Abstract: An electronic module for use as a subsea electronic module for an underwater fluid extraction well, wherein a local area network enables communication within the module, the local area network including a plurality of interfaces with components of the network, and wherein the interfaces comprise capacitive coupling interfaces.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a subsurface safety valve disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The subsurface safety valve can include a closure mechanism. In some embodiments, the subsurface safety valve can be coupled with an electric submersible pump. The subsurface safety valve coupled to the electric submersible pump can be positioned in a passageway defined by a tubing string via a power cable coupled to the electric submersible pump. In some embodiments, the subsurface safety valve can include at least one terminal. The at least one terminal can form an electrical connection between the subsurface safety valve and the electric submersible pump. The subsurface safety valve can receive power from the electric submersible pump via the electrical connection.

Abstract: A wellhead connector for connecting a riser or production tree to a wellhead of a subsea well utilizes a singular annular piston to lock the connector onto the wellhead. The wellhead connector includes a housing that contains dogs for engagement with the exterior of the wellhead housing. A cam ring is also included, which has an inner side for engaging the dogs and moving them inward into a locked position with the wellhead housing. The cam ring is of a reduced proportion relative to prior art. As such, the cam ring outer side is dimensioned to contact the inner side of the connector housing under load. Connecting rods connect the piston to the cam rings. As the piston moves downward, the cam ring also moves downward, forcing the dogs inward into a locked position. As the piston moves upward, the cam ring also moves upward, thereby unlocking the connector. A secondary annular piston is also provided to guarantee unlocking.

Abstract: Managing hydrates in a subsea includes a host production facility, a production cluster comprising one or more producers, a water injection cluster comprising one or more water injectors, a water injection line, and a single production line for directing production fluid from the one or more producers to the host production facility. The methods comprise placing a pig in the subsea production system, shutting in production from the producers, and injecting a displacement fluid into the subsea production system in order to displace the hydrate inhibitor and any remaining production fluids in the production flowline and to further move the pig through the production flowline. The method may also include further injecting displacement fluid into the subsea production system in order to displace the hydrate inhibitor and pig through the single production line and to the host production facility.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device prevents an inner wellhead housing from rotating within an outer wellhead housing. The anti-rotation device provides cam rollers within the inner wellhead housing that wedge between opposing surfaces of the inner wellhead housing and outer wellhead housing to arrest either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the inner wellhead housing. The cam rollers are circumferentially spaced apart around the inner wellhead housing.

Abstract: A running tool for use in the insertion of an object such as a casing hanger (4) into a subsea well comprises a body (2) and a hollow mandrel (8) moveable within the body. Engagement dogs (3) are supported within the body and are moveable to engage the object (4), the mandrel having a first part (9) and a transition part (10), the transition part being shaped to cause outward movement of the dogs when the mandrel is in a given position within the body and to allow movement of the dogs for positions of the mandrel spaced form the given position. The tool has an emergency release feature wherein the transition part (10) is releaseably attached to the first part by shear pins (13) which shear in response to a sufficient increase in pressure within the mandrel to allow the transition part to separate from the first part (9).

Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring.

Abstract: A system for remediating hydrates has a heat storage box with an interior volume, a heater for heating fluid flowing into the hot fluid inlet of the heat storage box, a heat exchanger positioned in the interior volume of the heat storage box so as to be in heat exchange relationship with heated water from the interior volume of the heat storage box, and a line connected to a heated water outlet of the heat exchanger so as to be manipulated toward a location of the hydrates for the purpose of delivering the heated water toward the hydrates. The heat exchanger is piping extends in a serpentine pattern within an upper portion of the heat storage box. The line can be connected to a hot stab suitable for a manipulation by an ROV.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for subsea well intervention operations, including retrieval of a wellhead from a subsea well. In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a subsea well is provided. The method comprising the step of positioning a tool proximate a subsea wellhead. The tool has at least one grip member and the tool is attached to a downhole assembly. The method also comprising the step of clamping the tool to the subsea wellhead by moving the at least one grip member into engagement with a profile on the subsea wellhead. The method further comprising the step of applying an upward force to the tool thereby enhancing the grip between the grip member and the profile on the subsea wellhead. Additionally, the method comprising the step of performing the operation in the subsea well by utilizing the downhole assembly.

