Patents Assigned to NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITED
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Patent number: 11686163Abstract: A connection assembly and a method comprises first and second connector portions having a preload mechanism comprising a plurality of bores and threaded fixings circumferentially spaced around the axis, wherein the preload mechanism is arranged to apply an axial load between shoulders on the first and second connector portions when torque is applied to the threaded fixings. An annular sealing member is compressed between the first and second portions, and the axial load applied between the first and second shoulders by the preload mechanism exceeds a peak hydrodynamic load urging the first and second connector portions in a direction along the axis. The axial force applied by the preload mechanism advantageously reduces the fatigue damage experienced by the connection, for example, by cyclic pressure changes within the connector portions typically caused by pumps operating at high pressures.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITEDInventors: Richard Matthew Westgarth, Graham Knox, Jonathan Tweddle
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Patent number: 11506314Abstract: An articulating flow line connector for connecting two sections or portions of a flow line, which may be a pressurized flow line. The connector may be configured to provide a sealed connection between the two sections or portions of the flow line, and may provide for a rotating or swiveling connection between the two sections. The articulating flow line connector may generally have a seal carrier ring arranged between two flow lines hubs. Each flow line hub may connect to an end of a flow line section. The seal carrier ring may be configured to provide both a sealing surface and at least one bearing surface. The seal carrier ring may have a sealing flange, a bearing flange, and a web portion extending between the flanges. The connector may additionally have a clamp arranged around or over the seal carrier ring and a portion of the two hubs.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITEDInventors: Richard Westgarth, Jonathan Tweddle
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Patent number: 11486206Abstract: A connection assembly for a well comprises first and second tubular, one of which is adapted to connect to the well, the first tubular having a bore adapted to receive the second tubular. The first and second tubulars lock together, and have first and second seals compressed between an outer surface of the second tubular and an inner surface of the first tubular to create a fluid chamber. The second seal is axially and radially spaced from the first seal. A hydraulic pressure system is adapted to drive hydraulic fluid into the fluid chamber to urge the second tubular out of the first tubular when the first and second seals are compressed between the first and second tubulars. A method of making connections is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITEDInventor: Carl Wood
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Patent number: 11123664Abstract: A shale shaker includes a basket having a front, solids discharge end and a rear, feed end spaced apart by opposed first and second sides. The basket includes a lower, first, screen deck and an upper, second, screen deck directly above the first screen deck. The screening surfaces of the screen decks are spaced apart, by a vertical spacing of from 20 mm to 250 mm. There is a cavity above the feed receiving end of the first screen deck, in direct fluid communication with the space between the screening surfaces of the first and second screen decks ( ) that only receives feed that has passed through the upper, second, screen deck. The cavity extends to higher than the extreme end of the screening surface of the second screen deck, at its feed receiving end.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventor: Marshall Graham Bailey
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Publication number: 20210190242Abstract: A connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member includes a first tubular end, a second tubular end, a load shoulder member threadable onto the first tubular end, and a nut receivable around the first tubular end and the load shoulder member and threadable onto the second tubular end. The connection also includes a keyway through the load shoulder member and into the first tubular end to receive a key member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 24, 2021Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITEDInventor: Richard Matthew Westgarth
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Patent number: 11041356Abstract: A wireline sealing assembly adapted to seal a line such as wireline or slickline deployed in an oil or gas well has a body to receive a line and a seal adapted to be actuated into sealing engagement with the line to contain wellbore pressure within the well below the actuated seal. The seal comprises first and second seal members, each seal member comprising at least one sealing element, wherein the first and second seal members are formed of different materials. The second seal member may have a greater hardness rating or lower degree of resilience that the first seal member. The first and second seal members may radially deform against the line when the seal is actuated, and the first seal member may radially deform more than the second seal member. The seal may also comprise a third seal member comprising at least one sealing element, wherein the third seal member is formed of a different material to the first and second seal members.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITEDInventors: John Ronald Hartley Craig, George Alexander Senkbeil
