Wellhead Patents (Class 166/368)
  • Patent number: 8881827
    Abstract: A wellhead for subsea use and a method of making same where the wellhead is constituted by a body having a bore (3) therethrough and at least one side bore (9, 11) for provision of fluid communication through the wall of the wellhead (1), and where the wellhead (1) includes a pipe hanger (30) provided with a bore (34) therethrough and a side bore (36) for provision of fluid communication between a tubing string (9?) connected to the pipe hanger (30) and one of the side bores (9) of the wellhead (1), where the wellhead (1) is provided with at least one internal safety valve (42, 44) arranged to be able to shut off fluid communication through the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: West Oil Tools AS
    Inventor: Bjorn Bjerke
  • Patent number: 8875795
    Abstract: Method and subsea sensors display system configured to display data about a blowout preventer (BOP) stack. The subsea sensors display system includes a display panel having plural universal subsea displays, each universal subsea display being configured to display a value measured by a sensor attached to the BOP stack; and a J-box electrically connected to the display panel and configured to provide electrical power to the display panel and to receive data from the display panel. The electrical power is provided from a pod provided on the BOP stack or from a battery when the pod is not available or from a remote operated vehicle (ROV) when connected to the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Devasish Choudhury, Zhen Liu, Jeffrey Lambert
  • Patent number: 8869899
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for pulling a crown plug comprising: (a) providing a subsea lubricator having a longitudinal through bore and a jack attached to the subsea lubricator, the jack having a landing area; (b) providing a jacking string which includes a landing sub and a crown plug connector, the sub having a landing surface; (c) without the jacking string in step “b”, lowering the subsea lubricator of step “a”, to the horizontal christmas tree and attaching the lubricator to the christmas tree; (d) lowering the jacking string to the lubricator; (e) jacking up the jack such that the landing area of the jack contacts the landing surface of the landing sub; and (f) while the lubricator remains attached to the christmas tree, raising the jacking string and crown plug through and out of the lubricator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Keith Caulfield, Patrick Brown
  • Patent number: 8863825
    Abstract: A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-out preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production. The control and supply unit includes an auxiliary power supply that is rechargeable and a connecting means to exchange data or supply a voltage. The unit is implemented separately from the actuating device and the connecting means is connected via a cable connection to a separate plug connection module arranged on the actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhard Thies, Daniel Abicht, Joachim Keese, Florian Tegt
  • Patent number: 8857523
    Abstract: An offshore oil production system, comprising a structure in a body of water, having a portion extending above a surface of the body of water; a wellhead located at a boom of the body of water; a riser extending from the wellhead to the portion extending above the surface; a primary wellbore extending into a subsea formation beneath the body of water; and at least two secondary wellbores extending further into the subsea formation beneath the body of water and beneath the primary wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Hon Chung Lau
  • Patent number: 8857522
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve system for a wellbore within a subterranean formation is described. The system can include a power source that generates power, and a delivery system disposed within the wellbore and electrically coupled to the power source. The system can also include at least one safety valve disposed within the wellbore and electrically coupled to the delivery system, where the at least one safety valve remains open while the at least one safety valve receives the power from the delivery system, and where the at least one safety valve closes when the at least one safety valve stops receiving power from the delivery system. The system can further include production tubing mechanically coupled to a distal end of the at least one safety valve, where the at least one safety valve shuts in a cavity within production tubing when the at least one safety valve closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Alvaro Jose Arrazola, Melvin Clark Thompson
  • Patent number: 8851185
    Abstract: A wellhead seal assembly has a primary seal and a secondary seal, each seal forming a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A primary metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. A secondary metal seal is located below the seal ring and has a bottom portion that contacts an upward facing shoulder of a hanger. A primary energizing exerts downward force on the primary seal, causing a secondary energizing ring, located below the primary energizing ring, to energize the secondary seal. Once the secondary seal is energized, thus stopping downward movement of the (primary seal and secondary energizing ring, the primary energizing ring energizes the primary seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Khanh Anh Duong
  • Patent number: 8851181
    Abstract: A method for removing a fluid influx from a subsea wellbore drilled using a pump to return fluid from the wellbore to the surface. The method includes detecting the influx when a rate of the return pump increases. Flow from the wellbore is diverted from the return pump to a choke line when the influx reaches the wellhead. A choke in the choke line is operated so that a substantially constant bottom hold pressure is maintained while drilling fluid continues to be pumped through the drill sgring. Fluid flow from the wellbore is redirected to the return pump inlet when the influx has substantially left the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: AGR Subsea, A.S.
