Abstract: An offshore system with a rig and a cantilever having a rigid cantilever structure with an operational end. The rig is provided with a first support rail which extends along a side of the deck supporting structure. Travelling and swivelling assemblies are arranged between the first support rail and the cantilever beams. The rig is provided with one or more second support rails that extend over the deck in a direction transverse to the first support rail. The system has a cantilever inner end carrier device travels over and engages on said one or more second support rails. This device is connected via a vertical pivot axis swivel to a connector part of the rigid cantilever structure at or near its inner end to provide a rotation axis at a fixed location relative to the structure for the rotational motion of the cantilever, the cantilever inner end carrier device holding the cantilever inner end relative to the deck.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean well bore comprising, monitoring the well bore for influx of formation fluid into the well bore, and, on detection of an influx, a) stopping any pump pumping fluid into the well bore, b) operating a first blow out preventer so that it closes within a first period of time, c) operating a second blow out preventer so that it closes within a second period of time, the second blow out preventer being located below the first blow out preventer, the second period of time being longer than the first period of time, d) circulating the influx out of the well bore via a flow line extending from below the second blow out preventer.

Abstract: A valve comprises a housing including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a neutral chamber. In addition, the valve comprises a stem disposed within the housing. Further, the valve comprises a first valve member at least partially disposed in the first chamber and connected to the stem and a second valve member at least partially disposed in the second chamber and connected to the stem. The first valve member has a closed position seated in a first annular valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the first valve seat. The second valve member has a closed position seated in a second annular valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the second valve seat. Moreover, the valve comprises a biasing member configured to bias the second valve member to the closed position and the first valve member to the open position.

Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus which can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve of the swivel.

Abstract: Boost system and method for dual gradient drilling where a marine riser (1) has a mud return line (14) connected at a first connection position (18) below the lowest foreseeable mud level (12) in the marine riser (1), and where a mud return pump (16) is connected to the mud return line (14), and where a recirculation line (20) that has a recirculation pump (22), is connected to the marine riser (1) at a second connection position (24) below the lowest foreseeable mud level (12) in the marine riser (1), and at a third connection position (26) on the marine riser (1) below said second connection position (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manufacturing a foundation for a mass located at height, such as the jacket of a wind turbine or a jetty, wherein the foundation comprises a quantity of piles driven into an underwater bottom in a geometric pattern. The device comprises a positioning framework of a number of mutually connected guide tubes arranged in a geometric pattern and adapted to receive and guide a pile to be driven into the underwater bottom, wherein the guide tubes comprise a mechanism with which at least an internal wall part of the guide tubes is displaceable in the radial direction of the guide tubes from a radially inward support position for the pile to a radially more outward position in which the internal wall part substantially releases the pile. The invention also relates to a method and an assembly of a jack-up platform and the device.

Abstract: A triple activity drilling ship may be provided with two separate drilling centers, each including drilling apparatus. In addition, a trolley that is capable of supporting tubulars may be positioned between a first position within one of said drilling centers and a second position outside that drilling center. As a result, the trolley may be used to hold assembled tubulars while other activities are ongoing in one or more of the drilling centers.

Abstract: A method of drilling and producing from an offshore structure, comprising drilling a first well from the offshore structure with a drilling riser; completing the first well with a first subsurface tree; connecting the first subsurface tree to a manifold; drilling a second well from the offshore structure with a drilling riser; completing the second well with a second subsurface tree; connecting the second subsurface tree to the manifold; and connecting a production riser to the manifold and the offshore structure.

Abstract: A marine well with shallow-water flow monitoring is for monitoring an open hole section of the marine well during marine drilling operations. The shallow water flow monitoring system uses time periods and intervals while mud pumps are turned off. The system uses a video feed, and a processor with data storage containing a discharge category model, and wherein the data storage receives a drilling parameter data feed, a seismic profile data feed, a logging while drilling data feed, and a measurement while drilling data feed, to verify a determined discharge category as a baseline discharge category. The system provides an alarm when a discharge emergency is ascertained due to a change in discharge category without an anticipated change or changes outside acceptable limits.

