This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) and that can be split apart when using pin connectors to connect auxiliary lines to other auxiliary lines and to components of the riser-component assemblies.

A riser extending from a floating rig includes one or more flow control devices having at least one flow connection and having at least one control connection. A riser manifold is disposed on the riser above the one or more flow control devices and has a first mechanical connector, a first flow coupling, and a first control coupling. 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 rig manifold has a second mechanical connector that mechanically connects to the first mechanical connector of the riser manifold. Additionally, the rig manifold has a second flow coupling mating with the first flow coupling of the riser manifold for conducting flow, and has a second control coupling mating with the first control coupling of the riser manifold for conducting control.

There is provided a breech lock coupling for coupling riser sections together. The breech lock coupling may be used non-pre-loaded or pre-loaded according to the user's preferences. In addition, the breech lock coupling may be disassembled for inspection and maintenance and reassembled. A locking ring secures two coupling components together. The coupling components may be attached to opposite ends of the riser sections, such as via welding. The locking ring may be pre-attached to the first coupling component for easy storage and fast assembly. Assembly of the riser may be accomplished by inserting the second coupling component into the locking ring and the first coupling component, then rotating the locking ring with respect to the second component. Furthermore, the coupling may be pre-loaded by tightening fasteners on the locking ring to provide a more stable coupling. Unlike with traditional riser couplings, the pre-load fasteners may be tightened via hand-held tools.

A system for coupling a first pipe segment to a second pipe segment includes a pin coupled to the first pipe segment, the pin having a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, the second outer diameter forming a recess along at least a portion of the pin. The system also includes a box coupled to the second pipe segment, the box having an opening, the opening receiving at least a portion of the pin, wherein at least a portion of a wall of the opening includes threads. The system further includes a rotating threaded collar arranged within the recess, at least a portion of the rotating threaded collar including mating threads configured to engage the threads of the box, wherein the rotating threaded collar is rotatable about the pin.

A marine riser having a pressure level rating of twenty ksi or more includes riser tubulars and auxiliary lines that are made of steel having an API grade C110 and C125 and is NACE certified. The riser tubulars and auxiliary lines are not welded, but are assembled via threaded, clamped, stabbed or other mechanical and/or hydraulic connections. Some of the connections may be pre-assembled to reduce assembly time on the drill ship.

Systems and methods for control/monitoring of internal equipment in a riser assembly are disclosed. The method includes running a tool through at least a portion of an internal bore of a riser assembly associated with a well, and outputting a control signal from a first wireless communication interface disposed along the internal bore of the riser assembly. The first wireless communication interface is coupled to a communication system on the riser assembly. The method also includes receiving the control signal at a second wireless communication interface disposed on the tool, and actuating at least one equipment component of the tool in response to the second wireless communication interface receiving the control signal.

The present invention relates to a compact connector design with an internal locking ring (11). The connector according to the invention comprises a locking ring (11) allowing bayonet type connection on either side with two riser sections. Furthermore, the connector comprises at least one removable pin (12) for translationally blocking locking ring (11), notably upon locking and unlocking.

This disclosure includes auxiliary-line riser segment assemblies (e.g., with isolation units) that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) and that can be lowered (e.g., when connected to other riser segment assemblies) through a rotary of a drilling rig. Some embodiments are configured to have portions of the auxiliary lines connected (e.g., without welding) below the rotary.

The present invention relates to a compact connector design with an internal locking ring (11). The connector according to the invention comprises a locking ring (11) allowing bayonet type connection on either side with two riser sections. Furthermore, the connector comprises at least one removable pin (12) for translationally blocking locking ring (11), notably upon locking and unlocking. Removable pin (12) therefore cooperates with locking ring (11) by being arranged in a connector element (8, 9).

This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) and that can be split apart when using pin connectors to connect auxiliary lines to other auxiliary lines and to components of the riser-component assemblies.