Patent US3695350A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3695350A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for connecting flowlines to underwater wellheads
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1970-07-29
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Granted: 1972-10-03
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Expires: 1990-07-29
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for connecting flowlines to underwater wellheads by attaching a pulling head to the flowline and anchoring a pulling head fixture to the wellhead. A releasable pulling tool having a wireline in slidable engagement with the fixture on the wellhead is connected to the flowline pulling head and the head is pulled into engagement with the fixture. When in proper position, the pulling tool is released and fluid communication may then be provided between the wellhead and the pulling head and thus with the flowline.
Inventors
- 👤 William H Petersen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 13:07
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/01; E21B43/013; E21B43/0135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for connecting a flowline to a wellhead extending into the floor of a body of water, said flowline having a pulling head attached thereto, said wellhead having the lower half of a pulling head receiving fixture attached thereto, said method comprising the steps of: lowering and suitably mating the upper half of said pulling head receiving fixture with the lower half of said pulling head receiving fixture; attaching a removable pulling tool having a wireline secured thereto to the pulling head of said flowline; pulling said wireline and thus said tool through said fixture until said attached pulling head engages said fixture; and removing said pulling tool from said pulling head fixture.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for connecting a flowline to a wellhead extending into the floor of a body of water, said flowline having a pulling head attached thereto, said wellhead having the lower half of a pulling head receiving fixture attached thereto, said method comprising the steps of: lowering and suitably mating the upper half of said pulling head receiving fixture with the lower half of said pulling head receiving fixture; attaching a removable pulling tool having a wireline secured thereto to the pulling head of said flowline; pulling said wireline and thus said tool through said fixture until said attached pulling head engages said fixture; and removing said pulling tool from said pulling head fixture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of providing fluid communication between said pulling head within said fixture and said wellhead.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of pulling said wireline and thus said tool through said fixture includes the step of pulling said tool through said fixture until said tool locks in said fixture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of pulling said wireline through said fixture includes the step of passing said wireline from a work vessel floating on the water surface through said fixture in slidable relation thereto, and securing said tool thereto prior to attaching said tool to said pulling head.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of pulling said wireline includes the step of paying out said attached flowline from a pipe laying vessel on the water surface while pulling said wireline through said fixture.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
141 words
Apparatus for connecting flowlines to a wellhead structure extending into the floor of a body of water, comprising: at least one flowline having a pulling head attached thereto and in selective fluid communication therewith; pulling head receiving fixture means adapted to receive said pulling head said fixture means comprising at least one lower half horn-shaped member fixed to said wellhead structure, said pulling head fixture having at least one mating upper half-horn-shaped member selectively removable on said wellhead structure, said upper and lower half-horn-shaped members forming at least one unitary complete horn-shaped member having a flared mouth and a rear end communicating therewith for receiving said pulling head therein; and said pulling head including selectively releasable pulling tool means thereon adapted to engage said pulling head for pulling said pulling head through and into engagement with said pulling head fixture means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
141 words
Apparatus for connecting flowlines to a wellhead structure extending into the floor of a body of water, comprising: at least one flowline having a pulling head attached thereto and in selective fluid communication therewith; pulling head receiving fixture means adapted to receive said pulling head said fixture means comprising at least one lower half horn-shaped member fixed to said wellhead structure, said pulling head fixture having at least one mating upper half-horn-shaped member selectively removable on said wellhead structure, said upper and lower half-horn-shaped members forming at least one unitary complete horn-shaped member having a flared mouth and a rear end communicating therewith for receiving said pulling head therein; and said pulling head including selectively releasable pulling tool means thereon adapted to engage said pulling head for pulling said pulling head through and into engagement with said pulling head fixture means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said Pulling tool means includes a wireline extending through said fixture means in slidable relationship thereto.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 6 including interconnecting means extending between said wellhead structure and said pulling head for providing fluid communication therebetween.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-03 | 1976-04-03 | 1976-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-03 | 1980-04-03 | 1980-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-03 | 1984-04-03 | 1984-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |