Well Component Assembly Means Patents (Class 166/360)
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Patent number: 7357184Abstract: A jacking frame for an oil well offshore platform is provided that includes a support structure; a coiled tubing injector supported by the support structure and having a longitudinal axis; and a centralizer attached to the support structure, which moves a wellhead of the platform into alignment with the longitudinal axis of the coiled tubing injector.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Bart Patton, Yarom Polsky
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Publication number: 20080035327Abstract: A method of installing equipment subsea comprising the steps of: assembling the equipment within a frame; submerging in the sea at least a part of an assembly comprising the frame and the equipment; coupling the at least partially submerged assembly to a vessel; transporting the at least partially submerged assembly proximate a subsea installation site; coupling the assembly to an installation device; and installing the equipment at the installation site using the installation device. A frame for supporting equipment is also disclosed wherein the frame is shaped to match the dimensions of the equipment to be supported. The frame comprises at least one clamp having a first half clamp member for releasably engaging a second half clamp member of a second structure and a full clamp member for clamping around and supporting the equipment. The first half clamp member and the full clamp member can be integrally formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: Mick Fowkes
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Patent number: 7325598Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a first component which comprises a depending portion to a second component which comprises a bore that is sized and configured to receive the depending portion, wherein the first and second components are exposed to a fluid which is at an ambient pressure, comprises the steps of inserting the depending portion at least partially into the bore and then creating a bore pressure within the bore which is less than the ambient pressure. In this manner a pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the bore pressure will force the depending portion into the bore to thereby attach the first component to the second component.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Christopher D. Bartlett
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Patent number: 7318480Abstract: A method performing an operation in a subsea wellhead assembly through a riser extending between the wellhead assembly and a surface platform includes the step of connecting a surface blowout preventer to an upper portion of the riser. Then a tool is connected to a string of conduit. A control line is then connected to the tool, extended alongside the conduit. The tool and control line are lowered through the blowout preventer and riser. The method also includes the step of mounting a slick joint to an upper end of the conduit when the tool is near the wellhead assembly. The control line is then linked through the slick joint and extends to the surface platform. The method also includes the step of communicating with the tool via the control line and performing an operation in the wellhead assembly with the tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Stanley Hosie, David S. Christie, Alistair MacDonald, Paul Findlay Milne
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Patent number: 7273105Abstract: A system is described for monitoring a subsea formation, which is under development. Instruments located in a completed but unconnected well are employed for providing information by a provisional monitoring unit being lowered downhole and connected to the well. Changes in the reservoir as a result of operations in other adjacent wells are intercepted by the instruments in the well and transmitted via an acoustic link to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventors: John A. Johansen, Morten Sivertsen
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Patent number: 7264057Abstract: A method and system of subsea intervention comprises lowering one or more assemblies of intervention equipment into the sea. Underwater marine units (such as remote operated vehicles or small submarines) may be employed to connect the assemblies to each other and to the subsea wellhead equipment. The subsea wellhead equipment includes a carrier line spool (e.g., coiled tubing spool, wireline spool, slickline spool) and equipment to inject a carrier line from the carrier line spool into the subsea well. The carrier line spool can be located underwater, such as on the sea floor or positioned above the subsea wellhead equipment.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Peter A. Goode, Ashley C. Kishino, John A. Kerr, Alan Christie
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Patent number: 7219739Abstract: The present invention relates generally to offshore drilling and production operations, and, more particularly, to marine drilling workover/intervention tensioning and compensating devices and methodologies. A heave compensated hydraulic workover device and/or system is provided comprising a hydraulic tensioning cylinder system disposed beneath a rig floor and adapted to be connected at a mandrel to the rig floor through a rotary table disposed in the rig floor. The heave compensated hydraulic workover device and/or system also comprises a well intervention apparatus disposed at least partially within the hydraulic tensioning cylinder system beneath the rig floor, the well intervention apparatus capable of being used in conjunction with at least one of a well, a wellhead, a blow-out pressure system, a jointed tubular, a pipe, and a drilling string.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Dicky J. Robichaux
