Yieldable Tubing Patents (Class 166/346)
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Patent number: 11867322Abstract: A method of connecting a conduit to a subsea structure is provided. In the disclosed method, a tensioning member is provided on the conduit and attached to the conduit at two locations proximate a first end of the conduit. The tensioning member is used to maintain a curvature formed in the conduit between the two locations e.g. by deflecting a portion of the conduit. A first end of the conduit is engaged with a guide assembly provided adjacent to the subsea structure, and tension in the tensioning member is released to adjust the axial position of the first end of the conduit to enable direct connection between the conduit and the subsea structure. A method of disconnecting a conduit from a subsea structure, and a system for connecting a conduit to a subsea structure are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Equinor Energy ASInventors: Håvar Ilstad, Erik Levold, Geir Endal, Kjell Einar Ellingsen, Bjørgulf Haukelidsæter Eidesen
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Patent number: 10571048Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct tie-in of pipelines are disclosed. An apparatus is attached to a portion of a pipeline, the apparatus including a tensioning member and a buoyancy element attached to the tensioning member such that, when submerged, the pipeline is deflected as a result of a buoyancy force tensioning the tensioning member, and on releasing the buoyancy element, direct tie-in of the pipeline is performed.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM ASInventors: Geir Endal, Jens Haugen
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Patent number: 10422443Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct tie-in of pipelines are disclosed. An apparatus is attached to a portion of a pipeline, the apparatus including a tensioning member and a buoyancy element attached to the tensioning member such that, when submerged, the pipeline is deflected as a result of a buoyancy force tensioning the tensioning member, and on releasing the buoyancy element, direct tie-in of the pipeline is performed.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM ASInventors: Geir Endal, Jens Haugen
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Patent number: 9599254Abstract: An apparatus for installation and protection of subsea cables comprises at least a first tubular member (1) and at least a second tubular member (2). Both these are arranged to be installed subsea with a subsea foundation (3). This allows passage of cable (29) through it. The first tubular member (1) is arranged telescopically within the second tubular member (2) so as to extract outwardly towards seabed (5) from an end portion (7), with respect to the second tubular member (2), only up to a prefixed length. This ensures that a continuous conduit for the cable is obtained through the scour protection of the foundation (3). The present invention also includes a methodology for installation of the apparatus and a method for installing a cable through the scour protection of the foundation, by using the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Seatower ASInventor: Sigurd Ramslie
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Patent number: 9371703Abstract: A telescoping joint is provided with one or more control lines and is usable for landing a subsea tubing hanger. The telescoping joint can include an outer mandrel, an inner mandrel, and a control line. The inner mandrel can be releasably coupled to the outer mandrel when run in a wellbore of a subterranean formation. At least part of the inner mandrel can be in an area defined by the outer mandrel and can seal an inner area defined by the inner mandrel from an environment exterior to the outer mandrel. The control line can be exterior to an outer surface of the outer mandrel and coiled around at least part of the inner mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Owen Roane, William Mark Richards
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Patent number: 9038726Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K., LimitedInventors: David Stewart Christie, Michael Marr, Ian Calder, Steven Salman
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Patent number: 9022123Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting and monitoring flexible collection and production lines in real time, rendering possible constant tracking of the condition of the internal structures of a flexible riser, specifically of the tensile armor thereof. The device may be provided at any point along the riser ensuring the establishment of an area of physical and visual contact directly over the surface of the tensile armor of the riser for the installation of equipment for analysis, which area permits further accesses without destroying the sealing of the chamber there formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-PetrobrasInventors: George Carneiro Campello, Sergio Ricardo Kokay Morikawa
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Patent number: 9010439Abstract: An umbilical for use in the offshore production of hydrocarbons, and in particular to a power umbilical for use in deep water applications is described, comprising a plurality of longitudinal strength members, wherein at least one longitudinal strength member comprises rope enclosed within a tube. In this way, the or each longitudinal strength member being a rope and tube combination achieves the synergistic benefit of favorable mechanical properties in the axial direction, with favorable mechanical properties in the radial direction during tensioning or the like of the umbilical, especially during installation.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Technip FranceInventors: David Fogg, Xiaoxue An, Dave Bromfield, Alan Dobson
