Abstract: This disclosure includes subsea pumping apparatuses and related methods. Some apparatuses include one or more subsea pumps, each having an inlet and an outlet, and one or more motors, each configured to actuate at least one pump to communicate a hydraulic fluid from the inlet to the outlet, where the subsea pumping apparatus is configured to be in fluid communication with a hydraulically actuated device of a blowout preventer. Some subsea pumping apparatuses include one or more of: a desalination system configured to produce at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid; one or more valves, each configured to selectively route hydraulic fluid from an outlet of a pump to, for example, a subsea environment, a reservoir, and/or the inlet of the pump; and a reservoir configured to store at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid. Some apparatuses are configured to be directly coupled to the hydraulically actuated device.

Abstract: A method of conveying a production fluid from an offshore subsea well to an offshore vessel includes deploying an inflatable bladder from the offshore vessel, the inflatable bladder including a bladder valve, and fluidly connecting the inflatable bladder to an offloading port positioned at a seafloor, wherein the offloading port includes a port valve and is in fluid communication with one or more subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formations. The method further includes opening the bladder and port valves to discharge the production fluid from the offloading port into the inflatable bladder, and thereby resulting in a substantially filled bladder, closing the bladder and port valves, and fluidly disconnecting the substantially filled bladder from the offloading port.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for undersea use, such as for penetrating a seabed for forming a borehole therein, including with optional data acquisition and logging capabilities. A first or base module (12) of the apparatus is adapted for engaging the seabed. A first elevator (16) provides longitudinal movement of a second or upper module (14) relative to the base module (12) along a drilling axis. The relative movement of the upper and base modules may be used in the course of independently moving first (18) and second (20) rotary units along the drilling axis to cause a drill rod (R) and a drill casing (C) to penetrate the seabed such that the collapse of the borehole is avoided.

Abstract: This disclosure includes subsea pumping apparatuses and related methods. Some apparatuses include one or more subsea pumps, each having an inlet and an outlet, and one or more motors, each configured to actuate at least one pump to communicate a hydraulic fluid from the inlet to the outlet, where the subsea pumping apparatus is configured to be in fluid communication with a hydraulically actuated device of a blowout preventer. Some subsea pumping apparatuses include one or more of: a desalination system configured to produce at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid; one or more valves, each configured to selectively route hydraulic fluid from an outlet of a pump to, for example, a subsea environment, a reservoir, and/or the inlet of the pump; and a reservoir configured to store at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid. Some apparatuses are configured to be directly coupled to the hydraulically actuated device.

Abstract: A flow stopper for a standing valve within a bottom hole spring assembly for facilitating production of hydrocarbons has an elongated shape. The elongated shape has a concave section such that the flow stopper can impact a line running along an inner surface of the housing in a lengthwise direction of the tubular cavity. The concave section allows the flow stopper to impact the housing with a first point of contact and a second point of contact on the line, and the two points of contact are separated by a gap where the flow stopper does not contact the housing. The flow stopper may include a first and a second ball where the balls are connected by a stem. The flow stopper may also include a plurality of balls that are not connected to each other. The flow stopper may include a ball connected to a stem.

Abstract: A method includes mounting a lower platform block (300) to a plurality of piles (215) positioned on a surface. The lower platform block includes a first frame (315), a plurality of docking assemblies (305) connected to the first frame and engaging the piles, and a plurality of conductor tubes (310) connected to the first frame to a plurality of piles. The docking assemblies are released from the piles to separate the lower platform block from the piles.

Abstract: Subsea system (100) and method of installing the subsea system (100), the method comprising the steps of: —preparing a first foundation (1?) comprising at least a first dedicated position for receiving a first subsea station (3?, 13?), —providing the first foundation (1?) with at least a first guide system (4?), —installing the first foundation (1?) at a subsea location, —preparing at least a first subsea station (3?, 13?) comprising a first flow module (5?) for connection with a pipeline (6), —installing the at least first subsea station (3?, 13?) with the first flow module (5?) in the first dedicated position on the first foundation (1?), —preparing a pipeline (6) and providing the pipeline (6) with at least a first T-connection (7?) at a determined calculated position corresponding to the first dedicated position on the first foundation (1?), —installing the pipeline (6) and allowing the pipeline (6) to rest on the first guide system (4?) on the first foundation (1?) such that the first T-connection (7?) i

