Abstract: A rigless abandonment system including a surface vessel having an attached lifting device and a moonpool. The system further includes a cutting module configured to connect to a subsea wellhead, the cutting module having a wellhead connector having an actuatable lock and release mechanism, a motor assembly, and a cutter. An umbilical line connects the cutting module to the surface vessel, wherein the lifting device is used to raise and lower the cutting module connected to the surface vessel through the moonpool. A method for performing rigless casing cutting and wellhead removal operations, the method includes positioning a surface vessel above a subsea wellhead, where the surface vessel has a moonpool and a lifting device. The method further includes providing a cutting module, and deploying the cutting module through the moonpool, wherein the cutting module is connected to the surface vessel by an umbilical line.

Abstract: A diamond wire saw and method provides a frame that includes a clamp that attaches to a target (e.g. piling, beam, tubular), an elongated toothed rack extending away from the mount and target, and a moving portion that carries the diamond wire and motor drives that advance the moving portion toward the target and along the toothed rack while driving the wire around roller guides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for a lightweight subsea intervention package that may be installed using vessels with a smaller lifting capacity than semi-submersible platforms so that the subsea intervention package can be transported, installed, and removed from a subsea well in less time and with less cost. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a lower riser package for controlling the subsea well which utilizes two hydraulically activated gate valves. An emergency disconnect package is secured to the lower riser package utilizing a disconnect mechanism. The emergency disconnect package is operable to seal the bottom of a riser if the disconnect mechanism is activated to thereby minimize environmental leakage of fluid from the riser.

Abstract: A riser control device, particularly designed to be used in connection with spool or horizontal production trees (12) for wells in sub-sea oil and gas installations. Within a housing (1,2) of the device is provided, in opposed direction, radially movable pair of rams (6) for isolating (sealing off) the well and simultaniously, in opposed direction a radially movable pair of shear blades (7) for cutting off an intervention string or the like. The rams (6) and blades (7) are driven by means of a vertically disposed actuator (8,9,23) integrated in the housing (1, 2). The actuator may be in the form of a hydralically driven annular piston (23)/annular chamber (29,30) device, which via piston rods (14) and translation beams (8) transforms the movement of the piston (23) to open or close the rams (6) and shear blades (7).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods allow a downhole anchor device to be cut, released, and retrieved using a single one-trip cutter and removal assembly. The assembly preferably includes a cutter head recessed behind an anchor latch. The latch is landed to the anchor device to be removed and the cutter head is extended therefrom and activated. Once cut by the cutter head, the anchor device is retrieved upon a distal end of the assembly.

Abstract: A cutting module to sever a tubing in a well includes a piston and shear blade. The piston includes at least two moveable telescoping elements, which are adapted to expand the first piston from a retracted length to an expanded length. The shear blade is connected to the piston to sever the tubing in response to the piston expanding from the retracted length to the expanded length. The cutting module may be located below a safety valve in the well.

Abstract: A device for a hydraulic cutting tool (30) for cutting of at least one pipe (16, 18, 20) or tubular object beneath a water floor (10), wherein the cutting is carried out from a surface facility (2). The cutting tool (30) is anchored in a pressure tight manner in the pipe (16), whereupon pressurised gas (86) is pumped into a pipe section (80) immediately below the cutting tool (30). With this, liquid (8), and eventually pressurised gas (86), will flow out of the pipe section (80) via a short drain pipe (66) through the cutting tool (30), so as to create a gas filled pipe volume (90) comprising the relevant cutting depth (32) in the pipe section (80). The invention differs from prior art by the outflowing liquid being led onwards up to the surface facility (2) via a drain line (92). The upper end portion of the drain line (92) is connected to at least one adjustable choke device (102, 104).

Abstract: A subsea well casing cutting tool for use as part of a well abandonment procedure, the casing cutting tool deployable from a vessel located at a water surface, where in certain embodiments the casing cutting tool comprises a casing gripper; a rotary cutter drive assembly; a rotary cutter; a rotating fluid union that allows high volume water to be fed to the rotating cutting assembly below the drive motor for purposes of extending the cutting blades; and a third party casing hanger removal tool wherein the casing cutting drive assembly forms an interface between the third party rotary casing cutter, an existing subsea casing, and a work class ROV. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A subsea production system includes a blowout preventer stack that is adapted to seal and contain pressure in a well. The blowout preventer stack has a passageway through which a tubular string may extend into the well. The subsea production system includes a subsea wellhead and a safety shut-in system that has a valve assembly that is adapted to control flow and adapted to allow tools to be lowered therethrough on tubing. The subsea production system includes a cutting module that is adapted to be run into the passageway to allow tools to be lowered therethrough on tubing. The cutting module is further adapted to activate to shear the tubing that is lowered therethrough.

