Abstract: An improved subsea manifold system that is capable of being used in an early production system for producing hydrocarbons from a plurality of wells from a common riser system. The subsea manifold is able to control the fluid from a multiple of subsea wet-tree wells while at the same time giving the operator the option to isolate production from a single subsea well for production evaluation. The subsea manifold also includes a pigging loop which enables efficient pigging of the flowline(s) of the early production system.

Abstract: A method for managing hydrates in a subsea production system is provided. The system has at least one producing subsea well, a jumper for delivering produced fluids from the subsea well to a manifold, a production line for delivering produced fluids to a production gathering facility, and an umbilical for delivering chemicals to the manifold. The subsea well has been shut in, leaving produced fluids in a substantially uninhibited state. The method generally comprises the steps of pumping a displacement fluid into the chemical injection tubing, pumping the displacement fluid through a chemical injection tubing provided in the umbilical, further pumping the displacement fluid through the manifold and into the production line, and pumping the displacement fluid through the production line so as to displace the produced fluids before hydrate formation may begin. Preferably, a chemical inhibitor is placed in the chemical injection tubing before the displacement fluid is pumped into the chemical injection tubing.

Abstract: Sub-sea processing system for the production of oil and/or gas from one or more production wells (1), especially wells producing heavy oil on deep water and with high viscosity. The system includes, beyond the production well/s (1), one or more injection wells (2) for the injection of produced water, a separator (3), a production pump (4), a water injection and circulation pump (5) and a heating arrangement (6). A water circulation and injection pipe loop (7) is provided to interconnect the separator (3), the injection and circulation pump (5), the heating arrangement (6), the flow control device (11) and the wells (1, 2) enabling circulation of heated water to the wells (1,2) via the separator (3) and heating arrangement (6).

Abstract: A system comprising a mobile offshore drilling unit, a first group of wells drilled by the mobile offshore drilling unit, a second group of wells drilled by the mobile offshore drilling unit comprises processing equipment adapted to process production from the first group of wells and the second group

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting simultaneous drilling and production are provided. The apparatus can include a ship shape floating vessel, wherein the ship shape floating vessel includes at least two drilling derricks, at least two drilling modules, and at least one production module, all situated on the upper surface of the ship shape floating vessel. The drilling modules are adapted for conducting drilling operations; the production module is adapted for conducting production operations. The apparatus can include at least two marine risers, wherein each marine riser depends from a drilling or production module toward a hydrocarbon bearing zone or sea floor and is adapted for conducting drilling and/or production operations; at least one production turret located on the lower surface of the ship shape floating vessel; and at least one production riser, wherein the production riser depends from the production turret, extends toward the sea floor, and is adapted for conducting production operations.

Abstract: A system for assuring subsea hydrocarbon production flow in pipelines by chilling the hydrocarbon production flow in a heat exchanger and causing solids to form, periodically removing deposits and placing them in a slurry utilizing a closed loop pig launching and receiving systems.

Abstract: A subsea communication system includes addressable nodes in a wellbore and addressable nodes on a floor, where the nodes in the wellbore and on the floor are able to communicate wirelessly with each other, such as through a formation.

Abstract: A system for the direct vertical connection between contiguous sub sea equipment is described, having one or more hydrocarbon flow and/or control interconnection between same, so as to dispense with the use of connecting jumpers. One mode of said system comprises a PuAB 221 vertically and directly connected to a PrAB 104. Equipment is directly fixed through the PuAB connector 251 with a PrAB 104-production mandrel 107, said mandrel being fitted with a funnel guide 112. PuAB 221 is fitted with a funnel 224 so as to guide the drilling of a cased borehole 220 in the marine soil 101, close to well 111. Once the cased borehole 220 is ready, PuAB 221 will be locked to the casing of said borehole 220 by means of a locking system, so as to complete the mechanical and hydraulic connection between the two devices, PuAB and PrAB or HWCT. Two modes of the method for installation of said system are also described.

Abstract: A subsea communication system includes devices in a wellbore and devices on a floor, where the devices in the wellbore and on the floor are able to communicate wirelessly with each other, such as through a formation.

