Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
166336000 | Testing | 78 |
20080223583 | FREE STANDING RISER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INSTALLING SAME - A free standing riser system includes a riser, a subsea intervention unit, and an umbilical line. The riser includes interconnected joints linked to one another, a lower-end of the riser being coupled to a wellhead and an upper-end of the riser enclosed in a buoy assembly, including a terminal, the riser being maintained in an erect, substantially vertical position. The subsea intervention unit is provided above the riser, and includes three connections: one connection to the terminal of the riser, one connection to a flexible jumper that is connected to a FPU, and one connection that provides a vertical conveyance to an intervention rig. | 09-18-2008 |
20080236836 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Determining Injected Fluid Vertical Placement - An apparatus, system, and method are provided for determining injected fluid vertical placement in a formation. The apparatus includes a borehole drilled through a formation, and an injection conduit within the borehole. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a fiber optic cable within the borehole wrapped helically around the injection conduit such that the fiber optic cable reads temperatures at specific depths and radial angles throughout the borehole. The apparatus includes a thermal insulation layer interposed between the injection conduit and the fiber optic cable such that the fiber optic cable detects the formation temperature rather than the injection conduit temperature. The apparatus includes a computer programmed to determine the vertical placement of the injected fluid within the formation based on the temperature readings. The apparatus detects an induced hydraulic fracture height, and detects whether an induced hydraulic fracture has deviated from the plane of the borehole. | 10-02-2008 |
20080236837 | COMMUNICATING MEASUREMENT DATA FROM A WELL - To communicate measurement data from a well, data corresponding to measurement data collected by multiple sensors in a well is transformed downhole and passed to an intermediate communications device, which device in turn passes a subset of that data to a destination communications device. The destination communications device applies a second transformation to the data received from the intermediate communications device. The first and second transformations are designed such that meaningful data can be recovered at the destination communications device even though only a subset of the original transformed data has been received. | 10-02-2008 |
20090107682 | Monitoring A Solenoid of A Directional Control Valve - A method of monitoring a solenoid ( | 04-30-2009 |
20090229830 | SUBSEA WELL PRODUCTION SYSTEM - A subsea completion testing tree (SCTT) for connection in a tubular string includes a lower tree portion having a control valve; an upper tree portion separably connected to the lower tree portion at a latch; a circulation valve connected with the upper tree portion; and a retainer valve connected with the upper tree portion between the circulation valve and the latch. | 09-17-2009 |
20090260829 | SUBSEA TREE SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM - An embodiment of a method for limiting the probability of failure on demand of a subsea test tree (“SSTT”) includes the steps of providing a safety shut-in system for actuating a safety valve of the SSTT, the safety shut-in system including a surface control station positioned above a water surface connected via an umbilical to a subsea control system positioned below the water surface to actuate the safety valve; and diagnostically testing the safety shut-in system without actuating the safety valve. | 10-22-2009 |
20090277644 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHRISTMAS TREE CONDITION MONITORING - A method for monitoring a Christmas tree assembly installed on a subsea hydrocarbon well includes receiving a plurality of parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly. A health metric for the Christmas tree assembly is determined based on the parameters. A problem condition with the Christmas tree assembly is identified based on the determined health metric. | 11-12-2009 |
20090288835 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPTH MEASUREMENT AND CORRECTION DURING SUBSEA INTREVENTION OPERATIONS - A technique enables determination of changes in length of a conveyance deployed between a surface vessel and a subsea installation. The technique allows information to be obtained on the relationship between length of conveyance spooled out or spooled in at a surface location and the depth and/or speed of an intervention well tool deployed in a well. The information can be used to determine the actual depth of the well tool deployed in the well for the intervention operation. | 11-26-2009 |
20090288836 | Apparatus and Methods for Subsea Control System Testing - Apparatus and methods are described for subsea control system testing including one or more of electrical, optical and fluidic conduit testing, wherein the testing is conducted subsea using a subsea testing skid. In one embodiment of the invention a subsea pipeline service skid is provided that includes at least one skid mounted pump dimensioned to deliver from about 3000 to about 20000 p.s.i. of pressure for pressure testing the fluidic conduits to desired pressures. Modular construction of the skid permits customization for testing service of unique subsea control equipment. | 11-26-2009 |
20100051286 | OPTICAL SENSING SYSTEM FOR WELLHEAD EQUIPMENT - A system includes a Christmas tree assembly mounted to a hydrocarbon well, an optical feedthrough module, and a plurality of optical sensors. The optical feedthrough module is operable to communicate through a pressure boundary of the Christmas tree assembly. The plurality of optical sensors is disposed within the Christmas tree assembly for measuring parameters associated with the Christmas tree assembly and is operable to communicate through the optical feedthrough module. | 03-04-2010 |
20100116504 | CASING ANNULUS TESTER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND TESTING OF A WELLBORE - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a casing tester for plugging and abandoning a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of testing an annulus defined between a first tubular string and a second tubular string includes engaging a first annular packer with an outer surface of the first tubular string and engaging a second annular packer with an outer surface of the second tubular string. The tubular strings extend into a wellbore. The method further includes injecting a test fluid between the packers until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the annulus. | 05-13-2010 |