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a top sub-assembly configured to couple to a downhole conveyance operable to move the downhole tool through a wellbore; a housing coupled to the top sub-assembly and including a retention sub-assembly mounted in the housing and a slot formed in a downhole end of the housing and shaped to engage a mudline abandonment cap; and a locking sleeve coupled to the retention sub-assembly and moveable, by the retention sub-assembly, to adjustably lock the slot to the mudline abandonment cap.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) stack module includes a chassis core including a module frame, a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) coupling hardware coupled to the chassis core, wherein the ROV coupling hardware couples with an ROV configured to transport and selectively couple and uncouple the BOP stack module relative to a BOP stack, a mechanical connector coupled to the chassis core, wherein the mechanical connector couples to a stack frame of the BOP stack, an electrical BOP component coupled to the chassis core, wherein the electrical BOP component performs one or more electrical BOP functions of the BOP stack, and an electrical connector coupled to the chassis core and the electrical BOP component, wherein the electrical couples to a corresponding electrical connector of the BOP stack or an adjacent BOP stack module.

Abstract: A surface joint provides a sealing interface between pipe rams or variable-bore rams of a surface blowout preventer and a landing string. The surface joint may be used in a system including the surface blowout preventer, a subsea mudline closure device having a conventional configuration without additional pipe rams or variable-bore rams used to close on a slip joint, and a high-pressure riser.

Abstract: A technique which enables construction and operation of a subsea landing string system having a system manifold or manifolds unprotected by a dielectric fluid compensated enclosure. The manifolds contain directional control valves and corresponding solenoids which are able to operate while being exposed to environmental fluids such as seawater. The ability to operate manifolds in an unprotected environment enables the manifolds to be positioned in a variety of locations along the subsea landing string system or in cooperation with the subsea landing string system. The subsea landing string system also may be a modular system in which manifolds are added or removed according to the parameters of a given operation.

Abstract: Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a safety system, for example a subsea workover safety system, for overriding a control module configured to actuate a component of a hydrocarbon production apparatus, particularly an apparatus comprising at least one of a lower riser package and an emergency disconnect package.

Abstract: This art creates an Advanced Annular Closing Device (AACD) that corrects significant environmental operational failure modes of the existing/in-use annular closing devices. The art further develops a Mini-AACD that significantly reduces the size of the annular closing mechanism providing improved operational reliability and lower cost. The Mini-AACD is incorporated in a unique Transitory Blowout Controller (TBC) assembly installed within the drilling return/riser pipe providing enhanced and redundant blowout annular closing protection (to the existing BOP). As options the art further incorporates additional supporting devices to the AACD, Mini-AACD and/or Seabed Drilling Equipment using simplistic and reliable alternative technology that provides redundancy to the overall existing/in-use BOP providing significantly more reliable means to close a well.

Abstract: Provided is a process, including: receiving, via the network interface, from a remote user device, a command to change a state of the fluid-handling device to a target state; translating the received command into a translated command operative to cause a local controller of the fluid-handling device to drive the fluid-handling equipment to the target state, the local controller being responsive to the command and feedback from the fluid-handling device indicative of whether the fluid-handling device is in the target state; and sending the translated command to the local controller.

Abstract: A method of lowering an apparatus (1) through a body of water comprising lowering a guiding element (25) and a weight (27) through the body of water, the lower end of the guiding (element 25) being attached to the weight (27) such that the guiding element (25) is under tension and is maintained in a generally vertical orientation when in its lowered position, and lowering the apparatus (1) through the body of water while being guided by the guiding element.

Abstract: A method for excavating a well cellar includes lowering an excavating apparatus having a cellar liner therein to a bottom of a body of water. The well cellar is excavated while contemporaneously lowering the cellar liner into the well cellar until a top of the cellar liner is substantially level with the bottom of the body of water. A pilot well is excavated below a bottom of the cellar. A well head support pipe is inserted into the pilot well. The bottom of the well cellar and a top of the cellar liner are covered.

Abstract: A subsea equipment-protection apparatus including: a cap (1) and a sleeve (2), wherein the cap and the sleeve are configured to be supportable by a foundation (6) of the subsea equipment (16). The cap and the sleeve are arranged such that at least a portion of the cap may enter an opening of the sleeve and be supported by the sleeve; and thereby the cap and sleeve cover and protect the subsea equipment.

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.

Abstract: A method of forming a mudline cellar includes positioning a mudline cellar forming member on a seafloor surface. The mudline cellar forming member includes an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity. The method further includes driving the mudline cellar forming member into the seafloor surface, and excavating the inner cavity of the mudline forming member to establish the mudline cellar.