Abstract: A template for use in positioning subsea wellbores that has a drop away funnel that extends laterally from the template. The drop away funnel is used to locate a piling adjacent the wellbores and is selectively detached from the template after installing the piling. A tang and clevis type assembly mounts the drop away funnel to the template, where the tang and clevis are coupled together with a main stud. The main stud is oriented substantially parallel with an axis of the drop away funnel; so that when the stud is removed, the drop away funnel can decouple from the template and slide axially downward along the piling.

Abstract: An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Abstract: A method for delivery of drilling fluid to a seafloor drilling assembly, the method comprising the steps of filling at least one container with drilling fluid; lowering the container through a body of water to adjacent a seafloor drilling assembly; connecting the container to the seafloor drilling assembly to deliver drilling fluid to the seafloor drilling assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a managed pressure and/or temperature drilling system (300) and method. In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore into a gas hydrates formation is disclosed. The method includes drilling the wellbore into the gas hydrates formation; returning gas hydrates cuttings to a surface of the wellbore and/or a drilling rig while controlling a temperature and/or a pressure of the cuttings to prevent or control disassociation of the hydrates cuttings.

Abstract: An improved drilling riser assembly including a male drilling riser assembly section and a female drilling riser assembly section that form a connection joint when mated. The drilling riser assembly sections having an internal stab type main drilling riser connector. The drilling riser assembly sections each have main drilling riser flanges that have helically threaded rings on an outer edge of the flange. A box and pin connector each have an inner helically threaded ring that mates with the outer helical flange ring of a drilling riser assembly section. The box and pin connectors extend towards each other and make up an enclosed compression joined mating section around the stab type connectors of the drilling riser assembly.

Abstract: A mobile drilling system comprising a top member with a drilling rig positioned thereon. The top member is removably engaged with a foundation member. The foundation member comprises a tower. The top member is moveable and adapted to be elevated out of the water for placement on top of the tower. The tower is preferably of concrete and extends out of the water and above any ice. A method is also described by which the top member is elevated out of the water either by jacking down legs or lifting by interaction with the tower.

Abstract: A system compensates for heave-induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during NIPD, tripping, cementing operations or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. The system also compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a riser telescoping joint located below an RCD is moving between its retracted and extended positions while drilling.

Abstract: A method and system for lifting drilling mud from subsea to a drilling vessel, which uses a pump having a body with a chamber, and a bladder in the chamber. The bladder attaches to the body and defines water and mud sides in the chamber. A mud inlet valve allows mud into the mud side of the chamber; which moves the bladder into the water side and urges water in the water side from the chamber and through a water exit valve. Pressurized water enters the chamber through a water inlet valve, which in turn pushes the bladder and mud from the chamber through a mud exit valve. The bladder separates the mud and water as it reciprocates in the chamber. The travel of the bladder in the chamber is controlled to prevent damage from contact with the chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for lifting drilling mud from subsea to a drilling vessel includes a pump having a body with a chamber, and a bladder in the chamber. The bladder spans the chamber to define water and mud sides in the chamber. A mud inlet valve allows mud into the mud side of the chamber; which moves the bladder into the water side and urges water from the water side of the chamber through a water exit valve. Pressurized water enters the chamber through a water inlet valve, which in turn pushes the bladder and mud from the chamber through a mud exit valve. The bladder separates the mud and water as it reciprocates in the chamber. A pressure control circuit equalizes pressure across the water valves, and a control valve provides a back pressure in a discharge of the pressure control circuit.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a multipurpose cantilever skidding frame having a first frame structure, a second frame structure and two connection beams integrally forming a rigid structure to provide longitudinal and lateral movement for an exemplary cantilever. The present subject matter also provides a drilling rig that enables a cantilever to be moved in both longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: A mousehole apparatus having a main body configured for holding a drill pipe or similar elongate element, includes a carrier connected to a deck structure and having a support region adapted for releasable supportive interaction with an abutment element on the main body. The carrier comprises guiding devices for the main body and movement means operable to move the main body with respect to the carrier.

