By Riser Pipe Patents (Class 405/224.2)
  • Patent number: 11965386
    Abstract: Present embodiments relate to a riser bolt torque device that is configured to couple a first riser joint to a second riser joint to form a riser of a subsea drilling system. The riser bolt torque device includes a first arm and a second arm, multiple torque tools supported on the first arm and the second arm, and one or more actuators configured to drive the first arm and the second arm to pivot relative to one another from an open configuration to a closed configuration to enable alignment between the multiple torque tools and a flange of the first riser joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harold Tenorio, John Zahl, Jon Tyler
  • Patent number: 11822100
    Abstract: Control systems for liquid lenses can use feedback control using one or more measured parameters indicative of a position of the fluid interface in the liquid lens. Capacitance between a fluid and an electrode in the liquid lens can vary depending on the position of the fluid interface. Current mirrors can be used for making measurements indicative of the capacitance and/or the fluid interface position. The liquid lens can be calibrated using the measurements indicative of capacitance and/or fluid interface position as the voltage is driven across an operational range. A control system can use pulse width modulation (PWM) for driving a liquid lens, and a carrier frequency for the PWM signals can be varied to control power consumption in the liquid lens. The slew rate can be adjustable to control power consumption in the liquid lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jann Paul Kaminski, Raymond Miller Karam, Dragan Pikula, Daniel Ohen Ricketts
  • Patent number: 11591051
    Abstract: A multi-tank/vessel buoyancy system for use in deploying and connecting tendons or other elongate members between subsea anchors and floating/semi-submersible platforms. The vessels are interconnected at axially spaced locations toward their upper ends and lower ends, there being an equalizing system proximate the top ends of the vessels to permit ingress and egress of air into the vessels and a lower water equalizing system to permit free-flowing ingress and egress of water into the vessels. There is at least one clamping system operatively connected to the multi-vessel system, the clamping system, like the valving systems, being remotely, acoustically operable from a PLC on a work barge or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas H. Noble
  • Patent number: 11436747
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method for supporting the operation of subsea installations for 3D reconstruction of flexible pipes (1) during a direct vertical connection operation, comprising the steps of painting the flexible pipe (1) with a specific regular pattern, and performing a 3D reconstruction of the points sampled on the flexible pipe (1) to obtain the radius of curvature of the flexible pipe (1), in which the 3D reconstruction comprises the steps of: capturing images of the flexible pipe (1) during the direct vertical connection operation; sending the captured images to a dedicated computer (4); and processing the captured images, generating information on the radius of curvature, wherein the method initially comprises at least one of the following steps: painting the bend restrictor (6) with a specific regular pattern; painting straps (71) for buoys (7) with a specific regular pattern; and painting straps (71) for the arch bend, in the event of second-end direct vertical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventors: Vinicius Miranda Cesar, Saulo Andrade Pessoa, Judith Kelner, Ismael Humberto Ferreira Dos Santos, Eduardo Vardaro, Bernardo Fonseca Reis De Souza, Arthur Curty Saad, Alyson Gomes Vaillant, Allan Carre De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 11185676
    Abstract: A connector for fluidly coupling proximal and distal tubular segments of a fluid conduit is provided. In one embodiment, the connector can include a connector body having an outer surface defining a first outer perimeter and an inner surface defining a lumen. The connector can also include a connecting device having an open configuration and a plurality of closed configurations. The connecting device can include first and second members configured to engage each other to secure the fluid conduit to the connector. The connecting device can also include a plurality of closed configurations for securing fluid conduits of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Judson A. Herrig
  • Patent number: 10900296
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe cylindrical structures with indents configured to reduce vortex induced vibrations (VIV). For example, the cylindrical structures may be configured to reduce VIV for risers subject to ocean currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: CBM International, Inc.
    Inventor: Shan Shi
  • Patent number: 10738433
    Abstract: An offshore wind turbine support structure monitoring system and operating method are disclosed, comprising an offshore wind turbine, at least one state detection module, a data acquisition module, a data storage module, a network transmission module and at least one client. Thus, the maintenance of offshore wind turbines can be monitored directly and instantly to estimate the maintenance period, adjust the optimal operation and maintenance strategy, and save the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SHIP AND OCEAN INDUSTRIES R&D CENTER
    Inventors: Yuan-Yi Chang, Cheng-Hsien Chung, Shean-Kwang Chou, Jia-Rong Lyu, Shao-Hua Yang, Yan-Wei Wu
  • Patent number: 9963944
    Abstract: An enhanced riser control system may employ electrical tensioners coupled to a drilling riser by wires. The electrical tensioners may provide quick response to a tension controller to handle positioning of the drilling riser. The electrical tensioners of the enhanced riser control system may be combined with hydro-pneumatic tensioners in a riser hybrid tensioning system. A controller within the enhanced riser control system may be configured to distribute tension to electrical tensioners and to control electrical tensioners to adjust the length of the first and second wires. Energy from an electrical tensioner may be transferred to an energy storage system or to power dissipaters for dissipating the energy generated by the electrical tensioner. The energy transferred from an electrical tensioner may be energy that has been generated by the electrical tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited
    Inventors: Yin Wu, Edward Peter Kenneth Bourgeau
  • Patent number: 9850722
    Abstract: A downhole probe is adapted to be supported in drill string sections having different internal diameters with the use of a set of interchangeable centralizers. Each centralizer is dimensioned to snugly receive the downhole probe and to bear against the bore wall of a drill-string section. Interchangeable axial supports such as spiders may also be provided in a set. The downhole probe may comprise a slick body. As drilling progresses the downhole probe may be adapted to be received in drill string sections of varying diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, Justin C. Logan, David A. Switzer, Patrick R. Derkacz
  • Patent number: 9844803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning an oil and gas well riser section or assembly on location offshore that includes a larger diameter central pipe and a plurality of smaller diameter pipes that are spaced radially away from the central larger diameter pipe. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for cleaning oil and gas well riser sections wherein a specially configured cap or pair of caps are fitted to the ends of the riser which enable pressure washing cleaning tools (or a camera) to be inserted into and through a selected one of the pipes including either a smaller diameter of the pipes or the central larger diameter pipe and wherein the cap continuously collects spent cleaning fluid and debris, allowing the cleaning process to be done on location without transporting the riser section back onshore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Tri-State Environmental, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Scott Carter
  • Patent number: 9404317
    Abstract: A positioning member for a tubular is formed using a prefabricated fiber-reinforced resin shell positioned upon a surface of the tubular and bonded to provide a protrusion upon the surface of the tubular. In a disclosed method a fiber-reinforced resin shell is secured to an external surface of a tubular thereby enclosing a cavity between the shell and the surface of the tubular; a bonding agent is introduced through inlet ports in a surface of the fiber-reinforced resin shell to fill a cavity between the shell and the surface of the tubular (10), and the bonding agent is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ANTELOPE OIL TOOL & MFG. CO.
    Inventors: David E. Y. Levie, Richard Ronald Baynham
  • Patent number: 9376871
    Abstract: A positioning member (11) for a tubular (10) is formed using a prefabricated fiber-reinforced resin shell (1) positioned upon a surface of the tubular and bonded to provide a protrusion upon the surface of the tubular. In a disclosed method a fiber-reinforced resin shell (1) is secured to an external surface of a tubular (10) thereby enclosing a cavity between the shell (1) and the surface of the tubular (10); a bonding agent is introduced through inlet ports (5) in a surface of the fiber-reinforced resin shell (1) to fill a cavity between the shell (1) and the surface of the tubular (10), and the bonding agent is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ANTELOPE OIL TOOL & MFG. CO.
    Inventors: David E. Y. Levie, Richard Ronald Baynham
  • Patent number: 9352808
    Abstract: A floating, offshore drilling and/or production vessel has supports for steel catenary risers mounted on a riser keel guide. This allows the riser attachment points to be located closer to the vessel's center(s) of rotation of pitch, roll and yaw thereby decreasing roll-, pitch- and yaw-induced displacements of the risers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corp
    Inventor: Edward Sean Large
  • Patent number: 9146003
    Abstract: A quick release gas sample cylinder clamp with pivoting jaws for single handed unlatching of a securely mounted sample gas cylinder upon engagement and disengagement of the battalion latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Mustang Sampling LLC
    Inventor: Howard W. Carson
  • Patent number: 9121228
    Abstract: Contemplated hybrid riser towers are configured such that individual riser lines can be added or removed via submarine ROV. Most preferably, riser lines are made from a housing and syntactic foam that encloses a riser pipe to so provide insulation and buoyancy. In further preferred aspects, hybrid riser towers are coupled to each other via a truss to allow expansion via SCR and/or to provide a riser porch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Clifford Neal Prescott
  • Patent number: 9097066
    Abstract: In subsea drilling operations, workover control systems may include deployment of an umbilical from a deepwater drilling vessel. Such an umbilical provides support functions for deepwater drilling operations. In the practice of the invention, a new method, system and apparatus may be employed to deploy the umbilical independently of the drilling riser, which provides commercial and operational advantages. That is, the umbilical may be deployed at a different time than the riser is deployed, and also without intimate close connection from the umbilical to the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John Rodney Hensley, Zachary P. Schneider, Evan P. Graybill, Thomas E. O'Donnell, Timothy Achee, Raymond Stawaisz, Trevor Munk, Omid Oujani, Thomas B. Heyward
  • Patent number: 8998539
    Abstract: Disclosed is a riser including a plurality of pipelines. In one example there are three such pipelines extending from the seabed toward the surface and having an upper end supported at a depth below the sea surface. In one embodiment, a first of the pipelines acts as a central structural core, and the other pipelines are arranged around the first pipeline. In another embodiment, three pipelines are arranged around a structural core. In each case, the first of the pipelines can be a fluid injection line, and the other pipelines are production lines. Also disclosed is a riser having buoyancy along at least a part of its length. The buoyancy results in the riser having a generally circular cross-section, the circumference of which is non-contiguous. Methods of installing such risers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Acergy France SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Saint-Marcoux, Gregoire De-Roux, Jean-Pierre Branchut
  • Patent number: 8973665
    Abstract: A technique for subsea intervention operations incorporates use of a compliant guide that extends between a surface location and a subsea installation. The technique facilitates deployment of tool strings into a subsea well. For example, a portion of the compliant guide can be used as a subsea lubricator during pressure deployment of tool strings. In some applications, a tool entry guide can be connected into the subsea installation to facilitate deployment of tool strings into the subsea well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Andrea Sbordone, René Schuurman, Yves Le Moign, Pascal Panetta, Alan J. Johnston, Axel Destremau, Eric Smedstad
  • Patent number: 8967914
    Abstract: The present invention provides a riser protection structure being suitable to be employed in a Jackup rig. The riser protection structure comprises a plurality of piles, an upper module, wherein the upper module comprises a main protection tubing for receiving a riser, a plurality of sleeves to be installed over the plurality of piles, and a connecting network; wherein the plurality of sleeves are disposed around the main protection tubing; and wherein the main protection tubing and the plurality of sleeves are connected together by the connecting network, and a lower module, wherein the lower module comprises a plurality of tubular guides for guiding and later fixing the piles and a connecting structure, wherein the plurality of piles are securely disposed into the seabed for providing the requisite support for the upper and lower modules when they are assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre, Pte Ltd/ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Kok Seng Foo, Michael John Perry, Quah Chin Kau Matthew, Cynthia Wang, Randall Scott Shafer, Peter Noble, Dominic P. Berta
  • Patent number: 8960302
    Abstract: A free-standing riser system connects a subsea source to a surface structure. The system includes a concentric free-standing riser comprising inner and outer risers defining an annulus there between. A lower end of the riser is fluidly coupled to the subsea source through a lower riser assembly (LRA) and one or more subsea flexible conduits. An upper end of the riser is connected to a buoyancy assembly and the surface structure through an upper riser assembly (URA) and one or more upper flexible conduits, the riser also mechanically connected to a buoyancy assembly that applies upward tension to the riser. The riser may be insulated for flow assurance, either by a flow assurance fluid in the annulus, insulation of the outside of the outer riser, or both. The system may include a hydrate inhibition system and/or a subsea dispersant system. The surface structure may be dynamically positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: BP Corporation North America, Inc., BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
    Inventors: Roy Shilling, Paul W. Gulgowski, Jr., Philip D. Maule, Kevin Kennelley, Walter Greene, Robert W. Franklin, Vicki Corso, Tony Oldfield, Adam L. Ballard, Graeme Steele, David E. Wilkinson, Ricky Thethi, Chau Nguyen, Steve Hatton
  • Patent number: 8960301
