Abstract: A device automatically makes up a riser string from riser spools, each having an ancillary line and dog-type connectors. A support member supports a second riser spool for connection. A torque arm above the support member hinges open to accept a first riser spool and hinges close to engage the first spool and rotate the first spool to align its ancillary line with the ancillary line of the second spool. A guide arm above the support member hinges open to accept the first spool and hinges closed to engage and radially position the first spool while allowing vertical movement of the first spool. Connector actuators are positioned around the support member to actuate the connectors when the first spool is lowered onto the second spool.

Abstract: A dog-style connector with a fail-safe mechanism for a marine riser system that connects a box portion and a pin portion of a riser. An actuator housing is affixed to an external surface of the box portion. The actuator housing has an outer bore and a threaded inner bore. An actuator body is threadably received in the inner bore. The actuator body has a hex head on its first end. The actuator body has a threaded fastener bore extending from the first end for receiving a threaded fastener. The actuator body has a second end that has a stem receptacle formed therein. The fastener bore is in communication with the stem receptacle. An actuator head, which includes a flange and a stem, is provided wherein the stem is positioned within the stem receptacle for sliding engagement therewith. Threads formed on the threaded fastener engage a threaded fastener receptacle formed in the stem of the actuator head.

Abstract: A wellhead system has features which allow the injection of drilling cuttings in an annulus between first and second strings of casing. A wellhead assembly has an outer wellhead housing connected to a string of conductor pipe. An outer port is located in the sidewall of an extension member located below the outer wellhead housing. An inner wellhead housing lands in the outer wellhead housing. An inner port is located in an extension member below the inner wellhead housing. An internal landing shoulder is located within the conductor pipe. An external landing shoulder is located on a swivel connector joint mounted on the upper end of a first string of casing. The connector joint is secured to the inner wellhead housing extension member. Once landed, the landing shoulder on the connecting joint supports the weight of casing, allowing the inner wellhead housing to be rotated to orient the inner port with the outer port.

Abstract: A casing tensioning system applies tension to a string of casing between a subsea wellhead and a surface wellhead. The tensioning system has an outer hanger with a load ring and a ratchet ring that engage a mandrel. The mandrel is connected into the string of casing. The outer hanger has a disengaged position and an engaged position. When running, the outer hanger lands on a load shoulder in the surface wellhead while the casing hanger is in the disengaged position. The operator subsequently lowers the casing and latches the casing to the subsea wellhead. The operator then removes the casing running tool. The operator sets an annulus seal using a seal running tool. The annulus seal actuates a release member to cause the ratchet ring to move to the collapsed engaged position. After the seal is set the operator pulls tension on the casing.

Abstract: A surface wellhead system for a subsea well utilizes a two-piece casing hanger. The casing hanger has an inner member that secures to a string of casing that extends from the sea floor to a surface casing head. The outer member of the casing hanger is axially adjustable relative to the inner member and will hold tension in the casing. The outer member lands on a load shoulder in the casing head. An annulus outer seal seals between the exterior of the outer member and the bore of the casing head. An inner seal seals between the inner member and the bore of the outer member.

Abstract: An injection adapter allows injection of oil base cuttings produced by an injection well into an annulus surrounding one of the strings of casing in the injection well. The injection well has inner and outer wellhead housings with at least one casing hanger installed in the inner wellhead housing. A port extends through the casing hanger to an annulus surrounding the casing. A closure sleeve will selectively close the port. An injection adapter removably lands in the bore of the casing hanger when the port is open. The injection adapter seals in the casing hanger and is connected to a pump at the surface for pumping the slurry into the annulus.

Abstract: A subsea well assembly has ability to receive an internal tieback connector when providing full bore access. The subsea well assembly has an inner wellhead housing which has a counterbore at its upper end. A tieback profile is formed in the counterbore. A protective sleeve releasably secures the counterbore, covering the tieback profile. After drilling is completed and tieback installation begins, the protective sleeve is removed. An internal tieback sleeve carried by a tieback funnel engages the tieback profile in the counterbore to secure the tieback funnel to the inner wellhead housing.

Abstract: A seal member that locates between inner and outer tubular members has ribs for reducing the amount of sliding contact. The seal member is U-shaped, having inner and outer walls connected on one end by a base. Each wall has a sealing band protruding radially outward. Each wall has a rib located between the base and the sealing bands. The ribs engage the sidewall surfaces of the tubular members during installation. Each tubular member has a recess for receiving the rib to allow the seal member walls to deflect back to the proper positions once fully installed.

Abstract: A flowline selector device has a housing with a single passage at the upper end and two or more passages at the lower end. A tube connects to the upper end and has a lower end that is offset from the axis of the housing. Reciprocating the tube up and down and rotating it causes the tube to index between the various ports in the lower end of the housing. The lower end of the tube stabs into cylindrical bores in each port. A piston located at the upper end of the tube cooperates with an orientation sleeve to cause the indexing and reciprocating movement.

Abstract: A subsea well having inner and outer tubular housings has features to reduce bending movement of the inner housing within the outer housing. The inner and outer housings have mating wedging surface axially spaced apart from each other. These tapered surfaces are spaced so as to cause the inner housing to wedge within the outer housing as it is lowered into place. A latch latches the inner housing to the outer housing once lowered into place. A sleeve of elastomeric material locates on the exterior of the lower extension of the inner housing. This sleeve extends downward a selected distance to prevent bonding of cement to the inner housing in this area. Part of the latch is mounted to a ring clamp that releasably mounts to the outer housing.

Abstract: A running tool for installing a casing hanger in a subsea conductor also serves to wash cement from the annulus surrounding the casing hanger. The running tool includes a tubular tool body which connects to a string of conduit. An internal sleeve mounts in the interior of the tool body for rotational movement only. A torque member lowers through the conduit to the internal sleeve for rotating the internal sleeve. A wash port extends from the interior of the tool body to the exterior of the tool body. An external sleeve mounts to the exterior of the tool body for axial movement between a closed position, closing the wash port, and an open position, opening the wash port. A linking mechanism between the internal and external sleeve causes rotary movement of the internal sleeve to move the external sleeve axially.

Abstract: A tieback system for a subsea well utilizes a tieback connector. The tieback connector has a body that lands on a wellhead housing located on a sea floor. A funnel extends downward from the body for sliding over the wellhead housing. A lockdown sub is carried by the body and has a set of tapered threads on its exterior. A lock ring is carried by the lockdown sub. The lock ring has an exterior profile for engaging an internal groove formed in the wellhead housing. Rotating the lockdown sub moves it downward from a recessed position to a locking position. In that position, the rotation causes makeup to the threads and causes the lock ring profile to tightly engage the groove in the wellhead housing.