Vetco Gray Controls Limited

Ge Oil & Gas UK Limited

Hilton Smart

Julian Richard Davis

Graham Thomas Morley

Steven Lewis Charles Simpson

Silviu Puchianu

Andrew Robert Packham

Silviu Puchiano

Andrew Packham

Steven Simpson

A method of using an umbilical between a surface location and an underwater location of an underwater fluid extraction well system is provided. The umbilical includes an electrical power conductor configured to transmit electrical power at a first frequency from a source at the surface location to the underwater location. The method comprises detecting that the umbilical has been compromised by the ingress of water. In response thereto, the method comprises converting electrical power from the source to electrical power at a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is lower than the first frequency or DC electrical power; transmitting the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to the underwater location via the conductor; and converting, at the underwater location, the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to electrical power at a frequency used by the underwater equipment of the well system.

Extending the life of a compromised umbilical

A system for transmitting electrical power and communication signals is provided. The system comprises a transmission line, a source of electrical power for supplying electrical power to the transmission line, a first communication unit configured to supply communication signals to the transmission line, a power extraction unit configured to extract and use electrical power from the transmission line, a second communication unit configured to receive communication signals from the transmission line; and a control unit configured to control operation of the system. The source supplies electrical power to the transmission line for respective periods of time which are different from respective periods of time in which the first communication unit supplies communication signals to the transmission line.

Transmitting electrical power and communication signals

A system for transmitting alternating current power and communication signals between a first location and a second location through a communication path which includes at least one inductive load and at least one switch configured to switch power to the at least one inductive load on and off is disclosed herein. The system comprises a control configured to control the at least one switch so that, if the power is switched on during a particular phase of the power, is the power is switched off during the opposite phase of the power, and if the power is switched off during a particular phase of the power, the power is switched on during the opposite phase of the power.

Protecting against transients in a communication system

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Bristol, United Kingdom

Hilton Smart