Central Valve Or Closure And Lateral Port Patents (Class 166/95.1)
  • Patent number: 11306557
    Abstract: A Christmas tree may include a body and a sleeve. The body may include a production flowbore therethrough, a longitudinal flowbore intersecting the production flowbore, and optionally one or more annulus passageways, crossover passageways, or chemical injection passageways intersecting at least one of the production flowbore and the longitudinal flowbore. The sleeve may be attached to and circumferentially rotatable about at least a portion of the body and may include a transverse flowbore therethrough. An annular fluid gallery may be formed between the body and the sleeve. At least one of the longitudinal flowbore and the one or more annulus passageways, crossover passageways, or chemical injection passageways may include a flowpath connecting to the annular fluid gallery or is configured to be connected to a flowpath connecting to the annular fluid gallery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: FMC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Murphy, Kevin McIlwaine
  • Patent number: 10018012
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotating flow control device and methods of using the same for controlling wellbore fluids at the head of a riser diverter for use in offshore drilling operations or the head of a blowout preventer stacks annular for conventional land-based drilling operations. The rotating flow control device comprises a stationary housing to be mounted on the head of a riser diverter or the blowout preventer stacks annular, an inner tubular shaft that permits the passage of a tubular, sealed bearing elements for supporting and permitting the axial rotation of the inner tubular shaft, and an elastomeric stripper element attached to the inner tubular shaft for sealing around the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Boyd
  • Patent number: 9057243
    Abstract: Protection at a hydrocarbon well is enhanced by placing a blowout preventer over a well head. An adapter is connected to the blowout preventer. The adapter includes a valve that when turned off prevents non-production flow from the blowout preventer to a riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventors: Rudolf H. Hendel, Catherine G. Lin-Hendel
  • Publication number: 20140360735
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a geothermal expansion spool assembly having an integrated or single piece configuration. The geothermal expansion spool assembly comprises an upper portion adapted to directly couple to a production valve and a lower portion adapted to surround and engage with a surface casing of a geothermal well, wherein the upper and lower portion are permanently fixed to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Lee, Stuart Robinson
  • Patent number: 8746350
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly made up of a wellhead housing, a production tree mounted on the wellhead housing, tubing suspended into a wellbore from within the wellhead housing, and an annulus between the tubing and the wellhead housing. A shuttle valve is provided within a tubing hanger that supports the tubing from within the wellhead housing. An accumulator is disposed in the annulus that is in fluid communication with a closed position port on the shuttle valve. Pressure is maintained in the accumulator for closing the shuttle valve when a force for opening the valve is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: William Thomas Bryson
  • Patent number: 8720545
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Iblings, Thomas F. Bailey, Ram K. Bansal, Adrian Steiner, Michael Lynch, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 8684073
    Abstract: Present invention regards a device for injection and stimulation of fluids in a wellbore, where the device is typically is installed in Christmas trees, wellheads or subsea. The device comprises two separable sections, where the section that is mounted/arranged within the Christmas tree or wellhead, will remain in a closed position even if the other section due to external forces is broken off or in other ways is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Petroleum Technology Company AS
    Inventors: Ole Sevheim, Øyvind Stokka, Erling Kleppa, Magnar Tveiten
  • Patent number: 8627890
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by advancing the tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; and resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Mark A. Mitchell, David Pavel, Lev Ring, Ram K. Bansal, David Iblings
  • Patent number: 8622138
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8590640
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining constant circulation of drilling fluid includes a valve section (5) at the top of each section of drill pipes to be connected to or removed from the drill string. The valve section (5) has a top inlet for axial circulation and a side inlet (5b) for radial circulation. Two separate valves (5c, 5d) within the valve section controls flow through the inlets. An external valve control device (4) has a circulation adapter (4b) for connecting drill fluid at operational pressure to the side inlet (5b) and separate activating adapters (4c, 4d) connecting to the couplings for opening or closing the valves (5c, 5d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Per Olav Haughom
  • Patent number: 8540018
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8469086
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20130056226
    Abstract: A well containment assembly comprising a first pressure-containing device, and a diverter spool, the diverter spool comprising a body having a longitudinal central axis and at least partially defining a primary flowbore, an upper connection assembly coupled to the body, a lower connection assembly coupled to the body, and a plurality of side outlets, each of the plurality of side outlets having a longitudinal central axis and at least partially defining a secondary flowbore, wherein each of the plurality secondary flowbores are in communication with the primary flowbore, and wherein the angle between the longitudinal central axis of the body and the longitudinal central axis of the plurality of side outlets is less than 90° with respect to the primary flowbore, wherein the first pressure-containing device is coupled to the diverter spool via the upper connection assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas N. DERR, Patrick M. LJUNGDAHL
