Patents by Inventor Nicholas Gatherar

Nicholas Gatherar 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).

  • Patent number: 11814929
    Abstract: A subsea hydrocarbon flowline system (300) is disclosed. The flowline system has a hydrocarbon flowline (302); an electric trace heating system (304) arranged along at least a part-length of the flowline to control the temperature of hydrocarbon fluid flowing in the flowline; and a power input connector (Pin) configured for receiving electrical power from an electrical power providing system for powering the electric trace heating system. The electric trace heating system has a first three-phase trace heating cable (C?) and a second three-phase trace heating cable (C?), each trace heating cable extending between the power input connector and a cable termination (T?; T?) where phase conduits (L1?, L2?, L3?; L1?, L2?, L3?) of the trace heating cable are Y-connected and terminate in a neutral connection point (LN?; LN?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventors: Sigurd Moe, Rafael Taouil, Jonny Emil Andersson, Nicholas Gatherar
  • Publication number: 20230108320
    Abstract: A subsea hydrocarbon flowline system (300) is disclosed. The flowline system has a hydrocarbon flowline (302); an electric trace heating system (304) arranged along at least a part-length of the flowline to control the temperature of hydrocarbon fluid flowing in the flowline; and a power input connector (Pin) configured for receiving electrical power from an electrical power providing system for powering the electric trace heating system. The electric trace heating system has a first three-phase trace heating cable (C?) and a second three-phase trace heating cable (C?), each trace heating cable extending between the power input connector and a cable termination (T?; T?) where phase conduits (L1?, L2?, L3?; L1?, L2?, L3?) of the trace heating cable are Y-connected and terminate in a neutral connection point (LN?; LN?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Sigurd Moe, Rafael Taouil, Jonny Emil Andersson, Nicholas Gatherar
  • Patent number: 11230908
    Abstract: A subsea equipment includes two manifolds for fluid import and export from oil wells. The first and second manifolds are arranged in parallel and are interconnected by a jumper. The first manifold includes all equipment for field flow control, such as, for example, selection valves, actuators or robot for remote operations and mandrels for connection to the Christmas trees. The second manifold includes only block valves and mandrels for future interconnection or interconnection to the first manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: FMC TECHNOLOGIES DO BRASIL LTDA
    Inventors: Leonardo de Araujo Bernardo, Nicholas Gatherar, Huei Sun Lai, Jorge Luiz Da Silva Bonfim
  • Publication number: 20200332628
    Abstract: A subsea equipment includes two manifolds for fluid import and export from oil wells. The first and second manifolds are arranged in parallel and are interconnected by a jumper. The first manifold includes all equipment for field flow control, such as, for example, selection valves, actuators or robot for remote operations and mandrels for connection to the Christmas trees. The second manifold includes only block valves and mandrels for future interconnection or interconnection to the first manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: FMC TECHNOLOGIES DO BRASIL LTDA
    Inventors: Leonardo de Araujo Bernardo, Nicholas Gatherar, Huei Sun Lai, Jorge Luiz Da Silva Bonfim
  • Publication number: 20070007012
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore comprises a tubing spool which is positioned over the well bore, a tubing hanger which is landed in the tubing spool, a first pressure-containing barrier which is secured to the tubing hanger and which comprises a portion that sealingly engages the tubing spool, and a second pressure-containing barrier which is secured to the tubing hanger and which comprises a portion that sealing engages the tubing spool. In addition, each of the first and second pressure-containing barriers is capable of isolating the well bore from the environment during the production mode of operation of the flow completion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Bartlett, Christopher Cunningham, Richard Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Patent number: 7114571
    Abstract: A running string for a subsea completion comprises an upper section (70) which may be a coiled tubing (CT) injector unit as shown, or a wireline lubricator (FIG. 8). A lower section (60) provides wireline/CT access to production/annulus bores of a tubing hanger (not shown) attached to tubing hanger running tool (62). A flow package (64) in the lower section (60), together with BOP pipe rams (86) and annular seal (88), directs production and annulus fluid flows/pressures to the BOP choke/kill lines (78/76). The upper and lower sections allow installation and pressure/circulation testing of, and wireline/CT access to, a subsea completion, without the use of a high pressure riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Gatherar, Graeme John Collie
  • Patent number: 7096937
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore comprises a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore. A tubing hanger is supported in the central bore and includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet. A first closure member is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway, and a first metal seal is positioned concentrically between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway. In addition, a second closure member is positioned in the production bore above the first closure member, and a second metal seal is positioned concentrically between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the first seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Patent number: 7069988
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system comprising a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore; a tubing hanger which is supported in the central bore and which includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet, the tubing hanger supporting a tubing string which extends into the well bore and defines a tubing annulus surrounding the tubing string; a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway; a first annular seal which is positioned between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway; wherein the first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment; a second closure member which
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Patent number: 6817418
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead (10) includes annulus pressure monitoring and bleed down ports (32, 34, 36) whereby excessive pressure may be detected and bled off to a production controls or workover controls system via an electro/hydraulic jumper (58). A valve block (44) bolted to the wellhead (10) includes pressure transducers (52, 54, 56) and isolation valves (46, 48, 50). Excessive annulus pressures and hence damage to the completion program may thereby be avoided in HPHT subsea well applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Gatherar, Alasdair MacFarlane, Gavin Reilly
  • Publication number: 20040188083
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore comprises a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore. A tubing hanger is supported in the central bore and includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet. A first closure member is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway, and a first metal seal is positioned concentrically between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway. In addition, a second closure member is positioned in the production bore above the first closure member, and a second metal seal is positioned concentrically between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the first seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Publication number: 20040074636