    Abstract: An underwater well is completed by extending an elongate stinger laterally outward from a vessel positioned at the water surface. The stinger is extended to curve downward toward a wellhead of the well. A well completion string is deployed from the vessel on the stinger while supporting the completing string to curve outward and downward from the vessel toward the wellhead. The completion string is then guided into the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Thomas Hailey, Jr., Thurman Philip Harrell
  • Patent number: 8944723
    Abstract: A tensioner assembly for applying tension to a tubular member, such as a riser, can include an upper latch connected to the tubular member, a platform with a bore, and a plurality of lower latch segments, each having a base that is pivotally connected to the platform. After applying tension to the tubular member, the segments pivot inward to form an annular lower latch ring having an inner diameter less than an outer diameter of the upper latch. The assembly can include a locking mechanism that prevents axial movement of the upper latch, relative to the lower latch ring, after engagement. The upper latch can self-center on the lower latch as it is moved into the latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Jesus J. Garcia, Joseph W. Pallini, Steven M. Wong, Rockford D. Lyle, Benjamin J. Kubichek
  • Patent number: 8919448
    Abstract: Modular stress joints usable to compensate for forces applied to a subsea riser or other structure include a base member and one or more additional members. Members having desired lengths can be selected such that the sum of the length of the base member and additional members defines a desired total length. Members having desired wall thicknesses can be selected such that a combination of the wall thicknesses of the base member and each additional member defines an overall wall thickness or stiffness. The total length, overall wall thickness, or both correspond to expected forces applied to the subsea riser or structure, such that the stress joint is adapted to compensate for the forces and prevent damage. The number or length of members used and their thickness or other characteristics can be varied to provide multiple lengths and stiffnesses, such that the stress joint is modular and reconfigurable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Mitchell Z. Dziekonski
  • Patent number: 8905142
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a guide frame (10) for location at one or more points along the length of a riser tower structure (112,114). The riser tower structure is of a type that has an upper end supported at a depth below the sea surface and has a central core (200) with one or more conduits (220) arranged therearound extending from the seabed toward the surface. In use, the guide frame guides the conduit (s) relative to the central core, said guide frame (10) being attachable to said riser tower structure non-continuously (40,50), thereby not becoming an integral part of said riser tower structure. Also disclosed is a riser tower comprising such guide frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Acergy France SA
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Bernard Legras
  • Patent number: 8888412
    Abstract: A bottom-to-surface connection installation between a plurality of undersea pipes resting on the sea bottom and a floating support on the surface and anchored to the sea bottom, the floating support including a turret; and a plurality of flexible hoses extending from the turret to respective ones of a plurality of rigid pipes, the rigid pipes providing connections between the flexible hoses and respective ones of the plurality of undersea pipes resting on the sea bottom, wherein the installation includes a guide structure maintained in the subsurface between the turret and the top of the rigid pipes, the guide structure being suitable for guiding the flexible hoses, the guide structure having a plurality of first guide elements with respective ones of the plurality of flexible hoses passing therethrough in such a manner that the flexible hose has at least a bottom flexible hose portion in a dipping catenary configuration, and a second flexible hose portion extending entirely above the point of contact between
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Saipem S.A.
    Inventors: François-Régis Pionetti, Damien Szyszka, Rami Chkir
  • Patent number: 8882390
    Abstract: This method comprises connecting a downstream point (40) of a pipe (24) to a buoy (26) and completely submerging the buoy (26). It comprises deploying in the body of water (12) an intermediate section (30) of the pipe (24) from the downstream point (40) to at least as far as an upstream point (38), anchoring the upstream point (38), and tensioning the intermediate section (30) to keep it vertical. The connecting step includes activating a traction unit (96) to raise the downstream point (40) on the buoy (26). During the connecting step, the buoy (26) is carried in the body of water (12) virtually exclusively by its own floatability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Jeroen Remery, Romain Vivet, Christophe Defreslon, Ange Luppi
  • Publication number: 20140328631
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for supporting a catenary riser coupled to an offshore platform system including a pull tube and a pull tube stress joint for girth weld stress reduction and improved fatigue performance. A pull tube sleeve is coupled around a welded connection of the pull tube. The sleeve has a larger inside diameter than an outer diameter of the pull tube, and a hardenable fill material is filled into the space between the sleeve and the pull tube so that there is no annular gap between the sleeve and the pull tube. The fill material provides a supportive coupling between the sleeve and the pull tube. The sleeve, the pull tube, or both can also have one or more gripping surfaces formed in or on their surfaces to retain the fill material within the space between the sleeve and the pull tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Y. H. LUO, Thomas WOZNIAK, Timothy Otis WEAVER
  • Patent number: 8875793
    Abstract: A connector device for kill- and choke lines between a riser and a floating drilling platform includes a slip joint on top of the riser including an outer barrel, a kill- and choke manifold arranged on the platform and provided with flexible kill- and choke hoses to the slip joint's outer barrel, and wherein the slip joint's outer barrel is provided with a horizontally directed kill- and choke-manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Øystein Christensen, Atle Korsmo
