Connection Of Lateral Flow Line Patents (Class 166/347)
  • Patent number: 8322460
    Abstract: Systems and methods for lifting drilling fluid from a well bore in a subsea formation are disclosed. Some system embodiments include a drill string suspended within a drilling riser to form the well bore, and a drilling fluid source for supplying drilling fluid through the drill string during drilling. A diverter is coupled between the drilling riser and a return line, while a power riser coupled to the return line at an interface. A lift fluid source supplies lift fluid through the power riser into the return line. The lift fluid is intermittently injected from the power riser through the interface into the return line to form one or more slugs of lift fluid positioned between slugs of drilling fluid, such that the combined density of lift fluid and drilling fluid in the return line is less than the density of the drilling fluid alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward E. Horton, III, Lyle David Finn, James Maher, Greg Navarre
  • Publication number: 20120234551
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for extending the horizontal distance through which wells can be drilled. A horizontal tubular is used to convey a drillstring from a drilling rig toward a target location and a mud return line and pump on the surface is used to pump drilling mud returning from the bit back to the drilling rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Stuart R. Keller, Adel H. Younan, Mark C. Gentry, Timothy J. Nedwed, Bruce A. Dale
  • Patent number: 8235121
    Abstract: A jumper including an upstream connector configured to communicate with an umbilical, and a downstream connector configured to communicate with an end device. The jumper also includes a conduit having a first end attached to the upstream connector and a second end attached to the downstream connector, a plurality of valves, and a programmable processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Moore Williams
  • Patent number: 8220551
    Abstract: A compact, low footprint water separation system for use in subsea well operations. A subsea production tree has a vertical passage and at least one laterally extending branch. A subsea gravity separation device having a hollow toroidal body detachably is mounted around and connected to the production tree. An inlet on a first side portion of the separation device is connected to the at least one laterally extending branch of the production tree and admits production fluid. The production fluid flows through the separation device where it passes through a separation unit. After passing through a separation unit, less dense fluid is discharged through an upper outlet and more dense fluid is discharged through a lower outlet. The upper and lower outlets are positioned opposite the first side portion of the separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
  • Patent number: 8104541
    Abstract: A system, including a first module (35b) configured to process fluid from a well, wherein the first module (35b) includes a processing device coupleable to a manifold (5), a first access tunnel (4b) extending through the processing device, wherein the access tunnel (4b) is configured to provide access to the manifold (5), a processing input (18a), and a processing output (19a). Further provided is a method of assembling a manifold, including coupling a processing module (35b) to a manifold (5), wherein the processing module comprises an access tunnel (4b) through the processing module (35b) that enables access to the manifold (5) while the processing module (35b) is coupled to the manifold (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8096364
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventor: Paul Dursley
  • Patent number: 8061428
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Fenton, William D. Munro, Calum T. Myles
  • Patent number: 7984765
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Well Intervention Solutions AS
    Inventor: Tom Kjetil Askeland
  • Patent number: 7958948
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: AGR Subsea AS
    Inventor: Roger Stave
  • Patent number: 7909103
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has a tubing hanger landed in a wellhead housing. A spool lands on the wellhead housing and has a bore with a laterally extending production flow outlet. A tree cap having an axially extending flow passage and a laterally extending production flow outlet lands within the bore of the spool. Upper and lower seals on the tree cap seal between the tree cap and the bore of the spool above and below the production flow outlet of the spool. An isolation tube on a lower end of the tree cap sealingly engages the production flow passage of the tubing hanger. The tree cap may be ran with the spool as an assembly and retrieved from the spool for workover operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: VetcoGray Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
  • Patent number: 7866398
    Abstract: An underwater termination assembly for use with a subsea system such as a well tree, comprises a construction having first and second limbs substantially at a right-angle to each other, which construction may be lowered having an umbilical connected to one of the limbs so that said one of the limbs sits on the bed of a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventors: Richard K. O. Barratt, Thomas D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7866399
    Abstract: A drilling system employing a main tubular having a plurality of fluid inlet and outlet conduits positioned thereon and a concentric inner tubular having a plurality seals for sealing the annular space between the concentric inner and main tubulars. The fluid inlet and outlet conduits work in cooperation with the annular seals to selectively open and close for effective management of pressure within the tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited
    Inventors: John Kozicz, Tim Juran, Andy Legault, Sandy Black, John Mackay, Scott Niven, Iain Sneddon
  • Patent number: 7857059
    Abstract: A system for mitigating slugging in the conveyance of hydrocarbons in a flowline includes a first portion of flowline that extends substantially longitudinally along a declining surface. The first flowline portion carries multiphase hydrocarbons. A second portion of flowline extends upward from adjacent the first portion of flowline, and is in fluid communication with the first portion of flowline. A slug-mitigating region is between the first and second portions of flowline so slug-mitigating assembly receives the hydrocarbons from the first portion of flowline and conveys the hydrocarbons to the second portion of flowline. The slug-mitigating region has consecutively joined tubular segments that are each arcuate along a predetermined arcuate angle, with substantially uniform cross-sections. The first portion of flowline can be a subsea flowline extending along a sea floor, and the second portion of flowline can be a riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. S. Shen, Hoi Yeung
  • Patent number: 7806187
    Abstract: An apparatus having a hot stab having a fluid conduit connector thereon, a hydraulic hose having a connector assembly at an end thereof suitable for joining to the fluid conduit connector of the hot stab, and a sleeve affixed to the hot stab and to the hydraulic hose so as to extend over and surround the fluid conduit connector and the connector assembly. A jam nut is affixed to the tubular portion of the fluid conduit connector. The sleeve is threadedly connected to the threaded exterior surface of the jam nut. A crimp fitting is secured to an end of the hydraulic hose. A hose swivel extends around a crimp fitting and is affixed around the fluid conduit connector of the hot stab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Trendsetter Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario R. Lugo
  • Patent number: 7802624
    Abstract: An underwater stabplate connection is provided by lowering a counterbalanced first part of the connection in a horizontal disposition by a lift line, the first part being attached to an umbilical. The first part of the connection mates with a second part of the connection, the second part being attached to an underwater structure such as a well tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventor: Richard K. O. Barratt
  • Patent number: 7793715
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller assembly for a rotary roller reamer. The roller assembly includes a roller pin and a crushing roller. The crushing roller is arranged to be mounted on the roller pin and to rotate thereabout. The roller assembly is connected together so as to form a single cartridge which can be inserted into a pocket of the rotary roller reamer and secured thereto using a single fastener device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Extreme Machining Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: John Francis Kennedy, Michael Desmond Slattery
  • Patent number: 7757772
    Abstract: A system and method to allow backup or alternate fluid flow routes around malfunctioning components using removable, modular component sets. In one exemplary embodiment, an ROV establishes a backup hydraulic flow to a BOP function by attaching one end of a hose to a modular valve block and the other end to an intervention shuttle valve, thus circumventing and isolating malfunctioning components. A compound intervention shuttle valve is provided that comprises first and second primary inlets, first and second secondary inlets, and an outlet. A modular valve block is provided that comprises a directional control valve, a pilot valve, a manifold pressure regulator, a pilot pressure regulator, stab type hydraulic connections and an electrical wet-make connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Donohue, Angela Donohue, legal representative, Steve O'Leary, Tom Thrash
  • Patent number: 7740074
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. White, Paul F. Milne, Norman Brammer
  • Patent number: 7726405
    Abstract: A utility line connector assembly having a male stab having a central bore with a port that communicates with a second bore in a receptacle where the stab is fixedly inserted into a receiving female opening in the receptacle, the receptacle has an L shaped opening with a protruding partial spherical pocket, a ring groove for sealing said stab to a riser package, and where the stab and receptacle are placed between a lower marine riser and the blow out preventer in fluid communication therebetween. The stab and receptacle may be sealed with ring seals and the assembly may be used in riser auxiliary line connections, sub sea production tree connections, drape hose connections and surface bop auxiliary line connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Barry James McMiles
  • Patent number: 7647974
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has separable tree modules that interconnect together. The lower tree module has a lower tree member having a bore with a valve for controlling production fluid flow. The upper tree module has an upper tree member with a bore and interface devices for monitoring the fluid flow as well as controlling the flow. A production line sub is carried alongside the upper tree member. The sub has a stab interface that stabs sealingly into a stab interface mounted alongside the lower tree member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Steven P. Fenton
  • Publication number: 20090260831
    Abstract: A high pressure sleeve for a dual bore high pressure riser is provided. The high pressure sleeve is arranged for forming a connection between either the annulus bore and the high pressure sleeve, or for forming a connection between the high pressure sleeve and the production bore. The choice of connection is made by rotation of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Harald Moksvold