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Patent number: 8950498Abstract: Disclosed are pipeline systems, methods and apparatus for handling fluids in offshore oil and gas production. The systems disclosed allow subsea functional lines having diameters which differ by more than 2 standard API 5L pipeline diameters to be placed in fluid communication in such a way that the systems are piggable. Pipeline connection terminations are installed to facilitate connection of such functional lines. Such systems offer solutions to problems related to installing subsea pipeline in rough terrain, over subsea canyons and subsea scarps, installing marine risers, and long tiebacks.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Farzan Parsinejad, Antonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Christopher Allen Kassner, Brooks Gerard Johnson
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Patent number: 8939214Abstract: Various implementations include a system for introducing upwardly a flexible member into a tubular fixed structure with a sleeve surrounding the flexible member in the region where the flexible member attaches to the tubular fixed structure. The system allows for the flexible member to be drawn upwardly into a bore of the tubular fixed structure. In one implementation, a plurality of locking dogs are attached to and are radially moveable with respect to the sleeve between an inner locking position in which they engage with the flexible member, and an outer release position in which they are disengaged from the flexible member. In addition, a latch ring is disposed on a substantially cylindrical surface so that it may be deflected axially along said surface on contact between the sleeve and tubular fixed structure to permit release of the locking dogs.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: First Subsea LimitedInventors: Shaun Hugh Litherland, Paul Anthony Hughes
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Patent number: 8783362Abstract: A subsea assembly for producing fluids from a well having a casing string in the well supported with a hanger on an upper end. Cement is in a portion of an annulus between the casing string and walls of the well, thereby leaving segment of the casing string unsupported in the well. A motion compensating element is coaxially provided in the unsupported segment of the casing string to absorb axial expansion and/or contraction that may occur in the unsupported segment of the casing string.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Frank C. Adamek
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Patent number: 8783358Abstract: Disclosed is a process and system for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe used in a riser in an offshore hydrocarbon production facility. Fluid, such as corrosion inhibitors, can be circulated in a closed loop which includes the annulus of the riser terminating at a platform or floating vessel, a fluid storage tank located on the platform or vessel and an umbilical tube terminating at the platform or vessel and at a subsea location. Use of the system to flow the fluid through the annulus can prevent or reduce corrosion of the steel members within the annulus and increase the fatigue life of the riser.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Christopher A. Kassner, Farzan Parsinejad, Ahmed Omar
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Publication number: 20140138095Abstract: The device of the present disclosure comprises a holder (80) fixed to the first element and a connection element (82) borne by the holder (80). The connection element (82) is intended to engage on the second element (24). It is mounted with radial mobility in relation to the holder (80) between a separated placement configuration and a contracted configuration for holding the connection elements (82) on the second element (24). The or each connection element (82) comprises a self-locking system (100) and a mobile catching member (102), the catching member (102) being mounted with the ability to move in the self-locking system (100). The fixing device (22) comprises an actuator (104) for moving the catching member (102) in the self-locking system (100) between a deployed position and a position in which it is retracted in the self-locking system (100).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventors: Frederick Vergne, Sylvain Routeau
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Patent number: 8720582Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for providing tubing into an underwater well includes at least one surface injector configured to control movement of the tubing into and out of the well and at least one underwater injector configured to apply pushing and pulling forces to the tubing.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Lance Nigel Portman
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Patent number: 8596370Abstract: The seal has a base ring that expands with the underlying supporting tubular. Extending from the base ring is a pleated structure with segments folded over each other so that the run in shape is small and up against the supporting tubular for run in. The pleated segments can have internal stiffeners that also add a bias radially outwardly when the structure is freed to move in that direction. A retaining band keeps the assembly retracted until tubular expansion defeats the band to allow the unitary structure to move out radially to the wellbore or surrounding tubular. The pleated portion unfolds and spans outwardly from the base ring to retain pressure differential in one direction while allowing fluid flow in the opposite direction. The assembly can be attached to a swage device so that pressure from above can drive one or more swage members to expand a tubular.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Ines Rex, Keven O'Connor, Joerg Lehr
