Abstract: A well tool for running, landing and setting a casing hanger and a packoff in a wellhead housing, and pressure-testing the integrity of the packoff seal, all in a single trip into the well.

Abstract: A guidelineless reentry system for a subsea well uses a downward facing funnel. The well has a mandrel surrounded by a guide frame. A guide ring is mounted to the guide frame. A funnel and a mandrel connector are carried by the riser. Rollers mounted to the funnel engage the guide ring to allow the mandrel connector and funnel to be rotated to orient the mandrel connector. Once the orientation is achieved, the mandrel connector is lowered relative to the funnel into engagement with the mandrel. A cam moves dogs outward to engage grooves of the mandrel. The mandrel protrudes upward from the guide ring.

Abstract: A guidelineless reentry system for a subsea well uses a downward facing funnel. A guide ring is mounted to the guide frame, which in turn is mounted around a mandrel on the well. A funnel and a mandrel connector are carried by the riser. Once the riser lands on the guide ring, latches are actuated to connect the funnel to the guide ring. Then, the mandrel connector is lowered relative to the funnel into engagement with the mandrel. A cam moves dogs outward to engage grooves of the mandrel to lock the mandrel connector to the mandrel.

Abstract: A floating drilling platform having dual work stations is disclosed for performing deep sea drilling and/or hydrocarbon production operations. The structure of the platform is designed to accommodate replaceable modules which facilitate the installation and removal of either a drilling derrick or production equipment. Thus, during the drilling phase of a reservoir's development, the platform may be outfitted with dual drilling derricks while at later times the platform may be outfitted with a drilling derrick and a full production facility. Various expedients are available to permit the equipment of one work station to be used in conjunction with the equipment of one other. Simultaneous management of dual conductors is enabled by a dual riser management system which models in real time riser behavior under varying environmental and other operational conditions. The dual riser management system includes a riser analysis subsystem, a mooring analysis subsystem and a vessel stability analysis subsystem.

Abstract: Sphere of application: underwater oil production installations using electrical and hydraulic interconnections between the various assemblies of the underwater station such as well heads, control modules, manifolds and the like.A remote-controlled multiconnector-pod assembly 1a, 1b is located on an underwater base on which is anchored a hollow tube 10 having an upper edge 10a.A disconnectable tool is suspended at the support plate 20 and is provided by a connection jack 30 with a mechanical connector 40 designed to grip on to a mandrel 5 which is integral with the pod.The tool is anchored by jacks 23 and 24 and holes 10b, while the pod is locked into the tube 10 by bolts 6 which extend into the holes 10c of the tube.With this system it is possible to install the pod by remote control and then to raise the tool so as to prevent any danger of it being damaged by sea corrosion.

Abstract: Connecting a tubular string to a subsea installation. The tubular string includes a short first section and a longer second section. The length of the first section is approximately one-half the depth between the lowermost guide ring of a fixed platform and the top of the subsea installation. One end of the first section is provided with a connector and the other end with a connector and a funnel. The first section is lowered through the guide rings and connected to the subsea installation. One end of the second section is provided with a connector and the second section is lowered through the guide rings and into the funnel. Since the two adjacent ends are about midway between the subsea installation and the lowermost guide ring, the adjacent ends are easily bent into alignment by the camming action resulting when the end of the second section slides along the inside tapered surface of the funnel when the axes of the platform and subsea installation are offset.

Abstract: A servicing apparatus for installing a piece of equipment horizontally on a submerged unit and for removing it therefrom, comprises a movable servicing module designed to engage on the upper part of the submerged unit, pivot thereabout and lock against it in a horizontal position, and a cradle supporting the piece of equipment. The cradle is carried, by means of connections allowing transverse adjustment, by sliding supports mounted in the servicing module, and movable longitudinally by means of jacks. Mutual engagement means are provided on the submerged unit and on the piece of equipment to ensure that the latter is positioned accurately on the unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an electrical connection through a tubing hanger in a subsea well avoids the need for precise gauging and alignment. The tubing hanger has an electrical receptacle located on its rim and a guide hole also located on the rim. An impression block tool is lowered into the wellhead from the surface to make an impression of the rim to determine the orientation of the guide hole. A carrier is mounted to the tree connector at the surface. The carrier has a guide pin and an electrical connector. The carrier is aligned, then secured to the tree connector so that it can move only a limited amount rotationally. As the tree connector enters the wellhead, the guide pin will enter the guide hole, which is tapered. A limited amount of rotation of the carrier relative to the tree connector allows the electrical connectors to precisely align before contacting each other.

