Connection Of Riser-and-tubing Assembly To Other Structure Patents (Class 166/345)
  • Publication number: 20140251632
    Abstract: A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a host production facility and a plurality of subsea wells. A fluid conveying network is provided that connects each subsea well to the host production facility. A separate electrical power and data network is provided for conveying direct current electrical power and data, operatively connected to each subsea well for providing each subsea well with data transfer and electrical power services. The use of direct current ensures that the electrical power and data network can provide power over much greater distances than currently available, and the use of separate networks for conveying fluids and for providing electrical power and data transfer allows for a much more flexible system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Karl-Atle Stenevik
  • Patent number: 8826988
    Abstract: Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Jonathan P. Sokol, Nicky A. White
  • Patent number: 8820411
    Abstract: A deepwater blow out throttling apparatus and method. The apparatus is sized to reach an equilibrium between the force of the oil flow against the equipment that constitute the apparatus during its assembly and the forces available from the ROV and the drill ship and connexion pipe to hold the pieces in position for assembly. This solution is applicable to all wells and requires sizing the diffusion transition spool and the throttling valves such that the forces of the flow of the free discharging oil can be overcome by the forces available from the ROV and drill ship. Downward loading from the drill ship during the throttling is applied as throttling generates forces and vibration that can exceed the physical strength of the riser piping and connections. Slow closing of the throttling device must be assured to avoid shocking (or water hammering) the oil well installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Organoworld Inc.
    Inventor: Frédérick Churchill
  • Patent number: 8813851
    Abstract: A method is described for connecting a flexible upper riser part to a lower riser part via an upper riser assembly supporting a lower riser termination. The method includes securing a cable linkage to a riser connector at the lower end of the flexible upper riser part. The method includes operating a winching means on the upper riser assembly to wind in the cable linkage and draw the riser connector into a docking position on the upper riser assembly. Then coupling the riser connector to the lower riser termination occurs. A corresponding method of disconnecting the flexible riser part is also described, as well as a method of mounting the winching mechanism on a submerged landing platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Limited
    Inventors: Mark Lawrence Varley, Wilfred Johnson Emmanuel Cox
  • Publication number: 20140231090
    Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for a lightweight subsea intervention package that may be installed using vessels with a smaller lifting capacity than semi-submersible platforms so that the subsea intervention package can be transported, installed, and removed from a subsea well in less time and with less cost. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a lower riser package for controlling the subsea well which utilizes two hydraulically activated gate valves. An emergency disconnect package is secured to the lower riser package utilizing a disconnect mechanism. The emergency disconnect package is operable to seal the bottom of a riser if the disconnect mechanism is activated to thereby minimize environmental leakage of fluid from the riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Worldwide Oilfield Mahcine, Inc.
    Inventors: Alagarsamy Sundararajan, Tom McCreadie
  • Patent number: 8807223
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus to construct subsea wells with redundant parallel fluid flow control systems to allow new methods to stop subsea blow outs. More specifically, this invention provides methods and apparatus to construct subsea wells with a plurality of redundant parallel paths allowing for the first time drill pipe and other intervention conduits, wire line, and fluids to be deployed below a damaged drilling riser and or a damaged blow out preventer through a separate blow out preventer and riser system presented in this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: David R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8800664
    Abstract: A buoyancy module assembly reduces the effective weight of a sub-sea conduit used in a deep-water wellbore drilling installation. The assembly includes a buoyant sleeve positioned around the conduit between upper and lower stop collar assemblies. The sleeve contains buoyant material forming most of its cross-section, with cross sectional segments thereof each encapsulated in a non-porous resinous material that forms an outer jacket around each segment. In one embodiment, a non-rotating generally circular inside diameter of the sleeve is formed by the thin layer of jacket material bonded directly to an interior reinforcing cage. A narrow gap is formed between the ID of the non-rotating sleeve and the OD of the conduit. The collar assemblies comprise an inner collar rigidly affixed to the conduit and contained within a larger diameter outer shell adapted for rotation relative to the fixed inner collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: WWT North America Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Gollmyer, Norman Bruce Moore, Sarah Mitchell, Rudolph Ernest Krueger, IV