    Inventor: John Cohen
  • Patent number: 8851194
    Abstract: A seal assembly between a wellhead housing having a bore and a casing hanger, has an inner seal leg for sealing against hanger and an outer seal leg for sealing against housing. An extension extends downward from outer seal leg and has a downward facing shoulder that rests on an upward facing shoulder formed on a nose ring. Connection connects seal ring to the nose ring with a lower portion of the nose ring resting on the upward facing shoulder of the casing hanger. Bellows are formed on the nose ring to increase lockdown capacity. Bellows have an inner surface that faces an outer profile of the hanger, and an outer surface on the bellow that faces the bore of the housing. When the bellows are axially collapsed, they expand radially outward and contract radially inward into the bore of the housing and the outer profile of the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: David L. Ford, Daniel C. Benson, Leonard Landriault
  • Patent number: 8851183
    Abstract: A seal seals an annulus in a subsea assembly between a wellhead and a casing hanger landed on a shoulder within a bore of the wellhead. The seal includes a casing hanger seal ring disposed within the annulus. The seal ring engaged with an inner diameter surface of the wellhead, and engaged with an outer diameter surface of the casing hanger so that the seal ring prevents flow through the annulus. A lockdown slip ring is secured to a lower end of the seal ring so that, when the seal ring is energized, the lockdown slip ring engages a substantially smooth inner diameter surface portion of the wellhead and a substantially smooth outer diameter surface portion of the casing hanger to limit upwards axial movement of the casing hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Chad Eric Yates, David L. Ford, Daniel Caleb Benson
  • Publication number: 20140290961
    Abstract: A method and system are for establishing and operating a riser less coiled tubing intervention arrangement from a surface vessel, the vessel having a deck and a coiled tubing reel holding a coiled tubing, and where a subsea injector is connectable to a head of a subsea borehole. The method includes: arranging; the coiled tubing in a surface injector and the subsea injector, attaching, the surface injector to a lifting tackle of the vessel; after connecting a tool string to the coiled tubing, lowering the coiled tubing tool string and the subsea injector through the sea to the head by running the surface injector while paying out coiled tubing from the coiled tubing reel; and inserting, the tool string in the head and connecting the subsea injector to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: AGAT TECHNOLOGY AS
    Inventor: Bernt Gramstad
  • Patent number: 8833461
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a housing with a bore. A hanger is lowered into the housing, the hanger having at least one downward facing load shoulder. An expandable load ring is carried on the hanger. When casing weight is applied to the hanger, the weight energizes the load ring, causing it to expand and thereby increase the contact area between a load shoulder on the load ring and a load shoulder on the housing. The shoulders create a path for the load to be transferred to the housing. The increase in contact area increases the load carrying capacity of the hanger. The load ring expansion is limited to elastic expansion to allow it to return to a retracted position when the casing weight is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Sibu Varghese, Chad Yates
  • Publication number: 20140251634
    Abstract: A wellhead system, the system including a wellhead housing having a central axis, an upper end, and a radially inner surface extending axially from the upper end. The system also includes a first casing string disposed within the wellhead housing. The first casing string includes a casing hanger and casing extending axially from the casing hanger. The system further includes a first ram block movably coupled to the housing and a second ram block movably coupled to the housing and radially opposed to the first ram block. Each ram block has a withdrawn position radially spaced apart from the casing hanger of the first casing string and an advanced position sealingly engaging the casing hanger of the first casing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Curtiss, Gregory S. Walz
  • Patent number: 8826988
    Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
  • Patent number: 8826994
    Abstract: A production assembly for controlling production from a well, the assembly including a wellhead that includes a body and a bore through the body. The bore does not include a hanger support shoulder but does include an engagement profile extending into the body. The assembly also includes a tubing hanger assembly installable in the wellhead. The assembly includes a load shoulder including a load segment expandable into supporting engagement with the bore engagement profile. The assembly also includes a tubing hanger and attached production tubing capable of being run in with the load shoulder and supportable on the load shoulder when the shoulder is engaged with the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8820410