20100252269 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING SUBSEA WELLS - A system for subsea wellbore monitoring is disclosed. The system includes: a communication control unit configured to be disposed at a sea floor and connected to a monitoring unit that is disposable in communication with the wellbore; a plurality of control unit connection ports disposed on the control unit and configured to operably connect with the subsea wellbore, the plurality of control unit connection ports including at least one blank control unit connection port; and a switch disposed in the control unit including a plurality of switch connection points, the plurality of switch connection points including at least one blank switch connection point configured to be operably connected to the at least one blank control unit connection port. A method of modifying a subsea wellbore monitoring system is also disclosed. | 10-07-2010 |
20100300696 | System and Method for Monitoring Subsea Valves - A technique facilitates collection of information on desired production related parameters in a subsea valve system. Collected data can be processed in a manner that enables enhanced production and/or an increased knowledge regarding operation of the entire subsea valve system. Sensors are coupled with a plurality of subsea valves, and those subsea valves are positioned at appropriate locations along a subsea hydrocarbon production system. The sensors also may be coupled with a data processing system to process the collected data for use by a well operator. | 12-02-2010 |
20100326664 | Running Tool That Prevents Seal Test - A running tool sets a casing hanger packoff and ensures that the packoff is not pressure tested unless the proper setting stroke was made by the running tool. The running tool has a stem, an inner body, and a piston. The inner body is connected to the stem so that rotation of the stem relative to the inner body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. The piston is connected to the stem so that the stem and piston rotate and move longitudinally in unison. A test slot is located in the outer surface of the inner body. A limit pin is connected to the piston and is adapted to engage the test slot when the piston moves longitudinally relative to the inner body. The stem has a raised profile on a portion of its exterior surface. | 12-30-2010 |
20110000677 | SUBSEA TEST APPARATUS, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - Subsea test apparatus comprises: a connector for mating with a corresponding connector of subsea apparatus to provide at least one of electrical, optical, and fluid connection between the test apparatus and the subsea apparatus; measuring means connected to the test apparatus's connector and operable underwater in a measurement mode; a power supply arranged to power the measuring means; and disconnection means for disconnecting the test apparatus's connector from a mated subsea apparatus's connector. The measuring means, in said measurement mode, is arranged to perform at least one measurement, via the mated connectors, on connected subsea apparatus, and the test apparatus further comprises indicating means operable underwater and arranged to provide an indication of a result of the or each measurement. | 01-06-2011 |
20110120720 | Wellhead Test Tool and Method - A method of pressure testing a lower marine riser package includes forming an inflatable packer having exposed slats and an inflatable packer element. The packer is positioned within the lower marine riser package above the cap seal with the exposed slats above the packer element. The packer is inflated and fluid pressure is then applied to test the integrity of the cap seal. The packer may be inverted, then positioned below the BOP/riser connection, the packer inflated, and pressure increased above the inflated packer element to test the fluid integrity of the BOP/riser connection. | 05-26-2011 |
20110240302 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOGGING CASED WELLBORES - The present invention is directed to methods and systems for obtaining log data on a cased wellbore concurrently with wellbore cleanout operations. In some such embodiments, a combination of at least one cleaning means and at least one logging tool are integrated or otherwise affixed to a common workstring, such that both wellbore cleanout and logging operations can be accomplished without having to remove the workstring from the well between such operations. In some such embodiments, the one or more logging tool(s) transmit information about the cased wellbore to the surface wirelessly. In some or other such embodiments, such information is transmitted via cable, in real-time or in batch mode. In some or still other such embodiments, such information is stored in memory and accessed subsequent to the workstring being extracted from the wellbore. | 10-06-2011 |
20110253377 | Testing Subsea Umbilicals - An aspect encompasses a method of testing a subsea umbilical where a first portion of testing is performed on the subsea umbilical, the testing comprising hydraulic testing and at least one of electrical or optical testing, and a second portion of the testing is performed independent of a diver or an ROV. | 10-20-2011 |
20120000663 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A SUBSEA FLOW DEVICE - A system, apparatus, and method are provided for monitoring a subsea flow device such as a subsea flowline. The apparatus generally includes a thermoelectric device that is adapted to generate electric power from a thermal potential between the subsea flow device and the surrounding seawater. A sensor that is powered by the thermoelectric device is adapted to monitor one or more characteristics of the flow device, such as temperature or strain, and provide a radiation output that is indicative of the characteristic. | 01-05-2012 |
20120031620 | MARINE COMPOSITE RISER FOR STRUCTRUAL HEALTH MONITORING USING PIEZOELECTRICITY - A structural health monitoring system for a marine composite riser string is provided. Each riser pipe section includes a cylindrical form having an axis and also a carbon epoxy matrix. A sensor is associated with (e.g., embedded in) and substantially circumscribes the riser pipe section. The sensor includes a PolyVinyliDene Fluoride laminate and electrodes (e.g., conductive silver ink coating) so that the sensor generates electricity at the electrodes responsive to mechanical stresses and strains of the riser section, including vibrations. The system can also include a data acquisition system and digital signal analyzer to analyze signals responsive to the generated electricity at the electrodes of sensors and to provide health monitoring and damage detection for the marine riser pipe string, including impact damage and fatigue crack initiation. The system can further include a subsurface energy storage device and a plurality subsurface microelectromechanical devices coupled to the subsurface energy storage device. | 02-09-2012 |
20120111571 | METHOD FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION FROM A SUBSEA WELL FOR MEASURING SALINITY OF PRODUCED WATER AND ALSO VOLUMETRIC RATIO BETWEEN LIQUID FRACTIONS - The invention concerns a permanent subsea sampling and analysis system, which typically is integrated into a replaceable equipment module for a choke valve of a subsea production well. The analysis system separates a sample into liquid fractions consisting of crude oil, condensate and produced water and then measures the salinity of the water as well as the volumetric ratio between the liquid fractions. With this equipment it will be possible to check, at regular intervals, the development in salinity of the produced water from a singular well without disturbing the production from the well. The information from the analysis system may be used to update the calibration set-up of the multiphase flow meter of the well, or to reveal a possible water breakthrough resulting from water injection into a reservoir, or for other reservoir analyses. Due to the analysis equipment becoming permanently installed on the subsea well equipment, costs of taking samples via intervention operations from vessels are avoided, also avoiding temporary shut-down of production from other wells producing to a joint subsea manifold for the purpose of investigating which well may possibly have experienced water breakthrough. | 05-10-2012 |
20120152555 | Circuit Functional Test System and Method - Method and deadman test circuit for testing a functionality of a shearing blowout preventer. The circuit includes a solenoid valve configured to be electrically controlled and to receive a fluid under a first pressure; a sub plate mounted valve configured to be hydraulically controlled by the solenoid valve and to receive the fluid under a second pressure; and a selector valve fluidly connecting an output of the sub plate mounted valve to a shearing blowout preventer and to a device. The selector valve is configured to be operated by an operator. | 06-21-2012 |
20120267115 | SUBSEA SAMPLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method are provided for collecting fluid samples from a fluid flowline located subsea. The system includes a multiphase sampling apparatus attachable to the flowline, and a vehicle sampling apparatus that is connectable to the multiphase sampling apparatus to allow the transfer of the collected fluid sample thereto. The vehicle sampling apparatus is preferably a subsea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) locatable proximate the fluid flowline and having a fluid sample collector and a fluid pump for transferring the collected fluid sample from the multiphase sampling apparatus to the fluid sample collector. The vehicle sampling apparatus includes a fluid analysis sensor capable of extracting information about the collected fluid sample at a subsea location. Optionally, the vehicle sampling apparatus can transport the collected fluid sample to a location remote from the fluid flowline for analysis. | 10-25-2012 |
20120273211 | SUBSEA SENSORS DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD - Method and subsea sensors display system configured to display data about a blowout preventer (BOP) stack. The subsea sensors display system includes a display panel having plural universal subsea displays, each universal subsea display being configured to display a value measured by a sensor attached to the BOP stack; and a J-box electrically connected to the display panel and configured to provide electrical power to the display panel and to receive data from the display panel. The electrical power is provided from a pod provided on the BOP stack or from a battery when the pod is not available or from a remote operated vehicle (ROV) when connected to the display panel. | 11-01-2012 |
20120292035 | TUBING HANGER SETTING CONFIRMATION SYSTEM - A subsea wellhead assembly provides a positive indication of landing of a wellhead member and locking of a wellhead member to a wellhead. The subsea wellhead assembly includes at least one positive indicator assembly disposed within a wellhead member, and a communication line extending down a running string from a platform to a running tool disposed in a subsea wellhead. The at least one positive indicator assembly provides confirmation of setting of the wellhead member, and the communication line is in communication with the positive indicator assembly to communicate the confirmation of setting with the platform following setting of the wellhead member. | 11-22-2012 |
20120292036 | OFFSHORE UNIVERSAL RISER SYSTEM - An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table. | 11-22-2012 |
20130056218 | RISERLESS SINGLE TRIP HANGER AND PACKOFF RUNNING TOOL - A running tool for landing a tubular hanger in a subsea wellhead housing or the like, installing an annulus seal assembly into a sealing annulus between the tubular hanger and the wellhead housing, and then pressure testing the seal assembly. The running tool includes an inner mandrel which comprises an upper end that is connectable to a running string, a generally cylindrical inner body which is movably connected to the inner mandrel and releasably connectable to the tubular hanger, a generally cylindrical lower body which is positioned around the inner body above the tubular hanger and connectable to the seal assembly, a generally cylindrical upper body which is positioned above the lower body and is connected to the inner body, an outer mandrel which is slidably supported on the upper body and is connected to the lower body, and a first pressure chamber. | 03-07-2013 |
20130092383 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUBSEA WELL INTERVENTION AND SUBSEA WELLHEAD RETRIEVAL - The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for subsea well intervention operations, including retrieval of a wellhead from a subsea well. In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a subsea well is provided. The method comprising the step of positioning a tool proximate a subsea wellhead. The tool has at least one grip member and the tool is attached to a downhole assembly. The method also comprising the step of clamping the tool to the subsea wellhead by moving the at least one grip member into engagement with a profile on the subsea wellhead. The method further comprising the step of applying an upward force to the tool thereby enhancing the grip between the grip member and the profile on the subsea wellhead. Additionally, the method comprising the step of performing the operation in the subsea well by utilizing the downhole assembly. | 04-18-2013 |
20130092384 | SUBSEA TREE SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM - An embodiment of a method for limiting the probability of failure on demand of a subsea test tree (“SSTT”) includes the steps of providing a safety shut-in system for actuating a safety valve of the SSTT, the safety shut-in system including a surface control station positioned above a water surface connected via an umbilical to a subsea control system positioned below the water surface to actuate the safety valve; and diagnostically testing the safety shut-in system without actuating the safety valve. | 04-18-2013 |
20130092385 | HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A hydraulic control system for operating a subsea blowout preventer includes a surface manifold configured to convey hydraulic power to the blowout preventer, a surface actuation valve hydraulically connected to subsea valves and configured to operate the blowout preventer, and a control system monitoring apparatus. The control system monitoring apparatus includes a surface manifold pressure transducer hydraulically connected to the surface manifold, an electronic readback system, and a surface control line pressure transducer hydraulically connected to the surface end of at least one control hose and the surface actuation valve. The control system monitoring apparatus is configured to read, record, and process pressure data supplied by the surface manifold and surface control line pressure transducers. | 04-18-2013 |
20130118752 | MANAGED PRESSURE CEMENTING - A method of cementing a tubular string in a wellbore includes: deploying the tubular string into the wellbore; pumping cement slurry into the tubular string; launching a cementing plug after pumping the cement slurry; propelling the cementing plug through the tubular string, thereby pumping the cement slurry through the tubular string and into an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore; and controlling flow of fluid displaced from the wellbore by the cement slurry to control pressure of the annulus. | 05-16-2013 |
20130126179 | Sampling Skid for Subsea Wells - A system for sampling production well production fluids from a manifold interface panel on a subsea production manifold. In some embodiments, the system includes a remotely operated vehicle, a skid coupled to the remotely operated vehicle, a sample tank supported on the skid, and a fluid transfer pump operable to convey production fluid from at least one of the production wells through the manifold interface panel into the sample tank. | 05-23-2013 |
20130133894 | MARINE ISOLATION ASSEMBLY - An isolation assembly that employs a pack-off device at an annular space between a landing string and a riser. The assembly is configured to ensure sealing off of an annular space below the pack-off device such that potentially hazardous well testing applications may safely proceed early on in completions operations. That is, in advance of any significant rig-level pressure control equipment hook-up, the pack-off device may seal off the annulus from any potential hydrocarbon leaks up the riser toward the rig. Further, where such seal holds back pressures exceeding a predetermined level, a burst element may be incorporated into the wall of the riser to allow for controlled venting therefrom. | 05-30-2013 |
20130161020 | Apparatus and Method for Recovering Fluids from a Well and/or Injecting Fluids into a Well - 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. | 06-27-2013 |
20130168100 | Apparatuses and Methods for Determining Wellbore Influx Condition Using Qualitative Indications - Apparatuses and methods useable in drilling installations having a mud loop for detecting ongoing or imminent kick events are provided. An apparatus includes a first sensor configured to measure a input mud flow pumped into the well, and a second sensor configured to measure a variation of a return mud flow emerging from the well. The apparatus further includes a controller connected to the first sensor, and to the second sensor. The controller is configured to identify an ongoing or imminent kick event based on monitoring and comparing an evolution of the input mud flow as measured by the first sensor and an evolution of the return mud flow as inferred based on measurements received from the second sensor. Additionally, a third sensor can be included in the apparatus to confirm the conclusion made by the controller before alerting the user that a kick has likely occurred. | 07-04-2013 |
20130175041 | PRESSURE TOLERANT BATTERY - A pressure tolerant battery that may be utilized in a subsea riser includes one or more lithium polymer cells enclosed in a pressure compensated housing. The pressure tolerant battery can be mounted on a landing string a disposed in the riser annulus to provide electrical power to landing string and subsea well system devices. | 07-11-2013 |
20130180726 | WELL - A well comprising a borehole and wellhead apparatus, and a communication box at or proximate to the wellhead apparatus, the well comprising a plurality of sensors coupled to wireless transmitters which are adapted to transmit information from the sensors to the communication box; the sensors comprising at least one pressure sensor;and the well comprising a first memory device spaced apart from the communication box, the first memory device configured to store information from the sensors, wherein the communication box comprises a receiver adapted to receive signals from the transmitters, and at least one of a transmission device and a second memory device to transmit and/or store data received from the transmitters. The communication box is typically highly shock resistant (above 50 Gs for at least 5 ms, all axes) and so provides, together with other optional features, a system to monitor a well, especially before, during or after an emergency situation. | 07-18-2013 |
