Surface Vessel Patents (Class 166/352)
  • Patent number: 11952870
    Abstract: The method comprises supplying, at a construction site, of a functional module comprising a hybrid cooler; verifying onsite the exploitation of the equipment of the functional module; mounting the functional module on a support structure; moving the structure to an exploitation site on the expanse of water. The verification involves passing a flow to be cooled through the air cooler of the hybrid cooler, the flow being cooled exclusively by a flow of air circulating through the air cooler of the hybrid cooler. The exploitation of hydrocarbons on the expanse of water involves the passage of a flow to be cooled through the water cooler of the hybrid cooling system, the flow being cooled by heat exchange with water taken from the expanse of water circulating through the water cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Benoit Laflotte, Sylvain Vovard, Dominique Claude Jean Gadelle
  • Patent number: 11274511
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for locating a tool component in a channel of a blowout preventer. The system and technique may include the use of glide rams that are configured to sealably engage a deployment bar of a toolstring supporting the tool component in the channel. The glide rams may allow for movement of the deployment bar and toolstring while maintaining the seal. Due to greater diameter of the tool component, contact with the rams may be detected in the form of a spike in load detected at an oilfield surface by equipment supporting the conveyance means for the toolstring. Thus, tool component location may be ascertained. This same diameter difference of the tool component may also be utilized to deflect a member in the channel for sake of tool location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rod William Shampine
  • Patent number: 11208862
    Abstract: For completing a well, and for performing workover or intervention operations with the well, a surface BOP stack is coupled to the subsea wellhead or a subsea tree via a high pressure riser. The well is completed or the workover or intervention operations are performed through the surface BOP stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Trendsetter Vulcan Offshore, Inc.
    Inventor: James V. Maher
  • Patent number: 11174689
    Abstract: A well operation facility including a first pump for delivering mud and cement to a borehole, a second pump for delivering mud to the borehole; a third pump for delivering the mud to the borehole, an inlet manifold coupled to each of the pumps for delivering the mud and/or cement to the pumps, and a discharge manifold coupled to each of the pumps for delivering the mud and/or cement at a pressure. In some embodiments, the first pump, the second pump, and the third pump are configured to be isolated from each other and to be used in series, parallel or as backups to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Franz Aguirre, Andrew Marlatt, John Allen Ray, David Gerard Gerber, Jr., Jagan Mohan Reddy Thaduri, Seoyeon Hong
  • Patent number: 10801276
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for running casing into a wellbore with a casing running tool (CRT), such as a casing drive system (CDS), that is equipped with single joint elevator links and elevators. For example, in certain embodiments, a system includes a joint elevator configured to engage a joint of a tubular element. The system also includes an elevator link comprising an upper link and a lower link. The lower link is configured to couple to the joint elevator. In addition, the lower link is configured to fit telescopically within the upper link. The system further includes a compensator cylinder configured to couple to the upper link and the lower link, and configured to adjust a position of the lower link with respect to the upper link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamie Bergeron, Hendrik Schalk Le Roux
  • Patent number: 10508531
    Abstract: A control system for moving a bottom hole assembly at an end of a coiled tubing string in a wellbore includes a controller configured to move the bottom hole assembly at an initial rate, unless the controller determines that moving the bottom hole assembly at the initial rate causes a predetermined threshold parameter to be reached, whereupon the controller is configured to default to moving the bottom hole assembly at a safe rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Premier Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Brett Witte, Randall Dean Behrens, Shaun Kallis, Javier Sauceda
  • Patent number: 10487608
    Abstract: A subsea connector assembly with flowmeter incorporated therein. The assembly is particularly configured for securing a flexible flowline at subsea production managing hardware such as at a manifold at a seabed or Christmas tree at a well head. Incorporating a flowmeter into the connector as opposed to such comparatively larger scale hardware ultimately saves substantial material, transport, installation, footspace and other costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Alireza Shirani, Marcus Lara, Akshay Kalia, Gustavo Gonzalez, Randy Kimberling
  • Patent number: 10457357