Abstract: A drilling package for an offshore wellbore having a wellhead, said drilling package comprising in a functional order a shear module situated above said wellhead and in fluid communication with said wellbore; a blowout preventer in fluid communication with the shear module; a lower marine riser package in fluid communication with the blowout preventer; and a bypass valve and port in a normal fluid path upstream of a well closure device that is actuated to divert flow from the normal path through the blowout preventer to an alternative flow path.

Abstract: A system includes a flow-through component fluidly coupled to a wellhead and including an annular passage disposed about a central flow-through bore. The annular passage is transverse to the central flow-through bore. The central flow-through bore is downstream of the annular passage. The system also includes a first 90-degree elbow fluidly coupled to the flow-through component, a multi-phase flow meter disposed downstream of, and fluidly coupled to the first 90-degree elbow, a second 90-degree elbow disposed downstream of, and fluidly coupled to, the multi-phase flow meter, a monitor fluidly coupled to the second 90-degree elbow, and a choke disposed downstream of, and fluidly coupled to, the second 90-degree elbow, wherein, the central flow-through bore is downstream of the choke.

Abstract: A device is for stabilizing a well head which includes a well base arranged on a seabed. The well base includes at least a support column, and a first portion of a conductor casing being encircled by the support column, an annulus encircling the first conductor-casing portion being filled with cement, and a second portion of the conductor casing projecting in an elastically flexible manner up from the first conductor-casing portion. A method is for stabilizing a well head which includes a well base arranged on a seabed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, fluid conduits such as high pressure hoses deployed in-between two sea-fairing vessels may be released during an emergency by using a rapid release emergency disconnect system as described herein, where the rapid release emergency disconnect system may engage with a hanger such as an industry standard frac hanger and be used in-line with fluid conduits such as high-pressure lines. Various skid embodiments are described which can be configured to interface with one or more of the described rapid release emergency disconnect systems.

Abstract: A subsea wellbore protection (SWP) system. The SWP system includes a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation beneath a sea floor and a SWP structure positioned below-grade with respect to the sea floor. The SWP structure comprises a caisson that encloses a first wellbore equipment component. The first wellbore equipment component is in fluid communication with the wellbore.

Abstract: Provided is a process, including: receiving, via the network interface, from a remote user device, a command to change a state of the fluid-handling device to a target state; translating the received command into a translated command operative to cause a local controller of the fluid-handling device to drive the fluid-handling equipment to the target state, the local controller being responsive to the command and feedback from the fluid-handling device indicative of whether the fluid-handling device is in the target state; and sending the translated command to the local controller.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydroelectric turbine recovery system, and in particular a system which significantly reduces the complexity of recovering a base mounted hydroelectric turbine from a deployment site on the seabed by providing a frame having an open mouth which can be advanced around the turbine before the frame is fully lowered into locking engagement with the base, thereby allowing the base, with the turbine thereon, to be recovered from the seabed.

Abstract: A device for control of return flow from a borehole, wherein drilling fluid is supplied from a drilling platform through a drill string disposed in a borehole includes an annulus formed between a pipe and the drill string. The annulus is in fluid communication with or forms part of a return path for the drill fluid. A choke is positioned in the annulus. An automatically operated annular seal element is disposed in the pipe above the drill fluid return path. The automatically operated annular seal element is configured to close the annulus to fluid communication when at least one of a predetermined fluid flow rate in the pipe and a predetermined pressure differential across the automatically operated annular seal element is reached.

Abstract: A fluid control system may be included within a blowout preventer subsea control pod of a subsea drilling system. The fluid control system includes a primary fluid flow path including an inlet and an outlet, the inlet connectable to a fluid supply source, the outlet connectable to a component controllable by the fluid supply source, a surge relief valve connected within the primary fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and a control valve connected within the primary fluid flow path between the surge relief valve and the outlet such that hydraulic pressure surges received within the primary fluid flow path are dampened, at least partially, by the surge relief valve before received by the control valve.

Abstract: A ram or shutter device includes rams operable between an open position withdrawn from a bore to a closed position to contact a tubular disposed in the bore, the rams may not seal the bore. A well system in accordance to an aspect of the disclosure includes an assembly providing a bore in communication with a wellbore, a device operable to shear a tubular disposed in the bore, and a shutter device having rams operable between an open position withdrawn from the bore to a closed position contacting the tubular in the bore.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems that may be used to facilitate the retrieval and/or replacement of production and/or processing equipment that may be used for subsea oil and gas operations. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, among other things, removing at least a portion of trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) from subsea equipment (100) while the subsea equipment (100) is connected to a subsea equipment installation (185) in a subsea environment (180), and storing at least the removed portion of the trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) in a subsea containment structure (120, 120a, 120b, 132) that is positioned in the subsea environment (180). Additionally, the disclosed method also includes disconnecting the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea equipment installation (185) and retrieving the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea environment (180).

