Patents by Inventor Harold Brian Skeels
Harold Brian Skeels has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240110464Abstract: A method includes choosing a well site for Carbon Capture and Sequestration, preparing the well site for Carbon Capture and Sequestration, and hydraulic fracturing a target area in a formation using fracturing fluid containing a reactant proppant to form fractures in the target formation and to trap the reactant proppant in the fractures. The target formation is in communication with a well in the well site. Such methods also include injecting a volume of carbon dioxide into the fractures in the target formation, chemically reacting the volume of carbon dioxide with the reactant proppant, converting the volume of carbon dioxide into a carbonate, and storing the carbonate in the fractures in the target formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2022Publication date: April 4, 2024Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Harold Brian Skeels
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Publication number: 20240084789Abstract: An actuation device (100) includes a plurality of actuation units (101) disposed about an axis (Ar). Each actuation unit of the plurality of actuation units (101) includes a shape memory alloy component (104a-104n), an auxetic material component (105a-105n) operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n), and a power source (107a-107n) operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n). Additionally, the actuation device (100) includes a control system (108) operationally coupled to the power source (107a-107n), the control system (108) is configured to actuate the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n) through the power source (108). Further, when actuated, the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n) moves in a direction outward from the axis (Ar) to pull the auxetic material component (105a-105n), and the auxetic material component expands in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2022Publication date: March 14, 2024Applicant: FMC Technologies, IncInventor: Harold Brian Skeels
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Patent number: 10954744Abstract: A system for forming an upper plug in a well, the system, comprising lower tool segment that is adapted to land within a wellhead housing under open water conditions, a well control package that is adapted to be positioned above the lower segment and coupled to the wellhead housing, the well control package comprising at least one seal ram, an upper tool segment that is adapted to be positioned through the well control package (i.e., after the well control package has been attached to the wellhead) and operatively coupled to the lower tool segment, wherein at least one seal ram of the well control package is adapted to engage an outer surface of the upper tool segment, and at least one cutting means that is coupled to the lower segment and adapted to be actuated to cut at least one opening in at least one section of casing within the well.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Ole Eddie Karlsen, Luis Felipe de Barros Mendes, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
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Publication number: 20200165896Abstract: A system for forming an upper plug in a well, the system, comprising lower tool segment that is adapted to land within a wellhead housing under open water conditions, a well control package that is adapted to be positioned above the lower segment and coupled to the wellhead housing, the well control package comprising at least one seal ram, an upper tool segment that is adapted to be positioned through the well control package (i.e., after the well control package has been attached to the wellhead) and operatively coupled to the lower tool segment, wherein at least one seal ram of the well control package is adapted to engage an outer surface of the upper tool segment, and at least one cutting means that is coupled to the lower segment and adapted to be actuated to cut at least one opening in at least one section of casing within the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2017Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Ole Eddie Karlsen, Luis Felipe de Barros Mendes, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
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Patent number: 10344550Abstract: Disclosed is flow reversal system (100) that comprises a single direction flow device (101) adapted for receiving a fluid and first (120), second (122), third (124) and fourth (126) binary valves.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Harold Brian Skeels
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Patent number: 10344549Abstract: Disclosed are various to blockage remediation systems for removing blockages, e.g., hydrate plugs, debris plugs, etc., from subsea flowlines and subsea equipment. In one illustrative embodiment, the system includes, among other things, an ROV (102) deployed into a body of water from a surface vessel (10) and a blockage remediation skid (104) that is operatively coupled to the ROV (102), wherein the skid (104) includes at least a skid fluid inlet (108A) and a skid fluid outlet (106A). The system also includes a returns downline (106) and a pressurized lift-gas supply downline (108) that extends into the body of from the vessel (10). The returns downline (106) is operatively coupled to the skid fluid outlet (106A), while the pressurized lift-gas supply downline (108) is adapted to be operatively and directly coupled to the blockage remediation skid (104) or operatively and directly coupled to the returns downline (106).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Mark Alan Johnson, Kevin Roy Knight
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Publication number: 20180313181Abstract: Disclosed is flow reversal system (100) that comprises a single direction flow device (101) adapted for receiving a fluid and first (120), second (122), third (124) and fourth (126) binary valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2016Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventor: Harold Brian SKEELS
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Publication number: 20180298711Abstract: Disclosed are various to blockage remediation systems for removing blockages, e.g., hydrate plugs, debris plugs, etc., from subsea flowlines and subsea equipment. In one illustrative embodiment, the system includes, among other things, an ROV (102) deployed into a body of water from a surface vessel (10) and a blockage remediation skid (104) that is operatively coupled to the ROV (102), wherein the skid (104) includes at least a skid fluid inlet (108A) and a skid fluid outlet (106A). The system also includes a returns downline (106) and a pressurized lift-gas supply downline (108) that extends into the body of from the vessel (10). The returns downline (106) is operatively coupled to the skid fluid outlet (106A), while the pressurized lift-gas supply downline (108) is adapted to be operatively and directly coupled to the blockage remediation skid (104) or operatively and directly coupled to the returns downline (106).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2016Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Harold Brian SKEELS, Mark Alan JOHNSON, Kevin Roy KNIGHT
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Patent number: 9556713Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems that may be used to facilitate the retrieval and/or replacement of production and/or processing equipment that may be used for subsea oil and gas operations. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, among other things, removing at least a portion of trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) from subsea equipment (100) while the subsea equipment (100) is connected to a subsea equipment installation (185) in a subsea environment (180), and storing at least the removed portion of the trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) in a subsea containment structure (120, 120a, 120b, 132) that is positioned in the subsea environment (180). Additionally, the disclosed method also includes disconnecting the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea equipment installation (185) and retrieving the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea environment (180).Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Williams, Thomas L. Hergarden, Howard J. Hartley, Andrei Strikovski, Eric Randall Smedstad, Harold Brian Skeels, John D. Dafler, Jr., Jimmy D. Andrews
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Patent number: 9441461Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems that may be used to facilitate the retrieval and/or replacement of production and/or processing equipment that may be used for subsea oil and gas operations. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, among other things, removing at least a portion of trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) from subsea equipment (100) while the subsea equipment (100) is connected to a subsea equipment installation (185) in a subsea environment (180), and storing at least the removed portion of the trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) in a subsea containment structure (120, 120a, 120b, 132) that is positioned in the subsea environment (180). Additionally, the disclosed method also includes disconnecting the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea equipment installation (185) and retrieving the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea environment (180).Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Williams, Thomas L. Hergarden, Howard J. Hartley, Andrei Strikovski, Eric Randall Smedstad, Harold Brian Skeels, John D. Dafler, Jr., Jimmy D. Andrews
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Publication number: 20160060995Abstract: A gate valve assembly for shearing an elongated member and controlling a fluid flow through a through bore of the gate valve assembly. The through bore Is adapted for fluid communication with a well bore and is prepared for receiving the elongated member. The gate valve assembly comprises a gate element movably arranged transverse to the through bore between an open position in which a gate bore of the gate element communicates with the through bore and a closed position in which the through bore of the valve assembly is closed off. A shear gate is arranged in a recess in the gate element, the recess has an opening into the gate bore and is oriented transverse to the through bore, and the shear gate is movably arranged in the recess between a shear gate open position in which the gate bore is open and a shear gate closed position in which a cutting portion of the shear gate occupies the gate bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Bob Houlgrave
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Publication number: 20160032676Abstract: A gate valve assembly having a through bore adapted for fluid communication with a well bore and prepared for receiving an elongated member. The gate valve assembly comprises a gate element which is movably arranged in a gate valve housing, wherein the gate element has a gate bore arranged for receiving the elongated member, wherein a cutting tool is arranged in the gate bore first and second seats, wherein at least one of the first or second seat is arranged to provide sealing contact with a sealing surface of the gate element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Steve Malone, Harold Brian Skeels, Bob Houlgrave, John Lawson
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Publication number: 20150361769Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems that may be used to facilitate the retrieval and/or replacement of production and/or processing equipment that may be used for subsea oil and gas operations. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, among other things, removing at least a portion of trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) from subsea equipment (100) while the subsea equipment (100) is connected to a subsea equipment installation (185) in a subsea environment (180), and storing at least the removed portion of the trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) in a subsea containment structure (120, 120a, 120b, 132) that is positioned in the subsea environment (180). Additionally, the disclosed method also includes disconnecting the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea equipment installation (185) and retrieving the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea environment (180).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. WILLIAMS, Thomas L. HERGARDEN, Howard J. HARTLEY, Andrei STRIKOVSKI, Eric Randall SMEDSTAD, Harold Brian SKEELS, John D. DAFLER, JR., Jimmy D. ANDREWS
