Patents Assigned to FMC
  • Patent number: 9778069
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus (280) for determining an estimate of a position of a hydraulic subsea actuator (200), wherein the hydraulic subsea actuator (200) has a fluid port (220) fluidly connected to a fluid source (260). The apparatus (280) comprises a hydraulic cylinder (310) connected in series between the fluid source (260) and the fluid port (220) of the hydraulic subsea actuator, and a movable piston (320) arranged in the second hydraulic cylinder (310), a position determining device, arranged to determine a position of the movable piston (320), and a signal processing device (350), arranged to calculate the estimate of the position of the hydraulic subsea actuator based on the position of the movable piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Ole Vidar Jonsjord
  • Patent number: 9772206
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the flow rates of a multi-component fluid mixture is disclosed. The temperature and pressure of the multi-component mixture is determined. The fractions of the multi-component mixture are determined based on at least two measured physical properties of the mixture and knowledge of the same physical property of the individual components. The velocity of the multi component mixture is determined. The flow rate of the individual component of the fluid is determined. An electromagnetic measurement is performed. A statistical parameter related to the electromagnetic measurement is calculated and compared to an empirical derived threshold value corresponding to the value of the statistical parameter when only one of the components of the multi component mixture is present. The thickness of unwanted deposits on the pipe wall is determined and an improved flow rate determination of the individual components of the fluid is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS
    Inventors: Arnstein Wee, Kenneth Gundersen
  • Patent number: 9770030
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel synergistic herbicidal suspoemulsion compositions of fomesafen and fluthiacet-methyl that have superior chemical and physical stability and increased herbicidal action when compared to tank mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Martin, Shiv D. Sharma, Sandra Shinn
  • Patent number: 9759592
    Abstract: A method for determining the flow rates of a fluid comprising a multi-component mixture of a gas and at least one liquid in a pipe, the method comprising the following steps: a. The temperature and pressure of the multi-component mixture is determined, b. the fractions of the multi-component mixture is determined based on at least two measured physical properties of the multi-components mixture and knowledge of the same physical property of the individual components of the multi-component mixture, c. the velocity of the multi component mixture is determined, d. based on the result from step a-c, the flow rate of the individual component of the fluid is determined, characterized by a method for determining the physical properties of at least one of the components of the multi-component mixture where e. an electromagnetic loss or phase measurement is performed, f. a statistical parameter related to the electromagnetic measurement is calculated, g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS
    Inventors: Arnstein Wee, Ingve Morten Skjaeldal
  • Publication number: 20170254169
    Abstract: A subsea tree for use with a well includes a master block that has a flow hub located at the top of the subsea tree, a flow bore in fluid communication with the well, a swab valve, and a master valve. A choke block is coupled to a side of the subsea tree and includes a choke in a flow passage of the choke block. The swab valve is selectively closed so that fluid flowing through the master block is directed through the choke in the choke block. A method for operating the subsea tree, includes directing flow of a first fluid into the flow bore of the subsea tree, through the choke of the choke block, and then into the flow bore of the subsea tree. The method includes reversing flow of a direction of a second fluid through the subsea tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9751028
    Abstract: The present invention regards an inline separator with a first pipe element (10) comprising a rotation-generating element (11) for the fluid flow downstream of an inlet (13) in the first pipe (10), a second pipe element (20) arranged at least partly inside the first pipe element (10), downstream of the rotation-generating element (11) and forming an outlet (25) for lighter density fluids, the first and second pipe elements (10, 20) forming an annular space (27) between an inner surface (15) of the first pipe element (10) and an outer surface (22) of the second pipe element (20), which annular space (27) is connected to a first outlet section (30) for heavier density fluids, wherein the second pipe element (20) is provided with a number of through-going openings (26) over at least a part of its length, the openings (26) leading to a second outlet section (31) for heavier density fluids, and both the first outlet section (30) and the second outlet section (31) are connected to a common container (40) with an ou
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Separation Systems, BV
    Inventor: Mohamed Reda Akdim
  • Publication number: 20170241243
    Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, the manifold comprises a block with at least one drilled header hole formed within the block, a plurality of drilled flow inlet holes formed within the block, wherein the number of drilled flow inlet holes corresponds to the number of the plurality of external flow lines that supply fluid (e.g., oil/gas) to the manifold and a plurality of isolation valves coupled to the block wherein the valve element for each of the isolation valves is positioned within the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: FMC TECHNOLOGIES DO BRASIL LTDA
    Inventors: Luciano Gomes Martins, Paulo Augusto Couto Filho, Alex Ceccon De Azevedo, Alan Zaragoza Labes
  • Patent number: 9739407
    Abstract: The present invention regards a manifold for use in a flow system, comprising a longitudinal main pipe section (1) with one inlet (13) connectable to a feed pipe (9) and at least two outlets (14) arranged in a row along the main pipe section (1), where a center axis (15) of the main pipe section (1) during normal use extends in a mainly horizontal direction. The outlets (14) are arranged in a lower half of the main pipe section (1) and connected to outlet pipe sections (22) arranged with a center axis (21) extending with an downward angle from the main pipe section (1). The invention also regards a method for distributing a mixed flow into several pipes and a method for cooling a multiphase fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Tine Bauck Irmann-Jacobsen, Stein Følkner, Bjarte Haegland, Reidar Barfod Schuller, Atle Jensen
  • Publication number: 20170223961
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a dual mode of action herbicidal formulation for controlling weeds in sugarcane culture during the humid season comprising at least one herbicide pesticide selected from the group of triazolinones and at least one herbicide pesticide selected from the group of urea. The present invention further refers to methods for controlling undesirable weeds, comprising applying the formulation of the present invention to plants, thereby providing a faster initial development of the crop, providing higher production levels and increasing crop yield, in addition to the longevity of the sugarcane plantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: FMC QUÍMICA DO BRASIL LTDA
    Inventors: Alessandro Leal NOGUEIRA, Rodrigo Tavares MARQUES, Yemel ORTEGA, Danilo TUBALDINI, Ricardo WELANG
  • Patent number: 9708040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transfer of a fluid product and its use, comprising at least one tubular arrangement for conveying the product between two locations and having two segments (2a, 2b) articulated to each other by a first of their ends, the opposite end of a first of the two segments being rotatably suspended from a support arm (1) adapted to be installed at one of the two locations and the opposite end of the second segment being able to be connected to a coupling means adapted to be installed at the second location, first means (13, 15) for turning the first segment (2a) relative to the arm, for the purpose of lowering its first end from a storage position on the same side as the support arm and second means (33,11) for pulling up the end of the second segment (2b) which end is adapted to be linked to the coupling means for the purpose of connecting that end to the coupling means (6) from underneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, S.A.
    Inventors: Renaud Le Devehat, Eric Morilhat
  • Patent number: 9702212
    Abstract: A subsea hydrocarbon production system comprises a tubing hanger which is positioned at an upper end of a well bore, a tubing string which extends from the tubing hanger into the well bore and is fluidly connected to the tubing hanger production bore, and a christmas tree which is positioned above the tubing hanger. The christmas tree comprises a production bore which is fluidly connected to the tubing hanger production bore, a production outlet which is connected to the production bore, a first barrier element which is positioned in the production outlet, and a first closure device which is positioned in the production bore above the production outlet. In this manner access from above the christmas tree through the production bore does not require passage through a barrier element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jøren Breda, Egil Åsli, Eric R. Smedstad, Richard Murphy, Paul L. Riley
  • Patent number: 9702223
    Abstract: The present invention regards a subsea cooling unit comprising a first header pipe (48), a second header pipe (46) having its longitudinal axis substantially parallel with and in a distance from the first header pipe, and arranged between the first and second header pipe, at least one set of cooler coils (400); where the at least one set is formed such that the coils of the one set is arranged in one plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Tine Irmann-Jacobsen, Brian Gyles, Magnus Huse
  • Patent number: 9702215
    Abstract: A subsea tree for use with a well includes a master block that has a flow hub located at the top of the subsea tree, a flow bore in fluid communication with the well, a swab valve, and a master valve. A choke block is coupled to a side of the subsea tree and includes a choke in a flow passage of the choke block. The swab valve is selectively closed so that fluid flowing through the master block is directed through the choke in the choke block. A method for operating the subsea tree, includes directing flow of a first fluid into the flow bore of the subsea tree, through the choke of the choke block, and then into the flow bore of the subsea tree. The method includes reversing flow of a direction of a second fluid through the subsea tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9687757
