Abstract: Techniques and equipment to facilitate controlling flow of a fluid along a flow passage. A flow control assembly is placed along a flow passage, and a bypass is routed past the flow control assembly. Flow along the bypass is controlled by a flow bypass mechanism which may be operated via pressure increase within the flow control assembly. A shear device restricts the opening of the bypass, and a dampening device acts to limit the shear device to exposure of forces from the pressure increase.

Abstract: A technique enables protection of subsea wells. The technique employs a subsea test tree designed to ensure control over the well in a variety of situations. The subsea test tree is formed with at least one shut-off valve to protect against unwanted release of fluids from the subsea test tree. The subsea test tree also is coupled with and controlled by a control system having a subsea control module mounted to an interior mandrel.

Abstract: Techniques and equipment to facilitate controlling flow of a fluid along a flow passage. A flow control assembly is placed along a flow passage, and a bypass is routed past the flow control assembly. Flow along the bypass is controlled by a flow bypass mechanism which may be operated via pressure increase within the flow control assembly. A shear device restricts the opening of the bypass, and a dampening device acts to limit the shear device to exposure of forces from the pressure increase.

Abstract: A technique facilitates controlling flow of fluid along a flow passage. A flow control assembly is placed along a flow passage, and a bypass is routed past the flow control assembly. Flow along the bypass is controlled by a flow bypass mechanism which may be operated via a pressure or other interventionless application. The pressure, or other interventionless application, is used to actuate the flow bypass mechanism so as to selectively allow flow through the bypass.

Abstract: Pressure-balanced accumulator apparatus for use in subsea operations is disclosed which comprises a housing and an accumulator within the housing at the first end of the housing. The accumulator has first and second chambers that are hermetically sealed from one another, with a pressurized gas in the first chamber and a pressurized fluid in the second chamber. A third chamber in the housing abuts the accumulator and contains silicon oil fluid. A movable piston is located within the housing proximate the second end of the housing. Ambient pressure is communicated to one end of the piston, and ambient pressure plus the pressure in the second chamber is communicated to the second end of the piston. The cross-sectional areas of the two ends of the piston are selected to optimize the pressure at which the piston begins to expel fluid from the second chamber.

Abstract: Pressure-balanced accumulator apparatus for use in subsea operations is disclosed which comprises a housing and an accumulator within the housing at the first end of the housing. The accumulator has first and second chambers that are hermetically sealed from one another, with a pressurized gas in the first chamber and a pressurized fluid in the second chamber. A third chamber in the housing abuts the accumulator and contains silicon oil fluid. A movable piston is located within the housing proximate the second end of the housing. Ambient pressure is communicated to one end of the piston, and ambient pressure plus the pressure in the second chamber is communicated to the second end of the piston. The cross-sectional areas of the two ends of the piston are selected to optimize the pressure at which the piston begins to expel fluid from the second chamber.

Abstract: A technique enables protection of subsea wells. The technique employs a subsea test tree designed to ensure control over the well in a variety of situations. The subsea test tree is formed with at least one shut-off valve to protect against unwanted release of fluids from the subsea test tree. The subsea test tree also is coupled with and controlled by a control system having a subsea control module mounted to an interior mandrel.

Abstract: A booster pumping system is disclosed for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea production well. The booster pumping system includes: (1) a submersible pump hydraulically connected to the production well to provide energy to the hydrocarbon flow and boost production to another destination such as a subsea production facility or the surface via a riser; (2) an inlet conduit to receive the flow from the production well and isolate the flow from the dummy wellbore and direct the flow to the intake of the pump; and (3) a motor exposed to the dummy wellbore to drive the pump. The dummy wellbore may be flooded or circulated with seawater to cool the motor.

Abstract: A technique enables protection of subsea wells. The technique employs a subsea test tree and associated control system to ensure control over the well in a variety of situations. The subsea test tree may be formed with an upper portion releasably coupled to a lower portion. The upper portion employs at least one upper shut-off valve, and the lower portion employs at least one lower shut-off valve to protect against unwanted release of fluids from either above or below the subsea test tree. The subsea test tree also is coupled with the control system in a manner which allows control to be exercised over the at least one upper shut-often valve and the at least one lower shut-off valve.

Abstract: Pressure-balanced accumulator apparatus for use in subsea operations is disclosed which comprises a housing and an accumulator within the housing at the first end of the housing. The accumulator has first and second chambers that are hermetically sealed from one another, with a pressurized gas in the first chamber and a pressurized fluid in the second chamber. A third chamber in the housing abuts the accumulator and contains silicon oil fluid. A movable piston is located within the housing proximate the second end of the housing. Ambient pressure is communicated to one end of the piston, and ambient pressure plus the pressure in the second chamber is communicated to the second end of the piston. The cross-sectional areas of the two ends of the piston are selected to optimize the pressure at which the piston begins to expel fluid from the second chamber.

Abstract: Pressure-balanced accumulator apparatus for use in subsea operations is disclosed which comprises a housing and an accumulator within the housing at the first end of the housing. The accumulator has first and second chambers that are hermetically sealed from one another, with a pressurized gas in the first chamber and a pressurized fluid in the second chamber. A third chamber in the housing abuts the accumulator and contains silicon oil fluid. A movable piston is located within the housing proximate the second end of the housing. Ambient pressure is communicated to one end of the piston, and ambient pressure plus the pressure in the second chamber is communicated to the second end of the piston. The cross-sectional areas of the two ends of the piston are selected to optimize the pressure at which the piston begins to expel fluid from the second chamber.

Abstract: Pressure-balanced accumulator apparatus for use in subsea operations is disclosed which comprises a housing and an accumulator within the housing at the first end of the housing. The accumulator has first and second chambers that are hermetically sealed from one another, with a pressurized gas in the first chamber and a pressurized fluid in the second chamber. A third chamber in the housing abuts the accumulator and contains silicon oil fluid. A movable piston is located within the housing proximate the second end of the housing. Ambient pressure is communicated to one end of the piston, and ambient pressure plus the pressure in the second chamber is communicated to the second end of the piston. The cross-sectional areas of the two ends of the piston are selected to optimize the pressure at which the piston begins to expel fluid from the second chamber.

Abstract: Pressure-balanced accumulator apparatus for use in subsea operations is disclosed which comprises a housing and an accumulator within the housing at the first end of the housing. The accumulator has first and second chambers that are hermetically sealed from one another, with a pressurized gas in the first chamber and a pressurized fluid in the second chamber. A third chamber in the housing abuts the accumulator and contains silicon oil fluid. A movable piston is located within the housing proximate the second end of the housing. Ambient pressure is communicated to one end of the piston, and ambient pressure plus the pressure in the second chamber is communicated to the second end of the piston. The cross-sectional areas of the two ends of the piston are selected to optimize the pressure at which the piston begins to expel fluid from the second chamber.

Abstract: A booster pumping system is disclosed for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea production well. The booster pumping system includes: (1) a submersible pump hydraulically connected to the production well to provide energy to the hydrocarbon flow and boost production to another destination such as a subsea production facility or the surface via a riser; (2) an inlet conduit to receive the flow from the production well and isolate the flow from the dummy wellbore and direct the flow to the intake of the pump; and (3) a motor exposed to the dummy wellbore to drive the pump. The dummy wellbore may be flooded or circulated with seawater to cool the motor.