20130192841 | DUAL GRADIENT MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLING - A method of drilling a subsea wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a tubular string extending into the wellbore from an offshore drilling unit (ODU) and rotating a drill bit disposed on a bottom of the tubular string. The method further includes, while drilling the wellbore: mixing lifting fluid with drilling returns at a flow rate proportionate to a flow rate of the drilling fluid, thereby forming a return mixture. The lifting fluid has a density substantially less than a density of the drilling fluid. The return mixture has a density substantially less than the drilling fluid density. The method further includes, while drilling the wellbore: measuring a flow rate of the returns or the return mixture; and comparing the measured flow rate to the drilling fluid flow rate to ensure control of a formation being drilled. | 08-01-2013 |
20130206418 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING WELL OPERATIONS - The present invention relates to a method for performing well operations from a floating installation comprising a high pressure riser ( | 08-15-2013 |
20130220625 | SUBSEA ORIENTATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM - A tool for subsea installation and testing of wellhead modules such as Xmas trees and similar equipment, from a ship using a ship crane. The tool includes a subsea unit that includes a connector for releasable connection to subsea wellhead modules or equipment, means for positioning and means for testing, and a connector for electric power and electric and/or optical control. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220626 | SHEAR LASER MODULE AND METHOD OF RETROFITTING AND USE - There is provided a high power shear laser module, which can be readily included in a blowout preventer stack. The shear laser module as the capability of delivering high power laser energy to a tubular within a blowout preventer cavity, cutting the tubular and thus reducing the likelihood that the tubular will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal off a well. | 08-29-2013 |
20130269945 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR MONITORING OF SUBSEA WELL CASING ANNULI - A non-invasive wireless communication system for monitoring parameters existing within the casing annuli of a subsea hydrocarbon production system. The subsea hydrocarbon production system includes a wellhead housing mounted at the upper end of a well bore and a number of concentric well casings extending from the wellhead housing through the well bore, and the casing annuli are formed between successive ones of the wellhead housing and the well casings The monitoring system comprises an interrogation package which is adapted to wirelessly transmit and receive NFM and/or inductive signals and at least one sensing package which is located in one of the casing annuli and is adapted to wirelessly receive the signals from and transmit response signals to the interrogation package. | 10-17-2013 |
20130292126 | Methods Of Using Enhanced Wellbore Electrical Cables - An embodiment of a method of deploying a cable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprises providing a cable, wherein the cable comprises at least one insulated conductor, at least one armor wire layer surrounding the insulated conductor, a polymeric material disposed in interstitial spaces formed between armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and interstitial spaces formed between the at least one armor wire layer and insulated conductor, the polymeric material forming a continuously bonded layer which separates and encapsulates the armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and whereby the polymeric material is extended to form a smooth polymeric jacket around the at least one armor wire layer, introducing the cable into a wellbore and performing at least one operation in the wellbore utilizing the cable. | 11-07-2013 |
20130299176 | HYBRID-TIEBACK SEAL ASSEMBLY - A hybrid-tieback seal assembly and methods for tying a well back to the surface or subsea well head are disclosed. A method to tie a well back to the surface or subsea well head comprises running a hybrid-tieback seal assembly into a wellbore, the hybrid-tieback seal assembly comprising one or more anchoring bodies, one or more packer seal assemblies; and a device for creating a pressure differential in a tieback string, wherein the tieback string is coupled to the hybrid-tieback seal assembly. The method further comprises landing a casing hanger in a well head, increasing pressure in the tieback string, setting the anchoring bodies and one or more packer seal assemblies within at least one of a previously installed liner hanger system and a host casing above a previously installed hanger system, and testing the hybrid-tieback seal assembly down an annulus between the host casing and the tieback string. | 11-14-2013 |
20130333894 | SUBSEA ACTUATION SYSTEM - A subsea drilling, production or processing actuation system comprising a variable speed electric motor ( | 12-19-2013 |
20140060848 | Plug and Pressure Testing Method and Apparatus - A plug assembly and method for pressure testing a shaft having a generally cylindrical member with a deformable outer surface comprised of alternating soft and rigid ribs and a central void for reception of a sealing component having a sealable central bore, a tubular adapter capable of releasable attachment to a drill pipe and releasably engaged to the cylindrical member, a plurality of ports about the circumference of the member for upward flow of fluid through the member and a receptacle in the member for placement of the sealing component for fixed attachment inside the member for creating a seal for testing pressure. The sealing component may use a ball valve to regulate flow and the cylindrical member may have rigid sections implanted between soft sections during manufacture to facilitate sealing upon pressurization. | 03-06-2014 |
20140116715 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A SUBSEA WELL - A system for monitoring a subsea well is presented. The system includes the subsea well, where the subsea well includes a production tube, an annulus A co-axial to the production tube and positioned exterior to the production tube, an annulus B co-axial to the annulus A and positioned exterior to the annulus A, and a casing wall disposed between the annulus A and annulus B. Furthermore, the system includes a first sensor disposed on or about the production tube, the annulus A, the casing wall, or combinations thereof and configured to measure a first parameter. The system also includes a controller coupled to the subsea well and configured to analyze the first parameter measured by the first sensor and detect an anomaly in one or more components of the subsea well. Methods and non-transitory computer readable medium configured to perform the method for monitoring a subsea well are also presented. | 05-01-2014 |