    Abstract: A method for assembly of a riser string onboard a vessel for performing subsea wellbore related operations involving said riser string, the riser string extending between a subsea wellbore and the vessel in a wellbore related operation, wherein the vessel includes a hull, a riser storage storing therein, in horizontal orientation, multiple pre-assembled riser stands and/or multiple individual riser stand, a deck structure having an elongated transfer opening above said riser storage, a transfer elevator, wherein multiple pre-assembled riser stands, each being pre-assembled from multiple riser sections connected end-to-end and each having a length of at least 150 ft. (45.72 m), and/or multiple individual riser sections each having a length of at least 150 ft. (45.72 m), are stored, in said horizontal orientation, in the riser storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
  • Patent number: 10370914
    Abstract: A choke and kill system, and a method of adapting a low pressure drilling rig for use in a high pressure application are described. The system has a low pressure stack and a high pressure blowout preventer stack fluidly connected to the low pressure stack. A choke is fluidly connected to a low pressure choke line of the low pressure stack and is connected to a high pressure choke line of the high pressure blowout preventer stack. The choke is adapted to reduce the pressure from the high pressure choke line to the low pressure choke line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: KINETIC PRESSURE CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventors: Steven Anthony Angstmann, Bobby James Gallagher
  • Patent number: 10208557
    Abstract: A wire line tool trap has a central housing with an axial passage. The passage is sized and shaped to movably receive a cable and tool. A pair of housings have an interior that opens to the passage of the center portion. Each of a pair of catch blocks are disposed in a respective lateral housing. Each catch block has an inside catch end with an under face and an upper face. When the catch blocks are fully inserted, a passage is defined to permit the wire line to pass therethrough. The under faces form a concavity, and the upper faces form a top land. The concavity permits a tool to urge the catch blocks apart and into a retracted state. Thus, the tool can drawn upwardly between the catch blocks. The top land retains a tool thereon and prevents the downward passage of the tool past the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Albert Peter Keller
  • Patent number: 10156105
    Abstract: A drill string (2) for a floating drill rig, the drill string (2) comprising: a bore (4) running the length of the drill string (2) and configured to receive a drilling fluid; and a controllable dynamic flow restriction (14) in the bore, wherein the controllable dynamic flow restriction (14) is operable to restrict flow of the drilling fluid through the bore (4) and thereby generate excess pressure in the drill string when the drill string (2) moves down, and to allow additional drilling fluid to be pushed through the bore (4) and out of the fluid connection under the excess pressure generated when the drill string (2) moves upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Heavelock AS
    Inventors: Ole Morten Aamo, Sigbjorn Sangesland
  • Patent number: 10087697
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling a well blowout comprising: a flow control device such as a blowout preventer on a wellbore, the primary throughbore of the flow control device comprising internal dimensional irregularities creating a non-uniform flow path in the primary throughbore which as sufficient fluid rate may enhance pressure fluid pressure drop therein; a control fluid aperture fluidly connected with the wellbore for introducing a control fluid through a control fluid aperture and into the primary throughbore while wellbore fluid flows through the wellbore; a weighted fluid aperture positioned in the wellbore conduit below the control fluid aperture for introducing a weighted fluid into the wellbore while control fluid is also being introduced into the wellbore through the control fluid aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nedwed, David R. Converse, Michael W. Eaton
  • Patent number: 10036225
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for pulling a crown plug from a subsea horizontal christmas tree, the method comprising: (a) providing a subsea lubricator having a longitudinal through bore and a jack attached to the subsea lubricator, the jack having a landing area, and the landing area having an opening which is fluidly connected to the lubricator's through bore; (b) providing a jacking string which includes a landing sub and a crown plug connector, the sub having a landing surface; (c) without the jacking string in step “b”, lowering the subsea lubricator of step “a”, to the horizontal christmas tree and attaching the lubricator to the christmas tree; (d) lowering the jacking string to the lubricator, and, while the landing surface of the landing sub is spaced above and not supported by the landing area of the jack, connecting the plug connector to the crown plug while the landing sub is above and not touching the landing area of the jack; (e) jacking up the jack such that the landing area of the jack c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Keith Caulfield, Patrick Brown
