Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present inveniton provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered loading more evenly distributes stresses on the matching loading surfaces as compared to the result of using a tooth profile on the connector that nearly exactly matches the profile on the wellhead. The joint can then take advantage of an increased preload and exhibit improved stress characteristics when operating at high loading conditions.

Abstract: A connector for connecting sections of drilling riser pipe wherein a first riser contains a pin assembly with an external first grooved profile and a second riser contains a housing assembly. An internal split pivoting latch segment assembly carried by the housing assembly contains a second grooved profile adapted to mate to the first grooved profile and a split actuation ring movably carried by the housing assembly forces the second grooved profile of the latch segment assembly into engagement with the first grooved profile of the pin assembly. A plurality of retraction links engage an upper edge of the latch segment assembly to disengage the second grooved profile of the latch segment assembly from the first grooved profile of the pin assembly if the risers are to be disconnected.

Abstract: An underwater stabplate connection is provided by lowering a counterbalanced first part of the connection in a horizontal disposition by a lift line, the first part being attached to an umbilical. The first part of the connection mates with a second part of the connection, the second part being attached to an underwater structure such as a well tree.

Abstract: A method for updating a software of a sub-sea controller (31) located under the sea level. The sub-sea controller manages a plurality of tools in a sub-sea well. An application module (35) is downloaded into the sub-sea controller. The application module is executed using a virtual machine (36) implemented within the sub-sea controller.

Abstract: A wellhead system comprising a seal with a restraining member adapted to cooperate with a housing to restrict axial movement of the seal. The seal is adapted to form a seal between the housing, such as a wellhead, and a tubular member, such as a casing hanger. The seal has a latch ring that is expanded outward as the seal is installed within the wellhead. Axial movement of the seal is restricted by engagement between the expanded latch ring and the inner profile of the housing. The seal and housing may be adapted so that a portion of the seal is received by a recess in the inner profile of the housing.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or controlling at least one device mounted on a tubing string of a well, the system comprising: a down-well cable for conveying a signal to and/or from at least one device mounted on a tubing string of a well; a temporary surface cable for conveying a signal between the at least one device and a first monitor/control station prior to and/or during installation of a tubing string in a well; a permanent surface cable for conveying a signal between the at least one device and a second monitor/control station after installation of the tubing string in a well; and switch means configurable between a first configuration, in which the down-well cable and the temporary cable are connected, and a second configuration, in which the down-well cable and the permanent cable are connected.

Abstract: A tool is employed with a subsea wellhead assembly for preventing the collapse of a wear bushing located in a drill-through tubular member due to external test forces being applied to it. The tool has a connector that connects to the drill-through tubular member. A stem extends downward from the connector and has a reacting member at its lower end. The reacting member engages an inner diameter of the wear bushing to resist inwardly directed forces due to fluid pressure on the exterior of the wear bushing. The tool can be incorporated with a running tool or with a blowout preventer isolation test tool.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has separable tree modules that interconnect together. The lower tree module has a lower tree member having a bore with a valve for controlling production fluid flow. The upper tree module has an upper tree member with a bore and interface devices for monitoring the fluid flow as well as controlling the flow. A production line sub is carried alongside the upper tree member. The sub has a stab interface that stabs sealingly into a stab interface mounted alongside the lower tree member.

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: Configurations and methods for subsea hydrocarbon production at high pressure wells are contemplated in which production control is achieved by implementing two choke valves in series between the wellhead and the riser The first production choke reduces pressure from well pressure to a reduced pressure, while the second production choke further reduces the pressure from the reduced pressure to riser pressure. The first production choke is preferably coupled to the production tree, and the second production choke is coupled to production tree, a subsea pipeline-end device (e.g., PLET or PLEM), a well jumper, or a flowline jumper.

Abstract: A safety valve system includes a safety valve having an actuator and a line connected to the actuator. The safety valve is operable by opening the line in the well, with the line being free of any connection to a surface control system. Another safety valve system includes multiple safety valves. An actuator of each safety valve is connected to an actuator of another safety valve via a line. A biasing force in each of the actuators is operative to close the respective one of the safety valves in response to opening of the line. The biasing force is produced at least in part by hydrostatic pressure in a well.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered loading more evenly distributes stresses on the matching loading surfaces as compared to the result of using a tooth profile on the connector that nearly exactly matches the profile on the wellhead. The joint can then take advantage of an increased preload and exhibit improved stress characteristics when operating at high loading conditions.