  • Patent number: 7571772
    Abstract: A line termination assembly for a riser string has a ring adapter mounted to a slip joint and a ring body mounted on top of the ring adapter. The ring adapter radially aligns with the ring body, which forms an inner diameter for receiving the slip joint. The ring body also has a discontinuity for radial access to the inner diameter, such that the ring body is circumferentially discontinuous. The discontinuity defines a chord dimension that exceeds the outer diameter of the slip joint, such that the slip joint may move radially through the discontinuity and into the inner diameter during assembly and disassembly of the system. Fluid bearings and tension rings are mounted to the slip joint and are axially spaced apart from the ring adapter and the ring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Reams
  • Patent number: 7380835
    Abstract: Described herein a single bore, high flow junction plate and flow line assembly adapted for use subsea. This junction plate may be adapted for use with a torque tool manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard McCoy, Michael Cunningham, C. Curtis Waters
  • Publication number: 20080017384
    Abstract: A flow diverter tool assembly is employed for flushing debris from a portion of the bore of a subsea production tree. The flow diverter tool assembly has a housing having a passageway there-through and a seal disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The seal contacts the inner wall surface of the bore of the production tree, dividing a lower portion of the bore below the seal from an upper portion of the bore above the seal. One or more outlets from the passageway through the exterior surface are disposed along the housing below the seal. A bypass device such as a slip-joint is disposed above the seal to facilitate removal of the flow diverter tool assembly from the bore of the production tree after its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Neil Anderson, David Duncan, Roy E. Swanson, John Pickett
  • Patent number: 7270185
    Abstract: A drilling system for drilling subsea wellbores includes a tubing-conveyed drill bit that passes through a subsea wellhead. Surface supplied drilling fluid flows through the tubing, discharges at the drill bit, returns to the wellhead through a wellbore annulus, and flows to the surface via a riser extending from the wellhead. A flow restriction device positioned in the riser restricts the flow of the returning fluid while an active fluid device controllably discharges fluid from a location below to just above the flow restriction device in the riser, thereby controlling bottomhole pressure and equivalent circulating density (“ECD”). Alternatively, the fluid is discharged into a separate return line thereby providing dual gradient drilling while controlling bottomhole pressure and ECD. A controller controls the energy and thus the speed of the pump in response to downhole measurement(s) to maintain the ECD at a predetermined value or within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Fontana, Larry Watkins, Peter Aronstam
  • Patent number: 7201229
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. White, Paul F. Milne, Norman Brammer
  • Patent number: 7165620
    Abstract: A well completion system includes a completion device defining a bore therein attached to a wellhead and a tool, disposed within the bore, comprising an operational element and a control receptacle in communication with the operational element. The system further includes a horizontal penetrator assembly disposed external to the completion device and comprising at least one horizontal penetrator capable of being extended into and retracted from the bore to engage the control receptacle such that the horizontal penetrator is in communication with the operational element of the tool. A method includes inserting a tool into a bore of a completion device, engaging a horizontal penetrator with a control receptacle of the tool, and operating an element of the tool via the horizontal penetrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Steedman
  • Patent number: 7086807
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a conduit to a subsea structure includes a frame connectable to the subsea structure by a docking mechanism, a conduit handling mechanism on the frame to facilitate positioning of the conduit for attachment to the subsea structure and a second docking mechanism for attaching a mobile manipulating device to the frame. In use, the mobile manipulating device connects to the conduit by means of a pull-in rope on a winch, and travels under its own power to the subsea structure while paying out the pull-in rope. There, it docks with the frame and the pull-in rope is reeled in by the winch on the mobile manipulating device. The conduit is then connected to the subsea structure by the conduit handling mechanism on the frame. The invention also includes the method of attaching a conduit to a subsea structure using the described apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignees: Technip SA, Technip Offshore UK Limited
    Inventor: Calum Mackinnon
  • Patent number: 6988553
    Abstract: A horizontal spool tree wellhead system 10 utilizes a casing 18, 19 installed in a well bore and a wellhead housing 20 at the upper end of the casing. A spool 23 of the horizontal tree 22 is connected to the upper end of the wellhead housing, and includes at least one radially extending side port. The BOP 28 is also installed at the upper end of the housing with a bore aligned with the wellhead housing bore. After drilling the well, the casing string 19 carrying a casing hanger 42 may be lowered through the bores of the BOP, the spool tree, and the wellhead housing and into the well. An orientation/isolation sleeve 60 may be installed in a predetermined rotational orientation with the spool tree. A tubing hanger 70 having a side port is landed onto the orientation sleeve and is automatically oriented to align the tubing hanger side port with the spool side port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Blake T. DeBerry
