Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling and completing a subsea well located at the seabed using a retrievable piping deck. The apparatus includes a template supported on the seabed, the retrievable piping deck supported on the template, a plurality of wellheads supported on the template and a plurality of Christmas trees supported on the wellheads. The piping deck has preinstalled flow lines and hydraulic lines to conduct well fluid from the Christmas trees to the surface and to conduct hydraulic control fluid from the surface to the trees. In addition to the Christmas trees, a well fluid manifold and a gaseous-liquid component separator can be supported on the template. The fluid connections between the Christmas trees and the hydraulic and flow lines and between the manifold and separator and the hydraulic and flow lines are accomplished by vertically oriented stab-in connectors.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead connection assembly for establishing fluid communication and production capability between a subsea wellhead and an adjacent subsea manifold system.

Abstract: A telescopic joint inner tube retainer is provided for holding the joint upper tube to a cross over support conduit suspended by a ball and socket conduit connection to a diverter type coupling to a floating vessel or overhead platform wherein retainer has a split internally threaded locking ring engaged about a mating thread on an upper exterior portion of the telescopic joint upper tube, a solid support ring landed upwardly about the split locking ring and means for drawing the solid ring tightly upwardly toward the support conduit with the split locking ring therebetween to suspend the joint upper tube from the support conduit in a manner which can be easily disengaged even if the threaded engagement between the locking ring ad joint upper tube would not otherwise be releasable through relative turning movement of the locking ring and joint upper tube.

Abstract: A latching system for releasably connecting two conduits which includes a base member having at least one upwardly extending conduit and a locking plate supported thereon, and a latch support member including at least one downwardly extending conduit and having a locking mandrel depending therefrom. The locking mandrel is rotated via the downward movement of a piston within a cylinder, the piston having a spirally splined shaft mounted thereon which mates with a spirally splined surface associated with the locking mandrel, whereby downward movement of the piston and spirally splined shaft causes the locking mandrel to rotate and lock into engagement with the locking plate.

Abstract: A cap for an underwater Christmas tree having locking probes to lock down the operating rods of a connector connecting the Christmas tree to an underwater wellhead housing. The tops of the operating rods are housed within hollow canisters at the top of the Christmas tree.The cap includes a body having circumferentially disposed locking dogs housed therein for engagement with the top of the Christmas tree. The dogs are actuated by a cam ring which telescopically receives the body and has a tapered surface for sliding over a correlatively tapered surface on each of the dogs. The body includes a metal gasket seal for sealing engagement with the top of the Christmas tree, and seals are provided between the cam ring and body.The cap has downwardly extending locking probes which extend telescopically into the canisters above the operating rods. The locking probes each include a housing and a releasable tubular piston slidably disposed in the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to installation of underwater equipment, more specifically for use in oil-fields.This new device for connecting and disconnecting a guide line between an installation on the seabed and a floating platform comprises a cylindrical adapter, free to rotate on its own axis, and provided with means of guiding, directing, positioning lengthwise and locking into a cylindrical sleeve, forming the upper portion of a guide post fixed to the underwater installation. The locking mechanism comprises at least one locking head, which extends out from and can be detached from a locking bar. The lower edge of this locking head forms a retracting cam, while the horizontal upper surface forms a locking edge.Such a device can be used to connect and disconnect the guide line by remote control, from a floating platform.

Abstract: A guidelineless riser entry/reentry system which permits a safe and quick release of a riser column from a subsea installation. The system includes two guide funnels mounted on opposite sides of the subsea installation at the upper end thereof for the purpose of engaging respective telescopic posts mounted at the lower end of the riser column. With the posts in an extended position, the riser may be appropriately maneuvered to position the posts in their respective guide funnels. In this way, the riser is properly positioned on and orientated with respect to the subsea installation. The riser may then be disconnectably connected to the subsea installation and the posts moved into a retracted position so that the riser may be rapidly removed from the subsea installation.