Abstract: Subsea wells are drilled and completed with an offshore floating platform in a manner that allows simultaneous work on more than one well. A first well is drilled and casing. Then a tubing hanger is run through a drilling riser and landed in the wellhead housing. Then, with the same floating platform, the drilling riser is disconnected and moved to a second well. While performing operations on the second well, the operator lowers a production tree from the floating platform on a lift line, and connects it to the first wellhead housing. An ROV assisted subsea plug removal tool is used for plug removal and setting operations required through the production tree.

Abstract: A well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub for flowing fluids from multiple wells to a host facility through a flowline. The hub comprises a production header module and a flowline header module configured for fluid communication with the flowline. The production header module and the flowline header module connect to form a hub bore that is in fluid communication with the flowline and extends through the utility interface. A utility module may connect with the hub for fluid communication and mechanical tool intervention access with the hub bore. The hub comprises valves for isolating the fluid communication between a well the hub bore from the fluid communication between another well and the hub bore. The valves also allow fluid communication between an isolated well and the utility module upon connection of the utility module to the hub.

Abstract: A subsea pumping assembly locates on a seafloor for pumping well fluid from subsea wells to the level. The pumping assembly has a tubular outer housing that is at least partially embedded in the seafloor. A tubular primary housing locates in the outer housing and has a lower end with a receptacle. An annular space surrounds the primary housing within the outer housing for delivering fluid to a receptacle at the lower end of the primary housing. A capsule is lowered in and retrieved from the primary housing. The capsule sealingly engages the receptacle for receiving well fluid from the annular space. A submersible pump is located inside the capsule. The pump has an intake that receives well fluid and a discharge that discharges the well fluid exterior of this capsule. The capsule has a valve in its inlet that when closed prevents leakage of well fluid from the capsule. The capsule may be retrieved through open sea without a riser.

Abstract: A system for use in controlling and/or testing an underwater hydrocarbon production system, has a number of control modules for controlling well trees. The control modules are provided, not at the trees, but at a control center for location underwater. The trees are in communication with associated ones of the control modules.

Abstract: A system, method, and software for optimizing the commingling of well fluids from a plurality of producing subsea wells. The mixing temperature and water content in each header of a collection manifold are calculated for each subsea well and header combinations, responsive to data from sensors at the collection manifold. Combinations with conditions outside operational limits are then discarded. Remaining combinations are ranked based on predetermined optimization criteria. The ranked combinations are provided for the operator for optimizing flow properties and well fluid production. The calculations can restart with new, real-time sensed values from the subsea collection manifold.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for accessing a plurality of subterranean zones from the surface. The method includes forming an entry well from the surface. Two or more exterior drainage wells from the entry well through the plurality of subterranean zones are formed. At least one exterior drainage well is operable to drain fluid from the plurality of subterranean zones.

Abstract: A drilling rig having a deck capable of being used offshore and a method for commissioning a well using the drilling rig and a method for decommissioning a well using the drilling rig, wherein the drilling rig comprises: a cantilever which is mounted so as to be moveable in a first direction and a second direction; a Multi Purpose Tower mounted on the cantilever; a supporting cart disposed between the cantilever and the deck which in turn is movably fixed on the deck of the drilling rig; at least two friction reducing devices attached to the supporting cart; and wherein the cantilever can slide relative to the drilling platform.

Abstract: A splitter assembly 10 is positioned downhole within a conductor 50 for separating two or more tubular strings placed within the conductor. A splitter housing may include a first bore 26 and a second bore 28 for separating a first well from a second well, and a plug 24 positioned in one of the bores including a top face 25 sloping downwardly toward the other bore. One or more guide plates 18 secured to the splitter housing and positioned above the plug guide a bit or other tool toward one of the first bore and the second bore. The splitter housing 10 may be positioned along the conductor 50 after the conductor is jetted in place. According to the method, the plug in one of the bores is retrieved after a casing is run in one well, so that the second bit and the second casing will pass through the bore which previously included the plug.