Abstract: A method for the cutting of underwater structures below the level of the sea bottom on which they are installed, comprises determining an ideal plane of cutting, having considered the characteristic features of the structure i.e. its morphology and its positioning on the bottom, the shape and consistency of the bottom itself, and the depth below the level of the bottom at which the cut must be effected; positioning and anchoring of a cutter in proximity of the cutting area; obtainment of at least one perforation or boring in proximity of the structure through the bottom at least up to the predetermined level for the cutting of the structure, along a direction parallel to the cutting direction and preferably lying on the cutting plane; and introduction of the cutter inside the perforation or boring and cutting of the structure. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for a method of cutting pipes underwater comprising jetting a jacket down over the pipe, blowing mud out from between the pipe and the jacket so the annulus between the pipe and the jacket is substantially filled with water and/or air, and performing the cutting operation from within the pipe, wherein the jacket has the features mentioned herein.

Abstract: A disconnect system for coiled tubing. A first end of the coiled tubing is disconnected from a second end of the coiled tubing by holding the coiled tubing in a stationary position at a first and a second location. The coiled tubing is then sheared at one or more locations between the first and the second location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a section of casing in an upward direction, utilizing a downhole hydraulic thrusting mechanism for pulling a section mill upwardly. A downhole motor and torque anchor can be used to rotate the section mill, or the mill can be rotated by a work string. A stabilizer above the section mill can be used to stabilize the mill relative to the casing being milled. A spiral auger below the section mill can be used to move the cuttings downwardly.

Abstract: A well abandonment process for cutting and retrieving an offshore well casing, the process comprising: making a trip to the well wherein all of the following steps are performed, the steps comprising: pulling a seal assembly from the wellhead, cutting the casing, griping the casing, and retrieving the seal assembly and cut casing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for replacing a BOP with a gate valve to thereby save space, initial costs, and maintenance costs that is especially beneficial for use in offshore subsea riser packages. The method provides a gate valve capable of reliably cutting tubing utilizing a cutting edge with an inclined surface that wedges the cut portion of the tubing out of the gave valve body. A method and apparatus is provided for determining the actuator force needed to cut the particular size tubing.

Abstract: A method of cutting a well casing located beneath a subsea wellhead wherein a cutting assembly is made and lowered into an operative position. A mounting device is secured to the wellhead and the cutter is radially expanded into engagement with the casing. The motor is operated so as to rotate the tubing string and thereby rotate the cutter to cut the casing. A cutting assembly is used to cut a well casing. The cutting assembly has a motor mounting device, a motor, an output shaft, a radially expandable cutter and a tubing string. The tubing string connects the cutter to the output shaft of the motor and clamp members secure the mounting device to the wellhead so that the rotary reaction forces from the mounting device are transmitted to the wellhead. Axial reaction forces are also transmitted from the mounting device to a radially extending surface of the wellhead.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for replacing a BOP with a gate valve to thereby save space, initial costs, and maintenance costs that is especially beneficial for use in offshore subsea riser packages. The method provides a gate valve capable of reliably cutting tubing utilizing a cutting edge with an inclined surface that wedges the cut portion of the tubing out of the gave valve body. A method and apparatus is provided for determining the actuator force needed to cut the particular size tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a section of casing in an upward direction, utilizing a downhole hydraulic thrusting mechanism for pulling a section mill upwardly. A downhole motor and torque anchor can be used to rotate the section mill, or the mill can be rotated by a work string. A stabilizer above the section mill can be used to stabilize the mill relative to the casing being milled. A spiral auger below the section mill can be used to move the cuttings downwardly.