Abstract: A submergible pump is suspended from a suspension head and lowered into an underwater well. The pump is lowered through the bore of a spool at the wellhead, and the suspension head is supported on a shoulder in the spool. A contact region of the bore has a first set of contacts engageable with corresponding contacts of a second set on the suspension head. Well fluid and other contaminants are flushed from the contact region by a cleaning fluid dispensed from passages in the suspension head. A dielectric fluid is then similarly dispensed to the contact region. Locking lugs lock the suspension head in the spool, and seals exclude well fluid from the contact region. The cleaning fluid and the dielectric fluid may be supplied from a remote source, such as a vehicle employed in lowering the pump and suspension head.

Abstract: A wellhead (16) for an exploratory well carries a latch profile ring (24) at a location just above the wellhead housing (14). Accessory modules (38) latch onto this profile (36) while leaving the conventional upper latch profile (28) free for conventional production equipment. The accessory module may carry flowline alignment apparatus (40) to use the exploratory well as a satellite well. It may carry cantilever well modules (70) to permit the drilling of adjacent wells or a retrievable guide pile module (43) to provide placement of a guide pile required for proper placing of a jacket for an offshore platform.

Abstract: An oil production system for producing oil at an offshore location comprises a floating storage vessel to receive the produced oil, the vessel having means for dynamic positioning and being connectable to a subsea well head by a riser and having means for separating the associated gas from the produced oil and employing the separated gas as fuel for the dynamic positioning.Re-entry of the subsea well is effected by providing the riser with means for effecting a simultaneous stab connection with the production bore and hydraulic control system lines without orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for handling guidelines for an ocean drilling platform rig. A cart for guiding the lines rides on a track and can be moved away from a drill well when a blowout preventer is moved into place over the well on its own cart. When the load of the blowout preventer is transferred to a drilling string, the blowout preventer support cart is moved away from the drill well and the guideline handling cart is positioned over the well. The guidelines are then attached to a guideline frame on the blowout preventer.

Abstract: An electrical connector suitable for use in connecting together electrical cables underwater comprises a first portion secured to a first cable and a second portion secured to a second cable. The first and second portions include a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact respectively. The first and second portions engage together so that the first and second contacts are in electrical contact with one another and so that a closed free space is formed between the two portions. A means is provided to enable flushing and drying fluids and electrically insulating fluid to be introduced into the free space. The electrical connector is particularly useful for connecting a down hole electric pump in a subsea oil well to a source of electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for permanently mooring a tension leg platform.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for installing an underwater anchor system including a plurality of separate anchors for a tension leg platform. A cluster of tethering elements is connected between the tension leg platform and each of the separate anchors. Each anchor assembly includes a primary anchor which is first located approximately in a desired position upon the ocean floor. This position includes a lateral location and/or an angular orientation about a vertical axis. Then the position of the primary anchor is ascertained and compared to a desired position of the main anchor. The main anchor is designed to be lowered into engagement with the primary anchor. A relative position determining structure is interconnected between the primary and main anchors for varying the relative position of the main anchor relative to the primary anchor to correct for any difference between the ascertained final position of the primary anchor and the desired position of the main anchor.

Abstract: Underwater well apparatus in which the handling string for manipulating a handling tool to, e.g., orient and land a multiple string tubing hanger includes a power portion in the form of a single metal piece having a plain cylindrical outer surface to be presented to the blowout protectors, so that orientation of the handling string relative to the protectors is not necessary, and also having through passages for communicating with the tubing strings, and coupling means for attaching the handling tool to the handling string.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for multiple well completion, in which a multiple string tubing hanger or like component is equipped with a gapped flange to accept dependent splines on the handling tool and on the production upper body to establish precise orientation of the production upper body.

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: An offshore structure for the production of hydrocarbons is constructed and arranged to rest on a base over predrilled wells in a sea bed. A moveable base plate closes the base. Attached to the base plate are a plurality of conductors which are placed in fluid communication with the predrilled wells. During positioning of the structure on top of the predrilled wells, the base plate is moveable to facilitate mating of the base plate with the predrilled well. After the base plate is in place, the base is lowered into engagement with the base plate.

