Suspension Means Patents (Class 166/75.14)
  • Patent number: 11732541
    Abstract: An apparatus for hanging a production string and a coil tubing within a well, the apparatus comprising: a main body with a lower end defining an annular mounting flange; a production string tubing hanger bowl in the interior open area configured for accommodating the production tubing string suspended therein, the production string tubing hanger bowl having a center axis non-concentrically positioned relative to the annular mounting flange; and a coil tubing access port extending from the outer surface of the main body to an inner opening, the coil tubing access port configured for accommodating the coil tubing passing therethrough and having an angular orientation downwardly and being on an angle off vertical and directed away from a center point of the annular mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: EVOLUTION OIL TOOLS INC.
    Inventors: Emery Stoesser, Vern Hult, Chris Patton
  • Patent number: 11142963
    Abstract: System and methods for optimizing coiled tubing string configurations for drilling a wellbore are provided. A length of a rotatable segment of a coiled tubing string having rotatable and non-rotatable segments is estimated based on the physical properties of the rotatable segment. A friction factor for the rotatable segment is calculated based on the estimated length. An effective axial force for one or more points of interest along the non-rotatable and rotatable string segments is calculated, based in part on the friction factor. Upon determining that the effective axial force for at least one point of interest exceeds a predetermined maximum force threshold, an effective distributive friction factor is estimated for at least a portion of the non-rotatable segment of the string. The rotatable and non-rotatable string segments are redefined for one or more sections of the wellbore along a planned trajectory, based on the effective distributive friction factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oluwafemi I. Oyedokun, Robello Samuel, Gareth M. Braund
  • Patent number: 10648255
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tubular stabbing guides are presented. One example tubular stabbing guide includes a frame, a clamping assembly mounted to the frame, the clamping assembly including a plurality of guide members configured to receive a tubular and movable between an open position and a closed position, and a support plate configured to support a weight of the tubular, the support plate movable between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Bjoern Thiemann, Martin Liess, Karsten Heidecke, Martin Helms
  • Patent number: 10364616
    Abstract: A tubular anchor spool having a plurality of removably attached, radially extending, support beams removably attached to a BOP stack of a wellbore to provide a temporary support framework for workover equipment such as a snubbing unit. Guywires are attached to the support beams of the temporary framework for support of the workover equipment. The anchor spool is fabricated offsite and delivered to the well site for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Mark James Hardy
  • Patent number: 10344540
    Abstract: A riser includes a first pipe stand and a second pipe stand, wherein at least the first pipe stand includes a length of pipe and a coupling that is coupled to an upper end of the pipe, the coupling including a body. At least the first pipe stand further includes an upper support member and a lower support member, both of which are mechanically coupled to the body, the upper support member including an elevator engagement support shoulder and the lower support member including a riser weight load support shoulder that is adapted to support a weight load of the riser from a support structure, wherein the coupling with the upper support member and the lower support member coupled thereto is adapted to be lowered through the support structure after a lower end of the second pipe stand has been coupled to an upper end of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Amrik S. Nijjar, Jeremy D. Weise
  • Patent number: 10246964
    Abstract: A system includes a housing of a wellhead, a hanger configured to be positioned within the housing of the wellhead, and a hanger retention system. The hanger retention system includes a key-slot interface having at least one retention segment configured to move between a collapsed position in which the at least one retention segment does not block movement of the hanger relative to the housing of the wellhead and an engaged position in which the at least one retention segment engages at least one corresponding slot to block movement of the hanger relative to the housing of the wellhead. The at least one retention segment includes a wavy cross-sectional shape at least while the at least one retention segment is in the engaged position that enables the at least one retention segment to move between the collapsed position and the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Isaac Weng Chun Kam, Shuang Yong Cheah, Haw Keat Lim, Choon Seng Koa, Choon Keat Lai, Yen Hau Kok
  • Patent number: 10184603
    Abstract: A pipe end fitting assembly that includes an outer body having an outer surface, an inner surface defining a first bore, and an end surface, and an inner body having an inner surface defining a second bore and an outer surface. A portion of the inner body outer surface is secured to the outer body inner surface. A passage formed in the outer body includes a first portion extending from the end surface and parallel to the first bore, and a second portion extending from the outer body outer surface to the passage first portion. A pipe end is disposed around and secured to a portion of the inner body outer surface. A jacket is disposed around the pipe and has an end secured to the outer body outer surface. The passage portions are in fluid communication with each other and a space between the jacket and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: FLEXSTEEL PIPELINE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Allen Hegler, Andrew James Heaton