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Publication number: 20130277061Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tower comprising a fluid transporting pipe (24) and an element (29) for anchoring a transporting pipe (24) to the bottom (14) of the expanse of water (12), which element is connected to an upstream point (38) of an intermediate section (30) of the pipe. The tower comprises a buoy (26) connected to a downstream point (40) of the intermediate section in order to keep the intermediate section (40) in a substantially vertical configuration. The buoy (26) has a height less than 1.5 times its maximum transverse direction and delimits a first through-passage (78A) in which the intermediate section (30) is fitted. The buoy (26) delimits a second through-passage (78B), separate from the first through-passage (78A), the second through-passage (78B) accepting the upper section (34). The tower (20) comprises a coupling section (32) that couples the connecting upper section (34) to the intermediate section (30).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Ange Luppi, Gilles Cousin, Romain Vivet, René Maloberti
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Patent number: 8555978Abstract: Disclosed is a tubing system for transporting a gas-liquid flow from a well to a production platform or processing facility. It includes a dual pathway section between the well and the production point having a first tubing portion and a second tubing portion. The second tubing portion includes a plurality of parallel channels so as to divide the multi-phase flow into a plurality of flows through individual channels. This is done to reduce flow slippage of the lower viscosity portion of the flow, which may lead to inefficiencies in flow characteristics, and often, undesirable cyclical variations in pressure and fluid volume. This is especially useful in inclined portions of the petroleum flow pipe system and along hilly terrain. The first round tubing portion is used for transporting the gas-liquid flow as well as for maintenance purposes, such as for pigging, fishing or coiled tubing operations.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Technology Commercialization Corp.Inventors: Boris Ganelin, Michael W. Kenworthy
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Patent number: 8550171Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corp.Inventors: Krzysztof J. Wajnikonis, Steven John Leverette
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Patent number: 8439109Abstract: A technique enables determination of changes in length of a conveyance deployed between a surface vessel and a subsea installation. The technique allows information to be obtained on the relationship between length of conveyance spooled out or spooled in at a surface location and the depth and/or speed of an intervention well tool deployed in a well. The information can be used to determine the actual depth of the well tool deployed in the well for the intervention operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Andrea Sbordone
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Patent number: 8387707Abstract: A tieback connection between an offshore production platform and a wellhead on the sea floor has a riser and a tubular expandable and contractable member within the riser. The expandable and contractable member compensates for axial movement within the riser while maintaining axial tension in the riser. The expandable and contractable member is of uni-body construction having a wall configured to correspondingly expand and contract to compensate for the riser movement. In cross section, the member wall comprises folds formable by alternating slots formed into the inner and outer wall surface or an undulating surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Frank C. Adamek, James R. M. Allison
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Patent number: 8316947Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for deploying a subsea well intervention system from a surface vessel to a subsea tree, including connecting a spoolable compliant guide (SCG) to a subsea intervention package; testing the connection; lowering overboard the intervention package into a water column using a primary lifting device; gradually paying out the SCG from a reel thereof as the intervention package is lowered to a seabed; transferring the weight of the intervention package to a secondary lifting device, wherein the intervention package functions as a dead weight to overcome a positive buoyancy of the SCG, a distance between the primary and secondary lifting devices creates and controls a shape of the SCG; and once landed onto a subsea tree with heave compensation, disconnecting the secondary lifting device from the intervention package, and hanging the SCG off at the vessel at deck level.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Daniel Sack
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Patent number: 8100182Abstract: In combination, the loose tube flying lead includes: a) a pair of improved cobra head assemblies, each being able to receive a variety of different stab-plates with minimal modification; b) a pair of bend limiters, one extending from each cobra head assembly and c) an elongate bundle of non-constrained interior conduits surrounded by an over-hose, the over-hose being connected to each bend limiter. The over-hose may rotate independently of the bend limiters and the cobra head assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Deep Down, Inc.Inventors: Ronald E. Smith, John Theobald