  • Patent number: 8800662
    Abstract: A subsea test tree control system provides operational control and power to subsea test tree equipment located within a subsea riser without an in riser umbilical to supply additional power to the subsea test tree control system. The subsea test tree control system includes a subsea horizontal subsea tree landed on a subsea wellhead, and a subsea control module communicatively coupled to the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea test tree stack is landed through the riser in the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea control module communication line extends through the horizontal subsea tree to terminate at a bore of the horizontal subsea tree proximate to the tubing hanger, and a riser string communication line communicatively couples to the subsea control module communication line to provide operational power and control the subsea test tree stack. Intervention workover control system umbilicals may bypass the subsea control module and directly connect to the subsea control module communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Lee Miller
  • Publication number: 20140209316
    Abstract: A fluid handling system comprising an annular sealing device and a flow control system to divert fluid flow from an annulus of a riser package to a control system located on a rig. A method of installing a fluid handling system on a riser package from a rig comprises connecting the fluid handling system to an upper end of a riser string, supporting the fluid handling system and the riser string using a first tubular handling device, and lowering the fluid handling system and the riser string to an operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ROWAN DEEPWATER DRILLING (GIBRALTAR) LTD.
    Inventors: MARTIN TINDLE, BRIAN PATRICK GARRETT, NICHOLAS BLAKE SCHOLZ
  • Patent number: 8789606
    Abstract: A system for controlling functions of a subsea structure, such as a blowout preventer, has a plurality of actuators respectively affixed to a plurality of controls of the subsea structure, and an acoustic signal generator positioned remotely from the plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of actuators has a transponder connected thereto. The acoustic signal generator produces an acoustic signal so as to actuate at least one of the plurality of actuators. Each of the actuators is an electrically-powered torque wrench having a battery affixed there to so as to supply power thereto. An induction generator can transmit an electromagnetic wave along the tubing associated with the blowout preventer so as to recharge the batteries of the torque wrenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Trendsetter Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario R. Lugo
  • Patent number: 8783359
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method is disclosed for processing geological solids or wellbore cuttings generated by excavation or drilling under a body of water. An apparatus for processing solids in association with a riser may employ a solids processing apparatus having a central cavity that is substantially free of mechanical obstructions. The central cavity may be positioned in-line with the riser. The apparatus may be adapted for receiving solids within the central cavity and reducing the particle size of the solids by action of a cutter assembly which is positioned outside of the central cavity. The cut and processed solids may be pumped to the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Reed
  • Patent number: 8776894
    Abstract: An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Orbell, Christian Leuchtenberg, Craig W. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 8776892
    Abstract: A system for rotating an element inside a pressure containing housing. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a pressure containing housing having an opening through a wall of the housing into an internal chamber in which, in use, the element to be rotated is located, a bushing located within the opening, and a worm gear rotatably mounted in the bushing. The worm gear is offset from the axial centre of the bushing such that rotation of the bushing moves the worm gear between an extended position, wherein the thread of the worm gear engages an element in the chamber, and a retracted position, wherein the thread is disengaged from the element in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Fern, Ted Thornburrow
  • Publication number: 20140190701
    Abstract: A subsea assembly suitable for subsea drilling and intervention operations includes a dual blowout preventer system having an upper blowout preventer located between a drill floor and a high pressure riser string, and a lower blowout preventer located below the riser string and above a wellhead. The dual blowout preventer system is adapted to enable advanced drilling and intervention operations such as managed pressure drilling, underbalanced drilling, dual gradient drilling, or through tubing rotary drilling, and slim hole drilling in an offshore deepwater environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Stena Drilling Ltd.