  • Patent number: 8869901
    Abstract: The offshore drilling system comprises a floating drilling vessel 1, a well drilled in the sea bottom 2, a tubular riser extending the well up to the floating vessel, well sealing elements fastened to the end of the riser at the level of floating vessel 1. The riser comprises tubular elements 12 connected to one another by connectors 13 designed to withstand the internal pressure of the well. Tubulars 12 comprise a metallic tubular body hooped by windings of fibers coated with a polymer matrix. The riser comprises several sections, each section consisting of tube elements whose hoop stress is determined as a function of the depth at which the section lies and of the mechanical strength of said metallic tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventor: Jean Guesnon
  • Patent number: 8863682
    Abstract: An offshore system for drilling or production comprises a buoyant hull. In addition, the system comprises a topside mounted to the hull and positioned above the surface of the water. Further, the system comprises a conductor having a lower end disposed in the sea bed below the sea floor and an upper end coupled to the topside. Still further, the system comprises a bend restrictor disposed about the conductor. The bend restrictor comprises a first sleeve having a lower end positioned in the sea bed below the sea floor, an upper end positioned above the sea floor, an inner surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, an outer surface extending between the upper end and the lower end, and a slit extending helically about the first sleeve. The slit extends radially from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward E. Horton, III
  • 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: 8833460
    Abstract: A suspension device (14) for suspending an oil pipe on an underwater float (12) between a seabed and a sea surface and a method for installing such a device. The device (14) includes two hitching members (16,18) that respectively comprise a connection end (22, 22) and an attachment end (24, 24). The hitching members are respectively attached to the float (12) and to the coupling end (10) of the pipe by the fastener thereof while the connection ends (24, 24) are connected by connectors (20, 20). The connection end (22, 22) of each hitching member (16, 18) comprises two hooks (44, 46, 44, 46). The connectors include two independent links (20) for parallel adjustment so as to connect, two by two, the hooks (44, 46, 44?, 46?) of the two hitching members (16, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Ange Luppi, Anthony Berger
  • Patent number: 8813854
    Abstract: A mobile water injection system and method for performing waterflooding in offshore reservoirs, and more particularly to enhance oil recovery in marginal offshore reservoirs is disclosed. The mobile water injection system and method include portable equipment, including a submersible pump to recover water from a body of water, a water storage tank, filtration and chemical treatment equipment to treat the recovered water, and an injection pump to pump the treated water at high pressure into the reservoir such that the residual oil is driven to adjacent production wells to increase oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Akshay Sahni, Jarrad Rexilius
  • Publication number: 20140186124
    Abstract: A riser assembly and method of producing a riser assembly are disclosed. The riser assembly includes a riser having a plurality of buoyancy elements provided at predetermined intervals along the length of the riser for supporting the riser, and at least one further buoyancy element arranged to support the riser in a configuration for accommodating tension changes in the riser due to vessel movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: WELLSTREAM INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhimin Tan, Yanqiu Zhang, Qian Dong, Yucheng Hou
  • Patent number: 8746348
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for releasing fluid from a subsea marine riser is disclosed. A housing defines an interior space and an exterior region. The housing includes first and second ends adapted for respective sealed connection in a marine riser assembly. The housing may be defined on its interior space by a central cavity adapted for passage of a drill string. A plurality of ports may be provided for fluid release from the housing upon emergency disconnect of the riser from a subsea well. One or more gates may be provided in mating configuration with the housing. The gates may be moveable from a sealed position that restricts fluid flow through the ports to an open position that facilitates fluid release from the riser through the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Reed, Russell E. Hegler, Robert B. Baten
  • Patent number: 8733446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a riser pipe installation that comprises a flexible duct of the non-bound type, the duct being vertically arranged between a mechanical connection with a submerged buoy at the stub on the one hand, and a mechanical connection with the seabed at the bottom on the other hand, wherein fluid connections are provided at the stub and at the bottom for connecting the riser pipe with surface equipment on the one hand and bottom equipment on the other hand; the bottom of the pipe is located at a depth of at least 1000 m where it is submitted to a computable maximum reverse bottom effect F, while the buoy is oversized in order to generate at the bottom of the riser pipe a reaction tension T higher than at least 50% or even 100% of the computable maximum reverse bottom effect F applied at the bottom of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Philippe Espinasse, Alain Coutarel, Isabel Teresa Waclawek
  • Patent number: 8734055
    Abstract: This method comprises connecting a downstream point (40) of a pipe (24) to a buoy (26) and completely submerging the buoy (26). It comprises deploying in the body of water (12) an intermediate section (30) of the pipe (24) from the downstream point (40) to at least as far as an upstream point (38), anchoring the upstream point (38), and tensioning the intermediate section (30) to keep it vertical. The height of the buoy (26) is less than 1.5 times its greatest transverse dimension. The method comprises moving the buoy (26) between a remote position and an installed position in line with an anchoring region, keeping the buoy (26) partly submerged on the surface (16) of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Jeroen Remery, Romain Vivet, Christophe Defreslon, Ange Luppi
