| Vetco Gray Inc Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120132842 | Metal Seat Seal With Flexible Sealing Edge - A gate valve seat has structure formed on it to provide a sealing edge or lip which flexes when loaded. The lip forms a dual seal against portions of the gate valve body when the seat is placed under load. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120132441 | Wellhead Assembly With Telescoping Casing Hanger - A wellhead housing has a casing hanger with an actuator mechanism to provide for direct transfer of casing and pressure loads to the housing even in conditions where the casing hanger may be set in a high position in the wellhead housing on a load shoulder, or in a casing hanger in the wellhead housing for an earlier installed, larger diameter casing string. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120118581 | SELF SEALING HYDRAULIC COUPLER - A hydraulic coupler for providing fluid communication between adjacent members that includes a two way check valve formed from a double headed poppet set in a hollow cylinder with corrugated bellows like walls. Contoured bores are provided in the cylinder ends and the poppet heads are profiled to match the contour of the bores. When the heads are seated in the bores they form a sealing surface to block fluid from flowing through the coupler. Compressively preloading the cylinder before assembly provides a sealing force between the heads and the bores. Axially compressing the cylinder with respect to the poppet unseats the heads from the bores to form a flow path through the coupler. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120103625 | SUBSEA WELLHEAD KEYLESS ANTI-ROTATION DEVICE - An anti-rotation device prevents an inner wellhead housing from rotating within an outer wellhead housing. The anti-rotation device provides cam rollers within the inner wellhead housing that wedge between opposing surfaces of the inner wellhead housing and outer wellhead housing to arrest either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the inner wellhead housing. The cam rollers are circumferentially spaced apart around the inner wellhead housing. | 05-03-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120103597 | Overpull Indicator - An outer wellhead member has a bore with a first profile portion and an annular recess. A tubular inner wellhead member with a centralizer/overpull ring is lowered into the outer wellhead member. The centralizer/overpull ring is biased to expand outward to engage the bore of the outer wellhead member to center the inner wellhead member within the bore as the inner wellhead member is lowered through the bore. The recess of the outer wellhead member is adapted to receive the centralizer/overpull ring and oppose axial movement of the centralizer/overpull ring to enable an upward test pull of the inner wellhead member. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120099930 | SYSTEM FOR SUPPLEMENTAL TENSIONING FOR ENHANCED PLATFORM DESIGN AND RELATED METHODS - Riser management systems, apparatus, and methods to maintain a selected range of tension on a plurality of risers extending between subsea well equipment and a floating vessel, are provided. A riser management system can include a mono-buoyancy can platform operably coupled to a plurality of risers extending between subsea well equipment and a moored floating vessel, and a plurality of tensioner units each connected to a top portion of a separate one of the risers to provide tension to each of the risers. The mono-buoyancy can platform can provide tension to each of the risers sufficient to compensate for a relative vertical offset between the risers and the vessel due to vessel movement, which generally affects each of the risers equally, within tolerances, while the tensioner units can simultaneously provide tension to compensate for one or more additional factors which can affect each riser differently. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098203 | ENERGIZING RING NOSE PROFILE AND SEAL ENTRANCE - A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. An elastomeric seal is located below the seal ring and has a bottom portion that contacts an upward facing shoulder of a hanger. An energizing ring with a tapered nose is moved into the slot. The tapered nose has a compound angle that determines how much the nose travels into the slot when a force is applied to the energizing ring. Once the elastomeric seal is compressed to a desired level, the load on the energizing ring has increased to the point that the tapered nose of the energizing ring will further enters the slot and force the outer and inner walls of the metal seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097877 | Selective Torque Operator For A Valve - A low torque operator for selectively engaging a gear unit in an actuating drive stem of a valve having a collar with an axial bore and a slot through its side. The slot includes a projection directed towards an upper end of the collar and has an edge oriented oblique to the collar axis. A drive shaft inserts in the bore, and a pin mounted in the drive shaft engages the slot during low torque conditions. The operator also includes an idler gear and a bullgear. A driven shaft with two drive pins inserts into the bore on a lower side of the collar. The upper of the two pins remains in contact with a shoulder formed on a lower end of the collar during low torque conditions. The lower of the two pins engages a shoulder formed on a lower side of the bullgear during high torque conditions. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097399 | EXPANDABLE ANCHORING MECHANISM - A bridging hanger with an expandable anchoring mechanism lands on a casing hanger in a subsea wellhead and actuates to anchor to the casing hanger. The anchoring mechanism includes a tubular main body, and a tubular sealing sleeve. The tubular sealing sleeve is coaxial with and mounted on an exterior diameter portion of the tubular main body. The body is moveable from an upper run-in position to a lower set position relative to the sealing sleeve. The anchoring mechanism also includes a first and second locking ring, both carried by the sealing sleeve. The first locking ring engages a profile within an interior of the casing hanger in response to movement of the main body from the run-in to the set position. The second locking ring locks the tubular main body in the set position in response to movement of the main body from the run-in to the set position. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097390 | SYSTEM FOR REMEDIATING A WELLBORE ANNULUS - A casing annulus remediation hose assembly having a hose with an inlet in selective fluid communication with a fluid supply and an exit connected to a nozzle. On the nozzle is an insertion tip for facilitating insertion and retrieval of the hose assembly in and out of an annulus in a wellhead assembly. The insertion tip has an outer annular flexible housing that is coaxially attached to the nozzle and spherical weighted members arranged in series in the housing. A cable extends coaxially from a downstream end of the nozzle and through each weighted member. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097383 | System and Method for Inductive Signal and Power Transfer from ROV to In Riser Tools - A subsea wellhead assembly having a completion landing string inside a drilling riser is described herein and comprises a power source for generating an alternating electrical current; a connector for connecting the power source to a receptacle in the subsea well assembly; a first inductor electrically connected to the power source through the connector; a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly; and a second inductor spaced from the first inductor, and located in the subsea control module, the second inductor positioned so that an EMF is produced on the second inductor when the alternating electrical current is passed through the first inductor to thereby generate an alternating current signal on the second inductor. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120094041 | THICK WALLED COMPOSITE TUBULAR AND METHOD OF MAKING - A method and apparatus for forming a tubular from a composite material. The composite material includes fibers and epoxy resin that are formed into plies that are wound around an axis to form an annular member. The fibers in each ply are arranged axially and hoopwise. The axially oriented fibers are angled from about 10° up to about 20° with respect to an axis of the tubular. The hoopwise fibers are wound in the plies ranging from about 60° at the innermost ply up to about 90° in the outermost ply. The hoop fibers in the intermediate plies are arranged at increasing angles with distance away from the innermost layer. Transitioning the hoop fiber alignment in the successive plies better distributes hoop stress through the wall of the tubular thereby reducing stress concentrations on the innermost ply. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120085554 | Seal with Enhanced Nose Ring - A seal assembly between a wellhead housing having a bore and a casing hanger, has an inner seal leg for sealing against hanger and an outer seal leg for sealing against housing. An extension extends downward from outer seal leg and is connected to a nose ring having a downward facing shoulder that rests on the hanger shoulder to provide a reaction point for setting operations. A lock ring is retained within interior portion of the nose ring. An upward facing shoulder formed on an upper portion of nose ring contacts the lower surface of the inner seal leg. The shoulder prevents the downward deflection of the inner leg and eliminates buckling due to Poisson effect from the resulting axial force due to growth of the seal legs during setting operations. The shoulder thus prevents crooked or twisted setting of the seal to prevent plastic strain in the seal. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120080634 | VALVE BORE SEALING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A gate valve has a body, the body having a cavity and a flow passage intersecting the cavity. A seat ring is mounted to the body at the intersection of the flow passage and the cavity, the seat ring having an engaging face. A gate in the cavity has an engaging face that slidingly engages the face of the seat ring while being moved between open and closed positions. A seat sealing element is located in a cavity between seat rings and a counterbore formed in the flow passage and body of the valve. The sealing element blocks flow from the flow path to the interior of the valve. The sealing element also prevents debris from entering the counterbore-to-seat interface to improve sealing integrity. The sealing element has an axial spring property that enhances contact between the seat and gate and accounts for thermal expansion of the valve internals. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120080193 | RUNNING TOOL FOR DEEP WATER - A running tool for use in handling control modules on a subsea production tree. The running tool is deployable on wire line and includes a column like body and a connector adapted for connection to the production tree. The running tool also includes a hoist system that is selectively positioned by a swiveling jib crane for handling the control modules. A replacement control module can be included with the running tool when the tool is deployed from above the sea surface. After the running tool connects to the production tree, the jib crane can position the hoist for attachment to and removal of an existing control module on the production tree. The hoist can then to attach to and install the replacement control module and can be further manipulated to retrieve the existing control module and stow it onto the body. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120070225 | HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED SAFETY LOCK RING - A connector assembly that can be used to connect a tension ring to a telescoping joint on a riser by using a lower set of hydraulically actuated dogs. A set of hydraulically actuated hang-off dogs on the connector assembly can be used to connect the tension ring to a diverter housing mounted on a rig. To prevent accidental disengagement of the hang-off dogs, a hydraulically actuated lock ring is used to provide a positive stop against the back of the hang-off dogs. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067589 | RISER EMERGENCY DISCONNECT CONTROL SYSTEM - An emergency riser disconnection system for disconnecting a riser from a subsea installation having disconnect actuators and a signal and power circuit for controlling the actuators. The signal and power circuit is made up of an umbilical with signal lines and hydraulic lines. At an umbilical termination, the signal and hydraulic lines exit the umbilical and can be routed separately to the disconnect actuators. The umbilical termination is disposed above the uppermost break away point on the riser and can be recovered after the riser is disconnected. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120061091 | Riser Lifecycle Management System, Program Product, and Related Methods - Methods, systems, and program product for monitoring and managing a plurality of marine riser assets are provided. An example of a method includes tracking the subsea deployment and retrieval of each of a plurality of riser joints. This can include deploying the plurality of riser joints from a vessel to form an operationally deployed marine riser string, reading riser joint identification data from a riser joint identification indicator connected to the respective riser joint during the operational deployment thereof, and identifying the respective riser joint being operationally deployed to thereby track the deployment thereof. The method can also include retrieving one or more of the operationally deployed riser joints, reading riser joint identification data from the riser identification indicator of the respective riser joint during retrieval thereof, identifying the respective one or more riser joints being retrieved to thereby track the retrieval thereof. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120043094 | Packoff With Internal Lockdown Mechanism - A packoff is located within a wellhead housing and a casing hanger. The packoff has an internal ratchet ring that engages a threaded profile on the exterior of the casing hanger thereby allowing installation of the packoff to be achieved by simply stabbing the packoff over the protruding neck of the casing hanger. This ratchet ring significantly reduces the rotation required during installation, decreasing potential for damage to seals. The casing hanger has an external lock ring that is inwardly biased. During installation of the packoff, the packoff acts to activate the lock ring to thereby force it outward. The lock ring is forced outward and into a recess formed in the interior of the wellhead housing. The lock ring and the ratchet ring locks the packoff and casing hanger into place with the wellhead housing without the need of external lockdown screws, thereby minimizing leak paths. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120037382 | Running Tool - An embodiment of a running tool for setting and testing a packoff seal of a well pipe hanger has an elongated stem having an axial passage, a body, a cam, a cam tail, a stem engagement element, and a piston. A method of setting and testing a packoff seal comprises rotating the stem relative to the body to a delivery position, thereby disengaging the engaging element from the stem. The stem moves axially downward relative to the body to land the packoff. The engagement element reengages the stem in a landing position. Fluid pressure is applied to the axial passage to set and seal the packoff, thereby moving the running tool to a set position. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037378 | TREE PROTECTION SYSTEM - A subsea wellhead assembly having a net that protects the wellhead assembly from impacts with falling objects. The net can be deployed from a vessel onto a wellhead on the seafloor, or mounted onto a wellhead component above the sea surface and lowered with the wellhead component. The net can be retractable, so that an ROV can access the wellhead assembly by temporarily moving the net into a retracted configuration, then redeploying the net when finished accessing the wellhead assembly. | 02-16-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120025470 | BI-DIRECTIONAL METAL-TO-METAL SEAL - A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer legs that are threaded to each other and separated by a slot and provide bi-directional sealing. The threaded connection provides a pathway for annular pressure into the slot. The inner and outer legs have inner and outer walls, respectively Inner and outer legs have a soft metal inlay on their interior surfaces. Wickers may be located on the outer surface of the inner wellhead member and on the inner surface of the outer wellhead member. An energizing ring is moved into the slot to force the outer and inner walls of the seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members. The soft metal inlays deform onto the energizing ring. If present, wickers on the wellhead members embed into the walls of the seal ring. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024541 | Drill Pipe Running Tool - A system and method for verifying support hanger orientation within a wellhead housing. In an example, a profile is included at a designated location on an inner surface of the wellhead housing. When the support hanger is landed in the wellhead housing, an impression is taken of the inner surface of the wellhead housing from a reference location. Analyzing the impression can indicate the position of the support hanger within the wellhead housing. A running tool that can land the support hanger within the wellhead housing can be equipped with an impression block for taking the impression of the profile in the wellhead housing. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024536 | WELLHEAD TREE PRESSURE LIMITING DEVICE - A pressure relief device is used to relieve pressure in a void within a wellhead housing. In one embodiment, the pressure relief device includes a plunger having a stepped plug, wherein the plug can be fully open to allow flow from the void, restricted to allow a predetermined flow to relieve pressure, or closed to prevent flow from the void. In another embodiment, the pressure relief device includes a vacuum puller that creates negative pressure in a vessel. As fluid in the void expands, it is able to enter the space formerly occupied by the plunger. In yet another embodiment, a rupture disc is used to prevent fluid from flowing from the void, through a passage, to the wellbore. If pressure in the void exceeds a predetermined value, the rupture disc yields and allows the trapped fluid to flow to the wellbore. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024385 | ADVANCED FLUIDICS GATE VALVE WITH ACTIVE FLOW CONTROL FOR SUBSEA APPLICATIONS - A valve assembly for use in a wellhead assembly that includes a valve body, a cavity formed in the valve body, and a flow passage through the valve body that intersects the cavity. Also included is a gate slidable in the cavity between an open position and a closed position. A bore is formed through the gate. A fluidic passage is also formed through the gates that provides fluid communication between the bore and an upstream side of the valve member. The fluidic passage is formed so that when the gate is being moved into the closed position, fluid upstream of the gate enters the fluidic passage and exits into the bore to assist closing the valve. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023725 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING ELONGATED COMPOSITE TUBULAR - A method and apparatus for forming an elongate tubular from a composite material. The composite material includes fibers and epoxy resin that are disposed around an elongated mandrel. The fibers are wound around the outer circumference of the mandrel and the epoxy resin may be applied to the fibers, before, during, or after, being wound onto the mandrel. A trough is provided that supports the mandrel between ends of the mandrel. An example trough includes a flexible membrane supported on its lateral ends to resemble a catenary. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120012336 | CASING HANGER PROFILE FOR MULTIPLE SEAL LANDING POSITIONS - A wellhead assembly having a wellhead housing, a casing hanger set within the wellhead housing, and sealing areas provided on opposing surfaces of the wellhead housing and casing hanger. The sealing areas circumscribe an axis of the wellhead assembly along respective axial distances on the wellhead housing and casing hanger. A seal is included with the wellhead assembly that has inner and outer legs that respectively engage the sealing areas and form sealing surfaces against the sealing areas. The axial distances of the sealing areas exceeds the length of the inner and outer legs, so that an original seal can be removed and replaced by a secondary seal, wherein the secondary seal engages sealing areas different from the sealing areas engaged by the original seal. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110316236 | Wicker-Type Face Seal and Wellhead System Incorporating Same - A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members and a face seal between inner wellhead members. The face seal is created by two opposing sealing surfaces on inner wellhead members that sealingly engage each other. The inner wellhead members that interact to form a face seal may be a casing hanger, bridging hanger, or lockdown hanger. A wicker profile formed on one of the opposing seal surfaces bites into the opposing seal surface in response to a load. The face seal is designed such that well pressure enhances the face seal. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110308793 | HIGH INTEGRITY HANGER AND SEAL FOR CASING - Casing segments and an expansion cone are positioned and cemented within a new section of a wellbore with a lower casing segment in an overlapping relationship with an upper casing segment. The lower casing segment is radially expanded such that an upper end of the lower casing segment comes into contact with the interior wall of the upper casing segment at the overlap region. The upper casing segment has an inward facing profile at the overlap region that includes a set of wickers that are driven into the lower casing exterior when it is expanded. This forms a metal-to-metal seal between the upper and lower casing segments at the overlap region. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110278007 | TOOL AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO A WELLHEAD ANNULUS - A system and method for accessing an annulus within a wellhead assembly while the annulus is pressurized. The system includes a tubular body with an attached valve assembly and adapter. The adapter to the wellhead assembly with a sealed annular fitting. The body houses a selectively extendable plunger assembly rotatable by an attached motor. A bit or milling device is provided on the end of the plunger assembly, so that selectively extending the plunger assembly through the valve assembly and adapter contacts the bit against the wellhead assembly. An opening is formed through the wellhead assembly with the rotating bit allowing access to the annulus. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110260445 | Cam Style Anti-Rotation Key for Tubular Connections - An anti-rotation key inserts into a pocket formed on an outer surface of a male threaded connector. The key has a lower inner side portion for contact with the base of the pocket. An array of teeth on a lower outer side portion of the key bite into an inner wall of a female threaded connector as the key is forced into the pocket. One of the edges of the key is configured such that a line tangent to the first side edge where it intersects the lower outer side portion will intersect a line tangent to a central portion of the lower inner side portion at an angle less than 90 degrees. Relative motion between the male and female threaded connectors in a loosening direction causes the key to pivot about an engagement of the first side edge with the first side wall and bite more deeply into the inner wall of the female threaded connector. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110240306 | Bridging Hanger and Seal Running Tool - A running tool sets and pressure tests a bridging hanger and a packoff in a single trip. 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 piston engagement element is housed in the inner body and is adapted to engage the piston when the bridging hanger is set to prevent premature setting of the packoff. The piston engagement element can be disengaged once the bridging hanger is set, thereby allowing the piston to set the packoff. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110214877 | ACTUATION ASSEMBLY FOR RISER CONNECTION DOG - A box and pin coupling for a drilling riser having an actuator assembly with an attached dog. The actuator assembly includes an actuation rod having an end affixed to the dog. A portion of the rod is circumscribed by an annular sleeve, where the outer surface of the sleeve is threadingly attached to one of the box or pin. A shoulder is formed on the rod outer circumference between the sleeve and the end of the rod attached to the dog. A retainer cap is provided on the end of the rod opposite where it attaches to the dog. The sleeve abuts the rod on one end, and the retainer cap on the other, so that rotating the sleeve axially moves the actuation rod, that in turn moves the attached dog into or out of engagement with a profile on the other of the box or pin. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110204143 | Oil and Gas Riser Spider With Low Frequency Antenna Apparatus and Method - An apparatus and methods for tracking a plurality of marine riser assets is provided. Part of a riser lifecycle monitoring system, the apparatus can include an oil and gas riser spider to connect a plurality of riser pipe sections during assembly of a riser pipe string. The riser spider forms an annulus around a first section of the plurality of riser pipe sections and supports the first section of the plurality of riser pipe sections during connection to a second section. The apparatus can also include an antenna to read a plurality of radio frequency identification tags, e.g., directional 125 kHz RFID tags, attached to outsides of the plurality of riser pipe sections. The antenna can include an oblong loop attached to and substantially spanning about half of an internal surface of the riser spider so that the antenna follows the contour of the riser spider. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110200397 | Ram Style Tensioner with Fixed Conductor and Floating Frame - A riser tensioner for an offshore floating platform has a frame stationarily mounted to the upper portion of the riser. Pistons and cylinders are spaced circumferentially around the riser and connected between the frame and the floating platform. A tubular guide member is mounted to the floating platform for movement in unison in response to waves and currents. The riser extends through the guide member. A guide roller support is mounted to and extends downward from the frame around the guide member. At least one set of guide rollers is mounted to the guide roller support in rolling engagement with the guide member as the guide member moves in unison with the platform. | 08-18-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110180275 | Bi-Metallic Annular Seal and Wellhead System Incorporating Same - A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A bi-metallic U-shaped seal with legs having a low yield metal on the outer portions. During installation of the seal assembly, the legs of the seal are forced outward against the surfaces of the wellhead members, by pressurization of a interim non-metallic seal which forces a wedge into the U-shaped seal, causing localized yielding of the low yield metal to fill defects on wellhead member surfaces. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110174506 | Wellhead Annulus Seal Assembly - A ring like seal assembly for a wellhead assembly that seals between a pair of coaxial tubulars. The seal assembly includes a spring member for exerting an axial force on the seal. The spring member projects from an end of the seal assembly substantially parallel to the axis of the seal assembly and is compressed when installing the seal assembly between the tubulars. Compressing the spring member maintains an axial force on the seal assembly to keep the seal assembly radially deformed so that it can maintain sealing contact with both coaxial tubulars. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174495 | Latch System for Friction-Locked Tubular Members - A technique for securing drilling riser joints in a drilling riser string is presented. The drilling riser joints have a tubular housing that has a box configuration on one end and a pin configuration on the other end. The drilling riser string is assembled by connecting the pin end of one drilling riser joint to the box end of an adjoining drilling riser joint. A moveable ring is used to connect adjoining drilling riser joints. The moveable ring is used to drive a fastener, such as a dog, of one drilling riser joint against the adjoining drilling riser joint. The moveable ring is driven axially from a first position, where the fastener is not engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint, to a second position where the fastener is engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint. A latch is used to prevent the moveable ring from moving inadvertently from the second position. This prevents the drilling riser joints from disconnecting inadvertently. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110168409 | High Capacity Running Tool - A high capacity running tool sets and internally tests a casing hanger packoff during the same trip. The running tool has a stem and a body. The body is secured by threads to the stem of the running tool so that rotation of the stem relative to the body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. An engagement element connects the tool body to the casing hanger by engaging the inner surface of the casing hanger. Longitudinal movement of the stem relative to the body moves the engaging element between inner and outer positions and lines up ports in the stem and in the body for setting and testing functions. | 07-14-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110139341 | System, Method, and Apparatus for Pre-Tensioned Pipe for Load-Sharing with Composite Cover - A pipe is wrapped with a composite to form a pre-stressed interface to facilitate load sharing between the materials. Prior to being wrapped, the pipe is placed in tension via hydraulic devices or the like. Alternatively, a combination of cured and uncured composite wraps is used in proximity to each other to apply compressive stress to the pipe. In addition, the pipe may be subjected to cold temperatures to change its dimensions prior to being wrapped with a composite material. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110129358 | PUMPING MUD BY ELECTROHYDRODYNAMIC PROPULSION - A section of riser casing urges drilling mud through the riser, either upward from the sea floor to reduce head pressure or downward toward the wellbore. The section of riser casing may use an electromagnet, two or more electrodes, or a combination of electromagnets and electrodes to urge drilling mud having electrohydrodynamic properties through the riser casing. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110129357 | Pumping Mud By Electrohydrodynamic Propulsion - A section of riser casing urges drilling mud upward from the sea floor to reduce head pressure associated with pumping drilling mud through riser casing in dual-gradient drilling operations. The section of riser casing may use an electromagnet, two or more electrodes, or a combination of electromagnets and electrodes to urge drilling mud having electrohydrodynamic properties through the riser casing. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110120697 | METAL-TO-METAL SEAL WITH WIPER ELEMENT AND WELLHEAD SYSTEM INCORPORATING SAME - A wellhead or Christmas tree seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead or Christmas tree members. U-shaped metal seals having legs that face in opposite directions, are bonded to a wiping element. During installation of the seal assembly, the ends of the seal legs seal against the wellhead members and the wiping element compensates for defects on the surfaces of the wellhead members. The wiping element can be of an elastomer, metallic, or intercalated graphite material. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110114333 | Casing Annulus Management - A wellbore tubular set concentrically between an inner an and outer annulus has a pressure relief valve that opens when pressure in the outer annulus exceeds pressure in the inner annulus by an amount that can damage the tubular. The relief valve closes and reseats when the pressure differential is reduced to below the damaging threshold. The relief valve can include a spring for reseating the valve. A pressure gauge can be included within the outer annulus for monitoring whether or not the relief valve is operating properly. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110114330 | Combination Well Pipe Centralizer and Overpull Indicator - A subsea wellhead assembly includes an outer wellhead member with a bore containing at least one conical generally upward facing load shoulder that inclines relative to an axis of the bore. The outer wellhead member also contains an overpull recess having a generally downward facing overpull shoulder positioned below the at least one generally upward facing load shoulder. An inner wellhead member is lowered into the housing, the inner wellhead member having at least one conical downward facing load shoulder that inclines relative to an axis of the bore. A load ring has an inner profile that slidingly engages the downward facing load shoulder and an outer profile that slidingly engages the upward facing load shoulder. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110108275 | WELLHEAD ISOLATION PROTECTION SLEEVE - An isolation sleeve extends from an adapter into the bore of a tubing head to isolate high pressure frac fluid from the body of the tubing head. The isolation sleeve may be installed by a running tool that can screw the sleeve onto a packoff bushing located within the tubing head. The running tool can also retrieve the isolation sleeve by unscrewing it from the packoff bushing. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110088893 | WELLHEAD SYSTEM HAVING WICKER SEALING SURFACE - A wellhead system comprising an outer wellhead housing, an inner wellhead member, and an annulus therebetween. The inner wellhead member, such as a casing hanger, is adapted to land in the outer wellhead housing. The outer wellhead housing may comprise a wickers formed in a hardened metal inlay. Alternatively, or in addition to the wickers formed in the outer wellhead housing, wickers may be formed in a hardened metal inlay in the inner wellhead member. An annular metal seal may be disposed in the annulus and driven into the wickers to seal the annulus between the inner wellhead member and the outer wellhead housing and to axially restrain the seal within the annulus. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110084490 | ELECTRICAL MUDLINE SYSTEM - An electrical mudline system that includes a turbine-type power generation assembly that can be lowered by wireline and installed at the seabed or mudline. A generator may be installed on a wellhead for support and located on a lower part of the generation assembly or may be installed through a tree if a cap on the tree is removed. A frame is included to provide additional support for the generation assembly and protect the turbine blades on the periphery of the turbine. The turbine rotates in response to water currents and thereby rotates a shaft coupled to the turbine to generate electrical power. The electrical power is generated local to the well to power various types of equipment at the well or in the vicinity of the well. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083854 | CASING HANGER NESTING INDICATOR - A casing hanger nesting indicator generates a signal to notify personnel on the surface that a wellhead member has properly landed on a predetermined surface within the wellbore. The casing hanger nesting indicator comprises a signaling device such as an explosive charge or a frequency shift key wherein the noise or vibration of the signaling device travels through the wellbore, via the drilling conduit in some embodiments, up to the surface platform. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110073324 | Self Sealing Hydraulic Coupler - A hydraulic coupler for providing fluid communication between adjacent members that includes a two way check valve formed from a double headed poppet set in a hollow cylinder with corrugated bellows like walls. Contoured bores are provided in the cylinder ends and the poppet heads are profiled to match the contour of the bores. When the heads are seated in the bores they form a sealing surface to block fluid from flowing through the coupler. Compressively preloading the cylinder before assembly provides a sealing force between the heads and the bores. Axially compressing the cylinder with respect to the poppet unseats the heads from the bores to form a flow path through the coupler. | 03-31-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110008099 | DOG-TYPE LOCKOUT AND POSITION INDICATOR ASSEMBLY - A connector assembly for connecting two members that allows manual lockdown to prevent accidental disengagement. The connector assembly can be used to connect a tension ring to a housing on a riser by using a lower set of hydraulically actuated dogs. A set of upper hydraulically actuated dogs on the connector assembly can be used to connect the tension ring to a diverter housing mounted on a rig. The connector assembly also has position indicators that ride along with the dogs to indicate whether the dogs are in the engaged or disengaged position. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110005774 | SINGLE TRIP, TENSION SET, METAL-TO-METAL SEALING, INTERNAL LOCKDOWN TUBING HANGER - A system, apparatus, and method to apply tension to completion tubing in a wellbore. The system, apparatus, and method comprises an inner and outer tubing hanger, with the string of tubing attached to the inner tubing hanger. A running tool lands the outer tubing hanger on a landing shoulder and continues to lower the inner tubing hanger into the wellbore until the lower end of the inner tubing hanger latches into a retaining device. The running tool then sets a seal which holds the outer tubing hanger in position and causes a ratcheting mechanism to move to an engaged position. The running tool then withdraws the inner tubing hanger a predetermined distance until the inner tubing hanger engages the ratcheting mechanism. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100327532 | METAL-TO-METAL ANNULUS SEAL ARRANGEMENT - A metal-to-metal seal is used to seal between two tubular members. In one embodiment, a metal-to-metal seal forms a seal in an annulus housing between an inner and outer diameter of tubular members of an adjustable casing sub. The seal can have an inner and an outer sealing ring, or more than one pair of inner and outer sealing rings, that can be set in place by a running tool. An energizing ring can have a tapered or bulbous surface, and can create a pre-load force against the sealing rings. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100326666 | SPLIT ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENT DEVICE - A spider assembly is a round platform with a central bore used to support sections of casing as the sections of casing are joined to one another and lowered below a drilling platform. The spider assembly comprises two c-shaped section joined together at two seams, one seam at the end of each leg of the c-shape. A clamping plate is used to join each seam and apply a preload force on the joint. The preload force minimizes axial deflection at the joint. | 12-30-2010 |
| 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 |
