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US4732215A
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Subsea oil production system
Assignee: BP PLC
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Filing: 1986-05-02
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Granted: 1988-03-22
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Expires: 2006-05-02
Abstract
Abstract A sub-sea oil production system has a three-dimensional template with a framework of vertical and horizontal members. These members enclose one or more production bays each of which has a well slot and a manifold slot. Within each bay a well tree module may be installed vertically above the well slot and a manifold module vertically above the manifold slot, with a production bridge module linking them. The template and the modules are designed to be transported and installed by a semi-submersible drilling rig without the use of divers or guidelines. All access points are at the top of the modules so that the modules can be inspected, tested and serviced by a remotely operated vehicle, which can perch on raised guides on the top of hinged covers of the framework.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans P. Hopper
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:18
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/01; E21B43/017; E21B41/00; E21B41/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A template for a subsea oil production system having a three-dimensional framework of vertical and horizontal members enclosing one or more rectangular production bays, each bay having a well slot and a manifold slot, said vertical and horizontal members of the framework defining, within each production bay, space above each well slot for a tree module, space above each manifold slot for a manifold module, and space above the modules for a production bridge module linking the other modules.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
A template for a subsea oil production system having a three-dimensional framework of vertical and horizontal members enclosing one or more rectangular production bays, each bay having a well slot and a manifold slot, said vertical and horizontal members of the framework defining, within each production bay, space above each well slot for a tree module, space above each manifold slot for a manifold module, and space above the modules for a production bridge module linking the other modules.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A template as claimed in claim 1 having moveable covers above each bay, the covers having raised guides capable of locating a remotely operated vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A template as claimed in claim 1 or 2 having also an extension spool fitting within the framework above a well slot, said spool being adapted to receive a blow-out preventor above it and the template framework.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
73 words
A subsea oil production system comprising a template as claimed in claim 1, a well head and tree module above each well slot, a manifold selector head and manifold module above each manifold slot and a production bridge formed of an upper tree block and an upper manifold block with piping connecting the blocks, all activating and control points of all the parts being at the top of the well and manifold assemblies.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
A subsea oil production system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the tree module and manifold module have valves extending sideways at 90° to the axis of the production bay in which they are placed, and the upper tree and upper manifold blocks have valves extending sideways parallel to the axis of the production bay.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A subsea production system as claimed in claim 4, having also a unitary pipework assembly linking each manifold selector head, capable of taking oil away from and bringing fluids into the production system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A subsea production system as claimed in claim 4, wherein each manifold selector head has a sleeve adapted to allow the adjacent well to be used either for oil production or water injection.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A subsea production system as claimed in claim 4, having also a module running tool for installing each tree module, manifold module and production bridge module.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A subsea production system as claimed in claim 4 wherein each tree module, manifold module, upper tree block and upper manifold block have a rectangular framework of chamfered corner posts to align and orientate said parts with the template framework during installation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
A subsea production system as claimed in claim 4 having a high pressure cap on top of the upper tree block and a choke on top of the upper manifold block and a component running tool for installing the high pressure cap and, if necessary, for changing the choke.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
78 words
A sub-sea production system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the top of the three dimensional framework has covers hinged to horizontal members of the framework to cover each production bay, said covers having raised guides thereupon, and wherein the system includes a remotely operated vehicle which is adapted to perch on the raised guides of a cover and which has side arms for activating or controlling any of the functions of the assemblies of an adjacent bay.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-03-22 | 1991-09-21 | 1992-03-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-03-22 | 1995-09-21 | 1996-03-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-03-22 | 1999-09-21 | 2000-03-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |