Surface Vessel Patents (Class 166/352)
  • Publication number: 20130105168
    Abstract: A telescopic elevator bail is arranged to be able to be used dynamically in well operations in the petroleum industry. The elevator bail comprises a sleeve provided with a first attachment organ and a muzzle portion, and a rod arranged to be able to be displaced telescopically relative to the sleeve along the common longitudinal axis of the sleeve and the rod. The rod is provided with at least one through hole perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the rod and the hole is arranged to be able to accommodate an actuator actuable holding bolt. The sleeve is provided with at least one catch bolt. The catch bolt is provided with an inward projecting holding portion. The rod is provided with a first shoulder portion arranged to rest on the holding portion of the catch bolt when the sleeve and the rod exhibit their relatively longest longitudinal displacement. A method is for utilizing the elevator bail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SCAN TECH PRODUKT AS
    Inventor: Morten Overland
  • Patent number: 8430169
    Abstract: A method for managing hydrates in a subsea production system is provided. The production system includes a host production facility, a control umbilical, at least one subsea production well, and a single production line. The method generally comprises producing hydrocarbon fluids from the at least one subsea production well and through the production line, and then shutting in the production line. In addition, the method includes the steps of depressurizing the production line to substantially reduce a solution gas concentration in the produced hydrocarbon fluids, and then repressurizing the production line to urge any remaining gas in the free gas phase within the production line back into solution. The method also includes displacing production fluids within the production line by moving displacement fluids from a service line within the umbilical line and into the production line. The displacement fluids preferably comprise a hydrocarbon-based fluid having a low dosage hydrate inhibitor (LDHI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Richard F. Stoisits, David C. Lucas, Larry D. Talley, Donald P. Shatto, Jiyong Cai
  • Patent number: 8413723
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Byong Jun Kim, Garud Sridhar, Wayne Fulin, Noor F. Sait, Matthew Billingham, Andrea Sbordone
  • Patent number: 8413724
    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: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: William Carbaugh, Leonard G. Childers, John LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 8403058
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kingtime International Limited
    Inventors: Nagendran C. Nadarajah, Renata Anita De Raj, Mahendran Suppiah
  • Patent number: 8387704
    Abstract: A system and method for carrying out simultaneous operations of assembling, dismantling, and maintaining equipment installed by an oil rig, using the tools, systems, and the areas available on the rig itself. The system includes two parallel and separated sustaining beams and two mobile bases supported on the beams to carry out the simultaneous operations. This system allows a method for simultaneously assembling two items of subsea equipment which are to be installed to be performed. Also, this system allows a method for simultaneously replacing and assembling subsea equipment to be performed. Additionally, the equipment can be lowered or recovered using either a derrick and pipe string or a winch and steel cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras
    Inventor: Roberto Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 8387701
    Abstract: A technique for subsea intervention operations utilizes a retrievable dynamic seal assembly. The retrievable dynamic seal assembly is deployed toward a seabed and locked into place within a tubular member at a subsea installation. During deployment, the dynamic seal assembly is releasably locked to an intervention tool string coupled to a conveyance. Once the dynamic seal assembly is locked in place within the tubular, the tool string is released and the dynamic seal assembly maintains a seal against the conveyance during an intervention operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Andrea Sbordone
  • Patent number: 8376048
    Abstract: A method of lifting at least a portion of an attachment system to and from a predetermined location comprises providing an attachment system comprising a support member, a socket member, and a locking member, the support member located at the predetermined location and defining an indentation formed therein, the socket member defining a cavity formed therein, placing the socket member in the indentation, placing the locking member in the cavity, locking the locking member in the socket member, and lifting the locked socket member and locking member from the support member and to the predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Jamie Cochran
  • Patent number: 8347967
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sclumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Mathis
  • Patent number: 8336630
    Abstract: A subsea completion testing tree (SCTT) for connection in a tubular string includes a lower tree portion having a control valve; an upper tree portion separably connected to the lower tree portion at a latch; a circulation valve connected with the upper tree portion; and a retainer valve connected with the upper tree portion between the circulation valve and the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Kerr
  • Patent number: 8336629
    Abstract: A technique enables a simplified approach for providing subsea hydraulic control. A subsea installation comprises one or more devices that are actuated hydraulically. A simple signal carrier, such as a wireline logging cable, can be routed down to the subsea installation. However, hydraulic fluid for controlling the one or more hydraulic devices in the subsea installation is delivered via an open water umbilical that extends to the subsea installation from a separate workover control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir Vaynshteyn, Joseph D. Scranton
  • Publication number: 20120305261
    Abstract: A drilling installation for drilling a well, for example an oil, a gas, or a thermal well, includes a tower structure, a first hoisting device adapted to manipulate a first object in a first firing line in the longitudinal direction of the tower structure, a second hoisting device adapted to manipulate a second object in a second firing line in the longitudinal direction of the tower structure, a storage device for vertically storing tubular elements, such as joined tubulars, and a first pipe racker for moving tubular elements between the storage device and the first firing line. The first and second firing line are located outside the tower structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
  • Publication number: 20120305260
    Abstract: Oceanic petroleum oil wells, though evolving over decades in technology, catastrophic events with mortality and morbidity, and damage to the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem are still threats to any ventures in this intriguing avenue. The present embodiments of inventions are directed to emergency measures to weather through adversities of some commonly encountered situations. They further include temporary and permanent reparative measures aiming at salvaging the oil well, whose work and economic involvements are far from normal dimensions. The novelty, simplicity, and workability in situations when none such consolations exist, the instant inventions are worthy of a try by all measures. The author inventor, also has to invent a suitable aphorism, to write along with: ‘When there is a thunder storm, rain or hail, a mansion may await . . . yet a shelter had to be found, even if a doll house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Sumathi Paturu
  • Patent number: 8322428
    Abstract: A casing hanger nesting indicator generates a signal to notify personnel on the surface that a wellhead member has properly landed on a predetermined surface within the wellbore. The casing hanger nesting indicator comprises a signaling device such as an explosive charge or a frequency shift key wherein the noise or vibration of the signaling device travels through the wellbore, via the drilling conduit in some embodiments, up to the surface platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 8322431
    Abstract: A method of servicing hydrocarbon production equipment comprising locating at least a portion of a hydrocarbon flow conduit experiencing a loss of functionality; creating a port to access an interior flow bore of the hydrocarbon flow conduit; installing at least one piece of equipment proximate the access port, wherein the equipment has access to the interior flow bore via the access port; and placing a servicing composition into the conduit via the access port, wherein the servicing composition prevents the loss of materials from the interior of the hydrocarbon flow conduit to the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan G. Ezell, Douglas J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 8322429
    Abstract: A method for interchangeably connecting undersea a marine package with first and second pressure control devices. The method includes lowering undersea the marine package toward the first pressure control device such that a first half of a feed-thru component mounted to the marine package contacts a second half of the feed-thru component mounted on the first pressure control device; engaging the first and second halves, wherein the first and second halves of the feed-thru component were not previously engaged while the marine package and the first pressure control device were each assembled above sea; and locking the first half to the second half by using an external pressure such that a functionality of the feed-thru component is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Robert Arnold Judge, Perrin Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8316947
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for deploying a subsea well intervention system from a surface vessel to a subsea tree, including connecting a spoolable compliant guide (SCG) to a subsea intervention package; testing the connection; lowering overboard the intervention package into a water column using a primary lifting device; gradually paying out the SCG from a reel thereof as the intervention package is lowered to a seabed; transferring the weight of the intervention package to a secondary lifting device, wherein the intervention package functions as a dead weight to overcome a positive buoyancy of the SCG, a distance between the primary and secondary lifting devices creates and controls a shape of the SCG; and once landed onto a subsea tree with heave compensation, disconnecting the secondary lifting device from the intervention package, and hanging the SCG off at the vessel at deck level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Sack
  • Publication number: 20120292041
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DRILLING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: David Trent
  • Patent number: 8297361
    Abstract: An oil recovery system recovers oil released at the bed of a body of water. The system includes a fluid collector assembly positionable proximate to the bed of the body of water. The collector assembly has an open lower end to receive fluid and has an upper end coupled to a lowermost fluid transfer tube. Fluid transfer tubes are interconnected in a string between the lowermost fluid transfer tube and a vessel positioned to receive fluid transferred through the fluid transfer tube. A guide cable is anchored at the bed of the body of water to guide the fluid collector assembly and the fluid transfer tubes to the bed. A lift cable selectively lowers the fluid collector assembly and the fluid transfer tubes to the bed. Fluid entering the collector assembly rises to the water surface via the transfer tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Warren N. Root
  • Publication number: 20120255736
    Abstract: A method for developing an offshore field comprises (a) coupling a plurality of top-tensioned risers to a first vessel at a first location. In addition, the method comprises (b) decoupling the first vessel from the plurality of top-tensioned risers after (a). Further, the method comprises (c) coupling a second vessel to the plurality of top-tensioned risers after (b) at the first location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: HORTON WISON DEEPWATER, INC.
