Connection To Provide Fluid Flow Path Patents (Class 166/344)
  • Patent number: 11927093
    Abstract: A system and method for deploying a fiber optic sensing (FOS) system. The system may include a deployment package that is marinized. The deployment package may include a connection housing for connecting the deployment package to a subsea tree, a valve disposed on the connection housing, and a chamber connected to the valve. The deployment package may also include a cap attached to an end of the chamber opposite the valve and one or more optical connections disposed within the cap. Additionally, the deployment package may include a self-propelling vehicle that is disposed within the chamber and a downhole sensing fiber connected to the self-propelling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikko K. Jaaskelainen, Faraaz Adil
  • Patent number: 11840907
    Abstract: It is disclosed a satellite well structure (300) and method for expanding a subsea satellite well system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventor: Kristian Arnø-Kristoffersen
  • Patent number: 11828127
    Abstract: A tubing: hanger assembly with a shiftable annulus seal is provided. The shiftable annulus seal allows for selectively sealing the tubing hanger within a easing hanger, a wellhead, or a tubing head. The tubing hanger assembly also includes a secondary annulus flow path formed through the body of the tubing hanger. The shiftable annulus seal selectively opens/closes a relatively large flow path to the tubing string annulus for circulation of fluid through the tubing string and setting a-packer. The secondary annulus flow path facilitates monitoring and bleeding of pressure front the annulus after the shiftable annulus seal is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris D. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 11808141
    Abstract: Smart wellhead assemblies with sensors for detecting positions of components within the bores of the wellhead assemblies are provided. In some instances, the sensors can be used to detect one or more of landing, locking, or concentricity of hangers, packoffs, or other internal wellhead components within bores. In one example, a method of installing a hanger within a wellhead includes lowering the hanger within the wellhead and using one or more sensors to detect when the hanger is at a target location. The method can also include activating a locking mechanism of the hanger and using the one or more sensors to detect when the locking mechanism has secured the hanger within the wellhead. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haw Keat Lim, Yong Wee Lee, Sanjay Menon, Srivathsan Sudershan Vuruputoor
  • Patent number: 11802446
    Abstract: An improved swivel with increased sealing capability at fluid pressures up to 20 ksi and at fluid temperatures as high as 250° F. and as low as 35° F. The swivel may be relatively compact, being less than 8 feet in overall length and can operate unpressurized with axial loads of at high as 1,400,000 lbs. The swivel may comprise a swivel mandrel rotationally coupled with a swivel housing. Rotational bearings units can be securely held using cartridge carriers. A pressure seal may be formed between the swivel mandrel and swivel housing via a redundant seal stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventor: John Meijer
  • Patent number: 11795807
    Abstract: A subsea tree assembly with a flow monitoring and measuring apparatus includes a production wing valve block coupled to a production wing branch, the production wing valve block including a wing block connector, and a fluid processing module including a frame, a module connector including an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid flow loop coupled between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the module connector is fluidicly coupled to the wing block connector. A production fluid flow goes from the production wing valve block and returns to the same block via the wing block connector, the module connector, and the fluid flow loop. A flow monitoring and measuring apparatus for a subsea tree assembly includes a module frame, a module connector connectable to a production wing valve block, the module connector including an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid flow conduit forming a loop from the outlet of the module connector back to the inlet of the module connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK
    Inventors: Jonathan Mark Frankland, Wayne Hand
  • Patent number: 11781395
    Abstract: A system for remediating a blockage in a subsea a subsea fluid system includes a hot tap system connected to an outer surface of a subsea fluid conduit of the subsea fluid system, a first flowpath extending from a fluid source, through the first coiled tubing and the hot tap system, and into the subsea fluid conduit, and a second flowpath extending from the subsea fluid conduit and through the hot tap system, wherein the second flowpath is separate from the first flowpath, wherein the hot tap system is configured to inject a first fluid into the subsea fluid conduit along the first flowpath and receive a second fluid from the subsea fluid conduit along the second flowpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Wells, Ronald K. Berger, James Longville
  • Patent number: 11702899
    Abstract: A flow control module includes an inlet hub coupled to a first flow passage having a first flow bore, a flow meter associated with the first flow bore and positioned for top-down fluid flow, a choke disposed in a second flow passage having a second flow bore, the second flow passage coupled to a distal end of the first flow passage, and an outlet hub coupled to a distal end of the second flow passage, the outlet hub facing in a different direction from the inlet hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Riley, Ramu Valliappan Manickam, Wei Soung Tan, May-Ling Rachel Ho, Guoxiang Calvin Nu
