Surface Vessel Patents (Class 166/352)
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Patent number: 8899333Abstract: The invention discloses a subsea device comprising a can, a string of risers, a blowout preventer and a string of tie-back pipes. The blowout preventer is installed on the can. The top of risers is connected to a rig and its bottom is mounted on the blowout preventer. The upper of tie-back pipes is fixed to the can. The lower of tie-back pipes is mounted to a wellhead in the seabed by a subsea wellhead apparatus and connected to the casings for collecting oil/gas stored in formations by the subsea wellhead apparatus. A passage communicating the blowout preventer with tie-back pipe is jointed on the can. A pipeline, transporting oil/gas, mud and cuttings in drilling process, is divided into two sections, both tie-back pipes and casings, by the wellhead apparatus settled on seabed, thereby ensuring security of the rig in the drilling process and stronger operability of entire production system.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignees: China National Offshore Oil Corporation, China Oilfield Services LimitedInventors: Yongfeng Guo, Shaojun Ji, Changquan Tang
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Publication number: 20140338919Abstract: A bottom-to-surface connection installation between a common floating support and the sea bottom, having a plurality of flexible lines such as flexible pipes extending between said floating support and the sea bottom. The flexible lines are supported by respective ones of a plurality of troughs each trough lying between two pipe portions defining a first flexible line portion in a hanging double catenary configuration between the floating support and the trough, and a second flexible line portion in a single catenary configuration between the trough and the point of contact of the flexible pipe with the sea bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: François Régis Pionetti
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Patent number: 8881830Abstract: A riser pipe section (4) is disclose for offshore well drilling operations comprising a main tube element (6) having as an extension a male connector element (10) and a female connector element (9) comprising a first series of tenons. At least one auxiliary tube element (7) is secured to the male connector element (10) and to the female connector element (9) so that the main tube element (6) and the auxiliary tube element (7) jointly transmit tensile stresses between the male connector element (10) and the female connector element (9). A locking ring is mounted on the male connector element and the ring comprises a second series of tenons.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: IFP Energies NouvellesInventors: Gérard Papon, Emmanuel Persent
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Patent number: 8875794Abstract: The present invention regards a joint for use in a riser (1) extending between a floating installation (3) and a subsea installation (2). The joint comprises an inner pipe segment (21) and an outer pipe segments (22), arranged moveable relative each other in an axial direction and connectable to respective riser segments, forming a chamber (23) between them with a radially extending piston (24), dividing the chamber (23) in a first chamber part (25) and a second chamber part (26), wherein on of said chamber parts (25) in an initial position of the joint is adapted to contain a mainly incompressible fluid, this chamber part (25) decreasing in volume as the inner pipe segment (21) is moved relatively out of the outer pipe segment (22).Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventors: Hans-Paul Carlsen, Tor-Øystein Carlsen, John A. Johansen
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Patent number: 8875793Abstract: A connector device for kill- and choke lines between a riser and a floating drilling platform includes a slip joint on top of the riser including an outer barrel, a kill- and choke manifold arranged on the platform and provided with flexible kill- and choke hoses to the slip joint's outer barrel, and wherein the slip joint's outer barrel is provided with a horizontally directed kill- and choke-manifold.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventors: Øystein Christensen, Atle Korsmo
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Patent number: 8857521Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for venting gas from an annulus region of a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of depressurising a bore region of a flexible pipe and via at least one vent flow fluid communication path, venting gas from an annulus region of the flexible pipe into the bore region.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Wellstream International LimitedInventor: Richard Alasdair Clements
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Patent number: 8857523Abstract: An offshore oil production system, comprising a structure in a body of water, having a portion extending above a surface of the body of water; a wellhead located at a boom of the body of water; a riser extending from the wellhead to the portion extending above the surface; a primary wellbore extending into a subsea formation beneath the body of water; and at least two secondary wellbores extending further into the subsea formation beneath the body of water and beneath the primary wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Hon Chung Lau