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Patent number: 7201229Abstract: A subsea production tree has an external annular profile formed on an upper portion of the tree. A vertical passage extending from a lower end of the tree to an upper end of the tree for communicating with a string of tubing extending into the well. A lateral passage in the tree extending from the vertical passage. A flow path in fluid communication with the lateral passage extends laterally from the tree, the flow path having an upward facing receptacle. An adapter lands on the upper portion of the tree and connects to the profile, the adapter having a passage that registers with the vertical passage of the tree while the adapter lands on the tree. A flow interface device mounts to and lands with the adapter, the flow interface device having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, one of the conduits being connected to the passage in the adapter, the other of the conduits stabbing into sealing engagement with the receptacle as the adapter lands on the tree.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Paul W. White, Paul F. Milne, Norman Brammer
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Patent number: 7073592Abstract: A modular work system permits Rig Up time to be substantially reduced by reducing the number of crane lifts required to offload equipment for a transport boat or vehicle. This is achieved by developing transport skids capable of holding multiple system components. The number of equipment components that must be mechanically coupled on location is reduced by pre-assembling the components and maintaining the assembly in operating condition during storage and transport. Skid design concepts are employed, wherein a skid system carries various pre-assembled components for transport, storage and operation. Specifically, a skid sub-system includes various related components. The components are either pre-assembled or are designed to complete a sub-assembly through final assembly on the rig. The skid is moved into place using the crane, and the assembly is completed. Additional sub-systems are mounted on additional skids which are designed to be mated with the other related skids and sub-assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Yarom Polsky, Rod Shampine, Terry McCafferty
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Patent number: 7011159Abstract: A fastener for coupling blowout preventers in a stack including an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, and a head disposed proximate the first end of the elongated shaft and adapted to be retained in a recess in a first blowout preventer. The second end of the elongated shaft is adapted to be coupled to a second blowout preventer.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Hydril Company, L.P.Inventor: William R. Holland
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Patent number: 6955223Abstract: A process to transport a blow out preventer for a drilling rig having a drawworks wherein the blow out preventer is transported between a storage area and a use position over a wellbore. The process includes the steps of connecting an upper connector end of an elongated running tool to the drawworks of the drilling rig. The elongated running tool is moved in position parallel to the wellbore using the drawworks of the drilling rig. The running tool is lowered so that a stab connection is made between a lower connector end of the running tool and the blow out preventer. The blow out preventer is thereafter moved over and in alignment with the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Helmerich & Payne, Inc.Inventors: Alan Orr, Rob Stauder
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Patent number: 6913084Abstract: Method and assembly for conducting wireline operations in a deep, subsea location. The method includes providing a rig on the surface of a body of water, having a riser extending from the rig floor to the sea floor; an annular preventer positioned on the end of the riser on the sea floor; a plurality of blowout presenters positioned below the riser to prevent a blowout into the riser; and, a wireline subsea blowout preventer control head. A lubricator is lowered into the riser, with the control head attached thereto, and wherein the wireline tool is disposed within the control head. The lubricator is position within the annular preventer. Wireline operations may then be conducted. If a blowout occurs during wireline operations, any pressure would be prevented from entering the riser, and would be contained by the control head.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
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Patent number: 6843321Abstract: A device for intervention of a subsea oil and/or gas well by means of a tool (8) suspended by a cable (9), fed from or withdrawn to a vessel (1) and driven by a drive mechanism (12) located on the vessel. The device comprises a lubricator (5) having a tool housing for the insertion of the tool into the well, and a stuffing box (40) sealing around the cable after the tool is inserted into the well. According to the invention an injector which drives the cable in the well is located on the lubricator, and is controllable independently of the drive mechanism for the cable located on the vessel. The drive mechanism and the injector may be synchronized in a manner, among others, providing that the cable is hanging in a predetermined arc during the intervention, whereby the vessel may be moved from the well. Moreover, the invention relates to a method and a cable used together with the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventor: Hans-Paul Carlsen
