Wellhead Patents (Class 166/368)
  • Patent number: 11952854
    Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead and then orienting a tree (or spool, or flowline connection body) relative to the tubing hanger while landing the tree on the wellhead are provided. This alignment is accomplished without the use of either a tubing spool or a BOP stack with an orientation pin. The tubing hanger alignment devices may be used to orientate the tree as the tree is landed so that the couplings and stabs between the tree and the tubing hanger line up with each other just at the moment of landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake T. DeBerry, Morris B. Wade, Flavio Santos, Gregory Norwood, Robert Buxton, Justin Rye, Todd L. Scaggs
  • Patent number: 11920424
    Abstract: A system including a bottom hole assembly and a ram positioned below a barrier of a well and methods for deploying the same are described. The ram is configured to secure the bottom hole assembly at an end of the bottom hole assembly to secure the bottom hole assembly within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Muhammad Arsalan, Stian Marius Hansen, Jarl André Fellinghaug
  • Patent number: 11913290
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus which can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 11891564
    Abstract: A system includes a well cellar, a wellhead and a colloidal silica gel. The well cellar includes a base and sidewalls extending from the base. The wellhead includes an aboveground region extending above the well cellar and a belowground region in the well cellar. The belowground region of the wellhead includes a wellhead component having an exterior surface. The colloidal silica gel occupies a volume extending from the base and sidewalls of the well cellar to the exterior surface of the wellhead component. The colloidal silica gel covers the exterior surface of the wellhead component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Faisal Alissa, Bader Aljuaid, Omar Ashi, Rashed Altowairqi
  • Patent number: 11891871
    Abstract: A hanger running tool includes a mandrel. The hanger running tool also includes a mandrel protrusion, the mandrel protrusion extending radially outward from the mandrel. The hanger running tool includes a hold down nut coupled to the mandrel and arranged axially uphole of the mandrel protrusion. The hanger running tool includes a thrust collar coupled to the mandrel and arranged axially downhole of the mandrel protrusion. The hanger running tool includes a void cavity defined, at least in part, by the hold down nut, the thrust collar, and the mandrel, wherein the mandrel protrusion is positioned within the void cavity. The hanger running tool also includes a bearing system positioned within the void cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Shu Yian Liew
  • Patent number: 11873693
    Abstract: A cylindrical main body is configured to be inserted into a well tree. A laser emitter is attached to the main body. The laser emitter is arranged to emit a laser beam configured to cut through a metal valve within a well tree. The laser emitter is arranged to emit the laser beam towards the metal valve. A magnet is on a distal end of the body. The magnet is arranged to magnetically capture a sliced portion of the metal valve cut by the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Muhammad Imran Javed, Sanjiv Kumar
  • Patent number: 11795779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole inflow production restriction device for mounting in an opening in a well tubular metal structure arranged in a wellbore, the downhole inflow production restriction device comprising a device opening, and a brine dissolvable element configured to prevent flow from within the well tubular metal structure through the device opening to an outside of the well tubular metal structure before being at least partly dissolved in brine, wherein the brine dissolvable element is at least partly made of a magnesium alloy. The present invention also relates to a downhole completion system and to a completion method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Welltec Oilfield Solutions AG
    Inventor: Satish Kumar
  • Patent number: 11773678
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly having an arrangement of primary well barriers provided in equipment that is located within the well and/or the wellhead housing is provided. The subsea wellhead assembly may include a tubing hanger positioned in or below a wellhead housing coupled to a subsea well, a tree cap fluidly coupled to the tubing hanger and disposed atop the wellhead housing, and a pair of master production valves configured to be selectively actuated from an open position to a closed position to shut in the subsea well, each of the pair of master production valves located within or below the wellhead housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris D. Bartlett, Daniel J. McLaughlin, Raymond Guillory, Blake T. DeBerry, Marcus Smedley, Gregory K. Norwood, David A. Scantlebury, Andrew B. Mitchell, Darren W. Mills
  • Patent number: 11753899
