Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system, the centralizer being preferably heat-shrink fitted to an upset portion of a keel joint, the upset portion having tapered sections on the upper and lower ends that gradually blend into the outer diameter of the pipe used as the keel joint, the centralizer preferably comprising axially extending annular grooves in surrounding relationship to the upset portion, the grooves serving to permit forces acting on the centralizer to be redirected or dissipated to thereby prevent excessive buildup on a selected region of the upset portion adjacent the radial grooves.

Abstract: In aspects, embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems and methods for managing cuttings formed during drilling of a subsea wellbore. By managing, it is meant the processing, storage, transportation and disposal of the cuttings. In an exemplary application, an offshore rig adapted to drill the wellbore uses one or more a selectively buoyant containers to transport the cuttings. The containers are positioned adjacent the offshore rig. In one arrangement, the containers are submerged to a selected depth below the water's surface. A transfer unit flows the cuttings from the offshore rig to the container via a conduit connected to the container.

Abstract: A protective element for a riser segment, including an elongated buffer body, at least one foot connected with the buffer body, the at least one foot being provided with an engagement part arranged to engage on a main pipe of a riser segment, the distance between the engagement part of the foot and the buffer body being such that in a mounted condition the part of the buffer body located farthest from the main pipe is located farther from the main pipe than auxiliary pipe elements arranged on the main pipe.

Abstract: Systems for implementing methods for generating platform location sets comprising selecting a set of platform locations; determining additional platform locations to add to the set of platform locations; validating the additional platform locations, and determining an optimum location for each platform location in the set of platform locations.

Abstract: A subsea return fluid recovery system for recovering drilling fluid and cuttings (“return fluid”) from a subsea wellbore in one embodiment includes a hub at the opening of the subsea wellbore that directs fluid into a transport device. In one embodiment, the hub includes a stand pipe that forms a return fluid column, the hydrostatic pressure of which causes return fluid to flow into the transport device rather than up the stand pipe. One or more buoyant members attached to the transport device convey the transport device toward the surface. A preferred recovery method includes collecting return fluid at the seabed, passively transporting the collected fluid to the surface, and processing the collected fluid at a local (offshore) or land based treatment facility. The retrieval and processing of the return fluid is done outside the critical path of the drilling activities at an offshore platform.

Abstract: A system and method autonomously clears obstacles and mines from an approach lane. A ship is distantly located from an approach lane spanning a surf zone and beach portion, and the ship has operator control station software in an onboard computer. At least one system delivery vehicle having a storage bay and propulsion system transits from the ship to the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. A line charge is disposed in each bay and has one end coupled to the system delivery vehicle. A line charge delivery vehicle in the bay is connected to another end of the line charge to pull the line charge from the bay and emplace it in a straight path in the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. Explosives in all line charges are detonated to clear the approach lane.

Abstract: Method for protecting subsea installations against cooling which leads to hydrate formation, in particular during production halts. This is achieved by thermally isolating portions of the installation (1) against the surrounding water (2), and particularly by completely encompassing the subsea installation (1) by means of a cap (3) which seals against the surrounding water (2). The cap (3) comprises several elements of which each separately can be exposed to cooling and internal hydrate formation. The invention also comprises a thermally isolating apparatus, adapted for protecting subsea installations (1) against cooling, which involves a risk for hydrate formation. An apparatus (3, 9) for implementing the method comprises a relatively tight-fitting cap (3) which encompasses at least two of the elements to be protected from cooling.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for storage and transport of drilling waste is provided. A number of storage containers (12) are anchored to the sea bed by means of anchors (15) and cables (13). The location of the containers (12) is marked with buoys (17). The containers (12) are of adjustable buoyancy, and are arranged to remain below the surface of the sea. Drilling waste is macerated on board a drilling vessel (18), and pumped via conduits (20) into the containers (12). Once the containers (12) are full, a tug (22) collects the containers (12) and transports them to an onshore waste recycling facility, while empty tanks are returned to the drilling vessel (18) to be reused. The containers (12) may be arranged to agitate stored waste, either by means of an internal agitator, or by virtue of fins or paddles mounted on the containers (12), to rotate the containers in response to sea currents.