Abstract: An improved riser for a multiple bore subsea well providing wireline access to each of the bores through a single opening at the upper end of the riser and including an upper tubular member having a single bore, a tubular housing surrounding the lower portion of said upper tubular member, bearing means within said tubular housing for supporting rotation of said upper tubular member with respect to said tubular housing, a lower housing member having multiple bores which mate with the multiple bores of the tubing hanger running tool or the christmas tree running tool, said upper tubular member having an offset portion within said tubular housing which, when rotated can align with the opening of the upper end of the bores through said lower housing member, means securing the lower end of said tubular housing to said lower housing member, a skirt connected to said upper tubular member within said tubular housing and extending into sealing engagement with said lower housing member and being in surrounding relation

Abstract: A sub-sea oil production system has a three-dimensional template with a framework of vertical and horizontal members. These members enclose one or more production bays each of which has a well slot and a manifold slot. Within each bay a well tree module may be installed vertically above the well slot and a manifold module vertically above the manifold slot, with a production bridge module linking them. The template and the modules are designed to be transported and installed by a semi-submersible drilling rig without the use of divers or guidelines. All access points are at the top of the modules so that the modules can be inspected, tested and serviced by a remotely operated vehicle, which can perch on raised guides on the top of hinged covers of the framework.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in testing a formation of and/or performing remedial work within a subsea well by means of a pipe string which is lowered through a conductor depending from a drilling vessel at the water surface and releasably connected at its lower end to a blowout preventor stack mounted on the head of the well. The string is landed within the well head for depending from the wellhead into the well bore, and a connected as part of the pipe string is adapted to open and close the string in response to the supply and exhaust of control fluid from a source at the surface, whereby the well may be controlled upon closing the string and raising of the upper end of the string above the means for opening and closing it and closing of the blowout preventor thereabove.

Abstract: A tubing hanger alignment system for a subsea well, periodically subjected to treatment by removing the well tubing and inserting treating tools therein, wherein a tubing guidance system cooperating with the wellhead for engaging a downwardly moving tubing hanger running system thereby to rotate said tubing hanger sufficiently to position the carried tubing at a predetermined relationship with the wellhead, thereby providing access into the tubing hanger for sealing elements of an over-positioned subsea tree co-operative with the wellhead.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a flowline to a structure near the seabed comprises a vertically oriented guide funnel placed atop a guide tube that is provided with a helical shoulder cooperating with an alignment key mounted on the flowline. During installation the flowline is stabbed into the guide funnel and guide tube thereby causing the alignment key to slide along the shoulder until a pair of hinge pins mounted on the flowline have entered into a pair of slots in the wall of the guide tube. Subsequently the flowline is hinged down to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching and removing equipment from a subsea wellhead in which equipment is lowered and raised on a flexible riser pipe, cables extend from the equipment to the wellhead and are winched in and out to control movement of the equipment adjacent the wellhead. While the cables are being winched in or out, the cables are maintained in tension by the cable reel or a motion compensator, between the equipment and riser pipe, permits the riser pipe to reciprocate vertically with the vessel in response to wave action, while the equipment is insulated from this action during engagement and disengagement with the wellhead. The equipment may include a guide frame, which may be made in two pieces, so that the upper section of the guide frame together with a riser pipe connector, may be released from the remainder of the frame and connector and lifted off by the riser pipe or by buoyancy means.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a riser to a wellhead housing for a tie-back connection allows connection without rotation or hydraulic actuation. A connector body is mounted to the lower end of the riser for lowering over the wellhead housing. Dogs are carried in the connector body, each having grooves on its interior for mating with grooves formed on the wellhead housing. Guide surfaces in the connector body allow the dogs to retract and extend, but only in directions perpendicular to the upper flanks of the wellhead housing grooves. Springs urge the dogs inwardly and downwardly to lock the connector body to the wellhead housing. A release mechanism allows the connector body to be pulled upwardly and removed from the wellhead housing.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for detachably connecting a pair of wellhead members, includes couplable first and second coupling members. Each coupling member has a central axial bore for accommodating a drill string, and each coupling member is adapted for axially aligned connection to a wellhead member. The first coupling member is axially rotatable relative to the second coupling member, into locking engagement therewith. The coupling also includes sealing means disposed between the coupling members, and means for rotating the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in testing a formation of and/or performing remedial work within a subsea well by means of a pipe string which is lowered through a conductor depending from a drilling vessel at the water surface and releasably connected at its lower end to a blowout preventer stack mounted on the head of the well. The string is landed within the wellhead for depending from the wellhead into the well bore, and a so called subsea test tree connected as part of the pipe string has means therein adapted to open and close the string in response to the supply and exhaust of control fluid from a source at the surface, whereby the well may be controlled upon closing the string and raising of the upper end of the string above the tree and closing of the blowout preventer thereabove.