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for providing tubing into an underwater well includes at least one surface injector and at least one underwater injector. The surface injector is adapted and arranged to control the movement of the tubing into and out of the underground well below the sea floor during normal operations. At least one surface injector and/or underwater injector is arranged and adapted to maintain the tubing in substantial tension between the surface and underwater injectors.

Abstract: A dual firing line drilling installation has a drilling tower main structure with four frameworks that are each over a major portion of their height U-shaped in horizontal cross-section. A four-sided central (11) space is present, and along each side of the central space one framework is arranged with its opened vertical side facing the central space. First and second storage devices (25,27) are provided for vertically storing drilling tubulars. The first storage device is housed in a first framework, the second storage device in a second framework. A first hoisting device is supported by a third framework of the drilling tower main structure, to manipulate a string of drilling tubulars in a first firing line (21). A second hoisting device is supported by a fourth framework to manipulate a string of drilling tubulars in a second firing line (23).

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.

Abstract: A method and a device for enabling the use of riserless drilling fluid recovery from a seabed-based borehole (1) which is to be drilled by means of a casing (26), the casing (26) being provided with a drill bit (28) at its lower portion and with an inner wellhead (30) at its upper portion, and there being a conductor casing (6), which has an outer wellhead (8), in the seabed (2), the method including: —providing a suction module (12) with a dividable adapter (16) which fits complementarily in the outer wellhead (8); —drilling a length of the borehole (1) by means of the casing (26) extending through the suction module (12), while, at the same time, drilling fluid is flowing via the suction module (12) from the borehole (1); —subsequently pulling the adapter (16) up from the outer wellhead (8) and dividing the adapter (16); and—lowering the casing (26) with the inner wellhead (30) through the suction module (12) and the adapter (16) to its position in the outer wellhead (8).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useable in drilling installations having a mud loop for detecting ongoing or imminent kick events are provided. An apparatus includes a first sensor configured to measure a input mud flow pumped into the well, and a second sensor configured to measure a variation of a return mud flow emerging from the well. The apparatus further includes a controller connected to the first sensor, and to the second sensor. The controller is configured to identify an ongoing or imminent kick event based on monitoring and comparing an evolution of the input mud flow as measured by the first sensor and an evolution of the return mud flow as inferred based on measurements received from the second sensor. Additionally, a third sensor can be included in the apparatus to confirm the conclusion made by the controller before alerting the user that a kick has likely occurred.

Abstract: A plug plugs into a ROV drive bucket limiting rotation of a drive shaft therein to say 15° and reducing the build-up of marine growth in the bucket. As shown it includes a polyethylene body (which may be made in two parts 12, 13) housing a metal socket 11 mounted for limited angular orientation therein. The socket has a twenty four point aperture or recess (22) which fits over a squared end of a drive shaft 10 at various angles orientation. The socket has external splines (20) which fit loosely in wide internal grooves (21) in the body and self-orientates within the body when the body is plugged into the bucket. The plug has a pair of diametrically opposite dogs (4) which engage in slots (5), included in flanges on conventional buckets.

Abstract: A method and a device are for extending the lifetime of a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is provided with at least a first high-pressure hydraulic valve pack, a first low-pressure hydraulic valve pack or a first chemical valve pack, and the Christmas tree is arranged to be connectable to an umbilical, which comprises at least electrical power or control cables, hydraulic tubes or chemical tubes.

Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.

Abstract: A method of well intervention in a subsea well having a wellhead on the sea floor includes extending an intervention hose downwardly through the sea from a hose drum installed on a vessel on the sea surface into the well through a subsea intervention stack installed on the wellhead. The intervention hose is exposed directly to the ambient sea between the vessel and the top of the subsea intervention stack. In a method of well intervention, an intervention hose extends from a hose drum and into a well. The hose is driven out of the well without the use of an injector by pulling the hose out of the well with the hose drum. In a method of well intervention, an intervention hose extends from a hose drum towards a wellhead, with the hose being guided downward from the drum towards the wellhead by a guiding sheave.

Abstract: The invention relates to oil-and-gas industry and can be used in emergency killing of wells. The method of emergency killing of a well of underwater head position comprises a cementing composition squeezing, wherein depth of the well section to be cemented is defined basing on the well condition and pressure in it, an injector, fixed on the tank with cementing composition and placed inside a bag made of some flexible material, is bottomed and inserted into the wellhead, the bag being filled with cementing composition which is squeezed into the bag through the injector from the tank, and providing for a firm contact of outer surface of the bag with inner surface of the well, the injector being kept at a target depth by means of the weight of the whole structure filled with the cementing composition, pressure in the bag being maintained till the cementing composition hardening.