Abstract: A jumper for transferring fluids from an umbilical to a subsea tree assembly has a plurality of steel tubes. The steel tubes are bent so that the jumper is in a serpentine or w-shape while in a natural state. The steel allows resists damage to the jumper from the fluids and chemicals being transferred to the tree assembly. The w-shape of the jumper allows the jumper to be stretched or contracted so that the distance between the connectors on each end of the jumper can vary. The contracted width jumper is attached to a terminal plate located on the tree assembly as it is landed on a subsea wellhead. An ROV disconnects the jumper and connects the jumper to receptors on the tree assembly and the umbilical, while stretching the jumper to the necessary length to reach the receptors. The jumper can be disconnected from the tree assembly when maintenance is necessary without moving the umbilical.

Abstract: A method for carrying out operations on petroleum and gas fields is provided. The method involves using a platform which is located underwater when in working position at a depth where it is not subject to storm waves or under the lower surface of an ice field. The platform is made in the form of a structure which is water-tight and which includes an inner volume in which all the equipment, systems and structures are provided. The platform is directed from the surface using a surface complex which moves on the water or the ice field at the same speed as that of the current or the ice drift in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for offshore production of hydrocarbon fluids is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base and a buoyant structure secured to said base and connected or adapted to be connected to a subsea well or wells. The key characteristics of the apparatus are that: (A) the apparatus includes storage facility means for fluid(s) received from the subsea well or wells and/or for processed fluid(s) produced by the apparatus; (B) the buoyant structure is tethered to the base by a plurality of flexible tethers; and (C) the buoyant structure comprises (i) a sub-surface housing containing facilities for processing fluids received from the subsea well or wells via said storage facility in said base; and (ii) a column extending upwardly from the housing to a level above the sea surface. The invention also relates to the buoyant structure per se.

Abstract: The components required for changing out a bottom hole assembly are stored within a submerged storage chamber adjacent the lower end of a riser extending up from the bottom of a body of water. A vertical, revolving magazine holds the bottom hole assembly components within the storage chamber. A pressure lock between the storage chamber and the interior of the riser is opened to permit the bottom hole assembly components in the chamber to be exchanged with those forming the drilling string assembly within the riser. The storage chamber may be selectively sealed from the body of water and the internal riser area as the bottom hole assembly components are moved into and out of the chamber. A remotely operated mechanism assembles and disassembles the bottom hole assembly components of the drilling string assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring against explosion of the gaseous atmosphere of a closed chamber, such as the QDCD room of an internal turret of an offshore production and offloading buoy wherein the closed chamber has production risers and conduit connectors that represent a potential source of flammable gas. The method comprises mixing and diluting the oxidant content of the air by introducing within the closed chamber a sufficient quantity of inert gas to render the mixture of the air and any flammable gas non-combustible regardless of the flammable gas content of the mixture. The method includes removal of the non-combustible mixture of air and any flammable gas from the closed chamber by purging thereof to the natural atmosphere, while introducing inert gas, thereby leaving a substantially inert atmosphere within the closed chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily storing the lower portion of a string of drill pipe in a well which has a cased portion wherein a packer, installed between a storm valve located below the packer and an actuator located above the packer, is set in the annulus between the drill pipe and the well casing, the actuator being designed to close the valve upon initial axial movement of the upper portion of the drill pipe, and then to become disengaged from the lower portion of the set drill pipe allowing the remaining surface suspended drill pipe and actuator to be retrieved as in the case of a floating drill ship or set aside for reconnection and reopening of the storm valve after a storm has passed.

