Abstract: A subsea petroleum production system for artificial lift, including a pumping module coupled to a flow base, the system being installed downstream of a Wet Christmas Tree (WCT) on the seabed. The pumping module includes at least one submersible centrifugal pump (SCP) inclined with respect to the vertical direction at an inclination of up to 85 degrees from the vertical direction, wherein a flow in said at least one pump is ascending.

Abstract: An assembly for the completion of a subsea horizontal tree that includes a tubing hanger, an internal tree cap, and a running tool.

Abstract: The present invention regards a device designed for injection of fluids in a well bore, typically an offshore well bore for petroleum production and gas injection/gas lift system for fluid injection. The device comprises a outer hollow housing (1) with an internal body (2) moveable within the outer housing (1) with an internal bore (3) which in a first closed position is closed with a metal to metal seal system between the outer housing (1) and the internal body (2), which internal body (2) is operated by pressure differential across the internal body (2), where the internal body (2) is designed with slots (4) forming outlets of the internal bore (3) which in an open position of the device is positioned outside of the outer housing (1).

Abstract: A subsea completion system includes a first component which comprises a first connection interface, a second component which comprises a second connection interface, and a third component which comprises a third connection interface that is complimentary to both the first and second connection interfaces. Consequently, the third component is operatively engageable with either of the first and second components.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes a tree cap having a production mandrel extending down into a production passage of a Christmas tree to form a seal. The tree has an annulus bore and an annular cavity at the upper end of the tree surrounding the upper ends of the production and annulus bore. A communication gallery leads between the annulus bore and the cavity. The tree cap also includes an annular sealing member that enters the cavity for sealing a communication gallery.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea manifold is disclosed. The connection system relates particularly to a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit means on a subsea manifold in a first stage of the connection and to connect a conduit means of the connection apparatus to a choke body of the manifold in a second stage of the connection.

Abstract: A system for monitoring strain in a wellbore casing includes one or more gages that are affixed to an outer surface of the wellbore casing. Each gage includes one or more apertures. During operation, variations in the shape and spacing of the apertures are monitored and used to determine a level of strain in the wellbore casing.

Abstract: A system inserted between the base of a riser (5) and a production well flowline for collecting an effluent consisting of at least a gas phase and a liquid phase, includes a capacity (1) including an inlet port for the effluent and two outlet ports, one in the upper part of said capacity for the gas phase, the other in the lower part for the liquid phase communicating with the base of the riser, a gas supply line (2) connecting the gas outlet port to the riser at a predetermined height H, including a flow control valve (3), and an instrumentation set for locating the level of the liquid/gas interface in the capacity, a computer receiving the instrumentation data for determining the instructions for controlling said flow control valve so as to adjust the volume of gas fed at height H into the riser.

Abstract: An outer tubing hanger is secured to an outer string of tubing and landed in a wellhead housing. A Christmas tree is connected to the wellhead housing. While in a first mode, an isolation tube extends between the tree and the outer tubing hanger for conveying well fluid flowing up the outer string of tubing. The isolation tube is removed while in a second mode, and an inner tubing hanger secured to an inner string of tubing lands in the outer tubing hanger production passage. An upper portion of the inner tubing hanger extends into sealing engagement with the tree production passage for flowing well fluid up the inner string of tubing while in the second mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular actuator for subsea valves and equipment, and various methods of using same. In one illustrative embodiment, the actuator includes a hydraulic actuator, at least one housing and a self-contained hydraulic supply system positioned within the at least one housing.

Abstract: A full bore support system for a hanger or other equipment in a wellhead features a support groove in the wellhead that can be integrally made or on an insert. A support ring can have a variety of configuration and features an energizing surface and a limit surface that ultimately share the load. The receiving groove is configured to guide the support ring as it expands to minimize bending and distortion. The support ring is recessed and protected until it is actuated outwardly into a supporting position. A high strength low modulus material is preferred to withstand the radial expansion and the applied loads and environmental conditions. Various shapes for the ring are contemplated including a C-ring and a ring made from segments movable with respect to each other.

Abstract: This invention provides a production riser system that enables fluid communication in a deepwater drilling environment through the use of a variable buoyancy device supporting both a hybrid riser tower and an steel catenary riser (SCR) system. Fluid communication is enabled between a surface production facility or unloading buoy and local and remote subsea (or remote non-subsea) production and export systems.

