subsea extraction of gaseous materials from and preventing the formation of hydrates.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system comprises a fluid treatment module having a fluid inlet and first and second fluid outlets. A pump is provided to establish a first pressure differential between the fluid inlet and one of the first and second fluid outlets of the fluid treatment module, and an eductor is provided to establish a second pressure differential between the fluid inlet and the other of the first and second fluid outlets of the fluid treatment module. The pump is adapted to deliver a motive fluid to the eductor.

Abstract: During an Extended Well Test or Early Floating Production at an offshore hydrocarbon production site, where oil and gas hydrocarbons are produced by a production vessel, applicant stores the natural gas as pressured gas in a storage tank and occasionally transfers the pressured gas to a shuttle vessel which carries the gas to a site where it is used, as by pumping it into a natural gas pipeline. The transfer of natural gas to the shuttle can be accomplished by pumping it through a conduit extending between the vessels to a second tank on the shuttle, or can be accomplished by moving a gas-filled tank on the production vessel to the shuttle.

Abstract: A method for connecting a lower marine riser package to a lower blowout preventer stack. The method includes lowering a frame of the lower marine riser package toward a frame of the lower blowout preventer stack such that a first half of a feed-thru component contacts a second half of the feed-thru component; floating at least one of the first half of the feed-thru component or the second half of the feed-thru component while the frame of the lower marine package is further lowered toward the frame of the lower blowout preventer stack; and engaging the first half of the feed-thru component to the second half of the feed-thru component after further lowering the lower marine riser package toward the lower blowout preventer stack.

Abstract: A gas and oil recovery system including a vessel, platform or rig, with a rig floor, a riser including a pipe that extends from the vessel, platform or rig to a x-mas tree on top of a well head and via which a wire or coiled tubing is fed down into a well. The riser is movable through an opening in the rig floor, and a surface flow head connected to the riser and to a wire line or coiled tubing equipment. The surface flow head is arranged to be run through the opening in the rig floor.

Abstract: A method to interchangeably connect a plurality of Lower Marine Riser Packages with a lower BOP stack includes engaging a Lower Marine Riser Package connector of the Lower Marine Riser Package, with a Lower Stack mandrel connector of a Lower Stack, thereby aligning the Lower Marine Riser Package and the Lower Stack axially about a vertical axis, engaging at least one ring alignment pin of the Lower Marine Riser Package with at least one alignment plate of the Lower Stack, thereby rotationally aligning the Lower Marine Riser Package and the Lower Stack within a specified angle about the vertical axis, and engaging feed-thru connections between the Lower Marine Riser Package and the Lower Stack.

Abstract: An improved riser system which comprises a connector for connecting conduits and a mooring system for mooring the connector to the floor of a body of water. The connector may include a pivoting device. The improved riser system also comprises a buoy system for supporting the connector. The buoy system is configured to provide a fixed buoyancy for the connector, the mooring system and at least a portion of the conduits and for providing variable buoyancy for placement of the connector at a predetermined water depth. The improved riser system may also include a flexible conduit made of titanium.

Abstract: A system and method for clean-up and subsea intervention operations in a subsea well or installation, including a light well intervention vessel configured to deploy and connect a subsea well intervention package on a subsea well or installation, and configured to perform subsea intervention operations; and an auxiliary vessel directly coupled to the same subsea well or installation and configured to receive and treat returns from the subsea well.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupler for providing fluid communication between adjacent members that includes a two way check valve formed from a double headed poppet set in a hollow cylinder with corrugated bellows like walls. Contoured bores are provided in the cylinder ends and the poppet heads are profiled to match the contour of the bores. When the heads are seated in the bores they form a sealing surface to block fluid from flowing through the coupler. Compressively preloading the cylinder before assembly provides a sealing force between the heads and the bores. Axially compressing the cylinder with respect to the poppet unseats the heads from the bores to form a flow path through the coupler.

Abstract: A large diameter conduit extends from a subsea location surrounding a wellhead to an area above the water surface. The conduit is designed to channel escaped oil and gas from the underwater well to a floating collection facility. The conduit has a portion formed from polyvinyl chloride to reduce paraffin solidification and methane gas icing.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly responding to and regaining control of uncontrolled flow from offshore hydrocarbon wells, comprising a subsea containment assembly, optionally including a capture caisson assembly installed around the assembly, riser systems for production of hydrocarbons to capture vessels on the surface of the sea, and modularized subsystems facilitating communication between and fluid flow from the subsea containment assembly through the riser to the capture vessel.

Abstract: In combination, the loose tube flying lead includes: a) a pair of improved cobra head assemblies, each being able to receive a variety of different stab-plates with minimal modification; b) a pair of bend limiters, one extending from each cobra head assembly and c) an elongate bundle of non-constrained interior conduits surrounded by an over-hose, the over-hose being connected to each bend limiter. The over-hose may rotate independently of the bend limiters and the cobra head assemblies.

