Suspension Means Patents (Class 166/75.14)
  • Patent number: 7044216
    Abstract: An elevator for assembling a plurality of a large diameter pipe joints into a pipe string with a drilling rig is disclosed. The first one of a number of large diameter pipe joints is adapted to threadingly engage another large diameter pipe joint. The elevator is detachably securable to the upper end of the first joint, and is adapted to both lift and position the first joint while it is stabbed and tightened onto the string. The elevator is further adapted to co-operatively engage the rotary table of the drilling rig to rotatably tighten the second joint to the first joint as the second joint is added to the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Grant Prideco, L.P.
    Inventors: Gregory K. Otten, James Light, Chad Van Liere
  • Patent number: 7040412
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger system and related method connect a hanger to a wellhead, with a hanger supporting a tubular secured at its lower end in the well. The wellhead includes a housing 20 having a plurality of axially spaced support grooves 23, and a hanger 30 including a support ring 32 radially moveable into a selected one of the support grooves on the wellhead housing. A lock down ring 34 may limit axially upward movement of the hanger with respect to the wellhead, while a support ring 32 may be used to limit axially downward movement of the hanger with respect to the wellhead housing. Both the support ring and the lock ring may be a substantially C-shaped rings which move radially outward into a selected one of the support grooves or locking grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Blake T. DeBerry
  • Patent number: 7040410
    Abstract: Adapters for connecting to a double-locking casing mandrel of an independent screwed wellhead include a lockdown flange with an adapter pin, and a retainer flange that may be used with or without the adapter pin. The retainer flange has a top surface with circumferentially-spaced threaded bores that permit well stimulation equipment to be mounted thereto. The retainer flange threadedly connects to a pin thread at a top of the casing mandrel, and therefore provides a low profile mounting flange for well stimulation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: HWC Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7040407
    Abstract: In a subsea wellhead assembly, a collet ring assembly is used with a hanger for suspending a string of conduit in a subsea wellhead assembly. The ring assembly includes a collet that extends around an outer surface of the hanger. The collet has an upper portion that rotates radially between locked and unlocked positions. The ring assembly has a protruding lower portion extending radially outward from the hanger for engaging an interior surface of the wellhead assembly, which causes the upper portion of the collet to rotate radially outward to engage the interior surface of the wellhead assembly in a locked position. The ring assembly includes a back-up ring that engages the interior of the collet, which the collet rotates around between its locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Jennings, Alireza Shirani
  • Patent number: 7013970
    Abstract: A completion system comprises a christmas tree (10) mounted on a wellhead housing (11), a tubing hanger (12) landed in the tree or wellhead housing, the wellhead housing (11) being mounted on a casing string (100) and a tubing string (14) being suspended from the tubing hanger within the casing string; wherein, in use, the annulus defined between the tubing (14) and the casing (100) serves as a production bore. A second tubing string (98) is expanded into sealing engagement with the casing string (100) over at least a portion of their lengths. The annulus normally used to provide well service functions is thus eliminated. Well servicing is instead provided via the tubing string (14), which may be coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Graeme John Collie, David Ramsay Hutchison, Richard Kent
  • Patent number: 6955225
    Abstract: A body having a bore therethrough for insertion of capillary tubing. A first means slidably coupled into the bore of the body frictionally restrains movement of the tubing by hydraulically engaging the periphery of the tubing with an elastomeric compressible sealing member. A second means slidably coupled into the bore of the body prevents movement of the tubing in the bore of the body by hydraulically actuating a plurality of slips to impart select engagement of the periphery of the tubing for its securement therein. A third means suspends the tubing in the bore of the body by manually engaging a plurality of suspension slips around the periphery of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Double-E Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Heinonen
  • Patent number: 6920925
    Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool and a wellhead assembly incorporating such a tool are provided. The wellhead assembly has an annular assembly coupled to a well. The annular assembly may include a casing head coupled to the well and a tubing head mounted over the casing head. The wellhead isolation tool is suspended in the annular assembly. The wellhead isolation tool has a first end portion extending above the annular assembly and a second end portion below the first end portion within the annular assembly. A production casing suspended in the annular assembly and is aligned with the wellhead isolation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Duhn Oil Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: Rex E. Duhn, Robert K. Meek
  • Patent number: 6918439
    Abstract: A tubing assembly including a tubing string and tubing hanger provides a fluid passage with backpressure threads for securing a backpressure plug in a fluid-tight seal below the tubing hanger, so that the tubing hanger can be removed from the tubing string. The back pressure threads are preferably incorporated in a backpressure adapter pin connected between the tubing string and the tubing hanger. The adapter pin may also incorporate external weight-bearing shoulders for snubbing and/or suspending the tubing assembly. The backpressure plug is inserted or removed using a backpressure plug tool that slides through a packing in a pressurized casement that maintains pressure in an axial passage through a control stack of the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 6907934
    Abstract: A bracket and tension rod device is mounted to a top-drive dolly to carry the weight of a sheave wheel assembly. The device is deployed by connecting the sheave wheel assembly to a rigid dolly arm with an adjustable tension rod to relieve a gooseneck from adverse tensile, compressive and bending forces from the movement of a wireline through the sheave assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Specialty Rental Tool & Supply, L.P.
    Inventors: Vernon E. Kauffman, Dwight Reuben LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6868902
    Abstract: The invention is a multipurpose system for reeling tubing secured to a platform made of a reel support frame removeably secured to a platform, a reel containing tubing removeably secured to the reel support frame, a reel drive for rotating the reel disposed on the reel support frame, a tower for suspending the straightener and the guide, a support frame attached to the tower, a guide disposed on the support frame for receiving tubing from the reel and ending the tubing forming bent tubing, a straightener disposed on the support frame for receiving the bent tubing and forming straightened tubing, a rotating connection for connecting the support frame to the tower, a tensioner frame removeably mounted on the platform, and a tensioner secured to the tensioner frame for receiving the straightened tubing, supporting the straightened tubing and moving the straightened tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Pieter Dirk Melis Van Duivendijk
  • Patent number: 6857471
    Abstract: A base plate assembly for supporting a number of tubular strings within a tubular housing comprises two base plate portions which when secured together are adapted to be supported on an upper end of the tubular housing. Each base plate portion comprises a top plate which includes an end face and a number of semicircular openings that extend from the end face. Thus, when the base plate portions are secured together, the semicircular openings align to form a number of circular bores which are each adapted to receive a corresponding tubular string. Also, the base plate portions may be disconnected and removed from the tubular housing after the tubular strings are secured in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Appavoo Thangarasu, Bernard Ong, Kevin Kok Sum Lim, Bimo Wiratnanto, Joseph Shu Yian Liew
  • Patent number: 6848520
    Abstract: A bushing for retaining a spider and comprising a basket portion having an opening in its upper end and a base at its lower end, there being a further opening in the base to allow a tubing string to extend substantially axially through the basket portion. The bushing further comprises a flange extending at least partially around the upper opening, wherein the bushing can be suspended through an opening in a rig floor to be supported by the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Manfred Jansch
  • Patent number: 6845814
    Abstract: A rotary slip for supporting a drill string having a plurality of slip segments connected to define an opening for insertion of the drill string, wherein each slip segment comprises a head region, a toe region, and an inner radial surface axially extending between the head and toe regions, and wherein the inner radial surface of each slip segment comprises a circumferential groove. A plurality of axially aligned drill string gripping inserts are attached to each slip segment between the head region and the circumferential groove, wherein each insert comprises a gripping surface for contacting the drill string. A load ring is disposed within the circumferential groove of each slip element, the load ring comprising at least one securing element which is engaged by one of the plurality of axially aligned inserts to secure the load ring within the circumferential groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: David Mason, Albert De Pont, Hans Van Rijzingen, Anton Krijnen, Cornelis De Laat
  • Patent number: 6834717
    Abstract: Tubing rotator 10 includes a main body or rotator spool 20, a selected bottom connector 50, and a selected top connector 70. The bottom connector 50 may be adapted for a screw cap type wellhead or a flanged wellhead. The top connector may comprise a pin connection mandrel 72 with either a threaded or flanged upper end, or a flow-T and/or BOP housing that bolts to the top of the spool. The tubing rotator may be adapted for hanging the tubing directly from the tubing rotator or may be used with a double box bushing 110 hung within the tubing rotator. The tubing rotator may also use a swivel hanger 120 included in the tubing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: R&M Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Linden H. Bland
  • Publication number: 20040231856
    Abstract: A casing mandrel for an independent screwed wellhead includes a pin thread adapted for engagement with a box thread of a well stimulation tool lockdown nut for securing the well stimulation tool against the casing mandrel top end. A well stimulation tool and a tubing head spool for use with the casing mandrel are also provided. Safety of well stimulation procedures is thereby improved and well completion time is significantly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: L. Murray Dallas, Bob McGuire
  • Patent number: 6820705
    Abstract: A method of supporting an pipe in a bowl without marking the surface of the pipe by providing a pair of intermediate surfaces between the sloping surface of the bowl and the contact surface with the pipe. The intermediate surfaces are approximately perpendicular to each other in order to amplify the force against the pipe in comparison to the force from the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Publication number: 20040188083