Abstract: A riser connector system for securing a marine riser to a marine bottom. The system is comprised of a landing base which is preset on the marine bottom and a connector means which is connected to the lower end of the core of the riser. The landing base has an inverted 45.degree. cone-shaped cover plate which overlies and protects connector heads on the base. The cover plate has openings therethrough in vertical alignment with the connector heads which are normally closed by spring-biased doors to prevent trash from accumulating in the heads. The connector means has an inverted cone-shaped funnel which is adapted to cooperate with the cover plate when assembled and has flowline guidelines therethrough vertically aligned with the openings in the cover plate. A target on the underside of the connector means is viewed by a TV camera positioned on the base to orient the riser during assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for remotely connecting or disconnecting upper flexible choke/kill lines (including auxiliary lines) to choke/kill lines of a floating drilling rig riser which has been lowered toward the sea floor. Remote stab assemblies are mounted to a stowable tension ring releasably secured to a housing secured to rig beams. In the stowed position, hydraulic stab connectors secured to travelling yoke assemblies are disconnected from each line. The travelling yoke assemblies are moved to an outer position so that the flexible drape hoses clear the space beneath the housing in order that a blowout preventer stack may be trolleyed in from the side of the rig moon pool during running or retrieval. The stack is lowered toward the sea floor by the riser. A telescopic joint is connected to the top of the riser and lowered through the housing and the tension ring.

Abstract: There is disclosed a type of riser to connect subsea hydrocarbon production equipment to a floating storage, process or control facility which combines the advantages of integral and non-integral risers previously used. This is achieved by a locking mechanism which allows the individual tubes to be freed once each section of riser is added, and a subsea remotely operated connector that allows individual tubing to be released. Improvements in the design of collet connectors are also disclosed. There is also disclosed a guidelineless method of connecting risers or other equipment to subsea installations. The method uses a cone on the subsea equipment and a guideframe on the riser. The guideframe aligns itself with the subsea cone prior to the riser being connected. As the riser is drawn to the subsea mandrel the guideframe aligns the riser connector with the mandrel. A still further embodiment disclosed herein is a flexjoint consisting of a series of flexjoints in an outer case with a high pressure tube inside.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is set forth in the present invention for supporting the weight of a marine riser by use of a passive tensioning system which utilizes a buoyant member located upon the upper end of the riser. The member has a vertical slot defined through its side such that the riser may access the member from a lateral direction. Such lateral access of the riser to the member allows these buoyant members to be changed from beneath the riser when maintenance and/or inspection is required on a particular member.Since the riser need only to move laterally to access any member, and the riser may be temporarily supported at the surface by other means, the lower end of the riser does not need to be disconnected from subsea equipment when maintenance and/or inspection operations are required on a buoyant member. Well operations do not need to be interrupted, therefore, during buoyant member maintenance operations.