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Patent number: 8833462Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and system of installing subsea well trees, comprising: creating a glory hole having a depth below a seabed at a well location of a hydrocarbon reservoir; moving a floating offshore platform coupled with a foundation, the platform having a topsides and a caisson with downwardly extending walls defining an inner volume between the walls, the foundation coupled to the caisson walls, and the caisson walls having adjustable buoyancy; lowering the offshore platform with the foundation into the glory hole; drilling from the topsides into the hydrocarbon reservoir below the foundation to create a well; installing a well tree on the well, the well tree being disposed in the glory hole below the height of the seabed; coupling the well tree to a flow line; releasing the offshore platform from the foundation; and reusing the offshore platform to install other foundations at other predetermined well locations.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Technip FranceInventors: Jason Muise, Andrew J. Blundon
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Patent number: 8833459Abstract: A system and method for channeling fluids from underwater to the surface. Including a channel system for channeling the fluids from an oil leak through the channel system starting from an underwater pipe leak to a containment reservoir at a sea surface. In one aspect, the channel system is made up of interchange parts, where some are flexible, attachable, and/or can influence the flow of the fluids inside the channel system.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Inventor: Matthew Carl O'Malley
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Patent number: 8833458Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an installation (10) that includes a floating top structure (20) and a fully submerged bottom structure (22). The top structure is mobile between a production position and an evacuation position. The installation (10) retains the top structure (20) in its production position which includes at least one rigid rod (90) carried by the top structure (20), at least one rod abutment (92) carried by the rigid rod (90) in the vicinity of its lower end and at least one complementary abutment (94) secured to a base (60) of the bottom structure (22). Each rod abutment (92) and each complementary abutment (94) are mobile in rotation relative to one another between an engaged configuration in which urging of the rigid rod (90) towards its top position (20) retains the top structure in its production position, and a disengaged configuration releasing the top structure (20) from the bottom structure (22).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Technip FranceInventor: Sami Malek
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Patent number: 8813854Abstract: A mobile water injection system and method for performing waterflooding in offshore reservoirs, and more particularly to enhance oil recovery in marginal offshore reservoirs is disclosed. The mobile water injection system and method include portable equipment, including a submersible pump to recover water from a body of water, a water storage tank, filtration and chemical treatment equipment to treat the recovered water, and an injection pump to pump the treated water at high pressure into the reservoir such that the residual oil is driven to adjacent production wells to increase oil recovery.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Akshay Sahni, Jarrad Rexilius
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Patent number: 8807225Abstract: An embodiment of a method of deploying a cable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprises providing a cable, wherein the cable comprises at least one insulated conductor, at least one armor wire layer surrounding the insulated conductor, a polymeric material disposed in interstitial spaces formed between armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and interstitial spaces formed between the at least one armor wire layer and insulated conductor, the polymeric material forming a continuously bonded layer which separates and encapsulates the armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and whereby the polymeric material is extended to form a smooth polymeric jacket around the at least one armor wire layer, introducing the cable into a wellbore and performing at least one operation in the wellbore utilizing the cable.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Joseph Varkey, Byong Jun Kim, Garud Sridhar, Wayne Fulin, Noor F. Sait, Matthew Billingham, Andrea Sbordone
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Publication number: 20140216752Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Lance Nigel Portman
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Publication number: 20140183145Abstract: An oil spill cleanup system has a vessel, a separator within the vessel for separating oil and water, a pump for pumping an oil/water mixture into the separator, and one or more probes and submersibles having hoses connected to the pump, for collecting the oil/water mixture. The separator has two or more adjacent tanks, for containing the oil/water mixture. Gravity separates the oil from water in the first tank and the water is evacuated from the bottom, while the oil overflows in the second tank, having an increased oil concentration, and so on, until the pure oil is evacuated. A mobile oil platform is also disclosed, having a subsea well connected to a hose, the hose carrying oil to a vessel, wherein the vessel receives the oil and is exchangeable with an empty vessel when full. When the vessel drops the hose, floats maintain the location thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventor: Franck Derenoncourt