    Abstract: A modular control system consisting of multiple, remotely retrievable functional modules for controlling a blowout preventer stack. The various functional modules can be located on the lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack positioned near the equipment with which they are associated, wherein this distribution of modules nearly eliminates the complex interface connection between the lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack. Each of the functional modules is capable of being installed, retrieved or replaced with a single remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployment from a vessel. The functional modules can be used to operate as a complete control system for a blowout preventer stack or can be used selectively individually or in various combinations to accommodate multiple control applications or upgrades of other control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: DTC International, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Parks, Dana C. Beebe, Chester W. Kronke
  • Patent number: 8820409
    Abstract: The system includes a containment housing with an open bottom which is configured to fit over an undersea oil well pipe which is spilling oil, the housing being lockable to a platform or ring surrounding the oil well pipe or positionable on the sea floor. A pipe is positioned internal of the housing into which the oil well pipe can be fitted, the vertical pipe being directed to or connectable to an evacuation pipe which extends to the surface of the sea, through which the oil from the well moves by means of an evacuation pump. The oil is pumped at a rate approximately at least as great as the rate of the oil spill. An infusion line and associated pump is connected to the chamber for pumping mud and/or cement and/or concrete into the chamber to stop and seal the spill and to ensure the housing remains positioned over the oil spill well pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Franklin R Lacy
  • Publication number: 20140238687
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: CAMERON SYSTEMS (IRELAND) LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8813852
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a production casing hanger defining a series of passageways from an annulus between a production casing string and an outer casing to a region that can communicate, for example, by way of an isolation sleeve, with a production tree. The passageways extend to the interior of the casing hanger. A positionally adjustable sleeve fits within the casing hanger and carries exterior seals that are disposed so that for a first position of the adjustable sleeve within the casing hanger, fluid passage through the series of passageways is blocked, and for a second position of the sleeve within the casing hanger, the fluid passage is allowed. The adjustable sleeve can be operated by a simple tool through the production tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Limited
    Inventor: George S. Thomson
  • Patent number: 8813853
    Abstract: Temporary abandonment caps include a cap body having an opening therethrough, and an inner sleeve that provides access to the wellbore, where the inner sleeve can be accessed through the opening in the cap body when a removable cover is removed. The inner sleeve also includes an injection port and a channel through which fluids for protecting the wellhead can be injected. The temporary abandonment caps can remain in place while performing well operations and ensuring that the sealing surfaces on a wellhead remain protected from corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Charles Peterson, Rick Graff
  • Patent number: 8807226
    Abstract: Subsea wellhead assembly with an inner bore for conduction of produced hydrocarbons, equipped with a cooling means for cooling a section of the wellhead assembly exposed to heating by said hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Subsea AS
    Inventor: Øystein Møgedal
  • Patent number: 8800662
    Abstract: A subsea test tree control system provides operational control and power to subsea test tree equipment located within a subsea riser without an in riser umbilical to supply additional power to the subsea test tree control system. The subsea test tree control system includes a subsea horizontal subsea tree landed on a subsea wellhead, and a subsea control module communicatively coupled to the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea test tree stack is landed through the riser in the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea control module communication line extends through the horizontal subsea tree to terminate at a bore of the horizontal subsea tree proximate to the tubing hanger, and a riser string communication line communicatively couples to the subsea control module communication line to provide operational power and control the subsea test tree stack. Intervention workover control system umbilicals may bypass the subsea control module and directly connect to the subsea control module communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Lee Miller