Abstract: An underwater connection installation (26) and a laying method for connecting a riser and a flexible pipe (22) that are intended for carrying hydrocarbons. A post (28) is attached to a float (20) to suspend the riser (12) below the surface. The post (28) supports a gooseneck shape pipe (54) that has a bent-over outlet free end (58) ending in a first coupling (60). A coupling end piece (32) mounted on the flexible pipe (22) includes a second coupling (86). The coupling end piece (32) and the post (28) define mechanical guides including complementary frustoconical rings (64, 84). The driving of the coupling end piece (32) and of the bent-over free end (58) toward each other causes the frustoconical rings (64, 84) to engage one another to bring about coaxial alignment of the couplings (60, 86).

Abstract: A subsea running tool receives electric potential from a control unit located at a platform through a tubular string having an electrically conductive wire formed in tubular wall of the tubular string. The running tool provides at least one electrically operated function for setting a subsea wellhead component. The running tool is then run on the tubular string from a surface platform to a location within a wellhead. Electric potential is then supplied to the electrically conductive wire by a control unit at the platform to operate the electrically operated function of the running tool to set the subsea wellhead component.

Abstract: A wellhead connection including first and second housings with the first housing partly within the second housing to form an annulus. The housings form a seal to a cylindrical inner bore when connected together. The first housing has a circumferential groove formed in its outer periphery. A radially expandable and contractable latch ring formed from latch ring segments is located in the annulus adjacent the circumferential groove. Radial actuators extend through the second housing to the latch ring segments to move the latch ring segments between a contracted position with the latch ring in contact with the circumferential groove, and an expanded position, with the latch ring out of contact with the circumferential groove. The upper and lower housings are adapted to lock the latch ring in the contracted position by applying a downward force on the latch rings, or by tightening the bottom connector to a wellhead member.

Abstract: A torque limiter for use in an actuating drive stem of a subsea wellhead having a collar with an axial bore and a slot through its side. The slot includes a projection directed towards a lower end of the collar and has an edge oriented oblique to the collar axis. A driven shaft inserts in the bore, and a pin mounted in the driven shaft engages the slot. A spring assembly coupled to the driven shaft pushes the collar to retain the pin in the end of the projection. A driveshaft with a drive pin inserts into the bore on an upper side of the collar. The upper end of the collar includes a shoulder that contacts the drive pin when the collar rotates. The spring compresses when excessive torque is in the driven shaft moving the pin up the projection and disengaging the drive pin and shoulder.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and apparatus for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe used in a riser in an offshore hydrocarbon production facility. Fluid, such corrosion inhibitors, can be introduced into the annulus by pumping fluid from a storage tank located on a platform or vessel into tubes within the annulus. Use of the system to flow the fluid through the annulus can prevent or reduce corrosion of the steel members within the annulus and increase the fatigue life of the riser.

Abstract: A tieback connection between an offshore production platform and a wellhead on the sea floor has a riser and a tubular expandable and contractable member within the riser. The expandable and contractable member compensates for axial movement within the riser while maintaining axial tension in the riser. The expandable and contractable member is of uni-body construction having a wall configured to correspondingly expand and contract to compensate for the riser movement. In cross section, the member wall comprises folds formable by alternating slots formed into the inner and outer wall surface or an undulating surface.

Abstract: A multicoupler, particularly for gas or oil production, comprises at least one male and one female part. Said parts comprise a plurality of fluid coupling members which can be assigned to one another and which are in engagement with one another when male part and female part are in the coupling position. One of the parts comprises a connecting means including a spindle, which connecting means in the coupling position is in engagement with a mating connecting means on the other part.