    Inventors: James V. Maher, Edward E. Horton, III, Lyle D. Finn
  • Publication number: 20120234552
    Abstract: A system for harvesting natural gas from a clathrate deposit includes a storage system and a processing system. The storage system is located at a surface of a body of water and is configurable to couple to a conduit for receiving a slurry including clathrate hydrate pieces and natural gas from an underwater apparatus. The processing system is coupled to the conduit and is configured to separate the natural gas from the slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Susanne F. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 8267201
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising 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 placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; transporting the drill cuttings placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and removing the cuttings 520 from the storage area 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Coastal Boat Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Patterson, Edward L. Shearer
  • Patent number: 8256520
    Abstract: Floating systems for well operations are disclosed with a height-adjustable crown assembly movably connected to a derrick; in one aspect, movable within the derrick by movement apparatus; and, in one aspect, movable with a motion compensator. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.
    Inventors: Alan Randall Lucas, Marcus Sherwin McCoo
  • Patent number: 8235123
    Abstract: The invention comprises a sealing body (15) separating device) which can be used to separate fluids in risers used in offshore oil production from drilling vessels at the sea surface. The invention is characterized in that the sealing body (15) can be placed in position above the wellhead (13) using several appropriate methods and, in an especially preferred application, by utilizing an installation tool (27) which is not sealing against the inner wall of the riser and which contains a suitable positioning means (28), and that the body (15) which forms a seal against the inner wall of the riser separates fluids during the replacement of drilling fluid with water and of water with drilling fluid. The body (15) can be displaced using hydraulic force upwards in the longitudinal direction of the riser in that fluid is pumped at a relatively high pressure down the externally located smaller pipes (9, 10, 11) of the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventors: Øyvind Stokka, Helge Krohn
  • Patent number: 8196666
    Abstract: Flexible riser, comprising a length of a flexible pipe with an upper end, a bend restrictor and a termination for hanging up on a vessel, a floating installation or a platform, distinguished in that the bend restrictor in the upper end is connected to an adapter pipe extending from a lower end at the bend restrictor to an upper end, to an end coupling to which the upper ends of both the flexible pipe and the adapter pipe are fastened, the flexible riser extending through the bend restrictor and the adapter pipe and the end connection comprising a means for hanging up at deck level of the vessel, the installation or the platform. Method for pulling-in and hanging up of the flexible riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Production and Loading AS
    Inventor: Sigmund Askestad
  • Patent number: 8186442
    Abstract: A system for production of oil and heavier gas fractions from a reservoir under a seabed includes a field installation with at least one production well and one injection well, a vessel with means to be connected to a loading and unloading station, and a receival plant configured to load and unload the vessel. The vessel includes a high-pressure three-phase separator, an injection compressor, and either water cleaning equipment or water injection equipment that the vessel can load high-pressure well fluid that is brought into the separator and separated to lighter gas fractions, oil and heavier gas fractions, and water, of which oil and heavier gas fractions are brought to high-pressure storage tanks in the vessel, which high-pressure storage tanks include high-pressure gas which thereby is displaced out of the tanks and injected into the reservoir together with the lighter gas fractions, via the injection compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Compressed Energy Technology AS
    Inventors: Kåre Breivik, Petter Gundersen
  • Publication number: 20120125611
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a production facility at a topside of the well; a water production facility connected to the production facility; wherein the water production facility produces water by removing some multivalent ions, then removing some monovalent ions, and then adding back some monovalent ions, and then injects the water into the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Shell Internationalale Research Maatschappij
    Inventors: Subhash Chandra Bose Ayirala, Robert Wing-Yu Chin, Andreas Nicholas Matzakos, Ernesto Uehara-Nagamine
  • Patent number: 8176985
    Abstract: Production and drilling may be achieved by a system which uses a rotating head coupled to surface blowout preventer stack for fluid flow control. A casing connects these surface components to a subsea shutoff assembly with a pair of ram shear devices to cut off the string to the wellhead. Both the casing and an alternate line may be latched so that they may be released if necessary. The rotating head may include a rubber packer to prevent upward flow of drilling fluid and production hydrocarbons and, at the same time, provide rotation to the drill string. Managed pressure drilling or under balanced drilling may be used in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Stena Drilling Ltd.
