Enovate Systems Limited

Aker Subsea Inc.

Exnics Limited

Stuart James Ellison

A method of assessing fluid flow in a conduit, the fluid comprising hydrocarbons, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring optical variances resulting from at least one circumferential mode of vibration of the conduit by directing a monochromatic light source, such as from a vibrometer, onto an external surface of the conduit thereby providing a measured vibration of the conduit as a result of fluid flow in the conduit. The data normally accurately measures velocity of the conduit usually considered to be wideband noise. Accordingly, sample rates are high, such as at least 5,000 times per second. The data is then assessed, for example by using a Fourier Transform, and a pre-trained algorithm to predict fluid flow at that point in the conduit, or upstream or downstream thereof. An associated apparatus is also disclosed. Embodiments of the invention can thus provide a non-invasive method and apparatus for providing information on the nature of flow regimes in pipelines, such as subsea pipelines which can be useful to optimise production and reduce well testing and/or downtime.

Method and apparatus for assessing fluid flow

The invention relates to a well bore control apparatus, system and method for sealing a well bore. The invention relates to a well bore control apparatus comprising a housing having a guide element defining a path, the housing defining a throughbore for receiving a tubular, a first tapered gate and a tapered second gate located within the housing, the first and second gates being adapted to engage with the guide element. In use the first and second gates are moveable along the path defined by the guide element in a direction substantially transverse to the throughbore between an open position of the throughbore and a closed position of the throughbore. The well bore control apparatus comprises a first seal seat for forming a first seal with the first gate in the closed position to seal the throughbore. The well bore control apparatus may include a second seal seat. The second seal seat may be adapted for forming a second seal with the second gate in the closed position to seal the throughbore.

Well bore control system

An annular packer () for use with an annular blow out preventer () formed of a plurality of blades or elements () where each of the blades () is curved and arranged in the annular bore such that the curve of the blade is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the assembly. This creates an 'iris' type of geometry which, as the iris closes, the annular bore () transforms from a parallel cylindrical shape to a smaller bore with a shape having at least one waist or pinch point () of smaller cross-section.

Annular blow out preventer

The invention relates to a well bore control apparatus, system and method for sealing a well bore. The invention relates to a well bore control apparatus () comprising a housing () having a guide element () defining a path, the housing defining a throughbore () for receiving a tubular, a first tapered gate () and a tapered second gate () located within the housing, the first and second gates being adapted to engage with the guide element. In use the first and second gates are moveable along the path defined by the guide element in a direction substantially transverse to the throughbore between an open position of the throughbore and a closed position of the throughbore. The well bore control apparatus comprises a first seal seat () for forming a first seal with the first gate in the closed position to seal the throughbore. The well bore control apparatus may include a second seal seat (). The second seal seat may be adapted for forming a second seal with the second gate in the closed position to seal the throughbore.

The invention relates to an apparatus () for installing a wellbore () on a seabed (). The apparatus includes a suction member () including a housing () defining a chamber (). The housing () has an open end (). The open end () defines a leading edge () for engagement with the seabed (). The apparatus () includes a wellhead located () at an end opposite the open end () for engagement with a conduit (). The conduit () is coupled to the housing (). The conduit () extends from the wellhead means () through the chamber (). When the wellbore () is installed on the seabed, the apparatus () provides a barrier or well barrier, which is capable of isolating and/or maintaining a wellbore pressure. The apparatus () allows for the installation of a wellhead () and/or a conduit () without the need of prior drilling and/or jetting operations at a wellbore site.

Wellbore installation apparatus and associated methods

An apparatus for generating electricity. The apparatus comprises a collar arranged to couple to a pipe and a support having a first planar face, the support being attached to the collar such that it projects away from the collar. The apparatus also has at least one thermoelectric generator attached to the first planar face of the support and a cover attached to the at least one thermoelectric generator.

Thermoelectric generator

A device for the application of a preload between a subsea wellhead and a conductor housing includes an activating member, a support housing, a locking member, and at least one element for securing the support housing relative to the wellhead. Movement of the activating member causes an inclined lateral movement of the locking member. The activating member carries a ratchet having a multiplicity of serrations which have a regular pitch in the activating direction and the support housing carries at least two latches which allow the relative movement and can engage the ratchet to inhibit movement reverse to the activating direction. The discrete locking positions provided by one of the latches are positionally out of phase with the discrete locking positions provided by the other latch or latches. A support member is positioned to be moved laterally in response to movement of the activating member and to support the locking member against the engagement zone of the datum member.

Preloading device

A device for the application of a preload between a subsea wellhead and a conductor housing comprises an activating member (), a support housing (), a locking member (), end means () for securing the support housing relative to the well-head. Movement of the activating member causes an inclined lateral movement of the locking member. The activating member carries a ratchet () comprising a multiplicity of serrations which have a regular pitch in the activating direction and the support housing () cames at least two latches () which allow the relative movement and can engage the ratchet to inhibit movement reverse to the activating direction. The discrete locking positions provided by one of the latches are positionally out of phase with the discrete locking positions provided by the other latch or latches. A support member () is positioned to be moved laterally in response to movement of the activating member and to support the locking member () against the engagement zone () of the datum member ().

Ratchet and latch mechanisms

A running tool for use in the insertion of an object such as a casing hanger into a subsea well includes a body and a hollow mandrel moveable within the body. Engagement dogs are supported within the body and are moveable to engage the object, the mandrel having a first part and a transition part, the transition part being shaped to cause out-ward movement of the dogs when the mandrel is in a given position within the body and to allow movement of the dogs for position of the mandrel spaced form the given position. The tool has an emergency release feature wherein the transition part is releasably attached to the first part by shear pins which shear in response to a sufficient increase in pressure within the mandrel to allow the transition part to separate from the first part.

Growing community of inventors

Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom

Stuart James Ellison