Abstract: A vibration-isolating apparatus for protecting equipment from excessive vibrations. The apparatus discloses an equipment-carrying frame attached by shock-absorbing members to a guide member. The guide member is loosely fastened in operational relationship wth a drillpipe or casing to permit movement of the apparatus. The apparatus is lowered along the drillpipe or casing by a cable or other locomotive means controlled from the surface. Vibration of the drillpipe created by ocean currents or waveloading forces causes the drillpipe to impact and vibrate the guide member of the apparatus. The shock-absorbing members protect equipment attached to the frame by attenuating the excessive vibrations induced by the drillpipe on the apparatus. Shock-absorbing members of varying stiffness can be substituted to attenuate the differing vibrational forces exerted by each particular drillpipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a tubular element to an underwater wellhead. A wellhead extension having a threaded lower end is threadably connected to an underwater wellhead. A stinger connected to a lower end of a string of riser pipe is lowered into the wellhead extension until the riser pipe is sealably connected to the extension spool. In the event of damage to the hanger threads, a housing is mounted on the lower end of a string of riser pipe or a wellhead extension. A substantially tubular nut is threadably engaged with the housing and includes a set of downwardly-projecting lugs on the lower end of the nut. On the lower portion of the housing, a set of slips and an annular seal are mounted. The housing is lowered until the lugs are engaged with flow-by ports in the wellhead hanger. Rotation of the pipe effects longitudinal housing movement relative to the nut which sets the slips thereby joining the housing to the hanger, and energizes the seal between the wellhead and the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling a well drilled from a floating drilling vessel during the time that the marine riser is removed and conductor casing is being lowered and cemented into the well. An annular blowout preventer having a bore substantially equal to that of the structural casing is provided in a stack above the structural casing wellhead housing. A kill line is provided to the drilling vessel and is connected to the wellbore conduit below the blowout preventer. A marine riser is attached to the top of the blowout preventer through which the hole to be lined with conductor casing is drilled. The well is established to a depth of about one thousand (1000) feet below the seabed.The annular blowout preventer is closed, the marine riser is removed, and a stripper and guidance assembly is landed on the top of the blowout preventer in preparation for lowering the conductor casing in the well.

Abstract: An oil and gas completion system for landing and placement on an oceam floor without wire rope guidelines and in a nonoriented fashion including the end of a flowline laid along the ocean floor which is terminated substantially horizontally in a flowline receiving structure on the periphery of the completion system outside and below a specified circular boundary and a Christmas Tree having a mating end of a second flowline section inside the specified circular boundary and the extension of the second flowline section extending from the back of the second flowline section across to the other side of the tree being above said circular boundary such that the Christmas Tree is free to be rotated to an oriented position and one of the two flowline sections can then be moved substantially horizontally thru the boundary area for connection with the other section.

Abstract: An installation comprising a base frame 1 having four locations 2 for well heads 20 and a manifold frame 10 disposed in overhanging fashion inside the zone defined by frame 1. Frame 10 has four locations 17 for a stacked pair of connecting 30 and monitoring 40 modules, as well as a central location 17' for a central control module 50. Each module is provided with guide members 26, 32, 41, 52, for example sleeves, whose geometry corresponds to that of guide devices 3, 18 placed either on guide bases 2 of the frames 1, 10 or on the underlying module, such as guide columns 18. Each module comprises on its lower face a mechanical connector 16 cooperating with a mandril 12 carried on the upper face of the underlying module. The control of locking of the connector is provided by an internal multiconnector receptacle 24, 34, 43, 57 which each module comprises.

Abstract: An apparatus (A) and method for precision placement of a template (T) of the type having at least one sleeve member (20) for placing about a well casing stub (W) extending from the sea floor (S) includes semi-rigidly coupling a mating means (M) mounted with the template (T) for demountably coupling the template (T) to a complementary end (E) of a drill string (D). The drill string (D) is then lowered from a vessel (V) above the well casing (W) with the template (T) demountably coupled thereto until the template (T) is in proximity to the sea floor (S). The orientation of a selected axis of the template (22) is then determined relative to a desired heading (24). The drill string (D) is rotated about its vertical axis (26) until the desired orientation of the template is achieved. The drill string (D) is then lowered until the template (T) contacts the sea floor (S) when the drill string (D) is remotely released from the template (T).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for introducing and removing TFL tools from a subsea wellhead assembly. The apparatus includes an elongate member adapted to hold at least one TFL tool, docking hubs for aligning the elongate member with the wellhead, a clamping mechanism or the like for engaging the elongate member with the wellhead and a circulation for circulating fluid within the elongate member and the wellhead to transport the TFL tool between the elongate member and the wellhead. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes at least two elongate members and a diverter located between the elongate members and the clamping mechanism. The diverter permits alternate fluid communication between each elongate member and the wellhead assembly.