| 20100314097 | Acoustically Measuring Annulus Probe Depth - A casing annulus is remediated by inserting a hose into a casing annulus, the hose having a nozzle on its lower end. An acoustic signal is directed into the annulus. A sensor in the hose receives the acoustic signal and transmits data from the sensor to the surface. The data represents the acoustic signal arrival time to the sensor, and an analyzer estimates the sensor depth based on the data. The hose is inserted from a reel into a wellhead above the annulus. An electrical transducer mechanically coupled to the hose creates the acoustic signal. The signal is propagated along the hose and transferred to the fluid in the annulus, where it then propagates further into the annulus. The transducer can be installed on a hose roller along which the hose is fed into the wellhead. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100307764 | Bimetallic Diaphragm for Trapped Fluid Expansion - A subsea well tubular member has an axial passage with upper and lower retrievable plugs releasably mounted in the passage, the plugs having ends facing each other. A cavity is formed on one of the ends of one of the plugs. A movable barrier is mounted sealingly over the cavity, the barrier being movable repeatedly between inner and outer positions in response to temperature changes. The inner position reduces a volume of the cavity and increases a volume of a trapped fluid space between the ends of the plugs. The outer position increases the volume of the cavity and decreases the volume of the trapped fluid space. The barrier has two metallic layers with different coefficients of expansion. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100300705 | METAL-TO-METAL SEAL WITH TRAVEL SEAL BANDS - A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. The exterior surfaces of the outer and inner walls contain a soft metal inlay. A wicker profile with a slick area is located on the outer surface of the inner wellhead member and on the inner surface of the outer wellhead member. An energizing ring is moved into the slot to force the outer and inner walls of the seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members. The soft metal inlays deform onto the slick area on the wellhead members. The wickers on the wellhead members embed into the walls of the seal ring. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100294486 | SELF-INSERTING SEAL ASSEMBLY - A self-inserting seal assembly that sets a seal at a well component to allow for pressure testing of the well component. The seal assembly can be landed on a well component with an ROV. A seal is located on the lower portion of a lower body in the assembly. A set of outer dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the well component to lock the outer housing to provide a reaction point for setting the seal, which may require several thousand pounds of force. A set of inner dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the inner diameter of the outer housing. This locks the lower body to the outer housing to ensure the seal remains set in place. After the well component is pressure tested, the seal assembly can be unlocked and retrieved from the well via an ROV. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100279022 | System and Method For Applying A Coating To A Substrate - A process for providing a protective layer to an article. The process includes depositing a layer of material onto a surface of the article with a thermal spray process. Examples of thermal spray process include high velocity oxygen/air fuel, atmospheric plasma spray, and chemical vapor deposition. Coating methods, such as cold vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition, may also be used. The layer can then be bonded to the article by heating material in the layer adjacent its connection with the article. Bonding the layer to the article can be performed by irradiating the layer with a collimated light source, the layer irradiation can be applied concurrently with the thermal spray process | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100276162 | Metal Annulus Seal - A wellhead seal assembly forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. An energizing ring has a C-ring captured on its outer surface. When the energizing ring is moved further into the slot, the C-ring is forced from its pocket and engages a profile on the seal ring, locking the energizing ring to the seal assembly. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100276156 | Wellhead System Having a Tubular Hanger Securable to Wellhead and Method of Operation - A technique is provided for installing a tubular hanger and tubular hanger seal in a wellhead. The technique comprises installing the tubular hanger with a setting tool. The tubular hanger may comprise a locking ring that is driven outward into engagement with a profile in the wellhead. The setting tool is adapted to rotate a moveable member of the tubular hanger relative to the tubular hanger body so as to drive the moveable member to expand the locking ring outward to engage a profile in the wellhead. The moveable member may be wedged between the locking ring and the tubular hanger body. The setting tool may be adapted to enable the moveable member and the tubular hanger body to be rotated independently. The annulus between the tubular hanger and the wellhead may be sealed by a seal that has a plurality of sealing elements that are coupled together by a series of catches. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100276153 | Remotely Operated Drill Pipe Valve - A valve, such as a ball valve, is assembled and carried by a running tool. The valve is actuated by an actuator that is triggered by the running tool, and thus opens and closes communication between the drill pipe and the volume below the running tool. An actuating cam is assembled below the running tool that interfaces the actuator. The actuating cam is threaded such that it travels axially as the drill pipe is turned. A profile on the actuating cam is timed with the function of the running tool and controls the action of the actuator such that the valve is open when the running tool function requires communication with the volume below the running tool and the valve is closed when the running tool needs to be pressurized. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100270032 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERMAL WELLHEAD HAVING HIGH POWER CABLE FOR IN-SITU UPGRADING PROCESSING - A thermal wellhead having a high voltage cable for in-situ upgrading and processing unconventional oil reservoirs is disclosed. An electrical cable has a power umbilical with an electrical heater on a lower end and an electrical connector opposite the heater. An upper portion of the cable has a second electrical connector for connection with the first connector and is connected to a transformer. A well control device is installed at the wellhead and the umbilical is extended through the device in the well. The first connector is landed in the wellhead such that the umbilical extends downward through the well. The well control device is then removed from the wellhead, and the second connector is secured in a tubing bonnet. The bonnet is landed on the wellhead to make electrical connections between the connectors. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100270025 | Riser Buoyancy Adjustable Thrust Column - An offshore drilling riser joint has a central riser pipe, a number of auxiliary lines mounted around it, and a buoyancy module assembly of a buoyant material. A pair of upper thrust sleeves slide over two of the auxiliary lines, each of the upper thrust sleeves having a flange in contact with an upper end of the buoyancy module assembly. Each of the upper thrust sleeves transfer upward thrust imposed by the buoyancy module assembly to an upper support flange mounted to the central riser pipe. A pair of lower thrust sleeves slide over two of the auxiliary lines. Each lower thrust sleeve has a lower thrust flange that is engaged by a lower end of the buoyancy module assembly. Each of the lower thrust sleeves transfer weight of the buoyancy module assembly while out of water to a lower support flange mounted to the central riser pipe. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100260556 | Ram Style Tensioner with Fixed Conductor and Floating Frame - A riser tensioner for an offshore floating platform has a frame stationarily mounted to the upper portion of the riser. Pistons and cylinders are spaced circumferentially around the riser and connected between the frame and the floating platform. A tubular guide member is mounted to the floating platform for movement in unison in response to waves and currents. The riser extends through the guide member. A guide roller support is mounted to and extends downward from the frame around the guide member. At least one set of guide rollers is mounted to the guide roller support in rolling engagement with the guide member as the guide member moves in unison with the platform. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100254767 | Ram Style Tensioner - A riser tensioner configured to apply a tension to a riser. The riser tensioner includes a frame configured to be fixedly attached to the riser; plural cylinder assemblies spaced around the riser, each cylinder assembly having a cylinder and a piston configured to slidably move inside the cylinder, the piston being configured to connect to the frame; a guide roller support stationarily mounted to and extending from the frame; at least one bearing fixedly attached to the guide roller support; and a guide member configured to be in rolling engagement with the at least one bearing as the cylinder moves relative to the frame. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100252277 | High Capacity Running Tool - A high capacity running tool sets and internally tests a casing hanger packoff during the same trip. The running tool has a stem and a body. The body is secured by threads to the stem of the running tool so that rotation of the stem relative to the body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. An engagement element connects the tool body to the casing hanger by engaging the inner surface of the casing hanger. Longitudinal movement of the stem relative to the body moves the engaging element between inner and outer positions and lines up ports in the stem and in the body for setting and testing functions. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100243271 | BIT-RUN NOMINAL SEAT PROTECTOR AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A drilling system employs a set of bushings that protect seats used for casing hangers. The system includes one or more seat protectors that attach to a running tool. The running tool is lowered down the wellbore with the seat protectors attached and deposits a bushing at each surface to be protected. The running tool may retrieve the bushings as the running tool is withdrawn from the wellbore. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100243238 | WELLHEAD SYSTEM HAVING RESILIENT DEVICE TO ACTUATE A LOAD MEMBER AND ENABLE AN OVER-PULL TEST OF THE LOAD MEMBER - A wellbore system comprising a housing assembly and a hanger assembly. The hanger assembly comprises an actuation member that interacts with a portion of the housing assembly when the hanger assembly is positioned at a desired location in the housing assembly. The hanger assembly also comprises a load member that is adapted to extend between the hanger assembly and the housing assembly to enable the housing assembly to support the hanger assembly. The load member is carried into the wellbore in a retracted position. When the actuation member interacts with the housing assembly at the desired location, the actuation member actuates the load member to expand outward to extend between the hanger assembly and the housing assembly. The actuation member is adapted to transfer a lifting force from the surface to the load member to enable an over-pull test of the hanger assembly to be performed. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100232886 | SELF-TENSIONING TENDON FOR TENSION LEG PLATFORM APPLICATION - A self-tensioning tendon for pulling a tension leg platform (TLP) down to a desired draft position. The self-tensioning tendon can be utilized with either a co-installation process or a pre-installation process and connects to an assembled tendon joint. The self-tensioning tendon comprises a hydraulically controlled Length Adjustment Joint (LAJ) that further comprises an integral cylinder with external threads and a piston rod. The self-tensioning apparatus has features that advantageously reduce the time required to ballast the hull of the TLP. A hydraulic source actuates the integral cylinder to pull the TLP down to the target draft position, significantly reducing the time needed to ballast the hull of the TLP with millions of gallons of water. A Top Tendon Connector (TTC) ratchets down along the cylinder to lock the TLP at the final draft position. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100230856 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A COMPOSITE TUBULAR USING A STIFFENED MANDREL - A stiffened mandrel used in the manufacture of a composite tubular. The mandrel is placed on a filament winding machine and is comprised of an outer and inner shell. A pressure source is connected to the mandrel to exert a tensile force on the outer shell to stiffen the mandrel and thereby prevent sagging and bending of the mandrel. The stiffened mandrel allows for the manufacture of a composite tubular without undesirable flexing, wrinkling, or contamination of the uncured composite. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100230114 | WIRELINE RUN FRACTURE ISOLATION SLEEVE AND PLUG AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - An isolation sleeve and plug assembly that may be used to protect a wellhead assembly from being damaged by high-pressure wellbore fracturing operations. Both the isolation sleeve and plug may be installed by the same running tool, and may be installed by lowering the running tool through an isolation valve on the wellbore. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100230110 | WELL UNLOADING PACKAGE - A method of unloading a well using a modular adapter having a pump, a pump suction line, and a pump discharge line. The adapter is connected to a subsea wellhead assembly so that the pump suction line communicates with a main bore in the wellhead assembly and the pump discharge line communicates with a production line attached to the wellhead assembly. The production line is isolated from the main bore and the pump draws fluid from within the well and discharges it into the production line. After unloading the well, the adapter can be removed and moved to another location for well unloading. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100183376 | System, Method and Apparatus for Sleeved Tensioner Rod with Annular Adhesive Retention - A corrosion-resistant alloy tube is formed and bonded to a pre-machined steel alloy rod to form a riser tensioner cylinder rod. During assembly, an epoxy is injected into an annular space between the tube and rod and then cured. The bonded tube is ground to a desired surface finish prior to installation and utilizes a double seal arrangement that prevents external pressure or corrosive fluids from entering the cured epoxy in the annular space. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100171058 | Mechanically Operated Hydraulic Valve Actuator - A wellhead assembly includes a valve with a valve actuator. The valve actuator linearly moves a valve stem and valve member assembly to selectively open and close the valve. The valve actuator moves the valve stem by reciprocatingly moving a piston that is attached to the valve stem. The piston is moved by applying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a piston surface. Piston direction is controlled by a selector valve that selectively diverts a hydraulic flow to either side of the piston. The actuator further includes a piston assembly for pressurizing a hydraulic flow, where the piston assembly reciprocates in response to engagement by a profiled rotating cam member. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100147533 | WELLHEAD SEAL ASSEMBLY - A seal assembly for sealing between wellhead members in a wellhead, the assembly may include a seal element and a lockdown member. The seal assembly is attachable to either one of the wellhead members by coupling the lockdown member to a locking surface on the wellhead member. The lockdown member and locking surface may include corresponding profiles for mating engagement thereby preventing relative movement between the wellhead member and seal assembly. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100147530 | BELLOWS TYPE ADJUSTABLE CASING - A tieback connection between an offshore production platform and a wellhead on the sea floor has a riser and a tubular expandable and contractable member within the riser. The expandable and contractable member compensates for axial movement within the riser while maintaining axial tension in the riser. The expandable and contractable member is of uni-body construction having a wall configured to correspondingly expand and contract to compensate for the riser movement. In cross section, the member wall comprises folds formable by alternating slots formed into the inner and outer wall surface or an undulating surface. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100143047 | Ram Style Tensioner With Fixed Conductor and Floating Frame - A riser tensioner for an offshore floating platform has a frame stationarily mounted to the upper portion of the riser. Pistons and cylinders are spaced circumferentially around the riser and connected between the frame and the floating platform. A tubular guide member is mounted to the floating platform for movement in unison in response to waves and currents. The riser extends through the guide member. A guide roller support is mounted to and extends downward from the frame around the guide member. At least one set of guide rollers is mounted to the guide roller support in rolling engagement with the guide member as the guide member moves in unison with the platform. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100126736 | Bi-Directional Annulus Seal - A wellhead seal assembly forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. A lock ring has grooves for locking the inner wellhead member to the outer wellhead member during installation. An energizing ring has a C-ring captured on its inner surface. When the energizing ring is moved further into the slot, the C-ring is forced from its pocket and engages the surface of the inner wellhead member, locking the seal assembly to the inner wellhead member. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100116489 | Metal Annulus Seal - A wellhead seal assembly forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. An energizing ring has a C-ring captured on its outer surface. When the energizing ring is moved farther into the slot, the C-ring is forced from its pocket and engages a profile on the seal ring, locking the energizing ring to the seal assembly. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100115772 | METHOD FOR LAPPING, GRINDING, HONING AND POLISHING SEAL SURFACES ON INNER DIAMETER OF SEMI-BLIND CAVITY IN VALVE BODY - A tool assembly for lapping, grinding, honing and polishing seal surfaces on inner diameters of semi-blind cavities in valve bodies. The tool can bring seat surfaces up to specification with abrasive wheels having varying grit sizes. The wheels are provided in an array of sizes to form a set of tools for a range of diameters, abrasion and surface finish capacity. This design allows the first (i.e., smallest) tool to enter a cavity in a valve body to begin cutting. The larger size wheels increase the diameter of the cavity being machined until the desired size is achieved. Wheels with finer abrasive are then used to improve the surface finish of the cavity while minimizing the material removal. When the desired diameter and/or surface finish has been achieved, a felt wheel may be used with a fine abrasive paste to provide the cavity with the final surface finish specification. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100102263 | Recessed Cutting Edge For Wire Cutting Gate Valves - A gate valve having a body, a chamber housed in the body, a passage through the body that intersects the chamber, a gate for selectively opening and closing the valve, and a cutting edge on the gate. The cutting edge can sever any lines that may be in the valve and still seal after closing. The gate includes a recess formed to collect cuttings formed while severing the line. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100101799 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A MODULAR PRODUCTION TREE ASSEMBLY TO REDUCE WEIGHT DURING TRANSFER OF TREE TO RIG - A modular tree production tree assembly reduces the weight during transfer of the tree components from a barge to a production rig. The tree assembly includes an upper tree module, a lower tree module, and a choke bridge module. The upper tree module has a tree head, the lower tree module has a guidance system and ties in the flow lines to the in-field infrastructure, and the choke bridge module has the choke and instrumentation bridge to link the three components together. Prior to delivery to the rig, the components of the modular tree assembly may be joined together and tested on shore. Upon arrival at the rig, the components are individually lifted from the barge onto the rig by a crane. After the tree components are on the rig, the modular tree is reassembled and then deployed to the sea floor via the draw works. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100078176 | Combined Tree Stab and Control Interface - A subsea wellhead assembly provided over a wellbore, the assembly having a wellhead housing, a tubing hanger in the housing, a production tree on the wellhead housing above the tubing hanger, and a control circuit that passes axially downward from the production tree and through the tubing hanger. A tree stab assembly may be included that is set between the tubing hanger and production tree. The wellhead assembly can also include a casing hanger landed in the housing, casing attached to the casing hanger, and tubing attached to the tubing hanger. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100044611 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPLIT GATE VALVE WITH MECHANICALLY ISOLATED SEAL SURFACES - A split gate is movably mounted within a valve body along a valve axis between valve seats. The split gate has gates, each extending between one of the valve seats and the other gate. In an open position, gate holes register with a fluid aperture and the valve seats to permit fluid flow. In the closed position, the holes do not register with the fluid aperture to prevent fluid flow. The split gate valve also has a gate guide located in the body for moving the gates with respect to the valve seats along the fluid axis. The gate guide forces the pair of gates apart along the fluid axis and into contact with the valve seats in both the open and closed positions. The gates have axial play along the fluid axis when the split gate is between the open and closed positions. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100040375 | Wireless High Capacity Sub-Sea Communications System - A subsea monitoring system. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100032214 | Composite Enhanced Metallic Drilling Riser System - An offshore composite enhanced metallic drilling riser is equipped to enable preloading of the composite shell and the metallic riser. A riser has steel end connectors and a continuous metallic inner liner, encased in a composite shell. A segmented hyperboloid shaped profile is located near each of the end fittings for preloading of the composite and the metallic riser. In one version, both halves of the hyperboloid shape are capable of axial movement by adjusting jack bolts connected to one of the hyperboloid halves. One of the halves is limited in axial movement while the other half moves axially away from the restricted half, the movement simultaneously generates the composite pre-load and the metallic riser pre-load. The other version uses fluid pressure between mating faces of the segments to push them apart. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100018721 | DEVICE TO INSERT A FLEXIBLE MEMBER INTO PRESSURIZED WELLHEAD HOUSING - A drive assembly for inserting hose within a wellhead housing that intermittently reciprocates the hose feed into the housing. The intermittent reciprocating action feeds the hose past obstacles in the wellhead housing, such as within annuluses between tubulars. The drive assembly includes rollers that frictionally contact the hose and when rotated drive the hose forward. The rollers are rotated by a drive sprocket that is rotated by a hand crank. An offset cam assembly between the hand crank and the drive sprocket adds an orbital/reciprocating motion to the drive assembly. | 01-28-2010 |
| 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 |
| 20100007089 | METAL SEAL ADJUSTABLE CASING SUB - An adjustable casing sub having an outer housing, an inner housing insertable into the outer housing, and a ratcheting system for coupling the inner housing within the outer housing. An annulus is between a portion of the inner and outer housing, the annulus including an inwardly tapered section. A metal faced seal is disposed in the annulus, wherein the metal faced seal includes a sliding surface and a compressive sealing surface. The sliding surface may include a malleable inlay and the compressive sealing surface may include a spring like element. Moreover, the metal faced seal radial thickness is greater than the inwardly tapered section radial thickness. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100006298 | 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. The cam ring is of a reduced proportion relative to prior art. As such, the cam ring outer side is dimensioned to contact the inner side of the connector housing under load. 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. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100000730 | Acoustically Measuring Annulus Probe Depth - A casing annulus is remediated by inserting a hose into a casing annulus, the hose having a nozzle on its lower end. An acoustic signal is directed into the annulus. A sensor in the hose receives the acoustic signal and transmits data from the sensor to the surface. The data represents the acoustic signal arrival time to the sensor, and an analyzer estimates the sensor depth based on the data. The hose is inserted from a reel into a wellhead above the annulus. An electrical transducer mechanically coupled to the hose creates the acoustic signal. The signal is propagated along the hose and transferred to the fluid in the annulus, where it then propagates further into the annulus. The transducer can be installed on a hose roller along which the hose is fed into the wellhead. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090322074 | External Hydraulic Tieback Connector - A connector for tie back liners. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322030 | Metal-to-Metal Seal for Smooth Bore - A seal assembly includes a tubular member having a longitudinal axis and a tubular member seal profile. A metal seal ring having a proximal base and a distal end has a seal ring seal profile between the proximal base and distal end that contacts the tubular member seal profile. A distal annular recess is in one of the seal profiles, the distal annular recess being spaced axially from the distal end of the seal ring, defining a seal surface between the distal end of the seal ring and the distal annular recess that engages a seal surface of the tubular member seal profile. The contacting portions of the seal surfaces form a metal-to-metal seal area. A proximal annular recess in one of the seal profiles is spaced axially from the distal annular recess, defining a support area axially spaced from the metal-to-metal seal area. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322029 | Metal-to-Metal Seal for Smooth Bore - A high pressure seal assembly configured for sealing contact with an opposing surface. The seal assembly comprises an annular seal body with a sealing surface on one side of the seal body. An end of the sealing surface includes a sealing face for sealing contact with the opposing surface. The sealing surface also includes at least one support point that contacts the opposing surface when the seal is placed in sealing contact. Strategically positioning the support point on the sealing surface selectively adjusts the sealing contact stress between the sealing face and the opposing surface. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090314494 | Wellhead Housing Bootstrap Device - A running tool for coaxially setting together subsea wellhead housings, such as a high pressure wellhead housing within a low pressure wellhead housing. The tool includes a conically shaped body that is insertable within the inner most housing, a frame with a base, an axial bore and latches. The base perpendicularly rests on top of an inner housing and the latches extend from the base to connect with an outer housing. The bore is formed to accommodate the tool freely therethrough. Wedge shaped members are provided between the base and inner housing top having their wide ends contactable by the tool. Urging the tool through the bore pushes the wedges radially outward that imparts a force between the base and inner housing top in one direction. The attached latches apply an oppositely directed force onto the outer housing. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090294131 | Christmas Tree and Wellhead Design - The device described herein combines a subsea wellhead and a tree mandrel into a single piece. The wellhead includes a tree valve block having an upper and lower section. The lower valve block section is integral with the wellhead and includes access between the production line and the tubing annulus to the main bore of the wellhead. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090293957 | Subsea Electric Actuator Using Linear Motor - An actuator for use with valves in a subsea wellhead assembly. The actuator includes a shaft with an alternating polarity along its length and windings spaced around the shaft that create a magnetic field around the shaft. The shaft is connectable to a valve stem so that flowing current through the windings creates a magnetic field for linearly moving the shaft and operating the valve. A fail safe mechanism can be included that pushes the shaft back to its original position thereby also moving the valve into its original, or fail safe, position. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090288832 | Varying Access Points for Tubing and Casing Monitoring and Casing Annulus Remediation Systems - An adapter for connecting a casing annulus remediation system to a well having a wellhead with standard lateral ports. The adapter has a body with first and second ends. The first end of the adapter body has a substantially planar surface adapted to cover the lateral ports and be in abutting contact with the wellhead when the two are connected to one another. The second end of the adapter body has a planar surface positioned at an angle greater than 0 degrees and up to 90 degrees to the planar surface of the first end. The second end of the adapter is adapted to be connected to a casing annulus remediation system. | 11-26-2009 |
| 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 |