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore comprises a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore. A tubing hanger is supported in the central bore and includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet. A first closure member is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway, and a first metal seal is positioned concentrically between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway. In addition, a second closure member is positioned in the production bore above the first closure member, and a second metal seal is positioned concentrically between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the first seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Publication number: 20040163821
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping two concentric tubes, typically two concentric tubes in an oil or gas well. The clamp has two axially movable tapered components which can be pulled over one another in an axial direction to provide a contraction of internal diameter which grips the smaller diameter tube. In one embodiment, a spacer is fitted to allow the tapered components to be held apart until the tubes have been correctly positioned. The spacer is then removed, and the tapered components are drawn together to effect the clamping. A hydraulic ram can be provided to separate the tapered components should readjustment be required. In another embodiment, the larger diameter tube is made with a relatively thin wall, so that it can be distorted inwards to grip the smaller tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Bernad H. vanBilderbeek
  • Publication number: 20040159440
    Abstract: A body having a bore therethrough for insertion of capillary tubing. A first means slidably coupled into the bore of the body frictionally restrains movement of the tubing by hydraulically engaging the periphery of the tubing with an elastomeric compressible sealing member. A second means slidably coupled into the bore of the body prevents movement of the tubing in the bore of the body by hydraulically actuating a plurality of slips to impart select engagement of the periphery of the tubing for its securement therein. A third means suspends the tubing in the bore of the body by manually engaging a plurality of suspension slips around the periphery of the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Robert L. Heinonen
  • Publication number: 20040089444
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hanger for either casing or tubing strings that electrically insulates the internal suspension system of the hanger from the hanger's external seal. Electrical power is typically transferred through a hanger via the internal suspension system. If electrical umbilicals are used, connecting devices may be located within the internal suspension system for connecting an upper and lower umbilical and transferring power through the hanger. If a rigid tubular conductor is used, the suspension system may be ported to allow the passage of electrical feedthroughs or, in the case of tubing hangers, the tubing itself maybe charged with electrical power. By insulating the suspension system from the external seal, potential electrical hazards are eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Albert Demny, Paul Horton
  • Patent number: 6729392
    Abstract: A tubing hanger is provided for suspending a tubing hanger from a wellhead housing. The tubing hanger body includes a production bore and an annulus bore, a valve opening inlet port, a valve closed inlet port, and a hydraulically operated ball valve to selectively open and close the annulus bore. An actuator sleeve surrounds the ball valve and is movable in response to fluid pressure between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake DeBerry, Larry Reimert
  • Publication number: 20040079532
    Abstract: A tubular support system with a bowl and a hanger, the bowl for supporting at least one tubular member and including a body with at least one access port for accessing a fluid channel opening of the hanger positioned within the bowl; the hanger for connection to a tubular member and having at least one fluid channel through it from a bottom surface to an outer surface so that one or more control lines attached to a supported tubular (pipe, casing, riser, tubing) can be placed in fluid communication with the at least one fluid channel, and, via the at least one access port, the at least one fluid channel can be placed in fluid communication with other apparatus, e.g., a surface control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Steven Allen, Doyle W. Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20040074636
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system comprising a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore; a tubing hanger which is supported in the central bore and which includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet, the tubing hanger supporting a tubing string which extends into the well bore and defines a tubing annulus surrounding the tubing string; a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway; a first annular seal which is positioned between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway; wherein the first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment; a second closure member which
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Publication number: 20040045721
