IP Library Granted Patent US 11,255,161
Granted Patent B2
US 11,255,161 · App. 16/801,080 · Granted Feb 22, 2022

System and method for actuating multiple valves

Inventors: Stuart Robinson (Katy, TX); Delbert Edwin Vanderford (Cypress, TX)
Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
E21B41/00E21B34/02
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,255,161
App. No.
16/801,080
Granted
Feb 22, 2022
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system includes a support structure that is configured to be positioned at a fixed location relative to a component of a mineral extraction system. The system also includes a drive assembly having a drive motor and a valve attachment, and the drive assembly is configured to move about the support structure and to actuate multiple valves of the component of the mineral extraction system.

Claims (30)

1. A system, comprising:

an actuation system configured to selectively actuate at least first and second valves, wherein the actuation system comprises:

a track extending between at least first and second positions;

an arm coupled to the track, wherein the arm is configured to move along the track between the first and second positions, and the arm is configured to rotate about at least one rotational joint; and

a valve attachment coupled to the arm, wherein the valve attachment is configured to selectively actuate each of the first and second valves;

wherein the track comprises a first track coupled to a second track, and the first track moves relative to the second track.

2. The system of claim 1 , comprising at least one drive configured to move the arm along the track and to rotate the arm about the at least one rotational joint.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the at least one drive comprises one or more electric drives.

4. The system of claim 1 , comprising at least one drive configured to move the valve attachment along one or more paths of travel to selectively actuate each of the first and second valves.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the at least one drive comprises one or more electric drives.

6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the one or more paths of travel comprise a linear path of travel.

7. The system of claim 4 , wherein the one or more paths of travel comprise a rotational path of travel.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the track is configured to mount in a fixed position relative to the first and second valves.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second valves are part of a mineral extraction system.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the first and second valves are disposed on a common Christmas tree of the mineral extraction system, and the track is configured to extend between the first and second valves on the common Christmas tree.

11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the first valve is disposed on a first Christmas tree and the second valve is disposed on a second Christmas tree of the mineral extraction system, and the track is configured to extend between the first and second Christmas trees.

12. The system of claim 9 , comprising the mineral extraction system having the first and second valves.

13. The system of claim 1 , comprising:

a controller coupled to one or more drives configured to move the arm along the track, rotate the arm about the at least one rotational joint, and move the valve attachment to selectively actuate each of the first and second valves; and

one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more parameters of a system having the first and second valves, wherein the controller is responsive to feedback from the one or more sensors to selectively actuate at least one of the first valve or the second valve.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the track comprises a first track extending in a vertical orientation.

15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the track comprises a rod, and the arm is directly coupled to the rod.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one rotational joint comprises a plurality of rotational joints, and one of the plurality of rotational joints is disposed directly along the track.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the arm comprises a platform coupled to the track, a head having the valve attachment, and one or more arm sections disposed between the platform and the head, wherein the at least one rotational joint comprises a first rotational joint between the platform and the one or more arm sections and a second rotational joint between the head and the one or more arm sections.

18. A system, comprising:

an actuation system configured to selectively actuate at least first and second components of a mineral extraction system, wherein the actuation system comprises:

a track extending between at least first and second positions;

an arm coupled to the track, wherein the arm is configured to move along the track between the first and second positions, and the arm is configured to rotate about at least one rotational joint; and

an attachment coupled to the arm, wherein the attachment is configured to selectively actuate each of the first and second components of the mineral extraction system;

wherein the track comprises a first track coupled to a second track, and the first track moves relative to the second track.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 13, 2020
From: ROBINSON, STUART; VANDERFORD, DELBERT EDWIN
To: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 052656/0030 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 15461219 · Mar 16, 2017
Related Publication 20200263521A1 · Aug 20, 2020