    Inventor: Gavin Humphreys
  • Patent number: 8757270
    Abstract: A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a host production facility and a plurality of subsea wells. A fluid conveying network is provided that connects each subsea well to the host production facility. A separate electrical power and data network is provided for conveying direct current electrical power and data, operatively connected to each subsea well for providing each subsea well with data transfer and electrical power services. The use of direct current ensures that the electrical power and data network can provide power over much greater distances than currently available, and the use of separate networks for conveying fluids and for providing electrical power and data transfer allows for a much more flexible system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventor: Karl-Atle Stenevik
  • Patent number: 8757269
    Abstract: A tubular clamp for gripping a tubular is disclosed. In one aspect, a tubular clamp for use with a cutting and lifting system is provided. The tubular clamp is configured to move between an opened position and a closed position. The tubular clamp further includes at least one slip member to permit the clamp to bear the weight of a severed tubular string. Lifting lugs on an outer surface of the clamp permit attachment to a lifting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Tabor, Huey J. Kliebert, Jr., Scott A. Marshall, Benton John Vicknair
  • Patent number: 8746344
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to directing a flow from a borehole termination structure. Embodiments include a device for containing fluid flow from a borehole. The device includes an engagement body and a sealing member located within a cavity of the engagement body. The cavity is configured to receive a portion of a borehole termination structure extending from the borehole and to direct fluid from the borehole into a fluid conduit. The sealing member has a changeable shape configured to surround the borehole termination structure and to form a seal between an outer surface of the borehole termination structure and an inner surface of the body of the containment assembly based on the borehole termination structure being positioned within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Aaron R. Swanson, James Peter Dwyer, Todd J. Talbot
  • Patent number: 8746351
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing a riser or similar object against motion can include engaging two or more cylinder apparatus to the object. Communication of fluid between cylinder apparatus, responsive to a force on the object, can limit movement of the object, such as through extension or retraction of pistons within the cylinders. The cylinder apparatus can include internal channels that can accommodate coiled tubing, slickline, wireline, and similar conduits or devices, enabling operations to be performed through the cylinders, independent of their position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Wright's Well Control Services, LLC
    Inventor: David Wright
  • Patent number: 8746348
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for releasing fluid from a subsea marine riser is disclosed. A housing defines an interior space and an exterior region. The housing includes first and second ends adapted for respective sealed connection in a marine riser assembly. The housing may be defined on its interior space by a central cavity adapted for passage of a drill string. A plurality of ports may be provided for fluid release from the housing upon emergency disconnect of the riser from a subsea well. One or more gates may be provided in mating configuration with the housing. The gates may be moveable from a sealed position that restricts fluid flow through the ports to an open position that facilitates fluid release from the riser through the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Reed, Russell E. Hegler, Robert B. Baten
  • Patent number: 8746349
    Abstract: A drilling riser adapter variably connects and releases a riser from a subsea wellhead assembly. The drilling riser adapter has a hydraulically actuated engagement assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging a lower end of the marine riser. The drilling riser adapter also includes a control panel communicatively coupled to the engagement assembly for actuating the engagement assembly to engage and disengage the lower end of the marine riser. The drilling riser adapter also includes a hydraulic fluid pressure receptacle on the control panel for engagement by a remotely operated vehicle to supply hydraulic fluid pressure to the engagement assembly. The drilling riser adapter may be actuated subsea to release a first riser from the wellhead assembly, and connect to a second riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Dale Larson, Robert Allen Blue
  • Publication number: 20140151056
    Abstract: A system and method for securing a flowing sub-sea well using a securing apparatus. The securing apparatus has a gripping assembly to secure the securing apparatus to an outlet the sub-sea well. A bladder assembly seals the securing apparatus to the sub-sea well and fluidly connects the sub-sea well to a riser assembly for collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Keith Millheim
  • Publication number: 20140144646
    Abstract: An independently operable disconnect device remotely disconnectable from an LMRP to reveal a riser profile compatible with a capping device connecter. A capping device including a capping device connector to be coupled to said riser profile. The capping device includes at least one blow-out preventer operable to stop the overflow of petroleum products from a well. Thus, a drilling marine riser may be fully disconnected from an LMRP in an emergency. Then the well may be subsequently capped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: STENA DRILLING LTD.