    Abstract: A control system automatically operates a subsea well control device on detecting that a load in an Intervention Riser System (IRS) coupled to the subsea well control device has reached a threshold. The control system has a first control unit to detect that the load in the IRS has reached the threshold and a second control unit triggering actuation of the subsea well control device. The first control unit is in communication with the second control unit and issues an activation command to the second control unit to cause it to trigger actuation of the subsea well control device. The first control unit automatically issues the activation command to the second control unit upon detecting that the load in the IRS has reached the threshold, to trigger actuation of the subsea well control device prior to structural failure of an IRS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Expro North Sea Limited
    Inventors: Kris Manett, Jamie Drummond Walker
  • Patent number: 11746632
    Abstract: An improved method for fracking operations, the improvement comprising measuring the last piece of casing, cutting the casing to the measured length, installing a suspension device on the last piece of casing, landing the suspension device inside the well-head, installing pack-off bushing around the suspension device, engaging locking pins to maintain the pack-off bushing's position, removing blowout preventer, installing a two-way check valve into the mandrel, attaching a multiple pressure rated fracking adapter rated up to twice the pressure rating of the well-head casing, testing the sealing elements of the fracking adapter to insure proper sealing, attaching a fracking valve assembly to the fracking adapter, where an operator fracks a hydrocarbon well for enhanced production without compromising safety by eliminating potential leak points and reducing the costs and time required for preparing and conducting fracking operations and returning the well to production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Michael D. Scott
  • Patent number: 11732538
    Abstract: A system includes a tubing head spool (THS) installed in a non-plugged wellbore, the THS having a bore diameter to permit passage of one or more wellbore components corresponding to one or more wellbore components that pass through an associated blowout preventer (BOP). The system also includes an orientation sleeve arranged within the THS and installed, the orientation sleeve being positioned and aligned within the THS via one or more engagement features mating with one or more orientation features within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Energy Technology UK Limited
    Inventors: Stanley Hosie, Brian Craig
  • Patent number: 11702889
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of drilling a marine wellbore with fluid reverse circulation without using drilling riser tubulars. In reverse circulation drilling, the fluid return with gravels occurs inside the drill string (17) and the injection of clean fluid is done through the annular of the well, so that, having a rotating head over the BOP (19), or inside it, the use of riser tubulars as a flow line for the fluid return with gravels is disposed, using instead the drill string (17). For the kill and choke lines, as well as for fluid injection, rigid or flexible lines can be used, eliminating the need to use drilling risers, thus releasing large load capacity and space on the probe. The method of this invention also eliminates the need for large volumes of fluid to fill entire riser tubulars. The entire operation can be done without the need for subsea pumps or concentric columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A.—PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Joseir Gandra Percy, Roni Abensur Gandelman, Guilherme Ribeiro Magalhaes, Emilio Cesar Cavalcante Melo Da Silva, Guilherme Siqueira Vanni, Augusto Borella Hougaz, Joao Carlos Ribeiro Placido, Hugo Francisco Lisboa Santos
  • Patent number: 11674868
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method for monitoring a fracturing operation that includes positioning a pump at a well site where fracturing operations are being conducted. The method also includes arranging one or more sensors at at least one of a pump inlet or a pump outlet, the one or more sensors monitoring a flow rate of a slurry. The method includes receiving flow data from the one or more sensors. The method also includes determining a pump efficiency, based at least in part on the flow data, is below a threshold. The method further includes adjusting one or more operating parameters of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Alexander James Christinzio, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Patent number: 11668152
    Abstract: A Christmas tree includes a main body, an bulkhead connector, a wet-mate connector, a cable, and a sensor. The main body has a first and a second main body end, and a further passage, and encloses a main passage. The further passage includes a first further passage end at a main body exterior and a second further passage end at the main passage, and extends from the first to the second further passage end. The bulkhead connector is secured to the main body exterior to close the first further passage end, and has a first and a second electrical connection. The wet-mate connector is mounted in the second further passage end to close the second further passage end. The cable transmits an electrical signal and connects the first electrical connection to the wet-mate connector. The sensor is arranged in the further passage and electrically connects to the second electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: AKER SOLUTIONS AS