    Inventor: Gavin Humphreys
  • Publication number: 20120103623
    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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Joop Roodenburg
  • Patent number: 8162062
    Abstract: An improved motion compensator device that includes a compensated framework for various types of well intervention operations where a stable work area is required that is stationary to the sea bed and equipment in the annulus. The device is intended for use on offshore drilling vessels that are primarily either moored or dynamically positioned and therefore subject to the motions created by the sea. The device is designed to compensate for the vertical motion of the rig by means of two steel frame assemblies, pneumatic compensating cylinders, and a load and motion transfer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Stingray Offshore Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent H. Barone, Trevor S. Brown
  • Patent number: 8162063
    Abstract: Dual gradient drilling may be performed by anchoring drilling tubulars from a drilling ship on the seabed. The drilling tubulars may include an inline pump for pumping mud through another set of tubulars that actually drill the well. Then dual gradient drilling may be instituted by controlling the pressure by controlling the operation of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Stena Drilling Ltd.
    Inventor: Gavin Humphreys
  • Patent number: 8151890
    Abstract: A modular tree production tree assembly reduces the weight during transfer of the tree components from a barge to a production rig. The tree assembly includes an upper tree module, a lower tree module, and a choke bridge module. The upper tree module has a tree head, the lower tree module has a guidance system and ties in the flow lines to the in-field infrastructure, and the choke bridge module has the choke and instrumentation bridge to link the three components together. Prior to delivery to the rig, the components of the modular tree assembly may be joined together and tested on shore. Upon arrival at the rig, the components are individually lifted from the barge onto the rig by a crane. After the tree components are on the rig, the modular tree is reassembled and then deployed to the sea floor via the draw works.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Spencer, Michael A. Wenham, Paul W. White
  • Patent number: 8141645
    Abstract: During an Extended Well Test or Early Floating Production at an offshore hydrocarbon production site, where oil and gas hydrocarbons are produced by a production vessel, applicant stores the natural gas as pressured gas in a storage tank and occasionally transfers the pressured gas to a shuttle vessel which carries the gas to a site where it is used, as by pumping it into a natural gas pipeline. The transfer of natural gas to the shuttle can be accomplished by pumping it through a conduit extending between the vessels to a second tank on the shuttle, or can be accomplished by moving a gas-filled tank on the production vessel to the shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings, Inc.
    Inventors: Leendert Poldervaart, Jim Wodehouse
  • Patent number: 8136599
    Abstract: The invention provides a marine riser apparatus (1) for use in the production of hydrocarbons from offshore wells and an associated method of installation of the apparatus at sea. The riser tower comprises rigid pipelines arranged in a riser tower bundle (2) and extending from a wellhead on the seabed (4) to a point below the sea surface where they are connected to flexible jumpers (3) which extend from the tower structure to connect the tower structure to a surface vessel or platform (5). The riser apparatus further comprises a buoyancy device (7) attached to the riser tower bundle, such that the buoyancy device is located above and exerts a buoyancy force on the riser tower, the buoyancy module also supporting an intermediate section of at least one of the jumpers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Acergy France S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent Marcel Ghislain Alliot
  • Patent number: 8127852
    Abstract: A method for connecting a lower marine riser package to a lower blowout preventer stack. The method includes lowering a frame of the lower marine riser package toward a frame of the lower blowout preventer stack such that a first half of a feed-thru component contacts a second half of the feed-thru component; floating at least one of the first half of the feed-thru component or the second half of the feed-thru component while the frame of the lower marine package is further lowered toward the frame of the lower blowout preventer stack; and engaging the first half of the feed-thru component to the second half of the feed-thru component after further lowering the lower marine riser package toward the lower blowout preventer stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Robert Arnold Judge, Perrin Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8127854
    Abstract: A gas and oil recovery system including a vessel, platform or rig, with a rig floor, a riser including a pipe that extends from the vessel, platform or rig to a x-mas tree on top of a well head and via which a wire or coiled tubing is fed down into a well. The riser is movable through an opening in the rig floor, and a surface flow head connected to the riser and to a wire line or coiled tubing equipment. The surface flow head is arranged to be run through the opening in the rig floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventor: Svein A. Håheim
