Patent classifications
E21B33/037
Subsea assembly
A subsea assembly includes a housing having a flange interface for interfacing with a flange of a process fluid carrying component, wherein the housing is configured such that boltheads or nuts exerting a fastening force on the subsea assembly when mounted to the process fluid carrying component are spaced from the flange interface so that the dimensions of the housing of the subsea assembly at the flange interface are not affected by a space required for a bolthead or nut fastening tool.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF SUBSEA CONDUITS USING A JUMPER HAVING ADJUSTABLE INSULATING ELEMENTS
Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits such as jumpers that provide the ability to alternate between cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the conduit as needed depending on the phase of operation. Adjustable insulation elements are provided on the conduits so that convective heat transfer between surrounding seawater and the conduit can be allowed or reduced. A control system can activate an alarm indicating the need to adjust the insulation depending on the temperature and/or flow rate of fluids in the conduit. Conventional conduits can be retrofitted by adding adjustable insulation elements to enable thermal management.
Leak detection systems and methods for components of a mineral extraction system
A leak detection system includes an annular housing that defines a bore, a constriction with the bore, and a channel extending radially-outwardly from the bore and positioned upstream of the constriction. The leak detection system also includes a sensor positioned outside of the bore and fluidly coupled to the channel, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a leaked fluid within the bore.
Leak detection systems and methods for components of a mineral extraction system
A leak detection system includes an annular housing that defines a bore, a constriction with the bore, and a channel extending radially-outwardly from the bore and positioned upstream of the constriction. The leak detection system also includes a sensor positioned outside of the bore and fluidly coupled to the channel, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a leaked fluid within the bore.
Method of Making Safe an Undersea Bottom-to-Surface Production Pipe When Production is Stopped
Installation for producing fluid such as crude oil having a floating support having at least two tanks, an undersea bottom-to-surface connection pipe having a first pipe portion on the sea bottom from a well head to the bottom end of a second pipe portion at the floating support, a first auxiliary pipe for transporting gas extending from the floating support to the bottom end of the second pipe, and a plurality of valves for isolating or putting into communication the first auxiliary pipe, for isolating or putting into communication the first production pipe portion and the second production pipe portion, end to end, and suitable for isolating or putting into communication the proximal end of the first production pipe portion and the bottom end either of a fourth auxiliary pipe rising directly to the surface, or a bottom portion of the first auxiliary pipe.
Method of Making Safe an Undersea Bottom-to-Surface Production Pipe When Production is Stopped
Installation for producing fluid such as crude oil having a floating support having at least two tanks, an undersea bottom-to-surface connection pipe having a first pipe portion on the sea bottom from a well head to the bottom end of a second pipe portion at the floating support, a first auxiliary pipe for transporting gas extending from the floating support to the bottom end of the second pipe, and a plurality of valves for isolating or putting into communication the first auxiliary pipe, for isolating or putting into communication the first production pipe portion and the second production pipe portion, end to end, and suitable for isolating or putting into communication the proximal end of the first production pipe portion and the bottom end either of a fourth auxiliary pipe rising directly to the surface, or a bottom portion of the first auxiliary pipe.
Pressure compensated sensors
A pressure compensated sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a housing, a seal, an incompressible fluid, and sensing elements. The seal can be positioned within a housing cavity and divide the cavity into two portions. A first cavity portion can be sealed from the fluid environment by the seal and contain the sensing elements and the incompressible fluid. A second cavity portion can be in fluid communication with the fluid environment. The fluid environment can apply an external pressure to the seal that is opposed by an internal pressure of the sealed cavity applied to the seal by the incompressible fluid. When the internal pressure and the external pressure are different, the seal can move in a manner that changes the volume of the sealed cavity by an amount sufficient to equalize the internal pressure with the external pressure.
Pressure compensated sensors
A pressure compensated sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a housing, a seal, an incompressible fluid, and sensing elements. The seal can be positioned within a housing cavity and divide the cavity into two portions. A first cavity portion can be sealed from the fluid environment by the seal and contain the sensing elements and the incompressible fluid. A second cavity portion can be in fluid communication with the fluid environment. The fluid environment can apply an external pressure to the seal that is opposed by an internal pressure of the sealed cavity applied to the seal by the incompressible fluid. When the internal pressure and the external pressure are different, the seal can move in a manner that changes the volume of the sealed cavity by an amount sufficient to equalize the internal pressure with the external pressure.
PROTECTIVE CAP ASSEMBLY FOR SUBSEA EQUIPMENT
A protective cap assembly uses a heavy corrosion inhibitor fluid in the primary chamber (the central bore of the mandrel or hub) and a lightweight corrosion inhibitor fluid in the zones outside of the mandrel or hub. protective cap assembly uses a two port hot stab receptacle and connects the first port to the primary chamber and the second port to the secondary inlet port with a secondary inlet check valve. The primary chamber is vented directly to the subsea environment. With the secondary inlet check valve added to the secondary inlet port, the second port of the protective cap assembly is connected directly to the secondary inlet check valve.
PROTECTIVE CAP ASSEMBLY FOR SUBSEA EQUIPMENT
A protective cap assembly uses a heavy corrosion inhibitor fluid in the primary chamber (the central bore of the mandrel or hub) and a lightweight corrosion inhibitor fluid in the zones outside of the mandrel or hub. protective cap assembly uses a two port hot stab receptacle and connects the first port to the primary chamber and the second port to the secondary inlet port with a secondary inlet check valve. The primary chamber is vented directly to the subsea environment. With the secondary inlet check valve added to the secondary inlet port, the second port of the protective cap assembly is connected directly to the secondary inlet check valve.