    Inventors: Torgeir Skauen, Stuart Spitz
  • Patent number: 11629574
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a pump system including a pump, a gas relief valve coupled to the pump, a motor configured to turn the pump, and a sensor configured to measure a parameter of at least one of a fluid or the pump system. The gas relief valve includes an actuator and a rotary disk system, and the rotary disk system includes a stationary disk and a rotary disk. The actuator is rotationally coupled to the rotary disk, and in a first position, the gas relief valve directs a flow of a fluid into a production tubing and in a second position, the gas relief valve directs the flow of the fluid into an annulus of a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donn Jason Brown, Ketankumar Kantilal Sheth, Casey Laine Newport, Trevor Alan Kopecky
  • Patent number: 11613954
    Abstract: A safety node for a hydrocarbon extraction facility control system, the node comprising: a hydraulic input; a hydraulic output; a directional control valve disposed between the hydraulic input and the hydraulic output; and a functional safety electronics module containing a logic solver in operable communication with the directional control valve; wherein the logic solver is configured to operate the directional control valve to permit hydraulic communication between the hydraulic input and the hydraulic output in response to the presence of a given condition and inhibit hydraulic communication between the hydraulic input and the hydraulic output in response to the absence of a given condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES ENERGY TECHNOLOGY UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Dalziel, Ian Kent
  • Patent number: 11608710
    Abstract: A choke can include a variable flow restrictor, external ports in communication with a flow passage respectively upstream and downstream of the flow restrictor, and sensor(s) in communication with the external ports. A method can include flowing a well fluid through a flow passage in a body of a choke including a variable flow restrictor, measuring a pressure differential between external ports in communication with respective upstream and downstream sides of the flow restrictor, and operating the flow restrictor, thereby varying a restriction to the flow through the flow passage, in response to the measured pressure differential. A well system can include a well fluid pump, a flow choke including a variable flow restrictor operable by an actuator that includes a displaceable stem and a stem seal that isolates the actuator from the well fluid in the flow choke, and a control system that operates the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Gerald George
  • Patent number: 11506009
    Abstract: An actuation assembly positionable within a wellbore may comprise a primary piston coupled to a first spring. The primary piston may be positionable in a first position in which it is coupled to a release latch for restraining the release latch from actuating a ball valve mechanism. The actuation assembly may also include a locking piston coupled to a second spring and a locking mechanism positioned between the primary piston and the locking piston. The locking mechanism may be moveable between a restrained position and an unrestrained position, wherein in the restrained position the locking mechanism prevents the primary piston from moving a predetermined amount in a first direction in response to an application of pressure from a surface of the wellbore that is greater than a predetermined amount of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D W Inglis, Katherine Ann Davies
  • Patent number: 11506000
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus which can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 11499385
    Abstract: A releasable locking assembly including a housing, a body defining a longitudinally extending flow bore having a first end and a second end disposed within the housing, a window defined through a radial wall of the body, a locking segment having an outer convex surface of a first radius defined by distance from a first axis, and an inner concave surface of a second radius defined by distance from a second axis different than the first axis, the locking segment disposed at least in part in the window, and a support member disposed within the body and moveable between a position where the support member drives the locking segment into engagement with the housing and a position where the support member unsupports the locking segment with regard to engagement with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James Doane, Christopher Young, Gary Anderson, David Ruddock
  • Patent number: 11454078
    Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead, landing a tree on the wellhead, and making electrical and hydraulic couplings between the tree and the tubing hanger without having to orient the tree or the tubing hanger relative to each other are provided. This is accomplished using a seal sub that is coupled to the tree and lowered with the tree into contact with the tubing hanger located in the wellhead. The seal sub features an electrical conductor that facilitates electrical coupling of the tree to the tubing hanger. The tubing hanger and seal sub may include a metal-to-metal and elastomeric seal arrangement designed to seal off electrical and hydraulic connections between these components when, the tree is positioned within the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Nelson, Frank D. Kalb
  • Patent number: 11434719
    Abstract: Provided is a hydrocarbon well tubing casing annulus (TCA) control valve system that includes a TCA flowline to direct TCA fluid expelled from a TCA of a hydrocarbon well system to a collection facility, a TCA control valve to regulate the flow of the TCA fluid in the TCA flowline, a TCA sample port to enable sampling of the TCA fluid expelled, a TCA check valve to facilitate forward flow of the TCA fluid, a TCA pressure sensor to sense pressure of the TCA, and a TCA control system to: receive (from the TCA pressure sensor) a sensed pressure of the TCA, determine (based on the sensed pressure of the TCA) that a pressure of the TCA is below a threshold TCA pressure, and, in response, control the TCA control valve to operate in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Yousif Al-Abdulmohsin, Haider Al-Hajji
  • Patent number: 11286748
    Abstract: Pump-through standing valves, wells including the pump-through standing valves, and methods of utilizing a pump-through standing valve to deploy a downhole device are disclosed herein. The pump-through standing valves include a valve body, a standing valve at least partially formed within the valve body, and a flow-through valve at least partially formed within the valve body. The standing valve includes a standing valve fluid conduit and a standing valve flow control device. The flow-through valve includes a flow-through valve fluid conduit and a flow-through valve flow control device. The wells include a wellbore, which extends within a subterranean formation, a wellbore tubular, which extends within the wellbore, and the pump-through standing valve, which is operatively attached to the wellbore tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Romer, Randy C. Tolman
  • Patent number: 11174695
    Abstract: An integrated function metallic block is capable of integrating into a single metal block the functions of valve blocks, block of hydraulic components of the pumping system, channels for transporting produced and separated fluids, flanges for choke connections and sensors, connection fittings and other components capable of being manufactured mutually within a single metallic block. The integrated function block is composed of complex geometry circuits having curves, slants and connections with other channels occurring within the block mass, and is preferably manufactured through the powder metallurgy process of hot isostatic pressing to obtain complex geometries having the lowest possible weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: FMC TECHNOLOGIES DO BRASIL LTDA
    Inventors: Alan Zaragoza Labes, Heloisa Helena da Silva Folhadella, Jones Jonson Matias Dos Santos
  • Patent number: 11125041
    Abstract: A system including a subsea module, a tool hanger, and an in-well tool string coupled to and extending from a lower portion of the tool hanger is provided. The subsea module includes a subsea spool with a main bore formed therethrough, and the main bore includes a tool hanger interface. The subsea module also includes a connector for mounting the subsea module on a subsea component, wherein the connector includes a grip configured to engage the subsea component, and a first seal coupled to the connector and configured to seal the connector against the subsea component. The tool hanger is disposed within the main bore and coupled to the tool hanger interface via at least a second seal configured to seal the tool hanger against the main bore of the subsea spool. The in-well tool string is configured to couple the tool hanger to an in-well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignees: Aker Solutions Inc., Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lars Bay, Terry R. Bussear
  • Patent number: 11118418
    Abstract: Subsea petroleum wellhead assembly, which main parts are wellhead flange, tubing-hanger block (TH-block), flow-block, Christmas tree (XT), tubing hanger (TH) and tubing-hanger extension. The system's advantage is that it allows retrieval and installation of either the XT or the TH independently of each other. That is achieved by breaking the direct connection between the XT and the TH, and instead leading the production flow through a bypassing flow-block that is integrated in the TH-block. The flow-block runs outside the TH and XT, and bridges between them by help of a flow-connector and flow-loops. By breaking the direct connection between the TH and the XT, it is possible to install and retrieve them independently of each other. Over the well's lifetime, the saving in operation expenses—compared with a vertical XT—is estimated to be at least 10 million US$ compared with a horizontal XT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignees: EASYTREE AS
    Inventor: Haran Rivlin
  • Patent number: 10988989
    Abstract: Z What is provided is a method and apparatus which can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 10989025
    Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean well includes an electrical submersible pump assembly with a pump, intake, protector, and motor. A production tubing is in fluid communication with the electrical submersible pump assembly and has an inner bore sized to deliver fluids from the electrical submersible pump assembly to a wellhead assembly. A packer assembly is located between the pump and the intake, the packer assembly moveable to an expanded position with an outer diameter in sealing engagement with an inner diameter of an outer tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Chidirim Enoch Ejim, Jinjiang Xiao, Rafael Adolfo Lastra
  • Patent number: 10871056
    Abstract: A wellhead system includes a wellhead including a position sensor disposed in an inner surface of the wellhead, and a wellhead component to be installed in the wellhead, the wellhead component including a position indicator disposed in an outer surface of the wellhead component, wherein the position sensor is configured to transmit a position signal in response to the wellhead component entering into a predetermined aligned position in the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jose Navar, Kythu Nguyen, Dennis Nguyen, Delbert Vanderford, Jason Busch, Haw Keat Lim
  • Patent number: 10738556
    Abstract: A fluid-driven adapter for a mineral extraction system is provided. The adapter includes a sleeve (e.g., annular piston) that engages a mandrel disposed in a wellhead component and moves in an axial direction in response to fluid pressure. The adapter moves the mandrel between a first position and a second position to open or close passages in the wellhead component. The adapter includes a lock ring that moves in response to fluid pressure and that locks the adapter to a wellhead assembly to prevent axial movement of the adapter. Methods of operation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk Guidry, Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10731424
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus which can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 10697270
    Abstract: An annulus isolation valve assembly being part of a tubing hanger assembly, with a valve bore having a fluid mouth, and a sliding sleeve which is arranged in the valve bore and which has an axially extending sleeve bore. The sliding sleeve has a radially facing sleeve port. A hydraulic piston is functionally connected to the sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve comprises an axially facing fluid port which is in fluid communication with the radially facing sleeve port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Aker Solutions AS
    Inventors: Lars Timberlid Lundheim, Christer Bolander, Kris Oliaro, Greig Petrie
  • Patent number: 10619440
    Abstract: A system for communicating through a hanger can include an alignment manifold having upper and lower terminals positioned on opposite respective sides of the alignment manifold, each of the upper terminals being in communication with a respective one of the lower terminals. A downhole line connector can be configured to connect to downhole lines, the downhole line connector including terminals aligned with the lower terminals of the alignment manifold. A method of communicating through a hanger can include connecting an alignment manifold to the hanger, the hanger being configured to suspend a tubular from a wellhead assembly, and connecting a downhole line connector to the alignment manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Noske, Jr., Christopher L. McDowell
  • Patent number: 10408010
    Abstract: A blowout preventer and a method for drilling, of which the blowout preventer includes a body defining a ram recess and an annular recess, the ram recess and the annular recess being separated apart. The blowout preventer also includes a ram positioned at least partially in the ram recess and movable with respect to the body, the ram having a distal end configured to engage a tubular and a proximal end positioned within the first recess. The blowout preventer further includes an actuation assembly including an actuation chamber, the annular recess being positioned between the actuation chamber and the ram recess. The blowout preventer also includes a buffer supply system configured to circulate a fluid through the annular recess, to prevent leakage of fluid from the ram recess into the actuation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATON
    Inventor: Jacques Orban
  • Patent number: 10385648
    Abstract: In one system, there is an emergency pipe stroker tool, wherein the emergency pipe stroker tool is configured to act as a first mechanical barrier for a well. Further, there is an emergency quick disconnect tool in communication with the emergency pipe stroker tool, wherein the emergency quick disconnect tool comprises a connector assembly and a fluid conduit in communication with the well, and further wherein the connector assembly is configured to simultaneously detach from the well and to seal the well. Further still, there is a cement retainer in communication with the emergency quick disconnect tool and the emergency pipe stroker tool, wherein the cement retainer is configured to act as a second mechanical barrier for the well, wherein, the emergency pipe stroker tool, the emergency quick disconnect tool, and the cement retainer act in coordination to seal a well while establishing the multiple mechanical barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: David C Wright