  • Patent number: 10082231
    Abstract: A connector 116 comprised of a body 116A adapted to be positioned adjacent two hubs 112A, 112B, a primary locking means for connecting the two hubs 112A, 112B together and at least one actuatable reaction member 130 that is operatively coupled to the connector body 116A, wherein, when actuated, an inner surface 130S of the at least one actuatable reaction member 130 is urged toward an outer surface 112S of one of the two spaced apart hubs 112A, 112B and wherein a line of travel 133 of the at least one actuatable member 130 is axially spaced apart 134 from a sealing interface that is to be established between the two hubs 112A, 112B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Murphy, Jasmeet S. Johar, Scott Coltman, Barry Stewart
  • Patent number: 10053932
    Abstract: A pipe gripping apparatus is disclosed having a plurality slips slidably mounted on corresponding slip support surfaces disposed radially the vertical axis of a central opening. The slip support surfaces include an upper region having a radially outwardly curved surface and a lower region having a flat inwardly tapered surface with respect to the vertical axis of the central opening. Powered actuators and a timing ring pivotally linked to the slips move the slips towards and away from each other along their corresponding slip support surfaces to engage and release a pipe. Move of the slips fully upward and outward along outwardly curved slip support surfaces will substantially remove the slips from the central opening to prevent obstruction of the central opening by the slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Vermilion River Tool and Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David L Sipos
  • Patent number: 9803435
    Abstract: A slip assembly for gripping against the external surface of a section of pipe or other tubular goods and supporting axial loading has multiple sets of cooperating wedge-like slip members movably mounted within a slip bowl. A first set of slip members having a smaller taper angle (that is, having a greater vertical component) exerts a predetermined and limited radial gripping force on the pipe or other tubular good. Thereafter, a second set of slip members having a larger taper angle (that is, having a lesser vertical component) takes over and exerts additional radial gripping force on the pipe or other tubular good.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventors: Jeremy Louviere, Jamie Meaux
  • Patent number: 9765581
    Abstract: A tubular gripping apparatus includes a main bowl including a bore formed therethrough about an axis, and a movable bowl movably receivable within the main bowl. The movable bowl includes a bore formed therethrough about an axis with a tapered surface extending along the bore of the movable bowl, in which the tubular gripping apparatus further includes a plurality of slip assemblies movably receivable within the movable bowl, the plurality of slip assemblies configured to engage an outer surface of a tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Logan Essex Smith, Robert L. Thibodeaux, Jeremy Richard Angelle
  • Patent number: 9488017
    Abstract: A method for running a tubular string in wellbore operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a tubular running tool comprising gripping assembly rotationally connected to a carrier, the gripping assembly comprising a body and slips; connecting the carrier to a quill of a top drive of a drilling rig; positioning an end of a tubular for gripping with the slips; actuating the slips into gripping engagement with the tubular; and rotating the tubular with the slips in gripping engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Richard Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Robert Thibodeaux, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9273530
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a tubing hanger having an angled auxiliary bore is provided. The auxiliary bore may receive a penetrator for a cabling system that powers a submersible pump. The auxiliary bore is angled with respect to the production bore of the tubing hanger. As a result, the penetrator exits the lower end of the tubing hanger at a location relatively close to the production tubing. This facilitates the use of a smaller-diameter production casing or casing hanger, in turn helping to reduce potential costs, for instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Delbert Edwin Vanderford, Kenneth Melvin Reed
  • Patent number: 9051808
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a casing head and a tubing hanger disposed within the casing head and supported by a first retaining feature of the casing head. The tubing hanger is configured to support a tubing string. The system also includes a guide string hanger disposed within the casing head and supported by a second retaining feature of the casing head independent of the first retaining feature. The guide string hanger is configured to support a guide string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: David Joseph Hanlin, Bradley Mitchell Mandziak
  • Publication number: 20150107856
    Abstract: A gripping system is taught for gripping oil well casing, casing string or other string comprising one or more slips cammed against one or more inclined recesses when the gripping system is rotated to maintain gripping engagement of the casing. A further gripping system is taught for gripping oil well casing, casing string or other string comprising one or more slips received into one or more inclined recesses. A method is taught for gripping casing sections or casing strings. The method comprises the steps of providing a gripping system comprising one or more recesses and one or more slips, setting said one or more slips on the casing section and rotating the gripping system to cam said one or more slips against said one or more inclined recesses, wherein camming said one or more slips against said one or more inclined recesses serves to maintain gripping engagement on the casing. A further method is taught for gripping casing sections or casing strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Vetsouvanh Malathong, Jonathan Ancelet