Abstract: A drainage system for accessing multiple subterranean zones from the surface includes an entry well extending from the surface. The system also includes two or more exterior drainage wells extending from the entry well through the subterranean zones. The exterior drainage wells each extend outwardly and downwardly from the entry well for a first selected distance and then extend downwardly in a substantially vertical orientation for a second selected distance.

Abstract: A vessel (1) comprises a rotatable turret (14) and a supporting structure (3) over or on the turret for supporting a swivel (5). The swivel comprising an inner and an outer ring (21, 21?; 22, 22?) which can rotate with respect to each other and which define at least one fluid distribution path from a geostationary fluid riser (19) connected to one ring (22, 22?) to a product outflow pipe (18) connected to the other ring (21, 21?). A rig (2) is mounted over the turret area above or below the swivel (5), and a substantially rigid pipe extends from the rig, through a moonpool of the turret towards the sea bed, the rigid pipe being in line with the swivel.

Abstract: Subsea wells are drilled and completed with an offshore floating platform in a manner that allows simultaneous work on more than one well. A first well is drilled and cased. Then a tubing hanger is run through a drilling riser and landed in the wellhead housing. Then, with the same floating platform, the drilling riser is disconnected and moved to a second well. While performing operations on the second well, the operator lowers a production tree from the floating platform on a lift line, and connects it to the first wellhead housing. An ROV assisted subsea plug removal tool is used for plug removal and setting operations. Seabed separation is configured upstream of a production choke valve.

Abstract: A method for accessing a plurality of subterranean zones from the surface includes forming an entry well from the surface and forming two or more exterior drainage wells from the entry well through the subterranean zones. The exterior drainage wells each extend outwardly and downwardly from the entry well for a first distance and then extend downwardly for a second distance. Each exterior drainage well passes through a plurality of the subterranean zones and is operable to drain fluid from the plurality of the subterranean zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsea system for the production of hydrocarbon reserves. More specifically, the present invention relates to a control wellhead bouy that is used in deepwater operations for offshore hydrocarbon production. In a preferred embodiment, a bouy for supporting equipment for use in a remote offshore well or pipeline includes a hull having a diameter:height ratio of at least 3:1, a mooring system for maintaining the hull in a desired location, and an umbilical providing fluid communication between the hull and the well or pipeline.

Abstract: A flow assurance system includes an inner pipe disposed within an outer pipe to assure flow through the outer pipe. During installation and relative axial movement with the outer pipe, the inner pipe is nearly neutrally buoyant or fully neutrally buoyant in the fluids of the outer pipe and may extend partially or completely through the outer pipe. The inner pipe may be anchored at one end within the outer pipe. The inner pipe is preferably composite coiled tubing that is installed using a propulsion system. The system may allow fluids to flow through the inner pipe and commingle with the fluids in the outer pipe or may flow fluids through the inner pipe to the exterior of the outer pipe. Hot fluids may pass through the inner pipe to maintain the temperature of the fluids flowing through the outer pipe and chemicals may flow through the inner pipe to condition the fluids in the outer pipe. Tools may be attached to the end of the inner pipe for conducting flow assurance operations within the outer pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assisting the flow of production fluid from a hydrocarbon well to a remote location in conditions in which gelling or solidification is a problem. The method involves adding dilution fluid (60) such as water, to production fluid from a wellhead (4) in a first sub-system (8) close to the wellhead (4), conveying the mixture to a second sub-system (14) where the dilution fluid (60) is separated from the mixture in a separator chamber (38) as a consequence of their different specific gravities, recirculating the separated dilution fluid back to the first sub-system (8) and adding it to further production fluid from the wellhead (4). The requirements for pipeline heating, chemical injection and conveying large volumes of dilution fluid to a host facility can be avoided by the invention.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon extraction system (1) comprises a host facility (2), a wellhead tree (3) and a retrievable electrical power connection/control module (4). The module has a load (12) and is connected to the host facility and the tree via first and second wet mateable connectors (6, 8) respectively. The module also has qwitchgears (14, 15) controlled by the load for isolating the load from the host facility or the tree. The host facility is arranged to provide power to the module, and to the tree via the module when the switchgears (14, 15) are closed, and the load (12) of the module is arranged to control the via one (15) of the closed switchgears.