  • Patent number: 10337277
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling hydraulically actuatable components of a blowout preventer stack assembly and a system for same. The apparatus comprises a blowout preventer stack including hydraulically actuatable components and a lower marine riser package coupled to the blowout preventer stack and including additional hydraulic components. The lower marine riser package includes a solenoid valve configured to control at least some of the components. The solenoid valve receives hydraulic fluid from a dedicated accumulator or accumulator bank configured to supply hydraulic fluid exclusively for use with the solenoid valve. A closed-loop hydraulic circuit is formed between the accumulator or accumulator bank and the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes van Wijk, Edward C. Gaude
  • Patent number: 10301911
    Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, James D. Vick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10174575
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for accessing a flow system (such as a subsea tree) in a subsea oil and gas production system, and method of use. The apparatus comprises a body defining a conduit therethrough and a first connector for connecting the body to the flow system. A second connector is configured for connecting the body to an intervention apparatus, such as an injection or sampling equipment. In use, the conduit provides an intervention path from the intervention apparatus to the flow system. Aspects of the invention relate to combined injection and sampling units, and have particular application to well scale squeeze operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Enpro Subsea Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 10132135
    Abstract: A subsea drilling system that includes a blowout preventer (BOP) stack with accumulators. The drilling system also includes an intensifier that is cyclable to communicate an increased pressure to the accumulators than that provided by surface equipment so as to charge the accumulators with the increased pressure. The subsea drilling system also includes a control system locatable subsea that operates the intensifier to pump fluid into the accumulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Edward C. Gaude
  • Patent number: 9903173
    Abstract: A subsea connection for a pressurized fluid flow path includes a body comprising a body flow path and a spool attachable to the body. The spool includes a spool flow path in fluid communication with the body flow path with the spool attached to the body and a corrosion resistant layer. A seal is also included and is actuatable against the corrosion resistant layer to form a seal between the body and the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Nault, Kevin Shahrpass, Paul Bunch
  • Patent number: 9869148
    Abstract: A wellsite connector for connecting components of a wellsite is provided. The wellsite has a wellbore extending into a subsurface formation. The wellsite connector includes a connector body and a floatable seal. The connector body has an end adapted for coupling to a first of the components, a pocket along an inner surface thereof, and a cavity adapted to receive a second of the components. The floatable seal member includes a seal ring having a hole therethrough to sealingly receive the second of the components. The seal member is slidably movable in the pocket of the connector body transversely to an axis of the connector body whereby the second of the components is alignable to the first of the components for connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Jahnke, Frank B. Springett, Eric T. Ensley
  • Patent number: 9863207
    Abstract: Subsea well assembly having a Xmas tree (107, 207) and wellhead (103). From a tubing hanger (113) a tubing extends into the well. A part of a production flow passage extends vertically from the tubing hanger (113) in a vertical bore (111) of the Xmas tree. A fail close production master valve (PMV) (117) is arranged in the production flow passage. The tubing hanger (113) is arranged below the Xmas tree (107), such as in the wellhead (103). The Xmas tree (107) exhibits a branch (115) that deviates from the vertical bore (111), which branch constitutes part of the production flow passage. The fail close type production master valve (PMV) (117) is arranged in the branch (115).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Aker Solutions AS
    Inventor: Robert Stubbeman
  • Patent number: 9835013
    Abstract: A system for installing a band around a rigid subsea structure includes a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having a main body. A set of jaws extendable beyond an outer perimeter of the main body are coupled to the ROV. The system also includes a band distribution system operatively and a band installation mechanism operatively coupled to the ROV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Deep Down, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Smith
