Abstract: A high capacity universal connector for use in connecting tubular members and a method for sealing the tubular members is provided. First and second tubular members are provided which each have ends that are brought into face-to-face engagement by a connector. A metal sealing element seals against conical surfaces at the ends of the first and second tubular members and enables the entire surface of the end of one tubular member to be bought into engagement with the surface of the end of the other tubular member so as to improve the bending and compression capacity of the assembly comprising the tubular members and the metal sealing element. A metal sealing ring for use in this assembly is also provided, along with a gasket retention assembly.

Abstract: An improved c-ring slip retention system and method for extraction of the c-ring slip are provided. The c-ring slip retention system may use a lip portion of a retention sleeve to hold the c-ring slip against a liner hanger body. The c-ring slip may have a multi-load shoulder profile that interfaces directly with a complementary profile formed in the liner hanger body. The disclosed retention system prevents the c-ring slip from being prematurely extracted from a liner hanger body while the liner hanger is lowered through a borehole. The c-ring slip retention system may include a first retention mechanism and a second retention mechanism used to secure the retention sleeve to the liner hanger body. A single actuation of at least one setting segment in an axial direction may disengage both retention mechanisms, move the retention sleeve axially relative to the liner hanger body, and extract the c-ring slip.

Abstract: An improved anti-rotation device designed to prevent rotation of a first threaded portion of a connector assembly with respect to a second threaded portion of the connector assembly is provided. The anti-rotation device may be an integral part of one end of the connector assembly, so that the anti-rotation device cannot become lost before the first and second threaded sections are coupled together. The anti-rotation key may be rotatably coupled to the first threaded portion and may be easily transitioned from an unlocked position within the connector assembly to a locked position that prevents rotation of the threaded portions relative to each other.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a full top-to-bottom subsea system and method used to drill, complete, produce, and perform interventions on HPHT subsea wells is provided. The disclosed systems and methods involve the use of a controlled multiple barrier system, such as a high integrity pipeline protection system (HIPPS), incorporated into the subsea system to divide the system into two sections. The sections on either side of the barrier may be rated for different pressures, temperatures, and/or flow rates. For example, the first section (upstream of the barrier) is rated for operating at pressures/temperatures/flow rates up to a first (higher) threshold. The second section (downstream of the barrier) is rated for operating at pressures/temperatures/flow rates up to a second (lower) threshold. The disclosed subsea production system methodology, which uses barriers to divide the system components between two pressure ratings, may allow for enhanced development of HPHT reservoirs.

Abstract: An improved anti-rotation device and connector assembly designed to prevent rotation of a first threaded portion of the connector assembly with respect to a second threaded portion of the connector assembly is provided. The anti-rotation device and connector assembly include features that guide and smooth the transition of the anti-rotation device into a position extending through the first and second threaded portions. The anti-rotation device may extend through a tab/groove interface between the first and second threaded portions, or the anti-rotation device may engage opposing interfacing edges of the first and second threaded portions along the length of the anti-rotation device. Once the anti-rotation device is installed through the first and second threaded portions, the anti-rotation device may prevent rotation of the threaded portions relative to each other.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vertical ratcheting anti-rotation device includes a ratchet mechanism pivotally coupled at a proximal end to a first tubular member in a first recessed area located on a shoulder of the first tubular member. A distal end of the ratchet mechanism includes a first plurality of angled teeth and a spring allowing the ratchet mechanism to pivot in a vertical direction within the first recessed area. The anti-rotation device may also include a toothed insert mechanically coupled to a second tubular member in a second recessed area located on a shoulder of the second tubular member. The toothed insert may include a second plurality of angled teeth positioned to engage the first plurality of angled teeth of the ratchet mechanism. The spring is compressible during coupling of the tubular members to allow the ratchet mechanism to move vertically over the second plurality of angled teeth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for riser monitoring and lifecycle management are disclosed. The riser monitoring and lifecycle management method includes receiving a signal indicative of an identification of a riser component at a monitoring and lifecycle management system (MLMS), wherein the riser component forms part of a riser assembly. The method also includes detecting one or more properties via at least one sensor disposed on the riser component during operation of the riser assembly, and communicating data indicative of the detected properties to the MLMS. The MLMS stores the data indicative of the detected properties with the identification of the riser component in a database.

Abstract: An improved seal disposed at an interface of a main body of an inner drilling riser tie-back connector (ITBC) and a subsea wellhead is provided. The seal comprises a main body portion formed of a pair of opposed inwardly projecting fingers having a saw-cut profile at their ends and an outwardly projecting lever arm disposed adjacent to and at an outward angle to one of the opposed inwardly projecting fingers. Under loading the outwardly projecting lever arm imparts a bending moment to the seal, which enhances the seal created between the ITBC and the subsea wellhead and reduces the torque required to disengage the internal tie-back connector.

Abstract: An improved anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of two joined tubular members of a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a first threaded portion connected to a second threaded portion. The anti-rotation device includes at least one self-tapping screw installed in an associated threaded bore formed in and tangential to a flange of the second threaded portion. When installed, the at least one self-tapping screw engages a shoulder of the first threaded portion. A partial thread is formed in the shoulder of the first threaded portion by the at least one self-tapping screw, which forms a shear-resistive force that prevents rotation of the first threaded portion relative to the second threaded portion, and thus prevents rotation of one tubular member relative to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for installing and selectively retrieving a casing hanger locking device within a wellhead system during the bit run and retrieval operations are provided. An embodiment is an apparatus comprising: a bit sub comprising a tong neck, a cylindrical portion below the tong neck, and at least one stabilizing fin below the cylindrical section, wherein the at least one stabilizing fin comprises a keyway; a casing hanger locking device comprising an annular structure and an expandable ring disposed around an upper portion of the annular structure, the casing hanger locking device disposed around the bit sub; an actuation sleeve that engages with the casing hanger locking device; and a selective retrieval collar comprising a segmented retrieval ring, wherein the selective retrieval collar is attached to the bit sub, the actuation sleeve, and the casing hanger locking device.