  • Patent number: 10000988
    Abstract: Rotating control device related oilfield pressure control is accomplished by upper and lower seal members configured to seal around a tubular, a chamber defined between the upper and lower seal members; and wherein fluid enters and/or exits the chamber via some device or structure. Such a device or structure could be a relief valve, a first accumulator, a pressure control valve, an orifice, and/or a void space in a seal member in a location which contacts the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, James W. Chambers, Andrew A. W. Barry, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 9976375
    Abstract: A system for drilling and/or producing a subsea wellbore comprises a primary BOP comprising a primary ram BOP. The secondary BOP is connectable to a subsea wellhead such that the secondary BOP is positioned between the primary BOP and the subsea well-head, in which the secondary BOP comprises a shear ram BOP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Johnnie E. Kotrla, Ross Stevenson, Johnny Everett Jurena, Paul Toudouze
  • Patent number: 9869293
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower (10) with a guide system for guiding an internal installation unit (20) displaced relative to the inside of said tower (10) to a final mounting position inside said tower (10), said tower (10) having a first end (3) and an opposite second end (5), said first end (3) defining an entry opening for receiving said unit (20), said guide system comprising at least two parallel stays (32) for said guiding being mounted to the inside of the wall (8) of said tower (10) and extending from said first end (3) towards said second end (5), and engagement elements (35) mounted externally on said unit (20), said engagement elements (35) being configured for receiving a respective one of said stays (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Ben Moller Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9670740
    Abstract: A drilling riser configured to convey drilling materials between a drilling vessel and a subsea wellhead. The drilling riser has an upper section, and a lower section coupled via a connector to the upper section. The lower section has a buoyant material for distributed passive buoyancy of the lower section. The overall drilling riser is neutrally or negatively buoyant, whereas the lower section is positively buoyant when decoupled from the upper section and coupled to the subsea wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Julian de Freitas Hallai, Daniel M. Fenz
  • Patent number: 9605499
    Abstract: The present invention relates to deep-water drilling in petroleum engineering and, in particular, to a subsea wellhead pressure indicating and automatic adjusting device for deep-water dual-gradient drilling, comprising a subsea drilling fluid manifold system and a subsea wellhead pressure indicating and automatic adjusting system, wherein the subsea drilling fluid manifold system provides a flow channel for the drilling fluid returning through the wellbore so that the drilling fluid can smoothly return to a drilling platform, and provides a basis for the subsea wellhead pressure indicating and automatic adjusting system; and wherein the subsea wellhead pressure indicating and automatic adjusting system can display and adjust the subsea wellhead pressure in real time, in order to keep the subsea wellhead pressure to be constantly equal to the hydrostatic pressure of the seawater at the seabed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: China University of Petroleum (East China)
    Inventors: Baojiang Sun, Zhennan Zhang, Zhiyuan Wang, Ning Wang, Xuerui Wang, Guomin Yan, Yang Zhao
  • Patent number: 9534706
    Abstract: A subsea system I provided for mounting a cable to a pipeline (1), having a holding means (2) for holding the cable, where the system further comprises a track (3) around at least parts of the circumference of the pipeline (1). The holding means (2) has a sledge element (4), and the track (3) and the sledge element are slidably connected such that the sledge element may move along said track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventor: Roger Larsson
  • Patent number: 9499241
    Abstract: A floating offshore structure comprises a buoyancy structure arranged such that in use it remains below the sea level and a tower, wherein the buoyancy structure is attached to a tower by a connecting structure, the connecting structure comprising one or more openings arranged such that in use they remain below the sea level, and the one or more openings being dimensioned such that sea water can flow into and out of the connecting structure with variations of the sea level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Jaume Betran Palomas, Roger Bergua
  • Patent number: 9475021
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems. The treatment fluid can comprise a water-based fracturing fluid or a waterless liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Evolution Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Patent number: 9359837
    Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder unit for connection to a wire line riser tensioner system includes a hydraulic cylinder comprising a cylinder piston separating a first cylinder chamber from a second cylinder chamber. A low pressure tank is arranged as a closed cylinder. A first conduit is inserted into the closed cylinder and provides a fluid communication between the low pressure tank and the first cylinder chamber. A second conduit provides a fluid communication between a high pressure fluid reservoir and the second cylinder chamber. A feedback conduit provides a fluid communication between the first cylinder chamber and the second cylinder chamber. A valve element comprising at least one valve is configured to be in a fluid communication with the at least one first conduit and the at least one feedback conduit. The valve element is configured to provide a reversible switching between a first alternative configuration and a second alternative configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: MHWIRTH AS
    Inventor: Lars Poehner
  • Patent number: 9359851
    Abstract: A high energy tubular shear is connectable within a drilling system and includes a body forming a bore through which a tubular is disposed, a cross-bore intersecting the bore, opposing cutters moveably positioned in the cross-bore on opposite sides of the bore, and the each cutter in hydraulic communication with a respective hydraulic intensifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Bastion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Don Coppedge, Shyang Wen Tseng, George O. Fabela
  • Patent number: 9334695
    Abstract: A hybrid riser system comprises a lower riser section secured between a lower subsea anchor and an upper buoyant structure, and an upper riser section extending between the lower riser section and a surface or near surface vessel. The lower riser section comprises an elongate support and one or more composite fluid conduits secured to and extending adjacent the elongate support. The composite fluid conduits comprise a composite material formed of at least a matrix and one or more reinforcing elements embedded within the matrix. The upper riser section comprises one or more flexible conduits in fluid communication with the composite fluid conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Magma Global Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Hatton
  • Patent number: 9316066
    Abstract: A subsea manifold-riser system is redeployed from a first production location to a second production location. A manifold module is lowered to the ocean floor at the first production location using a marine riser as a running tool by adding threaded pipe sections to the upper end of the marine riser. The manifold module is raised from the ocean floor at the first production location for redeployment at the second production location using the marine riser as a retrieval tool by removing threaded pipe sections from the upper end of the marine riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Woodside Energy Technologies Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Adrian Armstrong MacMillan, Nigel James Palmer
  • Patent number: 9284795
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of effectively wiping and displacing a deep water riser prior to disconnection from a blowout preventer. An exemplary riser displacement system includes a mandrel coupled to a work string, a seal containment canister arranged about at least a portion of the mandrel, and a seal assembly movable between an un-deployed configuration, where the seal assembly is arranged within the seal containment canister, and a deployed configuration, where the seal assembly is arranged outside of the seal containment canister, the seal assembly including a sleeve movably arranged about the mandrel and one or more sealing elements disposed at a distal end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Eugene Rogers, David D. Szarka, Nicolas Rogozinski
  • Patent number: 9200493
    Abstract: An apparatus for the shearing of pipe in a subsea environment has a housing with an interior passageway suitable for allowing a pipe to extend therethrough, a shell positioned in the interior passageway of the housing, and a shape charge positioned in the shell so as to be directed toward an outer diameter of the pipe. The shaped charge includes a plurality of shape charges positioned in the shell so as to be directed to the outer diameter of the pipe. The plurality of shape charges extend radially within the shell. The plurality of shape charges are positioned in a common horizontal plane. The shell can be movable between a first position in which the shape charge is spaced from the pipe and a second position in which the shape charge bears against an outer diameter of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: TRENDSETTER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Marío R. Lugo
  • Patent number: 9109405
    Abstract: Method, riser assembly and gas handler for diverting gas from a riser. The riser assembly includes a riser having a first end and a second end and a conduit extending from the first end to the second end; a gas handler connected to the riser and provided between the first end and the second end, the gas handler having an external casing; plural pipes attached to an outside of the riser such that at least one pipe of the plural pipes enters through the external casing; and a gas vent pipe configured to start at the gas handler and extend towards the second end of the riser and the gas vent pipe is further configured to divert a gas from the gas handler through the outside of the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Hydril USA Distribution LLC