  • Publication number: 20130014947
    Abstract: A method of drilling and fracturing a well includes installing a drilling/frac adapter on a lower wellhead housing. The drilling/frac adapter has a higher internal pressure rating than the lower wellhead housing. The operator drills through the drilling/frac adapter to a desired depth, then runs and cements a casing string in the well. A lower packoff is installed in an annulus between the casing hanger and the lower wellhead housing and an upper packoff is set in an annulus between the drilling/frac adapter and the casing hanger. Frac fluid is pumped through the frac tree into the casing string at a higher pressure than the pressure rating of the lower housing but less than the pressure rating of the drilling/frac adapter. Then, the upper packoff and the drilling/frac adapter are removed from the lower housing and installing an upper wellhead housing on the lower wellhead housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Danny R. Wilkins, Thomas H. Holtkamp, Jerry D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8272435
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20120152564
    Abstract: A horizontal production tree for use on a land-based surface well head. The horizontal production tree may be maintained in place on the well head throughout the life of well, even during fracing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Terry Peltier
  • Patent number: 8066063
    Abstract: A mineral extraction system includes a branch having a branch passage, a diverter coupled to the branch passage, and a capillary injection conduit disposed inside to the branch passage. A method of injecting chemicals includes injecting a chemical into a capillary injection conduit disposed internal to a production passage, wherein the chemical injection capillary conduit comprises an inlet and an outlet configured to terminate proximate a well formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid, Manish Vyas
  • Patent number: 8056621
    Abstract: A master ball valve with an integrated main hanger below the valve which may be used to hang jointed tubing, coil tubing, or electrified coil tubing for connection with an electric submersible pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stellarton Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Phillip Ring, Grant George, Geoff Steele, Jordan James
  • Patent number: 8033338
    Abstract: Systems and methods for continuously circulating fluid, e.g., drilling mud, through a wellbore tubular string, the systems in certain aspects including a sub positionable in fluid communication with the tubular string, the sub with a body, a plug releasably closing off a side opening of the body, and a closure apparatus for selectively closing off flow from the top of the sub into and through the body, while flow is permitted below the closure apparatus through the side opening down through the body into the tubular string; and, in certain aspects, such systems and methods including tubular manipulation apparatus, e.g. an iron roughneck and working with wellbore tubulars with the tubular manipulation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Frank Benjamin Springett
  • Patent number: 7971637
    Abstract: A well surface control system for use with various types of work strings such as, but not limited to, drill strings, coiled tubing, snubbing pipe, electric line, production tubing, and wireline. The system includes a main housing with a main bore extending from one end to the other. The main housing is equipped with a side port which communicates with the main bore between the two ends. The main housing is also equipped with two valves for controlling fluid and/or gas flows through the main bore and for severing a component of a work string running through the main bore. The first valve is positioned between the side port and one end of the main housing and the second valve is positioned between the side port and the other end of the main housing. Attached to each end of the main housing is a saver sub, with means for temporarily locking the saver subs to the main housing to prevent circular and longitudinal movement of the saver subs in relation to the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Devin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Lee Duhon, Wayne Ducote
  • Patent number: 7931079
    Abstract: A tubing hanger and method for reducing loads and stresses on sealing boundaries in a tubing hanger is provided. The tubing hanger has an inner cavity that is sealed with respect to an external well volume present in for example the surrounding tree architecture and wellhead. A control line extends through the inner cavity to communicate with downhole equipment. A pressure compensator is configured to adjust pressure differential between the inner cavity and the external well volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Allan Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20110061854
    Abstract: A subsea assembly (11) comprises a valve assembly (12) and a winch assembly (8) mounted relative to the valve assembly (12). The valve assembly (12) comprises: a valve block (22) defining a throughbore (24); a valve member (26) mounted within the valve block (22) and adapted to be moved between open and closed positions to selectively provide a fluid barrier within the throughbore (24); and first and second valve stems (29, 31) extending from respective sides of the valve member (26) and through a side wall of the valve block (22), each valve stem (29, 31) including a sealing region in fluid communication with the throughbore (24), wherein a cross-sectional area of the sealing region of the first valve stem (29) is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the sealing region of the second valve stem (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Davies
  • Publication number: 20110036596
