Gerald W Crotwell

US Patent:

7467914, Dec 23, 2008

Filed:

Sep 13, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/225148

Inventors:

Lyle Finn - Sugar Land TX, US
Gerald Crotwell - Sugar Land TX, US

Assignee:

Technip France - Courbevoie

International Classification:

E21B 17/01

US Classification:

4052243, 4052242

Abstract:

An apparatus for supporting a steel catenary riser (SCR) from a floating structure having a keel includes a flexible support tube or keel sleeve through which the SCR passes. The support tube or keel sleeve includes a pivot mechanism that is lockably received in a receptacle fixed to the floating structure. A method of supporting an SCR from a floating structure includes the steps of inserting a first end of the SCR into a support tube or keel sleeve; fixing the support tube or keel sleeve to the SCR; pulling the support tube or keel sleeve into a receptacle fixed to the floating structure; releasing the support tube or keel sleeve from the SCR; pulling the SCR through the support tube or keel sleeve up to an attachment point on the structure; fixing the SCR to the structure; and fixing the support tube or keel sleeve to the SCR.

US Patent:

8021081, Sep 20, 2011

Filed:

Jun 11, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/761061

Inventors:

Gerald Crotwell - Sugar Land TX, US
Alan Yu - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Technip France - Courbevoie

International Classification:

E02D 5/40

US Classification:

4052231, 4052244, 166355

Abstract:

A tensioner system for a top-tensioned riser in a floating platform includes a hydro-pneumatic tensioner assembly resiliently mounted to the floating platform, and a riser support conductor surrounding the riser coaxially, wherein the support conductor conveys a pull-type tensional force from the hydro-pneumatic tensioner assembly to the riser through a riser conductor coupling assembly that engages the tensioner assembly and the riser support conductor to convey the tensional force. A riser tension joint support assembly conveys the tensional force from the riser support conductor to a riser tension joint on the riser. The tensioner assembly compensates for relative platform motion including pitch, heave, and yaw. Also a reactive load assembly is mounted to the platform and reacts to a two-point dynamic bending moment imposed on the riser support conductor, while resisting riser support conductor rotation.

US Patent:

55159176, May 14, 1996

Filed:

Oct 12, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/322067

Inventors:

Bruce J. Watkins - Houston TX
Gerald W. Crotwell - Sugar Land TX

Assignee:

Dril-Quip, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 4300

US Classification:

166208

Abstract:

There is disclosed well apparatus wherein a so-called "backout sub" connected by right-hand threads at its lower end to a lower well pipe has both left-hand threads thereabout for connection with left-hand threads on the lower end of one upper tubular member to permit it to be released and raised from the lower tubular member, in response to right hand rotation of the upper tubular member, and right-hand threads for connection with right-hand threads on the lower end of another upper tubular member for use in tying the lower tubular member and thus the lower well pipe back to the head of the well in response to right-hand rotation.

US Patent:

46518304, Mar 24, 1987

Filed:

Jul 3, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/751574

Inventors:

Gerald W. Crotwell - Sugar Land TX

Assignee:

Cameron Iron Works, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

F21B 33043

US Classification:

166338

Abstract:

The present invention relates to an improved subsea wellhead structure which includes a conductor casing having an internal upwardly facing shoulder, and an internal groove above the shoulder, an external groove, a wellhead housing having an external downwardly facing shoulder adapted to seat on the casing shoulder, an external shoulder above the seat shoulder which tapers upwardly and outwardly at a slight angle, such as, for example, five degrees, a split latching and loading ring surrounding said housing and seated on said tapered external shoulder, a cam ring above the split ring, means for releasably retaining the cam ring in its inactive position and actuating means for moving the cam ring into position wedging the split ring outwardly on the tapered shoulder into tight load transmitting position within the internal casing groove and the tapered shoulder. This loading of split ring 50 and shoulders 42 and 32 of housing 40 and conductor casing 28 cause cyclic external loads on the upper portion of wellhead housing to be transferred into conductor casing and to insulate the smaller casings from such loading.