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for lifting heavy loads beneath the floor of a drilling rig or a platform. A base skid supports tables to which winch bases are attached. Winches, usually four in number, are placed on the winch bases and the cables of the winches are placed through sheaves and attached to a double line bar. Sheaves are attached to a load, such as a blowout preventer. Cradle lines may support a blowout preventer. Load cells may be used with the winch cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Al Joseph Shiyou
  • Publication number: 20040016575
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: David Shahin, Karsten Heidecke
  • Patent number: 6675900
    Abstract: A subterranean oil or gas well apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a single-bore production tubing hanger arranged concentric with a wellhead. The tubing hanger includes a plurality of ports and channels arranged about the tubing hanger to give operators access to the production tubing annulus and provide chemical injection capability. The ports are closable by a sliding valve. The apparatus also includes annulus and production radial-bore stab assemblies between a christmas tree and an internal crossover assembly. The stab assemblies are extendable and retractable between the chirstmas tree and the crossover assembly to allow the retrieval and installation of each independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: David C. Baskett, Edwin R. Knerr
  • Publication number: 20030221823
    Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool and a wellhead assembly incorporating such a tool are provided. The wellhead assembly has an annular assembly coupled to a well. The annular assembly may include a casing head coupled to the well and a tubing head mounted over the casing head. The wellhead isolation tool is suspended in the annular assembly. The wellhead isolation tool has a first end portion extending above the annular assembly and a second end portion below the first end portion within the annular assembly. A production casing suspended in the annular assembly and is aligned with the wellhead isolation tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Rex E. Duhn, Robert K. Meek
  • Patent number: 6644401
    Abstract: The invention relates to a slip type casing hanger assembly, having a hanger body with an annulus, a casing head disposed around casing for supporting and transferring weight of the casing string to the casing head. The slip type casing hanger assembly further includes (a) an adjustable isolation plate for sealing the annulus, further including a lower plate landing on a load shoulder, an upper plate adjoining the annulus, and a spacer separating the lower plate from the upper plates; (b) a plurality of fasteners for securing the spacer to the upper plate and the lower plate; (c) at least two slip segments, each comprising a plurality of teeth for engaging and suspend the casing string, with each slip segment having a top step and bottom step for engaging the hanger body; (d) at least one alignment ring for aligning the slip segments, and (e) locking apparatus for securing the isolation plate against the load shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kvaerner Oilfield Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Miller
  • Patent number: 6634423
    Abstract: A lifting top drive sub sea staging cement head in which cement slurry flows from outside into its central bore, thru a rotating swivel connection. The cement head has a rotatably indexable reservoir cylinder with multiple cells which may be loaded with balls, and/or darts, and/or staging bombs. One first cell is kept open for circulation. The cylinder is rotatably aligned, at will to the flow path, so that the staging elements may be washed down the drill string. In addition, the cement head is hydraulically remotely controlled such that no operators protrude from the smooth body, yet the remote system may be manually over-ridden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Norman B. Giebeler, James F. Giebeler
  • Patent number: 6598673
    Abstract: A wellhead load ring constructed in the shape of a C-ring is pre-installed in a wellhead in a storage position that maintains full bore of the wellhead. The load ring is secured in this position by shear pins. The shear pins are sheared by a tool that pushes the load ring into an operational position where it rests on a landing shoulder of a support ring. The load ring is further secured in this position by one of several latching methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Hosie, Marc Minassian, Norman Brammer
  • Publication number: 20030136556
    Abstract: This invention provides a tubing hanger system which permits isolation of the production tubing from the electrical power cable, thereby isolating the electrical power cable from high pressures encountered in the production tubing. Further, the tubing hanger system enables pressure testing of the integrity of both the production and cable seals, without requiring disassembly of any components of the tubing hanger assembly or damaging the electrical power cable, in advance of high pressure operations. Specifically, the invention provides a tubing hanger assembly for use in a tubing head of a production well, and which provides for passage of production fluids from the production tubing mounted therebelow, through a central bore in the tubing head and through the tubing hanger assembly, while also providing isolation of the production tubing from an electrical power cable passing through the tubing hanger assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Michael James Cornelssen, Keith David Farquharson
