Abstract: The present invention is directed to a subsea actuator with magnetic return. The subsea actuator with magnetic return is assembled to a subsea valve. The subsea actuator with magnetic return allows subsea actuators to be designed with increased reliability and a reduction in size. The reduction in size also provides opportunities to reduce the size of the topsides hardware that supports the subsea valve function.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for facilitating connection of a subsea flowline and a riser assembly so that the subsea flowline and the riser assembly can be jointly maneuvered in a subsea environment. A method and a system are provided in which the subsea flowline, the riser and the apparatus are connected. The apparatus includes a deployment skid having an integrated conduit having a 90° bend therein. One end of the conduit connects to a subsea flowline termination. A second end of the conduit is configured to receive the lower termination of the riser. The apparatus includes a coupling member configured to swallow and grasp the lower termination of the riser and the second end of the conduit. A pair of guide members, each guide member having an elongated slot along the length thereof, is pivotally connected at the base of the deployment skid and at the coupling member, one guide member on either side.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy subsea running tool for use with subsea transportable devices, such as a tree cap. The buoyancy of the running tool may be varied through fluid or gas displacement in one or more containers. Alternatively, the running tool may be configured with a buoy that has static buoyancy, with the buoyancy of the running tool being varied through the addition of a counterweight. The running tool can be used to install or uninstall a tree cap on a subsea tree. Installation of a tree cap may be actuated by a remotely operated vehicle. Additionally, the running tool may be moved by a remotely operated vehicle and may have additional features such as a position locator device.

Abstract: An annulus isolation valve comprises a valve actuation bore and a flow passage capable of providing fluid communication between an upper annulus and a lower annulus. The flow passage comprises a first flow path and a portion of the valve actuation bore. Further, the first flow path has a second longitudinal axis that is different from a first longitudinal axis. The annulus isolation valve further includes a plug gate positioned in the valve actuation bore. The plug gate is configured so that in the open position it allows fluid communication between the upper annulus and the lower annulus. The annulus isolation valve further includes a biasing mechanism positioned in the valve actuation bore. The biasing mechanism is capable of forcing the plug gate into the closed position when the actuation force is not applied.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly including a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing comprises a throughbore having a recessed sealing area and a tubing hanger positioned in the throughbore. A seal is positioned between the wellhead housing and the tubing hanger, the seal being positioned so as to form a gap between the seal and the wellhead housing. The wellhead assembly can further include a seal energizer capable of moving relative to the seal in a manner that forces the seal against the wellhead housing to bridge the gap. A method of installing a tubing hanger into a throughbore of a wellhead housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy subsea running tool for use with subsea transportable devices, such as a tree cap. The buoyancy of the running tool may be varied through fluid or gas displacement in one or more containers. Alternatively, the running tool may be configured with a buoy that has static buoyancy, with the buoyancy of the running tool being varied through the addition of a counterweight. The running tool can be used to install or uninstall a tree cap on a subsea tree. Installation of a tree cap may be actuated by a remotely operated vehicle. Additionally, the running tool may be moved by a remotely operated vehicle and may have additional features such as a position locator device.

Abstract: A tubing hanger for use in a wellhead. The wellhead includes a throughbore, a landing seat positioned in the throughbore, a landing groove positioned above the landing seat in the throughbore, and a locking groove in the throughbore. The tubing hanger comprises an expandable landing ring positioned on the tubing hanger for engaging the landing groove and a landing mechanism for expanding the landing ring radially outward from the tubing hanger. A locking ring for engaging the locking groove can be positioned on the tubing hanger. The tubing hanger can further include a locking mechanism for expanding the locking ring radially outward from the tubing hanger body and locking it into the locking groove.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy subsea running tool for use with subsea transportable devices, such as a tree cap. The buoyancy of the running tool may be varied through fluid or gas displacement in one or more containers. Alternatively, the running tool may be configured with a buoy that has static buoyancy, with the buoyancy of the running tool being varied through the addition of a counterweight. The running tool can be used to install or uninstall a tree cap on a subsea tree. Installation of a tree cap may be actuated by a remotely operated vehicle. Additionally, the running tool may be moved by a remotely operated vehicle and may have additional features such as a position locator device.