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Patent number: 6827147Abstract: A reciprocating lubricator includes a lubricator base, a lubricator tube connected at the top to a lubricator head and inserted through a packing in the lubricator base to provide a sealable chamber adapted to accommodate a downhole tool to be inserted into a wellbore against well fluid pressure. The chamber in the lubricator tube is sealed using equipment mounted to the lubricator head. Injectors interconnecting the lubricator base and the lubricator head reciprocate the lubricator tube through the lubricator base. When a downhole tool is inserted into the wellbore, the lubricator head rests against the lubricator base to provide a low, safe and stable position for operation of the equipment mounted to the top of the lubricator head.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
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Publication number: 20040226722Abstract: A subsea connector is remotely actuated to connect a subsea flowline to a subsea connector hub. The connector has a frame with a tubular mandrel located within it. The mandrel connects to the flowline and has a forward end that engages the connector end. The mandrel moves axially relative to the frame between retracted and extended positions. A lock member on the forward end of the mandrel will engage the profile of the connector hub. An actuator mounted to the mandrel causes the lock member to move into engagement with the connector hub after the mandrel has been moved into engagement with the connector hub. A portable telescoping jack assembly has an ROV interface for receiving power from the ROV. The jack assembly fits within a first pocket in the frame to move the mandrel to the extended position. The jack assembly is retrievable from the first pocket and fits within a second pocket in the frame to move the actuator and the lock member into locking engagement with the profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Angus N. Colyer, Jon E. Hed
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Patent number: 6817417Abstract: An ROV, wireline or diver installed subsea xmas tree debris cap has an integral corrosion inhibitor/biocide provided in the form of a solid block which is wrapped in a water soluble membrane bag. The block is suspended inside the debris cap in a basket or perforated container. After installation of the debris cap, the membrane and solid block will dissolve and sanitize the stagnant water, thereby protecting all materials from corrosion for a number of years. The debris cap also includes an environmental seal in the form of a single O ring. Furthermore, the debris cap is simplified in that it does not include a conventional debris cap-to-xmas tree lockdown mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard Blair, William Crawford, Martin Forsyth, Graeme J. Collie, Kevin N. Hannigan
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Publication number: 20040188094Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method to measure positioning with respect to deploying a subsea load, the system comprising a subsea metering head having a position sensor; a controllable winch operatively connected to the winch flexible cable; and a controller operatively in communication with the controllable winch and the position sensor. The controller is capable of controlling the controllable winch in response to a received position feedback sensor signal. It is emphasized that 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. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Michael Piecyk, Jenelle O' Sullivan-Baskett
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Patent number: 6776230Abstract: A horizontal Christmas tree is adapted for ESP/HSP or downhole sensor deployment by a coiled tubing hanger 38 received in the tubing hanger 12. Coiled tubing 40 suspends downhole equipment such as ESP 60, and carries power/signal lines. These lines are connected to an external line 58 via a transition connector 46 in a tubing access plug 44 provided in an internal tree cap 32. A debris cap 50 is provided with a further connector 52. Self orientating wet mate connectors 48, 54, 56 are provided between the connectors 46, 52 and external line 58. The coiled tubing hanger and/or tubing hanger may be provided with flow by flutes or holes (78, 80 FIGS. 4 and 5) sealable by a separate adapter plug (88, FIG. 5) above the coiled tubing hanger. Flow test procedures are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Graeme John Collie, David Ramsay Hutchison, Richard Kent
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Patent number: 6769489Abstract: A well stimulation tool is connected to a top of a tubing hanger in a well to be stimulated. The well stimulation tool includes an adapter pin that connects to the tubing hanger. The adapter pin is connected to a mandrel that reciprocates through a top end of an adapter spool, which is mounted to a tubing head spool that supports the tubing hanger. A high-pressure valve is mounted to a top end of the mandrel. High-pressure fluids are pumped through the high-pressure valve, the mandrel, the adapter pin, the tubing hanger, and a production tubing into the well.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