  • Patent number: 6595278
    Abstract: The assembly functions to clamp onto and frictionally engage the polished rod of a well's rod string, with sufficient force to suspend the string from the wellhead. The assembly comprises an annular body forming opposed, radial, internally threaded side openings extending from its outer circumferential surface to its central vertical bore. An externally threaded locking member is positioned in each side opening and protrudes externally. The locking members can be manually threaded inwardly to engage the polished rod. An external leverage assembly is anchored to the body and engages one of the locking members. This leverage assembly can be manually turned to tighten the locking member against the polished rod with powerful axial force to provide enhanced gripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Tony M. Lam, Abram Khazanovich, Irina Khazanovich
  • Publication number: 20030116326
    Abstract: A slip spool for selectively supporting a tubing string suspended in a wellbore can be mounted to a wellhead. The slip spool has an axial passage that is aligned with the wellbore, and at least two radial passages extending through a side wall of the slip spool and communicating with the axial passage. At least two slip assemblies are slidably received within the respective radial passages. Actuators move the respective slip assemblies between a retracted position in which the slip jaws clear the axial passage of the slip spool, and an extended position in which wedge-shaped slip jaws of the respective slip assemblies are inserted into an annulus between the axial passage of the slip spool to grip the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 6581692
    Abstract: An apparatus for making up and breaking out of a tubing string in a well includes a connector (9; 109) for connection to a tubular (1) and a main high pressure conduit (13; 113) communicating with the connector (9; 109) for allowing circulation through a tubular (1) connected thereto. Below that unit a connecting shell (17; 117) bounding a connecting chamber (18) has an upper passage (19) and a lower passage (20), a preventer (23) for separating an upper portion (24) of the connecting chamber (18) from a lower portion (25) thereof, and a back-up high pressure conduit (26) communicating with the connecting chamber (18). A pressure corresponding to the pressure in the upper portion (24) of the connecting chamber (18) is provided in at least one pressure chamber (51; 151) and exerts a force pressing a tubular (1) or the connector (9; 109) into the connecting chamber (18) against forces exerted by pressure in the connecting chamber (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Kasper Koch, Jacob Van Oord, Thomas Walburgis Bakker
  • Patent number: 6581691
    Abstract: A landing adapter is used to softly land a tubing hanger in the bore of a production tree. The landing adapter makes initial contact so that the tubing hanger does not have to absorb the harsh impact. The landing adapter has a hydraulic sleeve that strokes axially relative to the tubing hanger. Initially, the sleeve is extended and locked when it is run into the well so that the landing adapter can be hard-landed in the bore. When the sleeve lands in the bore, the impact is absorbed by a landing adapter buffer, not by the tubing hanger. After the hanger with the landing adapter has landed in the bore, hydraulic fluid is bled off so that the tubing hanger gradually descends axially relative to the sleeve and the tree to the retracted position. The landing adapter buffer remains in the tree after the tubing hanger is landed in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Jennings, Norman Brammer
  • Publication number: 20030102133
    Abstract: An oil or gas well slip system is provided having a slip bowl with an interactive contact surface and a slip assembly having a mating interactive contact surface for slidable engagement with the slip bowl interactive contact surface, wherein the slip bowl and the slip assembly are each comprised of a first material. A second material is attached to the interactive contact surface of either the slip bowl or the slip assembly, wherein the second material is compositionally different from the first material to prevent cold welding between the slip bowl and the slip assembly and wherein the second material has little or no tendency to dissolve into the atomic structure of the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: J.W.H. Van Rijzingen, R. Roling, David B. Mason
  • Publication number: 20030102135
    Abstract: A subterranean oil or gas well apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a single-bore production tubing hanger arranged concentric with a wellhead. The tubing hanger includes a plurality of ports and channels arranged about the tubing hanger to give operators access to the production tubing annulus and provide chemical injection capability. The ports are closable by a sliding valve. The apparatus also includes annulus and production radial-bore stab assemblies between a christmas tree and an internal crossover assembly. The stab assemblies are extendable and retractable between the chirstmas tree and the crossover assembly to allow the retrieval and installation of each independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: David C. Baskett, Edwin R. Knerr