Abstract: A system is provided for guiding the central tube connector of a production riser for positioning same on an underwater well head installation. The central tube carries, during lowering, a support integral with the tube and formed by a horizontal plate having on its periphery a truncated cone shaped collar widening out towards the bottom, a guide funnel which freely rests on said support having a shoulder also widening out towards the bottom. The tube is lowered until said funnel is engaged on the installation head then, continuing the descent, the tube no longer supports the weight of the funnel and the connection may take place in a conventional way.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for connecting a flowline to a subsea structure. A flowline connection tool is deployed downwardly to the subsea structure and secured to the subsea structure. A flowline terminal head, which is at the end of a flowline, is then pulled toward the flowline connection tool by means of a pull-cable. The flowline terminal head is then secured to the subsea structure and the flowline connection tool is recovered to the surface.The flowline connection tool contains a prime mover means in order to minimize the length of cable exposed to forces encountered in pulling the flowline to the subsea structure.

Abstract: A device for permitting the relatively precise positioning of two geometrical axes respectively of two elements at least one of the elements being associated with means capable of assuring its displacement characterized in that it comprises in combination at least two acoustic emitters-receivers disposed in a first plane substantially perpendicular to one of said geometrical axes, said axis being defined as the first axis, and capable of emitting toward said axis, said two emitter-receivers not being located on a same line passing through said first axis and in that it comprises a third emitter-receiver situated outside of said plane.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead production apparatus including a retrievable subsea choke having a body having an inlet, an outlet extending therein from its lower surface and a collet connecting flange surrounding the lower end of said body, a passage in said body defining communication between said inlet and said outlet, a valve seat in said body surrounding communication between said inlet and said outlet, a valve member movably mounted in said body to coact with said valve seat to control flow through said communication passage an actuator for moving said valve member toward and away from said valve seat, a flowline body having first and second passages opening on a surface of the body with a collet connecting flange surrounding said surface.

Abstract: A test tool adapted for use during pressure testing of a subsea blowout preventer stack is disclosed. The tool has an upper and a lower body connected in a first connection by left hand threads. A check valve landed in the bore of the tool prevents downward fluid flow from the interior of the tool, but allows upward flow through the tool and the attached drill pipe for the detection of leakage of the wellhead sealing tool about the wellhead during pressure testing of a blowout preventer in the stack. During testing of a shear ram blowout preventer, the upper body is disconnected from the lower body by turning the drill pipe to the right. Raising the drill pipe then causes the upper body to shift a second set of right hand threads into position and moves the upper body and the drill pipe from the bore of the shear ram allowing it to be closed for pressure testing.

Abstract: Several embodiments are disclosed of a vertical type of flowline connector for providing a fluid connection between a horizontal flowline and an additional subsea facility. The upper and lower portions of the connector can be properly positioned relative to each other by simply lowering an upper female portion of the connector onto a lower male portion thereof. The lower portion of the connector at the subsea facility is provided with at least two vertically positioned, upwardly facing male mandrel connectors. The upper portion of the connector assembly includes at least two vertically positioned, downwardly facing corresponding female connectors designed to be lowered onto the corresponding male mandrel connectors. At least one of the female connectors is mounted on the connector assembly by a free floating mounting.

Abstract: An operation for re-entry to an underwater station equipped with a well apparatus.The device comprises, fixed at the end of a rod 1 of a train of rods, a support 2 from which is suspended a module 3 formed by uprights 8 disposed concentrically and connected together, a receptacle 13 being fixed to the center of the module, which is provided with a conical housing 30 for retaining connector 15 and a re-entry cone 14, said module being suspended from the support 2 by the guide line 19 whose tension is maintained constant by the pounding compensation means formed by two cables 7 fixed to the two ends of support 2 and to the two uprights 12 of the module, while passing over fixed pulleys 20 and 21 and a mobile pulley 22 weighted with a counterweight 23.A fitting device provided with means for compensating the pounding due to the swell.