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Patent number: 6763890Abstract: A modular work system permits Rig Up time to be substantially reduced by reducing the number of crane lifts required to offload equipment for a transport boat or vehicle. This is achieved by developing transport skids capable of holding multiple system components. The number of equipment components that must be mechanically coupled on location is reduced by pre-assembling the components and maintaining the assembly in operating condition during storage and transport. Skid design concepts are employed, wherein a skid system carries various pre-assembled components for transport, storage and operation. Specifically, a skid sub-system includes various related components. The components are either pre-assembled or are designed to complete a sub-assembly through final assembly on the rig. The skid is moved into place using the crane, and the assembly is completed. Additional sub-systems are mounted on additional skids which are designed to be mated with the other related skids and sub-assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Yarom Polsky, Rod Shampine, Terry McCafferty
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Publication number: 20040099420Abstract: A subsea connection apparatus to allow connecting a surface blowout preventer stack and riser to a subsea wellhead is disclosed. The subsea connection apparatus uses a single cavity blowout preventer with a set of shearing blind rams. Hydraulically actuated wellhead connectors are secured to the top and bottom of the blowout preventer to allow connection to a subsea wellhead below the subsea connection apparatus and a wellhead hub profile on the lower end of a riser above the apparatus. A control system can operate both of the hydraulically actuated connectors and the blowout preventer independently. A frangible bore protector is disposed in the bore of the blowout preventer to protect the shearing blind rams from pipe, tools and fluids being passed through the blowout preventer and can be sheared by the shearing blind rams along with any drill pipe in the bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Johnnie E. Kotrla, Joe S. Johnson
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Publication number: 20040084188Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of re-manufacturing a composite riser section having a damaged original metal liner. An expandable replacement liner is inserted into the bore of the composite riser section and is positioned to cover the liner. An annular recess may be formed circumferentially into the damaged portion of the metal liner to accommodate the replacement liner. The replacement liner is radially expanded within the composite riser section and a seal is created to prevent fluid inside the composite riser from flowing around the replacement liner, through the damaged liner and to the outside of the composite riser.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Conoco Inc.Inventor: Mamdouh M. Salama
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Patent number: 6702025Abstract: A hydraulic control assembly (80) for actuating a hydraulically controllable downhole device (100) comprises a hydraulic fluid source (82) located on a surface installation that supplies a low pressure hydraulic fluid, an umbilical assembly (88) coupled to the hydraulic fluid source (82) that provides a supply fluid passageway for the low pressure hydraulic fluid and a subsea intensifier (90) operably associated with a subsea wellhead. The subsea intensifier (90) is operable to convert the low pressure hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid source (82) into a high pressure hydraulic fluid for actuating the hydraulically controllable downhole device (100).Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Michael Wade Meaders
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Publication number: 20030221835Abstract: A modular work system permits Rig Up time to be substantially reduced by reducing the number of crane lifts required to offload equipment for a transport boat or vehicle. This is achieved by developing transport skids capable of holding multiple system components. The number of equipment components that must be mechanically coupled on location is reduced by pre-assembling the components and maintaining the assembly in operating condition during storage and transport. Skid design concepts are employed, wherein a skid system carries various pre-assembled components for transport, storage and operation. Specifically, a skid sub-system includes various related components. The components are either pre-assembled or are designed to complete a sub-assembly through final assembly on the rig. The skid is moved into place using the crane, and the assembly is completed. Additional sub-systems are mounted on additional skids which are designed to be mated with the other related skids and sub-assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Yarom Polsky, Rod Shampine, Terry McCafferty
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Patent number: 6644410Abstract: A modular control system having independently and separately retrievable parts for use on subsea equipment, including subsea Christmas trees, and subsea manifolds.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventors: Christopher John Lindsey-Curran, Earl V. Schultz, Jr., John C. MacNeill
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Publication number: 20030168218Abstract: A method of installing a conductor or a casing in the sea bed, the conductor or casing being caused to penetrate a sea bed, the conductor or casing being substantially suspended from a length of coiled tubing. The conductor or casing being lowered to the sea bed by means of the coiled tubing, the coiled tubing being deployed from a reel on a floating vessel. Ideally a conductor may be deployed in the sea bed at the desired location, and subsequently a casing is introduced to the conductor. Alternatively the casing is introduced into a conductor, the casing and conductor substantially suspended from a length of coiled tubing, lowered to the sea bed by means of the coiled tubing, and caused to penetrate the sea bed. A length of coiled tubing is then introduced to the conductor or casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventor: Philip Head