Abstract: A method of machining a workpiece in a subterranean wellbore comprises the steps of: (a) providing a workpiece that comprises (1) a first section that comprises a first material, and (2) a second section that comprises a second material, the second section forming at least one surface of the workpiece; (b) placing the workpiece in a subterranean wellbore that is surrounded by a geologic formation; and (c) machining the workpiece to remove at least part of the second material in the second section, whereby at least one surface of the workpiece is formed into a desired configuration. This method allows, for example, a landing nipple to be installed in a wellbore, and customized locking recesses to be formed in the inner surface of the nipple at a later time.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a spoolable compliant guide, a system including a spoolable compliant guide and injector and methods for using the compliant guide, where the guide is designed to connect at one end to the injector and at its other end to a remote installation having a seal and to allow coiled tubing to be inserted into the installation through the seal. Because the guide permits a substantial distance to exist between the injector and the installation seal and functions as a crimp or band resistor for the coiled tubing, the guide enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the installation such as a wellhead and assumes a compliant shape between the injector and the installation allowing dynamic relative movement between them without the use of heave compensators. Thus, for subsea installations, the injector, its control system and coiled tubing reels can all be located on the water's surface for ease of access and maintenance.

Abstract: A one-trip system for removing casing from a wellhead is described. The string includes a cutting device spaced at the required depth and a grappling device above it at the appropriate location. A swivel tool, such as a marine swivel, is used in conjunction with a seal-pulling assembly so that after cutting the casing, the seal assembly can be pulled without an additional trip into the well. The grappling device or spear can be hydraulically actuated to grab the casing for removal from the wellbore. The spear features a drop-in restrictor which allows sufficient flow during cutting operations with a mechanical cutter without actuating the spear, while at the same time allowing actuation of the spear by circulation after dropping in the restrictor after the casing section has been cut.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of cutting a well casing located beneath a subsea wellhead (1), the method comprising the steps of: running a cutting tool through the wellhead (1) into the casing; securing the position of a motor (7) relative to the wellhead (1) so as to transmit rotary reaction forces from the motor (7) to the wellhead (1) or a fixture secured relative to the wellhead; and operating the motor (7) so as to rotate the cutting tool and thereby effect cutting of the casing. The invention overcomes the problems associated with prior art techniques of requiring the use of explosive charges or a drilling rig located above the wellhead.

Abstract: A method of cutting a well casing located beneath a subsea wellhead wherein a cutting assembly is made and lowered into an operative position. A mounting device is secured to the wellhead and the cutter is radially expanded into engagement with the casing. The motor is operated so as to rotate the tubing string and thereby rotate the cutter to cut the casing. A cutting assembly is used to cut a well casing. The cutting assembly has a motor mounting device, a motor, an output shaft, a radially expandable cutter and a tubing string. The tubing string connects the cutter to the output shaft of the motor and clamp members secure the mounting device to the wellhead so that the rotary reaction forces from the mounting device are transmitted to the wellhead. Axial reaction forces are also transmitted from the mounting device to a radially extending surface of the wellhead.

Abstract: A caisson gate valve (10) fitting within an outer casing (12) extending downwardly from a subsea wellhead below the sea floor is disclosed. The gate valve (10) includes a valve body or block (14) having an axial bore or flow passage (16) therethrough and a transverse cavity (18) in body (14) which extends through the body (14) to provide open ends (19) for cavity (18). Covers (60, 66) are mounted over the open ends (19) of cavity (18). A gate carrier (24) has an oval opening (26) which receives a gate member (28) having a gate opening (30) therein for movement between open and closed positions relative to the flow passage (16). A pair of opposed stems or pistons (32, 34) extend from gate carrier (28) for actuation of gate carrier (24) and valve member (28) between open and closed positions relative to flow passage (16). Fluid chambers (36, 38) adjacent pistons (32, 34) provide pressurized fluid for actuation of gate carrier (24) and gate member (28) therein.

