Connection Of Pipe Hanging Patents (Class 166/348)
  • Patent number: 8235122
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes an outer wellhead member with a bore containing at least one conical generally upward facing load shoulder that inclines relative to an axis of the bore. The outer wellhead member also contains an overpull recess having a generally downward facing overpull shoulder positioned below the at least one generally upward facing load shoulder. An inner wellhead member is lowered into the housing, the inner wellhead member having at least one conical downward facing load shoulder that inclines relative to an axis of the bore. A load ring has an inner profile that slidingly engages the downward facing load shoulder and an outer profile that slidingly engages the upward facing load shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas P. Gette
  • Publication number: 20120193104
    Abstract: A method for riserless intervention of a subsea well includes connecting an intervention assembly to a bottom hole assembly (BHA). The BHA is connected to coiled tubing. The method further includes lowering the intervention assembly to a blowout preventer (BOP) fastened to a subsea production tree using an injector of a support vessel engaged with the coiled tubing; fastening the intervention assembly to the BOP; slacking the coiled tubing using the vessel injector; engaging a stripper of the intervention assembly with the coiled tubing; and driving the BHA through the tree and into a wellbore using a subsea injector of the intervention assembly while synchronizing both injectors to maintain the slack in the coiled tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Corey Eugene Hoffman, Patrick Michael Cargol, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120186821
    Abstract: A location-and-rotation feedback tool that provides accurate feedback of the location and orientation of a well component during running operations in wells. The feedback tool device is adapted to be secured on a tool stem above a running tool and comprises a body, a circumferentially extending groove, and a hole in the groove that vents to the bore of a blowout preventer. The circumferential groove aligns with a fluid line port in the blowout preventer to provide location feedback via a fluid line pressure. The hole aligns with the fluid line port in the blowout preventer to provide rotation feedback via fluid line pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Ford, Johnny E. Jurena
  • Publication number: 20120145405
    Abstract: An adjustable riser suspension system for suspending a riser under tension including a riser hanger, a mating sleeve rotationally coupled to the riser hanger, a ratchet-latch sleeve located inside the mating sleeve with an external profile configured to engage an internal profile of the mating sleeve and an internal profile configured to engage an externally threaded face of the riser. The riser hanger and mating sleeve are configured to move downward relative to the riser such that the mating sleeve fits over at least a portion of the riser, causing the ratchet-latch device to ratchet over the external threads of the riser. The mating sleeve is configured to rotate relative to the riser, causing the internal and external profiles of ratchet-latch device to lock the riser and the mating sleeve to prevent movement of the riser relative to the mating sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Delbert Edwin Vanderford, Max Van Adrichem
  • Publication number: 20120097399
    Abstract: A bridging hanger with an expandable anchoring mechanism lands on a casing hanger in a subsea wellhead and actuates to anchor to the casing hanger. The anchoring mechanism includes a tubular main body, and a tubular sealing sleeve. The tubular sealing sleeve is coaxial with and mounted on an exterior diameter portion of the tubular main body. The body is moveable from an upper run-in position to a lower set position relative to the sealing sleeve. The anchoring mechanism also includes a first and second locking ring, both carried by the sealing sleeve. The first locking ring engages a profile within an interior of the casing hanger in response to movement of the main body from the run-in to the set position. The second locking ring locks the tubular main body in the set position in response to movement of the main body from the run-in to the set position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Francisco Kazuo Kobata, Lucas Antonio Perrucci, Deivis Alves Verdan
  • Patent number: 8104541
    Abstract: A system, including a first module (35b) configured to process fluid from a well, wherein the first module (35b) includes a processing device coupleable to a manifold (5), a first access tunnel (4b) extending through the processing device, wherein the access tunnel (4b) is configured to provide access to the manifold (5), a processing input (18a), and a processing output (19a). Further provided is a method of assembling a manifold, including coupling a processing module (35b) to a manifold (5), wherein the processing module comprises an access tunnel (4b) through the processing module (35b) that enables access to the manifold (5) while the processing module (35b) is coupled to the manifold (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8104337
    Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed which includes a structure adapted to be removably coupled to a Christmas tree, a sleeve operatively coupled to the structure and a flowmeter positioned at least partially within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Zollo, Andrew Beck, Sean Walters
  • Publication number: 20110284234
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Lance Nigel Portman
  • Patent number: 8047295
    Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of a tool housing of a subsea lubricator, wherein the device includes a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of the tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device. The present invention is also directed to a method which includes lowering an assembly toward a tool housing of a subsea lubricator positioned subsea using a wireline for the tool to support a weight of the assembly, wherein the assembly includes a wireline tool and a device including a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the end of a tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member, and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Skeels, Hans Jørgen Lindland, Olav Inderberg, Bjørn Jahnsen
  • Publication number: 20110253378
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead body which disposed to support an isolation sleeve for a production tree and to support below the isolation sleeve a production casing hanger for a production casing string. The body also supports a second casing string outside the production casing string whereby to form an annulus between the casing strings. The body includes a passageway which is in communication with the annulus near a lower end of the body and extends upwardly within the wall of the body towards the upper end of the body. A valve is accommodated in the upper part of the body and provides controlled communication between the passageway and a port which can be coupled to the isolation sleeve. The valve is controllable from a production tree in particular is moveable between an open position and a closed position in response to fluid pressure applied to the valve from a production tree by way of the isolation sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel A. WILLOUGHBY
  • Publication number: 20110247828
    Abstract: The method for subsea well intervention includes creating a lubricator section within the production tubing of the well. The lubricator section can then be flushed of hydrocarbons facilitating further well intervention from the open water. An intervention device that facilitates flushing production tubing that has equipment, such as electric submersible pumps, is deployed in the wellhead, for example in the valve tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Jean-Luc Monnac, Christopher Taor
  • Publication number: 20110240307
    Abstract: A well production system including a wellhead and a first casing string supported from a first casing hanger landed on a shoulder in the wellhead bore. A loading shoulder assembly is installable in the wellhead and includes an energizing ring, a loading ring threaded into the interior of the energizing ring, a lock ring, and a hold-down ring threaded into the interior of the loading ring. The hold-down ring engages the first casing hanger to prevent rotation of the hold-down ring and restrain rotation of the loading ring. The lock ring is expandable from an unset position into supporting engagement with the wellhead in a set position upon rotation of the energizing ring. The hold-down ring is also moveable axially out of the loading ring to restrain the first casing hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Kirk P. Guidry, Haw Keat Lim
  • Publication number: 20110240306
    Abstract: A running tool sets and pressure tests a bridging hanger and a packoff in a single trip. The running tool has a stem, an inner body, and a piston. The inner body is connected to the stem so that rotation of the stem relative to the inner body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. The piston is connected to the stem so that the stem and piston rotate and move longitudinally in unison. A piston engagement element is housed in the inner body and is adapted to engage the piston when the bridging hanger is set to prevent premature setting of the packoff. The piston engagement element can be disengaged once the bridging hanger is set, thereby allowing the piston to set the packoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Guilherme Pedro Eppinghaus Neto
  • Publication number: 20110209877
    Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section, the shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members being rotatable with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: ALLIS-CHALMERS RENTAL SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Burt A. Adams, Norman A. Henry
  • Patent number: 8006764
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger for retaining in tension casing and tubing extending between a subsea wellhead and a surface wellhead on a platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Frank C. Adamek, David McGuckien, Jim Sinnott
  • Patent number: 7992434
    Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed which includes a structure adapted to be removably coupled to a Christmas tree, a sleeve operatively coupled to the structure and a flowmeter positioned at least partially within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Zollo, Andrew Beck, Sean Walters
  • Patent number: 7975771
    Abstract: At least a portion of a subsea well is drilled casing-while-drilling techniques. A landing shoulder is formed within an outer string of a casing. The outer string of casing is secured to an outer wellhead housing above the landing shoulder and lowered into the wellbore. A casing hanger is attached to an inner string of casing and lowered through the outer string of casing into the wellbore. A drill bit at the at the lower end of the inner string of casing is rotated to deepen the well. The string of inner casing moves downward as the well is being deepened until landing the casing hanger on the load shoulder. A tieback member is attached to an inner wellhead housing and lowered into sealing engagement with the casing hanger. The inner wellhead housing lands in the outer wellhead housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Ford