    Inventors: William L. Carbaugh, Leonard G. Childers, John R. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 9074428
    Abstract: A flexible element in a basket-like structure supports a Steel Catenary Riser (SCR) on a subsurface buoy or “artificial seabed.” A riser collar transfers the tension load of riser to a compressive load on the radial bearing. Relative motion between the subsurface buoy and the riser is accommodated by the flexible element. A flexible jumper is connected to the riser for fluid transfer. Motions of the riser relative to the subsurface buoy are accommodated by the flexible jumper. In this way, a transition from an SCR to a flexible jumper may be accomplished without the need for either a stress-joint or a flex-joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corp
    Inventor: Philippe Daniel Richard Lavagna
  • Patent number: 9062517
    Abstract: A well containment system is described, the system comprises a blow out preventer, the blow out preventer defining a throughbore and including at least one well containment barrier adapted to seal the throughbore, at least one first seal adapted to seal against the lower end of a riser, and at least one second seal adapted to seal against the upper end of a downhole tubular wherein the at least one first seal is located above the at least one well containment barrier and the at least one second seal is located below the at least one well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ENOVATE SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeffrey Charles Edwards, Michael Graham Morgan
  • Patent number: 9057233
    Abstract: Boost system and method for dual gradient drilling where a marine riser (1) has a mud return line (14) connected at a first connection position (18) below the lowest foreseeable mud level (12) in the marine riser (1), and where a mud return pump (16) is connected to the mud return line (14), and where a recirculation line (20) that has a recirculation pump (22), is connected to the marine riser (1) at a second connection position (24) below the lowest foreseeable mud level (12) in the marine riser (1), and at a third connection position (26) on the marine riser (1) below said second connection position (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: AGR SUBSEA AS
    Inventors: Sigurd Ree, Roger Sverre Stave
  • Patent number: 9038733
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon drilling tubulars storage and handling system, said system comprising: —first and second rotary storage racks, each rotary storage rack being rotatable about a vertical axis and having storage slots for storage of multiple tubulars in each rotary storage rack in vertical orientation, the first and second rotary storage rack each including a drive to rotate the storage rack about its vertical axis, —a tubulars racking device positioned between the first and second rotary storage racks, said racking device including a rotary structure that is rotatable about a vertical axis and a drive to rotate the rotary column structure about said vertical axis, the rotary structure supporting at a first side thereof a first tubular racker assembly and at a second side thereof a second tubular racker assembly, each tubular racker assembly including one or more one gripping members adapted to grip a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Joop Roodenburg
  • Publication number: 20150136410
    Abstract: A vessel for producing hydrocarbons, the vessel being adapted to be connected to at least one riser for transport of the hydrocarbons from a well on the seabed towards the vessel, wherein the vessel includes a separation station for separation of the hydrocarbons into gaseous hydrocarbons and non-gaseous hydrocarbons, storing elements for storing the hydrocarbons and processing elements for processing at least part of the hydrocarbons. The vessel further includes a positioning system for controlling the position and orientation of the vessel with respect to the seabed, wherein the positioning system includes a Dynamic Positioning (DP) system allowing the control of the position and the orientation of the vessel with respect to the seabed without the use of mooring lines, wherein the DP system is adapted to be driven by at least a portion of the gaseous part of the hydrocarbons separated in the separation station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventors: Donald Maclean, Bernays Adams, Patrick Gallagher
  • Patent number: 9027649
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 9016382
    Abstract: A fingerboard latch assembly includes a latch configured for operational engagement with a fingerboard for lockingly retaining at least one tubular to the fingerboard. The latch is movable within a range of motion extending from at least a locked position to an unlocked position. A positioner operatively engaged with the latch is communicably couplable to a process control network (PCN), and is sized and shaped for receipt within a latch channel of the fingerboard. The positioner is configured to move the latch within the range of motion in response to signals received from the PCN, to capture position data for the latch, including the position of the latch at a plurality of points within the range of motion, and to communicate the captured position data to the PCN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Braxton