Abstract: A SALT ring handling system having a platform, a track system operatively connected to a lower side of the platform, and a pickle fork operatively connected to the track system. The platform may include an upper deck, a lower deck, a spacer for positioning the deck near a riser, and an engaging mechanism for operatively connecting the platform to a carrier system. The track system may include a vertical track assembly and a horizontal track assembly for transferring the vertical track assembly in a substantially horizontal direction. The vertical track assembly may include a lift mechanism that is operatively connected to the pickle fork, and the lift mechanism may transfer the pickle fork in a substantially vertical direction. The pickle fork may include one or more extensions for engaging a portion of a SALT ring.

Abstract: A method of evacuating hydrocarbons from a plurality of nested tubulars of a well pipe, extending from an underwater well tree, includes attaching a fluid transmission line to the underwater well tree, the fluid transmission line having one end portion forming the attachment to the tree and the other end portion attached to a pump that forces fluid under pressure to the tree and attached nested tubulars. Openings are formed through one or more tubulars at a selected location. A specially configured fitting is attached to the tubulars. The fitting seals the openings. The fitting has an expandable seal that is expandable responsive to rotation of a rotating member that rotates upon a saddle, pulling a tapered mandrel against the seal. The saddle surrounds the mandrel and bears against an outer tubular of the nested tubulars. The fitting mandrel has a bore through which hydrocarbons escape from the tubulars.

Abstract: A subsea system includes an electrically powered control system for controlling the subsea system and a replaceable reserve battery electrically coupled to the control system to provide backup and/or supplemental power to the control system when the reserve battery is activated. The reserve battery is provided in a housing having a first coupling, the subsea system includes a second coupling, and the first and second couplings are detachably connectable to each other and include electrical connections so that the reserve battery is replaceable while the subsea system remains below the sea-surface.

Abstract: A retrievable flow module (RFM) apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the RFM apparatus is a standalone assembly configured to mate with a subsea device, such as a production tree. The RFM apparatus may include a frame within which various flow control and monitoring elements are disposed. The frame may have an alignment system that enables the RFM apparatus to horizontally mate with the tree. Because the RFM apparatus provides for the collocation of flow control and monitoring elements within a standalone assembly, deployment or retrieval of the flow control and monitoring elements may be accomplished in single operation. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly is provided. The subsea wellhead assembly comprises a tubing head structure with a tree above the tubing head structure, and a recoverable module attached to the tubing head structure below said tree, the recoverable module comprising at least one valve and at least one sensor.

Abstract: A motion compensating support assembly provides a support framework, attachable to well platform, floating vessel or other underlying structure, for supporting well intervention operations. The motion compensation function can be manually controlled, or set to passive compensation mode. Hydraulic clamp assemblies can connect the compensating well intervention support assembly to structural member(s) of an underlying support surface or substructure.

Abstract: A downhole bypass valve utilizes a stationary sleeve defining an interior ball-seat. When a dropped ball is seated, fluid differential pressure is diverted to an annular area adjacent a first sliding sleeve. The sleeve slides in response to the pressure differential upon shearing of a shear pin, or similar, and opens ports to the wellbore annulus. Treatment or maintenance operations can then occur through the ports, which can be fitted with nozzles. A second sliding sleeve, independent from the first, is operated in response to dropping a second ball into the device. The second ball diverts fluid differential pressure to an annular area adjacent the second sleeve and movement occurs when a shear pin shears. The second sleeve covers the ports to the wellbore annulus and closes the valve. After a sliding sleeve shifts, pressure across the sleeve is equalized, allowing reverse flow without risk of accidental sleeve actuation.

Abstract: Systems and methods include using a subsea machine for separating a mixture received from a seabed well. The subsea machine includes: a chamber configured to receive and separate by gravity the mixture received from the seabed well. The chamber includes: a housing configured to contain the mixture received from the undersea well during separation, and a piston provided inside the housing and separating the housing into a top section and a bottom section. The piston is configured to move in a first direction along an axis to create more space in the top section for receiving the mixture from the seabed well and to move in a second opposite direction along the axis for removing the mixture from the chamber after separation has occurred.

Abstract: A subsea well service system and method are presented for use with an subsea pump capable of flushing the well intervention lubricator of an underwater hydrocarbons production facility. The system essentially includes at least one pump placed at a subsea location in proximity to the well intervention lubricator, and at least one fluid reservoir connected to the pump.