Abstract: Flying lead hydraulic and electrical umbilical arrangements are disclosed for control of a subsea christmas tree for production and workover operations. Alternative arrangements for deep water ROV arrangements for a conventional christmas tree are illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B and in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. Alternative arrangements for a horizontal christmas tree are illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

Abstract: A lightweight ROV deployable tree cap (28) for deployment on a subsea production hub (10) of a subsea tree. A tree cap (28) has a lightweight body (30) with parallel planar sides and including suitable openings and slots for mounting of the various operating elements. A seal plate structure (64) includes a piston (66) connected to a seal plate (68) having a pair of downwardly projecting tubular seal members (70, 72) for fitting within the production bore (13) and annulus bore (15) of the tree hub (10) in a sealed landed position. Fluid pressure is applied to fluid line (96) to urge piston (66) and seal plate (68) downwardly into sealing landed position. For removal or retrieval of tree cap (28) from the installed position on subsea tree hub (10), fluid pressure is applied through fluid lines (108, 110) for the upward movement of seal plate (68) and tubular seal members (70, 72) from sealing relation with production bore (13) and annulus bore (15).

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for killing a live well after activation of a well blowout preventer is described. This is achieved by providing apparatus in the form of a shear or kill sleeve (34) in a string (26) above a sub-sea test tree and which is located between the pipe rams (22, 24) and shear rams (18) of a blowout preventer (12). In the event that the shear rams (18) are activated and seal the string above the kill sleeve (34), the sleeve includes a pressure sensitive valve (84) which may be opened, by pressurising between the blowout preventer rams (18, 22), to permit fluid to be pumped from the blowout preventer (12) through the valve (84) and into the string (40), to choke or kill the well. After the well has been killed, the blowout preventer (12) may be opened to permit removal of the well tools. Embodiments of the invention are described.

Abstract: A means (20) for protecting a device (2) which a installed on the sea bed (11) and projects up therefrom. The means comprises a central section (21) which is arranged to be attached to the upper section (9) of the device (2), and legs (22) which are linked to the central section (21) and arranged to extend away from it and slantingly down to the sea bed (11). The legs (22) can be pivoted into a position, wherein their longitudinal direction is substantially coincident.

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.

Abstract: All points at which torque is usually applied to subsea equipment, particularly in the search for and production of oil, are centralized at a single panel upon which standard kinds of connecting terminals fitted with sockets are clearly marked and corresponding to torque working points, in order to make access easier by remote operated vehicles.Individual connection between applying points and the sockets on the panel is achieved by means of flexible devices.

Abstract: An environmentally acceptable, thermally insulating annular fluid comprised of a liquid which is non-aqueous, non-corrosive, and thermally insulating, a clay gellant, and a clay dispersant. A preferred packer fluid includes an ester originated from a vegetable or animal oil as at least a major portion of the liquid phase.

Abstract: In a subsea station for transporting a well stream, comprising a compressor (12, 13) with a motor (8) in a common drive atmosphere within a pressure shell (21), and provided with a lube oil circuit comprising a lube oil sump (25) open to the drive atmosphere in the pressure shell, a lube oil pump (27), bearings (19, 20, 14, 15, 16) in the motor (8) and compressor (11, 12, 13), and a lube oil flow line (29) to the bearings, said lube oil circuit is connected with a lube oil supply on the shore/platform. The lube oil circuit may be integrated in a lube oil flow line (28, 33) from the onshore/platform-based lube oil supply and back to the onshore/platform-based lube oil supply, or the lube oil circuit may be connected with a lube oil line (28) from the onshore/platform-based lube oil supply, and in the lube oil sump may be connected with the gas chamber through an overflow pipe (30) from the lube oil sump (25) and to the gas chamber ( 4).

Abstract: A modular subsea control pod assembly having a retrievable pod assembly and a receptacle assembly. The retrievable pod assembly has a stab block and at least one function port having an opening in the stab block. The retrievable pod assembly includes a pod gate which is adapted to move between a first position in which the pod gate covers the function port opening and a second position in which the pod gate does not cover the function port opening. The receptacle assembly includes a receptacle base module adapted to receive the stab block and a receptacle function port adapted to be connected to a blowout preventer hydraulic operator. The receptacle assembly includes a receptacle gate which is adapted to move between a first position in which the receptacle gate covers the receptacle function port opening and a second position in which the receptacle gate does not cover the receptacle function port opening.