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Patent number: 8757270Abstract: A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a host production facility and a plurality of subsea wells. A fluid conveying network is provided that connects each subsea well to the host production facility. A separate electrical power and data network is provided for conveying direct current electrical power and data, operatively connected to each subsea well for providing each subsea well with data transfer and electrical power services. The use of direct current ensures that the electrical power and data network can provide power over much greater distances than currently available, and the use of separate networks for conveying fluids and for providing electrical power and data transfer allows for a much more flexible system.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Statoil Petroleum ASInventor: Karl-Atle Stenevik
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Publication number: 20140151057Abstract: A drilling vessel with a drilling deck includes a drilling vessel floor structure defining the drilling deck and a tubular support assembly that is recessed in the drilling floor structure. The assembly includes a support frame and at least two support tables, wherein the tables have a top surface that forms part of the drilling deck. The tables are each guided by the support frame to allow displacement along a line between an active position for supporting a tubular and a retracted position for passing an object. The tables and the adapters segments supported thereby are coupled, for example via a clamp or a shape-coupling, such that when the tables move from their active position into their retracted position each segment moves with the respective table it is coupled with and the bushing is opened up for passing through an object through the opening between the at least two support tables and the adapter segments they support.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: ITREC B.V.Inventors: Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Olaf Van Der Meij, Joop Roodenburg
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Patent number: 8708054Abstract: A technique enables protection of subsea wells. The technique employs a subsea test tree and associated control system to ensure control over the well in a variety of situations. The subsea test tree may be formed with an upper portion releasably coupled to a lower portion. The upper portion employs at least one upper shut-off valve, and the lower portion employs at least one lower shut-off valve to protect against unwanted release of fluids from either above or below the subsea test tree. The subsea test tree also is coupled with the control system in a manner which allows control to be exercised over the at least one upper shut-often valve and the at least one lower shut-off valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Terrell Eugene Dailey, Jr.
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Patent number: 8708052Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium, program code, and methods for monitoring and managing a plurality of marine riser assets are provided. An example of a system includes a computer and a computer readable medium containing a program code of instructions that when executed by the computer, cause the computer to perform operations for tracking the subsea deployment and retrieval of each of a plurality of riser joints. The operations can include receiving riser joint identification data from a riser joint identification indicator connected to the respective riser joint during the operational deployment thereof, and identifying the respective riser joint being operationally deployed to thereby track the deployment thereof. The operations can also include receiving riser joint identification data from the riser identification indicator of the respective riser joint during retrieval thereof, and identifying the respective one or more riser joints being retrieved to thereby track the retrieval thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Amin Radi
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Patent number: 8689881Abstract: An offshore unit includes a hull and/or a deck frame, a mat attached to at least one connecting leg or a spud can attached to each of at least one connecting leg or lower hull attached to at least one connecting means. A wellhead deck is removably attached to the hull and/or deck frame and a sub-sea clamp in conjunction with a caisson or a sub-sea conductor frame is removably attached to the mat or to the at least one connecting leg, where a spud can is attached to each of the at least one connecting leg, or to the lower hull. The offshore unit is relocatable and is a platform or a rig capable of performing drilling, production, construction, accommodation, hook-up and commissioning or a combination of any of these functions thereof. The offshore unit is a self-elevating mobile platform or submersible platform or semi-submersible platform.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Kingtime International LimitedInventors: Nagendran C. Nadarajah, Renata Anita De Raj, Mahendran Sippiah
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Patent number: 8678094Abstract: An offshore platform may include a pair of trolleys. One trolley may be mounted on top of the platform and the other trolley may be suspended below the platform. Each trolley may be positioned on opposed sides of a moon pool in one embodiment of the present invention. The lower trolley may be used to hang off a riser and blowout preventer. The upper trolley may be utilized to hang off smaller diameter casing while larger diameter casing is being made up and positioned within the hole. As a result of the parallel operations made possible by the trolleys, drilling time may be reduced in some embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Stena Drilling Ltd.Inventor: John Banks