  • Patent number: 9835009
    Abstract: A well, well head, drilling and completion system, and method for relieving pressure buildup between concentric casing annuli. The well head includes casing hangers and a tubing hanger that may include annular pressure relief conduits formed therein, which selectively vent casing annuli to the interior of the production tubing. Annular pressure relief valves are located within the annular pressure relief conduits, which may open and/or shut based on pressure, temperature, or elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe E. Hess, Andy J. Cuthbert
  • Patent number: 9790747
    Abstract: A system including a first tubular with a first fluid passage configured to receive a fluid for use in a mineral extraction system, a second tubular surrounding the first tubular, a protective cover coupled to the second tubular with a shear pin, wherein the second tubular is configured to move the protective cover from a first axial position to a second axial position, and the protective cover is configured to form a first seal around the first fluid passage; and a retainer coupled to the first tubular or the protective cover and configured to couple the protective cover to the first tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9752415
    Abstract: A running tool configured to insert and set a retrievable subsea unit (RSU) into a subsea tree includes a frame having a lock configured to lock and unlock the running tool with respect to the subsea tree, a drive configured to lower or lift the RSU with respect to an accommodation space of the subsea tree, and a module lock configured to releasably lock the RSU to the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Tobias Moller, Matthias Wieneke
  • Patent number: 9631449
    Abstract: Adapters for inclusion on the lower end of a completion/work-over riser includes a flow loop in fluid communication with a production flow loop hub and a production bore to facilitate testing and calibration of a subsea multi-phase flow meter during completion operations. The flow loop can be in fluid communication with one or more flow loop isolation valves, one or more production bore isolation valves, one or more annulus bore isolation valves, or one or more cross-over valves. In addition, a pressure/temperature sensor can also be included in the adapter. The adapters disclosed herein permit production fluid to flow through the subsea multi-phase flow meter while the riser is still attached to the subsea Christmas tree and before production operations have begun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Stanley Hosie
  • Patent number: 9523259
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes a tubular housing assembly having a housing sidewall, an axial bore, and a housing annulus passage extending from the axial bore through the housing sidewall. A tubing hanger is secured to a string of tubing and is selectively landed in the housing assembly. The tubing hanger has a vertical bore in fluid communication with the axial bore. A vertical tree assembly is selectively landed on the housing assembly, the vertical tree assembly having a tree member located axially above the tubing hanger. The tree member has a lateral bore for directing a flow of production fluid from a well. A tree annulus passage extends through a sidewall of the tree member. An external annulus passage extends external of the tree member and the housing assembly and is in fluid communication with the housing annulus passage and the tree annulus passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventor: David Stewart Christie
  • Patent number: 9458684
    Abstract: A petroleum well injection system is provided for an intervention cable with a well tool ran into or out of a well during a well operation. The system includes a blow out valve BOP connected to a well head at a well, a lock chamber at the BOP arranged to contain the well tool before and after the well operation, an injector for the intervention cable, with drive belts driven by an electric motor, and a sensor for measuring the injector force or the tension that the drive belts applies to the intervention cable, a guide arch at the injector, wherein the intervention cable runs taut over the guide arch to a first end of the closed bending restrictor channels, a guide arch load cell arranged to measure the backward tension between an intervention cable the first end of the bending restrictor channel, and wherein the other end of the bending restrictor channel is connected to a drum frame with a motor running a drum for the intervention cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: C6 TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Kenny Armstrong, Tore Aarsland
  • Patent number: 9453385
    Abstract: A method for pressurizing a hydraulic accumulator includes creating an annulus pressure zone in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic accumulator through a hydraulic recharging circuit and applying a hydraulic pressure to the annulus pressure zone. Operating the hydraulic recharging circuit in response to applying the hydraulic pressure and pressurizing the hydraulic accumulator in response to operating the hydraulic recharging circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary Rytlewski, Kirk Wallace Flight, John Yarnold