Abstract: A method for providing an umbilical connection for a well installation, the well installation being located at the bed or floor of a body of water, comprises the steps of providing an umbilical with first and second ends and prior to operative deployment of the umbilical, locating the umbilical such that at least a portion of the umbilical is substantially statically retained within the body of water. Additionally, an umbilical deployment system for a well installation located at the bed or floor of a body of water, comprises an umbilical, wherein, prior to operative deployment of the umbilical, at least a portion of the umbilical is substantially statically retained within the body of water.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a chemical-injection management system of a sub-sea oil and gas extraction system. The chemical-injection management system may include a flow path having an inlet and an outlet. The chemical-injection management system may also include a pump disposed in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet; wherein the pump is configured to increase the pressure of a fluid flow through the flow path.

Abstract: The present embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus and method for using components in a subsea assembly formed from a raw polymer material combined with a marine growth inhibitor material.

Abstract: An acoustic control system wirelessly operates a subsea latching assembly or other subsea device, such as an active seal. The acoustic control system may control a subsea first accumulator to release its stored hydraulic fluid to operate the latch assembly or other subsea device, such as an active seal. An RCD or other oilfield device may be unlatched or latched with the latching assembly. The acoustic control system may have a surface control unit, a subsea control unit, and two or more acoustic signal devices. A valve may allow switching from an umbilical line system to the acoustic control system accumulator.

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 completion suspension valve system is described which allows a well to be suspended and desuspended remotely without a dual bore riser to the surface. This is achieved by incorporating a remotely actuatable valve into the production bore of a tubing hanger. The valve is hydraulically operable and may be controlled via the tubing hanger running tool or via the xmas tree. The valve can be closed and tested after the tubing hanger has been installed, thereby isolating the well. The dual bore riser and running tool are retrievable and the MODU type vessel is then free to continue drilling and completion operations elsewhere. The xmas tree can therefore be deployed from a workclass supply boat instead of a MODU type vessel.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea manifold is disclosed. The connection system relates particularly to a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit means on a subsea manifold in a first stage of the connection and to connect a conduit means of the connection apparatus to a choke body of the manifold in a second stage of the connection.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead housing, a production tree, a tubing hanger adapted to land in the wellhead assembly inside the wellhead housing without a need for angular orientation, a bridge member on the tubing hanger in the production tree, a port radially formed through the tubing hanger or the bridge member, a production port radially through the tree head housing, and an annular production flow passage that circumscribes the bridge member lower portion on one end and optionally circumscribes the tubing hanger on its other end. The annular production flow passage is in communication with both the production port and the radial port in the tubing hanger or bridge member so that fluid can be produced from the well via the annular production flow passage without necessity to orientate the tubing hanger.

Abstract: An orientation joint for a subsea landing string equipped to maintain both unitary and telescoping configurations. For example, the joint may maintain a unitary configuration to provide continuous orientation definition while lowering a landing string within a blowout preventer (BOP). Additionally, the orientation joint may be configured to telescope and provide an appropriately sized uniform outer diameter surface to enable a sealing engagement with an aligned ram of the BOP.

Abstract: A running tool for lowering a christmas tree to a subsea wellhead. The running tool includes an off center adjustment to compensate for asymmetric weight distribution in the christmas tree. The running tool comprises a main body, latches for coupling the body to the christmas tree, an offset arm connected to the body, and a lift arm (drill pipe adaptor) connected to the lift arm and selectively positioned on the lift arm to offset and compensate for the christmas tree asymmetric weight distribution.

Abstract: Systems and methods of production control are contemplated in which one or more multiphase flow meters are operationally coupled to a production conduit to provide flow and compositional information for the fluid in the production conduit. Data from the multiphase flow meter are then provided to a control system that uses the data to control operation of one or more choke valves of one or more well heads that are fluidly coupled to the production conduit.

Abstract: Method to modify an existing subsea arranged oil production well having installed a hydraulically operated downhole valve, characterized in using coiled tubing technology to: arrange an electrically operated downhole pump in the production tubing, lock the hydraulically operated downhole valve in an open position by placing a sleeve body in the open positioned valve, arrange an electrically operated downhole valve above the downhole pump. A modified oil production well.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead body which disposed to support an isolation sleeve for a production tree and to support below the isolation sleeve a production casing hanger for a production casing string. The body also supports a second casing string outside the production casing string whereby to form an annulus between the casing strings. The body includes a passageway which is in communication with the annulus near a lower end of the body and extends upwardly within the wall of the body towards the upper end of the body. A valve is accommodated in the upper part of the body and provides controlled communication between the passageway and a port which can be coupled to the isolation sleeve. The valve is controllable from a production tree in particular is moveable between an open position and a closed position in response to fluid pressure applied to the valve from a production tree by way of the isolation sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a riser pipe section comprising a main tube (2), at least one auxiliary line element (3) arranged substantially parallel to said tube (2), characterized in that the ends of main tube (2) comprise connecting means (8) allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted and in that the ends of auxiliary line element (3) comprise linking means (5-6) allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted.