Abstract: An internal tree cap having a running configuration and a latched configuration to be selectively secured to a tree spool. The tree cap may include an inner sleeve movable between upper and lower positions. The movement of the inner sleeve to the lower position may simultaneously engage a locking profile within the tree spool and energize a sealing element around the exterior of the tree cap. The tree cap may be a low profile tree cap that is flush with the top of the tree spool when installed. The tree cap may provide a collateral beneficial locking means to secure a tubing hanger within the tree spool. A lower housing may be attached to the tree cap to seal on the exterior of the upper neck of the tubing hanger. The tree cap may include a profile to accept a wireline plug.

Abstract: A subsea boosting cap system is disclosed. The system comprises an anchor assembly capable of attaching to the sea floor. The anchor assembly comprises a pump cavity capable of receiving a removable pump assembly. A valve system is attached to the anchor assembly. The valve system comprises an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path. A boosting cap covers the pump cavity. The boosting cap comprises a first flow path configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet flow path and the removable pump assembly. A second flow path provides fluid communication between the removable pump assembly and the outlet. A crossover flow path provides fluid communication between the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path, the crossover flow path bypassing the pump cavity.

Abstract: A directional gate valve is disclosed. The gate valve comprises a valve body. A first flow path, a second flow path and a third flow path are positioned in the valve body. The second and third flow paths are capable of fluidly communicating with the first flow path through a connecting flow configuration. A gate is positioned within the gate valve at a location separate from the connecting flow configuration. The gate is configured to move back and forth between a first position and a second position in the valve body. When the gate is in the first position the gate provides fluid communication through the second flow path and simultaneously blocks fluid communication through the third flow path. When the gate is in the second position the gate provides fluid communication through the third flow path and simultaneously blocks fluid communication through the second flow path.

Abstract: An annulus isolation valve comprises a valve actuation bore and a flow passage capable of providing fluid communication between an upper annulus and a lower annulus. The flow passage comprises a first flow path and a portion of the valve actuation bore. Further, the first flow path has a second longitudinal axis that is different from a first longitudinal axis. The annulus isolation valve further includes a plug gate positioned in the valve actuation bore. The plug gate is configured so that in the open position it allows fluid communication between the upper annulus and the lower annulus. The annulus isolation valve further includes a biasing mechanism positioned in the valve actuation bore. The biasing mechanism is capable of forcing the plug gate into the closed position when the actuation force is not applied.

Abstract: A tubing hanger for use in a wellhead. The wellhead includes a throughbore, a landing seat positioned in the throughbore, a landing groove positioned above the landing seat in the throughbore, and a locking groove in the throughbore. The tubing hanger comprises an expandable landing ring positioned on the tubing hanger for engaging the landing groove and a landing mechanism for expanding the landing ring radially outward from the tubing hanger. A locking ring for engaging the locking groove can be positioned on the tubing hanger. The tubing hanger can further include a locking mechanism for expanding the locking ring radially outward from the tubing hanger body and locking it into the locking groove.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly including a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing comprises a throughbore having a recessed sealing area and a tubing hanger positioned in the throughbore. A seal is positioned between the wellhead housing and the tubing hanger, the seal being positioned so as to form a gap between the seal and the wellhead housing. The wellhead assembly can further include a seal energizer capable of moving relative to the seal in a manner that forces the seal against the wellhead housing to bridge the gap. A method of installing a tubing hanger into a throughbore of a wellhead housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy subsea running tool for use with subsea transportable devices, such as a tree cap. The buoyancy of the running tool may be varied through fluid or gas displacement in one or more containers. Alternatively, the running tool may be configured with a buoy that has static buoyancy, with the buoyancy of the running tool being varied through the addition of a counterweight. The running tool can be used to install or uninstall a tree cap on a subsea tree. Installation of a tree cap may be actuated by a remotely operated vehicle. Additionally, the running tool may be moved by a remotely operated vehicle and may have additional features such as a position locator device.