  • Patent number: 11687053
    Abstract: Some implementations provides a system to implement a safety control at an oil and gas facility, the system comprising: one or more motor control centers, each comprising a network interface, and a programmable logic controller (PLC), wherein each motor control center is configured to monitor and control one or more field devices coupled thereto, and wherein a plurality of field devices are dispersed at the oil and gas facility; and a safety instrumented system (SIS) in communication with the one or more motor control centers through the network interface thereof, wherein each motor control center is configured to communicate with the SIS without an interposing relay, and wherein the SIS comprises control elements configured to implement the safety control at the oil and gas facility based on communication with each motor control center through the network interface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Bander R. Al-Yousef, Mohammed S. Al-Ahmadi, Soloman Moses Almadi
  • Patent number: 11680457
    Abstract: A subsea blind stab (100), comprises a stabbing part (110) for insertion into a hot stab receptacle, the stabbing part (110) including a housing, a central rod (150) slidably arranged within the housing and at least one fluid communication line from the external side of the stabbing part (110) to an internal fluid communication line (180) within the rod (150). The at least one fluid communication line is open in a first position of the rod (150) relative the housing and closed in a second position of the rod (150) relative the housing. The stab (100) further comprises a hollow body (120) attached to one end of the stabbing part (110); a piston (130) slidably arranged in the hollow body (120), with a spring element (160) arranged between the piston (130) and a spring attachment element (170) connected to the body. A first side of the piston (130) forms a fluid chamber (140) in the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventors: Kai Bråthen, Ole-Halvard Smetbak, Magne Aarvelta
  • Patent number: 11613948
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a tubular having an outer surface, an inner surface, a recess extending from the inner surface toward the outer surface, and an opening extending from the outer surface to the recess. A hydraulic passage extends through the tubular. The hydraulic passage includes an inlet, a first and a second branch. The second branch is fluidically exposed at the inner surface. A piston is arranged in the recess. A locking ring is arranged radially inwardly of the piston and a member is arranged in the tubular spaced from the inner surface. Application of hydraulic pressure in the first branch urges the piston radially inwardly clamping the locking ring against the member and application of hydraulic pressure in the second branch urges the member axially in a first direction relative to the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Marc Samuelson, Donavan Holland Brown, Hai Hoang Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11525468
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a blowout preventer system including: a hydraulic circuit, a blowout preventer including a ram having an open port and a close port, a hydraulic fluid tank, a hydraulic fluid pump, and a control valve. The hydraulic circuit includes: a first accumulator, a first valve, and a second valve. The control valve is coupled to the open port, the close port, and the hydraulic fluid tank. The first accumulator is coupled to the control valve by way of the first valve and to the close port by way of the second valve. The first valve allows hydraulic fluid to flow from the control valve to the first accumulator but prevents hydraulic fluid from flowing back to the control valve. When the control valve is in the open position, the second valve is closed, and when the control valve is in the close position, the second valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mickie Theriot, Robert Eugene Domann
  • Patent number: 11499388
    Abstract: An autonomous BOP system is provided for stopping an uncontrolled flow of formation hydrocarbons comprising two or more sensors distributed along a length of a subsea blowout preventer to monitor a drill pipe inside a blowout preventer and measure critical parameters. A computer using predictive-software monitors a blowout preventer along with material critical parameters and calculates a blowout preventer configuration and sequence to arrest a well blowout. Blowout preventer components are fine-tuned and operational modes are added to aid an arrest of a well blowout under realistic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventors: Wanda Papadimitriou, Jason A Papadimitriou, Nicholas A Papadimitriou
  • Patent number: 11454100
    Abstract: An adjustable fracturing system is provided. In one embodiment, the adjustable fracturing system includes a fracturing flow control unit and a fracturing tree. A fracturing fluid conduit is coupled between the fracturing flow control unit and the fracturing tree to enable receipt of fracturing fluid by the fracturing tree from the fracturing flow control unit. Further, the fracturing fluid conduit is an adjustable fracturing fluid conduit composed of coupled offset pipe sections. The offset pipe sections are adjustable, allowing the offset pipe sections of the fracturing fluid conduit to vary a dimension of the fracturing fluid conduit to facilitate coupling of the fracturing fluid conduit between the fracturing flow control unit and the fracturing tree. Additional mechanisms, systems, and methods are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Scott Choate