Abstract: A glory hole silo comprising a cylindrical casing open at the upper end thereof; an upwardly open porch for supporting a flowline, said porch extending horizontally from and cantilevered with respect to said casing, the upper surface of said porch opening to the interior of said casing and provided with means communicating with the interior of said casing for attaching a flowline; and a removable roof extending over the open upper end of said casing and porch. The porch structure permits flowlines to be readily connected without the intervention of a diver.

Abstract: An anti-fouling covering is applied to a tubular offshore structure to prevent fouling tubular goods by marine growth. The covering comprises metal sheeting which is deformed to provide spaced ridges or troughs which extend on the covering in the axial direction of the tubular goods. The deformations facilitate expansion and contraction of the covering but, especially when inwardly directed trough form, enable the covering to have substantially smooth exterior so that loading due to wave impingement can be reduced.

Abstract: A subsea abandoned wellhead protection system which may be installed underwater without the need for underwater assistance from divers or the like, the system allowing full site preparation and installation from the surface. The present invention teaches a new and unique system for the lowering and centering of the shelter over the wellhead, as well as a new system for the preparation of the installation site, including the removal of debris from the site and excavation of the ground surface area about the abandoned wellhead via a remote, fluid actuated, integrated excavation system.

Abstract: An apparatus and system designed to prevent cutting gas buildup and explosion of same during the cutting of underwater abandoned wellheads and the like. The present system as configured is primarily designed for use in conjunction with generally longitudinally arranged pipes such as wellhead conductor pipe or the like, and teaches an apparatus configured to slidingly envelope the pipe, having the capability for excavating the area immediately about the pipe such that the apparatus migrates about and down the pipe to a predetermined depth, flushing out the mud about the conductor pipe which sometimes traps cutting torch gas during cutting operations and causes explosions or the like.

Abstract: Arrangement for protecting components such as valves and control units incorporated in subsea structures particularly for hydrocarbon production, including a template structure adapted to rest on the sea bed and provided with supporting members for a number of functional modules, each containing at least one of the components, each being adapted to be retrieved to the surface. Each of the modules is provided with at least one fixed roof element and at least one completely removable roof element, these fixed and removable roof elements together covering substantially the entire top area of the module, and the roof elements of all modules in the subsea structure together cover a major portion of the top area of the subsea structure to protect against objects falling from above or moving along the sea bed, such as trawls or the like.

Abstract: A mobile submersible caisson is employed to drill for and recover petroleum products from subsea wells and to deliver the products to shore or to vessels at the well site. The well drilling technique applies to water depths beyond 300 ft. and in areas where severe winds, waves, spray and frigid atmosphere can cause long downtime or make it impossible to maintain the positions of surface platforms for extended periods of time. Caissons containing drilling, completion, workever, separation, pumping and compressing equipment are towed to sea in the caisson in the horizontal position. At the work site the caisson is erected, connects an attached wire cable to a platform placed on the sea bottom, and is submerged and winched down. The caisson mates and becomes sealed with the platform, providing a one atmosphere working space for the drilling crew. Water between the caisson and the platform is pumped out so this area can also be used as a work area.

Abstract: An enclosed protective chamber for a subsea wellhead assembly includes a main body installed on the sea floor. Subsea wellhead apparatus is mounted in the chamber on top of a well. A pressure-containing lid is mounted on and sealed with respect to the main body such that chamber pressure is isolated from the subsea hydrostatic head. An inflatable, elongated, flexible storage tank or dracon is attached to the chamber through a conduit having a pressure-balanced relief valve therewithin. The dracon is attached to the conduit through a quick disconnect coupling and closure valve which permit ready attachment, removal, or replacement of the dracon. Under normal operating conditions the dracon is deflated. The dracon is preferably anchored to the sea floor. When a leak in the subsea wellhead assembly occurs, excess chamber pressure permits surplus fluid to enter and fill the dracon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater station for pumping a well flow, comprising a separator for separating the well flow into liquid (oil/water) and gas, a pump assembly comprising a pump with a motor, and a compressor assembly comprising a compressor with a motor, as well as fluid carrying conduits between the separator and pump, and compressor, respectively. Separator, pump assembly, and compressor assembly are assembled into a compact unit with said three components arranged in a column structure, with pump assembly placed downmost, then separator, and with compressor assembly provided uppermost. The fluid carrying conduits are designed for connection (interface) in the bottom of said column structure.