Abstract: An improved anti-rotation key designed to prevent rotation of a first threaded portion of a connector assembly with respect to a second threaded portion of the connector assembly is provided. The disclosed key includes several features that facilitate easier, faster, and more accurate securing of the key within the connector. For example, the key may include features that guide, pre-load, and smooth the transition of the key from an initial position to a fully engaged and energized position.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a seal assembly for sealing and locking a casing hanger to a wellhead includes a lower seal body, an upper seal body connected to the lower seal body, an inner lock ring disposed between the upper seal body and the lower seal body, an external lock ring engaging the upper seal body, and an energizing ring. The lower seal body is structured and arranged to form a seal with the casing hanger and the wellhead. The upper seal body includes a load portion that overhangs a load shoulder of the casing hanger. At least a portion of the energizing ring is disposed within an inner groove disposed within the upper seal body. The energizing ring locks the inner lock ring into forcible engagement with the casing hanger, and locks the external lock ring into engagement with the wellhead.

Abstract: An improved c-ring slip retention system and method for extraction of the c-ring slip are provided. The c-ring slip retention system may use an axially movable support sleeve with a support ring for securing the c-ring slip against a retention lip of the liner hanger body. The disclosed retention system prevents the c-ring slip from being prematurely extracted from a liner hanger body while the liner hanger is lowered through a borehole. The c-ring slip retention system may also include anti-rotation features that prevent the c-ring slip from rotating relative to the liner hanger body. A single actuation of the support sleeve in an axial direction may unlock the c-ring slip from the retention lip, disengage the anti-rotation features, compress the c-ring slip out of the keyed profile, and extract the c-ring slip from the liner hanger body.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a ram-style riser tensioner system includes a plurality of cylinders for applying a desired tension to a riser, a support structure coupled to the riser, and a plurality of gas accumulators. Each of the cylinders is coupled to the support structure, and each of the gas accumulators is configured to provide pressurized gas to a corresponding one of the cylinders. The ram-style riser tensioner also includes a plurality of support rods coupled to the support structure for reducing bending moments on the plurality of cylinders.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for operating a downhole tool are disclosed. A downhole tool configuration device includes an upper stem movable between an up position and a down position. The upper stem comprises an extended portion. An outer sleeve is selectively coupleable to the upper stem at the up position and the down position and an inner sleeve is selectively coupleable to the upper stem at the up position and the down position. In the up position, the upper stem is operable to transfer tension to the outer sleeve and torque to the inner sleeve. In the down position, the upper stem is operable to transfer torque to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a ram-style riser tensioner cylinder assembly includes an outer cylinder barrel and an inner rod barrel disposed within and extending in a first direction from the outer cylinder barrel. The cylinder assembly also includes a high pressure seal disposed along a sliding interface between an end of the inner rod barrel and an inner wall of the outer cylinder barrel. In addition, the cylinder assembly includes a cap coupled to an end of the inner rod barrel extending from the outer cylinder barrel, and a fluid reservoir disposed in the cap. The fluid reservoir may be used to store and communicate fluid from the fluid reservoir to the high pressure seal for lubricating the seal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for riser monitoring are disclosed. A riser monitoring system includes a riser assembly having a plurality of riser components, wherein the riser assembly includes an internal bore running through the plurality of riser components. An external sensor is disposed on an outer surface of the riser assembly, an internal sensor is disposed along the internal bore of the riser assembly, or both. A communication system is coupled to the external sensor, internal sensor, or both to communicate signals from the external and/or internal sensors to an operator monitoring system.

Abstract: An example deflection absorbing tensioner frame for a platform of an offshore vessel may include at least one metal beam supporting a tensioner. A deflection absorber may be coupled to at least one metal beam. The deflection absorber may be configured to absorb axial, rotational, and lateral deflections in a platform deck coupled to the deflection absorber.

Abstract: A wear bushing (10) and a running tool (32) are provided for a subsea wellhead assembly including a wellhead housing and a casing hanger. The wear bushing is landed on the casing hanger, and a connector (16) axially connects the wear bushing and the wellhead housing. The running tool is actuated to connect the wear bushing, such that at least a portion of the connector is received within a corresponding recess in an interior wall of the wellhead housing. A bushing/casing hanger latch (18) axially connects the wear bushing and the casing hanger.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for connecting a riser tensioner system to a riser are disclosed. A system for coupling a tensioner cylinder to a riser includes a top pin connection disposed at a first distal end of the tensioner cylinder. The top pin connection couples the tensioner cylinder to a platform. The tensioner cylinder includes an extension rod and a bottom pin connection is disposed at a second distal end of the tensioner cylinder on the extension rod. A tension ring is coupled to the riser. An adjustable linkage system is coupled to the tensioner cylinder and includes an attachment mechanism and a positioning mechanism. The adjustable linkage system is operable to couple the tensioner cylinder to the tension ring.