Abstract: A wellhead retrieval tool is disclosed which is adaptable to a variety of configurations of wellheads. The tool comprises a spear through which a rotary cutter can operate. The tool can be adjustably supported off the top of the wellhead so that the grappling mechanism can be located at the proper distance for a grip on an inward upset or restriction within the wellhead. The clutching mechanism is located outside of the wellhead so as not to contaminate it with cuttings returned with the circulating fluid. The seal bore in the wellhead is protected by the tool to avoid damage. The dogs which engage the internal inward upset or restriction further have wickers or serrations on them to enhance the grip and to resist applied torque.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a completion riser joint (1) shearing by the shear ram of the blow-out preventer (BOP) (2), to be coupled, at its lower part, to the column hoist running tool and, at its upper part, to the completion riser column, the referred shearing completion riser joint (1) comprising upperly a riser bolt (3), connected at its lower portion to an access pipe (4) to the production column, shearing by the shear ram of the BOP (2), enveloped by hydraulic lines (5, 6) that allow the actuating of the column hoist running tool and the access to the annular, the referred pipe (4) being connected lowerly to a re-entry mandrel (8), which function is to allow the locking of the recovery tool (12) and, through it, allow the hydraulic continuity for actuating the unlocking function of the piping hoist and, following, its release, and lowerly to a riser box (9) on top of the piping hoist running tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing tubular members below a mud line. The mud is evacuated from the target area of the tubular member and the apparatus is lowered through the inner opening of the tubular member to the target area. A housing of the apparatus carries a plurality of centralizing fins which hinge 90 degrees in relation to their pre-deployed position and centralize the housing in the target area. An explosive material contained in the housing is extruded, by movement of the piston, into a flexible bag secured at a lower portion of the housing, forcing the bag to form a receptacle for the explosive. A sidewall of the bag protector pivots at a right angle to form a support for the receptacle with the explosive.

Abstract: A casing cutting and retrieving tool is described which includes a grapple device (2) for mechanically gripping casing to be retrieved. A mud motor having upper and lower stators (70, 73) and a rotor is also provided. The upper stator (70) acts as a suspension device for suspending the grapple device (2) from a drill string, and the upper stator (70) is mechanically fast with the grapple device (2). A rotary cutter (76) depends from a drive end (74) of the rotor and is rotatable by the rotor to cut the casing at a location below the grapple device (2).

Abstract: A wireline conveyable device for a fluid operable borehole tubing assembly comprising a tubular body having a first end intended to form the upper end when in the borehole and a second open end intended to form the lower end. The tubular body includes at least one aperture in a wall thereof to facilitate passage of fluid through the tubular body. Electrically actuable outwardly moving anchoring means are attached to the tubular body for positively locating the tubular member at a predetermined position within the borehole tubing, in use. An electrically actuable sealing means attached to the tubular body and arranged, in use, for selectively sealing the space between the borehole tubing and the tubular body to divert fluid through the tubular body to bypass the sealing means for driving fluid actuable means located adjacent said second lower end of the tubular body.

Abstract: An apparatus and system designed to prevent cutting gas buildup and explosion of same during the cutting of underwater abandoned wellheads and the like. The present system as configured is primarily designed for use in conjunction with generally longitudinally arranged pipes such as wellhead conductor pipe or the like, and teaches an apparatus configured to slidingly envelope the pipe, having the capability for excavating the area immediately about the pipe such that the apparatus migrates about and down the pipe to a predetermined depth, flushing out the mud about the conductor pipe which sometimes traps cutting torch gas during cutting operations and causes explosions or the like.

Abstract: Tool for slitting and laterally expanding underground steel gas mains and inserting replacement plastic piping into the spread apart pipeline has a forward end cylindrical portion mounting a single, rearwardly angled blade to make only one line of cut, and a conical pipe spreader portion at its rearward end. The conical spreader portion is eccentrically disposed with respect to the forward end cylindrical portion. A single roller type pipe slitter aligned with the fixed blade may be mounted on a removable extension of the forward end cylindrical portion, to initially groove and weaken the pipe along the intended line of cut. A pneumatically operated impact ram is attached to the rearward end of the tool, as is the leading end of the replacement piping. A wire cable pulls the tool through the underground pipe, thereby grooving, slitting and laterally expanding the pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in drilling an offshore well wherein a drill string suspended from a drill ship for extension within a riser pipe, lower marine riser package and subsea wellhead including a blowout preventer stack may be sheared at a location intermediate the lower end of the riser pipe and a flex or ball joint of the riser package.

