With Provision For Removal Or Repositioning Of Member Without Removal Of Other Well Structure Patents (Class 166/339)
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Patent number: 12188307Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2023Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
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Patent number: 11572755Abstract: A sealing arrangement for an oil and/or gas well, including a rotation portion and a sealing portion. Rotation of the rotation portion causes the sealing portion to engage a surface of the oil and/or gas well so as to substantially form a seal therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Baker Hughes Energy Technology UK LimitedInventor: Michael Stanley McRobbie Ross
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Patent number: 11180967Abstract: A blowout preventer system includes a lower blowout preventer (BOP) stack including a number of hydraulic components, and a lower marine riser package (LMRP) including a first control pod and a second control pod adapted to provide, during use, redundant control of hydraulic components of the lower blowout preventer stack where the first and the second control pods are adapted to being connected, during use, to a surface control system and to be controlled, during use, by the surface control system, wherein the blowout preventer system further includes at least one additional control pod connected to at least one additional surface control system and to be controlled, during use, by the additional surface control system. In this way, an improved blowout preventer system is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Maersk Drilling A/SInventors: John Pedersen, Michal Bury, Kenneth Cameron Murphy
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Patent number: 11174692Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to pulling tools and, more particularly, to incorporating a bailer feature in pulling tools. A pulling tool may be provided that includes a housing. The pulling tool may further include a tool engagement assembly securing in the housing with a distal end of the tool engagement assembly extending from the housing for engagement with a well tool. The pulling tool may further include a bailer chamber formed in the tool engagement assembly and in fluid communication with an exterior of the pulling tool through an opening in the distal end of the tool engagement assembly. The pulling tool may further include a valve positioned in the opening of the tool engagement assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jack Gammill Clemens, Mark S. Holly, Francis Michael Heaney, David Russ Larimore
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Patent number: 11162320Abstract: A fracturing fluid delivery system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a wellhead assembly, a fracturing fluid supply line, a vertical branch extending upward from the fracturing fluid supply line, and a fluid conduit coupling the vertical branch in fluid communication with the wellhead assembly. The fluid conduit may extend linearly from the vertical branch to the wellhead assembly. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Adam J. Christopherson, Jay P. Painter
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Patent number: 11105174Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) stack module includes a chassis core having a module frame, wherein the chassis core supports one or more submodules each configured to perform a function of a BOP stack, an underwater vehicle coupling hardware coupled to the chassis core, wherein the underwater vehicle coupling hardware couples with an underwater vehicle configured to transport and selectively couple and uncouple the BOP stack module relative to the BOP stack, and a mechanical connector coupled to the chassis core, wherein the mechanical connector couples to a stack frame of the BOP stack, and at least one port coupled to the chassis core, wherein the at least one port is a fluid port, a hydraulic port, a pneumatic port, an electrical port, or a combination thereof, wherein the at least one port couples with a corresponding port of the BOP stack.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Harold Daley, Mac M Kennedy, Michael Urdiales, Gerrit Kroesen
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Patent number: 11028662Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Seaboard International LLCInventors: Jerry Keith Rhodes, Kenneth Bean, Paul Horton, Jr.