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Patent number: 6615921Abstract: A drill bit guide is mounted in a wellhead in place of a wear bushing. The bit guide is capable of guiding strings and tools through the wellhead without damage to the wellhead or string while drilling. In one version of the bit guide, a pair of linear actuators radially extend and retract separate halves of the bit guide to conform to the size of the object located between them. In another version of the bit guide, a set of interlocking arms and wear bars are articulated to form a circular opening having a variable inner diameter. A drill string may be lowered through a fully open bit guide or landed on top of a fully closed bit guide. The bit guide also can be moved to more closely receive the drill string passing through it to prevent damage to the drill string and the wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Whitelaw, Norman Brammer, Charles E. Jennings
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Patent number: 6609572Abstract: A system for connecting and disconnecting a lower end of a marine riser (25) to and from a blow out preventer stack on a subsea Wellhead comprises gripping members (26) for the marine riser and a lock element (27) for locking the gripping members (26). The system comprises first primary actuators (28), second primary actuators (29) and secondary actuators (30) for moving the lock element (27) to an unlock position, and hydraulic circuitry for actuating the actuators. The system further comprises a hydraulic backup unlock circuit (9, 11, 16) comprising a triple flow divider (8) for dividing fluid flow from a source (16) into one flow for actuating the first primary actuators (28), one flow for actuating the second primary actuators (29) and one flow for actuating the secondary actuators (30).Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Smedvig Offshore ASInventors: Jan Oddvar Andersen, Vidar Larsen
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Publication number: 20030150619Abstract: A hydraulic control assembly (80) for actuating a hydraulically controllable downhole device (100) comprises a hydraulic fluid source (82) located on a surface installation that supplies a low pressure hydraulic fluid, an umbilical assembly (88) coupled to the hydraulic fluid source (82) that provides a supply fluid passageway for the low pressure hydraulic fluid and a subsea intensifier (90) operably associated with a subsea wellhead. The subsea intensifier (90) is operable to convert the low pressure hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid source (82) into a high pressure hydraulic fluid for actuating the hydraulically controllable downhole device (100).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventor: Michael Wade Meaders
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Patent number: 6571877Abstract: In the drilling of a well, a dedicated drilling wellhead (520) mounted at the top of the casing cluster whilst the well is being drilled. At the end of drilling, a seal ring or sleeve (534) which during the drilling phase has the function of an annular sleeve isolating the well bore pressure from the production annulus space (540), is manipulated into an alternative position in which it acts to block the annular space (540) thereby acting as a temporary abandonment seal. A further plug seal is fitted in the well bore. The well is now temporarily sealed and the drilling wellhead can then be removed and can be reused on another well during the drilling phase of that well. A production wellhead (550,556) which has a cantilever christmas tree fitted on its side over a production wellhead (557) which can accept a conventional christmas tree on top is then fitted on to the casing hanger cluster.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1998Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Plexus Ocean Systems LimitedInventor: Ben Van Bilderbeek
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Patent number: 6494268Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to prevent axial twisting, vibration, and bounce of individual components comprising a stack of operational surface components for a well which may occur during the transportation, hoisting, or use of the stack. A transport and support frame is provided which comprises a plurality of substantially vertical members, a plurality of substantially horizontal members interconnecting the vertical members, and a support structure to secure the stack within the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Patrick M. Ljungdahl, Ira Glenn Harper, Jr., Court Adkins
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Patent number: 6470973Abstract: An improvement in a side element of a drilling template for wells at sea for extracting hydrocarbons, wherein the side element is connected to a central section of the drilling template and projects horizontally out therefrom. The side element is arranged to carry equipment of various types. According to the invention the side element comprises a coupling section for releasable connection with a coupling section of the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Kongsberg Offshore A/SInventors: Atle Rangnes, Jon Thoresen, Morten Backe, Tore Knoph