Abstract: Wellhead and welder protector comprising an easily erected, temporary shelter designed to envelope a wellhead and the immediate surrounding area of either a production platform, well bay area or jack up rig "texas deck", for providing an optimal environment for welding, heat treatment, and similar processes. The overhead protection means can be in the form of a horizontal, planar surface comprised of aluminum, galvanized sheet metal, thick fabric or the like, supported via telescopic support means above the wellhead for providing overhead protection for its occupants from overhead falling objects and liquids. Self contained ventilation means for the removal of any toxic fumes and gases associated with welding and related processes is also included.

Abstract: An artificial submerged structure and underwater wellhead protection system for sheltering a submerged, permanently or temporarily abandoned wellhead utilizing a sloped structure configured to prevent nets, anchors, and the like from entangling or otherwise damaging the wellhead. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a pyramidal structure which is designed to rest on the sea floor, enveloping the wellhead. The present invention is prefabricated and designed to be assembled on the vessel above the well site before installation on the sea floor. The wellhead protector is designed to protect the wellhead from any anchoring, trawling or related activities, as well as protecting any nets or the like from becoming damaged due to entanglement with the wellhead. Anchoring means is also disclosed for providing a firm placement of the shelter relative the wellhead in those cases where large anchors, oyster dredges, trawl boards and the like might tend to knock over the structure.

Abstract: A floating/tensioned production system for use in deepwater drilling and production operations generally combining a relatively small tension leg platform with a semisubmersible platform. The semisubmersible platform is provided with a working deck supported above the water surface so that an air gap exists between the working deck and the water surface. The tension leg platform provides a heave-restrained production deck for near-surface wellhead equipment. The production deck is supported above the drill site but beneath the water surface by buoyancy members and held in place by one or more tethers. Most other drilling and production equipment is located on the semisubmersible working deck. A caisson, surrounding the production deck, is used to provide a substantially dry working area. In one embodiment, the caisson is retractably attached to the production deck.

Abstract: A mono-atmospheric chamber module for placing on the top of a Christmas tree (1) in a well-head, to keep equipment and personnel at surface conditions during the execution of varied well operations. The chamber module comprises a mainly oblong cylindrical mantle (4) with associated base-ends. An opening (7) for tight engagement with the top of the Christmas tree (1) is arranged in the lower base-end (5). The upper base-end (6) is detachable. Inside the module, a pressure resistant personnel chamber (14) is arranged with direct connection to an access opening (19) placed in the cylinder mantle (4).

Abstract: A swivelsub comprising a sleeve member which is sealable and lockable by means of the annular preventer of a blowout preventer, with at least one end portion of the sleeve being lockable to the drill string, and with means providing sealing and enable relative rotational movement between said sleeve member and the drill string. The swivelsub forms a sealable and pressure controlling passage for a dril string in a drilling well and is particularly useful for cutting operation of casings in an abandoned well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting coiled tubing into a submerged well. The end of a coiled tubing is latched in a tubing injector and the tubing and injector are lowered through a body of water together. The injector is latched to the well and the injector moves the coiled tubing through the well. The injector weight is exerted on the tubing during movement through the body of water.The injector may be contained in a bell type or complete enclosure and fluid in the enclosure is maintained at approximately the external pressure.The injector may be connected to a shear, a stuffing box, and a tool receiver.

