Patent classifications
E21B17/01
BUOYANCY MODULE
A buoyancy module (10, 12, 14) configured for mounting on an elongate underwater member (16) and provided with a sensor module dock (32) for receiving and releasably retaining a sensor module (30).
RISER COLLET CONNECTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A connector system includes a first riser joint configured to form part of a riser. The first riser joint includes a pin. The connector system also includes a connector configured to couple to a wellhead assembly. The connector includes multiple collet segments that are configured to move radially-inwardly to engage the pin of the first riser joint.
RISER COLLET CONNECTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A connector system includes a first riser joint configured to form part of a riser. The first riser joint includes a pin. The connector system also includes a connector configured to couple to a wellhead assembly. The connector includes multiple collet segments that are configured to move radially-inwardly to engage the pin of the first riser joint.
In-line phase separation
A method of separating fluid phases in a well or riser. The method comprises: locating an inlet device of a flexible tubing at a substantially horizontal portion of the well or riser, wherein a portion of the flexible tubing extends into the well or riser and the flexible tubing terminates at the inlet device; biasing the inlet device against a wall of the well or riser; and extracting a stratified fluid phase from the well or riser through the inlet device and flexible tubing, wherein a shape of the inlet device is configured to match a shape of the wall.
In-line phase separation
A method of separating fluid phases in a well or riser. The method comprises: locating an inlet device of a flexible tubing at a substantially horizontal portion of the well or riser, wherein a portion of the flexible tubing extends into the well or riser and the flexible tubing terminates at the inlet device; biasing the inlet device against a wall of the well or riser; and extracting a stratified fluid phase from the well or riser through the inlet device and flexible tubing, wherein a shape of the inlet device is configured to match a shape of the wall.
Apparatus for connecting drilling components between rig and riser
A riser extending from a floating rig has a riser manifold. A rig manifold can be manipulated by an arm to couple in an automated manner to the riser manifold when running the riser from the rig. The riser and rig manifolds have mechanical connectors that mechanically connect them. Additionally, the manifolds have flow couplings mating together for conducting flow in at least one flow connection, and the manifolds control couplings mating together for conducting control in at least one flow connection. At least one of the manifolds has at least one valve controllable with the at least one control connection and configured to control fluid communication for the at least one flow connection between at least one rig flow line and an internal passage of the riser.
Apparatus for connecting drilling components between rig and riser
A riser extending from a floating rig has a riser manifold. A rig manifold can be manipulated by an arm to couple in an automated manner to the riser manifold when running the riser from the rig. The riser and rig manifolds have mechanical connectors that mechanically connect them. Additionally, the manifolds have flow couplings mating together for conducting flow in at least one flow connection, and the manifolds control couplings mating together for conducting control in at least one flow connection. At least one of the manifolds has at least one valve controllable with the at least one control connection and configured to control fluid communication for the at least one flow connection between at least one rig flow line and an internal passage of the riser.
LOW PROFILE CONNECTION FOR PRESSURE CONTAINMENT DEVICES
An annular blowout preventer (BOP). The annular BOP includes an annular housing having a base. The base includes a plurality of fasteners extending from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing via fastener holes formed through the connector base. The annular BOP further includes a seal plate positioned at least partially adjacent interior ends of the plurality of fastener. The annular BOP further includes an annular elastomeric element positioned within the interior of the housing and an annular piston positioned within the interior of the housing. The piston, when driven towards the elastomeric element, deforms the elastomeric element and forces the elastomeric element to constrict radially inward.
LOW PROFILE CONNECTION FOR PRESSURE CONTAINMENT DEVICES
An annular blowout preventer (BOP). The annular BOP includes an annular housing having a base. The base includes a plurality of fasteners extending from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing via fastener holes formed through the connector base. The annular BOP further includes a seal plate positioned at least partially adjacent interior ends of the plurality of fastener. The annular BOP further includes an annular elastomeric element positioned within the interior of the housing and an annular piston positioned within the interior of the housing. The piston, when driven towards the elastomeric element, deforms the elastomeric element and forces the elastomeric element to constrict radially inward.
Installation of Subsea Risers
A method of installing a subsea riser comprises placing an elongate negatively-buoyant support on the seabed and, when laying the riser on the seabed, guiding a riser portion onto the support to extend along and be cradled by the support. A hogbend region of 5 the riser is then formed by conferring positive buoyancy on the support to lift the support and the riser portion away from the seabed. An element of the support comprises a riser support disposed in a longitudinally-extending open-ended gap between buoyancy volumes disposed on opposite sides of 0 the gap. Coupling formations such as hinge portions can couple the element to a like element. When so coupled, the gaps of those elements align to define an upwardly-opening, longitudinally-extending groove to receive the riser.