  • Patent number: 11434732
    Abstract: A method for floating gas lift includes injecting natural gas from a FSRU into an annulus of an oil well, wherein the FSRU is fluidly coupled to the oil well, and the natural gas is pressurized for gas lift using at least one pump onboard the FSRU. An apparatus for floating gas lift includes a FSRU including a pump system having a high pressure (HP) LNG discharge and a regasification system including HP gaseous natural gas discharge fluidly coupled to an annulus of a downhole well, and production tubing that lifts a combined production fluid, the combined production fluid including downhole formation fluid entering the inside of the production tubing through perforations in the well casing and a production tubing inlet, and gaseous natural gas discharged from the FSRU entering the inside of the production tubing through the annulus and a valve in the production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Excelerate Energy Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Henry George Kleemeier, Daniel Horacio Bustos, Kenneth Hugh McGeachie, Graeme David Trotter
  • Patent number: 11391110
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for accessing a flow system (such as a subsea tree) in a subsea oil and gas production system, and method of use. The apparatus comprises a body defining a conduit therethrough and a first connector for connecting the body to the flow system. A second connector is configured for connecting the body to an intervention apparatus, such as an injection or sampling equipment. In use, the conduit provides an intervention path from the intervention apparatus to the flow system. Aspects of the invention relate to combined injection and sampling units, and have particular application to well scale squeeze operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Enpro Subsea Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 11384618
    Abstract: An umbilical termination head (1) for connection of a multi-bore flying lead or umbilical (2) to a structure (10), the flying lead or umbilical comprising multiple conduits (7) leading to couplers (4) being arranged on a connector part (3), the umbilical (2) being provided with an end fitting (9) onto which a bracket arrangement (8, 19, 20) is mounted, the connector part (3) being mounted to a bracket (8) of the bracket arrangement. A guide means (11) is arranged on the bracket (8) in such a way that an interacting guide means (12) on the structure (10) lead the umbilical termination head (1) onto the structure (10) for connection of the couplers (4) to corresponding couplers (6) on the structure (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventor: Steinar Lindemann Hestetun
  • Patent number: 11349253
    Abstract: A method for connecting a movable connector part to a stationary connector part, the movable part being initially placed on a support and the stationary part being covered by a cap. The method includes gripping the cap by element of a lifting tool (10); depositing the cap (6) on the movable part by element of the lifting tool; and transporting the assembly of the cap and movable part onto the stationary part, by element of the lifting tool, in order to connect the stationary part and the movable part (4) to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: IXBLUE
    Inventors: Hervé Arditty, Sébastien Grall, Jonathan Laporte, Christian Giroussens, Gildas Touin, Frédéric Mosca, Eric Delort, Carole Chaize
  • Patent number: 11326403
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Danny W. Wagoner, Tuong T. Le
  • Patent number: 11248630
    Abstract: This liquid/gas separator for centrifugal motor compressor includes a sump internally equipped with at least one gas separator stage suitable to separate a gaseous phase from a liquid phase accepted in the sump entry. The sump internally includes a compartment in which the gaseous phase is separated by a separator stage, and in which is assembled by a compressor stage of the motor compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Thermodyn SAS
    Inventors: Thomas Alban, Yoann Vidalenc, Julien Renaud, Tiziano Pellegrini, Sebastien Condom
  • Patent number: 11180968
    Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead and then orienting a tubular housing (e.g., tree, spool, or flowline connection body) relative to the tubing hanger while landing the tubular housing on the wellhead are provided. The systems may include a tubing hanger alignment device, wherein the tubing hanger alignment device includes one or more hydraulic, electric, or fiber optic lines extending therethrough and one or more couplings disposed on a lower end thereof. The tubing hanger alignment device is configured to couple one or more hydraulic, electric, or fiber optic lines on the tubular housing with one or more hydraulic, electric, or fiber optic couplings on the tubing hanger during landing of the tubular housing onto the wellhead regardless of a relative orientation of the tubing hanger and the tubular housing with respect to the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Mitchell, Robert Buxton, David Scantlebury, Matthew Crotwell, Gregory Norwood, Justin Rye
  • Patent number: 11162317