  • Patent number: 8997878
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Stingray Offshore Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Trevor S. Brown, Vincent H. Barone
  • Publication number: 20150083432
    Abstract: A triple activity drilling ship may be provided with two separate drilling centers, each including drilling apparatus. In addition, a trolley that is capable of supporting tubulars may be positioned between a first position within one of said drilling centers and a second position outside that drilling center. As a result, the trolley may be used to hold assembled tubulars while other activities are ongoing in one or more of the drilling centers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Gavin Humphreys
  • Patent number: 8978767
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: OneSubsea, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Machin, Peter Nellessen
  • Patent number: 8978769
    Abstract: An offshore hydrocarbon cooling system is provided. The system includes one or more hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers arranged in heat exchange communication between a hydrocarbon process fluid and a cooling medium fluid, a cooling medium fluid distribution pipe system connected to the hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers, and a subsea cooling unit for cooling the cooling medium fluid. The subsea cooling unit includes an inlet and an outlet arranged in fluid communication with the cooling medium fluid distribution pipe system, one or more subsea cooling modules, a first conduit arranged to provide fluid communication between the inlet and the subsea cooling module(s) and a second conduit arranged to provide fluid communication between the subsea cooling module(s) and the outlet. Each cooling module comprises a plurality of cooling pipes configured in heat exchange relationship with surrounding seawater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Richard John Moore
  • Patent number: 8967270
    Abstract: A rigless abandonment system including a surface vessel having an attached lifting device and a moonpool. The system further includes a cutting module configured to connect to a subsea wellhead, the cutting module having a wellhead connector having an actuatable lock and release mechanism, a motor assembly, and a cutter. An umbilical line connects the cutting module to the surface vessel, wherein the lifting device is used to raise and lower the cutting module connected to the surface vessel through the moonpool. A method for performing rigless casing cutting and wellhead removal operations, the method includes positioning a surface vessel above a subsea wellhead, where the surface vessel has a moonpool and a lifting device. The method further includes providing a cutting module, and deploying the cutting module through the moonpool, wherein the cutting module is connected to the surface vessel by an umbilical line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Praful C. Desai, Lawrence Barr, Anton J. Dach, III
  • Patent number: 8960299
    Abstract: A device including a fluid transport pipe (24), a superstructure (16), and a floating barge (18) rotatably mounted on the superstructure (16) about an axis of rotation (A-A?). The pipe (24) includes a hose section (150) wound around the axis of rotation (A-A?) supported by an intermediate structure (20) mounted between the superstructure (16) and the barge (18), between a configuration rotatably driven with the barge (18) about the axis of rotation and a configuration rotatably retained about the axis of rotation (A-A?) by the superstructure (16). During a step of connecting the pipe (24), the intermediate structure (20) is placed in either the driven configuration or the retained configuration, a step of disconnecting the pipe (24) including switching the intermediate structure (20) to the other one of the driven configuration and the retained configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventor: Philippe Espinasse
  • Patent number: 8960301
    Abstract: An underwater well is completed by extending an elongate stinger laterally outward from a vessel positioned at the water surface. The stinger is extended to curve downward toward a wellhead of the well. A well completion string is deployed from the vessel on the stinger while supporting the completing string to curve outward and downward from the vessel toward the wellhead. The completion string is then guided into the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Thomas Hailey, Jr., Thurman Philip Harrell
  • Patent number: 8960307