Abstract: An offshore universal riser system (OURS) and injection system (OURS-IS) inserted into a riser. The OURS/OUR-IS provides a means for pressurizing the marine riser to its maximum pressure capability and easily allows variation of the fluid density in the riser. The OURS-IS includes a riser pup joint with provision for injecting a fluid into the riser with isolation valves. The OURS includes a riser pup joint with an inner riser adapter, a pressure test nipple, a safety device, outlets with valves for diverting the mud flow, nipples with seal bores for accepting RCDs. The easy delivery of fluids to the OURS-IS is described. A method is detailed to manipulate the density in the riser to provide a wide range of operating pressures and densities enabling the concepts of Managed Pressure Drilling, Dual Density Drilling or Dual Gradient Drilling, and Underbalanced Drilling.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A subsea control module for providing control of subsea equipment is provided. The design allows for replacement and retrieval of a subsea control module with a single remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”) deployment from a vessel. The subsea control module can provide distributed electrical and hydraulic control functions via multiple directional control valve modules, multiple pilot valve modules, and a central electronic control module. Each directional control and pilot perform a set of functions so that replacement of a single module does not require disassembly of any other components) or hydraulic connection. Similarly, each pilot valve module can include a set of pilot valves, pressure transducers, solenoids and electronic circuitry to perform a limited set of functions so that failure of a single pilot valve module does not result in failure of the entire subsea control module.

Abstract: A securing device comprises an axially reciprocable drive shaft which has a head adapted to pass forwards through a detent plate. The head is adapted to engage the plate after rotation. A cam slot is defined in a drive housing and is engageable by a cam follower carried on the drive shaft. The cam slot has two end portions extending parallel to the axis of the drive shaft and an oblique intermediate part such that the drive shaft is rotated when the follower moves along the intermediate part and the drive shaft moves only axially when the follower moves along either of the end portions. A subsea assembly including the securing device includes a fixed stab plate including a central collar, and a free stab plate having an aperture through which said collar extends, the collar including an chamber defined by the detent plate.

Abstract: Pressure-balanced accumulator apparatus for use in subsea operations is disclosed which comprises a housing and an accumulator within the housing at the first end of the housing. The accumulator has first and second chambers that are hermetically sealed from one another, with a pressurized gas in the first chamber and a pressurized fluid in the second chamber. A third chamber in the housing abuts the accumulator and contains silicon oil fluid. A movable piston is located within the housing proximate the second end of the housing. Ambient pressure is communicated to one end of the piston, and ambient pressure plus the pressure in the second chamber is communicated to the second end of the piston. The cross-sectional areas of the two ends of the piston are selected to optimize the pressure at which the piston begins to expel fluid from the second chamber.

Abstract: A thread protection member for protecting threads in a threaded joint includes a body formed of a material selected to reduce damage to the threads during a make-up of the threaded joint and a discontinuity reducing remaining clamping forces and thus allowing the body to deform in a predetermined manner when the body is removed from the threaded joint. In one arrangement, the discontinuity is a void at least partially penetrating the body. For example, the void can be a longitudinal slot that extends partially or fully through the body. In another embodiment, the discontinuity is a region in the body that has at least one material property different from a material property of an adjacent portion of the body. To remove the thread protection member from the joint, a suitable tool may be used to deform the body to extract the body from the joint.

Abstract: A subsea well service system and method are presented for use with an subsea pump capable of flushing the well intervention lubricator of an underwater hydrocarbons production facility. The system essentially includes at least one pump placed at a subsea location in proximity to the well intervention lubricator, and at least one fluid reservoir connected to the pump.

Abstract: A retrievable bridge is provided which mounts to the top of a subsea tree to provide fluid communication between the production line of the subsea tree and a production flowline. The retrievable bridge mounts to the top of the subsea tree and preferably connects to a vertically oriented pipe of the production flowline. The retrievable bridge can be utilized to carry wear items such as chokes, subsea control modules, and flow meters which may require maintenance more often than other components of the subsea tree. By mounting these items along the flow passageway in the retrievable bridge the components are securely mounted and still available for maintenance/replacement without the need to remove the entire tree. In one embodiment, Intervention into the well is available without removing the retrievable bridge. The subsea tree does not require and preferably does not have a connection to the production flowline except through the retrievable bridge.