    Inventor: Gavin Humphreys
  • Patent number: 8733446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a riser pipe installation that comprises a flexible duct of the non-bound type, the duct being vertically arranged between a mechanical connection with a submerged buoy at the stub on the one hand, and a mechanical connection with the seabed at the bottom on the other hand, wherein fluid connections are provided at the stub and at the bottom for connecting the riser pipe with surface equipment on the one hand and bottom equipment on the other hand; the bottom of the pipe is located at a depth of at least 1000 m where it is submitted to a computable maximum reverse bottom effect F, while the buoy is oversized in order to generate at the bottom of the riser pipe a reaction tension T higher than at least 50% or even 100% of the computable maximum reverse bottom effect F applied at the bottom of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Philippe Espinasse, Alain Coutarel, Isabel Teresa Waclawek
  • Patent number: 8720583
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and reacting to an upper packer failure in a riser slip joint. An upper packer failure is determined by comparing pressures at two points in the upper packer pressure circuit using a differential pressure valve. In the event of a failure of the upper packer, a secondary pressure source is used to energize a lower packer in the riser slip joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited
    Inventor: Bradley Ray Rodger
  • Patent number: 8720580
    Abstract: A system for capping a blowout preventer has a capping stack with a connector suitable for connection to the blowout preventer, a flowing stack, and an intervention blowout preventer connected to a connector of the flowing stack. The capping stack has a fluid passage extending from the connector. The capping stack has at least one diverter line in communication with the fluid passage. The flowing stack has an interior passageway extending to the connector at an upper end thereof. The flowing stack has at least one pipe in communication with the interior passageway. The pipe is connected with the diverter line of the capping stack such that a flow fluid passing through the diverter line passes through the pipe into the interior passageway of the flowing stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Trendsetter Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario R. Lugo
  • Patent number: 8714261
    Abstract: A technique for subsea operations utilizes a surface vessel to perform the installation and retrieval of submersible pumps or other tools with respect to a subsea well. A submersible pump is conveyed from a surface vessel to a subsea installation which is used to temporarily secure the submersible pump. Subsequently, the surface vessel is again used in cooperation with a conveyance to deliver the submersible pump to a desired location in a wellbore beneath the subsea installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrea Sbordone, Rene Schuurman
  • Patent number: 8714262
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method of limiting the amount of oil in a sea comprises: positioning a device for directing the flow of a fluid adjacent to a wellhead, wherein the device comprises: a first fluid passageway; a second fluid passageway; a third fluid passageway, wherein the first fluid passageway is operatively connected to the second and third fluid passageways; and a fluid director, wherein the fluid director is operatively connected to the first, second, and third fluid passageways, and wherein depending on at least one of the properties of a fluid, the fluid director directs the fluid to increasingly flow into the second or third fluid passageways. This embodiment is useful in limiting the amount of oil when a blowout has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Jason D. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 8689882
    Abstract: Flexible hang-off arrangement is provided for a catenary riser suspended from an offshore or inshore platform, which includes floating or fixed platforms, vessels or/and buoys. The bending loads in the top segments of the said riser are reduced by incorporating a pivot at the riser hang-off. Pressure containing welded, bolted, rolled or swaged pipe spools transfer fluids, including hydrocarbons between the riser and the platform. Along significant spool lengths the tangents to the center lines of said spools are orthogonal to and offset from the tangent to the center line of the riser at the hang-off. The said pressure containing spools include arbitrary looped, spiral and helicoidal designs that are subject to torsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corp
    Inventors: Krzysztof J. Wajnikonis, Steven John Leverette
  • Patent number: 8684090
    Abstract: A telescopic riser section device for a riser which is arranged to connect a wellhead to a surface vessel, the telescopic riser section being placed between the wellhead and the riser and being provided with at least one actuator arranged to apply a downward tensile force to the riser; an actuator-pressurizing circuit being connected to the at least one actuator and being arranged on the riser section and/or on the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Norocean AS
    Inventor: Trond Haugland
  • Publication number: 20140083711