    Abstract: A phase splitter for separating a multiphase fluid into a relatively light phase and a relatively heavy phase includes a separator tube which comprises a fluid inlet through which the multiphase fluid enters the apparatus, a heavy phase outlet through which the heavy phase exits the apparatus and an inner diameter surface which defines a flow bore that extends between the fluid inlet and the heavy phase outlet. A swirl element positioned in the flow bore downstream of the fluid inlet causes the multiphase fluid to rotate and separate the heavy phase from the light phase. The light phase forms an elongated core which extends axially through the flow bore radially inwardly of the heavy phase from proximate the swirl element toward the heavy phase outlet. A core stabilizer is positioned in the flow bore between the swirl element and the heavy phase outlet and engages the distal end of the light phase core to thereby inhibit the light phase from exiting the apparatus through the heavy phase outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Separation Systems, BV
    Inventor: Mohamed Reda Akdim
  • Publication number: 20170159410
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a shared actuation system to place tools on any subsea valve interface on an oil production station located in a subsea structure, such as a manifold. The system comprises a connection device for connection to the subsea structure, attached to the connection device at least one structural element, all connected to each other through rotary joints, providing at least two degrees of freedom for a distal end of the structure elements where an actuation tool is positioned, for interaction with the valve interfaces on the subsea structure, where the structural elements further is connected to a sail element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: FMC TECHNOLOGIES DO BRASIL LTDA
    Inventors: Alex Ceccon De Azevedo, Leonardo De Araujo Bernardo, Alan Zaragoza Labes
  • Patent number: 9671267
    Abstract: A method for determining the flow rates of a multi-component mixture in a pipe including a gas phase and a liquid phase comprising an emulsion of oil and water, the emulsion being either of the water continuous type or the oil continuous type, the method comprising the following steps: a. the flow rates of the individual components of the multi-component mixture are measured, b. the Reynolds number of the multi-component mixture is measured, c. the emulsion type of the liquid phase of the multi-component mixture is determined, and d. based on the results from steps b and c, a more accurate flow-rate of the individual components of the multi-component mixture and a fluid property of at least one of the components of the multi-component mixture are calculated. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS
    Inventors: Arnstein Wee, Kenneth Gundersen
  • Publication number: 20170149052
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium metal powder protected by a substantially continuous layer of a polymer. Such a substantially continuous polymer layer provides improved protection such as compared to typical CO2-passivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: FMC Corporation, Lithium Division
    Inventors: Marina Yakovleva, Yuan Gao, Kenneth Brian Fitch, Prakash Thyaga Palepu, Yangxing Li, Christopher Jay Woltermann
  • Publication number: 20170138141
    Abstract: An apparatus, fixed or recoverable to control a remote device includes a valve assembly having a cylinder, a piston dividing the cylinder into a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber, a spring to bias the piston toward the first hydraulic chamber, and a linkage to connect the piston to the remote device, a quick-vent valve assembly comprising an inlet connected to a hydraulic source, an outlet connected to the first hydraulic chamber, and a vent port, wherein the quick-vent valve assembly is configured to discharge fluid from the outlet to the vent when a pressure of the hydraulic source connected to the inlet drops below a threshold value, and a vent line connecting the vent port of the quick-vent valve assembly to a hydraulic accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis Holmes, Iain G. Duncan, Kevin Masterson
  • Patent number: 9650842
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a riser joint for a riser with a joint connecting two parts of a riser where the two parts are allowed angular displacement. According to the invention the riser joint comprises means for connection to the two parts of the riser at a distance from the joint, and means for adding a force between the two parts. The invention also relates to a method for reducing bending moments in a riser at a connection between the riser and a subsea installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Hans-Paul Carlsen, Tor-Øystein Carlsen, Olav Inderberg
  • Patent number: D795930
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Lamar Buckelew, David Wheeler, Neil Destefano, Timothy M. Martin, Adam Prestegord, Shawn Grant, Gary Grant