  • Patent number: 8122965
    Abstract: Methods for developing an offshore field comprising deploying a lead drilling and production vessel to a offshore field to drill and complete at least one well. Production from the at least one well is initiated and evaluated. A secondary production vessel is selected based upon the evaluated production and is deployed to the offshore field to replace the lead drilling and production vessel and support production of the at least one well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward E. Horton, III, James V. Maher
  • Patent number: 8096371
    Abstract: 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 sto
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Central Boat Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Patterson, Edward L. Shearer
  • Patent number: 8096364
    Abstract: A method for providing an umbilical connection for a well installation, the well installation being located at the bed or floor of a body of water, comprises the steps of providing an umbilical with first and second ends and prior to operative deployment of the umbilical, locating the umbilical such that at least a portion of the umbilical is substantially statically retained within the body of water. Additionally, an umbilical deployment system for a well installation located at the bed or floor of a body of water, comprises an umbilical, wherein, prior to operative deployment of the umbilical, at least a portion of the umbilical is substantially statically retained within the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventor: Paul Dursley
  • Patent number: 8087464
    Abstract: A system for installation of a subsea module of great length by means of a vessel, using a cable for its installation and/or retrieval, and methods applied therein. The system allows transporting the subsea module on the vessel to a location in the sea and descending the subsea module into the sea at a vertical position for installation on the seabed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras
    Inventors: Roberto Rodrigues, Luiz Eduardo Peclat Bernardo, Robson Soares Junior, Giovani Colodette, Romulo Cobe Vasconcellos, Sergio Luis Uliana, Orman Salvador Toscano
  • Patent number: 8079426
    Abstract: A method for handling a blow-out-preventer on a drilling platform and a drilling platform having a lower pontoon structure; a plurality of columns extending upwards from the lower pontoon structure; an upper deck structure connecting the upper deck structure connecting the upper portions of the columns to each other; a detachable rotary table assembly arranged in a rotary table opening in the upper deck structure; a derrick provided with a lifting arrangement and being arranged on the upper deck structure above the rotary table opening; and a detachable rotary table assembly a spider and a blow-out-preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: GVA Consultants AB
    Inventor: Inge Petersson
  • Patent number: 8033335
    Abstract: An offshore universal riser system (OURS) and injection system (OURS-IS) inserted into a riser. The OURS/OUR-IS provides a means for pressurizing the marine riser to its maximum pressure capability and easily allows variation of the fluid density in the riser. The OURS-IS includes a riser pup joint with provision for injecting a fluid into the riser with isolation valves. The OURS includes a riser pup joint with an inner riser adapter, a pressure test nipple, a safety device, outlets with valves for diverting the mud flow, nipples with seal bores for accepting RCDs. The easy delivery of fluids to the OURS-IS is described. A method is detailed to manipulate the density in the riser to provide a wide range of operating pressures and densities enabling the concepts of Managed Pressure Drilling, Dual Density Drilling or Dual Gradient Drilling, and Underbalanced Drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Orbell, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 8016030
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing oil from a deep water (greater than 1,000 meters) oil well is disclosed herein. The apparatus has an anchor section, a plurality of riser sections, an upper section and a flow tube. A pressure within the apparatus is equal to a pressure outside of the apparatus to prevent collapse of the apparatus, and to prevent crystallization. Oil is suctioned from the interior of the apparatus through the flow tube to a surface of the ocean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: triumUSA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Jorge Prado Garcia
  • Patent number: 8011435
    Abstract: A method for drilling a borehole in a producing subsea wellbore wherein a flexible conduit is connected at one end to a surface vessel and at the other end via a pressurized subsea wellhead to the producing wellbore such that a remotely operated electrical drilling device (RODD) can be deployed down the flexible conduit, the method comprising: directing a RODD to the location for drilling in the wellbore; and drilling a further wellbore section with the RODD; wherein the drilling comprises drilling in underbalanced conditions with respect to the formation; and using fluids produced from the formation to transport the drill cuttings away from the drilling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ricardo Carossino, Andrea Sbordone, Henri Denoix, Charles Deible, Rene Schuurman