  • Patent number: 8708053
    Abstract: A method for installing risers so they extend from a FPU (floating production unit) to multiple subsea hydrocarbon wells of an oil field, which avoids damage to the pipe sections and that is economical. As pipe sections are connected to a near end (56) of a pipe string portion (68B-68D) that lies at the FPU, a tug boat (30) pulls the far end (65) of the pipe string toward a well head. Initially, a long pull line (34) extends from a winch (32) on the tug boat, in a double catenary curve to the far end of the pipe string. The winch is operated to shorten the pull line until the pipe string extends in a double catenary curve (60). Tension in the pipe string is maintained at a proper level during installation by maintaining the near end portion of the pipe string so it extends at a near end angle (70) to the vertical that continually lies within a predetermined range, such as from 3° to 12°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Pollack, David Riggs, Feng Guo
  • Patent number: 8708052
    Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium, program code, and methods for monitoring and managing a plurality of marine riser assets are provided. An example of a system includes a computer and a computer readable medium containing a program code of instructions that when executed by the computer, cause the computer to perform operations for tracking the subsea deployment and retrieval of each of a plurality of riser joints. The operations can include receiving riser joint identification data from a riser joint identification indicator connected to the respective riser joint during the operational deployment thereof, and identifying the respective riser joint being operationally deployed to thereby track the deployment thereof. The operations can also include receiving riser joint identification data from the riser identification indicator of the respective riser joint during retrieval thereof, and identifying the respective one or more riser joints being retrieved to thereby track the retrieval thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Amin Radi
  • Patent number: 8690481
    Abstract: A removal impact cover (14) for a marine riser buoyancy module (10) has an arcuate shape with an open face (21). The cover (14) has a number of recesses (18) arranged to engage with recesses (22) on the module (10). The recesses (18) each contain an aperture (20) and the recesses (22) each contain an aperture (23). The cover (14) and the module (10) are engaged by fastening means preferably extending the apertures 20 and 23. More preferably the engaged cover (14) is spaced from the module (10) to reduce direct transmission of forces to the module (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Matrix Composites and Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Aaron Begley
  • Patent number: 8689880
    Abstract: A system for interconnecting a floating rig and a riser assembly includes a rotating control device permitting pressurization of the riser assembly; and a sliding joint connected to the rotating control device, the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized. Another system includes a sliding joint including more than two telescoping sleeves, and the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized at the surface. An apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple sets of telescoping sleeves, each set including at least two of the sleeves. Another apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple radially overlapping seal assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 8657013
    Abstract: A riser system for coupling a surface platform to a wellhead. The riser system includes a main tube, flanges and one or more tie rods. The main tube forms an annulus for fluid flow between the wellhead and the platform. A flange extends radially from each end of the main tube. The tie rods are coupled to and extend between the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Kotrla, Stephen J. Walker, William F. Puccio
  • Patent number: 8657012
    Abstract: A riser for use in subsea operations that is parked subsea deployed as needed onto wellheads disposed proximate where the riser is parked. A base anchored into the seafloor provides a pedestal for parking the riser. The riser emits a beacon signal so it can be located when needed. When parked, the riser can be kept in a vertical orientation by a buoyancy module mounted on an upper portion of the riser. A workboat, or other vessel, attaches to the parked riser and positions it onto a designated wellhead. An extension connects the riser to platform or other vessel above the sea surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Fenton, Ian Calder, Stewart Christie, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20140044493
    Abstract: A subsea conduit system comprises a conduit extending between a surface vessel and a subsea support, and a load arrangement connected between a subsea anchor and the conduit at a region of connection which is intermediate the vessel and the subsea support to apply a force on the conduit. The conduit is configured such that the applied force generates axial tension in the conduit between the region of connection and the vessel, and between the region of connection and the subsea support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Magma Global Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Hatton
  • Patent number: 8647019
    Abstract: An installation of bottom-to-surface connections having a plurality of bottom-to-surface connections arranged in a fan from a common floating support. The installation having a first number k of first bottom-to-surface connections, with each first number of connections having a first riser connected to a first undersea pipe tensioned in substantially vertical manner by a first float, and a diving first flexible connection pipe connecting the floating support and first riser. The installation further having a second number m of second bottom-to-surface connection, with each second number of connections having a second rigid pipe connected to a second undersea pipe and tensioned by a second buoyancy element, and a second flexible connection pipe providing the connection between the floating support and the second rigid pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.A.
