Patents Assigned to Vetco Gray Inc.
  • Hybrid Seal
    Publication number: 20130000920
    Abstract: A casing hanger seal assembly is lowered into a pocket between a casing hanger and a wellhead housing while in a run-in position. The seal assembly has a metal-to-metal upper seal ring and an elastomeric and metal lower seal ring carried by and below the upper seal ring. The upper and lower seal rings are movable from a run-in position to a set position sealing between the sidewalls of the casing hanger and the wellhead housing by applying a downward force. The downward force required to move the lower seal ring to the set position is less than the downward force required to move the upper seal ring to the set position. A downward force applied to the upper seal ring after the lower seal ring has landed in the pocket transfers to the lower seal ring to cause the lower seal ring to move to the set position before the upper seal ring moves to the set position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Khanh Anh Duong
  • Pipe Guide Arms for Blind Shear Rams
    Publication number: 20120318493
    Abstract: A pipe shear ram assembly has a housing having a bore extending vertically therethrough for the passage of a pipe string. Ram blocks have blades positioned such that one slides over the other when the first and second ram blocks are moved toward each other to shear a well pipe. A pair of guide arms extend from one of the rams. The guide arms have tips protruding a greater distance than the blade. Each of the guide arms has an inboard wedge surface beginning at the tip and extending along a line that intersects the longitudinal axis for guiding the pipe string toward a bore axis of the bore in the event the first and second ram blocks are moved to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Carbaugh, Leonard G. Childers, Viral Shah
  • GATE VALVE SEAT AND SEAT RING
    Publication number: 20120318528
    Abstract: A gate valve has a body, the body having a cavity and a flow passage intersecting the cavity. A seat is mounted to the body at the intersection of the flow passage and the cavity. A gate is installed at the cavity and has an engaging face that slidingly engages the seat while the gate is being moved between open and closed positions. The end faces between a seat pocket and the seat are hard-coated and smooth-finished to provide sealing when mated. The hardcoated pocket and seat sealing surfaces extend the life of the valve by eliminating the need for an elastomeric seal of limited life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Wolfe, Dennis Gray, Leonardo Ajdelsztajn
  • Tensioner anti-rotation device
    Patent number: 8333243
    Abstract: A tensioner anti-rotation device and method that transfers rotational force from an offshore platform deck to a riser in response to waves and currents. The device includes a bracket mounted on the deck, and a rib that transfers force from the deck through the bracket, to the rib, and into the riser such that the tensioners on the riser are not subjected to torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Fife B. Ellis
  • EXPANDABLE SOLID LOAD RING FOR CASING HANGER
    Publication number: 20120312542
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a housing with a bore. A hanger is lowered into the housing, the hanger having at least one downward facing load shoulder. An expandable load ring is carried on the hanger. When casing weight is applied to the hanger, the weight energizes the load ring, causing it to expand and thereby increase the contact area between a load shoulder on the load ring and a load shoulder on the housing. The shoulders create a path for the load to be transferred to the housing. The increase in contact area increases the load carrying capacity of the hanger. The load ring expansion is limited to elastic expansion to allow it to return to a retracted position when the casing weight is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Sibu Varghese, Chad Yates
  • Remotely operated drill pipe valve
    Patent number: 8327945
    Abstract: A valve, such as a ball valve, is assembled and carried by a running tool. The valve is actuated by an actuator that is triggered by the running tool, and thus opens and closes communication between the drill pipe and the volume below the running tool. An actuating cam is assembled below the running tool that interfaces the actuator. The actuating cam is threaded such that it travels axially as the drill pipe is turned. A profile on the actuating cam is timed with the function of the running tool and controls the action of the actuator such that the valve is open when the running tool function requires communication with the volume below the running tool and the valve is closed when the running tool needs to be pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas P. Gette, Gregory M. Dunn
  • Wellhead isolation protection sleeve
    Patent number: 8327943
    Abstract: An isolation sleeve extends from an adapter into the bore of a tubing head to isolate high pressure frac fluid from the body of the tubing head. The isolation sleeve may be installed by a running tool that can screw the sleeve onto a packoff bushing located within the tubing head. The running tool can also retrieve the isolation sleeve by unscrewing it from the packoff bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Borak, Alfredo Olvera
  • Acoustically measuring annulus probe depth
    Patent number: 8327934
    Abstract: A casing annulus is remediated by inserting a hose into a casing annulus, the hose having a nozzle on its lower end. An acoustic signal is directed into the annulus. A sensor in the hose receives the acoustic signal and transmits data from the sensor to the surface. The data represents the acoustic signal arrival time to the sensor, and an analyzer estimates the sensor depth based on the data. The hose is inserted from a reel into a wellhead above the annulus. An electrical transducer mechanically coupled to the hose creates the acoustic signal. The signal is propagated along the hose and transferred to the fluid in the annulus, where it then propagates further into the annulus. The transducer can be installed on a hose roller along which the hose is fed into the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
  • ANNULUS VENT SYSTEM FOR SUBSEA WELLHEAD ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20120305259
    Abstract: A wellhead system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation that includes concentric tubulars that form an annulus. The annulus is vented by flowing fluid from the annulus through a bleed line having a valve that is selectively opened and closed. Upstream of the bleed line valve, the bleed line is routed adjacent a production flow line. The temperature of the fluid in the production flow line is greater than annulus temperature and warms the bleed line. Hydrate formation in the bleed line is thereby inhibited by the thermal energy it receives from the production flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bell
  • Riser buoyancy adjustable thrust column
    Patent number: 8322438
    Abstract: An offshore drilling riser joint has a central riser pipe, a number of auxiliary lines mounted around it, and a buoyancy module assembly of a buoyant material. A pair of upper thrust sleeves slide over two of the auxiliary lines, each of the upper thrust sleeves having a flange in contact with an upper end of the buoyancy module assembly. Each of the upper thrust sleeves transfer upward thrust imposed by the buoyancy module assembly to an upper support flange mounted to the central riser pipe. A pair of lower thrust sleeves slide over two of the auxiliary lines. Each lower thrust sleeve has a lower thrust flange that is engaged by a lower end of the buoyancy module assembly. Each of the lower thrust sleeves transfer weight of the buoyancy module assembly while out of water to a lower support flange mounted to the central riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Larson, Rick L. Stringfellow, Jesse L. Bullard, Jim R. Reams
  • Casing hanger nesting indicator
    Patent number: 8322428
    Abstract: A casing hanger nesting indicator generates a signal to notify personnel on the surface that a wellhead member has properly landed on a predetermined surface within the wellbore. The casing hanger nesting indicator comprises a signaling device such as an explosive charge or a frequency shift key wherein the noise or vibration of the signaling device travels through the wellbore, via the drilling conduit in some embodiments, up to the surface platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
  • Split assembly attachment device
    Patent number: 8322436
    Abstract: A spider assembly is a round platform with a central bore used to support sections of casing as the sections of casing are joined to one another and lowered below a drilling platform. The spider assembly comprises two c-shaped section joined together at two seams, one seam at the end of each leg of the c-shape. A clamping plate is used to join each seam and apply a preload force on the joint. The preload force minimizes axial deflection at the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Tsorng-Jong Maa
  • Wellhead tree pressure limiting device
    Patent number: 8322443
    Abstract: A pressure relief device is used to relieve pressure in a void within a wellhead housing. In one embodiment, the pressure relief device includes a plunger having a stepped plug, wherein the plug can be fully open to allow flow from the void, restricted to allow a predetermined flow to relieve pressure, or closed to prevent flow from the void. In another embodiment, the pressure relief device includes a vacuum puller that creates negative pressure in a vessel. As fluid in the void expands, it is able to enter the space formerly occupied by the plunger. In yet another embodiment, a rupture disc is used to prevent fluid from flowing from the void, through a passage, to the wellbore. If pressure in the void exceeds a predetermined value, the rupture disc yields and allows the trapped fluid to flow to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Given, Neil J. Scott, William D. Munro
  • Well unloading package
    Patent number: 8322442