    Abstract: A wet Christmas tree (WCT) is segmented into a lower safety module containing safety valves and an upper multifunctional module for controlling the flow and/or pumping and/or subsea processing. The WCT can be applied to completion systems using completion mode with tubing heads or directly on the wellhead. The modular WCT can be used in oil and gas production well applications or injection of water and/or gases in subsea fields in shallow water to deep water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: FMC TECHNOLOGIES DO BRASIL LTDA
    Inventor: Alan Zaragoza Labes
  • Patent number: 11143020
    Abstract: A subsea well equipment landing body (1) includes an indicator assembly to indicate landing of the landing body or to indicate locking of the landing body. The indicator assembly has a stem bore (7), a sliding stem (11) within the stem bore that has a stem head (23) protruding beyond an external face of the landing body. A stem channel (25) in the sliding stem extends between the stem head and a stem channel mouth (27), and is in fluid communication with the outside of the landing body. A hydraulic channel (9) in the landing body is in fluid communication with the stem bore. The stem channel mouth is positionable in a communicating position, in which there is fluid communication between the hydraulic channel and the stem channel, and a non-communicating position, without fluid communication between the hydraulic channel and the stem channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: AKER SOLUTIONS AS
    Inventors: Thiago Bigarella, Richard Meronek, Laura Small, Douglas Caraway
  • Patent number: 11091995
    Abstract: A wax control element for subsea processing of well fluids in a wellstream comprises a bundle of flowlines within an elongate tensile structure. That structure defines inlet and outlet ends and has cooling and heating provisions that act on the flowlines, in use, to promote deposition of wax in the flowlines and subsequent entrainment of wax in the wellstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Norway AS
    Inventors: Ratnam Sathananthan, James Arkley Pollock, Sigbjorn Daasvatn
  • Patent number: 11085275
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a shared actuation system to place tools on any subsea valve interface on an oil production station located in a subsea structure, such as a manifold. The system comprises a connection device for connection to the subsea structure, attached to the connection device at least one structural element, all connected to each other through rotary joints, providing at least two degrees of freedom for a distal end of the structure elements where an actuation tool is positioned, for interaction with the valve interfaces on the subsea structure, where the structural elements further is connected to a sail element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: FMC TECHNOLOGIES DO BRASIL LTDA
    Inventors: Alex Ceccon De Azevedo, Leonardo De Araujo Bernardo, Alan Zaragoza Labes
  • Patent number: 11047206
    Abstract: A valve apparatus comprises a housing defining a flowpath extending between a valve inlet and a valve outlet and an access port formed in a wall of the housing separately from the valve inlet and the valve outlet to provide access to the flowpath at a location which is intermediate the valve inlet and valve outlet. A valve mechanism is mounted within the flowpath, wherein the valve mechanism in insertable through the access port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: INTERVENTEK SUBSEA ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventors: Gavin David Cowie, John David Sangster
  • Patent number: 11041372
    Abstract: A method of installing a header pipe joint at a subsea structure is provided, comprising providing a header pipe joint having at least one valve installed therein and connecting the header pipe joint inline of a spool or pipeline prior to lowering the header pipe joint to the subsea structure. The header pipe joint is then lowered to the subsea structure, and the valve is connected to the subsea structure (e.g. a subsea production system of the subsea structure such as a xmas tree) with a connection bridge e.g. a choke bridge. This provides a fluidic connection between the subsea structure and the header pipe joint. The subsea structure comprises a foundation, e.g. suction anchors, which provide support for both a wellhead and the header pipe joint. A subsea assembly comprising a subsea structure, header pipe joint and connection bridge is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Equinor Energy AS
    Inventors: Kjell Einar Ellingsen, Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen, Kristoffer Dahl
  • Patent number: 11002084
    Abstract: A maneuvering member for selectively attaching an actuating rotary member to a head portion of a drilling assembly. The maneuvering member includes a frame having an axial-symmetrical tubular portion internally delimited by a cylindrical mantle. The frame includes a first end that selectively interfaces with the actuating rotary member, and a second end provided with an alignment member for interfacing with a corresponding alignment member of the head portion of the drilling assembly. Hydraulically actuated blocking means is positioned at the second end and includes a pin that is actuated by a hydraulic fluid in a radially movable manner with respect to the frame at the second end. The pin is actuated between a back position in which the pin is arranged flush with the cylindrical mantle, and a forward position in which the pin projects inside the cylindrical mantel to selectively release/secure the head portion of the drilling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: M.E.C. SRL MECCANICA ALFONSINE
    Inventor: Roberto Pirazzini
  • Patent number: 10982508