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 method and system for completing a well below the bottom of a body of water includes assembling a completion string at a location away from a location of the wellbore, moving the assembled completion string to the location of the wellbore and inserting the assembled completion string into the wellbore.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead housing, a production tree, a tubing hanger adapted to land in the wellhead assembly inside the wellhead housing without a need for angular orientation, a bridge member on the tubing hanger in the production tree, a port radially formed through the tubing hanger or the bridge member, a production port radially through the tree head housing, and an annular production flow passage that circumscribes the bridge member lower portion on one end and optionally circumscribes the tubing hanger on its other end. The annular production flow passage is in communication with both the production port and the radial port in the tubing hanger or bridge member so that fluid can be produced from the well via the annular production flow passage without necessity to orientate the tubing hanger.

Abstract: A subsea riser disconnect assembly 10 may be actuated from a drilling rig DR by axial movement of an upper riser 35 relative to a lower riser 28, for disconnecting the upper riser 35 from the lower riser 28. A subsea riser valve assembly 20 may be actuated from the drilling rig DR by axial movement of the upper riser 35 relative to the lower riser 28, for sealing an interior portion of the lower riser 28 and well bore WB below the subsea riser valve assembly 20. A drill pipe disconnect 30 may be actuated from a drilling rig DR, either onshore or offshore, for disconnecting an upper portion of drill pipe 236 from a lower portion of drill pipe 240. The drill pipe disconnect 30 may be actuatable by hydraulic and/or mechanical forces applied to the drill pipe disconnect 30 from the drilling rig DR. The drill pipe disconnect 30 may be compatible for use with or without the subsea riser disconnect assembly 10 and/or the subsea riser valve assembly 20.

Abstract: A system and method to allow backup or alternate fluid flow routes around malfunctioning components using removable, modular component sets. In one exemplary embodiment, an ROV establishes a backup hydraulic flow to a BOP function by attaching one end of a hose to a modular valve block and the other end to an intervention shuttle valve, thus circumventing and isolating malfunctioning components. A compound intervention shuttle valve is provided that comprises first and second primary inlets, first and second secondary inlets, and an outlet. A modular valve block is provided that comprises a directional control valve, a pilot valve, a manifold pressure regulator, a pilot pressure regulator, stab type hydraulic connections and an electrical wet-make connection.

Abstract: A tendon bottom connector assembly has a receptacle with a bore having an annular locking profile divided into segments by axially extending slots. The connector has a housing that inserts into and locks in the receptacle. The housing and receptacle have mating an anti-rotation elements. The lock ring has an outer surface with an annular locking profile divided into segments by axially extending slots. The lock ring is carried by the housing initially in the installation position with its segments aligned with the slots of the receptacle. This position allows the housing to be fully inserted into the receptacle. An ROV then rotates the ring from the installation position to a locked position, with the segments of the lock ring engaging the segments of the receptacle. Alternately, a split ring with one end fixed rotates the lock ring.

Abstract: A connector for severed pipes in a wellbore has an elongated tubular mandrel, a sealing pack-off ring mounted on the mandrel, an activator ring for pressing against the pack-off ring and causing the pack-off ring to seal an interior of a casing above a shut-off valve. A grapple member is slidable mounted on the mandrel above the activator ring; the grapple member has an enlarged diameter plate, which rests on an upper edge of a severed casing. A production pipe, control lines and production casing can be lowered through the large opening in the mandrel and re-establish connection with the severed casing and production pipes.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing operations on an offshore well includes a subsea wellhead assembly. A riser extends from the subsea wellhead assembly to a surface vessel. A tool connects to a running string and is lowered through the riser into the wellhead assembly for performing operations at the wellhead assembly. A subsea controller is located adjacent the subsea wellhead assembly. The subsea controller controls the operation of the tool. A surface controller is positioned on the surface vessel, and is in communication with the subsea controller via a control line extending downward from the surface controller to the subsea controller. The control line extends downward from the surface controller along an exterior of the riser.