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Patent number: 8657011Abstract: A method for providing auxiliary electrical power to an underwater well installation, the installation being linked to a surface location via an umbilical cable, to supplement any electrical power received at the installation from the umbilical cable, comprises the steps of: providing power generation means at the installation; and providing an electrical power output line for transferring electrical power generated by the power generation means to the installation.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls LimitedInventors: Parag Vyas, Matthew Alexander Lehar, Ashalatha Devarajan, Peter John Davey, Nicholas Ellson
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Patent number: 8657013Abstract: A riser system for coupling a surface platform to a wellhead. The riser system includes a main tube, flanges and one or more tie rods. The main tube forms an annulus for fluid flow between the wellhead and the platform. A flange extends radially from each end of the main tube. The tie rods are coupled to and extend between the flanges.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: John E. Kotrla, Stephen J. Walker, William F. Puccio
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Patent number: 8622137Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a subsea structure; and a carrier comprising an opening adapted to receive the subsea structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: William Scott Childres, John Joseph Kenney, William Michael Pritchett, Bruce Clinton Volkert
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Patent number: 8623107Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas hydrate conversion system is provided comprising a floating factory, an appendage for harvesting a gas hydrate from an oceanic hydrate deposit, and one or more storage tanks. The floating factory comprises one or more heat exchange assemblies, one or more heat pump assemblies and an engine. In another embodiment, a method for harvesting hydrocarbon hydrate deposits is provided, the method comprising providing a gas hydrate conversion system; inducing release of methane from an oceanic hydrate deposit; capturing the methane from a primary methane capture zone and/or a secondary methane capture zone; and converting the methane to hydrogen and carbon.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy E. McAlister
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Patent number: 8607877Abstract: This invention relates to equipment and a subsea pumping system using a subsea module installed on the sea bed, preferably away from a production well and intended to pump hydrocarbons having a high associated gas fraction produced by one or more subsea production wells to the surface. One object of this invention is achieved by means of the design of a pumping module (PM) which is linked to pumping equipment already present in a production well and which basically comprises: an inlet pipe (2), separator equipment (3), a first pump (4) and a second pump (8). In the subsea pumping system for the production of hydrocarbons with a high gas fraction, the other object of this invention, when oil is pumped from the production well (P) the well pump (13) increases the energy of the fluid in the form of pressure and transmits this increase in energy in the form of an increase in suction pressure in the second pump (8) of the subsea module (PM).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-PetrobrasInventor: Roberto Rodrigues
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Patent number: 8607878Abstract: Disclosed herein is a subsea well assembly; wherein in an example embodiment the subsea well assembly includes an umbilical attached to a power source. The power source can be on a platform. Also included is a connector for connecting the umbilical to a receptacle included with the subsea well assembly and a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly. An impressed current protection module is integrated in the subsea control module that receives power from the umbilical.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Richard Knox
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Patent number: 8602108Abstract: An embodiment of a method for limiting the probability of failure on demand of a subsea test tree (“SSTT”) includes the steps of providing a safety shut-in system for actuating a safety valve of the SSTT, the safety shut-in system including a surface control station positioned above a water surface connected via an umbilical to a subsea control system positioned below the water surface to actuate the safety valve; and diagnostically testing the safety shut-in system without actuating the safety valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: David James Mathis
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Publication number: 20130315677Abstract: In order to board a fixed structure, ocean conditions must be within a reasonable state that allows personnel to board in a safe manner. Due to the specific weather conditions, the boarding of fixed structures cannot be conducted. Both oil and gas and wind platforms must be boarded for maintenance and repair purposes. The invention allows boarding of fixed structures employing three buoyant vessels that can be adjusted to always be heading into the wind direction. Landing piles are pre-driven adjacent to the fixed structure and terminate at the ocean bottom. The invention has three deployable legs that extend through the buoyant vessel to the ocean bottom. The placement of the driven supports employs the same dimensions as the spacing of the vessel's extension legs. The vessel operator adjusts the heading of the three buoyant vessels to the wave heading. The legs are extended to the ocean bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventor: Herman Joseph Schellstede