  • Patent number: 8794334
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a subsea tree and a tubing spool including a longitudinal bore configured to receive a tubing hanger. The tubing spool also includes a lateral flow passage extending from the longitudinal bore and configured to transfer product to the subsea tree. The subsea tree includes multiple valves each coupled to a structure positioned radially outward from the tubing spool such that the subsea tree does not block a subsea intervention connection or blowout preventer (BOP) access to the longitudinal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: David June
  • Patent number: 8794332
    Abstract: A wellhead system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation that includes concentric tubulars that form an annulus. The annulus is vented by flowing fluid from the annulus through a bleed line having a valve that is selectively opened and closed. Upstream of the bleed line valve, the bleed line is routed adjacent a production flow line. The temperature of the fluid in the production flow line is greater than annulus temperature and warms the bleed line. Hydrate formation in the bleed line is thereby inhibited by the thermal energy it receives from the production flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bell
  • Patent number: 8794306
    Abstract: An integrated wellhead assembly is provided to enable free flow production and artificial lift production from a well without requiring removal and/or reconfiguration of the wellhead assembly. The wellhead assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion forming an integrated assembly. The upper portion includes a flow tee and at least one set of rams. The lower portion includes a shoulder to receive a hanger. The upper portion may seal the bore of the wellhead assembly and provide full bore access to the bore of the wellhead assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Sheldon Cote, Kirk P. Guidry
  • Patent number: 8783363
    Abstract: A wellbore sealing assembly can include a sealing ring, an energizing ring, and a multifunctional key for engaging the sealing ring and the energizing ring. The multifunctional key can have a key body, a guide member, and a retainer stud. The key body can be located in an aperture in a sidewall of the sealing ring and the guide member and retainer stud can protrude through the sidewall into a guide slot and recess of the energizing ring. Downward force on the energizing ring can cause the retainer stud to shear away while the guide member travels in the guide slot to prevent rotation of the energizing ring relative to the sealing ring. The guide member can also aid in complete seal retrieval by locking against the bottom of the key-way slot in the energizing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Thirupathi Dommati, Milind Appasaheb Ghumre, Murugan Mahalingam
  • Patent number: 8776891
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea manifold is disclosed. The connection system relates particularly to a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit means on a subsea manifold in a first stage of the connection and to connect a conduit means of the connection apparatus to a choke body of the manifold in a second stage of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid, Alan Crawford, Paul W. White
  • Patent number: 8776892
    Abstract: A system for rotating an element inside a pressure containing housing. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a pressure containing housing having an opening through a wall of the housing into an internal chamber in which, in use, the element to be rotated is located, a bushing located within the opening, and a worm gear rotatably mounted in the bushing. The worm gear is offset from the axial centre of the bushing such that rotation of the bushing moves the worm gear between an extended position, wherein the thread of the worm gear engages an element in the chamber, and a retracted position, wherein the thread is disengaged from the element in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Fern, Ted Thornburrow
  • Publication number: 20140182860
    Abstract: A tubing hanger assembly for suspending a tubing string into a wellbore comprises a hanger body having a radially outer surface including external threads having a first thread handedness. In addition, the assembly comprises a load ring coaxially disposed about the hanger body. The load ring has a radially inner surface including a first set of internal threads that matingly engage with the external threads of the hanger body and a second set of internal threads having a second thread handedness that is opposite the first thread handedness. The load ring also has a radially outer surface including a frustoconical cam surface. Further, the assembly comprises an expandable ring disposed about the hanger body adjacent the lower end of the load ring. The expandable ring has a radially inner surface including a frustoconical surface that slidingly engages the cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harsono Harsono, Andre Willy
  • Publication number: 20140174755