    Abstract: A gooseneck assembly having a body disposed circumferentially about a portion of a riser string. A stab member is inwardly radially extendable relative to the body and engages a receptacle disposed on the riser string. A cartridge assembly engages the stab member and has a flexible hose coupling that is rotatable relative to a central axis of the stab member. The coupling is in fluid communication with the receptacle via the stab member. The assembly includes an actuator that is operable to rotate the flexible hose coupling relative to the central axis of the stab member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Springett, George Tisdale, John Cannell, Stephen B. Gauntt, Matthew Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140083710
    Abstract: A packer assembly for sealing about a subsea riser is provided. The subsea riser is operatively connectable between a surface platform and subsea equipment. The packer assembly includes a packer housing and at least one packer. The packer housing is positionable about a telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly operatively connects the subsea riser to the surface platform. The packer(s) are positionable along an inner surface of the packer housing to form a seal with the telescoping assembly and include a plurality of packer segments. Each of the packer segments has male and female connectors on each end thereof matably connectable to the male and female connectors of another of the segments to form a seal connection therebetween. The seal connection defines a non-linear leak path whereby leakage of fluid between the plurality of segments is resisted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth W. SEYFFERT, Voltaire O. SONNIER, Hoang NGUYEN
  • Publication number: 20140069657
    Abstract: A freestanding hybrid riser system includes a steel pipe riser having a bottom end anchored to a foundation on a seabed through a flexible joint and a diverless pipe connector. A tube is mounted to the foundation and connected to the diverless pipe connector for providing a static connection to a subsea pipeline on the seabed for a flow of fluid between the steel pipe and the subsea pipeline and through the flexible pipe joint and through the diverless pipe connector and through the tube. In a preferred implementation, the flexible pipe joint includes alternate elastomer layers and metal layers reinforcing the elastomer layers, and a receptacle of the diverless connector is mounted on a foundation such as a suction pile on the seabed, or a pile grouted in a bore in the seabed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Oil States Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bao Duy Povloski
  • Publication number: 20140060415
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system including a self supporting riser (SSR) which is connected to a well to produce fossil hydrocarbon reservoirs deep below the seafloor. The SSR is constructed of a plurality of joints comprising regular joints and specialty joints that define the SSR and are selected to optimize the SSR for a well in a specific location. A unique aspect of the SSR of the present invention is that while capable of connecting to the wellhead, or tree on the seafloor, it can also be secured to an anchor during operations. The invention is further directed to a small vessel moored to the SSR by a line such as a hawser, the riser providing an anchor to the vessel, and the SSR carrying fluids from the well to the vessel and from the vessel to the well. The vessel has provisions for processing the fluids from the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: My Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Charles R. Yemington
  • Patent number: 8657013
    Abstract: A riser system for coupling a surface platform to a wellhead. The riser system includes a main tube, flanges and one or more tie rods. The main tube forms an annulus for fluid flow between the wellhead and the platform. A flange extends radially from each end of the main tube. The tie rods are coupled to and extend between the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Kotrla, Stephen J. Walker, William F. Puccio
  • Patent number: 8657012
    Abstract: A riser for use in subsea operations that is parked subsea deployed as needed onto wellheads disposed proximate where the riser is parked. A base anchored into the seafloor provides a pedestal for parking the riser. The riser emits a beacon signal so it can be located when needed. When parked, the riser can be kept in a vertical orientation by a buoyancy module mounted on an upper portion of the riser. A workboat, or other vessel, attaches to the parked riser and positions it onto a designated wellhead. An extension connects the riser to platform or other vessel above the sea surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Fenton, Ian Calder, Stewart Christie, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20140048276
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system including a self supporting riser (SSR) which is connected to a well to provide fluid communication to fossil hydrocarbon reservoirs deep below the seafloor. The SSR is constructed of a plurality of joints comprising regular joints and specialty joints that define the SSR and are selected to optimize the SSR for a well in a specific location. A unique aspect of the invention is further directed to a small vessel subject to high vessel motions that permits a coil tubing/wire line system to be mounted on a stabilizer system mounted on the vessel. The riser extension that connects the vessel to the self supporting riser preferably has a telescopic joint/section that is designed for the heave of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: My Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Charles R. Yemington
