Richard D Raines

US Patent:

6910831, Jun 28, 2005

Filed:

Mar 5, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/382291

Inventors:

Richard D. Raines - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

E02D015/08
E02D005/22

US Classification:

4052241, 4052242

Abstract:

A method for installing a pile anchor into the sea floor that enhances the holding capacity of the pile anchor. The pile anchor is installed at an inclined angle with respect to the sea floor, with the top of the anchor inclined in a direction opposite the lateral load applied to the anchor.

US Patent:

7140319, Nov 28, 2006

Filed:

Feb 17, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/541290

Inventors:

Richard D. Raines - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

B63B 21/27

US Classification:

114296, 405224

Abstract:

An elongated hollow member (), as shown in FIG. , with longitudinally disposed external vane(s) (A–B) for securing an offshore structure to the seafloor. The external vanes help maintain the heading and bearing of the anchor during the installation process, and may also enhance the pile anchor's holding capacity.

US Patent:

7527455, May 5, 2009

Filed:

Feb 17, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/541150

Inventors:

Richard D. Raines - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

E02D 15/08
E02D 5/22
B63B 21/27

US Classification:

405228, 4052241, 114296

Abstract:

A system and method for installing a pile anchor () using an anchor installation system (). The anchor installation system comprising an elongated hollow anchor element () that is releasably attached to an installation element or installer (). The installer can be used repeatedly for multiple installations.

US Patent:

63184710, Nov 20, 2001

Filed:

Jun 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/594241

Inventors:

Richard D. Raines - Houston TX

Assignee:

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 2300

US Classification:

166381

Abstract:

A method is disclosed for installing a tubular member, having an upper end and a closed lower end, axially into and through an over-pressured region of the earth by using a mandrel to drive the tubular member from near the bottom, which results in a significant section of the tubular member being pulled through the over-pressured region. In another embodiment, a filler material is inserted into at least a portion of the tubular member, and the tubular member is driven from the upper end, with the filler material assisting the progression of the tubular member through the over-pressured region.

US Patent:

61021199, Aug 15, 2000

Filed:

Nov 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/444174

Inventors:

Richard D. Raines - Houston TX

Assignee:

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 720

US Classification:

1662441

Abstract:

A method is disclosed for installing a tubular member, having an upper end and a closed lower end, axially into and through an over-pressured region of the earth by using a mandrel to drive the tubular member from near the bottom, which results in a significant section of the tubular member being pulled through the over-pressured region. In another embodiment, a filler material is inserted into at least a portion of the tubular member, and the tubular member is driven from the upper end, with the filler material assisting the progression of the tubular member through the over-pressured region.

US Patent:

54563267, Oct 10, 1995

Filed:

Apr 18, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/228828

Inventors:

Richard D. Raines - Houston TX

Assignee:

Exxon Production Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 700
E21B 720

US Classification:

175 57

Abstract:

An apparatus and a method for installing open-ended tubular members axially into the earth by simultaneously or sequentially driving, drilling, and jetting. A drilling string assembly is located inside the tubular member, but is supported independently from the tubular member. The position of the drill bit on the lower end of the drilling string assembly relative to the lower end of the tubular member may be adjusted so as to control the rate of penetration of the tubular member into the earth.

US Patent:

51452847, Sep 8, 1992

Filed:

Feb 23, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/484039

Inventors:

Jeffrey M. Hulett - Surrey, GB2
James D. Murff - Houston TX
Richard D. Raines - Houston TX

Assignee:

Exxon Production Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

E02D 522
E02D 566

US Classification:

405232

Abstract:

A method for increasing the end-bearing capacity of an open-ended pile is disclosed. The method comprises first determining the quantity of granular material necessary to insure full mobilization of the available capacity of the soil at the tip of the pile. The granular material is then inserted within the pile on top of the soil column, thereby causing the column of granular material to plug or lock-up within the pile during transient loading and thus mobilize the available capacity.

US Patent:

52592405, Nov 9, 1993

Filed:

Apr 3, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/862868

Inventors:

Richard D. Raines - Houston TX
Ronald L. Boggess - Richmond TX
Wilson C. Lamb - Houston TX
John S. Templeton - Houston TX

Assignee:

Exxon Production Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01N 300

US Classification:

73 84

Abstract:

A module model pile tool in situ testing of soils. The tool has an upper instrument section, a lower anchor section, and an axial slip joint located between the instrument section and the anchor section. The anchor section may be configured to model either open-end or closed-end piles. In the open-end configuration, a vent and vent valve are provided to vent trapped fluid during the initial stages of installation by remaining open only to a predetermined depth so as to permit formation of an undisturbed soil plug and to close in order to prevent fluids from being vented into the actual soil to be tested. The instrument section includes instrumentation for measuring axial loads, axial accelerations, pore water pressure, and total lateral pressure. Instrumentation for measuring axial displacement are included in the slip joint. The tool is rugged enough to permit installation by pile driving, and the instrumentation may be monitored both during and after installation.