    Abstract: A dual barrier plug system includes a frac spool, having a dual barrier plug disposed within the interior of the frac spool; a valve selector member disposed within the interior of the dual barrier plug; and the plurality of seals are used to seal fluid flow from below the frac spool, and the seals provide two barriers to each fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Khang Van Nguyen, Martin Anthony Trumbull
  • Patent number: 7857062
    Abstract: A configurable wellhead system is used to efficiently accomplish well completion, re-completion or workover. The configurable wellhead system includes a permanent fracturing spool that is mounted to a casing head of the well and provides a high pressure seal around a top of a casing of the well. The permanent fracturing spool provides full-bore direct access to the casing without the use of a pressure isolation mandrel. A tubing head is mounted to a top of the permanent fracturing spool to complete the configurable wellhead system. A fracturing spool plug secured in a seal bore of the permanent fracturing spool permits equipment mounted above the permanent fracturing spool to be removed without killing the well or inserting a wireline casing plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7770653
    Abstract: A valve (136, 136?, 136?, 200) adapted to replace an existing valve of a wellhead (114). Valve (136, 136?, 136?, 200) can have similar dimensions as the existing valve it replaces to utilize existing wellhead connections. In one embodiment, a replacement bypass master valve (136) incorporates a fluid bypass pathway (168) to enable communication and conveyance of a production enhancing fluid (132) from a location external to the well through small diameter tubing (126) to a specific downhole location independent the position of a flow control member in interior chamber (166). Replacement bypass master valve (136?) can include anchor seal assembly (122?) disposed in locking profile 180 of upstream inlet bore (162) to enable communication from fluid bypass pathway (168) to lower injection conduit (128). In another embodiment, replacement valve (200) includes a groove in gate (208) sealingly receiving capillary injection tubing (204) when in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company U.S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jeffrey L. Bolding
  • Publication number: 20100139910
    Abstract: An annulus isolation valve comprises a valve actuation bore and a flow passage capable of providing fluid communication between an upper annulus and a lower annulus. The flow passage comprises a first flow path and a portion of the valve actuation bore. Further, the first flow path has a second longitudinal axis that is different from a first longitudinal axis. The annulus isolation valve further includes a plug gate positioned in the valve actuation bore. The plug gate is configured so that in the open position it allows fluid communication between the upper annulus and the lower annulus. The annulus isolation valve further includes a biasing mechanism positioned in the valve actuation bore. The biasing mechanism is capable of forcing the plug gate into the closed position when the actuation force is not applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Andy Dyson, Charles Li, Oystein Mogedal, Paulo Cezar Silva Paulo, Casey Russell, Nick Newlands
  • Publication number: 20090283277
    Abstract: A configurable wellhead system is used to efficiently accomplish well completion, re-completion or workover. The configurable wellhead system includes a permanent fracturing spool that is mounted to a casing head of the well and provides a high pressure seal around a top of a casing of the well. The permanent fracturing spool provides full-bore direct access to the casing without the use of a pressure isolation mandrel. A tubing head is mounted to a top of the permanent fracturing spool to complete the configurable wellhead system. A fracturing spool plug secured in a seal bore of the permanent fracturing spool permits equipment mounted above the permanent fracturing spool to be removed without killing the well or inserting a wireline casing plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: STINGER WELLHEAD PROTECTION, INC.
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7578351
    Abstract: A configurable wellhead system is used to efficiently accomplish well completion, re-completion or workover. The configurable wellhead system includes a permanent fracturing spool that is mounted to a casing head of the well and provides a high pressure seal around a top of a casing of the well. The permanent fracturing spool provides full-bore direct access to the casing without the use of a pressure isolation mandrel. A tubing head is mounted to a top of the permanent fracturing spool to complete the configurable wellhead system. A fracturing spool plug secured in a seal bore of the permanent fracturing spool permits equipment mounted above the permanent fracturing spool to be removed without killing the well or inserting a wireline casing plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Publication number: 20080164020
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of collecting crude oil and apparatus which collect crude oil. In one implementation, a crude oil collection header apparatus comprises a collection reservoir. A plurality of fluid conduits is connected to feed crude oil to the collection reservoir. The fluid conduits respectively comprise a collection reservoir feed valve, a bypass valve, and a crude oil feed inlet received between the collection reservoir feed and bypass valves. A flow meter conduit is connected with multiple of the plurality of fluid conduits downstream of the respective bypass valves. A flow meter is operably connected with the flow meter conduit. A crude oil outlet is associated with the collection reservoir. Other aspects and implementations are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan Richter, John McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20080087439
