Patents Assigned to Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
  • Patent number: 11554839
    Abstract: A system and process for removing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material from a subsea facility, disposing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material to a subsea facility, and recovering said rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: SAFE MARINE TRANSFER, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr., Tom A. Gay
  • Patent number: 11549340
    Abstract: A pressure rated well annulus fluid expansion storage device that is capable of managing pressure variation within a well annulus by removing or adding fluid to the well annulus. The well annulus fluid expansion storage device includes an annulus fluid expansion unit containing a well annulus fluid and a working fluid, the annulus fluid expansion unit further includes a moveable partition maintaining the working fluid and the well annulus fluid in separate chambers, a working fluid storage tank that stores the working fluid, an adjustable pressure control valve that maintains a pressure of the working fluid, a working fluid pump that feeds and pressurizes working fluid from the working fluid storage tank into the annulus fluid expansion unit, a check valve that allows flow of working fluid from the working fluid storage tank to the annulus fluid expansion unit, and a flow line for receiving and discharging well annulus fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr., Tom A. Gay
  • Publication number: 20220380118
    Abstract: A subsea material delivery structure, including at least one material storage tank, wherein the material storage tank includes a rigid outer container, at least one pressure balanced inner flexible container. A pinch prevention device may be disposed within the at least one inner flexible container to prevent premature closing of a fluid egress pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11435722
    Abstract: A process and smart controller for controlling a subsea smart electrical control unit. The process including collecting operating data from one or more devices and one or more control end points, calculating and performing in-situ analytics, and reporting a health and a status of the one or more devices and one or more control end points. The smart controller including one or more external sensors that create local control loops for real time operation, adjustment, and optimization of the controlled end device, wherein the external sensors are used with a smart controller to create one or more control loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SAFE MARINE TRANSFER, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Moreno, Matt York, Tom A. Gay, Art J. Schroeder, Jr., James E. Chitwood
  • Publication number: 20220219794
    Abstract: A system and process for removing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material from a subsea facility, disposing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material to a subsea facility, and recovering said rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material for reuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Applicant: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, JR., Tom A. Gay
  • Patent number: 11319040
    Abstract: A system and process for removing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material from a subsea facility, disposing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material to a subsea facility, and recovering said rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SAFE MARINE TRANSFER, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr., Tom A. Gay
  • Publication number: 20200277032
    Abstract: A system and process for removing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material from a subsea facility, disposing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material to a subsea facility, and recovering said rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material for reuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr., Tom A. Gay
  • Publication number: 20200190948
    Abstract: A pressure rated well annulus fluid expansion storage device that is capable of managing pressure variation within a well annulus by removing or adding fluid to the well annulus. The well annulus fluid expansion storage device includes an annulus fluid expansion unit containing a well annulus fluid and a working fluid, the annulus fluid expansion unit further includes a moveable partition maintaining the working fluid and the well annulus fluid in separate chambers, a working fluid storage tank that stores the working fluid, an adjustable pressure control valve that maintains a pressure of the working fluid, a working fluid pump that feeds and pressurizes working fluid from the working fluid storage tank into the annulus fluid expansion unit, a check valve that allows flow of working fluid from the working fluid storage tank to the annulus fluid expansion unit, and a flow line for receiving and discharging well annulus fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr., Tom A. Gay
  • Patent number: 10232919
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with a subsea equipment package mounted thereon. The structure is used for installation and recovery in a subsea environment by changing the buoyancy of the structure or ballasting the structure to effect a controlled sinking motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr., Jason C. Mailand, Timothy T. Krasin
  • Patent number: 10046907
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least one inner container disposed within the outer container. The at least one inner container contains at least one stored liquid which may be refilled from a surface vessel or host facility. The at least one inner container is flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volume of the at least one inner containers is variable. Disposed on the outer container is a balance assembly containing an isolation valve, a check valve, and a flexible bladder. The balance assembly allows for the hydrostatic pressure to be maintained during chemical dosing and tank raising operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9878761
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with equipment mounted thereon. The equipment may be liquid storage tanks, pumps, compressors, separators, metering systems, energy sources, communication systems, buoyancy tanks, and the like. The structure is used for disposal and installation in a subsea environment by changing the volume of buoyancy material within at least one buoyancy tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170259993
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least one inner container disposed within the outer container. The at least one inner container contains at least one stored liquid which may be refilled from a surface vessel or host facility. The at least one inner container is flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volume of the at least one inner containers is variable. Disposed on the outer container is a balance assembly containing an isolation valve, a check valve, and a flexible bladder. The balance assembly allows for the hydrostatic pressure to be maintained during chemical dosing and tank raising operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9656801
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least one inner container disposed within the outer container. The at least one inner container contains at least one stored liquid which may be refilled from a surface vessel or host facility. The at least one inner container is flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volume of the at least one inner containers is variable. Disposed on the outer container is a balance assembly containing an isolation valve, a check valve, and a flexible bladder. The balance assembly allows for the hydrostatic pressure to be maintained during chemical dosing and tank raising operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160325927
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least one inner container disposed within the outer container. The at least one inner container contains at least one stored liquid which may be refilled from a surface vessel or host facility. The at least one inner container is flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volume of the at least one inner containers is variable. Disposed on the outer container is a balance assembly containing an isolation valve, a check valve, and a flexible bladder. The balance assembly allows for the hydrostatic pressure to be maintained during chemical dosing and tank raising operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Applicant: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160059943
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with a subsea equipment package mounted thereon. The structure is used for installation and recovery in a subsea environment by changing the buoyancy of the structure or ballasting the structure to effect a controlled sinking motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: SAFE MARINE TRANSFER, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, JR., Jason C. Mailand, Timothy T. Krasin
  • Publication number: 20150375829
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with equipment mounted thereon. The equipment may be liquid storage tanks, pumps, compressors, separators, metering systems, energy sources, communication systems, buoyancy tanks, and the like. The structure is used for disposal and installation in a subsea environment by changing the volume of buoyancy material within at least one buoyancy tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: SAFE MARINE TRANSFER, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, JR.
  • Patent number: 9156609
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with equipment mounted thereon. The equipment may be liquid storage tanks, pumps, compressors, separators, metering systems, energy sources, communication systems, buoyancy tanks, and the like. The structure is used for disposal and installation in a subsea environment by changing the volume of buoyancy material within at least one buoyancy tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9079639
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least two inner containers disposed within the outer container. The first inner container contains seawater, and the second inner container contains at least one stored liquid. The at least two inner containers are flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volumes of the at least two inner containers are variable. The liquid storage tank is provided for disposal and installation in a subsea environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventor: James E. Chitwood
  • Publication number: 20140341657
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with equipment mounted thereon. The equipment may be liquid storage tanks, pumps, compressors, separators, metering systems, energy sources, communication systems, buoyancy tanks, and the like. The structure is used for disposal and installation in a subsea environment by changing the volume of buoyancy material within at least one buoyancy tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: SAFE MARINE TRANSFER, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, Art J. Schroeder, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140301790
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least two inner containers disposed within the outer container. The first inner container contains seawater, and the second inner container contains at least one stored liquid. The at least two inner containers are flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volumes of the at least two inner containers are variable. The liquid storage tank is provided for disposal and installation in a subsea environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Safe Marine Transfer, LLC
    Inventor: James E. Chitwood