Frans F Kopp

US Patent:

6371693, Apr 16, 2002

Filed:

Oct 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/679087

Inventors:

Frans F. Kopp - Houston TX
Ronald M. Bass - Houston TX

Assignee:

Shell Oil Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16L 5300

US Classification:

405158, 166302, 138 33, 392321, 392469, 137341, 285 41

Abstract:

Apparatus and method are provided for connecting electrical power for heating subsea pipelines after the pipeline is deployed. Electrical connections may be made subsea using wet-mateable connectors. The electrical power may be supplied from a boat or may be supplied from a host structure. A Remotely Operated Vehicle may be used to make the subsea electrical connections. Single Heated Insulated Pipes, Pipe-in-Pipe, heat tracing and other configurations for heating may be employed. The deployment of cables and other equipment for heating may be delayed until a need or potential need for heating or the probable locations of impediments to flow are identified in the subsea pipeline.

US Patent:

47892692, Dec 6, 1988

Filed:

Apr 29, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/045742

Inventors:

Ray R. Ayers - Houston TX
Frans Kopp - Houston TX

Assignee:

Shell Oil Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16L 104

US Classification:

405158

Abstract:

Subsea pipelay is accomplished by flying the pipestring underwater with the use of wings which provide sufficient lift to maintain the pipestring off bottom as it is towed.

US Patent:

51884836, Feb 23, 1993

Filed:

Jul 25, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/735505

Inventors:

Frans Kopp - Houston TX
Joe O. Esparza - Katy TX
Thomas E. Long - Montgomery TX

Assignee:

Shell Oil Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16L 104

US Classification:

405191

Abstract:

A clamp is disclosed which is capable of latching on to a buckle arrestor on a subsea pipeline which has been severed in the vicinity of the buckle arrestor. By severing the pipe in this location and utilizing the buckle arrestor to latch the clamp on to the pipe, a simple and reliable clamp is used. A method to recover such a subsea pipeline by severing the pipeline in the vicinity of the buckle arrestor and utilizing such a clamp is also disclosed.

US Patent:

45287570, Jul 16, 1985

Filed:

Jun 18, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/621840

Inventors:

David S. McKeehan - Houston TX
Frans Kopp - Houston TX

Assignee:

Exxon Production Research Co. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01B 514
G01B 525
G01B 330

US Classification:

33529

Abstract:

A remotely operable apparatus and method for determining from a remote location the distance and angular orientation between two structurally unconnected members, such as two sections of a subsea pipeline, is disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises generally two remotely releasable guide posts disposed, respectively, in known spaced relationships to the two structurally unconnected members and a remotely operable measuring template. The remotely operable measuring template is adapted to telescope axially and includes two ball and socket joints to compensate for misalignment or differences in elevation between the guide posts. In practicing the method of the invention, the remotely operable measuring template is positioned over and firmly attached to the guide posts. All movable joints of the template are then locked and the guide posts are remotely released. The guide posts may then be retrieved to the remote location in the same spaced relationship as originally disposed.

US Patent:

62780956, Aug 21, 2001

Filed:

Aug 1, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/628391

Inventors:

Ronald M. Bass - Houston TX
Frans F. Kopp - Houston TX

Assignee:

Shell Oil Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

H05B 610

US Classification:

219629

Abstract:

An subsea pipeline system having jumpers (short segments connecting equipment or wells and the main segments) that can be electrically heated is provided. The jumpers are heated by induction coils placed around the jumpers, either before placing the jumpers subsea or afterward. Electrical power may be supplied to the induction coils from current flow in the walls of the heated segment of pipeline or from an external source such as from a subsea transformer or ROV.

US Patent:

48101338, Mar 7, 1989

Filed:

Sep 30, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/103222

Inventors:

Frans Kopp - Houston TX
Edward H. Phifer - Katy TX

Assignee:

Shell Oil Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16L 104

US Classification:

405168

Abstract:

Tendon segments are fabricated on a laybarge, then temporarily stored on seabottom. When a tension leg platform is moored, two tow vessels pick up one end each of the finished tendon and tow it to deep water, with the tendon in a catenary shape. Upon arrival in deep water, one end of the tendon is released and allowed to free fall to its uprighted position. A special work boat then transfers the tendon to the tension leg platform for final installation.

US Patent:

51901072, Mar 2, 1993

Filed:

Mar 13, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/853332

Inventors:

Carl G. Langner - Spring TX
Frans Kopp - Houston TX

Assignee:

Shell Oil Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 712

US Classification:

166355

Abstract:

A heave compensating support system is disclosed for positioning a subsea work package. The present invention provides a subsurface buoy with a lift line connected to the subsea work package and a compensating lift line having a catenary loop below its connection to the subsurface buoy on one end and connected to a surface vessel on the other end, whereby the heave compensating support system elements cooperate to establish a natural frequency for the suspended subsea work package which materially differs from the average wave frequency acting upon the surface vessel.