20140124210 | Systems And Methods For Sensing A Fluid Level Within A Pipe - A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a drill pipe in borehole. The system includes an electromagnetic (EM) generator to generate a traveling wave of electromagnetic energy to propagate along a linear path through the drill pipe towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic wave reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated through the drill pipe towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid. In an embodiment, the system includes a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore or at the mudline based on the fluid surface level. | 05-08-2014 |
20140158363 | Wellbore servicing fluids and methods of making and using same - A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising providing a drill string disposed within the wellbore having one or more tubulars associated therewith and forming one or more annuli around the drill string; placing an insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent into at least one of the one or more annuli surrounding the drill string; and performing a drill stem test while the insulating packer fluid is in place. A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising placing an insulating packer fluid in an annular space between a tubular and a marine riser extending from a surface vessel or platform and a subsea wellhead, wherein the insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent and has a thermal conductivity of from about 0.008 BTU/(hr·ft·F) to about 0.245 BTU/(hr·ft·F). | 06-12-2014 |
20140174752 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING TUBULAR COMPONENTS OF A SUBSEA STRUCTURE - A system for monitoring a subsea structure is presented. The system includes a sensor disposed on or about one or more tubular components of the subsea structure, where the one or more tubular components of the subsea structure include a riser, a flow-line, and a subsea umbilical. Moreover, the system includes a controller operatively coupled to the one or more tubular components of the subsea structure and configured to detect an anomaly in the one or more tubular components of the subsea structure. A method for monitoring the subsea structure is also presented. | 06-26-2014 |
20140209314 | SHEAR AND SEAL SYSTEM FOR SUBSEA APPLICATIONS - A system and methodology facilitates utilization of a valve and a cutter both of which may be used in a subsea test tree. The valve comprises a ball element pivotably mounted in a housing and having an exterior surface and a passageway sized to receive a conveyance therethrough. The cutter also is located in the housing but at a position spaced from the ball element. The cutter is oriented for selective severing of the conveyance. Additionally, a seal system is positioned to act against a surface of the ball element. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209315 | HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATORS - A hydraulic accumulator assembly in which a hydraulic accumulator is associated with at least one responsive unit, which is responsive to the weight of the accumulator to provide an indication dependent on the weight of the accumulator. The accumulator is in an underwater fluid extraction well facility. | 07-31-2014 |
20140246201 | SCUTTLE FOR THE MONITORING AND INSPECTION OF A FLEXIBLE RISER - The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting and monitoring flexible collection and production lines in real time, rendering possible constant tracking of the condition of the internal structures of a flexible riser, specifically of the tensile armour thereof. | 09-04-2014 |
20140262306 | Subsea Test Adaptor for Calibration of Subsea Multi-Phase Flow Meter During Initial Clean-Up and Test and Methods of Using Same - Adapters for inclusion on the lower end of a completion/work-over riser includes a flow loop in fluid communication with a production flow loop hub and a production bore to facilitate testing and calibration of a subsea multi-phase flow meter during completion operations. The flow loop can be in fluid communication with one or more flow loop isolation valves, one or more production bore isolation valves, one or more annulus bore isolation valves, or one or more cross-over valves. In addition, a pressure/temperature sensor can also be included in the adapter. The adapters disclosed herein permit production fluid to flow through the subsea multi-phase flow meter while the riser is still attached to the subsea Christmas tree and before production operations have begun. | 09-18-2014 |
20150053411 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING SENSORS, MARKERS, AND FLUID FLOWS - A system and method for channeling fluids from underwater to the surface. Including a channel system for channeling the fluids from an oil leak through the channel system starting from an underwater pipe leak to a containment reservoir at a sea surface. In one aspect, the channel system is made up of interchange parts, where some are flexible, attachable, and/or can influence the flow of the fluids inside the channel system. | 02-26-2015 |
20150068758 | METHOD OF HANDLING A GAS INFLUX IN A RISER - A method of operating a system for handling an influx of gas into a marine riser during the drilling of a well bore includes the steps of operating a first riser closure apparatus to close the riser at a first point above a flow spool provided in the riser, there being a riser gas handling line extending from the riser at the flow spool to a riser gas handling manifold, operating a second riser closure apparatus to close the riser at a second point below the flow spool, pumping fluid into an inlet line which extends into the riser at a point above the second point but below the flow spool, and operating a choke provided in the riser gas handling manifold to maintain the pressure in the inlet line or the riser at a substantially constant pressure. | 03-12-2015 |
20150075802 | Method and Device for Subsea Sampling - A sampling device is for subsea fluids. The sampling device comprises:
| 03-19-2015 |
20150292315 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL TEST TOOL FOR SUBSEA APPLICATIONS - A tool for testing pressure in a wellhead, having a stem for insertion in the wellhead. the stem having an up position and a down position. The tool further includes an energizing member and an isolation seal, so that when the stem is in the down position, the energizing member energizes the isolation seal so that it seals against the wellhead. In addition, the tool includes a plug adapter surrounding the stem and having a variable inner diameter that selectively seals against the stem, so that when the stem is in the up position the interface between the plug adapter and the stem is sealed, and when the stem is in the down position, the interface between the plug adapter and the stem is not sealed. | 10-15-2015 |