  • Publication number: 20110147001
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly comprises a production casing hanger (2) defining a series of passageways (20-24) from an annulus (B) between a production casing string and an outer casing (8) to a region (16) which can communicate, for example by way of an isolation sleeve (9a), with a production tree. The passageways extend to the interior of the casing hanger. A positionally adjustable sleeve (17) fits within the casing hanger and carries exterior seals (25-27) which are disposed so that for a first position of the adjustable sleeve (17) within the casing hanger (2) fluid passage through the series of passageways is blocked and for a second position of the sleeve within the casing hanger said fluid passage is allowed. The adjustable sleeve can be operated by a simple tool through the production tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: George S. Thomson
  • Publication number: 20110108280
    Abstract: The method of providing flotation modules on subsea drilling riser joints comprising providing flotation modules as a full circle, installing said flotation modules sequentially onto the end of the central pipe of said drilling riser joints in a desired orientation, providing passageways through said flotation modules which extend from one end of said subsea drilling riser joints to the other end of said drilling riser joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Publication number: 20110083854
    Abstract: A casing hanger nesting indicator generates a signal to notify personnel on the surface that a wellhead member has properly landed on a predetermined surface within the wellbore. The casing hanger nesting indicator comprises a signaling device such as an explosive charge or a frequency shift key wherein the noise or vibration of the signaling device travels through the wellbore, via the drilling conduit in some embodiments, up to the surface platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20110079395
    Abstract: A technique enables a simplified approach for providing subsea hydraulic control. A subsea installation comprises one or more devices that are actuated hydraulically. A simple signal carrier, such as a wireline logging cable, can be routed down to the subsea installation. However, hydraulic fluid for controlling the one or more hydraulic devices in the subsea installation is delivered via an open water umbilical that extends to the subsea installation from a separate workover control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vladimir Vaynshteyn, Joseph D. Scranton
  • Patent number: 7909103
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has a tubing hanger landed in a wellhead housing. A spool lands on the wellhead housing and has a bore with a laterally extending production flow outlet. A tree cap having an axially extending flow passage and a laterally extending production flow outlet lands within the bore of the spool. Upper and lower seals on the tree cap seal between the tree cap and the bore of the spool above and below the production flow outlet of the spool. An isolation tube on a lower end of the tree cap sealingly engages the production flow passage of the tubing hanger. The tree cap may be ran with the spool as an assembly and retrieved from the spool for workover operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: VetcoGray Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
  • Patent number: 7900706
    Abstract: A wellhead housing has a bore with a support shoulder, a ramp surface extending upward and outward from the support shoulder, and a recess extending upward from the ramp. A split, resilient load ring is carried in an initial position in the recess. A retractable and axially movable latch ring is carried in the recess above the load ring. A casing hanger has a profile that engages the latch ring as the casing hanger moves downwardly in the bore, causing the latch ring to move downward and pushing the load ring to the set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Ford
  • Patent number: 7896624
    Abstract: A method of running a down hole rotary pump using a top drive, sucker rod or any drive shaft from surface. A first step involves providing a gear box having an input end and an output end. The gear box is being capable of receiving an input of a first speed at the input end and producing an output of a second speed which is one of either faster or slower than of the first speed at the output end. A second step involves positioning the gear box down hole with the input end coupled to a remote lower end of a sucker rod and the output end coupled to a rotary activated pump. A third step involves applying a driving force to the sucker rod to rotate the sucker rod at the first speed, with the rotational force being transmitted to the rotary activated pump through the gear box which rotates the rotary activated pump at the second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Pradeep Dass
  • Patent number: 7886833
    Abstract: A low-pressure wellhead system with tubular heads and mandrels secured independently using threaded unions. A casing mandrel is secured to a wellhead by a first threaded union. Likewise, a tubing head spool is secured to the casing mandrel using a threaded union. A tubing hanger is also secured to the tubing head spool using a threaded union. An adapter flange may also be secured to the tubing hanger by a threaded union. Because this low-pressure wellhead is faster and easier to assemble and provides full bore access, there is less rig downtime, thus rendering the well completion process faster and more economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7886827
    Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section, the shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members being rotatable with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Allis-Chalmers Rental Services, LLC
    Inventors: Burt A. Adams, Norman A. Henry
  • Patent number: 7861789
    Abstract: A method of completing a well having a casing hanger set in a subsea wellhead housing includes attaching a running tool to a tubular bridging hanger. A metal-to-metal inner seal is attached to a lower exterior portion of the bridging hanger and a metal-to-metal outer seal is located on an upper exterior portion of the bridging hanger. The assembly is lowered into the well and the lower exterior portion of the bridging hanger is inserted into the casing hanger. The inner seal is wedged between the casing hanger and the bridging hanger in response to weight of the running string. The running tool is actuated to set the outer seal between the upper exterior portion of the bridging hanger and the wellhead housing. Then, a tubing hanger is landed and sealed in the interior of the bridging hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100326664
    Abstract: A running tool sets a casing hanger packoff and ensures that the packoff is not pressure tested unless the proper setting stroke was made by the running tool. The running tool has a stem, an inner body, and a piston. The inner body is connected to the stem so that rotation of the stem relative to the inner body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. The piston is connected to the stem so that the stem and piston rotate and move longitudinally in unison. A test slot is located in the outer surface of the inner body. A limit pin is connected to the piston and is adapted to engage the test slot when the piston moves longitudinally relative to the inner body. The stem has a raised profile on a portion of its exterior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Guilherme Pedro Eppinghaus Neto, Francisco Kobata, Nicholas P. Gette
  • Publication number: 20100243261
    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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Fern, Ted Thornburrow
  • Patent number: 7798231
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly for a subsea well including a low pressure wellhead housing having a string of conductor piping extending therefrom. A high pressure wellhead housing, having a string of outer casing suspended therefrom, lands within the low pressure wellhead housing. The high pressure wellhead housing has a housing bore. An adapter is positioned within the housing bore. The adapter has an external load shoulder that lands on a housing load shoulder of the high pressure wellhead housing. The adapter also has an adapter bore with an inner adapter load shoulder formed thereon. A casing hanger is carried in the adapter bore, and has a string of inner casing suspended therefrom and is cemented in the well. The casing hanger lands on the inner adapter load shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Ford
  • Patent number: 7762338
    Abstract: An assembly for landing a tubing hanger in a subsea well includes a riser extending from a subsea wellhead assembly to a vessel at the surface of the sea. A tubing hanger having a string of tubing suspended therefrom is lowered through the riser with a string of conduit, and the tubing hanger lands within the subsea wellhead assembly. A sensor is positioned adjacent the subsea wellhead assembly to monitor the axial position of the tubing hanger within the subsea wellhead assembly. The sensor also communicates the axial position of the tubing hanger to the surface. A locking mechanism is carried by the tubing hanger and is selectively operable to lock the tubing hanger in place relative to the subsea wellhead assembly when the tubing hanger reaches a predetermined axial location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Fenton, Lars-Petter Sollie, Andrew Davidson
  • Patent number: 7743832
    Abstract: During the completion of a subsea horizontal tree, a tubing hanger and internal tree cap are run together with the same running tool and running string. The running tool has a linking assembly that connects the tree cap to the tubing hanger during running, retrieval, or workover, so that the tree cap supports the weight of the tubing hanger and string of tubing. The linking assembly can be retrieved with the running tool or retrieved on wireline through the running string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Shaw, Robert S. Buchan, Kevin G. Buckle
  • Patent number: 7699110
    Abstract: A flow diverter tool assembly is employed for flushing debris from a portion of the bore of a subsea production tree. The flow diverter tool assembly has a housing having a passageway there-through and a seal disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The seal contacts the inner wall surface of the bore of the production tree, dividing a lower portion of the bore below the seal from an upper portion of the bore above the seal. One or more outlets from the passageway through the exterior surface are disposed along the housing below the seal. A bypass device such as a slip-joint is disposed above the seal to facilitate removal of the flow diverter tool assembly from the bore of the production tree after its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Neil Anderson, David Duncan, Roy E. Swanson, John Pickett
  • Patent number: 7607485
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has a tubing annulus path that extends partly through the tubing hanger and partly through the wellhead housing. A tubing hanger tubing annulus passage extends through part of the tubing hanger from a lower port on the lower end of the tubing hanger to an upper port on the exterior surface of the tubing hanger below the tubing hanger seal. A wellhead housing tubing annulus passage within the sidewall of the wellhead housing has a lower end at the bore below the tubing hanger seal and an upper end at the bore above the tubing hanger seal. A valve is mounted to the wellhead housing and accessible by an ROV from the exterior for opening and closing the inner wellhead housing tubing annulus passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Fenton, Lars-Petter Sollie, Andrew Davidson
  • Patent number: 7596996
    Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed which includes a structure adapted to be removably coupled to a Christmas tree, a sleeve operatively coupled to the structure and a flowmeter positioned at least partially within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Zollo, Andrew Beck, Sean Walters
  • Publication number: 20090211761
    Abstract: A completion system, and a corresponding method, for completing a subsea well, where the well includes a wellhead and a tubing hanger disposed in the wellhead and supports a string of production tubing, allows for angular alignment-free assembly of the subsea well. The completion system includes a series of circumferential channels formed in a well completion device at a boundary between the tubing hanger and the well completion device. The circumferential channels provide complete circular fluid paths with respect to the tubing hanger and the well completion device. At least one supply bore is in communication with each circumferential channel and is and oriented to supply a fluid to the circumferential channel, and at least one drain bore in communication with each circumferential channel and is oriented to remove fluid from the circumferential channel. Finally a circumferential electrical connector couples the tubing hanger and the completion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Earl Broussard
  • Patent number: 7537057
    Abstract: A connector for securing a first cylindrical member to a second cylindrical member comprises a cylindrical body which includes a first end that is attached to the first member and a second end that is positioned proximate the second member, a cylindrical housing sleeve which is positioned concentrically over the body and which includes an upper end portion that is secured to the body and a lower end portion that is disposed adjacent the second member, a cylindrical primary piston that is positioned between the body and the housing sleeve, a locking mandrel which is connected to or formed integrally with the primary piston and which includes at least first and second annular portions that have different diameters, and a split lock ring which is supported by the lower end portion adjacent a number of locking grooves in the second member and which includes at least first and second cylindrical portions that correspond to the first and second annular portions of the locking mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shiva Singeetham, Eric Baltmanis
  • Publication number: 20090071656
    Abstract: An assembly for the completion of a subsea horizontal tree that includes a tubing hanger, an internal tree cap, and a running tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Gary A. Shaw, Robert S. Buchan, Kevin G. Buckle
  • Patent number: 7500524
    Abstract: A wellhead has, instead of a conventional Christmas tree, a spool tree (34) in which a tubing hanger (54) is landed at a predetermined angular orientation. As the tubing string can be pulled without disturbing the tree, many advantages follow, including access to the production casing hanger (21) for monitoring production casing annulus pressure, and the introduction of larger tools into the well hole without breaching the integrity of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Paul Hopper, Thomas G. Cassity
  • Patent number: 7475915
    Abstract: A device for at least one of a pig launching/receiving device or a connecting pipe to a submerged pipeline. A deflection bend is operatively connected to the pipeline. A blind pipe projects from the deflection bend. The blind pipe is substantially concentric with and extends in an opposite direction to the pipeline. The blind pipe is not in fluid communication with the deflection bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventor: Carlo Samuele Cafaro
  • Patent number: 7467663
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly with high pressure interface is provided. The wellhead assembly includes a tubing spool that connects the wellhead to a BOP and a casing hanger that is landed in the wellhead and connected thereto. The wellhead assembly further includes a gasket that is disposed between opposing ends of the tubing spool and casing hanger. A connector engages the wellhead and tubing spool forcing the opposing ends of the tubing spool and casing hanger together, which thereby applies a compressive load to the gasket, which in turn forms a fluid tight seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Reimert
  • Publication number: 20080308278
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger for retaining in tension casing and tubing extending between a subsea wellhead and a surface wellhead on a platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Frank C. Adamek, David McGuckien, Jim Sinnott
  • Publication number: 20080264643
    Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of a tool housing of a subsea lubricator, wherein the device includes a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of the tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device. The present invention is also directed to a method which includes lowering an assembly toward a tool housing of a subsea lubricator positioned subsea using a wireline for the tool to support a weight of the assembly, wherein the assembly includes a wireline tool and a device including a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the end of a tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member, and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Skeels, Hans Jorgen Lindland, Olav Inderberg, Bjorn Jahnsen
  • Publication number: 20080251256
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of sealing a tieback to a tubular. The method includes, positioning a metal deformable member of the tieback within a tubular and contacting the tubular with a sleeve of the tieback. Moving the sleeve in a first axial direction thereby contacting and radially deforming a first portion of the deformable member by axially compressing the deformable member and sealably engaging the tubular with the radially deformed first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Rodney D. Bennett, Sidney K. Smith, Jamie L. Imhoff, James M. Fraser
  • Patent number: 7380607
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a housing with a bore containing at least one conical generally upward facing load shoulder that inclines relative to an axis of the bore. A hanger is lowered into the housing, the hanger having at least one conical downward facing load shoulder that inclines at a lesser inclination relative to an axis of the bore than the upward facing load shoulder. A split load ring has an inner profile that slidingly engages the downward facing load shoulder and an outer profile that slidingly engages the upward facing load shoulder. The load ring is carried by the hanger for movement between a retracted position, wherein the outer profile is spaced radially inward from the upward facing load shoulder, and an expanded position wherein the outer profile is in engagement with the upward facing load shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Sean P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7377323
    Abstract: A blowout preventer stack landing assist tool and landing tool adapter joint for use with a standard telescoping joint used in oil and gas drilling operations that allows lifting and moving of the riser string and blowout preventer stack without requiring disconnection of the telescoping joint, tensioning lines and associated piping from the riser string connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Walker, Lan T. Hiscox
  • Patent number: 7350580
    Abstract: A coupling switches control fluid from a tubing hanger to a downhole completion of a subsea well. The coupling, located between a tubing hanging running tool and a downhole completion, includes a coupling body and a tubing hanger. A hydraulic poppet switches control fluid flow from a first and second flow path. The hydraulic poppet includes an isolation sleeve for opening and closing a first and second inlet port. At least two perimeter seals provide fluid isolation for the first flow path. A retainer seal seals the coupling body against the second inlet port. A retaining sleeve holds the coupling body against the tubing hanger. A first and second circumferential seal are located on opposite ends between the coupling body and tubing hanger. The hydraulic poppet is adapted to move perimeter seals and the retainer seal to open and close the first and second inlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Aker Kvaerner Subsea, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcio Laureano
  • Patent number: 7350583
    Abstract: A running tool delivers a string through a wellhead in the same trip as a hanger with a seal and locking assembly. The string is secured downhole and the running tool is manipulated to release a lock to hold the hanger in a sealed position in the wellhead prior to a tensile force being applied. A ratchet assembly permits the string to stretch and the tensile force is then locked in. The running tool is rotated out of the string and the tree is installed on the wellhead for subsequent procedures or production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Delbert Vanderford
  • Patent number: 7314086
    Abstract: A wellhead has, instead of a conventional Christmas tree, a spool tree in which a tubing hanger is landed at a predetermined angular orientation. As the tubing string can be pulled without disturbing the tree, many advantages follow, including access to the production casing hanger for monitoring production casing annulus pressure, and the introduction of larger tools into the well hole without breaching the integrity of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Paul Hopper, Thomas G. Cassity
  • Patent number: RE43262
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus, in particular an internal tree cap, for use in a wellhead having a central bore and first and second retaining means, such as a shoulder and a groove, within the bore of the wellhead. The retaining apparatus has a housing for location within the bore of the wellhead. A first engagement assembly is provided for engaging with the first retaining means in the bore of the wellhead to thereby retain the housing within the bore of the wellhead. A second engagement assembly for engaging with the second retaining means in the bore of the wellhead is also provided. The apparatus further comprises a preload assembly operable when the housing is located within the bore of the wellhead to apply a preload to the housing between the first and second retaining means. A method for retaining an assembly within a wellhead bore, in which a preload is applied between the first and second retaining means, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: David R. June