    Abstract: An offshore well system for a subsea well. The system includes a floating platform, an external riser and an internal riser nested within the external riser. A external riser tension device tensions the external riser. The drilling system also includes a surface wellhead system that includes a wellhead, a collet, and a flange assembly. The wellhead, collet, and flange assembly are assembled to establish a common bore for receiving the top of the internal riser. A gasket located between the top of the internal riser and an inner shoulder of the flange assembly seals between the wellhead system and the top of the internal riser. The surface wellhead system also retains the internal riser in tension with the wellhead, the internal riser extending above the wellhead into the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: David Cain, William F. Puccio, Shian J. Chou, Vijay A. Cheruvu, Kirk P. Guidry, Clint Trimble
  • Patent number: 8955593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an accessory device which comprises a damping sleeve (100), which is coupled to a bend stiffener (4), capable of acting in the anchoring operation of a riser (3) so as to eliminate the need for fuse cables and safety straps, the need to use a team of divers, and to guarantee the implementation of the operation in all sea conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras
    Inventor: Sergio Batista De Barros
  • Patent number: 8955596
    Abstract: Provided is a damping apparatus for a moonpool, which has a simple driving mechanism. The damping apparatus includes one or more damping plates which cover a moonpool of a hull entirely or partially. The damping plates are pivotally hinged to a sidewall of the moonpool, and one or more conveying units are disposed above the moonpool to convey drilling equipment. Driving wires are coupled between the conveying units and the damping plates, and the conveying force of the conveying units is transferred through the driving wires to the damping plates. Thus, the damping plates are pivoted to open and close the moonpool entirely or partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd., Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited
    Inventors: Seong Deok Yun, Gurbachan Virk
  • Patent number: 8938930
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting tubular goods and wellbore tools that can be used to perform down-hole operations in oil and gas wells. The support apparatus has a minimal footprint and requires minimal surface area. The support apparatus can be used to jack and remove casing and other pipe, as well as other rig-less downhole well operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Charles Larue Bryant, Jr., David J. Ruttley
  • Patent number: 8926226
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manufacturing a foundation for a mass located at height, such as the jacket of a wind turbine or a jetty, wherein the foundation comprises a quantity of piles driven into an underwater bottom in a geometric pattern. The device comprises a positioning framework of a number of mutually connected guide tubes arranged in a geometric pattern and adapted to receive and guide a pile to be driven into the underwater bottom, wherein the guide tubes comprise a mechanism with which at least an internal wall part of the guide tubes is displaceable in the radial direction of the guide tubes from a radially inward support position for the pile to a radially more outward position in which the internal wall part substantially releases the pile. The invention also relates to a method and an assembly of a jack-up platform and the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GeoSea N.V.
    Inventors: Luc Vandenbulcke, Koen Vanderbeke
  • Patent number: 8919447
    Abstract: The invention relates to an undersea connector for connecting an oil installation to the sea bottom, the connector being of the type presenting a first tubular element forming a female portion for fastening to the ocean bottom and a second tubular element forming a male portion for connection to the oil installation, wherein the connector comprises at least one anti-disconnection device for the connector, the device being housed in the female portion and comprising means for positioning the device in a first position in which the connector is capable of being disconnected, or else in a second position in which the connector cannot be disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Techlam
    Inventors: Sylvain Thuet, Pierre Croguenec
  • Patent number: 8905156
    Abstract: A template for use in positioning subsea wellbores that has a drop away funnel that extends laterally from the template. The drop away funnel is used to locate a piling adjacent the wellbores and is selectively detached from the template after installing the piling. A tang and clevis type assembly mounts the drop away funnel to the template, where the tang and clevis are coupled together with a main stud. The main stud is oriented substantially parallel with an axis of the drop away funnel; so that when the stud is removed, the drop away funnel can decouple from the template and slide axially downward along the piling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Sibu Varghese, Clint Trimble, Christopher Loftin, Jeffrey Allen Raynal
  • Patent number: 8902077
    Abstract: A subsea communication system is used to communicate between a position that is proximal to a surface of the sea and an apparatus of the seabed. The subsea communication system includes an umbilicalless communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Roderick MacKenzie, John A. Kerr, Alan J. Johnston