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Patent number: 8590297Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing a process fluid at a remote location, with the apparatus including a pump located at a first location and configured to provide a pressurized working fluid. The apparatus also includes an umbilical coupled to the pump such that the umbilical receives the pressurized working fluid from the pump and transports the pressurized working fluid therefrom. The apparatus further includes a hydraulic turbine disposed at the remote location and coupled to the umbilical such that the hydraulic turbine receives the pressurized working fluid from the umbilical. The apparatus additionally includes one or more shaft energy conversion devices operatively coupled to the hydraulic turbine and disposed at the remote location.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Dresser-Rand CompanyInventors: H. Allan Kidd, William C. Maier
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Patent number: 8579033Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry G. Robichaux
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Publication number: 20130292131Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicants: TRANSOCEAN SEDCO FOREX VENTURES LIMITED, DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: Seong Deok Yun, Gurbachan Virk
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Publication number: 20130284450Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: ITREC B.V.Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
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Publication number: 20130277062Abstract: Provided is a damper structure for an enclosed derrick, which can constantly compensate and maintain a pressure of an inner space of an enclosed derrick structure. The damper structure for the enclosed derrick includes: one or more communication ducts installed in a side of the enclosed derrick; and one or more open/close dampers coupled to the communication ducts to open or close the communication ducts, whereby air is selectively supplied to or exhausted from the enclosed derrick.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicants: TRANSOCEAN SEDCO FOREX VENTURES LIMITED, DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: Keum Dae Choo, D. Scott Brittin
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Patent number: 8555976Abstract: A rig control interface, system, and method. The rig control interface includes an emergency disconnect sequence button configured to initiate an emergency disconnect sequence signal to be sent to multiplex pods resulting in an emergency disconnect sequence including a plurality of functions being performed by devices in one or both of a lower marine riser package and a blowout preventer stack; and an emergency disconnect sequence timer display triggered by initiation of the emergency disconnect sequence signal, the emergency disconnect sequence timer display configured to indicate one or both of time elapsed after initiation of the emergency disconnect sequence signal and a status of the plurality of functions being performed by the devices in the one or both of the lower marine riser package and the blowout preventer stack.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Hydrill USA Manufacturing LLCInventor: Joseph Prem Ebenezer
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Patent number: 8555978Abstract: Disclosed is a tubing system for transporting a gas-liquid flow from a well to a production platform or processing facility. It includes a dual pathway section between the well and the production point having a first tubing portion and a second tubing portion. The second tubing portion includes a plurality of parallel channels so as to divide the multi-phase flow into a plurality of flows through individual channels. This is done to reduce flow slippage of the lower viscosity portion of the flow, which may lead to inefficiencies in flow characteristics, and often, undesirable cyclical variations in pressure and fluid volume. This is especially useful in inclined portions of the petroleum flow pipe system and along hilly terrain. The first round tubing portion is used for transporting the gas-liquid flow as well as for maintenance purposes, such as for pigging, fishing or coiled tubing operations.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Technology Commercialization Corp.Inventors: Boris Ganelin, Michael W. Kenworthy
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Patent number: 8540030Abstract: Methods, systems, and program product for monitoring and managing a plurality of marine riser assets are provided. An example of a method includes tracking the subsea deployment and retrieval of each of a plurality of riser joints. This can include deploying the plurality of riser joints from a vessel to form an operationally deployed marine riser string, reading riser joint identification data from a riser joint identification indicator connected to the respective riser joint during the operational deployment thereof, and identifying the respective riser joint being operationally deployed to thereby track the deployment thereof. The method can also include retrieving one or more of the operationally deployed riser joints, reading riser joint identification data from the riser identification indicator of the respective riser joint during retrieval thereof, identifying the respective one or more riser joints being retrieved to thereby track the retrieval thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Amin Radi