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Patent number: 10513890Abstract: A top drive apparatus for facilitating communication between a computer apparatus and a device in a drill string, particularly, but not exclusively during tripping, the drill string comprising a pipe (13) having a threaded box end (140) and a pipe communication element (160) therein, the top drive apparatus comprising a top drive (30) having a main shaft (29) and a tool (101) rotationally fast therewith, the tool (101) comprising a threaded pin end (125) having a tool communication element (170) projecting therefrom, such that in use the thread does not have to be made up to obtain a communication between the pipe communication element and the tool communication element, either by induction and most optionally a physical contact therebetween to provide an electrical contact therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventors: Richard Verhoef, John Bradley Applewhite
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Patent number: 10473132Abstract: Apparatus for coupling first and second tubular members includes a first ring coupled to the first tubular member and having a castellated annular first surface with teeth extending in a first direction, and having a projecting tab extending in a second direction opposite the first. The tab is received in a recess in the first tubular member and has a beveled surface. A key is configured to be disposed in the first recess, and has a beveled surface that engages the beveled surface of the tab. A through-bore in the key is aligned with a fastener-receiving bore in the first tubular member and a fastener is disposed in the aligned bores. A second castellated annular surface coupled to the second tubular member has teeth meshing with the teeth of the first castellated annual surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITEDInventor: Richard Matthew Westgarth
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Publication number: 20170321494Abstract: Disclosed is a connection comprising first and second lined tubular members having a coincident bore and a protective ring. The first lined tubular member has a pin end and the second lined tubular member has a box end. Each lined tubular member includes a tubular body, an annular liner, and a mortar filled annulus therebetween. The mortar filled annulus has an annular recess therein at at least one of the pin end and box end for receiving a part of the protective ring. The part received may be a flange on the ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventor: Thomas Kilpatrick MCLAUGHLIN
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Patent number: 9803432Abstract: A roller device for incorporation into a wireline tool string for use in an oil or gas well has a body with rollers comprising captive bearings arranged on the outer surface of the body to rotate around more than one axis relative to the body, and wherein the rollers are arranged in at least one or more helix around the body. Each helix completes at least one full circumferential turn around the body. The rollers circumferentially overlap one another on the body, so that when the body engages the inner wall of the wellbore, the entire circumference of the body is supported by at least one roller.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO UK LIMITEDInventors: Carl Wood, Harry Richard Stanley O'Brien
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Patent number: 9689211Abstract: A wireline connector device (10) for use in wireline intervention operations comprises a housing (18) connected to a first wireline conduit (L), a piston sleeve (46) located within the housing, and a collet device (60) configured to receive and retain a second wireline conduit, the collet device having a plurality of collet fingers (58) arranged within the piston sleeve, which is movable within the housing to open and close the collet fingers. Optionally a restrictor (57) can be configured to control the movement of the piston sleeve, and can be adjustable to lock the piston sleeve in the second position when the collet fingers are closed around the second wireline conduit. Typically at least one indicator rod (55) projects from the housing, and the piston sleeve engages indictor rod in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventors: Runi Joensen, Christopher McLaren
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Patent number: 9644447Abstract: A wireline pressure control apparatus for use in an oil or gas well, comprising a grease injector having first and second tubes (10) and a bore (12), and a grease injection channel in communication with the bore for injecting grease between the outer surface of the wireline and the inner surface of the bore. The bore (12) has radial passages (15) at spaced apart locations providing a leak path for fluids between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the tubes, allowing pressure to equalize. The radial passages are in fluid communication with one another outwith the bore.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventors: Carl Wood, Runi Joensen, Christopher McLaren, John Craig
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Publication number: 20150361731Abstract: A roller device for incorporation into a wireline tool string for use in an oil or gas well has a body with rollers comprising captive bearings arranged on the outer surface of the body to rotate around more than one axis relative to the body, and wherein the rollers are arranged in at least one or more helix around the body. Each helix completes at least one full circumferential turn around the body. The rollers circumferentially overlap one another on the body, so that when the body engages the inner wall of the wellbore, the entire circumference of the body is supported by at least one roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: December 17, 2015Applicant: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventors: Carl Wood, Harry Richard Stanley O'Brien