Abstract: A technique for subsea intervention operations utilizes a retrievable dynamic seal assembly. The retrievable dynamic seal assembly is deployed toward a seabed and locked into place within a tubular member at a subsea installation. During deployment, the dynamic seal assembly is releasably locked to an intervention tool string coupled to a conveyance. Once the dynamic seal assembly is locked in place within the tubular, the tool string is released and the dynamic seal assembly maintains a seal against the conveyance during an intervention operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section, the shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members being rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A subsea production and separation system comprising a subsea well drilled into a sea floor; a subsea tree located on the sea floor at a top portion of the subsea well; a manifold located on the sea floor; a well jumper connecting the subsea tree and the manifold; a first sled located on the sea floor; a second sled located on the sea floor; a separator located on the sea floor; a first flowline jumper connecting the manifold to the separator; a second flowline jumper connecting the manifold to the separator; a third flowline jumper connecting the separator to the first sled; a fourth flowline jumper connecting the separator to the second sled; a liquid export line connected to the third flowline jumper; and a gas export line connected to the fourth flowline jumper.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a power and control pod for subsea artificial lift system. In one embodiment, a method of operating a downhole tool in a subsea wellbore includes: supplying a direct current (DC) power signal from a dry location to a subsea control pod; converting the DC power signal to an alternating current (AC) power signal by the control pod; and supplying the AC power signal from the control pod, into the subsea wellbore, and to the downhole tool.

Abstract: A system for sampling production well production fluids from a manifold interface panel on a subsea production manifold. In some embodiments, the system includes a remotely operated vehicle, a skid coupled to the remotely operated vehicle, a sample tank supported on the skid, and a fluid transfer pump operable to convey production fluid from at least one of the production wells through the manifold interface panel into the sample tank.

Abstract: A method of lifting at least a portion of an attachment system to and from a predetermined location comprises providing an attachment system comprising a support member, a socket member, and a locking member, the support member located at the predetermined location and defining an indentation formed therein, the socket member defining a cavity formed therein, placing the socket member in the indentation, placing the locking member in the cavity, locking the locking member in the socket member, and lifting the locked socket member and locking member from the support member and to the predetermined location.

Abstract: Methods for deploying a subsea blowout preventer stack system comprising a lower marine riser package, a blowout preventer stack with a first ram blowout preventer, and an additional blowout preventer package releasably coupled to the blowout preventer stack and comprising a second ram blowout preventer. The subsea blowout preventer stack assembly can be deployed by coupling a drilling riser to the lower marine riser package that is releasably connected to the blowout preventer stack. The lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack are then toward a subsea wellhead and then landed on the additional blowout preventer package that is coupled to the subsea wellhead.

Abstract: Pressure within a subsea well is managed as temperature within the well fluctuate. The management of the pressure mitigates stress to the structure of the well caused by the pressure. To manage the pressure, fluid is received from and/or provided to the well to reduce and/or increase pressure within the well.

Abstract: Subsea test apparatus comprises: a connector for mating with a corresponding connector of subsea apparatus to provide at least one of electrical, optical, and fluid connection between the test apparatus and the subsea apparatus; measuring means connected to the test apparatus's connector and operable underwater in a measurement mode; a power supply arranged to power the measuring means; and disconnection means for disconnecting the test apparatus's connector from a mated subsea apparatus's connector. The measuring means, in said measurement mode, is arranged to perform at least one measurement, via the mated connectors, on connected subsea apparatus, and the test apparatus further comprises indicating means operable underwater and arranged to provide an indication of a result of the or each measurement.

Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring.

Abstract: A method of servicing hydrocarbon production equipment comprising locating at least a portion of a hydrocarbon flow conduit experiencing a loss of functionality; creating a port to access an interior flow bore of the hydrocarbon flow conduit; installing at least one piece of equipment proximate the access port, wherein the equipment has access to the interior flow bore via the access port; and placing a servicing composition into the conduit via the access port, wherein the servicing composition prevents the loss of materials from the interior of the hydrocarbon flow conduit to the surrounding environment.

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.

Abstract: An RCD is used to provide a system and method for sealing a marine riser having a rotatable tubular. A bypass internal channel or external line may be used to allow fluid to bypass the RCD seal. An RCD seal assembly seal could be a mechanically extrudable seal or a hydraulically expanded seal to seal the RCD with the riser.