  • Publication number: 20150090463
    Abstract: An automated pipe slips includes a pipe slips body having a generally frustoconically tapered inner wall. A plurality of wedges is positioned to slide along the tapered inner wall and may be hydraulically driven. In some embodiments, the wedges alternate between long and short wedges, such that only long wedges are used to engage a tubular member having a small diameter, and both long and short wedges are used to engage a tubular member having a large diameter. In some embodiments, the automated pipe slips may include a centralizer assembly. In some embodiments, the automated pipe slips may include a wiper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Ashish Gupta, Vladimir Scekic, Padira Reddy, Brian Ellis, Faisal Yousef, Chris Magnuson, Larry Heighington
  • Publication number: 20150083389
    Abstract: A non-rotation lock screw for a wellhead assembly is provided that includes a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion. The non-rotating portion includes a distal end configured to engage a component of the wellhead assembly, and may include one or more seals. The rotating portion may be rotating into a component of wellhead assembly such that the non-rotating portion translates in a radial direction. The rotating portion and non-rotating portion may be coupled together via a bearing to enable free rotation of the rotating portion. Systems and methods of operation that include the non-rotation lock screw are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8978772
    Abstract: A seal seals an annulus in a subsea assembly between a wellhead and a casing hanger landed on a shoulder within a bore of the wellhead. The seal includes a casing hanger seal ring disposed within the annulus. The seal ring engaged with an inner diameter surface of the wellhead, and engaged with an outer diameter surface of the casing hanger so that the seal ring prevents flow through the annulus. A nose ring is secured to a lower end of the seal ring so that, when the seal ring is energized, a conical surface of the nose ring engages a mating conical profile formed in the inner diameter surface portion of the wellhead and the nose ring engages a surface opposite the conical surface with a substantially smooth outer diameter surface portion of the casing hanger to limit upwards axial movement of the casing hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Eric Yates, David L. Ford, Daniel Caleb Benson
  • Publication number: 20150068725
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes a wellhead housing with a bore and an annular lock groove on an inner diameter surface of the bore. A wellbore member is concentrically located within the bore of the wellhead housing, defining an annulus between the wellbore member and the wellhead housing. An annular lock ring is positioned in the annulus. The annular lock ring has an outer diameter profile for engaging the lock groove and is radially expandable from an unset position to a set position. An energizing ring is positioned in the annulus to push the lock ring outward to the set position as the energizing ring moves downward. A retainer selectively engages the energizing ring and limits axial upward movement of the energizing ring relative to the wellbore member, retains the annular lock in the set position, and prevents axial upward movement of the wellbore member relative to the wellhead housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Khanh Anh Duong, Rick C. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20150053424
    Abstract: A fill up tool includes a mandrel; a primary sealing member disposed around the mandrel; and a selectively operable secondary sealing member activated by rotation of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the selectively operable secondary sealing member is activated using hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Jimmy Duane WIENS, Yury P. GUTSU, Benson THOMAS, Karsten HEIDECKE, Jim HOLLINGSWORTH, Doyle Fredric BOUTWELL, JR., Rodney STEPHENS, Russell W. THOMPSON, Patrick James ZIMMERMAN
  • Patent number: 8960274
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may include employing a lockscrew to provide radial and axial force in connecting tubular members in a mineral extraction system. The lockscrew may be angled relative to the tubular members, at an angle that is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Further, the lockscrew may have an end portion which mates with a slot in a locking segment, and the lockscrew and locking segment may be moved from an unlocked to a locked position. In a locked position, the lockscrew exerts force axially downward and radially inward to push the locking segment against a tubular member, locking the member in place. The interconnection between the lockscrew and the locking segment may enable easier installation and may utilize parts which may be easier to manufacture. Furthermore, the angle of the lockscrew may provide improved support for tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Delbert Edwin Vanderford, Kenneth Melvin Reed
  • Patent number: 8960276