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Publication number: 20020144820Abstract: An anti-rotation device prevents an inner wellhead housing from rotating within an outer wellhead housing. The anti-rotation device provides spring loaded anti-rotational keys within the outer wellhead housing and mating slots formed within the inner wellhead housing. The keys face inwards to the inner wellhead housing, are circumferentially spaced apart around the outer wellhead housing, and located between the two tapered shoulders. As the inner wellhead housing lands in the outer housing, the inner wellhead housing pushes the keys of the outer wellhead housing to a retracted position. The inner wellhead housing is then rotated within the outer wellhead housing until the spring loaded keys align with the slots and extend into the slots of the inner wellhead housing. Any rotational force on the inner wellhead housing will be resisted by the anti-rotational mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Sean P. Thomas, Hernani G Deocampo
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Patent number: 6457526Abstract: The components required for changing out a bottom hole assembly are stored within a submerged storage chamber adjacent the lower end of a riser extending up from the bottom of a body of water. A vertical, revolving magazine holds the bottom hole assembly components within the storage chamber. A pressure lock between the storage chamber and the interior of the riser is opened to permit the bottom hole assembly components in the chamber to be exchanged with those forming the drilling string assembly within the riser. The storage chamber may be selectively sealed from the body of water and the internal riser area as the bottom hole assembly components are moved into and out of the chamber. A remotely operated mechanism assembles and disassembles the bottom hole assembly components of the drilling string assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Terry M. Dailey
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Publication number: 20020074124Abstract: The concentric tubing completion system of the present invention comprises a surface Christmas tree which is located on a surface structure, a tieback connector which is secured to a mudline wellhead that is installed at the upper end of a subsea well bore, a mudline tubing hanger which is supported in the tieback connector, and a pair of concentric tubing strings which are suspended from corresponding tubing hangers in the surface Christmas tree and connected to the mudline tubing hanger. The annulus between the concentric tubing strings communicates with a number of passages in the mudline tubing hanger which are connected to the tubing annulus below the mudline tubing hanger. Thus, lift gas or other fluids may be communicated between the surface christmas tree and the tubing annulus through this annulus between the concentric tubing strings.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Christopher E. Cunningham, Christopher D. Bartlett, Marcus A. Smedley, Russell E. McBeth, Robert B. Baten
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Publication number: 20020074125Abstract: A drilling rig includes a tower, a stabilizer for lifting/lowering an injector and BOP stack, and a powered arm adapted to manipulate BHA segments. The tower includes a plurality of interlocking modules and is mounted on a two perpendicularly aligned skids. The tower is also provided with an opening that enables the side loading of equipment. The preferred rig includes one module adapted to support a stabilizer that includes hydraulic lifts that can raise the injector and BOP stack off the wellhead. The stabilizer also accommodates the thermal expansion of the BOP stack by rising and lowering the stack during well servicing operations. The powered arm attaches to the tower and includes an articulated gripper for manipulating the bottom hole assembly segments. Preferably, the powered arm is controlled by a general purpose computer that guides the powered arm through a predetermined sweep.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Mark W. Fikes, Mark Farabee, E. Alan Coats
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Patent number: 6394186Abstract: A drill bit guide is mounted in a wellhead in place of a wear bushing. The bit guide is capable of guiding strings and tools through the wellhead without damage to the wellhead or string while drilling. In one version of the bit guide, a pair of linear actuators radially extend and retract separate halves of the bit guide to conform to the size of the object located between them. In another version of the bit guide, a set of interlocking arms and wear bars are articulated to form a circular opening having a variable inner diameter. A drill string may be lowered through a fully open bit guide or landed on top of a filly closed bit guide. The bit guide also can be moved to more closely receive the drill string passing through it to prevent damage to the drill string and the wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Whitelaw, Norman Brammer, Charles E. Jennings
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Patent number: 6386290Abstract: The disclosure describes a spoolable compliant guide, a system including a spoolable compliant guide and injector and methods for using the compliant guide, where the guide is designed to connect at one end to the injector and at its other end to a remote installation having a seal and to allow coiled tubing to be inserted into the installation through the seal. Because the guide permits a substantial distance to exist between the injector and the installation seal and functions as a crimp or band resistor for the coiled tubing, the guide enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the installation such as a wellhead and assumes a compliant shape between the injector and the installation allowing dynamic relative movement between them without the use of heave compensators. Thus, for subsea installations, the injector, its control system and coiled tubing reels can all be located on the water's surface for ease of access and maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Colin Stuart Headworth