    Abstract: The presently disclosed technology is directed toward the removal of plugs in a pipeline segment by installing one or more clamping devices onto a pipeline. The clamping device will have the ability to access the inside of the pipeline segment and inject media designed to dissolve the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Armando Rebello, Walter Lane Alexander, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10808487
    Abstract: A stripper packer coupling assembly can include a packer operable to receive a tubular therethrough and form a seal about the tubular. The packer can comprise a plurality of coupling protrusions, each having a coupling head defining a first capture interface. Additionally, the stripper packer coupling assembly can include a capture mechanism. The capture mechanism can comprise a guide member having a plurality of guide openings, each operable to receive one of the plurality of coupling heads therein. The capture mechanism can also comprise a plurality of capture members, each defining a second capture interface. Capture members can be operably coupled to one another such that they are simultaneously movable relative to the guide member and the coupling protrusions between a capture position and a release position. In the release position, the capture members can facilitate passage of the coupling heads through the guide openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Faisal Yousef, Tommy Vu
  • Patent number: 10767438
    Abstract: An autonomous BOP system is provided for stopping an uncontrolled flow of formation hydrocarbons comprising two or more sensors distributed along a length of a subsea blowout preventer to monitor a drill pipe inside a blowout preventer and measure critical parameters. A computer using predictive-software monitors a blowout preventer along with material critical parameters and calculates a blowout preventer configuration and sequence to arrest a well blowout. Blowout preventer components are fine-tuned and operational modes are added to aid an arrest of a well blowout under realistic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Wanda Papadimitriou
  • Patent number: 10746205
    Abstract: A flow responsiveness enhancer apparatus may include a stack of manifolds with at least one manifold dedicated to each of the rams of the blowout preventer. The flow responsiveness enhancer includes a shared pressure line coupled to each of the manifolds, and a shared tank line coupled to each of the manifolds. Each manifold can include a 4-way directional valve that is piloted by the pressure levels in a pair of input ports. Each 4-way directional valve can couple the shared pressure line and the shared tank line to a pair of output ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: Timothy S. Steffenhagen
  • Patent number: 10677004
    Abstract: A riser pipe system for releasably securing a rotating flow control device internally within a riser string for use in offshore drilling can include a riser pipe section, a removable latch assembly for releasably securing the RFCD, and optionally, a removable seal assembly for sealing against the RFCD. The latch and seal assemblies are disposed within the riser pipe section and axially restrained by at least one removable retaining member. The latch assembly and seal assembly may be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated together or separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Boyd, Serg Arabsky, Andrew Barabash
  • Patent number: 10655757
    Abstract: A method of installing a subsea pipeline having a direct tie-in to a subsea structure includes landing an end of a pipeline onto a pipeline landing frame, the pipeline landing frame being on a surface of a subsea structure, the pipeline landing frame providing a location for landing the end of the pipeline before connection to a connection point of the subsea structure; subsequently lowering the pipeline end; and connecting the pipeline end to a connection point of the subsea structure. A pipeline landing frame for implementing the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: EQUINOR ENERGY AS
    Inventors: Geir Endal, Per R. Nystrøm
  • Patent number: 10487622
    Abstract: A lock ring fits into a housing recess defined by a sliding member such as a sleeve. The lock ring is loosely fitted in the recess when the sleeve is in an initial position. The lock ring is preferably smooth on an outer dimension and has a beveled end. The beveled end engages an internal taper in the housing if a force is placed on the sliding sleeve to return it toward the original position. Preferably the shifting of the sleeve to a ports open position places the ratchet on the sleeve in alignment with the lock ring to hold the sliding sleeve locked in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: James T. Nickles, James S. Sanchez, Wara C. Bocangel
  • Patent number: 10472916
    Abstract: A subsea tree for use with a well includes a master block that has a flow hub located at the top of the subsea tree, a flow bore in fluid communication with the well, a swab valve, and a master valve. A choke block is coupled to a side of the subsea tree and includes a choke in a flow passage of the choke block. The swab valve is selectively closed so that fluid flowing through the master block is directed through the choke in the choke block. A method for operating the subsea tree, includes directing flow of a first fluid into the flow bore of the subsea tree, through the choke of the choke block, and then into the flow bore of the subsea tree. The method includes reversing flow of a direction of a second fluid through the subsea tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10465511