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Patent number: 7926579Abstract: A technique for monitoring and evaluating parameters related to the use of a compliant guide system in intervention operations. A compliant guide enables movement of a conveyance within its interior and is coupled between a subsea installation and a surface vessel. A sensor system is provided with sensors deployed in subsea locations to detect operational parameters related to operation of the compliant guide. A control system is coupled to the sensor system to receive data output from the sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Andrea Sbordone, Rene Schuurman
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Publication number: 20110067880Abstract: A subsea assembly for producing fluids froth a well having a casing string in the well supported with a hanger on an upper end. Cement is in a portion of an annulus between the casing string and walls of the well, thereby leaving segment of the casing string unsupported in the well. A motion compensating element is coaxially provided in the unsupported segment of the casing string to absorb axial expansion and/or contraction that may occur in the unsupported segment of the casing string.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.Inventor: Frank Adamek
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Patent number: 7857059Abstract: A system for mitigating slugging in the conveyance of hydrocarbons in a flowline includes a first portion of flowline that extends substantially longitudinally along a declining surface. The first flowline portion carries multiphase hydrocarbons. A second portion of flowline extends upward from adjacent the first portion of flowline, and is in fluid communication with the first portion of flowline. A slug-mitigating region is between the first and second portions of flowline so slug-mitigating assembly receives the hydrocarbons from the first portion of flowline and conveys the hydrocarbons to the second portion of flowline. The slug-mitigating region has consecutively joined tubular segments that are each arcuate along a predetermined arcuate angle, with substantially uniform cross-sections. The first portion of flowline can be a subsea flowline extending along a sea floor, and the second portion of flowline can be a riser.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. S. Shen, Hoi Yeung
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Patent number: 7854264Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a volumetric compensating annular bellows used to compensate two fluid volumes by an annular displacement. This is achieved using a bellows welded on to a tube with a varying shape radius. A bellows is arranged within the annulus and is deformable in an annular direction in response to fluid volume expansion. The bellows can be used in several oilfield applications for fluid compensation.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Laure Mandrou, Alain Dorel, Kevin Hayes, Reinhard Powell
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Patent number: 7845412Abstract: A technique for subsea intervention operations enables pressure control to be accomplished at the surface while borehole fluid control is exercised at the seabed. A compliant guide extends between a subsea well installation and a surface location, such as a surface intervention vessel. A buffer fluid is deployed within the compliant guide to maintain the borehole fluids proximate the seabed. The buffer fluid also enables pressure control over the buffer fluid and the borehole fluid to be performed from the surface. Additionally, a flexible conveyance can be used to move intervention tools through the compliant guide.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Andrea Sbordone, Eric Smedstad, Rene Schuurman, Alan Johnston, Axel Destremau, Yves Le Moign
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Publication number: 20100288505Abstract: The present invention relates to the marine drilling risers and other submerged hulls, and methods and apparatuses for reducing vibration and drag in the drilling risers when they are beset by ocean currents, for instance elastic swivel devices for use in orienting a riser in a desired direction for boundary layer control applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: NAB & Associates, Inc.Inventor: Neal A. Brown
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Publication number: 20100059229Abstract: In combination, the loose tube flying lead includes: a) a pair of improved cobra head assemblies, each being able to receive a variety of different stab-plates with minimal modification; b) a pair of bend limiters, one extending from each cobra head assembly and c) an elongate bundle of non-constrained interior conduits surrounded by an over-hose, the over-hose being connected to each bend limiter. The over-hose may rotate independently of the bend limiters and the cobra head assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: DEEP DOWN, INC.Inventors: Ronald E. SMITH, John THEOBALD
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Patent number: 7669660Abstract: A riser disconnect and support mechanism for flexible risers and umbilicals on an offshore structure with low under keel clearance. A main body portion includes an inverted and truncated conical or convex section substantially at the center of the main body portion. The main body portion and conical section receive risers therethrough by means of a plurality of conduits through the main body portion and conical section. A plurality of projections extend radially outward from the main body portion. A plurality of arch-shaped riser supports are provided on each projection to support risers and/or umbilical lines and control their bending radii. The projections extend out from the main body portion at a distance that allows the portions of the risers below the main body portion to hang at an angle and bend radius in accordance with the design tolerances of the risers to prevent buckling or damage due to excessive bending while keeping the risers from contacting the sea floor.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Floatec, LLCInventors: John James Murray, Harish Mukundan, Apurva Gupta