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Patent number: 10995574Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a method of deploying a payload in a subterranean well. The method including advancing a torpedo in a first portion of a wellbore of a subterranean well (the torpedo including a body, a fiber-optic (FO) umbilical that is physically coupled to a surface component, and adapted to unspool from the torpedo as the torpedo advances in the wellbore, and an engine adapted to generate thrust to propel the torpedo), and activating the engine to generate thrust to propel advancement of the torpedo within a second portion of the wellbore such that the FO umbilical is disposed in the second portion of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Michael Jervis, Brett Bouldin
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Patent number: 10920509Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a method of deploying a payload in a subterranean well. The method including advancing a torpedo in a first portion of a wellbore of a subterranean well (the torpedo including a body, a fiber-optic (FO) umbilical that is physically coupled to a surface component, and adapted to unspool from the torpedo as the torpedo advances in the wellbore, and an engine adapted to generate thrust to propel the torpedo), and activating the engine to generate thrust to propel advancement of the torpedo within a second portion of the wellbore such that the FO umbilical is disposed in the second portion of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Michael Jervis, Brett Bouldin
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Patent number: 10858903Abstract: The invention relates to a tool and associated method for making closed operation in subsea wells possible, without the use of cable or coiled tubing up to the rig or ship. The object of this solution is to move such operations to lighter and more cost efficient vessels or ships which are not necessarily required to handle hydrocarbons up to the deck of the vessel. The basis of maintaining two independent well barrier envelopes is met even if the tool and the method for operation does not require cutting functions for isolating the well from the environment. The tool comprises a hoist arrangement, a seal element and connection points. The localization and arrangement of these are essential for the invention. The invention also adapts for use of traditional workover systems as alternative, independent operation, if the new technique should not complete the operation as planned.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventors: Tor-Øystein Carlsen, Trond Løkka
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Patent number: 10822892Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling a first downhole tool to a second downhole tool includes a first portion, a second portion, and a locking device for locking the first portion to the second portion. The first portion includes a frame; a plug body movable relative to the frame; a guiding element coupled to the plug body; at least one of a hydraulic plug and an electric plug; and an actuator for moving the plug body relative to the frame. The second portion includes a receptacle body; a guide receptacle for receiving the guiding element; a respective receptacle for receiving at least one of the hydraulic plug; and the electric plug.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: Alexander Migutin
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Patent number: 10787879Abstract: A fracturing fluid delivery system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes wellhead assemblies, a fracturing manifold trunk line, vertical branches extending upward from the fracturing manifold trunk line, and fluid conduits coupling the vertical branches in fluid communication with the wellhead assemblies. The fluid conduits may extend linearly from the vertical branches to the wellhead assemblies. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Adam J. Christopherson, Jay P. Painter
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Patent number: 10708869Abstract: An acoustic network is located in a formation traversed by a borehole having a pipe contained therein. The acoustic network includes a backbone network having a number of backbone modems engaging the pipe and acoustically communicating along the pipe using a first modulation technique. A number of end node modems acoustically communicate using a second modulation technique orthogonal to the first modulation technique. At least one of the backbone modems is a bridge hub modem that is coupled to both the backbone network and an end node modem and communicates with the backbone network using the first modulation technique and with the end node modem using the second modulation technique. The end node modems may have a hibernation mode defined by low energy usage with no transmission or receipt of data, and a transmission mode defined by transmission of data by the end node modem.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Arnaud Croux, Julius Kusuma, Stephane Vannuffelen
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Patent number: 10669819Abstract: A device for retrieving a control pod from a subsea BOP stack or deploying a control pod to a subsea BOP stack includes a base having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end axially opposite the first end. The base includes a plurality of axially adjacent bays positioned side-by-side between the first end and the second end. Each bay is sized to hold one control pod. In addition, the device includes a trolley moveably coupled to the base. The trolley includes a first stall and a second stall axially adjacent the first stall. Each stall is configured to hold one control pod. Further, the device includes a housing fixably coupled to the base. Still further, the device includes a control pod actuation assembly coupled to the housing. The control pod actuation assembly is configured to move the trolley axially relative to the base and the housing to align each stall of the trolley with at least one bay of the base.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.Inventors: Travis James Miller, Richard Watson Cowan, Alex Michael Belote, Frank Benjamin Springett