Abstract: A method of controlling flows from plural hydrocarbon extraction wellhead trees (50, 52, 54, 56) in an extraction system including plural wellhead trees (50) connected by a pipeline network (60, 62, 88, 104) to a host facility (64) via a manifold system (130, 132) situated remotely from the host facility (64). Each wellhead tree (50) has a production outlet connected by a production conduit (88) to the manifold system (130, 132) and a test flow outlet (76) connected by a test conduit (104) to the manifold system (130, 132). Wellhead tree outlet valves are operable to divert the flow from one wellhead tree only to the manifold system (130, 132) from where it is routed via a test pipeline (62) to testing equipment at the host facility. Alternatively, one or more modules (132) of the manifold system (130, 132) may be replaced by one or more different modules each containing a multi-phase flow meter so that testing can take place at the manifold system.

Abstract: A subsea production system and method includes a wellhead field having multiple wellheads and utilizes a stackable guide funnel system for sequential tying back of those wellheads. A storage frame retains several guide funnels that are nestably stacked one upon the other. The frame is made up of a plurality of guide members that are secured to the exposed tubular conductor of a wellhead. A pair of annular rings surrounds portions of each of the guide members. A riser having a riser connector is lowered to the central location. The riser connector latches onto the uppermost guide funnel within the frame. The riser, together with the affixed funnel, is then lifted upwardly, removing the affixed funnel from the frame. The riser is then moved laterally through the sea until the funnel and riser are proximate a second wellhead within the wellhead field.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea well comprises an unmanned floating platform positioned over the well, the platform including equipment for inserting coiled tubing or wireline tools or the like into the well for servicing, controlling, or conducting other operations in or to the well, a vertical access riser connecting the platform to the well, a control umbilical connecting the platform to the well, a host facility adapted to receive the produced hydrocarbons, and a production pipeline connecting the well to the host facility, the production pipeline including at least one access port between the well and the host facility.

Abstract: A subsea well system has a flowline jumper that extends between components on the sea floor. The jumper has connectors on each end for connecting to the two components. At least a portion of the jumper is buoyant and sufficiently flexible to cause it to assume a vertical arcuate configuration when installed. One end of the jumper has a connector that has a mandrel that guides into a mating socket formed on the end of an arm. The arm is mounted to a ring that can be rotated to various orientations.

Abstract: A method is described for the construction of an arrangement of Extended Reach Wells (ERW) for the production, transport, and exploitation of mineral layers, in that an offshore reservoir of fluids is initially penetrated by an initial well, followed by penetration by a multilateral well, close to or connected at the end of the drilling section of the multilateral well to the end of the drilling section of the initial well. A well of long distance is therefore formed, connected hydraulically at one end of the initial well to the production unit. The resulting long-distance well allows for the drainage of the reservoir in deep and extremely deep water from a platform in shallower water.

Abstract: An underwater well system in which an initially vertical drilling riser conduit is fixed by a template at the seabed in a non-vertical orientation. Drilling is carried out through wellhead in the template which also includes a valve tree allowing the production fluid to be brought to the surface along a line separate from the drilling riser conduit. The template may be a junction template allowing several wells to be drilled from a single template, or allowing the template to be connected by one or more drilling conduits to further templates such that a wide area of the seabed can be covered for a single drilling riser conduit.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsea formation includes at least one producing well penetrating the formation for producing hydrocarbon fluids. At least one dummy well is hydraulically connected to the at least one producing well for routing the hydrocarbon fluids from the producing well to the dummy well. At least one pump is disposed in the at least one dummy well. The pump takes suction flow from the dummy well and boosts the flow energy of the discharge flow of hydrocarbon fluids.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsea formation comprises at least one producing well penetrating the formation for producing hydrocarbon fluids. At least one dummy well is hydraulically connected to the at least one producing well for routing the hydrocarbon fluids from the producing well to the dummy well. At least one pump is disposed in the at least one dummy well. The pump takes suction flow from the dummy well and boosts the flow energy of the discharge flow of hydrocarbon fluids.