Abstract: The present embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus and method for using components in a subsea assembly formed from a raw polymer material combined with a marine growth inhibitor material.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for installing subsea insulation on flowlines, connectors and other subsea equipment by a remotely operated vehicle. This system provides a mold designed and built to suit the parameters of the subsea item to be insulated. The mold is installed around the subsea item to be insulated and then injected with a liquid solution of insulation material. The liquid solution is then allowed to solidify, forming a gel molded insulation.

Abstract: A subsea well intervention system that permits dynamic disconnection from subsea well intervention equipment without removing any of the equipment during a drive-off condition is provided. The system includes a blowout preventer module operatively connected to a subsea tree, a lubricator assembly attached to the blowout preventer module that provides access to the interior of the blowout preventer and the subsea tree by well intervention equipment, and an umbilical module including a fail-safe disconnect assembly. The fail-safe disconnect assembly is disconnected using hydraulic power provided by the control umbilical or by a remotely operated vehicle.

Abstract: A latch assembly is connectable to a riser. A rotating control device can be positioned with the riser, sealing the rotating control device with the latch assembly and removably latching the rotating control device to the latch assembly and to the riser. The latch assembly can be remotely actuated. The latch assembly can provide an auxiliary safety mechanism to provide a backup actuation mechanism to unlatch the rotating control device from the latch assembly. The latch assembly can be bolted to the riser. Alternately, the latch assembly can be latched with the riser using a similar latching mechanism as used to latch the latch assembly to the rotating control device. A pressure transducer protector assembly can protect a transducer for monitoring wellbore pressure in the riser. A remote indicator panel can indicate the status of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A method for providing an umbilical connection for a well installation, the well installation being located at the bed or floor of a body of water, comprises the steps of providing an umbilical with first and second ends and prior to operative deployment of the umbilical, locating the umbilical such that at least a portion of the umbilical is substantially statically retained within the body of water. Additionally, an umbilical deployment system for a well installation located at the bed or floor of a body of water, comprises an umbilical, wherein, prior to operative deployment of the umbilical, at least a portion of the umbilical is substantially statically retained within the body of water.

Abstract: A method of reducing a pressure within a first cavity of a subsea device is disclosed which includes transferring fluid within the first cavity to an accumulator, increasing a pressure of the fluid within the accumulator and, after increasing the pressure of the fluid within the accumulator, transferring at least some of the fluid in the accumulator into a second cavity, wherein the second cavity is at a higher pressure than said first cavity.

Abstract: A system for communicating between a surface facility and a subsea production control system includes a communications device proximate the water surface. The water surface communications device has at least one communication interface. A communications device is functionally associated with a wellhead or subsea structure proximate the water bottom. The water bottom communications device has at least one communication interface. A communication channel extends between the surface communication device and the water bottom communication device. A multiplexer is functionally coupled to the communication interface on each of the surface and water bottom communication devices. At least two remote devices are functionally coupled to the water bottom multiplexer. The remote devices comprise at least one of a sensor and a control. At least two corresponding devices are coupled to the surface multiplexer.

Abstract: A system for supporting multiple-well-site, offshore, hydrocarbon-bearing fields, each well-site has one or more wells. In general, the system first comprises a floating vessel that is relocatable from a first subsea well-site to a second subsea well-site. The system also comprises two separate systems: (1) an operations control system for providing subsea well-site operations such as power and communications; and (2) an intervention system for conducting intervention services to an individual subsea well such as workover services and maintenance services. The operations system may provide control to wells and other subsea equipment at either the first well-site or the second well-site, regardless of the location of the floating vessel. The intervention system may provide workover and/or maintenance to subsea equipment or individual wells at the well-site at which it is located.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting wellheads of a fixed-leg drilling and production platform which provide an alternative from the shutting in of producing wells as currently required. The apparatus provides a structural barrier for the production process systems of the platform, shielding such systems from heavy objects which may be dropped in the course of rig mobilization and skidding procedures. A method of installing an embodiment of the apparatus allows the barrier to be installed without shutting in the production wells.