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Patent number: 9206668Abstract: A valve has a moveable member movable between open and closed configurations and a cutting device arranged to shear against an anvil member when moving between the open and closed configurations and a sealing member providing a seat for seating of the moveable member when the moveable member is in the closed configuration. The anvil member and the sealing member are moveable relative to one another when the moveable member is moving from the open to the closed configuration. During opening and closing the sealing member is displaced away from the cutting device as the cutting device engages the anvil member. The sealing member is pushed away from the moveable member and the anvil to a maximum separation from the movable member at the point on the stroke when the cutting surface of the moveable member is moving past the anvil member.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventor: Carl Richard Wood
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Patent number: 8967589Abstract: The present disclosure relates to seals and sealing arrangements, especially those used in wireline valves. The seal comprises an elastomeric seal body with a sealing surface, a plurality of generally planar inserts embedded within the elastomeric seal body adjacent the sealing surface, and having elastomeric seal material disposed between the plurality of generally planar inserts. The generally planar inserts may have a slightly wedge shape and may be embedded into the elastomeric seal body in a generally fan-shaped orientation. They may be orientated such that upon contacting a substantially tubular shaped body to be sealed around and the subsequent deformation of the seal body about said substantially tubular shaped body, the plurality of generally planar inserts become orientated such that they extend radially from the substantially tubular shaped body.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventors: Carl Richard Wood, Runi Djurhuus Joensen, George Senkbeil
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Publication number: 20140318809Abstract: A wireline connector device (10) for use in wireline intervention operations comprises a housing (18) connected to a first wireline conduit (L), a piston sleeve (46) located within the housing, and a collet device (60) configured to receive and retain a second wireline conduit, the collet device having a plurality of collet fingers (58) arranged within the piston sleeve, which is movable within the housing to open and close the collet fingers. Optionally a restrictor (57) can be configured to control the movement of the piston sleeve, and can be adjustable to lock the piston sleeve in the second position when the collet fingers are closed around the second wireline conduit. Typically at least one indicator rod (55) projects from the housing, and the piston sleeve engages indictor rod in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventors: Runi Joensen, Christopher McLaren
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Patent number: 8770541Abstract: A sealing apparatus and method is disclosed, particularly for sealing around an elongate member which passes through a throughbore of a valve device, the apparatus having an upper sealing element and a lower sealing element, each being adapted to change configuration from an open configuration to a sealed configuration within the valve device to seal the throughbore of the valve device around the elongate member. The upper and lower sealing elements are separate and moveable independently from one another, and are configured to be actuated between open and sealed configurations by a common actuator. This actuation reduces the stack height and the weight of the valve, and reduces the number of well seals.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: National Oilwell Varco UK, LimitedInventor: Carl Richard Wood
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Publication number: 20130081823Abstract: A valve has a moveable member movable between open and closed configurations and a cutting device arranged to shear against an anvil member when moving between the open and closed configurations and a sealing member providing a seat for seating of the moveable member when the moveable member is in the closed configuration. The anvil member and the sealing member are moveable relative to one another when the moveable member is moving from the open to the closed configuration. During opening and closing the sealing member is displaced away from the cutting device as the cutting device engages the anvil member. The sealing member is pushed away from the moveable member and the anvil to a maximum separation from the movable member at the point on the stroke when the cutting surface of the moveable member is moving past the anvil member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventor: National Oilwell Varco UK Limited
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Publication number: 20120241663Abstract: A sealing apparatus and method is disclosed, particularly for sealing around an elongate member which passes through a throughbore of a valve device, the apparatus having an upper sealing element and a lower sealing element, each being adapted to change configuration from an open configuration to a sealed configuration within the valve device to seal the throughbore of the valve device around the elongate member. The upper and lower sealing elements are separate and moveable independently from one another, and are configured to be actuated between open and sealed configurations by a common actuator. This actuation reduces the stack height and the weight of the valve, and reduces the number of well seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: National Oilwell Varco UK, LimitedInventor: Carl Richard Wood
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Patent number: D732086Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: National Oilwell Varco UK LimitedInventors: Harry Richard Stanley O'Brien, Carl Richard Wood