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Patent number: 10626693Abstract: A method for pulling a crown plug that includes the steps of providing a subsea lubricator having a longitudinal through bore; providing a jacking string with a landing sub and a crown plug connector; lowering the subsea lubricator to a christmas tree and lowering the jacking string to the lubricator, and, connecting the plug connector to the crown plug; jacking up the jack such that tensile forces cause the crown plug to be released from the christmas tree; raising the jacking string and crown plug and detaching the crown plug from the crown plug connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Inventors: John Keith Caulfield, Patrick Brown
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Patent number: 10605011Abstract: A method for deploying a pump in a wellbore includes coupling the pump to an end of a coiled tubing having upper and lower coiled tubing portions interconnected by a releasable tubing connector, and inserting the pump into the wellbore by extending the coiled tubing therein until the releasable tubing connector is disposed in a suspending arrangement proximate a surface of the wellbore. The method includes uncoupling the upper coiled tubing portion from the releasable connector, wherein the releasable connector, lower coiled tubing portion and pump are retained suspended in the wellbore from the suspending arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: ZiLift Holdings LimitedInventor: Jamie Cochran
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Patent number: 10590726Abstract: A plurality of PODs for a lower marine riser package (LMRP) is disclosed. At least a first subsea electronics module (SEM) and a second SEM are provided in a first POD of the plurality of PODs. At least a third SEM and a fourth SEM are provided in a second pod. The third SEM is redundant with the first SEM and the fourth SEM is redundant with the second SEM. At least one selector circuit is provided to transmit an SEM select signal that electrically activates or electrically deactivates the first SEM separately from the third SEM. As a result, each of the SEMs in the plurality of PODs may be separately activated or deactivated without a need to turn off fluid provided to hydraulic valves in the first and the second PODs that are controlled by corresponding SEMs.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Hydril USA Distribution LLCInventors: Alexander McAuley, Aaron Blinka, Amine Abou-Assaad, David Kindt, James Nolan
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Patent number: 10570691Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
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Patent number: 10545065Abstract: An adapter for a diaphragm seal, having a first coupling area for fluid-tight coupling with a process port, a second coupling area for fluid-tight coupling with a diaphragm seal and an adapter diaphragm, which is disposed fluid-tight at a junction between the first coupling area and the second coupling area and is designed to come into contact with a seal diaphragm in a mounted state of the diaphragm seal. A measuring system is also provided for measuring a pressure, a fill level and/or a temperature of a process medium within an apparatus, and an apparatus of this type.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KGInventors: Joachim Zipp, Tobias Hench, Udo Hoerning
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Patent number: 10385641Abstract: A closed operation subsea well tool assembly with a flushing system flushing a first fluid in the main bore (15) of the tool assembly (1). The flushing system of the tool assembly comprises a container (19) with a second fluid, a pump (2), a swab valve (20) in the top of the main bore (15), an inlet (3) in the bottom of the main bore of the tool assembly, which is connected to the pump. Outlet(s) (5a, 6a) are below the swab valve, configured to guide out the first fluid from the main bore. A fluid channel (7) extends from the outlet (5a, 6a) and down to channels of the wellhead module (10) or the wellhead (31). Methods using the tool assembly are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventors: Tor-Øystein Carlsen, Trond Løkka
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Patent number: 10323475Abstract: A fracturing fluid delivery system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a fracturing manifold and a fracturing tree. A fluid conduit is coupled between the fracturing manifold and the fracturing tree to enable receipt of fracturing fluid by the fracturing tree from the fracturing manifold through the fluid conduit. Further, the fluid conduit is an adjustable fluid conduit that provides a line-of-sight fluid connection from the fracturing manifold to the fracturing tree. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Adam J. Christopherson, Jay P. Painter
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Patent number: 10316606Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Seaboard International, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Keith Rhodes, Kenneth Bean, Paul Horton, Jr.