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.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovery of sections of tubing and inter alia, the tubing hanger, from a subsea well to enable the abandonment of a subsea well to be accomplished from a mono-hull vessel includes a dual gripper assembly (1) adapted for onshore or offshore deployment is configured to handle oilfield tubulars and associated completion equipment and configured for attachment to a wellhead structure and subsequent reciprocation cycles whereby oilfield tubulars can be run-in hole or pulled to surface without requiring a riser. A cutter mechanism (22) is disclosed for severing sections of tubular to form a clean cut end for attachment of a connection mandrel.

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.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for subsea well intervention operations, including retrieval of a wellhead from a subsea well. In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a subsea well is provided. The method comprising the step of positioning a tool proximate a subsea wellhead. The tool has at least one grip member and the tool is attached to a downhole assembly. The method also comprising the step of clamping the tool to the subsea wellhead by moving the at least one grip member into engagement with a profile on the subsea wellhead. The method further comprising the step of applying an upward force to the tool thereby enhancing the grip between the grip member and the profile on the subsea wellhead. Additionally, the method comprising the step of performing the operation in the subsea well by utilizing the downhole assembly. In another aspect, an apparatus for use in a subsea well is provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing underwater devices on sub-sea structures. The apparatus can include a body having at least one pair of support members extending therefrom. At least one actuator, adapted to move in a linear direction, can be disposed on each support member. At least one connector can be disposed on each actuator. The connector can include at least one aperture disposed therethrough for receiving an attachment member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a subsea well includes a lubricator configured to attach to subsea wellhead equipment, an electrically-activated tool, and a coiled tubing attached to the electrically-activated tool. The electrically-activated tool is initially provided in the lubricator to allow for deployment of the electrically-activated tool on the coiled tubing into the subsea well. Multiple tools may be deployed independently from within the lubricator to latch into a concentric electrical connector within the well which may also act as a switch. A concentric electrical connector will permit the passage of a tool through the body of the connector retaining full bore access when the tool is withdrawn.

Abstract: A completion system and method for completing a subsea well with angular alignment-free assembly The system includes a series of circumferential channels formed in a well completion device at a boundary between a tubing hanger and the completion device. The circumferential channels provide complete circular fluid paths with respect to the tubing hanger and the completion device. A supply bore and a drain bore are in communication with each circumferential channel and oriented to supply a fluid to and remove fluid from, respectively, the circumferential channel. A circumferential electrical connector couples the tubing hanger and the completion device. The circumferential channels and bores provide fluid services between the completion device and the tubing hanger and the electrical connector provides electrical services to the tubing hanger. The completion system allows the fluid and electrical services to be provided without requiring any angular alignment between the tubing hanger and the completion device.

Abstract: An aspect encompasses a method of testing a subsea umbilical where a first portion of testing is performed on the subsea umbilical, the testing comprising hydraulic testing and at least one of electrical or optical testing, and a second portion of the testing is performed independent of a diver or an ROV.

Abstract: Two functionally and physically integrated subsystems form a supplemental disaster preventive system for offshore oil wells. A multi-function well subsystem modifies the sea-floor and in-well equipment to provide maintenance access, tools to cap the well, seal/re-seal the well, drill/re-drill the well, kill the well from the top, improve BOP reliability, add BOP functional redundancy, improve the cementing process, incorporate a sea-floor pressure relief/diversion function and improve the well's life cycle safety. A dome top cylindrical sidewall structure encloses the well's sea-floor equipment providing improved structural strength as well as passive protection from natural/human induced disasters. An intrusion detection and response subsystem provides sensing, processing and communication devices to detect, track & classify the 3D aspects of air/surface/sub-surface objects around a specific oil well or group of oil wells and provides the means to evaluate and eliminate threats.

Abstract: A remote operated vehicle (ROV) interface has a retrievable portion and a permanent portion. The permanent portion includes a housing that has a cavity that secures to a drive stem of the subsea well device. The housing has a pod cavity on an opposite end that receives a pod body, which is part of the retrievable portion. The pod body is secured by spring-biased retainer within the pod cavity. The pod body has a cylindrical receptacle that receives a drive pin, which forms another part of the retrievable portion. The drive pin and the cylindrical receptacle are engaged for rotation by a shear element. The pod body has an ROV retrieval profile that is accessible by an ROV. In the event the shear element shears due to excessive torque, an ROV retrieval tool engages the pod body and retrieves the pod body along with the drive pin.