Abstract: A method and appartus are disclosed for making a subsea flowline connection between two pipelines. A connector assembly having a base plate is positioned on the sea floor to receive the ends of two intersecting pipelines. Once one of the pipelines is attached to the base plate, the base plate is displaced horizontally along the sea floor toward the other pipeline. When the second pipeline is attached to the base plate, the ends of the pipelines are a predetermined distance apart and a prefabricated spool piece is then remotely installed. In this manner, the base plate permits the connection of spatial and axial misalignments which otherwise would require the on-site fabrication and installation of a spool piece.

Abstract: Tool for giving remote indications, typically both a change in fluid pressure and a televised image, to check whether a device is in a desired position. The invention is particularly useful for checking whether a component, such as a pipe hanger, has been properly landed in an underwater well installation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing multiple strings of pipe in underwater wells in which, just prior to landing of the hanger for the multiple pipe strings, the weight of the strings is carried by a support ring releasably secured to a body member through an antifriction bearing so that rotational orientation can be accomplished.

Abstract: A stabilizer for attachment to drill string in large diameter earth boring or shaft drilling to center the drill string and maintain alignment of the drill bit. The stabilizer has an inner hub that is rigidly secured to the drill string above the bit. A rubber tube inside the inner hub is compressed to lock the inner hub to the drill string. An outer hub encircles the inner hub. A bearing is mounted between the inner hub and outer hub to allow rotation with respect to each other. The bearing includes a frusto-conical ring in contact with individual pads that are exposed to the drilling fluid. A number of arms extend radially outward from the outer hub to centralize the drill string. The arms are telescopingly received in the outer hub and are pinned together by tie bars at their outer ends to allow them to be quickly removed.

Abstract: In a remotely installed underwater well apparatus, a tubular body, typically a multiple string tubing hanger, is landed in a position oriented rotationally with respect to a reference point on the apparatus and a seal device is then energized by the same tool employed to land and orient the tubular body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for multiple string well completions by remote operations in underwater installations, by which the tubing strings are installed independently rather than simultaneously.

Abstract: A plurality of wells are clustered around a central riser which is maintained under tension from a floating platform. A plurality of spiders on the riser carry funnels in vertical alignment with the wells. The funnels are sufficiently large to permit the passage of wellhead connectors and master block valves, and the production risers include centralizers which brace the production riser from the funnels through a limited vertical range. Tensioning of the production riser is with a lower force and through a limited range which precludes disengagement of the centralizers from the funnel. Some centralizers are located to facilitate entry and attachment to the wellhead.

Abstract: A maneuverable tool means for continuously maneuvering and controlling a pipe string end as it is lowered for engagement with a selected well part at the sea floor. The tool means comprises a body member attachable to the pipe string end, the body member carrying laterally directed thrust means; fluid pressure means in communication with the thrust means to impart thrust forces to the pipe string end and a remote control system for the fluid pressure means. The tool means also includes TV and sonar systems to sense the presence of adjacent objects as the pipe string end is lowered and to identify a well part with which the tool is to be cooperably associated. The tool means is provided with a lock means for temporarily retaining the tool means in a selected position in a guide funnel on a well template to facilitate installation of a guide line base means on the template.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a first part with respect to a second part is characterized by a cylindrical guide respectively attachable to each part, a helical surface being disposed on each guide, each helical surface including a right hand half and a left hand half. A piston-cylinder is disposed on the second part, the piston being extendable to engage the guide on the first part to axially align the guides. After alignment, the piston is retractable to bring the helical surfaces into contact to generate a torque and align the parts. In another embodiment, the guide for the second part is formed on the piston while the guide on the first part has an axial alignment member projecting therefrom to engage the guide on the second part to align the guides. Once aligned, the helical surfaces contact each other with the piston extended. The contact between the helical surfaces causes the rotational alignment of the second part with respect to the first part.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides processes and apparatus for bending and straightening, or otherwise installing marine pipelines at underwater installations, and includes systems in which marine pipelines are installed at water depths to 250 feet or more, utilizing an underwater chamber which may be operated with its interior wet, dry or combinations thereof. In one form, the system provides for interconnecting wellheads or other stations with manifolds or other stations and comprises running marine pipeline generally vertically downwardly from the water surface into the work chamber, mounted in operative association with an underwater wellhead or station, wherein the pipe is bent in the desired radius and through the desired angle and then straightened to exit from the chamber and wellhead in a substantially horizontal attitude such that it may then be pulled to a manifold or other underwater station with, for example, a wire line.