    Abstract: A wellhead seal device forms metal seals in an annular space between inner and outer tubular members such as a rough casing held within aligned casing and tubing heads. An annular metal sealing sleeve has a lower portion seated in the annular space, and an upper portion which forms an inner sealing annulus adjacent the outer wall of the inner tubular member. A metal seal ring and a wedge ring are located in the inner sealing annulus. A retaining ring is retained by the upper portion above the wedge ring. Threaded seal energizing members extend through the retaining ring to push downwardly on the wedge ring and compress the metal seal ring radially inwardly to form a metal seal to the inner tubular member and thus seal the inner sealing annulus. The lower portion of the annular metal sealing sleeve may seal to the casing head and to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Tony M. Lam, Tianle Guo
  • Patent number: 8950483
    Abstract: A positional feedback system includes a seal assembly coupled to a running tool, the seal assembly having a seal ring and an energizing ring positioned between a hanger and a subsea wellhead. The energizing ring moves relative to the seal ring from an unset position to a set position to seal to the wellhead and the hanger. The system includes a magnet disposed on the energizing ring and having a magnetic field. One or more sensing devices are disposed on running tool and positioned in the magnetic field of the magnet in the set position and the unset position. The sensing devices are configured to communicate with a surface platform when the rare earth magnet passes a magnetic field through the sensing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Guy Harvey Mason, Stephen Paul Fenton
  • Patent number: 8944156
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for isolating a landing ring of a hanger from pressure inside a wellhead and sealing a portion of the hanger via a seal assembly. The hanger includes a floating ring axially interposed between the landing ring and the seal assembly, and between the landing ring and a shoulder of the hanger. The seal assembly includes one or more radially retractable elastomeric seals that are radially retracted during run in of the seal assembly. The radially retractable seals may be radially expanded via shearing of one or more shear pins by torque applied to the seal assembly. The seal assembly may also include one or more metal seals having a plurality of rings having a nib configuration that includes three smaller nibs for sealing and a larger flat nib for withstanding the energizing load on the seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Lim Haw Keat, Joseph Chan
  • Patent number: 8919453
    Abstract: A landing ring having at least one scallop groove formed on an interior of the ring. The landing ring interfaces with a fluted mandrel casing hanger such that the scallop groove aligns between flutes of the hanger. This alignment of the scallop groove of the landing ring with the fluted mandrel casing hanger provides sufficient clearance to allow a stabbing in of a cement tube for cement injection during cement topping operations or debris clean out down hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Henry He, Kwong-Onn Chan, Gene Ambrose
  • Publication number: 20140345849
    Abstract: A production assembly for controlling production from a well includes a wellhead and a tubing hanger assembly. The wellhead includes a bore formed through the wellhead with a first groove and a second groove each extending into the wellhead and axially spaced apart from each other. The tubing hanger assembly is installable in the wellhead and includes a load segment expandable into engagement with the first groove to support the tubing hanger assembly within the wellhead and a lock ring expandable into engagement with the second groove to secure the tubing hanger assembly within the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8857524
    Abstract: Apparatus (14) for supporting a cable (16) in a fluid-filled pipe (10) extending through an underground borehole, comprising a body for connection to an end of the cable extending along the pipe, the body being buoyant in the fluid filling the pipe, such that when the body is connected to the end of the pipe, it floats at or near the surface (15) of the fluid in the pipe. A method of supporting a cable in a fluid-filled pipe using such apparatus, comprises connecting the cable to the body, and dropping the body into the pipe so as to float on the surface of the fluid filing the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas Flamant, Pierre Vigneaux
  • Patent number: 8851182
    Abstract: A well production system including a wellhead and a first casing string supported from a first casing hanger landed on a shoulder in the wellhead bore. A loading shoulder assembly is installable in the wellhead and includes an energizing ring, a loading ring threaded into the interior of the energizing ring, a lock ring, and a hold-down ring threaded into the interior of the loading ring. The hold-down ring engages the first casing hanger to prevent rotation of the hold-down ring and restrain rotation of the loading ring. The lock ring is expandable from an unset position into supporting engagement with the wellhead in a set position upon rotation of the energizing ring. The hold-down ring is also moveable axially out of the loading ring to restrain the first casing hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Kirk P. Guidry, Haw Keat Lim
  • Patent number: 8833470
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pipe handling system for use with a tubular joining system. In one aspect, a method of forming a string of pipe using a joining assembly at a wellbore is provided. The joining assembly includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool. The method includes the step of picking up the pipe joint using an elevator. The method further includes the step of positioning a lower end of the pipe joint adjacent an end of a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool. The method also includes the step of moving the internal joining tool from a first position to a second position relative to the elevator, wherein the second position is between the pipe joint and the string of pipe. The method further includes the step of forming a connection between the pipe joint and the string of pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Karsten Heidecke, Michael Hayes, Frederick T. Tilton, Doyle F. Boutwell, Jr., Robert Badrak, Joseph Ross Rials, David J. Havens