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus supported on a trailer measures, analyzes, and monitors drilling fluids on an oil & gas site. The system includes a modular automated test unit having instruments for measuring and analyzing physical and chemical drilling fluid parameters including but not limited to viscosity, density, pH, electrical stability, fluid loss, rheological parameters, retort analysis, titrations for mF, pF, POM, chlorides, hardness, calcium, and chromatographic analysis. The system further includes a manifold system situated between a drilling mud reservoir and a network of conduits, for distributing drilling fluid to be analyzed by the instruments. Also included is a system hub, coupled as an interface between a program-operated data processing and communication system and the manifold and system instruments, for communicating control and data information and routing storage in a database of the data outputs of the instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: KCAS Drilling, LLC
    Inventor: James Kelly Watson
  • Patent number: 10435997
    Abstract: A fluid delivery vessel for containing and introducing a fluid into a wellbore includes a hull including a deck and a fluid storage area, and a fluid delivery system including a conduit having a first end fluidically connected to the fluid storage area and a second end. The conduit selectively delivers a fluid from the fluid storage area into the wellbore. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) system support platform is mounted to the deck, and a ROV deployment system supported by the ROV system support platform. The ROV deployment system is operable to selectively deploy and retrieve an ROV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sherif Essam, Amanda L. Parzniewski
  • Patent number: 10400552
    Abstract: A connector for receiving flow therethrough includes a body with a seat including a keyed groove, a stab including a key, and a locking member to retain the key within the keyed groove of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 10392893
    Abstract: A lubricator system according to which a lubricator defines an internal passage that extends along a curvilinear path. The lubricator is configured to be connected to a wellhead at the top or head of an oil and gas wellbore. A downhole tool is configured to be conveyed through the internal passage of the lubricator and along the curvilinear path in combination with a conveyance string connected to the downhole tool. The downhole tool may be, include, or be part of, for example, a perforating gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: The JLAR Group, LTD
    Inventors: Richard Joel Hogan, Santiago Jaime De Los Santos
  • Patent number: 10392894
    Abstract: A method for conducting well intervention operations includes disposing a combination well intervention apparatus proximate a pressure control apparatus coupled to the wellbore. The apparatus has a pressure control device adapter and at least one other type of well intervention device coupled to the adapter such that either the adapter or the at least one other apparatus is disposed over the pressure control apparatus. The method includes at least one of, (i) locking the adapter in the pressure control apparatus by operating a remotely operable locking device on the pressure control apparatus or (ii) disposing the other type of well intervention device over the pressure control apparatus. The method includes locking the adapter in the pressure control apparatus when the adapter is disposed over the pressure control apparatus, or operating the at least one other type of well intervention device when disposed over the pressure control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Kibler, Kyle Scholl, Nicolas G. Snoke, Randy Cassady
  • Patent number: 10196891
    Abstract: A system including a fluid injection system configured to removably couple to a mineral extraction system, wherein the fluid injection system includes a fluid injection system controller, a flow meter system coupled to the fluid injection system controller, wherein the flow meter system is configured to measure a fluid flow of a fluid through the fluid injection system, an adjustable valve configured to control the fluid flow through the fluid injection system, and a non-return valve configured to block reverse flow of the fluid through the fluid injection system, wherein the fluid injection system controller, the flow meter system, the adjustable valve, and the non-return valve are coupled to a common housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Minnock, Eddie McHugh
  • Patent number: 10184312
    Abstract: A subsea tree for use with a well includes a master block that has a flow hub located at the top of the subsea tree, a flow bore in fluid communication with the well, a swab valve, and a master valve. A choke block is coupled to a side of the subsea tree and includes a choke in a flow passage of the choke block. The swab valve is selectively closed so that fluid flowing through the master block is directed through the choke in the choke block. A method for operating the subsea tree, includes directing flow of a first fluid into the flow bore of the subsea tree, through the choke of the choke block, and then into the flow bore of the subsea tree. The method includes reversing flow of a direction of a second fluid through the subsea tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10145236
    Abstract: Techniques and systems to monitor a blowout preventer. A device may include a protrusion sized to extend though an aperture of a blowout preventer. The device may also include a sensor disposed on a first end of the protrusion, wherein the sensor is configured to sense at least one condition occurring in a central bore of the blowout preventer disposed perpendicular to the aperture and generate a signal indicative of the sensed condition. The device may further include an electrical connector configured to receive the signal and transmit the signal from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ensco International Incorporated