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Publication number: 20100018717Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Philippe Espinasse, Alain Coutarel, Isabel Teresa Waclawek
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Publication number: 20090078405Abstract: Moveable and split packer cups for use above a conventional coiled tubing fracturing or stimulation tool are described as well as methods for running these tools into a wellbore. These devices can be used for extended stimulation intervals with coiled tubing, as well as for a secondary pressure containment to avoid pressure communication with uphole formations or perforations.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Daryl Moore, Tom Brocklebank, Scott Sherman
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Patent number: 7128159Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a system for limiting vortex-induced vibrations on a riser suspended at one end from a support and subjected to substantially transverse fluid flows. The system comprises suspension means (10) for hanging the riser from the support, which include displacement means for moving the end in a transverse direction in relation to the principal axis of the riser.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Cédric Le Cunff, Daniel Averbuch, Marie-Hélène Klopffer
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Patent number: 6880640Abstract: A jumper for transferring fluids from an umbilical to a subsea tree assembly has a plurality of steel tubes. The steel tubes are bent so that the jumper is in a serpentine or w-shape while in a natural state. The steel allows resists damage to the jumper from the fluids and chemicals being transferred to the tree assembly. The w-shape of the jumper allows the jumper to be stretched or contracted so that the distance between the connectors on each end of the jumper can vary. The contracted width jumper is attached to a terminal plate located on the tree assembly as it is landed on a subsea wellhead. An ROV disconnects the jumper and connects the jumper to receptors on the tree assembly and the umbilical, while stretching the jumper to the necessary length to reach the receptors. The jumper can be disconnected from the tree assembly when maintenance is necessary without moving the umbilical.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Offshore Systems Inc.Inventors: Richard Kenneth Oakley Barratt, Robert Duane Fross
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Patent number: 6868902Abstract: The invention is a multipurpose system for reeling tubing secured to a platform made of a reel support frame removeably secured to a platform, a reel containing tubing removeably secured to the reel support frame, a reel drive for rotating the reel disposed on the reel support frame, a tower for suspending the straightener and the guide, a support frame attached to the tower, a guide disposed on the support frame for receiving tubing from the reel and ending the tubing forming bent tubing, a straightener disposed on the support frame for receiving the bent tubing and forming straightened tubing, a rotating connection for connecting the support frame to the tower, a tensioner frame removeably mounted on the platform, and a tensioner secured to the tensioner frame for receiving the straightened tubing, supporting the straightened tubing and moving the straightened tubing.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: ITREC B.V.Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Pieter Dirk Melis Van Duivendijk
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Patent number: 6854930Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation providing a bottom-to-surface connection for an undersea pipe resting on the sea bottom, in particular at great depth, the installation being of the hybrid tower type having a static base placed on the sea bottom. In the installation of the present invention, said pipe resting on the sea bottom is connected by a flexible pipe element constituting a bend to a vertical riser whose bottom end is held in fixed position relative to said base.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Saipem S.A.Inventor: François-Régis Pionetti
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Patent number: 6834724Abstract: The disclosure describes a spoolable compliant guide, a system including a spoolable compliant guide and injector and methods for using the compliant guide, where the guide is designed to connect at one end to the injector and at its other end to a remote installation having a seal and to allow coiled tubing to be inserted into the installation through the seal. Because the guide permits a substantial distance to exist between the injector and the installation seal and functions as a crimp or band resistor for the coiled tubing, the guide enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the installation such as a wellhead and assumes a compliant shape between the injector and the installation allowing dynamic relative movement between them without the use of heave compensators. Thus, for subsea installations, the injector, its control system and coiled tubing reels can all be located on the water's surface for ease of access and maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Inventor: Colin Stuart Headworth