Abstract: A subsea well assembly has a tubing hanger that lands and seals in a wellhead housing. A tree block is lowered through the drilling riser into engagement with the tubing hanger. The tree block has a lower portion that inserts and latches into the bore of the wellhead housing. The drilling riser is disconnected, and a module is lowered onto the tree block, the module having a choke and controls for controlling the well. The master valve for production is the downhole safety valve in the tubing. The wing production valve is a ball valve located in the flow passage of the tree block.

Abstract: During the completion of a subsea horizontal tree, a tubing hanger and internal tree cap are run together with the same running tool and running string. The running tool has a linking assembly that connects the tree cap to the tubing hanger during running, retrieval, or workover, so that the tree cap supports the weight of the tubing hanger and string of tubing. The linking assembly can be retrieved with the running tool or retrieved on wireline through the running string.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flowline-riser production system for the recovery of hydrocarbons from offshore wells, and a method for pigging the interior surfaces of the riser and flowlines. More particularly, this invention is a piggable flowline-riser system in which a pig is launched from or near a host production facility, down a riser into a looped flowline and returned up through the same riser. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a piggable flowline-riser system for producing hydrocarbons comprising a riser, a “Y” joint and a looped flowline, wherein the looped flowline is in fluid communication with at least one subsea well.

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 cap for a subsea tree having a re-entry hub (1) and for use with a tubing hanger (25) deployed within the tree comprises an outer sleeve (3) for fitment over the hub and an inner sleeve (19) adapted to extend within the hub. The sleeve has communication couplers (27, 37) for cooperation with the tubing hanger. Preferably the communication couplers are located at the extremity of the inner sleeve. The couplers can accommodate dummy plugs or live couplers to suit the mode of application. The inner sleeve (19) supports at least one annular seal (21, 22) which provides a barrier between the inner sleeve and the inner periphery of the hub. The outer sleeve (19) includes releasable engagement fittings (16) for securing the outer sleeve to the hub. The cap is adapted for use as a running tool.

Abstract: A tubing hanger lands in a tubular outer wellhead member and supports a string of production tubing. The tubing hanger has a production passage for communicating with the interior of the production tubing and an annulus passage for communicating with a tubing annulus on the exterior of the production tubing. An access port leads from the annulus passage to an exterior portion of the body for communicating the tubing annulus with the annulus passage. A valve stem is movable along an axis of the annulus passage between a closed position, blocking the access port, and an open position, exposing the annulus port. A pressure equalizing passage extends from the annulus passage above the valve stem to the annulus passage below the valve stem.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for controlling the formation of liquid or gas slugs along a pipeline. In embodiments, an injection unit injects a liquid surface tension reducing agent, such as a foamant, into the pipeline upstream of the high point. A control unit can be used to control the injection unit. In certain arrangements, the control unit adjusts the injection of the agent based on measured parameters of interest. In embodiments where the control unit utilizes temperature measurements, one or more temperature sensors are positioned along the pipeline. The control unit utilizes the temperature measurements to determine whether a predetermined condition exists or a liquid or gas slug is present.

Abstract: A utility skid tree system for subsea wellheads enables a tree to be mounted by and interface with utility skids. Production bore access is provided through an extended production wing block. The system reacts and transfers installation loads and potential snag loads to the conductor. The tree accepts skids for flow boosting, metering, water-oil separation, etc. A conventional choke may be fitted outboard of the utility insert profile.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a housing with a bore containing at least one conical generally upward facing load shoulder that inclines relative to an axis of the bore. A hanger is lowered into the housing, the hanger having at least one conical downward facing load shoulder that inclines at a lesser inclination relative to an axis of the bore than the upward facing load shoulder. A split load ring has an inner profile that slidingly engages the downward facing load shoulder and an outer profile that slidingly engages the upward facing load shoulder. The load ring is carried by the hanger for movement between a retracted position, wherein the outer profile is spaced radially inward from the upward facing load shoulder, and an expanded position wherein the outer profile is in engagement with the upward facing load shoulder.

Abstract: A subsea drilling system comprises a pressurized drilling capsule that is sealed against the subsea environment and houses equipment for manipulating a drillstring that extends through an opening in the drilling capsule to the exterior of the capsule. A drilling fluid handling assembly is contained within the drilling capsule that communicates drilling fluid through the drillstring and returns the drilling fluid to the water's surface via a drilling fluid conduit. A seafloor unit engages the seafloor and the drilling capsule to position the drilling capsule relative to the seafloor, and includes an opening for passing the drillstring into the seafloor. A pressurized transport unit is movable between the drilling capsule and a support vessel at or near the water's surface for delivering personnel and supplies to the drilling capsule.