    Inventor: Christophe Vitou
  • Patent number: 10100618
    Abstract: A technique for engaging a bore connector with a receptacle on subsea equipment. The technique may include providing an operator with a visual indication of acceptable alignment between the connector and the receptacle in advance of attaining engagement. In this way, a proper and reliably sealed engagement may be achieved. Further, the bore connector and techniques for use thereof include added indication of completed sealed engagement sufficient for testing and/or operational use of the connector in supporting a fluid application directed at the equipment through the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Alessandro Sales, Jefferson Rodrigo Marcelino Dos Santos, Akshay Kalia, Alireza Shirani, Sergio Yamahata, Marcus Lara
  • Patent number: 10077622
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly provides a positive indication of landing of a wellhead member and locking of a wellhead member to a wellhead. The subsea wellhead assembly includes at least one positive indicator assembly disposed within a wellhead member, and a communication line extending down a running string from a platform to a running tool disposed in a subsea wellhead. The at least one positive indicator assembly provides confirmation of setting of the wellhead member, and the communication line is in communication with the positive indicator assembly to communicate the confirmation of setting with the platform following setting of the wellhead member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Vetco Gray, LLC
    Inventor: Rodney Mark Fenwick
  • Patent number: 10077640
    Abstract: A tie-back seal system is disclosed. The system includes a tie-back seal assembly including an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve disposed within the outer sleeve, a shear pin extending through the outer and inner sleeves, and a ratch-latch pin coupled to and disposed downhole from the inner sleeve. The system also includes a tie-back liner disposed within the inner sleeve and coupled to the outer and inner sleeves using the shear pin such that the shear pin prevents axial movement of the tie-back liner relative to the outer and inner sleeves. The system further includes a tie-back receptacle configured to engage the ratch-latch pin to prevent axial movement of the inner sleeve and tie-back liner in an uphole direction and including a shoulder that, when in contact with the outer sleeve, prevents axial movement of the outer sleeve in a downhole direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdol Reza Gharesi, Raymond Yit Long Chua
  • Patent number: 9809943
    Abstract: A method for installation of an elongate element in a stretch of water, the method including reversible fastening of a connecting member (34) at a first end (16) of the elongate element (10); arranging the elongate element (10) in a substantially horizontal configuration; reversibly engaging the connecting member (34) in a retaining member (36); pivoting the elongate element (10) about a substantially horizontal axis to move the elongate element (10) into a substantially vertical configuration, while the connecting member (34) remains engaged in the retaining member (36); joint lowering of the retaining member (36), the connecting member (34) and the elongate element (10) in the stretch of water (12) with the help of a lowering line (152); detaching the connecting member (34) of the first end (16) of the elongate element (10), and joint raising of the retaining member (36) and the connecting member (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventor: Didier Bonnemaison
  • Patent number: 9797223
    Abstract: A method for treating the formation of hydrates in a fluid system includes pumping a fluid at a substantially constant fluid flow rate through a hydrate removal system including a pressure modulator, communicating a vacuum pressure to a piece of subsea equipment from a pressure port of the pressure modulator, closing a valve in the hydrate removal system to cease the fluid flow through the hydrate removal system at the substantially constant fluid flow rate, and communicating a positive pressure greater than the vacuum pressure to the piece of subsea equipment in response to closing the valve of the hydrate removal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventor: Alexandre James Gordon
  • Patent number: 9765593
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a configurable pre-machined forging for use with a multiple bore tubing hanger or a mono bore tubing hanger includes providing a configurable common master valve block with a main bore along a main central axis. After providing the configurable common master valve block, a target subsea assembly is identified that has a mono bore subsea completion with a production bore along a central axis of a tubing hanger, or a multiple bore subsea completion with the production bore offset from the central axis of the tubing hanger. If the target subsea assembly has the mono bore subsea completion, the machining of a lower interface of the common master valve block is centered around the main central axis. If the target subsea assembly has the multiple bore subsea completion, the machining has an eccentric interface axis that is parallel to, and offset from, the main central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventor: Michael Stanley McRobbie Ross