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Patent number: 10301790Abstract: A system is for establishing a collection of well foundations, the well foundations being formed of suction-foundation units arranged to be driven down into an unconsolidated mass. An alignment template includes several through cut-outs, each arranged to receive a suction-foundation unit. The alignment template placed over the unconsolidated mass, forms a means of positioning the suction-foundation units before the suction-foundation units are driven down into the unconsolidated mass. A method of establishing a collection of well foundations is described as well.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: NeoDrill ASInventors: Harald Strand, Wolfgang Mathis
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Patent number: 10267124Abstract: Disclosed is a subsea live hydrocarbon fluid retrieval system and method. The system and method include the ability to depressurize the fluid while enacting controlled venting of the gas entrained in the fluid during a controlled ascent to the surface from the seabed. The system and method do not require ancillary equipment at surface for management of gas or pressure. The fluid arrives at surface with minimal gas and pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Thomas Edward O'Donnell, David Hugh Fraser, Christa Soutullo Musgrove, Katherine Patricia Papageorge, Peter Phuong Tran, Zachary Wade Lampkin, David John Taghehchian, Ryan Frederic Keller
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Patent number: 10250682Abstract: A method of sharing data in a subsea network includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by a plurality of data connections arranged to carry data to and from equipment in subsea installations, the method includes: storing data in a mass subsea data store provided across one or more nodes in the subsea network configured to act as a subsea data server; and on receiving, at the subsea data server, a request for access to data stored in the mass subsea data store, the subsea data server retrieving the requested data from the data store and causing the requested data to be sent over the subsea.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: AKER SOLUTIONS LIMITEDInventors: Erik Haugseth, Harald Nordgard-Hansen
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Patent number: 10060555Abstract: A load transferring subsea structure (10) for temporary guiding and permanently relieve forces within a pipe connection that is subjected to bending moments when connection is completed. A connector (3) keeps the pipe ends (E1, E2) together. The load transferring structure (10) includes one basically stationary structure (1) that retains a first pipe end (E1) and one basically manoeuvrable structure (2) that retains the second pipe end (E2). The second pipe end (E2) is to be connected to the first, stationary pipe end (E1). The stationary structure (1) includes portions (6) having predetermined configuration including fitted surfaces (6a, 6b) for interaction during mating with complementary portions (11, 12) having predetermined configuration including fitted surfaces (14, 15) on the mobile structure (2) for creation of a load path external of the pipe ends (E1, E2).Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Apply Nemo ASInventors: Ulf Lønnemo, Terje Pedersen, Rolf Nerem, Per Lillejordet, John Anders Ingebo
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Patent number: 10024137Abstract: A subsea fluid distributor comprises a support framework removably mountable and hydraulically connectable to a subsea structure intermediate the subsea structure and an incoming flying lead's terminator; a plate attached to an upper section of the support framework; a fixed bucket and a valve attached to the support framework; a lower framework attached to a lower portion of the support framework; a first hydraulic tube, in fluid communication with the valve, attached to the lower framework; a flying lead junction plate support framework attached to the lower portion of the support framework; a second hydraulic tube, in fluid communication with various subsea equipment, disposed at least partially within the flying lead junction plate support framework; a first remotely operated vehicle (ROV) torque bucket attached to an upper portion of the flying lead junction plate support framework; and a second ROV torque bucket attached to the upper section of the support framework.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Earl Schultz, Benjamin Primm, Matthew Smith
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Patent number: 9995101Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
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Patent number: 9896896Abstract: A subsea termination head assembly adapted for both communicating and controlled load earning connection via a termination head to a subsea structure to be installed on the seabed, is described. The termination head allows a subsea cable, a power cable, a power umbilical or an umbilical, to be connected to the subsea structure before lowering them as a unit from a vessel and into the sea. The termination head assembly and subsea structure are to be lowered together while concurrently paying out the cable all the way to the seabed. The termination head is arranged to be hingedly connected relative to the subsea structure, which allows the termination head to pivot about a pivot axis in order to let the subsea cable adopt a natural catenary curvature in the sea during lowering thereof. The cable extends in a pigtail loop from the termination head and into the subsea structure. The pigtail loop is able to perform a “rolling motion” during such pivotal movement of the termination head.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: AKER SOLUTIONS ASInventor: Sandeep Singh