Abstract: A method of installing an electrical pump assembly in a subsea wellhead member avoids having to run the pump assembly through the wellhead member after removing the wear bushing. The operator first lowers the pump assembly on a string of tubing at least through the wear bushing while deploying the power cable alongside the tubing. He then connects a retrieval tool to the tubing, inserts the power cable into a slot in a side wall of the retrieval tool, and lowers the retrieval tool. After engaging the wear bushing, the operator retrieves the wear bushing while taking up the power cable. The operator connects a tubing hanger to the tubing, and lowers the pump assembly again until the tubing hanger lands in the wellhead member.

Abstract: A horizontal tree has a lateral passage extending from its bore. A tubing hanger having a lateral passage lands in the bore of the tree. The tubing hanger has an orientation guide mounted to it. A retractable pin is mounted in the sidewall of the tree. The orientation guide on the tubing hanger engages the pin to rotate the tubing hanger as it is being landed.

Abstract: A subsea production system is disclosed. The subsea production system may comprise a well head, a tubing spool, a tubing hanger, an annulus, a production tree, and a bypass flow path.

Abstract: A Christmas tree is used between production tubing elevation and flow line elevation. The tree has a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the production tubing elevation and the flow line elevation and has an axial dimension configured to substantially maintain the axial dimension between the elevations. The intermediate portion has first and second shut-off valves for closing fluid communication of the axial bore. A hanger is positioned in the axial bore of the intermediate portion between the first and second shut-off valves. The hanger defines a bore and a port. The port communicates a side of the hanger with the lower end of the hanger. The coil tubing attaches to the port at the lower end of the hanger, and the port at the side of the hanger communicates with the feed line of the intermediate portion.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has separable tree modules that interconnect together. The lower tree module has a lower tree member having a bore with a valve for controlling production fluid flow. The upper tree module has an upper tree member with a bore and interface devices for monitoring the fluid flow as well as controlling the flow. A production line sub is carried alongside the upper tree member. The sub has a stab interface that stabs sealingly into a stab interface mounted alongside the lower tree member.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly for a subsea well including a low pressure wellhead housing having a string of conductor piping extending therefrom. A high pressure wellhead housing, having a string of outer casing suspended therefrom, lands within the low pressure wellhead housing. The high pressure wellhead housing has a housing bore. An adapter is positioned within the housing bore. The adapter has an external load shoulder that lands on a housing load shoulder of the high pressure wellhead housing. The adapter also has an adapter bore with an inner adapter load shoulder formed thereon. A casing hanger is carried in the adapter bore, and has a string of inner casing suspended therefrom and is cemented in the well. The casing hanger lands on the inner adapter load shoulder.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for retrieving a tubular element extending into a subsea well provided with a wellhead, the tubular element being provided with a hanger suspending the tubular element at the wellhead, the hanger having a larger outer diameter than the tubular element. The system comprises a conduit assembly having a passage providing fluid communication between the wellhead and an offshore platform located above the well, the conduit assembly having at least an upper part of internal diameter allowing the tubular element to pass therethrough. The system further includes disconnection means for disconnecting the hanger from the tubular element, and retrieval means for retrieving the tubular element through the conduit assembly to the offshore platform.

Abstract: A wellhead has, instead of a conventional Christmas tree, a spool tree in which a tubing hanger is landed at a predetermined angular orientation. As the tubing string can be pulled without disturbing the tree, many advantages follow, including access to the production casing hanger for monitoring production casing annulus pressure, and the introduction of larger tools into the well hole without breaching the integrity of the well.

Abstract: A wellhead has, instead of a conventional Christmas tree, a spool tree (34) in which a tubing hanger (54) is landed at a predetermined angular orientation. As the tubing string can be pulled without disturbing the tree, many advantages follow, including access to the production casing hanger (21) for monitoring production casing annulus pressure, and the introduction of larger tools into the well hole without breaching the integrity of the well.

Abstract: A subsea well production system has a natural drive mode and a lift-assist mode using a submersible pump. The submersible pump can be installed while the well is live. The well system has a downhole safety valve in the production tubing. The operator closes the downhole safety valve and lowers an electrical submersible pump assembly into the production tubing. Once landed, the valve is opened and the pump assembly placed in operation.