Abstract: Described herein a single bore, high flow junction plate and flow line assembly adapted for use subsea. This junction plate may be adapted for use with a torque tool manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a well intervention device connected to a well extending from a floating platform. The apparatus comprises a frame assembly having a first and second end, and wherein the first end is positioned on the platform. The apparatus includes a crown assembly attached to the second end of the frame assembly, a motion compensator member attached to the frame assembly for compensating for vertical movements of the platform, and a travel head having a first connector and a second connector, and wherein the first connector is attached to the compensator member and the second connector attaches the travel head to the well intervention device.

Abstract: A tool is employed with a subsea wellhead assembly for preventing the collapse of a wear bushing located in a drill-through tubular member due to external test forces being applied to it. The tool has a connector that connects to the drill-through tubular member. A stem extends downward from the connector and has a reacting member at its lower end. The reacting member engages an inner diameter of the wear bushing to resist inwardly directed forces due to fluid pressure on the exterior of the wear bushing. The tool can be incorporated with a running tool or with a blowout preventer isolation test tool.

Abstract: A method performing an operation in a subsea wellhead assembly through a riser extending between the wellhead assembly and a surface platform includes the step of connecting a surface blowout preventer to an upper portion of the riser. Then a tool is connected to a string of conduit. A control line is then connected to the tool, extended alongside the conduit. The tool and control line are lowered through the blowout preventer and riser. The method also includes the step of mounting a slick joint to an upper end of the conduit when the tool is near the wellhead assembly. The control line is then linked through the slick joint and extends to the surface platform. The method also includes the step of communicating with the tool via the control line and performing an operation in the wellhead assembly with the tool.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for two parts, which are at least partially insertable into one another, presents a cam-operated component, which runs on bearings and which is adjustable between a passive and an active position, on the one part, for shifting a number of contact elements between a withdrawal and a contact position, whereby the contact elements, when in the contact position, mesh in a retaining indentation on the other part, and a driving device for the adjustment of the cam-operated component between the active and passive positions. In order to ensure a secure and stable connection of these parts, using simple design means without additional pre-stressing or restraining devices, even when the parts are only partially inserted into one another, the contact elements are arranged in two or more levels essentially parallel to the insertion direction of the two parts and the cam-operated component for shifting the contact elements between the withdrawal and contact positions is allocated to each level.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of offshore subsea oil and gas drilling and production operations. Specifically the invention relates to a hydraulically and/or mechanically driven junction plate actuator suitable for use in connecting and/or disconnecting a dynamic junction box half to a fixed junction box assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered loading more evenly distributes stresses on the matching loading surfaces as compared to the result of using a tooth profile on the connector that nearly exactly matches the profile on the wellhead. The joint can then take advantage of an increased preload and exhibit improved stress characteristics when operating at high loading conditions.

Abstract: A method and system of subsea intervention comprises lowering one or more assemblies of intervention equipment into the sea. Underwater marine units (such as remote operated vehicles or small submarines) may be employed to connect the assemblies to each other and to the subsea wellhead equipment. The subsea wellhead equipment includes a carrier line spool (e.g., coiled tubing spool, wireline spool, slickline spool) and equipment to inject a carrier line from the carrier line spool into the subsea well. The carrier line spool can be located underwater, such as on the sea floor or positioned above the subsea wellhead equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a running tool for subsea junction plate assembly installation. The invention further relates to a method for installing a junction plate assembly using the running tool of the present invention.

Abstract: A system for subsea transfer of intervention fluids to a subsea intervention apparatus, the system, in certain aspects, including a structure and a frame pivotably mounted thereto, a plurality of frame fluid conduits on the frame for conducting fluid from a connector to conduit apparatus in fluid communication with the subsea intervention apparatus, a connector at an end of the frame for releasably holding an end of a fluid stab assembly, and having a connector fluid conduits in communication with the frame fluid conduits, the connector fluid conduits located for receiving fluid from a fluid stab assembly releasably held by the connector.