Abstract: A detonation assembly for an explosive wellhead severing system which employs a battery pack lowerable through a drill string to engage and power the detonation assembly positioned within the well bore. The lowerable unit includes a biased shutter which seals the contacts from discharge of the battery pack by the surrounding fluids. The shuttered unit is lowered into contact with the receiving unit to arm the detonation assembly. Until the power unit is lowered into engagement, the severing system is not armed. In case of malfunction or misfire, the power unit can be retrieved to disarm the detonator assembly. The entire assembly is housed within the drill string to isolate the critical elements from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A device for removing irregularities in or enlarging a buried duct comprises a cylindrical housing corresponding approximately in diameter to the required diameter of the duct, an expandable shell comprising a plurality of tapered leaf members pivotally attached at their rear ends to the front of the housing, and remotely controllable drive means for moving the leaf members between contracted and expanded configurations. In operation, the apparatus is drawn through the duct with the leaf members in a contracted configuration in which they enter a portion of the duct of a diameter less than the required diameter. The drive means is operated to force the leaf members outwardly against the sides of the duct to expand the duct. The leaf members are then retracted and the apparatus is drawn forward. The apparatus is particularly intended for preparing damaged sewers prior to fitting an inner, lining pipe.

Abstract: A cutting and recovery tool for a well-head, having a housing which is adapted to engage with a side wall of the well-head to lock them together, and a mandrel extending through the housing and rotatable relative to the housing and adapted to carry a radially-acting cutter which severs the well-head below the area of engagement of the housing. This allows the well-head to be severed and withdrawn in a single operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for the pyrotechnic cutting of a submerged tube.The apparatus, which is introduced into the tube, comprises in a conventional manner a chassis on which is mounted a support for a pyrotechnic charge, a shield in the upper part of the chassis and a compressed air intake for producing an air pocket below the shield. According to the invention, the apparatus also comprises a ballast for facilitating its lowering to a considerable depth and the charge is a detonating cord with a hollow charge extending continuously over the support, the clearance between the charge and the inner wall of the tube being of minimum size and the same throughout.

Abstract: Natural gas deposits vented by oil or gas wells may pressurize a well beyond the capacity of installed apparatus to contain damage in the event of equipment failure, blow-out, or fire with the result that a well may flow out of control. The means and method of this invention provide for emergency action to shear a well casing together with internal piping or tubing and to seal a well if blow-out preventers otherwise provided do not prove effective. The apparatus of this invention may be self-powering.

Abstract: A gate valve which is mounted on a wellhead assembly and which may be closed to shear off workover lines, macaroni tubing and other suspension members so as to quickly shut in a well under emergency conditions. The gate has a flow port which aligns with the flow passage of the valve when the gate is open. A cutting edge of the port cooperates with a corner area of the downstream valve seat to shear the suspension member when the gate is forcefully closed by a hydraulic actuator mechanism. An undercut open space is presented immediately below the cutting edge to accommodate the sheared suspension member without jamming the gate or otherwise hampering its closure function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting and recovering tubular and associated well equipment submerged in a water covered area including the steps of lowering a well string including a cutting tool, a swivel and a releasable spear in a water covered area to seat the swivel on the well equipment to thereby position the spear above the well equipment and the cutting tool within the equipment to be cut and pulled, actuating the cutting tool to sever the well equipment, lowering the well string and then raising it sufficiently to unseat the swivel from the tubular and associated well equipment, and then lowering it again to telescope the swivel and releasable spear within the severed well equipment, and actuating the releasable spear to engage the severed well equipment for retrieval by pulling the well string out of the water covered area.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for recovering submerged equipment, such as a guide base and wellhead used in offshore well operations. A recovery tool, which includes an elongated member capable of extending from above the equipment into a well pipe and means for latching the recovery tool to the equipment and explosive means attached to the elongated member for severing the well pipe, is lowered from the water's surface to the equipment and then latched thereto. The explosive is then detonated to sever the well pipe. The recovery tool, together with the equipment and severed portion of the well pipe, is raised to the water's surface.

Abstract: Tool for slitting and laterally expanding underground steel gas mains and inserting replacement plastic piping into the spread apart pipeline has a forward end cylindrical portion mounting a single, rearwardly angled blade to make only one line of cut, and a conical pipe spreader portion at its rearward end. The conical spreader portion is eccentrically disposed with respect to the forward end cylindrical portion. A single roller type pipe slitter aligned with the fixed blade may be mounted on a removable extension of the forward end cylindrical portion, to initially groove and weaken the pipe along the intended line of cut. A pneumatically operated impact ram is attached to the rearward end of the tool, as is the leading end of the replacement piping, A wire cable pulls the tool through the underground pipe, thereby grooving, slitting and laterally expanding the pipe.