  • Patent number: 8813837
    Abstract: A wellbore system comprising a housing assembly and a hanger assembly. The hanger assembly comprises an actuation member that interacts with a portion of the housing assembly when the hanger assembly is positioned at a desired location in the housing assembly. The hanger assembly also comprises a load member that is adapted to extend between the hanger assembly and the housing assembly to enable the housing assembly to support the hanger assembly. The load member is carried into the wellbore in a retracted position. When the actuation member interacts with the housing assembly at the desired location, the actuation member actuates the load member to expand outward to extend between the hanger assembly and the housing assembly. The actuation member is adapted to transfer a lifting force from the surface to the load member to enable an over-pull test of the hanger assembly to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas P. Gette, Daniel W. Fish, Sean P. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140216718
    Abstract: There is provided a frac adapter configured to couple a frac tree to a wellhead component. The frac adapter may couple the frac tree to a casing head without a tubing head, thereby enabling the well to be fractured before the tubing head is installed. As a result, the tubing head used in well production may be pressure-rated for production pressures rather than for fracing pressures. The frac adapter may be coupled to or integral with the frac tree. In addition, a union-nut coupling may be employed to quickly and easily assemble and disassemble the frac adapter from the wellhead component, such as the casing head. The union-nut coupling may further enable the components to be pressure-tested before the fracturing process is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley Bertrand
  • Patent number: 8776898
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus is provided with a wedge lock release mechanism that creates a clearance to allow movement by the mandrel having mating wedge surfaces relative to the tubular to release the wedge slips. In another embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus for handling a tubular includes a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel; a gripping element for engaging the tubular; an engagement member coupled to the carrier for engaging an upper portion of the tubular; and an abutment device adapted to engage the engagement member, wherein a length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow movement of the engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Liess, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Patent number: 8763708
    Abstract: A rotating breech lock rotates tubing to distribute wear caused by a rotating or reciprocating rod of an artificial lift system. The rotating breech lock has a spool that disposes on a wellhead. A bowl element disposes in the spool's bore, and a hanger fits into the spool and lands on the bowl element with a thrust bearing. Above the hanger, a load ring fits against the hanger with a bearing, and a hold-down sleeve and locking pins hold the load ring against the hanger. The spool has a worm that mates with a wheel defined about the hanger so turning the worm by a ratchet or other mechanism rotates the hanger. Internally, the hanger has a bore with opposing shoulders separated by gaps. A mandrel couples to the tubing and disposes up into the hanger. Protrusions or keys on the hanger can selectively align with the gaps and the shoulders depending on how the mandrel is rotated in the hanger bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Travis, Scott Menard, Brandon M. Cain, Ping Cai, Michael Mosher
  • Patent number: 8752634
    Abstract: A locking assembly for seals within inner and outer members. The locking assembly includes a segmented tube with an inner surface that is segmented into a plurality of pieces cut in radial or reversed angles to allow assembling segments in a circumferential groove machined in the internal diameter of a housing. The housing has an internal diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of the segmented tube. The segments that make up the segmented tubing are locked into place within the housing via a bushing or locking ring that match a profile on the inner surface of the segmented tube to lockingly engage. The bushing and segmented tube retain a lower inner seal in place and support an upper inner seal. The segmented design of the segmented tube allows for smaller diameter members to be used and minimizes leak paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Okamoto Tanaka, Miguel A Garcia
  • Publication number: 20140158376
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger system secures a hanger to a wellhead such that a downward extending tubular may be tensioned at a selected level. The wellhead includes a housing having a plurality of axially spaced grooves, with selected grooves receiving a support member therein. The wellhead housing also has an axially elongate and generally cylindrical sealing surface spaced above the plurality of grooves for sealing engagement with a seal element. The hanger is axially movable relative to the plurality of grooves. The hanger is supported by the support member which is radially movable into selected ones of a plurality of grooves. A lockdown member may also move into selected ones of the plurality of grooves for preventing axially upward movement of the hanger relative to the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: DRIL-QUIP, INC.
    Inventor: Dril-Quip, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8746347
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead body which disposed to support an isolation sleeve for a production tree and to support below the isolation sleeve a production casing hanger for a production casing string. The body also supports a second casing string outside the production casing string whereby to form an annulus between the casing strings. The body includes a passageway which is in communication with the annulus near a lower end of the body and extends upwardly within the wall of the body towards the upper end of the body. A valve is accommodated in the upper part of the body and provides controlled communication between the passageway and a port which can be coupled to the isolation sleeve. The valve is controllable from a production tree in particular is moveable between an open position and a closed position in response to fluid pressure applied to the valve from a production tree by way of the isolation sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Limited
    Inventor: Daniel A Willoughby
  • Publication number: 20140151069
    Abstract: A tubing hanger assembly includes a tubular outer tubing hanger member adapted to land in a bore of a wellhead. A tubular inner tubing hanger member is adapted to be secured to a string of production tubing and has an engaged position in a bore of the outer tubing hanger member. A retaining mechanism selectively allows the inner tubing hanger member to be lowered relative to the outer tubing hanger member, then selectively allowing the inner tubing hanger member to be returned back to the engaged position, to create tension in the string of production tubing. The retaining mechanism operates in response to rotational movement of the inner tubing hanger member while the outer tubing hanger member remains stationary with the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Saurabh Kajaria, Khang V. Nguyen, Eugene A. Borak
  • Publication number: 20140131054
    Abstract: A seal for sealing an annulus between an outer tubular wellhead member and an inner tubular wellhead member is described. In embodiments, the seal is an annular sealing ring that has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart sealing ring grooves extending at least from a first end to a second end of the sealing surface of at least one of the wellhead members. When the seal is energized, fouling on the sealing surface is urged toward and then through the slot, axially away from the sealing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Raynal, Nicholas Peter Gette, Philip John Potter, Daniel Caleb Benson, David Lawrence Ford
  • Patent number: 8720589
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein relating to an apparatus to support a tubular member. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, in which the bowl includes an inner wall formed about the longitudinal axis that is tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes a plurality of slip assemblies movably disposed within to the bowl and having a tapered outer surface and a tapered inner surface with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tapered outer surface of the plurality of slip assemblies is configured to engage the tapered inner wall of the bowl. Further, the bowl may include a shoulder disposed on the inner wall that extends towards the longitudinal axis with respect to the inner wall. Each of the plurality of slip assemblies may be configured to engage the shoulder of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Thibodeaux, Jr., Jeremy Richard Angelle
  • Patent number: 8708055
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus is provided with a wedge lock release mechanism that creates a clearance to allow movement by the mandrel having mating wedge surfaces relative to the tubular to release the wedge slips. In another embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus for handling a tubular includes a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel; a gripping element for engaging the tubular; an engagement member coupled to the carrier for engaging an upper portion of the tubular; and an abutment device adapted to engage the engagement member, wherein a length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow movement of the engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Liess, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Patent number: 8695693
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the wellhead system includes first and second wellhead components or members. An exemplary first wellhead member includes an internal bore and a first groove, while an exemplary second wellhead member is at least partially disposed within the internal bore such that a second groove of the second wellhead member is aligned with the first groove. The wellhead system may include a locking ring positioned within at least one of the first or second grooves, and a retaining ring at least partially disposed within the internal bore between the first and second wellhead members. Further, in one embodiment, the retaining ring is configured to selectively engage the locking ring to facilitate securing of the second wellhead member to the first wellhead member. Other embodiments of wellhead systems, devices, and methods of coupling the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Kirk P. Guidry
  • Publication number: 20140096975