Abstract: A retrievable fluid separation module (2) for a seabed processing system to which flow lines are connected includes one portion (60) of a multi-ported valve isolation connector (5) and a separator chamber (6) for separating a plurality of fluids from a received fluid mixture. The separator chamber has an inlet flow line (12) for the received fluid mixture and an outlet flow line (15, 16) for each separated fluid. The flow lines are connected to the one portion of the connector (5) which selectively isolates the module from or connects it to the flow lines by means of a second complementary portion (61) of the multi-ported valve isolation connector with which the first portion is adapted to engage. There may be a modulating valve (25) in at least one outlet flow line (16) for controlling flow therethrough and a control actuator (63) for controlling the or each modulating valve.

Abstract: The subsea intervention system (SIM) includes a BOP module 10 and CT module 20. A tool positioning system 76 is used for positioning a selected subsea tool 22 stored within a rack 18 with a tool axis in line with the BOP axis, while a marinized coiled string injector 80 is moved by positioning system 81 to an inactive position. Power to the subsea electric motors 162 is supplied by an electrical line umbilical extending from the surface for powering the pumps 164, with the hydraulic system controlled by power control unit 198. The injector 80 preferably includes a pressure compensator roller bearing 220 and a pressure compensated drive system case 254.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has a tree that connects internally to the bore of wellhead housing. The tree has a lower end that has a lock member that is moved radially outward into engagement with a profile in the bore of the wellhead housing. The tree is a monobore, having a production passage but no tubing annulus passage extending through it. The tubing hanger has a tubing annulus passage and a production passage. A valve is mounted in the tubing hanger for controlling flow through the tubing annulus passage.

Abstract: Modern subsea wells utilise an electrohydraulic control system which switches hydraulic power to various control components in dependence on received control signals. The mounting and interconnection of the control components tends to be complicated. The invention provides a manifold comprising a first manifold body 6 having a number of openings and flow passageways therethrough. The manifold body is selectively configurable by selecting predetermined openings in order to achieve a desired configuration of flow passageways between control devices 1, 2, 13, 4. The manifold simplifies the interconnection of the hydraulic components and provides greater flexibility in the location of the components. The manifold body also provides a platform for mounting the control devices.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea well comprises an unmanned floating platform positioned over the well, the platform including equipment for inserting coiled tubing or wireline tools or the like into the well for servicing, controlling, or conducting other operations in or to the well, a vertical access riser connecting the platform to the well, a control umbilical connecting the platform to the well, a host facility adapted to receive the produced hydrocarbons, and aproduction pipeline connecting the well to the host facility, the production pipeline including at least one access port between the well and the host facility.

Abstract: An underwater well system in which an initially vertical drilling riser conduit (5A) is fixed by a template (7,13,15) at the seabed (6) in a non-vertical orientation. Drilling is carried out through wellhead (30) in the template which also includes a valve tree (28) allowing the production fluid to be brought to the surface along a line separate from the drilling riser conduit. The template may be a junction template allowing several wells to be drilled from a single template, or allowing the template to be connected by one or more drilling conduits (12,14) to further templates such that a wide area of the seabed can be covered for a single drilling riser conduit.

Abstract: A system for handling liquified natural gas (LNG) wherein (a) the LNG is delivered into a subterranean formation such that the LNG absorbs heat energy from the subterranean formation and is thereby converted to a gas product and (b) the gas is then produced from the subterranean formation. The subterranean formation is preferably a depleted offshore gas formation having an offshore production platform which is modified to receive LNG from marine transport vessels which are unloaded at an offshore receiving station.

Abstract: A redundant membrane separation system and method for separating hydrocarbons and contaminants. The redundant membrane separation system includes a system and method wherein the flow of the produced hydrocarbons and contaminants from a production string can be diverted to one of at least two tubes while the membrane separation system in another of the tubes is serviced.