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Patent number: 9869147Abstract: A system for producing or injecting fluids through a tubing hanger connected with a tubing string. The system includes a subsea tree with a tree flow passage and a tree annulus flow passage. The system includes a spool assembly separate from the subsea tree that includes a body with a spool longitudinal passage. The spool assembly also includes a spool lateral flow passage extending laterally from the spool longitudinal passage and configured to transfer the fluids to or from the tree flow passage. The spool assembly also includes a spool annulus flow passage in fluid communication with an annulus. The system includes a mating hub connection between the spool assembly and the subsea tree. The mating hub connection includes a connection configured to fluidly connect the spool lateral passage and the tree passage and an annulus connection configured to fluidly connect the spool annulus passage with the tree annulus passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: One Subsea IP UK LimitedInventor: David R. June
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Patent number: 9828830Abstract: A valve assembly connectable between first and second downhole components that each have first and second internal flowpaths. The valve assembly comprises a first valve operable to selectively fluidly couple the first internal flowpaths of the first and second downhole components, as well as a second valve operable to selectively fluidly couple the second internal flowpaths of the first and second downhole components.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Jeffrey Conner McCabe
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Patent number: 9784063Abstract: A subsea production system for a well including a subsea production tree, a tubing hanger, and a production tubing extending into the well and supported by the tubing hanger. A downhole equipment suspension system includes a suspension head supported directly or indirectly by the production tree above and separately from the tubing hanger. The suspension system also includes downhole equipment inside the production tubing below the tubing hanger and a suspension line extending through the tubing hanger vertical production bore and the production tree vertical bore. The suspension line suspends the downhole equipment from the suspension head.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK LimitedInventors: David R. June, David H. Theiss, Paul S. Tetley, Scott D. Ward, Jack H. Vincent
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Patent number: 9753230Abstract: A connector for subsea use is provided. The connector includes a first and a second connector part adapted to be made at subsea. A first coupling portion is arranged in the first connector part and a second coupling portion is arranged in the second connector part. The first and second coupling portions are configured to be brought into engagement for establishing an electrical or optical connection when the first and the second connector part are mated. The connector further includes a first protection assembly which forms part of the first connector part. The first protection assembly is configured to prevent the exposure of the first coupling portion to seawater when the connector is unmated and deployed subsea. A second protection assembly, which forms part of the second connector part, is configured to prevent the exposure of the second coupling portion to seawater when the connector is unmated and deployed subsea.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Christopher Burrow, Christopher Plant
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Patent number: 9732879Abstract: The present disclosure relates to monitoring the condition of fluid extraction components associated with a subsea hydrocarbon drilling and production operation and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a sensor assembly for monitoring the extraction component which is easily installable and locally powered. The sensor assembly, in one embodiment, is contained on a patch. The assembly comprises a sensor, a power supply, and a communication device, all located on the patch. The patch can be easily coupled to fluid extraction components, such as a valve associated with a blowout preventer stack. The patch can include a coupling material on one side of the patch allowing the patch to adhere to the fluid extraction components. The patch can further include a power generator, such as a piezoelectric generator, thereby allowing for the sensor assembly to be locally powered.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Andrew Jaffrey
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Patent number: 9622367Abstract: An assembly of subsea equipment and a plurality of subsea devices each of which is individually mountable on and separable from the subsea equipment wherein each device includes a respective stab connector for establishing electrical connection with the equipment and further has a respective terminal connector for a jumper lead, each device having at least dual redundancy whereby connection through the respective jumper terminal can substitute for the connection though the respective stab connector.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: AKER SUBSEA LIMITEDInventor: Richard Hope Carter
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Patent number: 9574426Abstract: An offshore well drilling system for drilling a subsea well is presented that includes a floating platform, a surface BOP stack, a riser, and a driveable environmental safe guard system. The safe guard system includes an upper wellhead connector, a lower wellhead connector, a blowout preventer with shearing blind rams, and a subsea pressure control system. The subsea pressure control system can be electric, hydraulic, acoustic, or ROV actuated. More importantly, the environmental safeguard system is moveable, and can be driven around using as ROV. The present invention provides swift disconnect and recovery for emergency situations. The subsea environmental safe guard system is also much lighter in weight than traditional subsea stacks.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: David E. Cain, Shian J. Chou, Vijay A. Cheruvu, William F. Puccio