Abstract: A distributed function control module adapted for use in a modular blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use subsea comprises a housing, adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a stab portion adapted to be received into a BOP stack control module receiver. Control electronics, adapted to control a predetermined function with respect to the BOP stack, are disposed within the housing and connected to one or more controllable devices by a wet mateable connector interface. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An inner tubular member of a subsea wellhead assembly carries a locking member that moves between a locked and unlocked positions lands within an outer tubular member having a grooved profile in its bore. The inner tubular member joins to a portion of the conductor casing extending from a low pressure wellhead housing above the mudline of the seafloor. In the locked position, the locking member engages the grooved profile on the outer tubular member to connect the outer tubular member and inner tubular member. The inner tubular member also carries a hydraulically actuated, axially moveable locking sleeve that slidingly engages the locking member to move the locking member between the locked and unlocked positions. An ROV supplies hydraulic fluid through an ROV port to actuate the locking sleeve.

Abstract: A charging system for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is disposed within a submerged docking station. The charging system includes a battery, a fuel cell, a fuel source, and a charge controller. The battery supplies electrical power to an electrical distribution bus in the docking station. The charge controller monitors the charge state of the battery and, when needed, activates the fuel cell to recharge the battery. The charge controller also activates the fuel cell when a UUV is docked in the docking station for recharging of its power plant.

Abstract: An electrically operated actuation tool for a subsea completion system component having at least one hydraulically actuatable mechanism comprises an electric motor, a hydraulic pump which is driven by the motor and at least one hydraulic line which communicates between the hydraulic pump and a corresponding hydraulic conduit that is fluidly connected to the mechanism. In this manner, the motor drives the hydraulic pump to generate hydraulic pressure which is used to actuate the mechanism.

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.

Abstract: A subsea fuel cell and system adapted for long duration use. The subsea fuel cell comprises a fuel cell stack and a water discharge system. In alternate embodiments, the subsea fuel cell can further comprise an impurity discharge system.

Abstract: This invention relates to fuel cells, and in one embodiment, to fuel cells that are especially well suited for downhole use in oil and gas wells, and for subsea use in connection with offshore wells.

Abstract: A subsea riser disconnect assembly 10 may be actuated from a drilling rig DR by axial movement of an upper riser 35 relative to a lower riser 28, for disconnecting the upper riser 35 from the lower riser 28. A subsea riser valve assembly 20 may be actuated from the drilling rig DR by axial movement of the upper riser 35 relative to the lower riser 28, for sealing an interior portion of the lower riser 28 and well bore WB below the subsea riser valve assembly 20. A drill pipe disconnect 30 may be actuated from a drilling rig DR, either onshore or offshore, for disconnecting an upper portion of drill pipe 236 from a lower portion of drill pipe 240. The drill pipe disconnect 30 may be actuatable by hydraulic and/or mechanical forces applied to the drill pipe disconnect 30 from the drilling rig DR. The drill pipe disconnect 30 may be compatible for use with or without the subsea riser disconnect assembly 10 and/or the subsea riser valve assembly 20.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for efficiently installing sea-borne wellhead components and tying back sub-sea wellhead components with them. In specific aspects, a single running and setting tool is used to land a tubing head housing upon the stem of a floating platform and tension and pressure testing casing string risers extending between a subsea wellhead and a floating vessel.

Abstract: Subsea connection apparatus comprising: a frame (5) connectable to a subsea structure (1); docking means for connecting the frame to the subsea structure; conduit handling means (10) positioned on the frame to facilitate the positioning of a conduit for attachment to a subsea structure; and means for docking a subsea tool and/or vehicle (20) onto the frame.

Abstract: To install a modular seabed processing system (1) on a seabed, a monopile foundation (3) is first lowered down and driven into the seabed. A docking unit (4) is lowered towards the installed foundation (3) so that a mating clamp system (6) mounted on the docking unit is aligned with a spigot (5) on the foundation. The clamp system then clamps the spigot to fix the docking unit onto the foundation. Flowlines (2) and an electrical power connector plug (18) are connected to the docking unit. A first retrievable substantially autonomous module (8) is lowered and connected to the docking unit (4) by a multi-bored connector (10, 11) and the plug (18) on the docking unit is engaged by a corresponding socket (17) on the module. Isolation valves (14, 16) in the docking unit and module are opened so that the module (8) is able to act on fluid received from the flowlines (2) via the multi-bored connector (10, 11).