  • Patent number: 7987903
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing oil from a deep water (greater than 1,000 meters) oil well is disclosed herein. The apparatus has an anchor section, a plurality of riser sections, an upper section and a flow tube. A pressure within the apparatus is equal to a pressure outside of the apparatus to prevent collapse of the apparatus, and to prevent crystallization. Oil is suctioned from the interior of the apparatus through the flow tube to a surface of the ocean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: triumUSA Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Jorge Prado Garcia
  • Patent number: 7984765
    Abstract: A system and method is described for well intervention in subsea installed oil and gas wells, comprising a surface vessel (10), or rig, with equipment (22) for handling and controlling a connection string (20) for downhole tools, and also a system (26) for the supply and return of drilling fluid, from where the connection string (20) for the downhole tool runs down in an actual drilling hole (36) of a well on the subsea, where a X-mas tree (12) with associated blowout preventer (16) is arranged on the well, and where a return line (24) for drilling fluid runs up to said system (26) on the surface vessel or the rig. The connecting string (20) for downhole tools runs into the well through open sea without a riser or landing string being fitted, and a removable intervention valve (14) is arranged in the drilling hole (36), where the intervention valve is arranged to function as a testable, temporary barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Well Intervention Solutions AS
    Inventor: Tom Kjetil Askeland
  • Patent number: 7958948
    Abstract: A system and method is described for use and return of drilling fluid/cuttings from a well, which is drilled on the ocean floor, in connection with offshore related oil production and gas production, where, from a drilling rig or drilling vessel (10), a drill stem (12) runs down into the bore hole and where a blowout preventer (BOP) is placed on said well, without mounting a riser between the rig or the vessel and said blowout preventer. A sealing and pressure-regulating device (16) is arranged on the blowout preventer (14) arranged to regulate the level of the drilling fluid, and thus the outlet pressure of the drilling fluid in said sealing and pressure-regulating device, and a pump module (18) is set up at a suitable distance adjacent said sealing and pressure-regulating device, where the pump module is arranged to pump said drilling fluid up to the ocean surface via an external return pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: AGR Subsea AS
    Inventor: Roger Stave
  • Patent number: 7934560
    Abstract: A free standing riser system includes a riser, a subsea intervention unit, and an umbilical line. The riser includes interconnected joints linked to one another, a lower-end of the riser being coupled to a wellhead and an upper-end of the riser enclosed in a buoy assembly, including a terminal, the riser being maintained in an erect, substantially vertical position. The subsea intervention unit is provided above the riser, and includes three connections: one connection to the terminal of the riser, one connection to a flexible jumper that is connected to a FPU, and one connection that provides a vertical conveyance to an intervention rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Francisco Edward Roveri, Cezar Augusto Silva Paulo, Roberto Rodrigues, Renato Brandão Mansano, Carlos Alberto Giacomin Pereira
  • Patent number: 7921917
    Abstract: Methods for deploying a subsea blowout preventer stack system comprising a lower marine riser package, a blowout preventer stack with a first ram blowout preventer, and an additional blowout preventer package releasably coupled to the blowout preventer stack and comprising a second ram blowout preventer. The subsea blowout preventer stack assembly can be deployed by coupling a drilling riser to the lower marine riser package that is releasably connected to the blowout preventer stack. The lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack are then toward a subsea wellhead and then landed on the additional blowout preventer package that is coupled to the subsea wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Johnnie E. Kotrla, Melvyn F. Whitby, David J. McWhorter, Glenn J. Chiasson
  • Patent number: 7921918
    Abstract: A rigless support for a downhole operation, such as cutting of an underwater casing in preparation for plug-and-abandonment. The unit has a movable base that can be positioned on a floating structure, such as a barge or a marine vessel and delivered to the site. A pair of piston rams support a swivel unit therebetween, with the swivel unit being driven by a hydraulic motor and driving a casing cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Charles Larue Bryant, Jr., David J. Ruttley