  • Patent number: 8646534
    Abstract: A containment fitting for a wellhead capping device including a truncated conical section capable of fitting into a central aperture of a flange that is attached to a ruptured wellhead pipe end and which can be fitted into position by several wires or cables that are pulled through apertures in the pipe wellhead flange. A method of installation includes undersea welding of the flange onto the end of the ruptured wellhead and inserting plural bobbin structures attached to cable wires into through holes extending at angularly opposed sides of the flange such and when completely in line through a second flange on constriction equipment, can bring the flanges adjacent and in line to permit attachment therebetween by bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Richard R. Magden
  • Publication number: 20140027124
    Abstract: The riser system of the present invention includes an external production riser for floating structures with interfaces to the dry and subsea wellheads, internal tieback riser with a special lower overshot/slipping connector for elevated temperatures. The seals can be metallic and/or non-metallic dynamic seals. Special centralizing pipe connectors and a special subsea wellhead tubing hanger are also included. This riser system avoids the penalty of pipe within pipe differential thermal growth and the resulting unwanted effects on the floating structure. This is accomplished by allowing an overshot sealing slipping connector to swallow an expanding polished rod as thermal conditions cause pipe elongation axially. When elevated temperatures fall to ambient the opposite occurs as the pipe shrinks axially. Alternatively, a system is possible where a two pipe drilling riser is needed. The internal pipe in this case would be an inner riser rather than a tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: David CAIN, William PUCCIO, Shian CHOU
  • Publication number: 20140020906
    Abstract: A modular assembly for a wellhead has a housing and a plurality of modular cartridges. The housing connects with a studded or flanged connection to the wellhead, which can have a tubing adapter, casing hanger, etc. The modular cartridges can interchangeably stack in the housing's internal pocket so that the bores of the stacked cartridges configure the through-bore of the assembly communicating the wellhead with external components, such as flow lines, capillary lines, etc. The modular cartridges include a spacer cartridge, a hanger cartridge, a valve cartridge, and a cross cartridge. The spacer cartridge can be used to space other cartridges in the internal pocket, and the hanger cartridge can be used to support capillary strings and/or velocity strings in the wellhead. The valve cartridges have valve elements that can be opened and closed by bonnets that affix externally to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Todd Travis, Brandon M. Cain, Eric Calzoncinth, Michael D. Mosher
  • Patent number: 8624530
    Abstract: Systems and methods in which output power that would conventionally be provided by surface equipment to drive downhole equipment, is transformed to increase the voltage before transmitting the power over a power cable to downhole equipment. The downhole equipment includes a step-down transformer that receives power from the power cable at a voltage which is too high to drive the motor or other downhole equipment and reduces the voltage to a level that is suitable for use by the downhole equipment. The step-down transformer may utilize toroidal transformers that are positioned around other components of the system, such as the shaft that couples a motor to an electric submersible pump. The step-down transformer may be configured as a modular unit that can be inserted between components (e.g. motor and seal) that are manufactured using conventional designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Cameron K. Chung, Andrew K. Ball, Matthew D. Wisnewski
  • Patent number: 8607878
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a subsea well assembly; wherein in an example embodiment the subsea well assembly includes an umbilical attached to a power source. The power source can be on a platform. Also included is a connector for connecting the umbilical to a receptacle included with the subsea well assembly and a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly. An impressed current protection module is integrated in the subsea control module that receives power from the umbilical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Knox
  • Publication number: 20130327534
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing umbilical lines and one or more jumpers are provided. An example of a system includes a deployment platform carrying a winch and spool assembly, a tether management assembly, and an integrated electrical and/or hydraulic umbilical line extending between a spool on the winch and spool assembly and the tether management assembly. The winch and spool assembly is configured to deploy and to support the umbilical line. The tether management assembly includes a winch and spool assembly for deploying a flying lead and/or annulus jumper adapted to connect to an emergency disconnect package of a well control package for a well. A set of buoyant modules are connected to or integral with a portion of the umbilical line to be used to form an artificial heave compensation loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY UK LIMITED