Abstract: Operations for returning to an underwater station equipped with a well apparatus.The device comprises a rectangular frame formed by tubes 1 and at the four corners of which are fixed vertical fixed tubes 2. Four diagonally disposed radial arms 4 extend from each corner and are fixed to tubes 2. In the longitudinal axis of the frame there is fixed to the arms 4 a well head connector 6 carried by a train of rods 7. One of the arms 4 carries a funnel 8 for guiding the frame. Inside tubes 2 are slidably placed weighted tubes, 11, whose upper part has a shoulder 13, inside which comes to bear an olive 14 crimped to a cable 12, which passes through tubes 2 and 11 and carries at its lower end a guide line connector 10 intended to be locked to a guide post 24.With the device, four guide lines may be positioned and connected simultaneously without being hindered by the encumbrance around the well head.

Abstract: A wellhead connector assembly for use on undersea template platform where a plurality of wellheads are connected to a center work enclosure hull having a plurality of penetration connectors projecting from its sidewall. The present assembly has a connector for fitting on the wellhead, and a laterally movable connector for coupling with a penetration connector. A vertical actuation rod pivots a bell crank linked to the connector to cause lateral movement thereof. A loop of pipe connects the wellhead to the laterally movable connector and biases it to a neutral position.

Abstract: A self-levelling underwater structure receivable on an upright support implanted in the floor of a body of water and including a hollow unit fitting over the upright support and having a pivot device thereon engaging the upright support so that the hollow unit gravitates to a level position, and a securing assembly for securing the hollow unit to the upright support in the levelled position. A locking assembly is also provided to prevent relative axial movement of the hollow unit and the upright support once the structure is levelled.

Abstract: A latch connects tendons run from a floating platform to a socket in a foundation on the sea floor. The latch includes a latch body having a plurality of dogs disposed within and urgible outward from the latch body. A piston is releasably disposed within the latch body above the dogs and moves downwardly when released to urge the dogs outwardly from the body into latching engagement with the socket. A trigger mechanism in the latch releases the piston when the latch body lands in the socket and contacts a trigger pin projecting upwardly from the bottom of the socket. A series of wedges are disposed exteriorally on the body and inhibit lateral movement of the body relative to the socket when the tendon is subjected to a cycle bending loads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling a well drilled from a floating drilling vessel during the time that the marine riser is removed and conductor casing is being lowered and cemented into the well. An annular blowout preventer having a bore substantially equal to that of the structural casing is provided in a stack above the structural casing wellhead. A kill line is provided to the drilling vessel and is connected to the wellbore conduit below the blowout preventer. A spool is attached to the top of the blowout preventer. A casing stripper is attached to the top of the spool and has a mandrel extending from its top about which a wellhead connector attached to the marine riser system is connected. The marine riser system includes a flow diverter at its top disposed on the drilling vessel.The hole to be lined with conductor casing is drilled through the marine riser to a depth of about one thousand (1000) feet below the sea bed.

Abstract: An improved method of completing a well having production and service strings of different sizes including the steps of running the production string on a main tubing hanger while controlling the well with a variable bore blowout preventer and running the service string into the tubing hanger while controlling the well with a dual bore blowout preventer.

Abstract: A flowline receiving and guiding unit characterized by having a generally tubular base member adapted to be landed upon the upper end portion of an upright support, typically a pile, secured in the floor of a body of water. The unit includes an elongated curved tubular structure, typically of J-tube configuration, so positioned that when the unit has been landed the upper end of the curved tubular structure is upright and occupies a predetermined position relative to the pile.