20150330205 | MARINE DIVERTER SYSTEM WITH REAL TIME KICK OR LOSS DETECTION - The disclosure relates to a system and method for determining whether a kick or loss has occurred from a well in real time, wherein the well has a marine diverter having a rotating control device. The marine diverter system may measure flow rate in real time of a drilling fluid entering the wellbore and provide a means of measuring flow rate of the drilling fluid out of the wellbore and riser. The marine diverter system may further determine displacement and velocity of displacement of rig heave motion in real time and use the foregoing steps, given a known internal diameter of the riser and a known external diameter of a drill pipe, and employing a drilling fluid volume balance equation: (Volumetric flow rate-in)−(Volumetric flow rate-out)−(Change in riser annular Volume per unit time)=X, to determine whether the kick or loss has occurred in real time. | 11-19-2015 |
20150369033 | APPARATUS FOR HYDROCARBON OPERATIONS AND METHOD OF USE - The present invention provides an apparatus for performing an operation in a fluid conduit of a hydrocarbon exploration or production installation and methods of use. The apparatus comprises a body configured to be received in a fluid conduit, which is coupled to a tool fluid conduit defining a flow bore. An imaging device is carried by the body and a flow direction arrangement provides a fluid circulation path between an annulus located between an interior wall of the fluid conduit and the body and the flow bore in use. The flow direction arrangement is configured to provide a deployment thrust on the body when fluid is circulated between the annulus and the flow bore through the fluid circulation path. Applications to the inspection of flexible risers and applications to the placement of a fluid or material a treatment operation are described. | 12-24-2015 |
20160017683 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUBSEA WELL PLUG AND ABANDONMENT OPERATIONS - The invention provides a method and apparatus for performing a plug and abandonment operation on a subsea well. A wellhead interface module is located on a wellhead, which accommodates a volume of wellbore fluid in fluid communication with the wellbore. A system control module receives a signal from a sensor in the chamber and is configured to derive volume data relating to a change in volume of wellbore fluid in the chamber and compares the derived volume data with a volume change expected due to the removal of tubing from the wellbore. In embodiments of the invention, this enables a change in wellbore conditions to be characterised, for example a fluid influx or a fluid loss, from the volume data. The method may comprise providing wellbore fluid to the apparatus to replace fluid which enters the wellbore to occupy the volume vacated by the tubing, and/or removing or adding fluid in fluid influx/loss situations respectively. | 01-21-2016 |
20160084065 | SMART RISER HANDLING TOOL - Systems and methods for a smart riser handling tool are disclosed. The riser handling tool may be movable to manipulate an equipment asset, such as a riser component. The riser handling tool may include one or more sensors for measuring one or more properties associated with the equipment asset, and a communication system coupled to the one or more sensors to communicate data indicative of the one or more measured properties to an operator monitoring system. In some embodiments, the riser handling tool may include an electronic identification reader for identifying the equipment asset, and the communication system may be coupled to the electronic identification reader to communicate data indicative of the equipment asset identification to the operator monitoring system. | 03-24-2016 |
20160084066 | RISER MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for riser monitoring are disclosed. A riser monitoring system includes a riser assembly having a plurality of riser components, wherein the riser assembly includes an internal bore running through the plurality of riser components. An external sensor is disposed on an outer surface of the riser assembly, an internal sensor is disposed along the internal bore of the riser assembly, or both. A communication system is coupled to the external sensor, internal sensor, or both to communicate signals from the external and/or internal sensors to an operator monitoring system. | 03-24-2016 |
20160102528 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPLEX HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OPERATIONS AND HYDROCARBON RECOVERY - There is provided a solutions systems for modeling complex hydraulic and mechanical-hydraulic activities, including methods for obtaining and implementing augmented hydraulic fracturing and reservoir management of hydrocarbons. | 04-14-2016 |
20160138355 | Subsea Landing String With Autonomous Emergency Shut-In And Disconnect - A technique facilitates automatic shut-in of a well and disconnect of a corresponding landing string. The landing string is employed in a well application and comprises a landing string module which measures a parameter or a variety of parameters. Those parameters may be used to determine the occurrence of an event which initiates shut-in of the well and disconnect of the landing string. The subsea landing string system is constructed to enable autonomous shut-in and disconnect. | 05-19-2016 |
20160160630 | Monitoring Tubing Related Equipment - A technique facilitates monitoring of strain related effects along a tubing string, such as a tubing string extending from surface equipment toward a sea floor in a subsea well application. A monitoring module is employed to monitor the strain related effects and may have a tubular structure. The monitoring module also has a reduced wall thickness region constructed to concentrate strain in this reduced wall thickness region. Additionally, the monitoring module comprises at least one sensor mounted to the tubular structure in the reduced wall thickness region for monitoring of strains. | 06-09-2016 |
20160168927 | ANTI-RECOIL CONTROL DESIGN USING A HYBRID RISER TENSIONING SYSTEM IN DEEPWATER DRILLING | 06-16-2016 |
20160251926 | SUBSEA COMPLETION APPARATUS AND METHOD INCLUDING ENGAGEABLE AND DISENGAGEABLE CONNECTORS | 09-01-2016 |