    Inventors: David Stewart Christie, Michael Marr, Ian Calder, Steven Salman
  • Publication number: 20130327533
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing wellbore influx in a marine riser. In one embodiment, a method for managing wellbore influx includes identifying a difference between measured values provided by a plurality of sensors longitudinally spaced along a riser. Whether the difference between measured values provided by a given pair of the sensors has changed relative to a difference between measured values previously provided by the given pair of the sensors is determined. Whether wellbore influx is present in the riser is determined based on the change in the difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: INTELLISERV, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Marco VEENINGEN
  • Patent number: 8590626
    Abstract: An improved motion compensator device that includes a compensated framework for various types of well intervention operations where a stable work area is required that is stationary to the sea bed and equipment in the annulus. The device is intended for use on offshore drilling vessels that are primarily either moored or dynamically positioned and therefore subject to the motions created by the sea. The device is designed to compensate for the vertical motion of the rig by means of two steel frame assemblies, pneumatic compensating cylinders, and a load and motion transfer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Stingray Offshore Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent H. Barone, Trevor S. Brown
  • Patent number: 8579033
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry G. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 8573307
    Abstract: A high pressure sleeve for a dual bore high pressure riser is provided. The high pressure sleeve is arranged for forming a connection between either the annulus bore and the high pressure sleeve, or for forming a connection between the high pressure sleeve and the production bore. The choice of connection is made by rotation of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ocean Riser Systems AS
    Inventor: Harald Moksvold
  • Patent number: 8573305
    Abstract: An automatic release system for a riser includes a guide funnel assembly that receives a shaft coupled to the riser. A pull-head is located inside at least a portion of the shaft and coupled to the shaft. The pull-head is coupled to a pulling mechanism. One or more spring-loaded dogs are mounted on the outside of the shaft. The dogs radially move in and out through one or more openings in the shaft aligned with the dogs and engage a groove on the pull-head when radially moved in through the openings. One or more stopper mechanisms are mounted on the outside of the shaft and aligned with the dogs. In a first position, the stopper mechanisms inhibit the dogs from disengaging from the groove in the pull-head. In a second position, the stopper mechanisms allow the dogs to disengage from the groove in the pull-head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Deep Sea Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanjay K. Reddy
  • Publication number: 20130284446
    Abstract: A subsea telescoping and rotatable connector or sub is coupled into a riser. The sub includes two coupled bodies that are both axially and rotatably moveable relative to each other such that the sub enables the riser to move axially in response to tension or compression in the riser and rotate in response to surface vessel rotation or other torques. The sub expands and contracts in response to the tension or compression in the riser, and swivels in response to surface vessel rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventor: Pierre Albert Beynet
  • Publication number: 20130284447
    Abstract: A floating, semi-submersible offshore drilling vessel has a blowout preventer located on the semi-submersible instead of on the seabed. The mud return housing is attached directly to the blowout preventer without the use of a slip joint. This configuration allows for a significantly reduced drill floor height and, consequently, a lower vertical center of gravity for the rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SEAHORSE EQUIPMENT CORP
    Inventors: Robert Mark Olsen, Guang Li
  • Publication number: 20130284445
    Abstract: A system and method for sealing a passage around a cable is disclosed. Embodiments of the system can include an axial passage, such as a conduit and subsea wellhead housing connected to a wellbore, that can have a cable extending therethrough. The system can include an upper restrictor and a lower restrictor for closing the axial passage. An injection module having an injector and a reservoir can be fluid communication with the axial passage at an axial location between the upper restrictor and the lower restrictor. The injector can discharge a curable sealant initially stored in the reservoir into the axial passage so that at least a portion of the sealant contacts the cable at the axial location of the restrictor while the cable remains static.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Vetco Gray UK Limited
    Inventor: Andrew David Hughes