    Abstract: A valve comprises a valve mechanism located within a housing arrangement, wherein the housing arrangement comprises an outer housing configured to be mechanically secured with a fluid conduit system, and an inner housing located within the outer housing and configured to contain pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Craig Mitchell, Keith Taylor, Alistair Tennant
  • Publication number: 20140158367
    Abstract: A wellhead latch assembly may include one or more latches for attaching to a wellhead and allowing removal of the wellhead during a well abandonment process. The wellhead latch assembly may include an inner core coupled to the latches, and an outer sleeve for selectively latching and unlatching the latches to the wellhead. The inner core may abut the wellhead and can include a groove having circumferential and/or longitudinal features. The outer sleeve may include a pin which travels within the groove and a set of cut-outs for alignment with the latches. When the cut-outs align with the latches, the latches may expand radially outward and disengage the wellhead. As the outer sleeve moves axially or rotationally relative to the inner core, the latches may fall out of alignment with the cut-outs and move radially inwardly to engage or capture the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Stokes, James R. Ford, Stephen Hekelaar, Michael T. Wardley
  • Publication number: 20140158365
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and to a method for blocking the outflow of a pressurized fluid from an underwater well, in particular, for blocking the outflow of crude oil and/or of natural gas, for carrying out an operation of closure of the well. In particular, the invention relates to a device and to a method for quickly stopping the flow and closing the well in case of incident and/or in case of fault of emergency shut-off devices of the underwater well, such as “blowout preventer” (“BOP”) systems, in order to reduce harm to the environment and economic losses due to fluid outflow from the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Stefano Favilli, Matteo Bertolini, Giacomo Iarrusso
  • Publication number: 20140158366
    Abstract: A subsea completion for a well is presented that includes a tubing spool, a tubing hanger, a fluid coupling, an electrical coupling, a control system, a valve, and a production tree. The tubing spool includes a central bore, a side wall, and a fluid supply passage extending through the tubing spool. An electrical supply passage can also extend through the side wall of the tubing spool. The tubing hanger includes a fluid control passage. The tubing hanger can also include an electrical control passage. The control system includes a fluid control conduit to provide fluid to the tubing spool fluid supply passage from outside the tubing spool. The valve is connectable to the outside of the tubing spool to control fluid flow between the control system fluid conduit and the tubing spool fluid supply passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen C Smith, David R June
  • Patent number: 8746332
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8746352
    Abstract: A seal assembly for use between wellbore tubulars employs an inner seal ring partially circumscribed by an outer seal ring. The seal rings are axially slidable with respect to one another and can be made from pliable inelastic materials such as graphite or a fluoropolymer. The seal rings contact one another along profiled surfaces that are angled such that by axially urging the seal rings towards one another produces a bulge in the seal assembly directed radially outwards and inwards. The bulging seal rings come into contact with opposing sides of the wellbore tubulars to define a sealing surface. Axial supports at opposing lateral ends of the seal rings maintain the seal between the tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Shaw
  • Patent number: 8746346
    Abstract: An electrical and hydraulic configuration on a subsea tree that facilitates the use of an ROV control system to operate the tree during well installations, interventions, and workovers. An SCM at the tree is in communication with a fixed junction plate that receives a production umbilical during normal operation. The ROV can be deployed to disconnect and park the production umbilical during well installations, interventions, and workovers to prevent accidental operation of the SCM or tree. The junction plate is configured to connect with the ROV and thereby establish communication with the hydraulic lines of the SCM. The ROV may carry an umbilical from a vessel to provide electrical and hydraulic service to the SCM during well operations. In addition, the ROV has facilities to repressurize spent control fluid to thereby allow reuse of the control fluid by the SCM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Voss
  • Patent number: 8746345