Abstract: The method of providing flotation modules on subsea drilling riser joints comprising providing flotation modules as a full circle, installing said flotation modules sequentially onto the end of the central pipe of said drilling riser joints in a desired orientation, providing passageways through said flotation modules which extend from one end of said subsea drilling riser joints to the other end of said drilling riser joints.

Abstract: There is provided a high power laser-riser blowout preventer package and laser module for use with a subsea riser. The laser module and laser-riser package use high power laser energy to quickly cut the riser permitting an offshore drilling rig to quickly, and in a controlled manner disconnect from a blowout preventer.

Abstract: A fiber optic coiled tubing assembly of multiple segments and coupling mechanism therefor. The assembly may be assembled from multiple coiled tubing segments which are pre-loaded with fiber optic line. Thus, the coupling mechanism may be employed for physical coupling of the coiled tubing segments as well as communicative coupling of the lines of the separate segments to one another. As such, pumping of a single fiber optic line through the coiled tubing assembly following coupling of the segments may be avoided. This may be of particular benefit for offshore operations where the joining of multiple coiled tubing segments is likely due to crane load capacity limitations and where such pumping may consume vast amounts of time.

Abstract: A jumper including an upstream connector configured to communicate with an umbilical, and a downstream connector configured to communicate with an end device. The jumper also includes a conduit having a first end attached to the upstream connector and a second end attached to the downstream connector, a plurality of valves, and a programmable processor.

Abstract: A subsea connection system includes a support unit with a first connector and a distribution unit including an external frame to be landed on and supported by the support unit and an inner frame that is movable within the external frame. An outwardly facing connector may be connected via a long umbilical to a remote platform. Nevertheless, a nearby installation may be controlled via a short umbilical from another connector and thus the nearby installation does not require a long umbilical connected to the remote platform.

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 running tool for coaxially setting together subsea wellhead housings, such as a high pressure wellhead housing within a low pressure wellhead housing. The tool includes a conically shaped body that is insertable within the inner most housing, a frame with a base, an axial bore and latches. The base perpendicularly rests on top of an inner housing and the latches extend from the base to connect with an outer housing. The bore is formed to accommodate the tool freely therethrough. Wedge shaped members are provided between the base and inner housing top having their wide ends contactable by the tool. Urging the tool through the bore pushes the wedges radially outward that imparts a force between the base and inner housing top in one direction. The attached latches apply an oppositely directed force onto the outer housing.

Abstract: The method of providing a hydraulic stab sub for sealing in a receptacle bore of a first diameter comprising providing the hydraulic stab subs with two or more composite seals each having two metal rings having an outer second diameter less than the first diameter and an inner third diameter and bonding a resilient material between the two metal rings with an outer seal diameter less that the first diameter and an inner seal diameter less than the inner third diameter, providing a seal expander having an expander outside diameter which is smaller than the third inner diameter and greater than the seal inner diameter, such that when the hydraulic stab sub is within the receptacle bore and the seal expander is moved to within the inner seal diameter of the composite seals, the resilient material is expanded into sealing engagement with the receptacle bore.

Abstract: A technique facilitates formation of subsea connections. A free portion of a stab plate connection system is moved into proximity with a fixed portion of the stab plate connection system at a subsea location. The free portion is initially engaged with the fixed portion via a docking probe. Subsequently, a local actuator is used to draw the free portion into an operating engagement with the fixed portion in which line couplers of the fixed portion are engaged with corresponding line couplers of the free portion.

Abstract: In subsea drilling operations, workover control systems may include deployment of an umbilical from a deepwater drilling vessel. Such an umbilical provides support functions for deepwater drilling operations. In the practice of the invention, a new method, system and apparatus may be employed to deploy the umbilical independently of the drilling riser, which provides commercial and operational advantages. That is, the umbilical may be deployed at a different time than the riser is deployed, and also without intimate close connection from the umbilical to the riser.