Abstract: An underwater well system in which an initially vertical drilling riser conduit (5A) is fixed by a template at the seabed in a non-vertical orientation. Drilling is carried out through wellhead in the template which also includes a valve tree allowing the production fluid to be brought to the surface along a line separate from the drilling riser conduit. The template may be a junction template allowing several wells to be drilled from a single template, or allowing the template to be connected by one or more drilling conduits to further templates such that a wide area of the seabed can be covered for a single drilling riser conduit.

Abstract: A drilling and production template for sub-sea wells comprises a plurality of individual limbs (1-4) each with a central hub (10-14) at one end of an arm (11-41) and a drilling receptable (12-42) on the other end of the arm. The hubs are of different diameters such that they fit within each other in a telescopic manner. They have cut-out (27, 37, 47) accommodate the arms of the other limbs when installed. The template may be deployed onto a pre-installed foundation with the arms stacked vertically above the other, in such manner as to pass through the moonpool of a drilling vessel. The complete assemblies are installed on a mechanical running tool attached to a drilling string. After the template is disposed on the foundation, the drilling string is rotated, causing the running tool to rotate the limbs (1-4) so that the hubs telescope into each other, providing a splayed multi-well drilling and production template.

Abstract: A large bore Christmas tree includes a production outlet that is split into multiple separate outlets, each controlled by a separate, standard sized valve and valve actuator.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An offshore field management system which includes a composite riser, a floating buoy and a service vessel. The riser is extended from a subsea well head to the buoy. Conductors, preferably provided in the riser, are connected with a well telemetry system. The buoy has a floating or semi-submersible hull that includes a hatch covering a moonpool for receiving the riser. The buoy preferably includes satellite communication hardware and computer systems in communication with the well telemetry system via riser embedded conductors. The well environment can be remotely monitored using the buoy communication system. Servicing of the oilfield well is accomplished using the service vessel by docking the buoy in a bay formed in the service vessel. The service vessel is preferably a self-contained facility fitted with the equipment and materials necessary to carry out pre-determined well servicing operations.

Abstract: A flowline system is disclosed installed within a bottom founded offshore platform having a plurality of conductor guides which are vertically aligned within a wellbay interior and structurally connected to a jacket of the platform. A conductor is supported by the jacket in the wellbay at the conductor guides. A plurality of flowlines are each connected to a remote well and run, together, within the conductor which provides lateral support to the flowlines.

Abstract: A subsea production system is provided for producing a number of subsea wells which may be arranged in groups. Each of the groups of subsea wellheads is connected to deliver production flow to a subsea manifold and each subsea manifold is connected to deliver production flow to a production riser. A plurality of production risers each being connected to receive production flow from one of said subsea manifolds extend from the subsea manifolds for groups of wells. A deep draft floating spar is located generally above the subsea wellheads with mooring lines and has a production platform located above the sea surface and has buoyancy and ballast chambers to control floatation. The spar structure defines a riser bore receiving the production risers extending from the subsea wellheads to the production platform. The spar is also capable of being shifted laterally by its mooring lines for positioning above a selected well to thus permit well intervention activities as needed.

Abstract: The invention is a system used for production of petroleum effluents situated at great water depths. The system includes an intermediate floating station situated below the surface at a depth selected according to the pressure of the effluent at the outlet of wellheads situated on the station, production risers communicating with the well to be worked, an anchor including production risers, a pump situated on the floating station which transfers the effluent to a processing or destination site, a transfer which transfers the effluent between the floating station, the water bottom and a final platform or a processing plant, and an energy source providing necessary energy to the various equipments installed on the floating station.

Abstract: A technique is described for producing fluids from a series of wells. Production fluids from production wells are raised from the wells and deposited in a collection well. The production fluids may include both liquid and gas phase components. The collection well may serve to permit separation of the gas and liquid phase components under the forces of gravity. The fluids deposited in the collection well are separately displaced to a further collection and processing location. The head requirements for the pumping systems of the production wells is reduced by the need only to transmit the production fluids to the collection well. A pumping system in the collection well then produces some or all of the deposited fluids. Where the fluids include significant quantities of gas, the collection well pumping system may only produce the liquid-phase components, reducing the capacity requirements for the collection well pumping system.