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Publication number: 20150315879Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems that may be used to facilitate the retrieval and/or replacement of production and/or processing equipment that may be used for subsea oil and gas operations. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, among other things, removing at least a portion of trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) from subsea equipment (100) while the subsea equipment (100) is connected to a subsea equipment installation (185) in a subsea environment (180), and storing at least the removed portion of the trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) in a subsea containment structure (120, 120a, 120b, 132) that is positioned in the subsea environment (180). Additionally, the disclosed method also includes disconnecting the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea equipment installation (185) and retrieving the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea environment (180).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. WILLIAMS, Thomas L. HERGARDEN, Howard J. HARTLEY, Andrei STRIKOVSKI, Eric Randall SMEDSTAD, Harold Brian SKEELS, John D. DAFLER, JR., Jimmy D. ANDREWS
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Publication number: 20150204167Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for interfacing with subsea production equipment during operation. In one illustrative embodiment, a fluid sealing and transfer element is disclosed that includes, among other things, a flow body having a first end and a second end, a first flow groove (656g) proximate the first end, and a second flow groove (656g) proximate the second end. The illustrative fluid sealing and transfer element further includes first and second flow passages passing through the flow body, wherein the first flow passage intersects the first flow groove and the second flow passage intersects the second flow groove. Moreover, the fluid sealing and transfer element disclosed herein also includes and a third flow passage passing through the flow body, wherein the third flow passage intersects the first and second flow passages and facilitates fluid communication between the first and second flow grooves.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2012Publication date: July 23, 2015Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Tyler Schilling, William Klassen, Scott Fulenwider
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Publication number: 20100059230Abstract: A guide system includes a flexible pipe and a plurality of bend restrictor members disposed along the flexible pipe. The bend restrictor members define a first channel and are operable to limit a degree of bending present in the first channel. An apparatus for interfacing with a subsea well includes a flexible pipe extending from a surface vessel to the subsea well. A plurality of bend restrictor members is disposed along the flexible pipe and defines a first channel. The bend restrictor members are operable to limit a degree of bending present in the first channel. Coil tubing extends from the surface vessel to the subsea well through the first channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: Harold Brian SKEELS
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Patent number: 6964304Abstract: A technique for maintaining pressure integrity within a submersible system. The system utilizes a pressure housing with an internal component, such as a valve. The internal component is actuated by an external actuator via an actuator stem. A seal region is positioned to interact with the stem, such that the interior of the pressure housing is sealed and pressure integrity is maintained upon retraction of the stem from engagement with the internal component.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Michael R. Williams
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Publication number: 20040118567Abstract: A technique for maintaining pressure integrity within a submersible system. The system utilizes a pressure housing with an internal component, such as a valve. The internal component is actuated by an external actuator via an actuator stem. A seal region is positioned to interact with the stem, such that the interior of the pressure housing is sealed and pressure integrity is maintained upon retraction of the stem from engagement with the internal component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Harold Brian Skeels
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Patent number: 5730551Abstract: A subsea connector system and method utilizing a skid (18) on the sea floor (F) four coupling a subsea conduit (16) carried by the skid (18) to a subsea conduit (12) on a relatively fixed subsea structure (10). A lift line device or structure (24) has an upper lift line (36) connected by a spreader bar (40) to a pair of lower guide lines (38) which are directed from a vertical position to a generally horizontal relation by J-tubes (30). The ends of the guide lines (38) have anchor members (42) thereon which are anchored to guides (46) on the subsea facility (10). Upon raising of the upper lift line (36), the skid (18) moves in a combined pulling and lifting motion to engage a side (52) of the subsea facility (10) for being guided into a docked position with aligned guides (46) on the subsea facility (10). In this position, an ROV (26) secures the skid (18) into a releasably locked position by insertion of retainer pins (not shown) into aligned openings (35, 51) of the skid (18) and subsea facility (10).Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1995Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: FMC CorporationInventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Bill George Louis