  • Publication number: 20040244982
    Abstract: A flowline is described for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea well that is comprised of a substantially neutrally buoyant tubular composite umbilical. The flowline may possess electrical heating apparatus within the tubular walls of the tubular composite umbilical to prevent waxes and hydrates from forming within the flowline and blocking the flowline. The electrical heating apparatus is comprised of at least one electrical conductor disposed within the tubular walls of the composite umbilical that conducts electrical current that is used to heat the tubular composite umbilical. The tubular composite umbilical that contains any produced hydrocarbons is substantially neutrally buoyant in the sea water adjacent to the subsea well. Positively neutrally buoyant tubular composite umbilical flowlines are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, William Banning Vail, Damir S. Skerl, Robert L. Dekle, William G. Crossland
  • Patent number: 6805200
    Abstract: A horizontal spool tree wellhead system 10 utilizes a casing 18, 19 installed in a well bore and a wellhead housing 20 at the upper end of the casing. A spool 23 of the horizontal tree 22 is connected to the upper end of the wellhead housing, and includes at least one radially extending side port. The BOP 28 is also installed at the upper end of the housing with a bore aligned with the wellhead housing bore. After drilling the well, the casing string 19 carrying a casing hanger 42 may be lowered through the bores of the BOP, the spool tree, and the wellhead housing and into the well. An orientation/isolation sleeve 60 may be installed in a predetermined rotational orientation with the spool tree. A tubing hanger 70 having a side port is landed onto the orientation sleeve and is automatically oriented to align the tubing hanger side port with the spool side port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Blake T. DeBerry
  • Patent number: 6755254
    Abstract: A horizontal spool tree assembly 10 is provided for supporting a production tubing string 22 within a well below a BOP. The spool body 12 includes a laterally extending passageway 36 which is in fluid communication with a similar laterally extending passageway 34 provided in a tubing hanger 20. The tubing hanger includes a central bore for fluid communication with the production tubing string, and a workover flow path 30 extending axially through the tubing hanger, with a workover valve 32 provided for controlling the fluid flow in the workover passageway. An annulus port 70 extends laterally through the spool body, and an annulus valve 72 controls fluid flow through the annulus port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Blake T. DeBerry
  • Publication number: 20040118567
    Abstract: A technique for maintaining pressure integrity within a submersible system. The system utilizes a pressure housing with an internal component, such as a valve. The internal component is actuated by an external actuator via an actuator stem. A seal region is positioned to interact with the stem, such that the interior of the pressure housing is sealed and pressure integrity is maintained upon retraction of the stem from engagement with the internal component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Harold Brian Skeels
  • Publication number: 20040074648
    Abstract: This invention relates to a marine riser tower (112, 114) for use in the production of hydrocarbons from offshore wells. The riser tower (112, 114) includes a plurality of fluid conduits, which may comprise production flow lines (P), gas-lift lines (G), water injection lines (NV) and/or umbilicals (U). The conduits are supported in a single structure, and at least one of said conduits is provided with its own insulation within said structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Bernard Legras, Gregoire Francois Christian De Roux, Tegwen Bertrand Marie Miorcec De Kerdanet
  • Patent number: 6708766
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has the capabilities of communicating from the outer surface of an outer wellhead housing to a casing annulus. Seals between the outer and inner wellhead housings define an annular chamber when the inner wellhead housing lands. The outer wellhead housing has a communication port formed through one of its sidewalls. The inner wellhead housing has a passageway extending from the annular chamber to the bore of the inner wellhead housing. The casing annulus located radially inward of the inner wellhead housing is in communication with the outer surface of the outer wellhead housing through the passageway, the annular chamber between the seals, and the communication port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Murray Clark
  • Patent number: 6698520
    Abstract: A subsea well apparatus has features for controlling and monitoring production fluid flow from a well. A christmas tree lands on a subsea wellhead, the tree having a tubular, open upper end. A first flow passage extends from a lower end of the tree to the upper end for communicating fluid with the well. A second flow passage extends downward from the upper end of the tree and has an outlet on a sidewall of the tree for communicating with a flowline. A production module lands on and is retrievable from the upper end of the tree, the module having a flow loop with one end in communication with the first flow passage and another end in communication with the second flow passage. At least one flow interface device is located in the loop of the production module. The flow interface device may be used to monitor or control the flow and may be a temperature or pressure sensor, a flow or multi-phase flow meter, or a choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Fenton, John H. Osborne, Rolf Nordaunet