166337000 | For leak | 10 |
20080296025 | CONTROL SYSTEM - A method of reducing a pressure within a first cavity of a subsea device is disclosed which includes transferring fluid within the first cavity to an accumulator, increasing a pressure of the fluid within the accumulator and, after increasing the pressure of the fluid within the accumulator, transferring at least some of the fluid in the accumulator into a second cavity, wherein the second cavity is at a higher pressure than said first cavity. A device for reducing a pressure within a first cavity of a subsea device is also disclosed which includes a transfer accumulator comprising a piston, the transfer accumulator being in fluid communication with the first cavity and a second cavity, at least one first valve positioned between the first cavity and the transfer accumulator, the at least one first valve adapted to permit fluid flow only from the first cavity to the second cavity, and at least one second valve positioned between the transfer accumulator and the second cavity, the at least one second valve adapted to permit fluid flow only from the transfer accumulator to the second cavity. | 12-04-2008 |
20090008100 | Fixed-point packoff element with primary seal test capability - A fixed-point packoff element for a full-bore pressure isolation tool supports a primary seal and a test seal to permit the primary seal to be tested by injecting test fluid through a side port of a tubing head spool before the pressure isolation tool is rigged up for a well stimulation procedure. | 01-08-2009 |
20090056949 | FLUORESCENCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR DETECTING LEAKS FROM SUBSEA SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES - A system for detecting leaks from a subsea system is disclosed which includes at least one subsea structure anchored to a sea floor, a fluorescence detector attached to the subsea structure, the fluorescence detector adapted to generate a light beam having a wavelength that will fluoresce material leaking from the subsea system when the material is irradiated with the light beam, and a camera adapted to observe the fluorescence of the material as it is being irradiated by the light source. | 03-05-2009 |
20100018715 | OFFSHORE UNIVERSAL RISER SYSTEM - An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table. | 01-28-2010 |
20110247826 | METHOD, DEVICE, AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING WATER OR LIQUID IN THE ANNULUS OF A FLEXIBLE RISER OR FLOWLINE - A method, device, and system for determining whether liquid enters a subsea system includes a flow line having an inside bore capable of carrying producing fluids from a subsea wellhead to a floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO). An annulus is defined between an innermost sheath that surrounds the inside bore and an outermost sheath at an exterior of the flow line. The device further includes a housing element disposed within the annulus and in hydraulic communication with the annulus; a sensor element disposed at a predetermined location within the housing element; and data acquisition equipment capable of: determining environmental characteristics of the annulus based on measurements made by the sensor element, and determining at least one of the presence, location, and rate of collection of liquids in the subsea system based on the environmental characteristics of the annulus. | 10-13-2011 |
20130126180 | MONITORING HYDROCARBON FLUID FLOW - A method of monitoring a plurality of properties relating to a hydrocarbon fluid flow through a pipeline at a tree for a subsea hydrocarbon extraction facility, the method comprising locating a plurality of sensors at or near a position which is optimum for monitoring the at least one of the plurality of properties in regard to the configuration of the pipeline, the sensors being configured to monitor at least one of the plurality of properties. | 05-23-2013 |
20140069656 | Systems and methods for detecting leaks in subsea cement and wellbore equipment - Methods and systems for detecting subsea cement returns, leaks in subsea cement, leaks in blowout preventer operating systems or other equipment or conduits, or the presence of sweep or spacer media subsea or at the surface, include mixing an indicator, such as sodium fluorescein, with a quantity of cement or other medium, the indicator being insulated from contact with the subsea environment. The medium and indicator can be provided into a subsea wellbore, and upon contact of a portion of the medium with the subsea environment, the indicator can become detectable. Exposing the subsea environment proximate to the wellbore to a detector, such as an ultraviolet light source, enables detection of the indicator, and thereby, detection of the medium, which can indicate a cement return or leak of operating fluids in a subsea blowout preventer system. | 03-13-2014 |
20140110124 | WELLBORE LEAK DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A leak detection system for a wellbore. The leak detection system includes: (1) at least one sensor configured to be positioned outside of a casing of the wellbore; (2) an interrogation system for sending signals to, and receiving signals from, the at least one sensor; and (3) an optical lead cable disposed between the interrogation system and the at least one sensor. A method of detecting a fluid leak in a wellbore is also disclosed. | 04-24-2014 |
20140299327 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ISOLATING A SECTION OF A PIPE RISER BORE IN THE COURSE OF RISER RENEWAL - The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations. | 10-09-2014 |
20160069176 | EXTENDING THE LIFE OF A COMPROMISED UMBILICAL - A method of using an umbilical between a surface location and an underwater location of an underwater fluid extraction well system is provided. The umbilical includes an electrical power conductor configured to transmit electrical power at a first frequency from a source at the surface location to the underwater location. The method comprises detecting that the umbilical has been compromised by the ingress of water. In response thereto, the method comprises converting electrical power from the source to electrical power at a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is lower than the first frequency or DC electrical power; transmitting the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to the underwater location via the conductor; and converting, at the underwater location, the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to electrical power at a frequency used by the underwater equipment of the well system. | 03-10-2016 |