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Publication number: 20040194963Abstract: A string of pipe is stored in a body of water for working over a subsea well. The string is stored in a substantially linear configuration having controlled curvatures along its length with radii that are not smaller than the minimum yielding radius of curvature of the pipe material. The string may be made up from individual segments of threaded pipe. One end of the string is inserted into the well using a pipe drive assembly connected with the wellhead. The opposite end of the string is connected to a line that extends to a surface facility. The string may be rested on the bottom of the sea or may be floated on the water surface or may be suspended with buoyancy devices in various orientations between the sea bottom and the water surface. The pipe string may be stored within a tubular sleeve or may be disposed directly in the seawater.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventor: Carlos A. Torres
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Patent number: 6745840Abstract: The disclosure describes a spoolable compliant guide, a system including a spoolable compliant guide and injector and methods for using the compliant guide, where the guide is designed to connect at one end to the injector and at its other end to a remote installation having a seal and to allow coiled tubing to be inserted into the installation through the seal. Because the guide permits a substantial distance to exist between the injector and the installation seal and functions as a crimp or band resistor for the coiled tubing, the guide enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the installation such as a wellhead and assumes a compliant shape between the injector and the installation allowing dynamic relative movement between them without the use of heave compensators. Thus, for subsea installations, the injector, its control system and coiled tubing reels can all be located on the water's surface for ease of access and maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: Colin Stuart Headworth
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Patent number: 6739395Abstract: The invention is directed to a tensioner/slip-joint module for providing a conduit from a floating vessel at the surface of the ocean to the blowout preventer stack, or production tree, which is connected to the wellhead at the sea floor. The tensioner/slip-joint module compensates for vessel motion induced by wave action and heave and maintains a variable tension to the riser string alleviating the potential for compression and thus buckling or failure of the riser string. The tensioner/slip-joint module of the present invention preferably includes at least one mandrel having at least one hang-off donut; at least one upper flexjoint swivel assembly, at least one radially ported manifold, at least one tensioning cylinder, and at least one slip-joint assembly combined in a single unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Control Flow Inc.Inventor: Graeme E. Reynolds
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Patent number: 6705401Abstract: A susbsea well has communication passages to enable annulus pressure surrounding inner and intermediate strings of casings to be monitored at the surface. The passages both have outlets that allow communication to the tree assembly for monitoring. In one embodiment, the passage outlets are located in the bore of the high pressure well head housing and communicates to the tree assembly along an isolation sleeve. In another embodiment, the passage outlets are located on the exterior of the high pressure wellhead housing and communicate through a flying lead coming down from the tree. In another embodiment, the passage outlets are located on the exterior of the high pressure wellhead housing and communicate to an upward facing connection which is stabbed with a downward facing connection coming down from the tree.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Kevin G. Buckle, John H. Osborne, Bernard Humprey, Alan M. Clark, Alfred Massie
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Patent number: 6691784Abstract: In a substructure (10) for a floating oil or gas production platform, an arrangement to tension a plurality of risers (16) extending from the sea bed up to the substructure, the arrangement comprising: a conventional hydraulic tensioner/heave compensator (17) for each riser, in which there is a soft spring formed by a piston cylinder combination acting against an accumulator, the heave compensators for the risers being disposed to compensate for vertical oscillations of relatively short period (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Kvaerner Oil & Gas A.S.Inventor: Leiv Wanvik
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Publication number: 20040026081Abstract: A system is provided for compensation for motion of a floating platform connected to a riser having at least two segments connected by an elbow. According to various example embodiments, a pre-determined portion of the riser flex in response to heave of the platform. In various example embodiments, the pre-determined portion comprises pre-formed curves that flex in response to the heave of the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Edward E. Horton
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Publication number: 20040016548Abstract: A jumper for transferring fluids from an umbilical to a subsea tree assembly has a plurality of steel tubes. The steel tubes are bent so that the jumper is in a serpentine or w-shape while in a natural state. The steel allows resists damage to the jumper from the fluids and chemicals being transferred to the tree assembly. The w-shape of the jumper allows the jumper to be stretched or contracted so that the distance between the connectors on each end of the jumper can vary. The contracted width jumper is attached to a terminal plate located on the tree assembly as it is landed on a subsea wellhead. An ROV disconnects the jumper and connects the jumper to receptors on the tree assembly and the umbilical, while stretching the jumper to the necessary length to reach the receptors. The jumper can be disconnected from the tree assembly when maintenance is necessary without moving the umbilical.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Richard Kenneth Oakley Barratt, Robert Duane Fross