    Abstract: Systems for accessing a well bore including a BOP stack with a universal intervention interface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a BOP stack and a valve assembly. The BOP stack has a throughbore and is installable on a well such that the throughbore is in fluid communication with the well bore. The valve assembly is coupled to the BOP stack and includes a fluid flowpath in fluid communication with the BOP stack throughbore, two valves connected in series and disposed along the fluid flowpath, the valves operable to control flow through the fluid flowpath, and a ROV panel including ports accessible by a ROV for operation of the two valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Johnnie E. Kotrla, Ross Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8746347
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead body which disposed to support an isolation sleeve for a production tree and to support below the isolation sleeve a production casing hanger for a production casing string. The body also supports a second casing string outside the production casing string whereby to form an annulus between the casing strings. The body includes a passageway which is in communication with the annulus near a lower end of the body and extends upwardly within the wall of the body towards the upper end of the body. A valve is accommodated in the upper part of the body and provides controlled communication between the passageway and a port which can be coupled to the isolation sleeve. The valve is controllable from a production tree in particular is moveable between an open position and a closed position in response to fluid pressure applied to the valve from a production tree by way of the isolation sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Limited
    Inventor: Daniel A Willoughby
  • Publication number: 20140150881
    Abstract: A choke assembly comprises an inlet (48) for a multiphase fluid stream, the stream comprising a first relatively heavy fluid phase and a second relatively light fluid phase; a first fluid outlet (116); a choke element (22) disposed between the inlet and the first fluid outlet operable to control the flow of fluid between the inlet and the first fluid outlet; a separation chamber (40, 114) disposed to provide separation of phases in the fluid stream upstream of the choke element; and a second outlet (118) for removing fluid from the separation cavity. The choke assembly is of particular use in the control of fluid streams produced from a subterranean well, in particular oil and gas produced from a subsea well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: HANS PAUL HOPPER, DEREK MEEK
  • Publication number: 20140151060
    Abstract: A method and a device are for extending at least the lifetime of a Christmas tree or an umbilical. The Christmas tree is provided with a high-pressure hydraulic valve package and a low-pressure hydraulic valve package and the umbilical includes electrical power and control cables and hydraulic pipes. The method includes retrofitting an upgrading module including at least a control unit, a hydraulic high-pressure pump, a second high-pressure hydraulic valve package, and a hydraulic reservoir onto or at the Christmas tree; supplying the high-pressure pump, directly or via the reservoir, with hydraulic fluid from a pipe in the umbilical, the high-pressure pump being connected to the second high-pressure hydraulic valve package; connecting the second high-pressure hydraulic valve package to a downhole safety valve; connecting the electrical power and control cables of the umbilical to the control unit; and connecting control cables between the control unit, and valves in the low-pressure hydraulic valve package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Torfinn Borsheim
  • Patent number: 8739882
    Abstract: The present invention regards a subsea cooling unit having an inlet for a hot fluid and an outlet for cooled fluid, the cooling unit comprising a number of coils exposed to seawater, and means for generating a flow of seawater past the coils, where the means for generating the flow of seawater comprises a propeller and a rotatable actuator and that the cooler is enclosed in a duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Vidar Sten-Halvorsen, Erik Baggerud, Terje Hollingsaeter
  • Patent number: 8739883
    Abstract: Internal tree cap (201) (ITC) adapted to be installed in the bore of a subsea well unit (301) or to an internal tubular element (303) of the same, comprising a locking element (209) for releasably locking the internal tree cap (201) to said subsea well unit (301) or internal tubular element (303). The ITC further comprises a fluid channel (215) extending through a fluid barrier between the lower and upper part of the internal tree cap (201), which fluid channel (215) is blocked by a burst element (217) adapted to break and open for fluid flow through the fluid channel (215) when exposed to a predetermined pressure difference over the burst element (217). The invention also relates to an ITC running tool (101) and a locking mechanism (117) for supporting the ITC in the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Subsea AS
    Inventors: Lasse E. Aarnes, Andre M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8733436
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8727012