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system comprising a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore; a tubing hanger which is supported in the central bore and which includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet, the tubing hanger supporting a tubing string which extends into the well bore and defines a tubing annulus surrounding the tubing string; a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway; a first annular seal which is positioned between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway; wherein the first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment; a second closure member which
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Patent number: 6681850
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system includes a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore. A tubing hanger includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet and a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway. A first annular seal which is positioned between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway including first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Patent number: 6655455
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system comprising a tubing spool, a tubing hanger supporting a tubing string which extends into the well bore and defines a tubing annulus surrounding the tubing string; a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway; a first annular seal wherein the first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment; a second closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the first closure member; and a second annular seal wherein the second closure member and the second seal comprise a second pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and the environment; and wherein both the first and the second barriers are associated with the tubing hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Publication number: 20030178202
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system comprising a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore; a tubing hanger which is supported in the central bore and which includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet, the tubing hanger supporting a tubing string which extends into the well bore and defines a tubing annulus surrounding the tubing string; a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway; a first annular seal which is positioned between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway; wherein the first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment; a second closure member which
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Publication number: 20030145999
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead (10) includes annulus pressure monitoring and bleed down ports (32, 34, 36) whereby excessive pressure may be detected and bled off to a production controls or workover controls system via an electro/hydraulic jumper (58). A valve block (44) bolted to the wellhead (10) includes pressure transducers (52, 54, 56) and isolation valves (46, 48, 50). Excessive annulus pressures and hence damage to the completion program may thereby be avoided in HPHT subsea well applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Nicholas Gatherar, Alasdair MacFarlane, Gavin Reilly
  • Publication number: 20030145994
    Abstract: A running string for a subsea completion comprises an upper section (70) which may be a coiled tubing (CT) injector unit as shown, or a wireline lubricator (FIG. 8). A lower section (60) provides wireline/CT access to production/annulus bores of a tubing hanger (not shown) attached to tubing hanger running tool (62). A flow package (64) in the lower section (60), together with BOP pipe rams (86) and annular seal (88), directs production and annulus fluid flows/pressures to the BOP choke/kill lines (78/76). The upper and lower sections allow installation and pressure/circulation testing of, and wireline/CT access to, a subsea completion, without the use of a high pressure riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Nicholas Gatherar, Graeme John Collie
  • Publication number: 20020189813
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system comprising a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore; a tubing hanger which is supported in the central bore and which includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet, the tubing hanger supporting a tubing string which extends into the well bore and defines a tubing annulus surrounding the tubing string; a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway; a first annular seal which is positioned between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway; wherein the first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment; a second closure member which
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Patent number: 6494257
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system comprising a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore; a tubing hanger which is supported in the central bore and which includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet, the tubing hanger supporting a tubing string which extends into the well bore and defines a tubing annulus surrounding the tubing string; a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway; a first annular seal which is positioned between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway; wherein the first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment; a second closure member which
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Patent number: 6488083
    Abstract: A tubing hanger for a flow completion system which comprises a Christmas tree connected above a wellhead housing that includes a central bore in which the tubing hanger is supported, the tubing hanger comprising a generally annular body; a production bore which extends generally axially through the body; an annulus bore which extends generally axially through the body; the annulus bore comprising a generally lateral first branch which is connected to a generally axial second branch; and a closure member which includes a gate that is moveable generally axially across the first branch between an open position in which a hole in the gate is aligned with the first branch and a closed position in which the hole is offset from the first branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar
  • Patent number: 6481504
    Abstract: A flowline connector having a first connector portion for mounting on a first piece of subsea equipment, such as a wellhead. A second connector portion of the flowline connector is attached to an end portion of a flowline. Each connector portion has a respective guide interengageable by lowering the second connector portion, on the end portion of the flowline, into the first connector portion. The guides allow the second connector portion to pivot relative to the first connector portion to bring the first connector portion and the second connector portion into axial alignment for make-up of a fluid tight connection therebetween. The second connector portion has a subsea equipment package, for example chokes, gas/water separators, gas liquifiers, pumps and the like, for connection to the first piece of the subsea equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas Gatherar