| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080210433 | Subsea Well Communications Apparatus and Method Using Variable Tension Large Offset Risers - The current subject matter relates to compliant variable tension risers to connect deep-water subsea wellheads to a single floating platform in wet tree or dry try systems. The variable tension risers allow several subsea wellheads, in water depths from 1220 to 3050 meters, at lateral offsets from one-tenth to twice the depth or more, to tie back to a single floating platform. Also, the current subject matter relates to methods to counter buoyancy and install variable tension risers using a weighted chain ballast line. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20090014184 | HIGH CAPACITY WELLHEAD CONNECTOR HAVING A SINGLE ANNULAR PISTON - A wellhead connector for connecting a riser or production tree to a wellhead of a subsea well utilizes a singular annular piston to lock the connector onto the wellhead. The wellhead connector includes a housing that contains dogs for engagement with the exterior of the wellhead housing. A cam ring is also included, which has an inner side for engaging the dogs and moving them inward into a locked position with the wellhead housing. Connecting rods connect the piston to the cam rings. As the piston moves downward, the cam ring also moves downward, forcing the dogs inward into a locked position. As the piston moves upward, the cam ring also moves upward, thereby unlocking the connector. A secondary annular piston is also provided to guarantee unlocking. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090139724 | Latch position indicator system and method - Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090277645 | Internal Tieback for Subsea Well - A tieback connector connects a tieback conduit from an offshore platform to a subsea wellhead assembly. The tieback connector has a mandrel that is connected to a string of tieback conduit and a sleeve and load ring that are carried by the mandrel. The load ring is radially expansible and has a conical portion with internal threads. The load ring has an external grooved profile that engages an internal grooved profile in the subsea assembly. The mandrel is rotatable relative to the sleeve while in its lower position, causing the load ring to further expand outward into engagement with the internal profile. A locking member is carried below the load ring on an exterior cam surface of the mandrel. The cam surface moves the locking member outward when the mandrel moves downward into engagement with an internal profile in the subsea assembly. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090321080 | SYSTEM, VESSEL AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF OIL AND HEAVIER GAS FRACTIONS FROM A RESEVOIR BELOW THE SEABED - System for production of oil and heavier gas fractions from a reservoir under a seabed, comprising:
| 12-31-2009 |
| 20100006300 | FLEXIBLE HANG-OFF ARRANGEMENT FOR A CATENARY RISER - Flexible hang-off arrangement is provided for a catenary riser suspended from an offshore or inshore platform, which includes floating or fixed platforms, vessels or/and buoys. The bending loads in the top segments of the said riser are reduced by incorporating a pivot at the riser hang-off. Pressure containing welded, bolted, rolled or swaged pipe spools transfer fluids, including hydrocarbons between the riser and the platform. Along significant spool lengths the tangents to the center lines of said spools are orthogonal to and offset from the tangent to the center line of the riser at the hang-off. The said pressure containing spools include arbitrary looped, spiral and helicoidal designs that are subject to torsion. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100012326 | LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT SUBSEA INTERVENTION PACKAGE AND METHOD - The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for a lightweight subsea intervention package that may be installed using vessels with a smaller lifting capacity than semi-submersible platforms so that the subsea intervention package can be transported, installed, and removed from a subsea well in less time and with less cost. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a lower riser package for controlling the subsea well which utilizes two hydraulically activated gate valves. An emergency disconnect package is secured to the lower riser package utilizing a disconnect mechanism. The emergency disconnect package is operable to seal the bottom of a riser if the disconnect mechanism is activated to thereby minimize environmental leakage of fluid from the riser. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100018716 | Adjustable Hanger for Inner Production Riser - A string of conduit extending from a subsea wellhead assembly to a surface wellhead assembly on a platform has a plurality of grooved profiles on an upper portion of the conduit. Each profile is spaced axially from another of the grooved profiles. After a lower end of the conduit is secured to the subsea wellhead assembly, the operator pulls on the conduit to apply a selected tension to the conduit. The operator attaches a support ring to the profile that was closest to and above a load shoulder in the surface wellhead assembly when the desired tension was reached. After landing the support ring on the load shoulder, the operator may cut off any excess portion of the upper portion of the conduit located above the support ring. A seal ring is set between the upper portion of the conduit and the surface wellhead housing. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100038091 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYMENT OF A SUBSEA WELL INTERVENTION SYSTEM - A method, system and apparatus for deploying a subsea well intervention system from a surface vessel to a subsea tree, including connecting a spoolable compliant guide (SCG) to a subsea intervention package on deck of a vessel; testing the connection on the deck of the vessel; lowering overboard the intervention package into a water column using a primary lifting device, including a winch or a crane, in such a way that the SCG does not see a weight of the intervention package; gradually paying out the SCG from a reel thereof as the intervention package is lowered to a seabed; transferring the weight of the intervention package to a secondary lifting device, including a winch or a crane, wherein the intervention package functions as a dead weight to overcome a positive buoyancy of the SCG, a distance between the primary and secondary lifting devices creates and controls a shape of the SCG; and once landed onto a subsea tree with heave compensation, disconnecting the secondary lifting device from the intervention package, and hanging the SCG off at the vessel at deck level. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100044052 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING AND ALIGNING A COMPLIANT GUIDE - A technique enables subsea intervention operations in which a compliant guide is deployed for connection with a subsea installation. A tool is provided to engage a lower end of the compliant guide in a manner that enables selective movement of the lower end between desired positions. For example, the tool may comprise a displacement mechanism that can be actuated to move the lower end of the compliant guide between an engaged position with the subsea installation and a remote parked position relative to the subsea installation. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100116506 | SUBSEA DEPLOYMENT OF SUBMERSIBLE PUMP - A technique for subsea operations utilizes a surface vessel to perform the installation and retrieval of submersible pumps or other tools with respect to a subsea well. A submersible pump is conveyed from a surface vessel to a subsea installation which is used to temporarily secure the submersible pump. Subsequently, the surface vessel is again used in cooperation with a conveyance to deliver the submersible pump to a desired location in a wellbore beneath the subsea installation. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100139926 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING INTERVENTION OPERATIONS WITH A COMPLIANT GUIDE - A technique for subsea intervention operations incorporates use of a compliant guide that extends between a surface location and a subsea installation. The technique facilitates deployment of tool strings into a subsea well. For example, a portion of the compliant guide can be used as a subsea lubricator during pressure deployment of tool strings. In some applications, a tool entry guide can be connected into the subsea installation to facilitate deployment of tool strings into the subsea well. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100288504 | Subsea Connection Apparatus for a Surface Blowout Preventer Stack - A subsea connection apparatus to allow connecting a surface blowout preventer stack and riser to a subsea wellhead is disclosed. The subsea connection apparatus uses a single cavity blowout preventer with a set of shearing blind rams. Hydraulically actuated wellhead connectors are secured to the top and bottom of the blowout preventer to allow connection to a subsea wellhead below the subsea connection apparatus and a well head hub profile on the lower end of a riser above the apparatus. A control system can operate both of the hydraulically actuated connectors and the blowout preventer independently. A frangible bore protector is disposed in the bore of the blowout preventer to protect the shearing blind rams from pipe, tools, and fluids being passed through the blowout preventer and can be sheared by the shearing blind rams along with any drill pipe in the bore. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100294504 | FLEXIBLE HANG-OFF ARRANGEMENT FOR A CATENARY RISER - Flexible hang-off arrangement is provided for a catenary riser suspended from an offshore or inshore platform, which includes floating or fixed platforms, vessels or/and buoys. The bending loads in the top segments of the said riser are reduced by incorporating a pivot at the riser hang-off. Pressure containing welded, bolted, rolled or swaged pipe spools transfer fluids, including hydrocarbons between the riser and the platform. Along significant spool lengths the tangents to the center lines of said spools are orthogonal to and offset from the tangent to the center line of the riser at the hang-off. The said pressure containing spools include arbitrary looped, spiral and helicoidal designs that are subject to torsion. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100314122 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUBSEA INTERVENTION USING A DYNAMIC SEAL - A system for performing intervention operations in subsea installations, including a tubular which connects a subsea installation to a surface vessel, a conveyance designed to enter subsea installation to perform an intervention, and a non-retrievable subsea dynamic seal, which prevents hydrocarbons from reaching the vessel. A surface dynamic seal can be provided. A method for subsea intervention using the system and a corresponding subsea dynamic seal apparatus are provided. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100314123 | UNDERWATER CONNECTION INSTALLATION - An underwater connection installation ( | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100319925 | RISER PIPE SECTION WITH FLANGED AUXILIARY LINES AND BAYONET CONNECTIONS - A riser pipe section ( | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110005766 | Deployment System - A downhole deployment system comprises a spoolable tubular member ( | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110005767 | RISER SYSTEM COMPRISING PRESSURE CONTROL MEANS - The present invention regards a riser system comprising at least one riser extending from a subsea wellhead to a surface vessel, tension means for keeping the at least one riser tensioned, which tension means are connected to the vessel, a upper workover riser package (UWRP) located at the upper section of the riser and arranged to seal off the riser passage. According to the invention the UWRP is located below the connection point of the tension means to the vessel, giving the UWRP a position stationary relative a seabed, and that the UWRP comprises an interface adapted for the connection of different kinds of workover equipment. The invention also regards a method for inserting tools into a riser. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110017466 | RISER PIPE WITH RIGID AUXILIARY LINES AND OFFSET CONNECTORS - The connection system allows to assemble two sections of a riser pipe used for offshore drilling, the riser pipe comprising a main tube and at least one auxiliary line arranged parallel to said tube. The connection system comprises a connector A for assembling two main tube sections and connecting means B | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110036588 | Systems and Methods for Running Casing Into Wells Drilled with Dual-Gradient Mud Systems - Systems and methods for running and cementing casing into wells drilled with dual-gradient mud systems include running casing through a subsea wellhead connected to a marine riser, the casing having an auto-fill float collar, and connecting a landing string to the last casing run. The landing string includes a surface-controlled valve (SCV) and a surface-controlled ported circulating sub (PCS). The SCV and PCS are manipulated as needed when running casing, washing it down while preventing u-tubing on connections and prior to cementing to displace mixed density mud from the landing string and replace it with heavy-density mud prior to circulating below the mudline thus maintaining the dual gradient effect. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110042094 | Bottom-to-surface connection installation of a rigid pipe with a flexible pipe having positive buoyancy - A bottom-to-surface connection installation of at least two undersea pipes resting on the sea bottom. The installation having a first hybrid tower having a vertical riser anchored to a first base and connected to a the undersea pipe resting on the sea bottom and having its top end connected to a first sub-surface float. A first connection pipe, preferably a flexible pipe, providing the connection between a floating support and the top end of the riser and at least one second rigid pipe rising from the sea bottom on which it rests or from a second undersea pipe resting on the sea bottom to which its bottom end is connected, the bottom end not being anchored at the first base, up to the sub-surface where its top end is connected to a second float situated substantially at the same depth as the first float and fastened to the first float by a second flexible second connection pipe, providing connection to the floating support. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110048727 | FORCE ELEMENT ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a riser joint for a riser with a joint connecting two parts of a riser where the two parts are allowed angular displacement. According to the invention the riser joint comprises means for connection to the two parts of the riser at a distance from the joint, and means for adding a force between the two parts. The invention also relates to a method for reducing bending moments in a riser at a connection between the riser and a subsea installation. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110048728 | RISER SUPPORT SYSTEM - A device is described for supporting a riser ( | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110067880 | BELLOWS TYPE ADJUSTABLE CASING - A subsea assembly for producing fluids froth a well having a casing string in the well supported with a hanger on an upper end. Cement is in a portion of an annulus between the casing string and walls of the well, thereby leaving segment of the casing string unsupported in the well. A motion compensating element is coaxially provided in the unsupported segment of the casing string to absorb axial expansion and/or contraction that may occur in the unsupported segment of the casing string. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110073314 | RISER TERMINATION - A top termination ( | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110079395 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RUNNING SUBSEA TEST TREE AND CONTROL SYSTEM WITHOUT CONVENTIONAL UMBILICAL - A technique enables a simplified approach for providing subsea hydraulic control. A subsea installation comprises one or more devices that are actuated hydraulically. A simple signal carrier, such as a wireline logging cable, can be routed down to the subsea installation. However, hydraulic fluid for controlling the one or more hydraulic devices in the subsea installation is delivered via an open water umbilical that extends to the subsea installation from a separate workover control system. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110083853 | Inertia transition pipe element, in particular for restraining a rigid undersea pipe - An inertia transition terminal pipe element having a main rigid pipe element including at one of its ends an inertia transition piece that is constituted by at least one and preferably a plurality “n” of coaxial reinforcing pipe elements placed coaxially around the main pipe element, each reinforcing pipe element presenting an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the main pipe element. The various main and reinforcing pipe elements each being positioned with one end situated at the same level along the axis of symmetry of the pipe elements, and each reinforcing pipe element presenting a length that is less than the height of the main pipe element. The annular gap between the various pipe elements being filled with a solid filler material. A rigid undersea pipe is also disclosed including at at least one of its ends, an inertia transition pipe element. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110094749 | Purge System - A well intervention system ( | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110100636 | UNDERWATER HYDROCARBON TRANSPORT APPARATUS - An underwater fluid transport apparatus ( | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110114328 | DOWNHOLE SWIVEL APPARATUS AND METHOD - What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110127040 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR SUBSEA WELL DRILLING AND INTERVENTION - An assembly suitable for subsea drilling and intervention operations includes a dual blow out preventer system having an upper blow out preventer located between a drill floor and a riser string, and a lower blow out preventer located below the riser string and above a wellhead. The dual BOP system is adapted to enable advanced drilling and intervention operations such as Managed Pressure Drilling (“MPD”), Underbalanced Drilling (“UBD”), or Through Tubing Rotary Drilling (“TTRD”) in an offshore deepwater environment. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110155382 | Internal Tieback for Subsea Well - A tieback connector connects a tieback conduit from an offshore platform to a subsea wellhead assembly. The tieback connector has a mandrel that is connected to a string of tieback conduit and a sleeve and load ring that are carried by the mandrel. The load ring is radially expansible and has a conical portion with internal threads. The load ring has an external grooved profile that engages an internal grooved profile in the subsea assembly. The mandrel is rotatable relative to the sleeve while in its lower position, causing the load ring to further expand outward into engagement with the internal profile. A locking member is carried below the load ring on an exterior cam surface of the mandrel. The cam surface moves the locking member outward when the mandrel moves downward into engagement with an internal profile in the subsea assembly. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110155383 | OFFSHORE SEABED TO SURFACE CONDUIT TRANSFER SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a transfer system for transferring hydrocarbons, power or electrical/optical signals as the case may be from the seabed to the vessel or other buoyant structure in the shallow water when exposed to the environmental loadings from wind, wave and current. The conduit transfer system comprising a flexible pipe or umbilical extends from the buoyant unit at one end and to the seabed at the other end; and a riser support fixed to the seabed for supporting the flexible pipe characterized in that the flexible pipe a plurality of buoyancy beads for creating one or more inverse catenary curves of the flexible pipe to provide an excursion envelope. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110168399 | MID WATER GAS LIFT - Methods and apparatuses for the production of hydrocarbons from an offshore reservoir are disclosed. The hydrocarbons are produced using at least one spur (or flowline), and at least one riser conduit to transport said hydrocarbons from the seafloor to a point at or near the sea surface, wherein an artificial lift method, such as the injection of a lifting gas, is used to help transport said hydrocarbons from the reservoir to said point at or near the surface, and wherein said artificial lift method is applied to said hydrocarbons at a point along the at least one riser conduit, substantially above said seafloor. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168400 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING AND ALIGNING A COMPLIANT GUIDE - A technique enables subsea intervention operations in which a compliant guide is deployed for connection with a subsea installation. A tool is provided to engage a lower end of the compliant guide in a manner that enables selective movement of the lower end between desired positions. For example, the tool may comprise a displacement mechanism that can be actuated to move the lower end of the compliant guide between an engaged position with the subsea installation and a remote parked position relative to the subsea installation. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110180265 | SPOOLABLE RISER HANGER - A coil tubing riser hanger ( | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110192611 | Riser Joint Coupling - An offshore riser system has riser joints, each having a pin and a box. The pin has an external grooved profile that is engaged by a locking element carried by the box of another riser joint. An actuating ring engages with the locking element to move it into the locked position. A retractable spider supports the string of riser while the new joint is being made up. A makeup tool on the riser deploying floor moves the ring relative to the locking element, causing the locking element to move to the locked position. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110209876 | Apparatus, System and Method For Releasing Fluids From A Subsea Riser - An apparatus, system and method for releasing fluid from a subsea marine riser is disclosed. A housing defines an interior space and an exterior region. The housing includes first and second ends adapted for respective sealed connection in a marine riser assembly. The housing may be defined on its interior space by a central cavity adapted for passage of a drill string. A plurality of ports may be provided for fluid release from the housing upon emergency disconnect of the riser from a subsea well. One or more gates may be provided in mating configuration with the housing. The gates may be moveable from a sealed position that restricts fluid flow through the ports to an open position that facilitates fluid release from the riser through the ports. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110240304 | RISER COMPONENTS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - A method for making a riser component includes: positioning a coupler adjacent and end of a tube such that a region of the coupler forms an interface with the tube's end, wherein the region includes a material (in some embodiments an aluminum alloy), and the tube's end includes a groove and another material (in some embodiments a steel alloy) that is different than the region's material; heating the region of the coupler to increase the region's malleability; and exerting pressure on the region of the coupler to plastically deform the region to insert some of the region's material into the groove in the tube's end. By fixing the coupler to the tube in this manner, the coupler may be strongly secured to the tube, and thus able to withstand high, dynamic loads frequently experienced in service. Also, the material of the coupler may be different than the material of the tube, and thus the material of the coupler may be lighter than the material of the tube. This allows one to design a riser component that is lighter than a conventional steel riser component having a steel tube and steel flanges, but that can withstand the high, dynamic loads frequently experienced in service. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110240305 | FLOATING WELL INTERVENTION ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A HEAVE COMPENSATED WORK DECK AND METHOD FOR WELL INTERVENTION - A floating arrangement is provided for overhauling hydrocarbon wells at sea by means of coiled tubing, where the floating arrangement comprises a drill floor and a work deck which is arranged in an opening in the drill floor. The floating arrangement comprises a first set of heave-compensating devices which are arranged for connection to a slip joint connected to a riser in such a manner that an approximately constant tension in the riser can be maintained when the floating arrangement moves in the water. The floating arrangement further comprises a second set of heave-compensating devices which are arranged for connection to the work deck in such a manner that the work deck is at an approximately constant distance from the seabed when the work deck can move relative to the drill floor and the floating arrangement moves in the water. The invention also comprises a method for overhauling hydrocarbon wells at sea from a floating arrangement by means of a coiled tubing frame. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110247827 | Dual Drilling Activity Drilling Ship - A single drilling ship may be equipped with two drilling centers, each capable of running risers. Each drilling center has a set of tubulars stored for use in association with that drilling center, those tubulars including risers. However, the risers for one drilling center are of a smaller diameter than the risers for the other drilling center. In the event that a main drilling center drilled well fails, a relief well can then be drilled from the same ship using a secondary drilling center. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110290497 | SUBSEA HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION SYSTEM - A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a host production facility and a plurality of subsea wells. A fluid conveying network is provided that connects each subsea well to the host production facility. A separate electrical power and data network is provided for conveying direct current electrical power and data, operatively connected to each subsea well for providing each subsea well with data transfer and electrical power services. The use of direct current ensures that the electrical power and data network can provide power over much greater distances than currently available, and the use of separate networks for conveying fluids and for providing electrical power and data transfer allows for a much more flexible system. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110290498 | SUBSEA PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A subsea production system, comprising a plurality of wells located on a sea floor, the wells producing a fluid comprising hydrocarbons; a cold flow center on the sea floor, the cold flow center fluidly connected to the plurality of wells; and a production facility on land or on a floating structure, the production facility fluidly connected to the cold flow center; wherein the cold flow center lowers a temperature of the fluid and produces a slurry of the fluid and suspended solids for transportation to the production facility. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110297387 | Integrated Installation Workover Control System - A subsea production system for controlling fluid flow from a well. The system includes a subsea production tree and a drilling riser engageable with the well. The tree includes electrical and hydraulic lines to communicate with equipment in the tree and downhole in the well. The system also includes a tieback tool that can be installed in the tree through the drilling riser to establish communication with the tree electrical and hydraulic lines and permit access into the well bore. The system also includes an umbilical connectable with the tieback tool and extendable inside the drilling riser to the surface. The umbilical can be used to communicate the tieback tool. The umbilical can also be used to communicate with the tree and downhole equipment through the tieback tool connection with the tree. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297388 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRESSURE REGULATION OF A WELL - A method for the pressure regulation of a well ( | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110308809 | AUXILIARY SUBSURFACE COMPENSATOR - Force-dampening arrangement ( | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120037377 | ALUMINUM AUXILIARY LINES FOR DRILLING RISER - A drilling riser joint is provided that may include one or more auxiliary lines ( | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120061090 | LANDING STRING ASSEMBLY - A landing string assembly ( | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120080194 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING OIL LEAKING FROM AN UNDERWATER WELL - A system for capturing oil leaking from an underground well includes an elongate hollow tube which is deployed vertically in the water with its open lower end located above the oil well. A system for securing the tube in the desired location where it captures the maximum amount of leaking oil includes an adjustment system which allows the tube to be moved transversely once it is in place. A method is provided for erecting the tube and anchoring it at the desired location above the leaking well. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120085544 | MARINE SUBSEA FREE-STANDING RISER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A free-standing riser system connects a subsea source to a surface structure. The system includes a concentric free-standing riser comprising inner and outer risers defining an annulus there between. A lower end of the riser is fluidly coupled to the subsea source through a lower riser assembly (LRA) and one or more subsea flexible conduits. An upper end of the riser is connected to a buoyancy assembly and the surface structure through an upper riser assembly (URA) and one or more upper flexible conduits, the riser also mechanically connected to a buoyancy assembly that applies upward tension to the riser. The riser may be insulated for flow assurance, either by a flow assurance fluid in the annulus, insulation of the outside of the outer riser, or both. The system may include a hydrate inhibition system and/or a subsea dispersant system. The surface structure may be dynamically positioned. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120103622 | EFFICIENT OPEN WATER RISER DEPLOYMENT - A riser for use in subsea operations that is parked subsea deployed as needed onto wellheads disposed proximate where the riser is parked. A base anchored into the seafloor provides a pedestal for parking the riser. The riser emits a beacon signal so it can be located when needed. When parked, the riser can be kept in a vertical orientation by a buoyancy module mounted on an upper portion of the riser. A workboat, or other vessel, attaches to the parked riser and positions it onto a designated wellhead. An extension connects the riser to platform or other vessel above the sea surface. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120132432 | Gas Handler, Riser Assembly, and Method - Method, riser assembly and gas handler for diverting gas from a riser. The riser assembly includes a riser having a first end and a second end and a conduit extending from the first end to the second end; a gas handler connected to the riser and provided between the first end and the second end, the gas handler having an external casing; plural pipes attached to an outside of the riser such that at least one pipe of the plural pipes enters through the external casing; and a gas vent pipe configured to start at the gas handler and extend towards the second end of the riser and the gas vent pipe is further configured to divert a gas from the gas handler through the outside of the riser. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120132433 | SAFETY JOINT AND RISER - A safety joint to be included in a riser between a floating structure and a subsea installation at a location in the riser above a stress joint where it will be subjected to minimum bending loads. The safety joint includes a first riser coupling at its upper end for connection to a corresponding riser coupling of a riser joint and a second riser coupling at its lower end for connection to a corresponding riser coupling of a riser joint or stress joint. An emergency disconnect package with an emergency disconnect coupling and a retainer valve unit is arranged between the upper end and the lower end of the safety joint. A riser including such a safety joint. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120132434 | Production Riser - The present invention is directed to a system including a self supporting riser (SSR) which is connected to a well to produce fossil hydrocarbon reservoirs deep below the seafloor. The SSR is constructed of a plurality of joints comprising regular joints and specialty joints that define the SSR and are selected to optimize the SSR for a well in a specific location. A unique aspect of the SSR of the present invention is that while capable of connecting to the wellhead, or tree on the seafloor, it can also be secured to an anchor during operations. The invention is further directed to a small vessel moored to the SSR by a line such as a hawser, the riser providing an anchor to the vessel, and the SSR carrying fluids from the well to the vessel and from the vessel to the well. The vessel has provisions for processing the fluids from the wellhead. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120145407 | METHOD OF CONNECTING A FLEXIBLE RISER TO AN UPPER RISER ASSEMBLY - A method is described for connecting a flexible upper riser part to a lower riser part via an upper riser assembly supporting a lower riser termination. The method includes securing a cable linkage to a riser connector at the lower end of the flexible upper riser part. The method includes operating a winching means on the upper riser assembly to wind in the cable linkage and draw the riser connector into a docking position on the upper riser assembly. Then coupling the riser connector to the lower riser termination occurs. A corresponding method of disconnecting the flexible riser part is also described, as well as a method of mounting the winching mechanism on a submerged landing platform. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120152559 | System and Method for Cathodic Protection of a Subsea Well-Assembly - Disclosed herein is a subsea well assembly; wherein in an example embodiment the subsea well assembly includes an umbilical attached to a power source. The power source can be on a platform. Also included is a connector for connecting the umbilical to a receptacle included with the subsea well assembly and a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly. An impressed current protection module is integrated in the subsea control module that receives power from the umbilical. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120152560 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHANNELING FLUIDS UNDERWATER TO THE SURFACE - 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. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120168170 | OIL PIPE SUSPENSION DEVICE AND INSTALLATION METHOD - A suspension device ( | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120181040 | Well-riser Repair Collar with Concrete Seal - The present invention is a device suitable for capture and containment of oil and gas wells following blowouts or other catastrophic failures, including those in submarine environments, and methods for its construction. The present invention provides a structurally-robust repair collar with integrated locking elements capable of engaging a riser pipe assembly, and an internal structure allowing in situ formation of an impermeable permanent seal through the introduction of liquid concrete into the device. The repair collar can provide means for attaching valves and various other downstream components in order to return pre-blowout functionality to the repaired riser, including oil recovery and flow control capability. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120211234 | DEEPWATER CONTAINMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME BACKGROUND - An oil and gas collection system, comprising a source of oil and gas flowing into a body of water; a collector located adjacent the source of oil and gas; a riser to transport the oil and gas towards a surface of the body of water, a first end of the riser fluidly connected to the collector; and a separator fluidly connected to a second end of the riser, the separator adapted to separate the oil and gas into a first oil rich stream and a second gas rich stream, the separator comprising an oil rich stream outlet and a gas rich stream outlet. In some embodiments, the source of oil and gas comprises a blow out preventer. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120211235 | CONDUIT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING SAME - The present invention provides conduit assemblies of substantial length that have an inner member disposed in an opening of a conduit member and connected to the interior of the conduit member. The inner member can serve to protect sensitive measuring equipment, such as optical sensors or well logging equipment, from damages, including damages incurred during deployment into subsurface environments, including oil and gas wells and oceans, while allowing for improved data collection by the equipment once deployed. The conduit assemblies can be deployed permanently or as intervention logging equipment. The present disclosure also provides for methods of making and using such conduit assemblies. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120273215 | OFFSHORE FLUID TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for transferring fluids from a free-standing riser to a surface vessel comprises a first valve assembly including a first valve spool and a first isolation valve configured to control the flow of fluids through the first valve spool. In addition, the system comprises a second valve assembly releasably coupled to the first valve assembly with a hydraulically actuated connector. The second valve assembly includes a second valve spool and a second isolation valve configured to control the flow of fluids through the second valve spool. Further, the system comprises a deployment/retrieval rigging coupled to the first valve assembly and configured to suspend the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly from the surface vessel. Each isolation valve has an open position allowing fluid flow therethrough and a closed position restricting fluid flow therethrough, and each isolation valve is biased to the closed position. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120273216 | METHODS OF ESTABLISHING AND/OR MAINTAINING FLOW OF HYDROCARBONS DURING SUBSEA OPERATIONS - Methods are disclosed of establishing and maintaining flow of hydrocarbon-bearing fluid from a subsea source while controlling or limiting hydrocarbon gas hydrate formation in a riser and a collection tool fluidly connected to a distal end of the riser during subsea positioning of the riser and tool. Riser sections are connected at or near the sea surface, and a collection tool may be connected to the distal end of the riser at the surface or picked up subsea by the riser. The riser and tool are deployed subsea near a subsea source of hydrocarbons. A low-density fluid is forced down the riser and tool, and then the riser and tool are positioned to collect hydrocarbons from the subsea source of hydrocarbons. Flow of a low-density fluid is gradually reduced to initiate flow of hydrocarbons up the tool and riser. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120285697 | 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. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120285698 | Dual Density Mud Return System - Systems and methods for lifting drilling fluid from a well bore in a subsea formation are disclosed. Some system embodiments include a drill string suspended within a drilling riser to form the well bore, and a drilling fluid source for supplying drilling fluid through the drill string during drilling. A diverter is coupled between the drilling riser and a return line, while a power riser coupled to the return line at an interface. A lift fluid source supplies lift fluid through the power riser into the return line. The lift fluid is intermittently injected from the power riser through the interface into the return line to form one or more slugs of lift fluid positioned between slugs of drilling fluid, such that the combined density of lift fluid and drilling fluid in the return line is less than the density of the drilling fluid alone. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120292039 | HYBRID RISER TOWER AND METHODS OF INSTALLING SAME - Disclosed is a riser including a plurality of pipelines. In one example there are three such pipelines extending from the seabed toward the surface and having an upper end supported at a depth below the sea surface. In one embodiment, a first of the pipelines acts as a central structural core, and the other pipelines are arranged around the first pipeline. In another embodiment, three pipelines are arranged around a structural core. In each case, the first of the pipelines can be a fluid injection line, and the other pipelines are production lines. Also disclosed is a riser having buoyancy along at least a part of its length. The buoyancy results in the riser having a generally circular cross-section, the circumference of which is non-contiguous. Methods of installing such risers are also described. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120292040 | HYBRID BUOYED AND STAYED TOWERS AND RISERS FOR DEEPWATER - Contemplated hybrid riser towers are configured such that individual riser lines can be added or removed via submarine ROV. Most preferably, riser lines are made from a housing and syntactic foam that encloses a riser pipe to so provide insulation and buoyancy. In further preferred aspects, hybrid riser towers are coupled to each other via a truss to allow expansion via SCR and/or to provide a riser porch. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120318517 | CONNECTING DEVICE FOR KILL/CHOKE LINES BETWEEN A RISER AND A FLOATING DRILLING VESSEL - A connector device for kill- and choke lines between a riser and a floating drilling platform includes a slip joint on top of the riser including an outer barrel, a kill- and choke manifold arranged on the platform and provided with flexible kill- and choke hoses to the slip joint's outer barrel, and wherein the slip joint's outer barrel is provided with a horizontally directed kill- and choke-manifold. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120325486 | GOOSENECK CONDUIT SYSTEM - A gooseneck conduit system for use with a telescoping joint of a subsea riser. In one embodiment, a riser telescoping joint includes a tube, and a gooseneck conduit assembly affixed to the tube. The gooseneck conduit assembly includes a plurality of gooseneck conduits and a locking mechanism. The gooseneck conduits extend radially from the tube. The locking mechanism engages a locking pin affixed to the tube to secure the gooseneck conduit assembly to the tube. Each gooseneck conduit couples to an auxiliary fluid line secured to the telescoping joint. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130043036 | RISER SYSTEM - A riser system for coupling a surface platform to a wellhead. The riser system includes a main tube, flanges and one or more tie rods. The main tube forms an annulus for fluid flow between the wellhead and the platform. A flange extends radially from each end of the main tube. The tie rods are coupled to and extend between the flanges. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130056219 | SUBSEA TEST TREE CONTROL SYSTEM - A subsea test tree control system provides operational control and power to subsea test tree equipment located within a subsea riser without an in riser umbilical to supply additional power to the subsea test tree control system. The subsea test tree control system includes a subsea horizontal subsea tree landed on a subsea wellhead, and a subsea control module communicatively coupled to the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea test tree stack is landed through the riser in the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea control module communication line extends through the horizontal subsea tree to terminate at a bore of the horizontal subsea tree proximate to the tubing hanger, and a riser string communication line communicatively couples to the subsea control module communication line to provide operational power and control the subsea test tree stack. Intervention workover control system umbilicals may bypass the subsea control module and directly connect to the subsea control module communication line. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130092386 | Riser String Hang-Off Assembly - A hang-off assembly for supporting a riser string from an off-shore drilling rig. The hang-off assembly includes a housing with a passage through the housing and an open section allowing access to the entire length of the passage from outside the housing. The assembly also includes a gate member movable relative to the housing from an open position to a closed position, the gate member preventing access to the passage through the open section when in the closed position. A motor moves the gate member between the open and closed positions. An adapter attachable to the riser string includes a profile landable in the housing to support the riser string when connected to the adapter. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130140035 | Systems And Methods For Collecting Hydrocarbons Vented From A Subsea Discharge Site - A method for capturing at least a portion of hydrocarbon fluids vented into the surrounding sea from a subsea discharge site comprises (a) mounting a pressure control device to the subsea discharge site. Further, the method comprises (b) flowing the vented hydrocarbon fluids from the subsea discharge site through the pressure control device. Still further, the method comprises (c) positioning a collection system subsea on a lower end of a tubular string. Moreover, the method comprises (d) flowing the vented hydrocarbons fluids from the pressure control device into the collection system and through the tubular siring after (b). The method also comprises (e) minimizing lateral and vertical loads applied to the subsea discharge site by the collection system. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130153240 | Offshore Well Drilling System With Nested Drilling Risers - An offshore well drilling system for drilling a subsea well, including a floating platform, an external riser extending from the subsea well, and an internal riser extending from the subsea well to the platform. The internal riser is nested within the external riser. The system also includes an external riser tension device to apply tension to the external riser. The system also includes an internal riser tension device, separate from the external riser tension device, to apply tension to the internal riser. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130161021 | COMPRESSION COUPLING FOR PIPES SUBJECTED TO TENSION LOADS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A riser system for underwater oil and gas wells features subsections with flanges that may be fastened together. Riser pipes extend between the flanges, through apertures with tapered seats. The riser pipes may be may from aluminum to reduce the weight of the riser system and may be a composite of two or more sections coupled together by compression fittings. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130168102 | DRILLING RISER ADAPTER WITH EMERGENCY FUNCTIONALITY - A drilling riser adapter connected to a riser. The drilling riser adapter is mounted to a BOP and has a cylindrical body on which a plurality of ports are disposed. The ports can perform various functions. Ports may connect to choke and kill, booster, injection, or hydraulic lines. Some of ports allow access to riser bore to perform emergency functions such as redirecting escaping oil during oil spills to containment vessels via hoses. These ports can remain deactivated until such emergency situations arise. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130220627 | High Energy Tubular Shear - A high energy tubular shear is connectable within a drilling system and includes a body forming a bore through which a tubular is disposed, a cross-bore intersecting the bore, opposing cutters moveably positioned in the cross-bore on opposite sides of the bore, and the each cutter in hydraulic communication with a respective hydraulic intensifier. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130233562 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER ASSEMBLY - A blowout preventer assembly comprising a blowout preventer and control apparatus, the blowout preventer comprising a housing a sealing element and a fluid pressure operated actuator mounted in the housing, the actuator | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130240214 | DEVICE FOR HANDLING HOSES OF A WORKING WELL FOR A DRILLING RIG - A manipulator device ( | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130255956 | Seal Sub System - A seal sub system for the connection of fluid lines, including first and second fluid lines, each including a terminal end with an inner diameter. A seal sub includes an inner channel and first and second pin ends, one pin end removably insertable in the fluid line terminal end with the other pin end extending from the fluid line terminal end. A seal forms a seal between the seal sub and the inner diameter of the first fluid line terminal end. The extending pin end is configured to be inserted into the terminal end of the second fluid line to establish a sealed fluid connection between the first and second fluid lines. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130269946 | Modular stress joint and methods for compensating for forces applied to a subsea riser - Modular stress joints usable to compensate for forces applied to a subsea riser or other structure include a base member and one or more additional members. Members having desired lengths can be selected such that the sum of the length of the base member and additional members defines a desired total length. Members having desired wall thicknesses can be selected such that a combination of the wall thicknesses of the base member and each additional member defines an overall wall thickness or stiffness. The total length, overall wall thickness, or both correspond to expected forces applied to the subsea riser or structure, such that the stress joint is adapted to compensate for the forces and prevent damage. The number or length of members used and their thickness or other characteristics can be varied to provide multiple lengths and stiffnesses, such that the stress joint is modular and reconfigurable. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130269947 | Marine Subsea Assemblies - A lower riser assembly connects a riser to a seabed mooring and to a subsea hydrocarbon fluid source. The assembly includes sufficient intake ports to accommodate flow of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon fluid source, as well as optional flow assurance fluid. The upper end of the member has a profile suitable for fluidly connecting to the riser. The lower end of the member includes a connector suitable for connecting to the seabed mooring. An upper riser assembly connects the riser to a near-surface subsea buoyancy device and to a surface structure. The assembly includes sufficient outtake ports to accommodate flow of hydrocarbons from the riser through a subsea flexible conduit to the surface structure. The upper end of the member includes a connector for connecting to a subsea buoyancy device. The lower end of the member comprises a profile suitable for fluidly connecting to the riser. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130277060 | ASSEMBLIES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSTALLING MULTIPLE SUBSEA FUNCTIONAL LINES - Disclosed are methods for installing at least two subsea functional lines having differing functions, such as a subsea umbilical and a subsea flowline, and integrated termination assemblies for use in the methods. The integrated termination assemblies combine terminations of the at least two subsea functional lines, simplifying the layout of a subsea production field, reducing the number of connections necessary and simplifying the installation of subsea functional lines used in offshore hydrocarbon production. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130284445 | EMERGENCY ELASTOMER INJECTION SYSTEM FOR USE ON E-LINE AND BRAIDED CABLE - A system and method for sealing a passage around a cable is disclosed. Embodiments of the system can include an axial passage, such as a conduit and subsea wellhead housing connected to a wellbore, that can have a cable extending therethrough. The system can include an upper restrictor and a lower restrictor for closing the axial passage. An injection module having an injector and a reservoir can be fluid communication with the axial passage at an axial location between the upper restrictor and the lower restrictor. The injector can discharge a curable sealant initially stored in the reservoir into the axial passage so that at least a portion of the sealant contacts the cable at the axial location of the restrictor while the cable remains static. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284446 | SUBSEA TELESCOPING AND ROTATABLE SUB - A subsea telescoping and rotatable connector or sub is coupled into a riser. The sub includes two coupled bodies that are both axially and rotatably moveable relative to each other such that the sub enables the riser to move axially in response to tension or compression in the riser and rotate in response to surface vessel rotation or other torques. The sub expands and contracts in response to the tension or compression in the riser, and swivels in response to surface vessel rotation. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284447 | Dry Tree Semi-Submersible With Reduced-Height Drilling Floor - A floating, semi-submersible offshore drilling vessel has a blowout preventer located on the semi-submersible instead of on the seabed. The mud return housing is attached directly to the blowout preventer without the use of a slip joint. This configuration allows for a significantly reduced drill floor height and, consequently, a lower vertical center of gravity for the rig. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130327533 | WELLBORE INFLUX DETECTION IN A MARINE RISER - Methods and apparatus for managing wellbore influx in a marine riser. In one embodiment, a method for managing wellbore influx includes identifying a difference between measured values provided by a plurality of sensors longitudinally spaced along a riser. Whether the difference between measured values provided by a given pair of the sensors has changed relative to a difference between measured values previously provided by the given pair of the sensors is determined. Whether wellbore influx is present in the riser is determined based on the change in the difference. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130327534 | Light Well Intervention Umbilical and Flying Lead Management System and Related Methods - Systems and methods for managing umbilical lines and one or more jumpers are provided. An example of a system includes a deployment platform carrying a winch and spool assembly, a tether management assembly, and an integrated electrical and/or hydraulic umbilical line extending between a spool on the winch and spool assembly and the tether management assembly. The winch and spool assembly is configured to deploy and to support the umbilical line. The tether management assembly includes a winch and spool assembly for deploying a flying lead and/or annulus jumper adapted to connect to an emergency disconnect package of a well control package for a well. A set of buoyant modules are connected to or integral with a portion of the umbilical line to be used to form an artificial heave compensation loop. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20140020906 | Cartridge Valve Assembly for Wellhead - A modular assembly for a wellhead has a housing and a plurality of modular cartridges. The housing connects with a studded or flanged connection to the wellhead, which can have a tubing adapter, casing hanger, etc. The modular cartridges can interchangeably stack in the housing's internal pocket so that the bores of the stacked cartridges configure the through-bore of the assembly communicating the wellhead with external components, such as flow lines, capillary lines, etc. The modular cartridges include a spacer cartridge, a hanger cartridge, a valve cartridge, and a cross cartridge. The spacer cartridge can be used to space other cartridges in the internal pocket, and the hanger cartridge can be used to support capillary strings and/or velocity strings in the wellhead. The valve cartridges have valve elements that can be opened and closed by bonnets that affix externally to the housing. The cross cartridge can have one or more cross ports to divert the assembly's through-bore to additional flow components, such as flow lines, wing valves, chokes, and the like. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140027124 | System for Conveying Fluid from an Offshore Well - The riser system of the present invention includes an external production riser for floating structures with interfaces to the dry and subsea wellheads, internal tieback riser with a special lower overshot/slipping connector for elevated temperatures. The seals can be metallic and/or non-metallic dynamic seals. Special centralizing pipe connectors and a special subsea wellhead tubing hanger are also included. This riser system avoids the penalty of pipe within pipe differential thermal growth and the resulting unwanted effects on the floating structure. This is accomplished by allowing an overshot sealing slipping connector to swallow an expanding polished rod as thermal conditions cause pipe elongation axially. When elevated temperatures fall to ambient the opposite occurs as the pipe shrinks axially. Alternatively, a system is possible where a two pipe drilling riser is needed. The internal pipe in this case would be an inner riser rather than a tubing string. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140048276 | Riser for Coil Tubing/Wire Line Injection - The present invention is directed to a system including a self supporting riser (SSR) which is connected to a well to provide fluid communication to fossil hydrocarbon reservoirs deep below the seafloor. The SSR is constructed of a plurality of joints comprising regular joints and specialty joints that define the SSR and are selected to optimize the SSR for a well in a specific location. A unique aspect of the invention is further directed to a small vessel subject to high vessel motions that permits a coil tubing/wire line system to be mounted on a stabilizer system mounted on the vessel. The riser extension that connects the vessel to the self supporting riser preferably has a telescopic joint/section that is designed for the heave of the vessel. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140069657 | Freestanding Hybrid Riser System Including a Bottom Configuration with a Flexible Pipe Joint and a Diverless Pipe Connector - A freestanding hybrid riser system includes a steel pipe riser having a bottom end anchored to a foundation on a seabed through a flexible joint and a diverless pipe connector. A tube is mounted to the foundation and connected to the diverless pipe connector for providing a static connection to a subsea pipeline on the seabed for a flow of fluid between the steel pipe and the subsea pipeline and through the flexible pipe joint and through the diverless pipe connector and through the tube. In a preferred implementation, the flexible pipe joint includes alternate elastomer layers and metal layers reinforcing the elastomer layers, and a receptacle of the diverless connector is mounted on a foundation such as a suction pile on the seabed, or a pile grouted in a bore in the seabed. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140083710 | PACKER ASSEMBLY FOR AN OFFSHORE RISER AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A packer assembly for sealing about a subsea riser is provided. The subsea riser is operatively connectable between a surface platform and subsea equipment. The packer assembly includes a packer housing and at least one packer. The packer housing is positionable about a telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly operatively connects the subsea riser to the surface platform. The packer(s) are positionable along an inner surface of the packer housing to form a seal with the telescoping assembly and include a plurality of packer segments. Each of the packer segments has male and female connectors on each end thereof matably connectable to the male and female connectors of another of the segments to form a seal connection therebetween. The seal connection defines a non-linear leak path whereby leakage of fluid between the plurality of segments is resisted. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140083711 | HANDS FREE GOOSENECK WITH ROTATING CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES - A gooseneck assembly having a body disposed circumferentially about a portion of a riser string. A stab member is inwardly radially extendable relative to the body and engages a receptacle disposed on the riser string. A cartridge assembly engages the stab member and has a flexible hose coupling that is rotatable relative to a central axis of the stab member. The coupling is in fluid communication with the receptacle via the stab member. The assembly includes an actuator that is operable to rotate the flexible hose coupling relative to the central axis of the stab member. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140151056 | Securing a Sub-Sea Well Where Oil/Gas/Water is Flowing - A system and method for securing a flowing sub-sea well using a securing apparatus. The securing apparatus has a gripping assembly to secure the securing apparatus to an outlet the sub-sea well. A bladder assembly seals the securing apparatus to the sub-sea well and fluidly connects the sub-sea well to a riser assembly for collection. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140190701 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUBSEA WELL DRILLING AND CONTROL - A subsea assembly suitable for subsea drilling and intervention operations includes a dual blowout preventer system having an upper blowout preventer located between a drill floor and a high pressure riser string, and a lower blowout preventer located below the riser string and above a wellhead. The dual blowout preventer system is adapted to enable advanced drilling and intervention operations such as managed pressure drilling, underbalanced drilling, dual gradient drilling, or through tubing rotary drilling, and slim hole drilling in an offshore deepwater environment. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140209316 | RISER FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM - A fluid handling system comprising an annular sealing device and a flow control system to divert fluid flow from an annulus of a riser package to a control system located on a rig. A method of installing a fluid handling system on a riser package from a rig comprises connecting the fluid handling system to an upper end of a riser string, supporting the fluid handling system and the riser string using a first tubular handling device, and lowering the fluid handling system and the riser string to an operating position. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140231090 | LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT SUBSEA INTERVENTION PACKAGE AND METHOD - The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for a lightweight subsea intervention package that may be installed using vessels with a smaller lifting capacity than semi-submersible platforms so that the subsea intervention package can be transported, installed, and removed from a subsea well in less time and with less cost. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a lower riser package for controlling the subsea well which utilizes two hydraulically activated gate valves. An emergency disconnect package is secured to the lower riser package utilizing a disconnect mechanism. The emergency disconnect package is operable to seal the bottom of a riser if the disconnect mechanism is activated to thereby minimize environmental leakage of fluid from the riser. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140251632 | SUBSEA HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION SYSTEM - A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a host production facility and a plurality of subsea wells. A fluid conveying network is provided that connects each subsea well to the host production facility. A separate electrical power and data network is provided for conveying direct current electrical power and data, operatively connected to each subsea well for providing each subsea well with data transfer and electrical power services. The use of direct current ensures that the electrical power and data network can provide power over much greater distances than currently available, and the use of separate networks for conveying fluids and for providing electrical power and data transfer allows for a much more flexible system. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140262309 | Offshore Well System with a Subsea Pressure Control System Movable with a Remotely Operated Vehicle - An offshore well drilling system for drilling a subsea well is presented that includes a floating platform, a surface BOP stack, a riser, and a driveable environmental safe guard system. The safe guard system includes an upper wellhead connector, a lower wellhead connector, a blowout preventer with shearing blind rams, and a subsea pressure control system. The subsea pressure control system can be electric, hydraulic, acoustic, or ROV actuated. More importantly, the environmental safeguard system is moveable, and can be driven around using as ROV. The present invention provides swift disconnect and recovery for emergency situations. The subsea environmental safe guard system is also much lighter in weight than traditional subsea stacks. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140311748 | Apparatus and Methods for Inspecting and Cleaning Subsea Flex Joints - A remotely operated device for inspecting and/or cleaning a subsea flexible pipe joint comprises a support assembly. In addition, the device comprises a tool positioning assembly coupled to the support assembly. The tool positioning assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a central axis. The tool positioning assembly is rotatable relative to the support assembly about the central axis. Further, the device comprises a cleaning assembly including a cleaning device adapted to clean the flexible pipe joint. The cleaning device is axially moveable relative to the rotating member. Still further, the device comprises a clamping assembly coupled to the support assembly. The clamping assembly has an open position disengaged with the section of the flexible pipe joint and a closed position engaging the section of the flexible pipe joint. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140367114 | LATCH POSITION INDICATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140374115 | Systems and Methods for Tethering Subsea Blowout Preventers to Enhance the Strength and Fatigue Resistance of Subsea Wellheads and Primary Conductors - A system for tethering a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) includes a plurality of anchors disposed about the subsea BOP and secured to the sea floor. In addition, the system includes a plurality of tensioning systems. One tensioning system is coupled to an upper end of each anchor. Further, the system includes a plurality of flexible tension members. Each tension member extends from a first end coupled to the subsea BOP to a second end coupled to one of the tensioning systems. Each tensioning system is configured to apply a tensile preload to one of the tension members. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140374116 | Systems and Methods for Tethering Subsea Wellheads to Enhance the Fatigue Resistance of Subsea Wellheads and Primary Conductors - A system for tethering a subsea wellhead including a plurality of anchors disposed about the subsea BOP and secured to the sea floor. In addition, the system includes a plurality of tensioning systems. One tensioning system is coupled to an upper end of each anchor. Further, a plurality of flexible tension members. Each tension member extends from a first end coupled to the subsea wellhead to a second end coupled to one of the tensioning systems. Each tensioning system is configured to apply a tensile preload to one of the tension members. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140374117 | Methods and Means for Installing, Maintaining and Controlling a Self-Standing Riser System - Improved systems and methods for installing, maintaining and controlling a self-standing riser (SSR). SSRs are installed using wire pulleys or weights to place the SSRs over a wellhead. A flow diverter, which may be incorporated into or separate from a buoyancy chamber, allowing diversion of flow both into and out of an SSR. Non-annular buoyancy chambers configured to receive a riser of an SSR through a slot of the buoyancy chamber. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150007999 | Stoppers for Structures Attached to Hybrid Riser Towers - A coated or sleeved pipe for a hybrid riser tower is disclosed. The pipe has at least one stop formation that is integral with or attached to an external coating or sleeve of the pipe. The stop formation is arranged to restrain movement along the pipe of a structure attached to the pipe, such as a guide frame. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150027717 | Process For Subsea Deployment of Drilling Equipment - An apparatus, system and process for deployment of subsea drilling equipment through a moon pool of a drilling vessel is disclosed. The drilling equipment may include a subsea mudlift pump (MLP) that is configured to be deployed below the surface of the ocean and is adapted for conducting dual gradient drilling (DGD) operations. In the apparatus and process, the MLP may be suspended temporarily aboard the vessel by a holding mechanism. The MLP may be combined first with a lower marine riser package (LMRP) prior to suspension of the MLP and/or MLP/LMRP aboard the drilling vessel. An equipment combination, comprising at least a MLP and a LMRP, may be with a BOP, the mating occurring at a position below the surface of the ocean. In one aspect, the BOP may be separately deployed into the ocean, and then subsequently mated subsea with the LMRP and/or a MLP/LMRP combined equipment package. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150096759 | Connector, Diverter, and Annular Blowout Preventer for Use Within a Mineral Extraction System - A subsea mineral extraction system including a subsea riser system comprises a rotary table positioned within a drilling rig, an operational joint configured to connect to and alter flow through the subsea riser system, in which the operational joint passes through the rotary table. An annular blowout preventer joint for the subsea mineral extraction system is passable through the rotary table of the subsea mineral extraction system, and a diverter joint for the subsea mineral extraction system is passable through the rotary table of the subsea mineral extraction system. Further, a connector for receiving flow therethrough includes a body with a seat including a keyed groove, a stab including a key, and a locking member to retain the key within the keyed groove of the seat. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150129236 | Wellhead System with Gasket Seal - An offshore well system for a subsea well. The system includes a floating platform, an external riser and an internal riser nested within the external riser. A external riser tension device tensions the external riser. The drilling system also includes a surface wellhead system that includes a wellhead, a collet, and a flange assembly. The wellhead, collet, and flange assembly are assembled to establish a common bore for receiving the top of the internal riser. A gasket located between the top of the internal riser and an inner shoulder of the flange assembly seals between the wellhead system and the top of the internal riser. The surface wellhead system also retains the internal riser in tension with the wellhead, the internal riser extending above the wellhead into the collet. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150315866 | RISER FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM - A fluid handling system comprising an annular sealing device and a flow control system to divert fluid flow from an annulus of a riser package to a control system located on a rig. A method of installing a fluid handling system on a riser package from a rig comprises connecting the fluid handling system to an upper end of a riser string, supporting the fluid handling system and the riser string using a first tubular handling device, and lowering the fluid handling system and the riser string to an operating position. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150315867 | RISER DISCONNECT PACKAGE FOR LOWER MARINE RISER PACKAGE, AND ANNULAR-RELEASE FLEX-JOINT ASSEMBLIES - A riser disconnect/reconnect system having a disconnection package (RDP) and a modified lower marine riser package (LMRP) are provided for quick disconnection of the marine drilling riser (MDR) from the LMRP to facilitate access to the LMRP or BOP stack. The RDP includes a flex joint and a hydraulically-actuated release connector (RC) with a connecting mandrel that engages a modified LMRP. In an emergency, the RDP is disconnected from the LMRP allowing access to the BOP stack for intervention. The RDP may be disconnected from the LMRP for recovery of the LMRP or BOP stack to the surface for repair or maintenance without recovering the MDR. The RC joins the flex joint to the uppermost annular blowout preventer in the LMRP. The release connector can be used in a standard or inverted position. Also provided are structural cages with complementary stab plates allowing access to various bypass ports and controls. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150337607 | SUBSEA CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - A subsea connector assembly is provided for automatically coupling a movable subsea structure to a tubular fixed subsea structure. The connector assembly comprises a male connector assembly, removably mountable to the movable subsea structure, and further comprising a throughbore, at least one first actuator member and at least one second actuator member. The connector assembly further comprises an adapter assembly, removably mountable to an end-fitting of a string of tubulars, comprising at least one first engagement member and at least one second engagement member, each of said at least one first and second engagement member are operable to be acted upon by said first and/or second actuator member so as to selectively release a locked engagement with said male connector assembly, allowing said adapter assembly to be moved through said throughbore of said male connector assembly. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150368998 | Subsea Test Tree Intervention Package - A riser intervention system for use with a subsea test tree includes a lower riser package spool, an intermediate spool, and a riser stress joint. The lower riser package spool may include a bore and a shoulder projecting into the bore such that the subsea test tree is landable on the shoulder within the lower riser package spool. The intermediate spool is connectable to the lower riser package spool to secure the subsea test tree within the bore of the lower riser package spool such that the lower riser package spool is in fluid communication with the intermediate spool. The riser stress joint is releasably connectable to the intermediate spool using such that the intermediate spool is in fluid communication with the riser stress joint. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160153256 | MONO BORE RISER ADAPTER | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160160613 | CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR SUBSEA FLOW INTERFACE EQUIPMENT - A system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea tree or manifold is disclosed. The system relates to an apparatus adapted to inject fluids into a well having a flow bore. The system includes a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit on a subsea tree or manifold and to connect the conduit of the connection apparatus to an access port or choke body of the tree or manifold. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160177651 | HYDRAULIC LOCKDOWN | 06-23-2016 |
| 20190145215 | SUBSEA EQUIPMENT OPERATION ARRANGEMENT FOR AN OFFSHORE PLATFORM OR VESSEL | 05-16-2019 |