    Abstract: A gasket test protector sleeve is provided for subsea mineral extraction equipment. The gasket test protector sleeve includes a gasket test isolation portion. The gasket test isolation portion is configured to isolate a gasket between a first tubular and a second tubular of a subsea mineral extraction system. The bore protection portion is configured to protect a first bore of the first tubular during downhole procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Venkatesh Bhat
  • Patent number: 8720589
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein relating to an apparatus to support a tubular member. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, in which the bowl includes an inner wall formed about the longitudinal axis that is tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes a plurality of slip assemblies movably disposed within to the bowl and having a tapered outer surface and a tapered inner surface with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tapered outer surface of the plurality of slip assemblies is configured to engage the tapered inner wall of the bowl. Further, the bowl may include a shoulder disposed on the inner wall that extends towards the longitudinal axis with respect to the inner wall. Each of the plurality of slip assemblies may be configured to engage the shoulder of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Thibodeaux, Jr., Jeremy Richard Angelle
  • Patent number: 8720578
    Abstract: An orientation joint for a subsea landing string equipped to maintain both unitary and telescoping configurations. For example, the joint may maintain a unitary configuration to provide continuous orientation definition while lowering a landing string within a blowout preventer (BOP). Additionally, the orientation joint may be configured to telescope and provide an appropriately sized uniform outer diameter surface to enable a sealing engagement with an aligned ram of the BOP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Allensworth, Josh Rayner
  • Patent number: 8720586
    Abstract: A casing hanger seal assembly is lowered into a pocket between a casing hanger and a wellhead housing while in a run-in position. The seal assembly has a metal-to-metal upper seal ring and an elastomeric and metal lower seal ring carried by and below the upper seal ring. The upper and lower seal rings are movable from a run-in position to a set position sealing between the sidewalls of the casing hanger and the wellhead housing by applying a downward force. The downward force required to move the lower seal ring to the set position is less than the downward force required to move the upper seal ring to the set position. A downward force applied to the upper seal ring after the lower seal ring has landed in the pocket transfers to the lower seal ring to cause the lower seal ring to move to the set position before the upper seal ring moves to the set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Khanh Anh Duong
  • Patent number: 8720579
    Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) may be programmed and launched to interface with an emergency blowout preventer which has been fitted, either when new or retrofitted, with an emergency BOP control system (EBOP). The EBOP is a “black box” drop-in solution for projects such as emergency well control that can be retrofitted to existing BOP systems or added to new BOP systems and comprises one or more control docking stations, each adapted to receive autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV); one or more interface units connected to the control docking station and used to provide an interface between the control docking station and a BOP; and the AUV which is dimensioned and configured to autonomously mate with the control docking station and effect controls of the BOP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Johnigan, Greg R. Boyle, Shelley Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8720576
    Abstract: A method of mounting a subsea control module (1) on a mounting plate (10) of an underwater tree of a subsea hydrocarbon well comprises lowering the module to the plate and attaching the module to the plate with an adapter (6) between it and the plate and with portions of the module being coupled with portions of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Marlow, Phillip Tarr, Steven Lewis Charles Simpson, Harry Richard Cove
  • Patent number: 8720574
    Abstract: A subsea connector that includes a connector capable of selectively connecting to a spool body to form a connector assembly. The subsea connector may include an adapter ring that is capable of connecting the spool body to the connector. The connector assembly may be lowered onto a wellhead member and locked into place by a movable piston and split lock ring. While the connector assembly is in the unlocked state, the adapter ring may be rotated moving the connector up or down with respect to the spool body, which lands on the wellhead member. The movement of the connector may be used to vary the alignment of the connector locking means with respect to the locking profile of the wellhead member. This change in position may be used to modify the preload force applied to the connector when locked onto the wellhead member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Glen H. Cuiper, Paulo C. S. Paulo