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Publication number: 20020040783Abstract: A system that is usable with subsea wells that extend beneath a sea floor includes a station that is located on the sea floor and an underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle is housed in the station and is adapted to service at least one of the subsea wells.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventors: Thomas H. Zimmerman, John A. Kerr, Alan R. Christie
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Publication number: 20020040782Abstract: A method and system of subsea intervention comprises lowering one or more assemblies of intervention equipment into the sea. Underwater marine units (such as remote operated vehicles or small submarines) may be employed to connect the assemblies to each other and to the subsea wellhead equipment. The subsea wellhead equipment includes a carrier line spool (e.g., coiled tubing spool, wireline spool, slickline spool) and equipment to inject a carrier line from the carrier line spool into the subsea well. The carrier line spool can be located underwater, such as on the sea floor or positioned above the subsea wellhead equipment. The carrier line spool can also be located on a sea vessel. Also, to switch tools, a carousel system having multiple chambers containing different types of tools can be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Peter A. Goode, Ashley C. Kishino, John A. Kerr, Alan R. Christie
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Patent number: 6367553Abstract: The disclosure defined by this invention is a method and assembly for conducting wireline operations in a deep, subsea location, which includes providing a rig on the surface of a body of water, having a riser extending from the rig floor to the floor of the deep body of water; a hydril positioned on the end of the riser on the sea floor; a plurality of blowout preventers positioned below the riser to prevent a blowout into the riser; a wireline subsea blowout preventer control head assembly lowered into the riser to the level above the hydril; pressuring off the assembly by the riser and blowout preventers; lowering a wireline down the riser into the assembly, so that the tool may be lowered beyond the blowout preventers to conduct wireline operations; and pressuring off the side entry apparatus, so that should a blowout occur during wireline operations, any pressure would be prevented from entering the riser, but would be contained by the side entry assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
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Patent number: 6357529Abstract: A subsea completion having an in-line Christmas tree received within a wellhead. The in-line Christmas tree having at least one valve closure element, for example valve gates. Valve actuator couplings, for example push rods are operatively engaged with the valve closure elements and extend through walls of the in-line Christmas tree and wellhead. Relatively bulky valve actuator mechanisms may therefore be mounted externally of the wellhead, with only the relatively small and unobtrusive actuator couplings extending into the wellhead and tree interiors. The in-line tree is used together with a jumper module, secured and sealed to the wellhead, and a separate flow control package.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: FMC CorporationInventors: Richard Kent, Nicholas Gatherar
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Patent number: 6293345Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in drilling and completing a subsea well of the type in which a blowout preventer stack positioned on a floating rig is connected to the well by a drilling riser, and wherein the flow of well fluid between the tubing/casing annulus and the upper end of the wellhead is controlled by valves means within passageway in a relatively thick walled upper portion of the housing above a relatively thin walled portion thereof in which a casing hanger is installed.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1998Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventor: Bruce J. Watkins
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Patent number: 6237690Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second connector parts. The first connector part has a bearing portion and the second connector part is connectable with the first connector part. A carriage comprises an abutment which is disposed against the first connector part and the carriage is reciprocatable between a forward position for connecting the connector parts and a retracted position for disconnecting the connector parts. A bias is provided for biasing the bearing against the abutment. The bearing portion and the abutment cooperate to permit pivoting of the first connector part in response to a force in any lateral direction on the first connector part. The first connector part may include a weakened portion providing a reduced resistance to shear. The connector assembly may also form part of a wellhead assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Tronic LimitedInventor: Joseph A. Nicholson