    Inventors: Gianluca Sintini, Gianmarco Rota, Floriano Casola, Giulio Fatica
  • Patent number: 8616806
    Abstract: A riser support system for use in a body of water comprises a buoyant and ballastable support structure and a plurality of substantially vertical and rigid risers each of which is attached to the inside of the support structure at a location below the center of buoyancy of the support structure and below the surface of the body of water. Usually, each riser passes through the inside of a single tube in the support structure. Typically, the riser support system is used to support a plurality of risers and their surface wellheads inside the hull of an offshore platform, usually in such a manner that the axial movement of the risers and support structure is independent of the axial movement of the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wetch
  • Patent number: 8613322
    Abstract: An Active Motion Compensation system for use during intervention or other work on subsea wells, pipelines or other structures. The present invention can be employed on existing floating production platforms such as Tension Leg Platforms (TLP) and Spar structures where intervention work including Coiled Tubing, Slickline, Electric Line, Wireline, as well as snubbing or Hydraulic Workover activities are being utilized. It can also be deployed over the side of or through the moon pool of a vessel without the need of any other compensation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Robert A. Coles
  • Patent number: 8562256
    Abstract: There is disclosed a floating system positioned in a body of water having a water bottom, the system comprising a host member floating in the water; an elongated underwater line structure, comprising a top connected to the host; a bottom extending to the seabed and adapted to connect to a flowline lying on the seabed; a first portion of the line structure being shaped concave upward; a second portion of the line structure being shaped concave upward; and a transition segment between being shaped concave downward, the transition segment located between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: You Sun Li, George Rodenbusch, Heping Zhang, Jane Qing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130266381
    Abstract: A transfer system is described comprising a subsea installation (4) which is fixed relative to the seabed (1), and at least one transfer element (5) for transfer of at least one fluid and/or electrical signals and/or electric current between the subsea installation (4) and a floating arrangement (3). The transfer element (5) is arranged for connection to the subsea installation (4) at a first end and comprises connecting means for connecting to the floating arrangement (3) at its free end (7). The transfer system further comprises a buoyancy element (31) which is anchored to the seabed, and is provided with at least one through-going hole in the vertical direction. The at least one transfer element (5) extends through the at least one hole in the buoyancy element (31) and is movable in both directions through the at least one hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: FRAMO ENGINEERING AS
    Inventor: Paal Pettersen
  • Patent number: 8540030
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and program product for monitoring and managing a plurality of marine riser assets are provided. An example of a method includes tracking the subsea deployment and retrieval of each of a plurality of riser joints. This can include deploying the plurality of riser joints from a vessel to form an operationally deployed marine riser string, reading riser joint identification data from a riser joint identification indicator connected to the respective riser joint during the operational deployment thereof, and identifying the respective riser joint being operationally deployed to thereby track the deployment thereof. The method can also include retrieving one or more of the operationally deployed riser joints, reading riser joint identification data from the riser identification indicator of the respective riser joint during retrieval thereof, identifying the respective one or more riser joints being retrieved to thereby track the retrieval thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Amin Radi