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Patent number: 8528647Abstract: The invention relates to a riser pipe section (1) comprising a main tube (2), at least one auxiliary line element (3) arranged substantially parallel to said tube (2), the ends of the main tube comprising connection means allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted and the ends of the auxiliary line element comprising linking means allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted, said linking means comprising at least one locking pin (14).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: IFP Energies NouvellesInventors: Jean Guesnon, Gérard Papon, Emmanuel Persent
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Patent number: 8528666Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the stoType: GrantFiled: September 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Central Boar Rentals, Inc.Inventors: Michael Patterson, Edward L. Shearer
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Patent number: 8517109Abstract: One or more embodiments of a floating vessel for supporting well head surface equipment that has a deck operatively disposed on the floating vessel. The floating vessel can include a ram tensioner system positioned between the well head surface equipment and the deck. The ram tensioner system can include push up ram style tensioner system with a deck mountable frame having an upper portion and a lower portion connected by a plurality of cylinder sleeves and at least one guide post sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Drilling Technological Innovations, LLCInventor: David Trent
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Patent number: 8517111Abstract: Methods and systems for drilling subsea wells bores with dual-gradient mud systems include drilling the subsea well bore while employing a subsea pumping system, a subsea choke manifold and one or more mud return risers to implement the dual gradient mud system. When a well bore influx is detected, the well bore is shut in, and components determine if pressure control may be used to circulate the influx out of the well bore, the size of the influx, and how much the mud system weight will need to be reduced to match the dual gradient hydrostatic head before the influx reaches the subsea pump take point. The subsea pumping system, subsea choke manifold, and mud risers are isolated while the influx is circulated up one or more fluid passages in the drilling riser package using the surface pump, through the wellhead, and out the surface choke manifold.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Kurt Edward Mix, Robert L. Myers
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Patent number: 8517112Abstract: A technique operates a valve system in a subsea test tree via a control system of a type suitable for gaining desired industry ratings. A monitoring system is utilized to monitor functions of the control system, but the monitoring system is independent from the control system.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Matthew W. Niemeyer, Jeffrey J. Marabella
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Patent number: 8517110Abstract: A ram tensioner system with a deck mountable frame having an upper portion and a lower portion connected by a plurality of cylinder sleeves and at least one guide post sleeve. A guide post engages the guide post sleeves, and an individually replaceable modular cylinder is in each cylinder sleeve along with at least one individually removable seal gland that is lubricated by a hydraulic power unit, and a slidable rod engaging each of the cylinders. The slidable rods can be attached to the tension deck with a tension ring to engage a riser and provide movable tension to the riser.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Drilling Technology Innovations, LLCInventor: David Trent
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Patent number: 8511386Abstract: A subsea pumping system using a subsea module is installed on the sea bed, preferably away from production wells and intended to pump hydrocarbons having a high associated gas fraction produced by subsea production wells to the surface. The system achieves an advantage by the design of a pumping module (PM) which is linked to pumping equipment already present in a production well and which includes: an inlet pipe (2), separator equipment (3), a first pump (4) and a second pump (8). Another advantage of the subsea pumping system for the production of hydrocarbons with a high gas fraction is that, when oil is pumped from the production well (P), the well pump (13) increases the energy of the fluid in the form of pressure and transmits this increase in energy in the form of an increase in suction pressure in the second pump (8) of the subsea module (PM).Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.—PetrobrasInventor: Roberto Rodrigues
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Patent number: 8511389Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly having a completion landing string inside a drilling riser is described herein and comprises a power source for generating an alternating electrical current; a connector for connecting the power source to a receptacle in the subsea well assembly; a first inductor electrically connected to the power source through the connector; a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly; and a second inductor spaced from the first inductor, and located in the subsea control module, the second inductor positioned so that an EMF is produced on the second inductor when the alternating electrical current is passed through the first inductor to thereby generate an alternating current signal on the second inductor.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Stephen P Fenton