Abstract: A wellhead has, instead of a conventional Christmas tree, a spool tree in which a tubing hanger is landed at a predetermined angular orientation. As the tubing string can be pulled without disturbing the tree, many advantages follow, including access to the production casing hanger for monitoring production casing annulus pressure, and the introduction of larger tools into the well hole without breaching the integrity of the well.

Abstract: A pipeline installation and maintenance method and system is disclosed in which a number of interconnectible platform modules are assembled into drilling platforms from which a segmented pipeline route is flexibly installed. Using modified push/pull rigs to carry out a transverse drilling process established between platforms, successive portions of the pipeline are installed such that equipment used to create completed segments is moved down line and re-used in subsequent drilling and installation stages. Further segments of the line are similarly constructed, using one or more of the modified directional drilling techniques and transverse reaming processes disclosed herein. Ultimately, a long series of adjacent pipeline segments are installed along a desired pipeline route, while only minimal and temporary disturbance is caused to associated ground surfaces during installation and maintenance operations.

Abstract: The invention provides a wellhead assembly including a wellhead housing supporting a tubing hanger within its central bore and forming a housing stem port through its outer wall to the central bore. The tubing hanger has a side stem port formed through its body intermediate its upper and lower ends providing access to the central bore of the hanger and being aligned with the housing stem port. The tubing hanger includes a ball valve member having a spherical exterior surface sealed and seated from above and below within the central bore of the hanger. The ball valve member forms a through port extending therethrough aligned with the production bore, and is rotatable in its seated position between open and closed positions with the through port being aligned with the production bore when in the open position. A slot in the exterior surface of the ball valve member if formed proximate the stem port.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has a tubing annulus path that extends partly through the tubing hanger and partly through the wellhead housing. A tubing hanger tubing annulus passage extends through part of the tubing hanger from a lower port on the lower end of the tubing hanger to an upper port on the exterior surface of the tubing hanger below the tubing hanger seal. A wellhead housing tubing annulus passage within the sidewall of the wellhead housing has a lower end at the bore below the tubing hanger seal and an upper end at the bore above the tubing hanger seal. A valve is mounted to the wellhead housing and accessible by an ROV from the exterior for opening and closing the inner wellhead housing tubing annulus passage.

Abstract: A system monitors and controls the injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through a subsea well. The system includes a chemical injection unit and a controller positioned at a remote subsea location. The injection unit uses a pump to supply one or more selected additives from a subsea and/or remote supply unit. The controller operates the pump to control the additive flow rate based on signals provided by sensors measuring a parameter of interest. A one mode system includes a surface facility for supporting the subsea chemical injection and monitoring activities. In one embodiment, the surface facility is an offshore rig that provides power and has a chemical supply that provides additives to one or more injection units. In another embodiment, the surface facility includes a relatively stationary buoy and a mobile service vessel. When needed, the service vessel transfers additives to the chemical injection units via the buoy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a split locking ring for wellhead components. In one illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a first internally threaded wellhead component, a second wellhead component, at least a portion of which is positioned within an opening in the first wellhead component, and a rotatable split lock ring comprised of at least two externally threaded sections, wherein at least a portion of the sections of the split lock ring are positioned between the first and second wellhead components and rotated to threadingly couple the sections of the split lock ring to the first wellhead component and thereby secure the second wellhead component to the first wellhead component.

Abstract: A cutting module to sever a tubing in a well includes a piston and shear blade. The piston includes at least two moveable telescoping elements, which are adapted to expand the first piston from a retracted length to an expanded length. The shear blade is connected to the piston to sever the tubing in response to the piston expanding from the retracted length to the expanded length. The cutting module may be located below a safety valve in the well.

Abstract: A reciprocable connector assembly for coupling a service line through a path in a wellhead and hangar wall, the assembly comprising: connector for coupling with a corresponding connector disposed in the hangar wall; a shuttle carrying said connector between a first position in which the connector is not coupled to the corresponding connector and a second position in which it is coupled, at least one service line connected at one end to the connector and wound in a plurality of turns to extend or retract with respect to one another as the shuttle moves between the first and second positions and a support for constraining movement of the turns.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has a tubing hanger with a tubing annulus passage and a production passage. A metal-sealing shuttle valve is mounted in the tubing hanger for blocking upward flow through the tubing annulus passage. The shuttle valve has a retention mechanism that prevents the shuttle from moving to the open position when fluid pressure is applied from above. The running tool releases the retention mechanism after testing has been completed, causing the shuttle to close. The tree has an engaging member that can be stroked downward into the tubing hanger annulus passage to move the shuttle valve to the open position for communicating with the annulus.