  • Patent number: 6557644
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable tubing hanger for suspending a tubular string from a wellhead. The adjustable tubing hanger has an upper body having a seal, a lower body attached to the upper body and the tubular string, a carrier assembly located between the upper body and the lower body providing at least one metal seal for an annulus, and a drive lock assembly attached to the lower body with a tension lock and numerous segments. Each segment has an outer diameter with a grooved profile forming a load bearing interlock for the drive lock assembly. The tension on the tubular string is adjustable depending on adjustments made to the interlock position of the grooved profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kvaerner Oilfield Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Miller, Ralph Anthony Alvarez
  • Patent number: 6557643
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided which holds a rod or tubular within a well, allowing a well service provider or operator to safely and more cost effectively disassemble, remove, or otherwise work on a drive assembly. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises an annular body having at least one radial aperture formed therethrough and at least one rod holder disposed through each aperture. The rod holder comprises a push jaw disposed on a first end of a screw. In one aspect, the method comprises shutting down a drive assembly and supporting a rod or tubular with an annular body comprising at least one radial aperture formed there-through, at least one threaded member disposed within the aperture, and at least one push jaw disposed on a first end of the threaded member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Melvin Hall, Richard Dale Stephens
  • Patent number: 6543546
    Abstract: A pair of ram blocks are provided such that when they are actuated hydraulically to move together, they present an opening which has a series of gripping members downwardly biased. Removal of tubulars or tools from the well bore works against the bias to retract the grippers so that removal can be accomplished. However, if there is an accidental release, the bias pushes the grippers toward the tubular or tool to grip it to prevent loss into the well bore. The ram blocks can be retracted for run-in to the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Garry R. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6536541
    Abstract: Boring unit for pile foundations presenting a tracked vehicle facing the mouth of a hole, a mast (5) which is supported by the tracked vehicle, a rotary table (6) which is slidingly mounted along the mast (5), and at least one excavation element (7) which is connected to the table (6) and which presents a boring tool (8) at its own lower end. The boring unit may also include a handling device (11) which provides for moving the excavation element (7) and for moving further auxiliary excavation elements (19, 20) and which is also provided with a head (12) mounted on a top end of the mast (5) that is equipped with a hoist (13) and a central cable (14) which can be alternatively connected to the excavation element (7) via a drive unit (40) which is suitable for co-operating with the hoist (13) in order to rapidly move the auxiliary excavation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Soilmec S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Pedrelli
  • Publication number: 20030051884
    Abstract: A coil tubing hanger system and a method of installing such system is provided. The coil tubing hanger system comprises a body having an axial opening there through. A slip bowl having a base and housing a slip that can be retained in a first position spaced apart from bowl base and a second position proximate the bowl base is fitted within the opening. The slip has inner teeth. Tubing is fitted within the slip and through the bowl while the slip is retained in the first position. The slip is then allowed to drop to the second position such that the slip teeth bite onto the outer surface of the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Gary A. Card, Robert K. Meek
  • Publication number: 20030042027
    Abstract: A hanger assembly and a method for supporting a string of tubular members in a wellhead assembly are disclosed wherein the hanger assembly is supported within the wellhead assembly by a single landing shoulder in the wellhead assembly and a seal member is independently, sealingly engaged with a portion of the string of tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Jerry D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6516875
    Abstract: A completion component such as a tubing hanger includes a lockdown mechanism with an actuating mandrel that includes a positively acting anti-backout mechanism, which can be remotely deployed. The mechanism comprises a tooth on an inwardly biased retention ring carried by the mandrel, and positively engageable with a corresponding profile on the tubing hanger. Detent pins are outwardly biased by a tubing hanger running tool latch piston to hold the tooth and profile out of engagement during installation of the tubing hanger and setting of the actuating mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin T. Reilly, Richard Kent, Alasdair MacFarlane