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Patent number: 9458700Abstract: A system for developing offshore hydrocarbon fields includes a floating hydrocarbon processing unit moored to the seabed and connected to a hydrocarbon reservoir via a riser and a wellhead on the seabed, the unit receiving and processing the hydrocarbon mixture received from the reservoir via the riser, and having equipment to separate the hydrocarbon mixture into oil, water and gas and store them in storage tanks. A gas storage buffer reservoir is placed at a distance from and isolated from the hydrocarbon reservoir. A gas export riser is connected to the floating hydrocarbon processing unit and the gas buffer reservoir to export separated gas and inject it into the gas buffer reservoir. A gas riser has one end connected to the gas buffer reservoir and another end connected to the floating gas processing unit for processing gas received from the gas buffer reservoir for enabling transportation to shore.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.Inventors: Hein Wille, Harke Jan Meek
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Patent number: 9461329Abstract: A power generation system includes a hydrothermal fluid well including a drilled hole reaching down to a hydrothermal fluid reservoir present below an ocean floor from an ocean floor surface and a casing installed in the drilled hole through a guide base on the ocean floor surface, an anode provided on a flow channel for hot water formed by the hydrothermal fluid well, a cathode provided in seawater other than the flow channel for hot water formed by the hydrothermal fluid well, and an ocean floor device that is connected with the anode and the cathode respectively and extracts generated power so as to operate. Power is easily and stably supplied on the ocean floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignees: Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science & Technology, The University of TokyoInventors: Masahiro Yamamoto, Ken Takai, Tomokazu Saruhashi, Ikuo Sawada, Junichi Miyazaki, Takazo Shibuya, Kentaro Nakamura, Ryuhei Nakamura, Kazuhito Hashimoto
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Patent number: 9297217Abstract: A sensor pod housing assembly for placement within a borehole includes a housing, a selectively operable first hydraulic actuator supported by the housing and adapted to act in a first direction and a selectively operable second hydraulic actuator supported by the housing and adapted to act in a second direction which is substantially parallel to and opposite the first direction. The sensor pod housing assembly further includes a sensor pod adapted to contact a wall of the borehole when deployed to substantially immobilize the sensor pod relative to the borehole. A first substantially rigid link pivotally connects the first hydraulic actuator and the sensor pod, and a second substantially rigid link pivotally connects the second hydraulic actuator and the sensor pod.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Björn N. P. Paulsson
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Patent number: 9297216Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet
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Patent number: 9291016Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for pulling a crown plug from a subsea horizontal christmas tree, the method comprising: (a) providing a subsea lubricator having a longitudinal through bore and a jack attached to the subsea lubricator, the jack having a landing area, and the landing area having an opening which is fluidly connected to the lubricator's through bore; (b) providing a jacking string which includes a landing sub and a crown plug connector, the sub having a landing surface; (c) without the jacking string in step “b”, lowering the subsea lubricator of step “a”, to the horizontal christmas tree and attaching the lubricator to the christmas tree; (d) lowering the jacking string to the lubricator, and, while the landing surface of the landing sub is spaced above and not supported by the landing area of the jack, connecting the plug connector to the crown plug while the landing sub is above and not touching the landing area of the jack; (e) jacking up the jack such that the landing area of the jack cType: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: TETRA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: John Keith Caulfield, Patrick Brown
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Patent number: 9187957Abstract: A method for motion compensation includes obtaining measurements related to heave at a surface of a rig, transmitting the measurements to a processor, and automatically transmitting a control signal from the processor to a motion compensation component in response to the measurements. The motion compensation component is a slip joint and is attached to a drill string located in the wellbore. The method may also include activating the motion compensation component to compensate for motion in response to the signal and preventing axial or rotational movement of a portion of the drill string below the motion compensation component.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Thomas D. MacDougall, Harold S. Bissonette, Christopher S. Del Campo
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Apparatus and methods for releasing drilling rig and blowout preventer (BOP) prior to cement bonding
Patent number: 9187976Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing cementing operations are provided. An example method includes connecting a cementing adapter atop a casing head itself positioned atop a surface casing landed within a conductor pipe, connecting a drilling adapter atop the cementing adapter, connecting a blowout preventer to the drilling adapter, and drilling for and running production casing. The method also includes positioning a casing hanger at least partially within a bore of the cementing adapter to be immobilized therein to retain back pressure of cement within an annulus located between the production casing and the surface casing, cementing the production casing within the surface casing, and removing the drilling adapter and blowout preventer after running the cement, but typically prior to cement bonding.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Henry He, Behrooz Movaffagh, Huahui Wang -