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Publication number: 20130192844Abstract: A tensions compensator assembly for a slip type joint in an offshore work string. The assembly includes a chamber at the joint which is constructed in a manner to offset or minimize a pressure differential in a production channel that runs through the work string. Thus, potentially very high pressures running through the string are less apt to prematurely force actuation and expansiveness of the slip joint. Rather, the expansive movement of the joint is more properly responsive to heave, changes in offshore platform elevation and other outside forces of structural concern.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
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Patent number: 8496063Abstract: A method and device for recovering drilling fluid used in connection with the provision of a subsea well, in which the drilling fluid is circulated from a vessel on a sea surface via a drill string and out through a drill bit into an annulus which is defined by a borehole and the drill string. The device includes a filtering device which is connected, in respect of fluid, to an annulus and which is arranged to contain drill cuttings and drilling fluid. A fluid line extends from a portion of the filtering device to the vessel, the fluid line being arranged to carry drilling fluid which has been separated from the drill cuttings back to the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Ott Subsea Bag Technology ASInventor: John Eirik Paulsen
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Patent number: 8464525Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering power fluid used to power a device under water and for pumping the recovered power fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water, the method in certain aspects including: flowing fluid from a subsurface apparatus to a subsurface recovery system, the fluid initially provided to the subsurface apparatus to power the subsurface apparatus; and the subsurface recovery system including a pump system for selectively pumping recovered power fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water, the pump system having at least one pump and, in some aspects, a first pump, a second pump, and a valve system; the valve system controlling the first pump and the second pump to allow only one pump of the first pump and the second pump to pump recovered power fluid to the fluid container above the surface of the water; and pumping recovered power fluid to the fluid container with only one pump at a time.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Eric Trevor Ensley
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Patent number: 8453758Abstract: Systems and methods for lifting drilling fluid from a well bore in a subsea formation are disclosed. Some system embodiments include a drill string suspended within a drilling riser to form the well bore, and a drilling fluid source for supplying drilling fluid through the drill string during drilling. A diverter is coupled between the drilling riser and a return line, while a power riser coupled to the return line at an interface. A lift fluid source supplies lift fluid through the power riser into the return line. The lift fluid is intermittently injected from the power riser through the interface into the return line to form one or more slugs of lift fluid positioned between slugs of drilling fluid, such that the combined density of lift fluid and drilling fluid in the return line is less than the density of the drilling fluid alone.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc.Inventors: Edward E. Horton, III, Lyle David Finn, James V. Maher, Greg Navarre
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Patent number: 8439109Abstract: A technique enables determination of changes in length of a conveyance deployed between a surface vessel and a subsea installation. The technique allows information to be obtained on the relationship between length of conveyance spooled out or spooled in at a surface location and the depth and/or speed of an intervention well tool deployed in a well. The information can be used to determine the actual depth of the well tool deployed in the well for the intervention operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Andrea Sbordone
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Patent number: 8434557Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for controlling the flow of hydrocarbons from a structure or conduit are provided. An engagement apparatus having a body with threads disposed on an end is lowered into a position suitable for engagement with the structure or conduit, the threads including a deformable material. Rotation of the apparatus to engage the threads with the structure or conduit deforms the material to form a wedge shape that provides a seal between the apparatus and structure or conduit, and resists removal of the apparatus from the structure or conduit. Additional conduits can be secured to the upper end of the apparatus, in combination with a valve. The valve can direct the flow of hydrocarbons from the structure or conduit to selected additional conduits, enabling vessels and/or containers to be removed and/or replaced without wholly ceasing the flow of hydrocarbons in a manner that could cause a buildup of pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Inventor: Johnny Chaddick