    Abstract: A configurable wellhead system is used to efficiently accomplish well completion, re-completion or workover. The configurable wellhead system includes a permanent fracturing spool that is mounted to a casing head of the well and provides a high pressure seal around a top of a casing of the well. The permanent fracturing spool provides full-bore direct access to the casing without the use of a pressure isolation mandrel. A tubing head is mounted to a top of the permanent fracturing spool to complete the configurable wellhead system. A fracturing spool plug secured in a seal bore of the permanent fracturing spool permits equipment mounted above the permanent fracturing spool to be removed without killing the well or inserting a wireline casing plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7341109
    Abstract: A compensator sleeve assembly for use with a hydraulic extension system used to handle safety valves designed to shut off high pressure upward flow through drill pipe or tubing. The compensator sleeve assembly, amounted on an adjustable arm slide, has a steel sleeve for holding the safety valve, an arrangement of circumferentially space-apart spring sets which allow the safety valve to “float” and tilt from the vertical in any direction and a hydraulic-powered chain drive belt for rotating the safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Bobby Dewain McDowell
  • Patent number: 7322407
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A seal is formed between the second end portion and the tubular member. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Duhn Oil Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: Rex E. Duhn, Robert K. Meek
  • Patent number: 7308943
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Paul Hopper, Thomas G. Cassity
  • Patent number: 7299866
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is used in the cleaning out of sand in underbalanced gas wells. The present invention includes a valve subassembly equipped with an emergency shutin device to remotely control the actuation of the valve via an air or hydraulic control line. Operatively coupled to the inlet of the valve subassembly is a swivel subassembly which further enables the coupling to a tubing string. A lifting assembly attaches the valve subassembly to an elevator of a well service rig. A hardened elbow coupled to an outlet of the valve subassembly directs the gas/sand mixture being removed from the well through a hose to a collection pit. The use of the apparatus of the present invention in a sand cleanout operation allows joints of pipe to be tripped into and out of the tubing string all the while keeping the emergency shutdown device actuator connected and operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Shawn Arthur Jacklin
  • Patent number: 7163064
    Abstract: A surface flow control system for a well. The system comprises a main housing having a main bore there through, and a first port communicating with the main bore. The system further comprises a first valve positioned within the main bore, and wherein the first valve is placed at a position above said first port; and, a second valve positioned within the main bore of the main housing, and wherein the second valve is placed at a position below the first port. The system may further include a swivel connected to the main housing. A second port communicating with the main bore may also be included. In one embodiment, the first port is connected to a tank for collecting fluids discharged from the well, and the second port is connected to a pump for pumping into the well. A method of controlling well pressure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Devin International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Devin Moncus, Bryan Duhon
  • Patent number: 7111687
    Abstract: A method and assembly for recovering fluids from, or injecting fluids into, a well having a christmas tree; the fluids typically flow between first and second flowpaths in a continuous path. The assembly may be located within the main bore, or a side passage of the christmas tree. Embodiments of the invention allow the fluids to be fed to a processing apparatus, (e.g. a pump or chemical injection apparatus) for treatment, before being returned to the christmas tree. Optionally, the assembly may include a pump located inside the christmas tree body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: DES Enhanced Recovery Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, James Steele, John Reid
  • Patent number: 7096937
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Patent number: 7093660
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Paul Hopper, Thomas G. Cassity
  • Patent number: 7069988
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Patent number: 6991039
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Paul Hopper, Thomas G. Cassity
  • Patent number: 6966383
    Abstract: The horizontal spool tree assembly 10 controls fluid flow through a production tubing string 18 within a well. The horizontal spool tree assembly is adapted for use with a workover string for fluid communication with the tree assembly. The spool body 12 has a central bore 14 for receiving a tubing hanger 22 therein, with a production passageway extending laterally through the spool body to a production line 36. The spool body also includes an annulus passageway extending laterally through the spool body for fluid communication between the tubing annulus 16 and the annulus line 52. The spool tree assembly has improved porting for the production line and the annulus line, and also for both workover and crossover operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Lionel J. Milberger, Morris B. Wade
  • Patent number: 6964304
    Abstract: A technique for maintaining pressure integrity within a submersible system. The system utilizes a pressure housing with an internal component, such as a valve. The internal component is actuated by an external actuator via an actuator stem. A seal region is positioned to interact with the stem, such that the interior of the pressure housing is sealed and pressure integrity is maintained upon retraction of the stem from engagement with the internal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Michael R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6918446
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for efficiently installing sea-borne wellhead components and tying back sub-sea wellhead components with them. In specific aspects, a single running and setting tool is used to land a tubing head housing upon the stem of a floating platform and tension and pressure testing casing string risers extending between a subsea wellhead and a floating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene A. Borak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6899172