Abstract: A modular multiple well drilling and production template structure is combined with a production riser base module to provide an underwater apparatus which allows a plurality of wells to be drilled, completed and produced by operations carried out from a single vessel or platform without remote installation of flowlines.

Abstract: A remotely controllable connector for releasably interconnecting the ends of two oil well flowlines. The connector comprises two coupling members, one of which is extended into engagement with the other by actuation of fluid cylinders, and ball joints in one or both coupling members to accommodate misalignment of the flowlines. A pair of mating cones mounted on the opposed ends of the two coupling members align the members into proper position during the connecting operation, and clamp means that are activated by remote control secure the two coupling members together in a fluid-tight connection. Seals are then set by remote control to seal all joints and to lock the coupling members in working alignment.

Abstract: A sea floor template with vertical well guides or slots is lowered to the sea floor. Guide rails, such as a railroad track, are supported on top of the frame of the template in a path which extends along each well slot. A drilling guidance carousel is lowered to the template. Rollers on the drilling guidance carousel engage guide rails so that the carousel can be moved to each template well slot. Guidelines extend from the drilling guidance carousel to a floating drilling vessel for guiding drilling equipment from the vessels down through the template well slot which is aligned with the carousel well slot. Preferably, the template well slots are arranged in a circle at each corner of a rectangular sea floor template. The guide rails are arranged concentrically with the central axis of the circle of template well slots. Locking means are provided to hold the carousel drilling frame well slot aligned with any selected one of the well slots in the sea floor template.

Abstract: In the automatic positioning of one submerged unit relative to another submerged unit without the use of guide lines, guiding structures associated with the units are brought into contact and the units are relatively orientated before the units are brought into contact.

Abstract: A re-entry cementing float shoe for use with sonar/TV underwater guide systems is a short inner and outer cylindrical housing members in concentric spaced relationship forming an annular space therebetween with a cementing core filling said annular space, said inner housing has its top below the top of the outer housing, the upper inner surface of the cement forming a taperal lining cone, the bottom of the cone ending at the top of the inner housing and the top of the cement cone ending at the inner surface of the outer housing below an inner top portion of the outer housing, said portion having an attachment means for accepting and attaching to a casing pipe.

Abstract: A guidelineless subsea wellhead system includes TV/sonar guidance components which direct operating and/or service equipment into a position adjacent a subsea wellhead. An offset funnel mounted on the wellhead is used to guide a probe, which is mounted on a riser, into alignment with the wellhead. The probe is used to guide the riser and the service equipment into exact alignment with the wellhead so that tasks such as well entry, tree installation, well reentry, tree cap removal, tree cap replacement and downhole wireline operations can be completed without any cable guidelines. The system can also be used with the usual guidelines to increase the speed and accuracy of connecting to the wellhead.

Abstract: A well system and method for completing petroleum oil and gas wells having special application to extreme environmental settings such as platform, sub sea, and floating vessel operations, and frozen regions such as the Arctic. The system effectively defines a downhole wellhead including weight supporting apparatus in which the tubing hanger is supported and a pack-off with the casing for minimizing the effects of structural damage at the surface end of the well system.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for restraining lateral movement of large underwater equipment, such as a blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use on subsea wells, when retrieving or running such equipment through the well of a floating vessel. A plurality of rollers are angularly positioned about the well, each roller being capable of rolling longitudinally (vertically) along the equipment. Each roller is connected to shock absorbers for cushioning lateral movement of the equipment and to a piston cylinder for moving each roller toward and away from the equipment.

Abstract: A well system and method for completing petroleum oil and gas wells having special application to extreme environmental settings such as platform, sub sea, and floating vessel operations, and frozen regions such as the Arctic. The system effectively defines a downhole wellhead including weight supporting apparatus in which the tubing hanger is supported and a pack-off with the casing for minimizing the effects of structural damage at the surface end of the well system.