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Patent number: 6554072Abstract: A tensioner for providing a conduit, e.g., drilling and production riser strings, from a floating vessel at the surface of the ocean to the blowout preventer stack, production tree, or other assembly which is connected to the wellhead at the sea floor. The tensioner compensates for vessel motion induced by wave action and heave and maintains a variable tension to the riser string alleviating the potential for compression and thus buckling or failure of the riser string. The tensioner of the present invention preferably includes at least one mandrel having at least one hang-off donut; at least one upper flexjoint swivel assembly, at least one radially ported manifold, and at least one tensioning cylinder co-linearly combined in a single unit. Methods for assembling risers are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Control Flow Inc.Inventors: Timothy I. Mournian, Graeme E. Reynolds
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Patent number: 6530430Abstract: A tensioner/slip-joint module for providing a conduit from a floating vessel at the surface of the ocean to the blowout preventer stack, or production tree, which is connected to the wellhead at the sea floor. The tensioner/slip-joint module compensates for vessel motion induced by wave action and heave and maintains a variable tension to the riser string alleviating the potential for compression and thus buckling or failure of the riser string. The tensioner/slip-joint module preferably includes at least one mandrel having at least one hang-off donut; at least one upper flexjoint swivel assembly, at least one radially ported manifold, at least one tensioning cylinder, and at least one slip-joint assembly combined in a single unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Control Flow Inc.Inventor: Graeme E. Reynolds
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Patent number: 6527053Abstract: A device in connection with a riser (1) for the transport of oil and/or gas, possibly including water, from a transport system, transport pipe (5) or similar structure on the sea bed to a platform or similar arrangement. To permit the use a riser (1) for the transport of oil and/or gas from a small field with low oil/gas production where a transport pipe (5) with a small diameter is used, a flexible pipe (4) with generally the same internal diameter as the transport pipe (5) is arranged inside the riser (1). At its upper and lower ends, the riser (1) is provided with a coupling (6, 7), which forms a seal between the transport pipe (5) and the flexible pipe (4) and also forms a seal at the ends of the riser so that the riser is closed.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASAInventor: Harald Arnt Friisk
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Publication number: 20030000705Abstract: A bottom-to-surface link comprising at least one underwater pipe (1) having at least one float (2), preferably a plurality of floats in a string, said floats constituting cans surrounding said pipe (1) and being located in the top underwater portion of the pipe, said pipe being held at the surface by a guide device, preferably on a floating float support (15).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Olivier Lenormand, Michel Gassert, Stephane Couprie
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Publication number: 20020079108Abstract: The present invention provides a system including a spoolable compliant guide, injector and lubricator to obtain vertical access to any oil well and to insert coiled tubing therein to. The spoolable compliant guide provides a substantial distance between the injector and the annular well seal at the lubricator and functions as a crimp or bend resistor for the coiled tubing therein facilitating the imposition of compression forces thereon. This enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the wellhead, not necessarily vertically above the wellhead, on the facility with the wellheads or on an entirely separate facility, vehicle or vessel. Wellheads on land, offshore or underwater can all be accessed. Pressurized well fluids are prevented from entering the spoolable compliant guide thus decreasing the risks associated with its damage, failure or emergency disconnection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Colin Stuart Headworth
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Publication number: 20020074135Abstract: The present invention provides a system including a spoolable compliant guide, injector and lubricator to obtain vertical access to any oil well and to insert coiled tubing therein to. The spoolable compliant guide provides a substantial distance between the injector and the annular well seal at the lubricator and functions as a crimp or bend resistor for the coiled tubing therein facilitating the imposition of compression forces thereon. This enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the wellhead, not necessarily vertically above the wellhead, on the facility with the wellheads or on an entirely separate facility, vehicle or vessel. Wellheads on land, offshore or underwater can all be accessed. Pressurized well fluids are prevented from entering the spoolable compliant guide thus decreasing the risks associated with its damage, failure or emergency disconnection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventor: Colin Stuart Headworth