Patent number: 9145761Abstract: Subsea well intervention module (100) for performing well intervention operations in a well (101) through a well head (120) from a surface vessel (102), comprising a supporting structure (110), a pipe assembly (170) fastened to the supporting structure and having two opposite ends, an inner diameter and a cavity (182) in which an intervention tool (171) may be arranged for pressurizing the cavity (182) when connected to the well head or a blowout preventer arranged on top of the well head to wellbore pressure before at least one valve (121) of a well head is opened and the tool is submerged into the well, a connection member connected with a first end (202) of the pipe assembly for providing a connection to the well head, a wireless intervention tool (171) having an outer diameter and comprising an electrical power device (196). The connection member has an open first end connectable with the well head or blowout preventer and a through-bore providing fluid passage from the first end to the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: WELLTEC A/SInventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel
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Patent number: 9068420Abstract: There is provided a device and method for control of return flow from a borehole (18) where drill fluid is supplied from a surface rig (16) via a multi section drill string (4) to a bottom hole assembly (18), the drill pipe sections (6) having tool joints (8) that include an enlarged outer diameter portion (9), and where an annulus (12) is formed between a pipe (2) and the drill string (4), and where the annulus (12) is in fluid communication with or forms part of a return path (40) for the drill fluid, and where a choke (1) is positioned in the annulus (12), and where the length (L) of the choke (1) exceeds the distance (M) between the enlarged outer diameter portion (9) of two adjacent tool joints (8).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: AGR SUBSEA ASInventors: Mehdi Mir Rajabi, Roger Sverre Stave
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Patent number: 9027649Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
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Publication number: 20150122501Abstract: Some embodiments of the present subsea pipe cutting apparatuses use or include a frame, one or more water jet nozzles coupled to the frame and configured to apply pressurized fluid to a pipe to cut the pipe, and one or more of: a flange configured to secure the subsea pipe cutting apparatus relative to a blowout preventer stack, one or more water jet nozzles coupled to a rotating portion of the frame and configured to rotate about the pipe, one or more water jet nozzles movable between a retracted state and a deployed state in which the one or more water jet nozzles are radially closer to the pipe than when in the retracted state, one or more water jet nozzles pivotally coupled to the frame and configured to pivot while applying pressurized fluid to a surface of the pipe, and two or more water jet nozzles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Guy Robert Babbitt, John Matthew Dalton
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Patent number: 9022122Abstract: A cap for protecting a sealing surface of a hub of a subsea device includes an equalization valve and a fluid conduit. The equalization valve includes a valve body having a pressure equalization conduit, a sleeve disposed about the valve body and having a port allowing fluid communication across the sleeve, and a valve spring configured to bias the sleeve to a closed position. The sleeve is configured to move to an open position in response to a force that depresses the sleeve and causes the valve spring to compress and the port is fluidly isolated from the pressure equalization conduit in the closed position and is in fluid communication with the pressure equalization conduit in the open position. In the open position, an interior environment of the subsea device is in fluid communication with the environment outside the cap through the equalization valve.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK LimitedInventor: Nghia T. Tran
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Patent number: 9022127Abstract: The present invention regards a riser system comprising at least one riser extending from a subsea wellhead to a surface vessel, tension means for keeping the at least one riser tensioned, which tension means are connected to the vessel, a upper workover riser package (UWRP) located at the upper section of the riser and arranged to seal off the riser passage.According to the invention the UWRP is located below the connection point of the tension means to the vessel, giving the UWRP a position stationary relative a seabed, and that the UWRP comprises an interface adapted for the connection of different kinds of workover equipment. The invention also regards a method for inserting tools into a riser.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventors: Anthony D. Muff, Arnt Ove Pettersen
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Publication number: 20150114656Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of effectively wiping and displacing a deep water riser prior to disconnection from a blowout preventer. An exemplary riser displacement system includes a mandrel coupled to a work string, a seal containment canister arranged about at least a portion of the mandrel, and a seal assembly movable between an un-deployed configuration, where the seal assembly is arranged within the seal containment canister, and a deployed configuration, where the seal assembly is arranged outside of the seal containment canister, the seal assembly including a sleeve movably arranged about the mandrel and one or more sealing elements disposed at a distal end of the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Henry Eugene Rogers, David D. Szarka, Nicolas Rogozinski