    Abstract: A method of unloading a well using a modular adapter having a pump, a pump suction line, and a pump discharge line. The adapter is connected to a subsea wellhead assembly so that the pump suction line communicates with a main bore in the wellhead assembly and the pump discharge line communicates with a production line attached to the wellhead assembly. The production line is isolated from the main bore and the pump draws fluid from within the well and discharges it into the production line. After unloading the well, the adapter can be removed and moved to another location for well unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Voss
  • Open water recoverable drilling protector
    Patent number: 8322441
    Abstract: A method and system for retrieving a wear bushing from within a subsea wellhead assembly. The system includes a retrieval tool deployable on a wireline that inserts within the bushing. Latches on the tool radially project outwards and mate with a groove on the bushing inner surface. A hydraulically actuated jack is included with the tool and projects downward to the wellhead assembly to pull the bushing from its temporary coupling in the wellhead assembly. A remotely operated vehicle can be used to assist deploying the tool and for supplying hydraulics and/or control for operating the latch and the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
  • Integrated electrical connector for use in a wellhead tree
    Patent number: 8322440
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly having a data sensor circuit for transmitting sensed data from within a wellbore to the well surface. The circuit includes a signal conduit axially inserted within the wall of a stab unit with connectors at the top and bottom portions of the stab unit. Corresponding connection leads are included within the wellhead assembly to connect with the stab unit connectors. The connectors may comprise a gallery ring wet connect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Davis S. Christie
  • Actuation assembly for riser connection dog
    Patent number: 8316948
    Abstract: A box and pin coupling for a drilling riser having an actuator assembly with an attached dog. The actuator assembly includes an actuation rod having an end affixed to the dog. A portion of the rod is circumscribed by an annular sleeve, where the outer surface of the sleeve is threadingly attached to one of the box or pin. A shoulder is formed on the rod outer circumference between the sleeve and the end of the rod attached to the dog. A retainer cap is provided on the end of the rod opposite where it attaches to the dog. The sleeve abuts the rod on one end, and the retainer cap on the other, so that rotating the sleeve axially moves the actuation rod, that in turn moves the attached dog into or out of engagement with a profile on the other of the box or pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Rick L. Stringfellow, Jesse L. Bullard, Tom A. Fraser, Brian N. Munk
  • TUBING HANGER SETTING CONFIRMATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120292035
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly provides a positive indication of landing of a wellhead member and locking of a wellhead member to a wellhead. The subsea wellhead assembly includes at least one positive indicator assembly disposed within a wellhead member, and a communication line extending down a running string from a platform to a running tool disposed in a subsea wellhead. The at least one positive indicator assembly provides confirmation of setting of the wellhead member, and the communication line is in communication with the positive indicator assembly to communicate the confirmation of setting with the platform following setting of the wellhead member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventor: Rodney Mark Fenwick
  • Metal-to-metal seal with travel seal bands
    Patent number: 8312922
    Abstract: A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. The exterior surfaces of the outer and inner walls contain a soft metal inlay. A wicker profile with a slick area is located on the outer surface of the inner wellhead member and on the inner surface of the outer wellhead member. An energizing ring is moved into the slot to force the outer and inner walls of the seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members. The soft metal inlays deform onto the slick area on the wellhead members. The wickers on the wellhead members embed into the walls of the seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Nelson
  • Marine drilling riser system
    Patent number: 8312933
    Abstract: A marine drilling riser system for securing drilling riser joints in a drilling riser string is presented. The drilling riser string is assembled by connecting a pin end of one drilling riser joint to a box end of an adjoining drilling riser joint by using a moveable ring to drive a fastener of one drilling riser joint against the adjoining drilling riser joint. A spider is used to drive the movable ring axially from a position where the fastener is not engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint to a position where the fastener is engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint, and vice versa. A latch is used to prevent the moveable ring from moving inadvertently from the second position. The spider may also be used to support the marine drilling riser string during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Larson, Rick L. Stringfellow, Richard T. Trenholme