  • Publication number: 20030024709
    Abstract: In one aspect a rotating hanger comprises a dognut sleeve having a bore and an outer profile compatible for support in the casing bowl and sealing thereto and a tubular hanger mandrel fitted rotatably to the dognut sleeve's bore and having an upper shoulder projecting above the dognut sleeve for interaction with casing bowl holddown screws which, when engaged, restrain rotation and prevent ejection from the casing bowl. In another aspect, an improved well tubing rotator and hanger system is provided the rotatable tubing hanger, a tubular connector sub threaded to the hanger mandrel and a rotator splined to the connector sub, the splined connector sub enabling rotational coupling without imposing hanger loads into the rotator which enables use of smaller, low profile and economical rotators. In another aspect, a rotator having a threaded nozzle wellhead connection is convertible to a flanged rotator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Nolan Cuppen
  • Patent number: 6513593
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing paraffin and asphaltene deposits in a pumping oil well including a polish rod having a portion extending outwardly of the earth and having a portion extending into an oil string tubing, a sucker rod string interconnected to the polish rod and extending through the oil string casing into the earth, and an insulating rod interconnected to a lower end of the polish rod and interconnected to an upper end of the sucker rod string. The insulating rod is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of 0.0167 to 0.06 BTU/(sq. ft.)(hr)(deg.F)(ft). The insulating rod is formed of a body of fiberglass material, an upper connector affixed to the body and formed of a steel material, and a lower connector affixed to the body and formed of a steel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Raj K. Prasad
  • Patent number: 6508311
    Abstract: A string of pipe formed by the connection together of multiple joints of shorter pipe segments is stored in the water space adjacent an offshore drilling rig. The pipe string bends from the drilling rig floor in a semicircular arc and enters the water adjacent the drilling rig. A curving guide is used to direct the pipe string movement. A platform extension from the corner of the drilling rig is provided to position a work area above the point at which the pipe enters the water. Multiple guides may be employed for simultaneously running two strings of pipe. The string may be stored in one or more long sections or in a single continuous string. The major portions of the string or long pipe sections may be stored below the surface of the water. Provision is made for pumping fluids through the pipe string, and/or the pipe sections, to the well. The string may be stored in a sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Carlos A. Torres
  • Publication number: 20030006041
    Abstract: A wellhead system for petroleum producing wells comprises a “stack-down” casing hanger configuration. In this stack-down system, the hanger for each successively smaller diameter casing string is landed or “nested” within the hanger for the next larger casing string. This approach allows the pack-off for each casing hanger to be retrieved independently, thus allowing fluid communication to be established with any of the casing annuli after all of the casing strings and hangers have been installed. Thus the pressure in each annulus may be monitored while the well is in production mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Robert B. Baten, Harold B. Skeels, David MacFarlane, Russell E. McBeth, Randy J. Wester, Marcus A. Smedley
  • Publication number: 20030000708
    Abstract: A flexible assembly is provided for a fill-up and circulation (FAC) tool. The flexible assembly preferably comprises a flexible hose portion and a rigid tubular housing portion. The flexible assembly is attached to the tool body of the FAC tool below the casing seal of the FAC tool. The casing seal is utilized for sealing with an interior surface of an upper joint of a casing string. Preferably a tapered guide is provided at a lower end of the flexible assembly and a fluid outlet may preferably be formed in the tapered guide. The flexible assembly preferably has an overall length such that the tapered guide is positioned within the interior of the upper joint of the casing string when the fill-up and circulation tool is attached to a standard traveling block assembly and the elevator casing gripping slips attached to the traveling block assembly are engaged with the upper joint of the casing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Malcolm G. Coone
  • Publication number: 20020170709
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in suspending a pipe from the lower end of a tubular body concentrically within an outer casing. Pockets are formed about the outer circumference of the body each to receive a cone having an inner conical side adjacent the inner wall of a pocket, and a slip having an inner conical side adjacent outer conical side of the cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: John N. Yokley