    Abstract: A well apparatus system that includes a wellhead, a tree, a tubing hanger, a tubing spool that is located between the wellhead and the tree, and a production isolator surrounded by the tree and the tubing spool. The tree component of this system can include a vertical or horizontal tree. More importantly, this system can be constructed in a number of different sequences. In addition, this well apparatus system allows for installation, retrieval, and/or work-over the tubing hanger and associated completion system without disturbance of the tree. The presented system also allows for installation and retrieval of the tree independent of the tubing hanger and associated completion system. Some embodiments can include valve-type mechanisms to serve as production environmental barriers. These mechanisms are integral to the production isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cole Melancon, Venkatesh Baht
  • Patent number: 8689888
    Abstract: An outer wellhead member has a bore with a first profile portion and an annular recess. A tubular inner wellhead member with a centralizer/overpull ring is lowered into the outer wellhead member. The centralizer/overpull ring is biased to expand outward to engage the bore of the outer wellhead member to center the inner wellhead member within the bore as the inner wellhead member is lowered through the bore. The recess of the outer wellhead member is adapted to receive the centralizer/overpull ring and oppose axial movement of the centralizer/overpull ring to enable an upward test pull of the inner wellhead member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Sibu Varghese, Ryan Herbel, Dien Nguyen, Javier Garcia
  • Patent number: 8678112
    Abstract: Clamping die (15) in a device for engagement with a cylindrical body (4), which clamping die (15) includes a gripping surface (153) that is arranged to be able to extend in parallel with the center axis of the cylindrical body (4), wherein a groove (154) is provided in each of two side surfaces (151) adjacent to the gripping surface (153) and in close proximity to the gripping surface (153), said groove (154) extending substantially in parallel with the gripping surface (153).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Per A. Vatne
  • Publication number: 20140069631
    Abstract: In a wellhead near the top of an oil and gas well, a locking ring assembly for locking an inner tubular wellhead member axially relative to an outer tubular wellhead member. The inner tubular member has a circumferential recess that contains a locking ring. After insertion of the inner tubular member into the outer tubular member, actuating pins radially expand the locking ring so that it partially leaves the circumferential recess and engages a corresponding recess in the outer tubular member. The pins may be deployed by a seal inserted above the inner tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Peter Gette, David Lawrence Ford
  • Patent number: 8662185
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a housing with a bore. A hanger is lowered into the housing, the hanger having at least one centralizing finger with a hook for engaging a corresponding hook an activation ring carried by the hanger via a shear pin. A load ring is carried on the hanger and supported initially within a recess formed on the exterior of the hanger. At the correct depth within the housing, coinciding with a shoulder on the inner diameter of the housing, the pin is sheared under the weight of the casing string and the hooks disengage to allow the load ring on the hanger to slide outward and create a path for the casing load to be transferred from the hanger to the hanger load ring, to a housing load ring, and ultimately the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Peter Gette
  • Patent number: 8646536
    Abstract: To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Travis, Brandon Cain, Eric Calzoncinth, Paul Perez
  • Patent number: 8640767
    Abstract: A support structure for use on a rig floor and for supporting a unit used to manipulate tubular components through a wellhead comprises a support plate adapted to securely mount the support structure to said unit, a passage in the support plate of sufficient diameter to allow tubular components to pass therethrough, a plurality of rig engaging members and at least one tensile member mount. The unit used to manipulate tubular components through a wellhead may be a compact snubbing unit or may be a push/pull unit. The support structure may further comprise a worker platform to support a worker above the rig floor. Various push/pull system embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Team Snubbing Services Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Tucken
  • Publication number: 20140020888
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a casing head and a tubing hanger disposed within the casing head and supported by a first retaining feature of the casing head. The tubing hanger is configured to support a tubing string. The system also includes a guide string hanger disposed within the casing head and supported by a second retaining feature of the casing head independent of the first retaining feature. The guide string hanger is configured to support a guide string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: David Joseph Hanlin, Bradley Mitchell Mandziak
  • Patent number: 8631873
    Abstract: A tubing hanger body made from Non-CRA steel coupled to production tubing made from CRA material. The coupling includes pin threads at the top end of the production tubing which are arranged to be screwed into box threads of the tubing hanger body. A seal sub having metal-to-metal and/or elastomeric seals engages the top end of the production tubing and protects the tubing hanger body from contact with production fluid flowing from the production tubing below to a Christmas tree tubing above. The invention includes a method of repairing of an existing tubing hanger body where its through bore has been damaged. This allows the through bore to be over machined and a CRA sleeve installed to replace tubing threads and body material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Proserv Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian A. Sneed