    Abstract: A frac head comprising a main body with plural side entries oriented around the main body such that flow from each of the side entries meets flow from an opposing side entry in the internal bore. A replaceable abrasion resistant wear sleeve is secured in the internal bore of the main body downstream of the side entries and positioned to intercept flow from the side entries and prevent the flow from impacting directly on material of the main body. The side entries terminate at the internal bore equidistantly from the lower end of the main body, and are symmetrically arranged around the main body. The side entries are oriented at about 45° to the downstream direction. The replaceable abrasion resistant wear sleeve is held against movement downstream by abutment of a shoulder on the replaceable abrasion resistant wear sleeve against a shoulder on the frac body, and has a tapered internal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Roderick D. McLeod, Jerry A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6851478
    Abstract: The invention provides a Y-body Christmas tree for use with coil tubing and other wellhead components which integrates components of a Christmas tree, while providing for coil tubing access without necessarily adding to the vertical height of the unit. The Y-body Christmas tree includes firstly, a body formed as a single piece of steel and forming a vertical bore extending axially therethrough, wherein the body comprises in sequence from the bottom to the top: i) a bottom connector for connecting to a wellhead component located therebelow; ii) a first valve housing section forming a side opening communicating with the vertical bore; iii) a flow tee housing section forming at least one side opening communicating with the vertical bore, for producing well flow; and iv) a top connector for connecting to a wellhead component located thereabove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Stream-Flo Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael James Cornelssen, Tony M. Lam, Keith David Farquharson
  • Publication number: 20040262010
    Abstract: A horizontal spool tree assembly includes a spool body or housing 12 and a tubing hanger 18, 118, 218, 318 supporting a tubing string in a well. An internal tree cap 20, 120, 220, 320 is provided within the central bore in the spool body. In some embodiments, the tree cap includes a central bore in communication with a production bore through the tubing hanger and the lateral bore extending to a production port in the spool body. First and second closure members may be provided in the tree cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Lionel J. Milberger
  • Patent number: 6769490
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the oil well industry for running in drilling/production liners and sub-sea casings down a borehole through drilling fluid on a drill pipe using a running tool with the benefits of surge pressure reduction are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a surge pressure reduction tool includes a diverter device having a housing with a set of flow holes formed therein and a sliding sleeve residing within the housing having a set of flow ports formed therein. By aligning the set of flow holes of the housing with the set of flow ports of the sleeve, the tool is set in a “surge pressure reduction” mode. By shifting, or axially indexing, the sleeve downward, the set of flow holes is blocked by the sleeve thus setting the tool in a “cementing” or “circulation” mode. This shifting or indexing is accomplished using an indexing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Allamon Interests
    Inventors: Jerry P. Allamon, Jack E. Miller, Andrew M. MacFarlane
  • Patent number: 6763891
    Abstract: The wellhead assembly has a production tree with multiple safety barriers. A tubing hanger lands and seals in the bore of the tree. The tubing hanger has a lateral production flow passage that registers with a lateral passage in the tree. A tubing annulus passage extends upward from the tubing annulus to an exterior port. A second portion of the tubing annulus passage extends upward from the exterior port into the bore above the tubing hanger seal. The external port may be used for gas injection. If so, two closure members are located in the upper portion of the tubing annulus above the seal. The upper closure member may be either a check valve or a removable plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Humphrey, Jeffrey P. Goetz, Kevin L. Ingram, Norman Brammer, Robert K. Voss, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040112604
    Abstract: The horizontal spool tree assembly 10 controls fluid flow through a production tubing string 18 within a well. The horizontal spool tree assembly is adapted for use with a workover string for fluid communication with the tree assembly. The spool body 12 has a central bore 14 for receiving a tubing hanger 22 therein, with a production passageway extending laterally through the spool body to a production line 36. The spool body also includes an annulus passageway extending laterally through the spool body for fluid communication between the tubing annulus 16 and the annulus line 52. The spool tree assembly has improved porting for the production line and the annulus line, and also for both workover and crossover operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Lionel J. Milberger, Morris B. Wade
  • Patent number: 6742597
    Abstract: A spring-loaded check valve, mounted between a coiled tubing stripper and a BOP stack seals well bore pressure from the atmosphere when the coiled tubing is removed from the well bore. When no coiled tubing is in use, the check valve is shut against well bore pressure. When coiled tubing is inserted through the stripper and before the coiled tubing enters the BOP stack, the coiled tubing butts against the check valve and opens it, permitting insertion of the coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Varco I/P
    Inventors: Denzal Wayne Van Winkle, Andrew Campbell