  • Publication number: 20030094284
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Fenton, Francisco Dezen, Lars-Petter Sollie, Jon E. Hed
  • Patent number: 6550537
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead with a tension latching system for a casing hanger or a tubing hanger, a tension latching system for hangers, and a method for adjusting the tension on a casing hanger or tubing hanger for subsea wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kugerner Oilfield Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Alvarez, Michael J. Miller
  • Patent number: 6540024
    Abstract: A tieback connector includes a passive lower locking system and an active upper locking system to exert a positive locking force on the connection between a production riser and a high pressure wellhead. The tieback connector is composed of an outer housing which carries lower locking dogs, upper locking dogs and a piston. The piston is located above the lower end of the production riser and controls the movement of the outer housing. As the piston is stroked the outer housing cams the lower dogs into grooved profile in the wellhead housing. As the piston is stroked further the upper dogs exert a force onto the production riser that locks the riser to the wellhead housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Pallini, Kim H. Phan, Gilbert P. Mican
  • Publication number: 20030042025
    Abstract: A subsea well apparatus has features for controlling and monitoring production fluid flow from a well. A christmas tree lands on a subsea wellhead, the tree having a tubular, open upper end. A first flow passage extends from a lower end of the tree to the upper end for communicating fluid with the well. A second flow passage extends downward from the upper end of the tree and has an outlet on a sidewall of the tree for communicating with a flowline. A production module lands on and is retrievable from the upper end of the tree, the module having a flow loop with one end in communication with the first flow passage and another end in communication with the second flow passage. At least one flow interface device is located in the loop of the production module. The flow interface device may be used to monitor or control the flow and may be a temperature or pressure sensor, a flow or multi-phase flow meter, or a choke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen P. Fenton, John H. Osborne, Rolf Nordaunet
  • Patent number: 6494267
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly comprises a central bore through the wellhead assembly having a pressure boundary region. A port is provided in the wellhead assembly having an opening in the central bore in the pressure boundary region of the wellhead assembly. The port preferably extends through the high pressure housing into the bore of the wellhead assembly. A first casing string is secured at a first end within the wellhead assembly below the opening of the port in the central bore of the wellhead assembly. A second casing string is secured at a first end within the wellhead assembly above the opening of the port in the central bore of the wellhead assembly. A fluid flowpath is thereby formed comprising the port in the wellhead assembly and an annulus between the first and second casing strings. In this way, access is provided to an annulus within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy J. Allen
  • Patent number: 6494266
    Abstract: A controls bridge for a flow completion system which comprises a tubing spool having a production outlet, a tubing hanger having a production bore that communicates with the production outlet and at least one service and control conduit extending therethrough, and at least one external service and control line that terminates near the tubing spool, the controls bridge comprising a first body portion; a mechanism for securing the first body portion to the top of the tubing spool and/or the tubing hanger; at least one first coupling member which is adapted to engage a second coupling member that is mounted in the service and control conduit; at least one third coupling member which is adapted to engage a fourth coupling member that is connected to the external service and control line; a bridge line which is connected between the first coupling member and the third coupling member; a first actuator for moving the first coupling member into engagement with the second coupling member; and a second actuator for mo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Timothy R. Goggans, Jamie Patrick-Maxwell, Sylvester A. Joan, Stanley J. Rogala
  • Patent number: 6460621
    Abstract: A subsea well apparatus has features for controlling and monitoring production fluid flow from a well. A Christmas tree lands on a subsea wellhead, the tree having a tubular, open upper end. A first flow passage extends from a lower end of the tree to the upper end for communicating fluid with the well. A second flow passage extends downward from the upper end of the tree and has an outlet on a sidewall of the tree for communicating with a flowline. A production module lands on and is retrievable from the upper end of the tree, the module having a flow loop with one end in communication with the first flow passage and another end in communication with the second flow passage. At least one flow interface device is located in the loop of the production module. The flow interface device may be used to monitor or control the flow and may be a temperature or pressure sensor, a flow or multi-phase flow meter, or a choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Fenton, John H. Osborne, Rolf Nordaunet
  • Publication number: 20020074123