| 20090266755 | Downhole Gravitational Water Separator - A gravity water separation system that may be integrated within a well completion. A diverted flowpath is provided for produced hydrocarbons, external to the completion tubing. As produced hydrocarbons travel through the diverted flowpath, they pass through separation stages wherein gravity separation ensues by migration through predefined flow ports which extend from produced oil “separation chamber(s)” into separated “water chamber(s).” | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090266550 | Subsea Toroidal Water Separator - A compact, low footprint water separation system for use in subsea well operations. A subsea production tree has a vertical passage and at least one laterally extending branch. A subsea gravity separation device having a hollow toroidal body detachably is mounted around and connected to the production tree. An inlet on a first side portion of the separation device is connected to the at least one laterally extending branch of the production tree and admits production fluid. The production fluid flows through the separation device where it passes through a separation unit. After passing through a separation unit, less dense fluid is discharged through an upper outlet and more dense fluid is discharged through a lower outlet. The upper and lower outlets are positioned opposite the first side portion of the separation device. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090260832 | Non-Orientated Tubing Hanger With Full Bore Tree Head - A subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead housing, a production tree, a tubing hanger adapted to land in the wellhead assembly inside the wellhead housing without a need for angular orientation, a bridge member on the tubing hanger in the production tree, a port radially formed through the tubing hanger or the bridge member, a production port radially through the tree head housing, and an annular production flow passage that circumscribes the bridge member lower portion on one end and optionally circumscribes the tubing hanger on its other end. The annular production flow passage is in communication with both the production port and the radial port in the tubing hanger or bridge member so that fluid can be produced from the well via the annular production flow passage without necessity to orientate the tubing hanger. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090255682 | Large Bore Vertical Tree - A subsea wellhead assembly that includes a wellhead housing, a production tree, a tubing hanger adapted to land in the wellhead assembly inside the wellhead housing, and a bore formed through the production tree having an inner diameter greater than the tubing hanger outer diameter. A hanger adapter may be included having an annular body disposed on the tubing hanger upper surface and a flange member projecting radially outward from the annular body. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090255681 | OFF-CENTER RUNNING TOOL FOR SUBSEA TREE - A running tool for lowering a christmas tree to a subsea wellhead. The running tool includes an off center adjustment to compensate for asymmetric weight distribution in the christmas tree. The running tool comprises a main body, latches for coupling the body to the christmas tree, an offset arm connected to the body, and a lift arm (drill pipe adaptor) connected to the lift arm and selectively positioned on the lift arm to offset and compensate for the christmas tree asymmetric weight distribution. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090250927 | Threaded Pipe Connector - A riser connector uses a box and upset pin connector threadform design having S-shaped load flanks that provide a variable load angles depending on the radial position along the engaged teeth. This design promotes a load path that changes with position along the axial length of the engaged thread, as well as increasing or decreasing external loads on the connector. The connector also varies radial distention of the pin from the box in a manner that is different from one thread to the next. The threadform uses a combination of thread cuts that vary in shape, pitch, and/or thread cone angle to provide load and stab flanks, as well as a load path, that vary from one axial end of the engaged thread to the other. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090230632 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING MATERIALS HAVING A LOW GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE SEALING APPLICATIONS - A seal is formed from one or more elastomeric materials having a low glass transition temperature for high pressure, and both high and low temperature sealing applications. In an exemplary embodiment, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material may be −35° C. or lower. The seal is adapted to repeatedly form and maintain a seal across a temperature range from 0° C. or lower to +122° C. or greater at pressures up to 15,000 p.s.i.g. or greater. The invention has numerous applications, such as for land-based use, marine surface and marine subsea uses. An anti-extrusion device may circumscribe the upper and lower edges of the material body. The invention also comprises fabrication methods for elastomer or polymeric seals. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090211762 | Detachable Electrical Actuator - A removable module for actuating elements, such as valves, within a subsea production tree. The module can include a motor, a drive shaft, and a ball screw. Embodiments exist where only the motor is removable, optionally the motor and drive shaft and/or all module elements are removable. A fail safe system is included that moves the production tree element into a pre-designated fail safe position. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090126938 | UTILITY SKID TREE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SUBSEA WELLHEAD - A utility skid tree system for subsea wellheads enables a tree to be mounted by and interface with utility skids. Production bore access is provided through an extended production wing block. The system reacts and transfers installation loads and potential snag loads to the conductor. The tree accepts skids for flow boosting, metering, water-oil separation, etc. A conventional choke may be fitted outboard of the utility insert profile. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090092448 | Rotating Lock Ring Bottom Tendon Connector - A tendon bottom connector assembly has a receptacle with a bore having an annular locking profile divided into segments by axially extending slots. The connector has a housing that inserts into and locks in the receptacle. The housing and receptacle have mating an anti-rotation elements. The lock ring has an outer surface with an annular locking profile divided into segments by axially extending slots. The lock ring is carried by the housing initially in the installation position with its segments aligned with the slots of the receptacle. This position allows the housing to be fully inserted into the receptacle. An ROV then rotates the ring from the installation position to a locked position, with the segments of the lock ring engaging the segments of the receptacle. Alternately, a split ring with one end fixed rotates the lock ring. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090090515 | Wellhead Isolation Sleeve Assembly - An isolation sleeve extends from an adapter into the bore of a tubing head to isolate high pressure frac fluid from the body of the tubing head. The isolation sleeve may be moved into and out of the bore by a hydraulic transfer piston or it may be installed and retrieved by a running tool. The isolation sleeve has a seal carrier on its lower end. The seal of the seal carrier may seal to a secondary packoff in the tubing head, on the outer diameter of the conduit, or to the rim of the conduit. The seal carrier may be movable relative to the sleeve to energize the seal. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090071656 | METHOD OF RUNNING A TUBING HANGER AND INTERNAL TREE CAP SIMULTANEOUSLY - An assembly for the completion of a subsea horizontal tree that includes a tubing hanger, an internal tree cap, and a running tool. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090032265 | Independently Wellhead Drilling Adapter - An assembly for connecting a drilling adapter to a wellhead comprising external threads on an end portion thereof. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090025939 | NON-ORIENTING TREE CAP - A wellhead assembly includes a tree cap having a production mandrel extending down into a production passage of a Christmas tree to form a seal. The tree has an annulus bore and an annular cavity at the upper end of the tree surrounding the upper ends of the production and annulus bore. A communication gallery leads between the annulus bore and the cavity. The tree cap also includes an annular sealing member that enters the cavity for sealing a communication gallery. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20080314577 | STRESS, STRAIN AND FATIGUE MEASURING OF WELL PIPING - A system for monitoring strain in a wellbore casing includes one or more gages that are affixed to an outer surface of the wellbore casing. Each gage includes one or more apertures. During operation, variations in the shape and spacing of the apertures are monitored and used to determine a level of strain in the wellbore casing. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080308278 | ADJUSTABLE THREADED HANGER AND RUNNING TOOL - An adjustable hanger for retaining in tension casing and tubing extending between a subsea wellhead and a surface wellhead on a platform. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080245529 | Through-Riser Installation of Tree Block - A subsea well assembly has a tubing hanger that lands and seals in a wellhead housing. A tree block is lowered through the drilling riser into engagement with the tubing hanger. The tree block has a lower portion that inserts and latches into the bore of the wellhead housing. The drilling riser is disconnected, and a module is lowered onto the tree block, the module having a choke and controls for controlling the well. The master valve for production is the downhole safety valve in the tubing. The wing production valve is a ball valve located in the flow passage of the tree block. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080205992 | Soft Stop for Maximum Riser Tensioner Stroke - A riser is connected to subsea well equipment and extends to a vessel. A tubular conductor is mounted stationarily to and around the riser, the conductor passing through an opening in the vessel. A set of rollers is mounted to the vessel around the opening for engagement with the conductor as the vessel moves relative to the riser. Hydro-pneumatic cylinder units are connected between the riser and the vessel for applying tension to the riser. An external flange is located on a lower portion of the conductor. A shock absorber is positioned around the conductor and mounted to the vessel for movement relative to the conductor. The shock absorber absorbs shock when the cylinder units are in an extreme stroke position. | 08-28-2008 |