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Patent number: 6220787Abstract: A ship type floating oil production system for access to subsea wells through installation of surface wellheads on a ship type surface vessel on the sea comprises a cylindrical turret moored to a seabed is located within a moon pool formed in the ship type surface vessel such that the ship type surface vessel is freely rotatable about the cylindrical turret. A plurality of riser pipes have a rigid structure and extend downward to subsea wells through the cylindrical turret, and each riser pipe is provided at its top portion with a surface wellhead including valves of the riser pipe. Accordingly, workover operations can be facilitated as needed by running workover tools through the surface wellhead of the corresponding riser pipe through use of a work-over-rig installed on the ship type surface vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Japan National Oil CorporationInventors: Akio Tanabe, John Randolph Paulling
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Patent number: 6142233Abstract: A tree running tool is provided which has a means for actuating a latch for latching a side valve tree to a wellhead. Also disclosed is a tree running tool having an external axially movable actuator, preferably in the form of a sliding piston sleeve which is capable of exerting great forces. Also disclosed is a tree running tool having an external connector unit for connecting the tree running tool to a side valve tree. The connector unit is preferably mounted to the sliding piston sleeve and is for axially mechanically connecting the tree running tool to a linkage extending upwardly from the side valve tree.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Kvaerner Dilfield ProductsInventor: Robert Lee Wilkins
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Patent number: 6116345Abstract: This invention provides a tubing injection system that contains one injector for moving a tubing from a source thereof to a second injector. The second injector moves the tubing into the wellbore. In an alternative embodiment for subsea operations, the system may contain a first injector placed under water over the wellhead equipment for moving the tubing to and from the wellbore. A second injector at the surface moves the tubing to the first injector and a third injector moves the tubing from the tubing source to the second injector. In each of the tubing injection systems sensors are provided to determine the radial force on the tubing exerted by the injectors, tubing speed, injector speed, and the back tension on the source. A control unit containing a computer continually maintains the tubing speed, tension and radial pressure on the tubing within predetermined limits.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Peter Fontana, Philip Burge
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Patent number: 6109353Abstract: A single bore riser system is disclosed which is based on a dual bore completion tree. An eccentric offset sub is coupled to the top of the tree and which can be sealed by BOP pipe rams. The completion tree has a main bore and an auxiliary bore with ball valves located in the respective bores. A remotely actuatable annulus plug is located in the bottom of the annulus bore and is moveable between a first position allowing fluid flow through the annulus bore and a second position sealing the annulus bore to provide control of various operations. Embodiments of the invention are described.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Expro North Sea LimitedInventors: Jeffrey Charles Edwards, Michael Graham Morgan
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Patent number: 6076605Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has a tubular housing having a sidewall, an axial bore, and a housing lateral passage extending from the bore through the sidewall. A blocking sleeve fits around the housing to block the housing lateral passage while drilling through the housing. A tubing hanger is secured to a string of tubing and landed in the housing. The tubing hanger has a vertical passage which communicates with the tubing and a tubing lateral passage which extends from the vertical passage and registers with the housing lateral passage. A lower annulus port is in the sidewall of the housing below the lower seal and leads to a tubing annulus. An upper annulus port is in the sidewall of the housing above the upper seal and leads to the bore of the housing. A tree block having a central opening for receiving the housing is lowered over the housing after removal of the blocking sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Robert O. Lilley, Stephen P. Fenton, David S. Christie, Peter A. Scott, Walter J. Lacey
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Patent number: 6065542Abstract: An adjustable tubular hanger for suspending a tubular string from a wellhead component is provided which includes an elongated body having a lower end adapted to be connected to the tubular string and an upper end portion including a plurality of axial annular grooves formed in the outer diameter surface thereof, each groove defining a downwardly facing support surface, and a support ring adapted to be positioned around the body in one of the grooves, the support ring having an upwardly facing load shoulder for engaging the support surface and a downwardly facing load surface for engaging a support shoulder formed in the wellhead component, whereby the elevation of the tubular hanger within the wellhead component can be adjusted depending on in which groove the support ring is positioned.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: FMC CorporationInventors: Richard C. Lalor, Russell E. McBeth, Amrik S. Nijjar, Kenneth G. Rountree