Abstract: An adjustable conductor guide assembly for a sub-sea well which includes an outer ring supported on an inner guide with the axes of the ring and guide being laterally offset so that rotation of the outer ring on its support changes the position of the axis of inner guide. The improved method of aligning a conductor guide with a sub-sea well head includes the steps of supporting the conductor guide assembly on a platform installed over the well head, lowering a tool through the guide and rotating the conductor guide assembly to align the axis of the guide as close as possible with the well head, locking the conductor guide assembly in its set position and retrieving the tool. The improved tool includes a body fo passing through the guide, means for engaging the conductor guide assembly to lift and rotate such assembly, means for limiting the amount of angular movement during rotation and a string on which the body is mounted.

Abstract: Method for placing two submerged elements in a relative determined position, particularly in view of their mutual connection, comprising a first step of controlling the relative displacement of said elements on the basis of the measurement of electric values so as to ensure the alignment of a central point of one end of one element with the longitudinal axis of the other and a second step of progressively bringing the two elements in contact with each other by their relative displacement controlled on the basis of the measurement of their relative distance and mutual inclination angle, by means of acoustic emitters-receivers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for making up fluid connections in association with an underwater wellhead structure. The apparatus comprises a pair of matable bodies including a female body having a generally laterally inwardly facing wall defining a receptacle and a male body adapted for insertion into and removal from the receptacle by movement in a generally longitudinal directional mode. The male body has a generally laterally outwardly facing wall for disposition adjacent the wall of the female body when the male body is inserted therein. Each of the bodies has a respective fluid passageway, and each of these passageways has a port opening through the laterally facing wall of the respective one of the bodies, the two ports being generally in register when the bodies are matingly engaged.

Abstract: In underwater well installations of the type in which a template or like rigid base structure at the floor of a body of water defines a well opening, and an outer well member such as a suspension joint secured in the borehole projects upwardly within the well opening, the outer well member is connected to the template by a structure which restrains the outer well member from moving laterally relative to the base structure until the force tending to cause such lateral movement exceeds a predetermined large value, after which point the connection serves as a lost motion connection allowing the outer well member to move laterally through a limited excursion relative to the template.

Abstract: A flowline pull-in apparatus is operable from an overhead vessel and transports flowlines to a subsea wellhead. The apparatus includes a sled disposed on the sea floor and connected to the flowlines. A two-part pull-in frame, removably positioned within the sled, is connected to the overhead vessel. The overhead vessel removes the pull-in frame and lands the frame on a wellhead. The frame is connected to the sled by means of cables. After the frame has been landed upon the wellhead, winches on the frame are hydraulically activated from the vessel and reel in the cables, thereby drawing the sled into engagement with the lower portion of frame and positioning flowline mandrels, which project from the sled, adjacent the lower portion of the frame. The cables are thereafter cut and the upper portion of the frame is released and removed by the vessel from the lower portion.

Abstract: A guideline system for positioning subsea equipment utilizes splayed guidelines for exerting lateral forces on the subsea equipment as it is lowered into place.

Abstract: An underwater connector for interconnecting a plurality of fluid power and control lines for controlling and actuating underwater equipment. The connector includes one or more members adapted to be positioned underwater some each of which includes a vertically positioned flat surface with a plurality of fluid passageways terminating at the flat surfaces of the members. Another member is adapted to engage and disengage from underwater members and also includes one or more vertically positioned flat surface for mating with the flat surfaces of the underwater members and includes a plurality of passageways terminating at the other member flat surface for sealingly mating with the passageways of the underwater members. Coacting cam means are provided between the underwater members and the retrievable member for horizontally moving the underwater members into a sealing relationship with the retrievable member as they move vertically together.

Abstract: This invention involves a modification of the prior art subsea drilling system in which a carousel is positioned on a central post surrounded by a coaxial circular array of well slots and is adapted to be rotated by drill pipe through conventional means, from the floating platform. The carousel utilizes a fixed support platform spaced from the axis of rotation a distance equal to the radius of the array of well slots. The platform has its own well slot and a bearing concentric with the well slot. A well slot platform, or support post platform, is journaled in this bearing and supports a plurality of guide posts on a circle centered at the axis of the well slot. The support posts support cables hanging from the drilling vessel, which are used to guide the drill bit down from the surface to the carousel well slot. The carousel is adapted to revolve while supported by circular rails concentric with the central guide post.