Abstract: A distributed function control module adapted for use in a modular blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use subsea comprises a housing, adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a stab portion adapted to be received into a BOP stack control module receiver. Control electronics, adapted to control a predetermined function with respect to the BOP stack, are disposed within the housing and connected to one or more controllable devices by a wet mateable connector interface. 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.

Abstract: An inner tubular member of a subsea wellhead assembly carries a locking member that moves between a locked and unlocked positions lands within an outer tubular member having a grooved profile in its bore. The inner tubular member joins to a portion of the conductor casing extending from a low pressure wellhead housing above the mudline of the seafloor. In the locked position, the locking member engages the grooved profile on the outer tubular member to connect the outer tubular member and inner tubular member. The inner tubular member also carries a hydraulically actuated, axially moveable locking sleeve that slidingly engages the locking member to move the locking member between the locked and unlocked positions. An ROV supplies hydraulic fluid through an ROV port to actuate the locking sleeve.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A motion compensator is used on a floating vessel servicing a subsea well. The motion compensator includes a first frame assembly adapted to be connected to a cable extending from a lifting structure. When connected to the cable, the first frame assembly extends longitudinally along an axis substantially parallel with that of the cable. The motion compensator also includes a second frame assembly connected to the first frame assembly. The second frame assembly overlaps a longitudinal portion of the first frame assembly. The first and second frame assemblies are moveable relative to each other and define an expanded position and a contracted position. The motion compensator further includes a piston assembly positioned between the first and second frame assemblies. The piston assembly has a piston chamber and a piston that slidingly engages the piston chamber when the first and second rod assemblies move relative to each other.

Abstract: A well completion system includes a completion device defining a bore therein attached to a wellhead and a tool, disposed within the bore, comprising an operational element and a control receptacle in communication with the operational element. The system further includes a horizontal penetrator assembly disposed external to the completion device and comprising at least one horizontal penetrator capable of being extended into and retracted from the bore to engage the control receptacle such that the horizontal penetrator is in communication with the operational element of the tool. A method includes inserting a tool into a bore of a completion device, engaging a horizontal penetrator with a control receptacle of the tool, and operating an element of the tool via the horizontal penetrator.

Abstract: A hybrid wellhead system is assembled using a plurality of threaded unions, such as spanner nuts or hammer unions, for securing respective tubular heads and a flanged connection for securing a flow control stack to a top of a tubing head spool. The tubing head spool is secured by a threaded union to an intermediate head spool. The intermediate head spool is secured by another threaded union to a wellhead. Each tubular head secures and suspends a tubular string in the well bore. The hybrid wellhead system is capable of withstanding higher fluid pressures than a conventional independent screwed wellhead, while providing a more economical alternative to a flanged, or ranged, wellhead system because it is less expensive to construct and faster to assemble.

Abstract: A method utilizes the energy of water that flows out from a high-pressure reservoir. Water and hydrocarbons are separated in a down-hole separator and are brought separately to the seabed. In a first aspect the energy of the water is utilized to inject the water into an underground formation with a lower pressure. In a second aspect the energy is utilized to drive a turbine which in turn is driving a pump for pressurizing hydrocarbons. The invention utilizes a method and an arrangement to control the separator by control valves on the well head for each phase.

Abstract: An offshore riserless drilling system drills a subsea borehole from a platform and through a cased borehole. The system comprises a lightweight drill string suspending a bottomhole assembly and extending from the platform downwardly through a depth of water into the cased borehole; a first limiter limiting the range of motion of the drill string adjacent the platform; and a second limiter limiting the range of motion of the drill string adjacent the cased borehole. The preferred methods include lowering a bottomhole assembly suspended on a lightweight drill string from a platform through a depth of water; limiting the bend radius of the drill string adjacent the platform; guiding the bottomhole assembly into a cased borehole; limiting the bend radius of the drill string adjacent the cased borehole; maintaining the bottomhole assembly in the cased borehole, and drilling the subsea borehole.