Abstract: A wellhead and welder protector comprising an easily erected, temporary shelter designed to envelope a wellhead and the immediate surrounding area of either a production platform, well bay area or jack up rig "texas deck", for providing an optimal environment for welding, heat treatment, and similar processes. The overhead protection means can be in the form of a horizontal, planer surface comprised of aluminum, galvanized sheet metal, thick fabric or the like, supported via telescopic support means above the wellhead for providing overhead protection for its occupants from overhead falling objects and liquids. Self contained ventilation means for the removal of any toxic fumes and gases associated with welding and related processes is also included.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wireline well servicing system for underwater wells utilizing a lubricator stack having upper and lower sections connected by a remotely operable connector. The lower lubricator section includes a remotely operable valve connectable to a wellhead and a stress joint connected on the valve. The valve may be closed to retain pressure control of the well if the stress joint is fractured in bending by side loading on the lubricator stack. The upper lubricator section includes a remotely operable wireline clamp and cutter unit on a stuffing box. The clamp and cutter are remotely operable by the same control conduit to quickly clamp and cut the wireline to permit emergency removal of the surface service vessel.

Abstract: A modular near-surface completion system that positions the production wellheads in a quiescent zone beneath significant wave activity yet within reach of divers for maintenance and inspection. Each subsea well is provided with (a) its own riser, (b) a riser tensioning buoy and (c) a production well tree mounted atop the riser buoy. Produced fluids are transmitted from the well tree to the floating production platform by means of flexible risers suspended in a catenary loop of sufficient length to permit the platform to be maneuvered to position it for drilling or workover of any of the plurality of templates it services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting an isolated well conductor of a shallow-water well by installing a reinforcing frame against the well conductor near the water line and another frame on the ocean floor and then driving piles through aligned legs of the two frames and into the ocean floor, and subsequently operatively connecting the frames to the piles and the well conductor.

Abstract: For use with a subsea well incorporating an external conductor pipe extending upwardly above the seabed, a well support miniplatform is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiments, the preferred embodiment describes a longitudinally split, flange equipped, bolt joined elongate conductor clamp supported on a frame at the bottom thereof and having a plurality of appended upstanding braces. The support frame is adapted to be rested on a seabed and held in place by a number of anchors driven into the seabed at corners. The support frame is selectively installed after completion of a well wherein the conductor pipe extends above the seabed. The support frame may subsequently be removed after installation of a permanent platform. In alternate embodiments, the support frame may be installed as a permanent structure. A boat landing and miniplatform may be mounted on the conductor pipe or the conductor clamp supported by the support frame.

Abstract: A manipulator apparatus carried by a remotely operated vehicle is provided with a suction device capable of gripping underwater objects. The suction portion of the manipulator apparatus utilizes suction chambers isolated from the body of water. When fluid is removed from the suction chambers an appropriately shaped moveable wall moves inwardly thereby forming a suction cavity between the suction device and the object to be moved.The moveable wall may take the form of a rubber-like flexible membrane wall or a piston moveable within the suction portion of the manipulator apparatus.

Abstract: A remotely operable connector having releasably connectable male and female members. The male member sealingly engages the female member on connection. The female member houses radially moveable dogs which may be locked in connecting engagement in a groove on the male connector by a lock sleeve longitudinally moveable over the dogs. The sleeve, which is biased to dogs locked position, moves to dogs unlocked position in response to pressure applied to a first inlet and may be retained in dogs locked position by continued application of pressure to a second inlet. The female connector houses a pressure lock which prevents movement of the lock sleeve from locked position on application of pressure to the first inlet, if there is pressure in the connector bore. The connector is unlocked for disconnect when there is no pressure in the connector bore and pressure is applied through the first inlet, moving the sleeve to dogs unlocked position.

Abstract: A manipulator apparatus carried by a remotely operated vehicle is provided with a suction device having a flexible membrane wall capable of gripping underwater objects. The suction portion of the manipulator apparatus utilizes expansion chambers isolated from the body of water in combination with the flexible membrane wall which when expanded outward contacts and forms a suction cavity between the manipulator object and the object to be manipulated.

Abstract: In an arrangement including remotely releasable couplings for riser conduits between the sea floor and a floating plant processing crude oil and/or gas, the couplings are located in at least one chamber below the water line of the plant. This chamber is closed towards the atmosphere and provided with at least one downwardly directed opening communicating with the surrounding water. Structure is provided for governing the air pressure in the chamber, which is accessible through an air lock.