Abstract: A system and method is described for well intervention in subsea installed oil and gas wells, comprising a surface vessel (10), or rig, with equipment (22) for handling and controlling a connection string (20) for downhole tools, and also a system (26) for the supply and return of drilling fluid, from where the connection string (20) for the downhole tool runs down in an actual drilling hole (36) of a well on the subsea, where a X-mas tree (12) with associated blowout preventer (16) is arranged on the well, and where a return line (24) for drilling fluid runs up to said system (26) on the surface vessel or the rig. The connecting string (20) for downhole tools runs into the well through open sea without a riser or landing string being fitted, and a removable intervention valve (14) is arranged in the drilling hole (36), where the intervention valve is arranged to function as a testable, temporary barrier.

Abstract: Pressure-balanced accumulator apparatus for use in subsea operations is disclosed which comprises a housing and an accumulator within the housing at the first end of the housing. The accumulator has first and second chambers that are hermetically sealed from one another, with a pressurized gas in the first chamber and a pressurized fluid in the second chamber. A third chamber in the housing abuts the accumulator and contains silicon oil fluid. A movable piston is located within the housing proximate the second end of the housing. Ambient pressure is communicated to one end of the piston, and ambient pressure plus the pressure in the second chamber is communicated to the second end of the piston. The cross-sectional areas of the two ends of the piston are selected to optimize the pressure at which the piston begins to expel fluid from the second chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the production of hydrocarbons from an offshore reservoir are disclosed. The hydrocarbons are produced using at least one spur (or flowline), and at least one riser conduit to transport said hydrocarbons from the seafloor to a point at or near the sea surface, wherein an artificial lift method, such as the injection of a lifting gas, is used to help transport said hydrocarbons from the reservoir to said point at or near the surface, and wherein said artificial lift method is applied to said hydrocarbons at a point along the at least one riser conduit, substantially above said seafloor.

Abstract: An offshore riser system has riser joints, each having a pin and a box. The pin has an external grooved profile that is engaged by a locking element carried by the box of another riser joint. An actuating ring engages with the locking element to move it into the locked position. A retractable spider supports the string of riser while the new joint is being made up. A makeup tool on the riser deploying floor moves the ring relative to the locking element, causing the locking element to move to the locked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon exploration system, comprising a first vessel (1) having a turret (3) around which the vessel can weathervane, the turret being moored to the sea bed (4), and a second vessel (7) connected with at least one riser (12) to a subsea well (5), the first vessel (1) being connected to the second vessel via a fluid transfer duct (20) comprising a first end section (23) attached to the turret of the first vessel (1), a substantially horizontal mid section (24), and a second end section (22) attached at or near the second vessel (7), the second vessel (7) weighing between 2,000 and 15,000 ton its base being attached to the sea bed via taut tendons (9), the weight exerted by the fluid transfer duct (20) on the second vessel being below 1,000 ton, a power generator being situated on the first vessel (1), power being transferred from the power generator via an electrical swivel on the first vessel.

Abstract: An offshore riser system has riser joints, each having a pin and a box. The pin has an external grooved profile that is engaged by a locking element carried by the box of another riser joint. An actuating ring engages with the locking element to move it into the locked position. A retractable spider supports the string of riser while the new joint is being made up. A makeup tool on the riser deploying floor moves the ring relative to the locking element, causing the locking element to move to the locked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transmitting fluid from a subsea producing module (8) to a subsea receiving module (9) comprising a choke valve (3) in a main flowpath (7) of the fluid. A bypass line (2) is arranged in parallel to the choke valve (3) and the bypass line (2) is connected to the main flowpath (7) by a bypass connection (1).

Abstract: A system and method is described for use and return of drilling fluid/cuttings from a well, which is drilled on the ocean floor, in connection with offshore related oil production and gas production, where, from a drilling rig or drilling vessel (10), a drill stem (12) runs down into the bore hole and where a blowout preventer (BOP) is placed on said well, without mounting a riser between the rig or the vessel and said blowout preventer. A sealing and pressure-regulating device (16) is arranged on the blowout preventer (14) arranged to regulate the level of the drilling fluid, and thus the outlet pressure of the drilling fluid in said sealing and pressure-regulating device, and a pump module (18) is set up at a suitable distance adjacent said sealing and pressure-regulating device, where the pump module is arranged to pump said drilling fluid up to the ocean surface via an external return pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a subsea well includes a lubricator configured to attach to subsea wellhead equipment, an electrically-activated tool, and a coiled tubing attached to the electrically-activated tool. The electrically-activated tool is initially provided in the lubricator to allow for deployment of the electrically-activated tool on the coiled tubing into the subsea well. Multiple tools may be deployed independently from within the lubricator to latch into a concentric electrical connector within the well which may also act as a switch. A concentric electrical connector will permit the passage of a tool through the body of the connector retaining full bore access when the tool is withdrawn.

Abstract: 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.