    Abstract: Two types of isolation tools are disclosed for installation between the upward end of the LMRP and the lower end of a riser string in the drilling of a subsea well using dual gradient techniques, one of which is especially adapted for rotation about a rotating drill sling. Each type includes insert packer adapted to be closed about the drill string to divert drilling fluid in the annulus between the drill string and the subsea wellhead into lines extending along the side of the riser to the surface. The insert is selectively removable to permit conventional drilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Albert M. Regan
  • Publication number: 20020070026
    Abstract: A subsea well apparatus has features for controlling and monitoring production fluid flow from a well. A Christmas tree lands on a subsea wellhead, the tree having a tubular, open upper end. A first flow passage extends from a lower end of the tree to the upper end for communicating fluid with the well. A second flow passage extends downward from the upper end of the tree and has an outlet on a sidewall of the tree for communicating with a flowline. A production module lands on and is retrievable from the upper end of the tree, the module having a flow loop with one end in communication with the first flow passage and another end in communication with the second flow passage. At least one flow interface device is located in the loop of the production module. The flow interface device may be used to monitor or control the flow and may be a temperature or pressure sensor, a flow or multi-phase flow meter, or a choke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen P. Fenton, John H. Osborne, Rolf Nordaunet
  • Publication number: 20020062965
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly comprises a central bore through the wellhead assembly having a pressure boundary region. A port is provided in the wellhead assembly having an opening in the central bore in the pressure boundary region of the wellhead assembly. The port preferably extends through the high pressure housing into the bore of the wellhead assembly. A first casing string is secured at a first end within the wellhead assembly below the opening of the port in the central bore of the wellhead assembly. A second casing string is secured at a first end within the wellhead assembly above the opening of the port in the central bore of the wellhead assembly. A fluid flowpath is thereby formed comprising the port in the wellhead assembly and an annulus between the first and second casing strings. In this way, access is provided to an annulus within the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy J. Allen
  • Publication number: 20010042624
    Abstract: A controls bridge for a flow completion system which comprises a tubing spool having a production outlet, a tubing hanger having a production bore that communicates with the production outlet and at least one service and control conduit extending therethrough, and at least one external service and control line that terminates near the tubing spool, the controls bridge comprising a first body portion; a mechanism for securing the first body portion to the top of the tubing spool and/or the tubing hanger; at least one first coupling member which is adapted to engage a second coupling member that is mounted in the service and control conduit; at least one third coupling member which is adapted to engage a fourth coupling member that is connected to the external service and control line; a bridge line which is connected between the first coupling member and the third coupling member; a first actuator for moving the first coupling member into engagement with the second coupling member; and a second actuator for mo
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Timothy R. Goggans, Jamie Patrick-Maxwell, Sylvester A. Joan, Stanley J. Rogala
  • Patent number: 6182761
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for extending subsea hydrocarbon flowlines from an initial installation on a template/manifold system to later drilled subsea wells. The extension utilizes a pigging valve assembly which completes a flow path to allow for line cleaning or pigging and is modified by adding a curved flowline connector adaptor to extend the subsea flowlines. The apparatus and method minimizes the amount of equipment that must be pre-installed to provide such flexibility, thus facilitating the ability to defer incremental development decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: John M. Bednar
  • Patent number: 6102124
    Abstract: Flying lead hydraulic and electrical umbilical arrangements are disclosed for control of a subsea christmas tree for production and workover operations. Alternative arrangements for deep water ROV arrangements for a conventional christmas tree are illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B and in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. Alternative arrangements for a horizontal christmas tree are illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Harold B. Skeels, Timothy R. Goggans, Sterling F. Lewis, Robert J. Writt
  • Patent number: 6098715
    Abstract: A flowline connection apparatus having a pivotally mounted funnel an upright frame, which is a permanent part of a subsea well installation such as a manifold or subsea production tree. The funnel rotates is rotatably mounted to rotate from a vertical position to a horizontal position. Retractable pins engage a slot in the funnel to lock the funnel in a vertical position or can be retracted to unlock the funnel, allowing the funnel to rotate to the horizontal position to engage a hub connector. A flowline end termination stabs into the funnel while the funnel is in the vertical position. The flowline termination body has a flange connector on one end that connects to a flexible flowline. The body has an annular external recess for securing the body within the funnel once in place. Pins engage the annular recess to hold the flowline end termination body in the engaged position. A mandrel is carried within an axial bore of the body for axial reciprocal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Moreira Seixas, Bruno Schauerte