Abstract: A system comprising a drilling platform having a central focus, a plurality of wellbay accesses positioned along a wellbay access perimeter surrounding the central focus, a drilling module, and a peripheral skidding system defining a skidding perimeter surrounding the central focus. Each of the plurality of wellbay accesses is associated with a wellbay substantially therebelow. The peripheral skidding system is operable to align the drilling module with one or more of the plurality of wellbay accesses, wherein the peripheral skidding system is positioned at an elevation higher than the plurality of wellbay accesses.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for use in wellbore drilling includes at least one pressure vessel having a fluid port at a bottom thereof for entry and discharge of a working fluid and a fluid port at a top thereof for entry and discharge of a power fluid. The pressure vessel has no physical barrier between the power fluid and the working fluid. Valves are coupled to the power fluid port for selective introduction of the power fluid into the at least one pressure vessel. Valves are coupled to the working fluid port such that the working fluid is constrained to flow in only one direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an offshore drilling rig comprising a drill floor deck having a hole defining a first well centre. Embodiments of the drilling rig further comprise a first mast upwardly extending relative to the drill floor deck, and a first hoisting system supported by the first mast and configured for hoisting and lowering tubular equipment through the first well centre. The first mast is located on a first side of the first well centre. Embodiments of the drilling rig further comprise first pipe handling equipment for presenting tubular equipment to the first hoisting system so as to allow the first hoisting system to hoist or lower the tubular equipment through the first well centre.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an open hole section of a marine well for shallow-water flow during marine drilling operations. The system for monitoring uses time periods and intervals while mud pumps are turned off. The system uses a video feed, and a processor with data storage containing a discharge category model. The data storage receives a drilling parameter data feed, a seismic profile data feed, a logging while drilling data feed, and a measurement while drilling data feed, which are used to verify a determined discharge category as a baseline discharge category. The system provides an alarm when a discharge emergency is ascertained due to a change in discharge category without an anticipated change, or changes outside acceptable limits.

Abstract: A fluid diverter system for a drilling facility comprises a diverter housing (15; 15?) fluidly connected to a tubular (3, 42, 43) extending to a subsea well. The diverter housing (15; 15?) comprising a movable diverter element (2) for closing off the diverter housing, a first fluid conduit (44) connected to a mud system and comprising a first valve (5), at least one second fluid conduit (20; 20?) leading from an outlet (46; 46?) in the diverter housing to an overboard location and comprising a second valve (1; 48), and a third fluid conduit (16) connected to a mud/gas separator (MGS) (13) and comprising a third valve (4). The MGS (13) is arranged below the outlet (50) of the diverter line, whereby riser fluids may be fed from the diverter housing (15) to the MGS (13) by means of gravity flow. The diverter valve (1; 48) on a leeward side of the drilling facility is configured to be open before the diverter element (2) closes around the tubular (3).

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing a riser or similar object against motion can include engaging two or more cylinder apparatus to the object. Communication of fluid between cylinder apparatus, responsive to a force on the object, can limit movement of the object, such as through extension or retraction of pistons within the cylinders. The cylinder apparatus can include internal channels that can accommodate coiled tubing, slickline, wireline, and similar conduits or devices, enabling operations to be performed through the cylinders, independent of their position.

Abstract: A subsea drilling method and system controls drilling fluid pressure in the borehole of a subsea well, and separates gas from the drilling fluid. Drilling fluid is pumped into the borehole through a drill string and returned through an annulus between the drill string and the well bore and between the drill string and a riser. Drilling fluid pressure is controlled by draining fluid out of the riser or a BOP at a level between the seabed and the surface in order to adjust the hydrostatic head of drilling fluid in the riser. The drained drilling fluid and gas is separated in a subsea separator, where the gas is vented to the surface through a vent line, and the fluid is pumped to the surface via a subsea pump. A closing device and a choke line and valve can release pressure after a gas kick in the well.

Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus which can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve of the swivel.

Abstract: A dual gradient drilling system comprises a primary riser that is coupled to a drilling rig and a subsea wellhead and an auxiliary riser that is coupled to the drilling rig and to the primary riser by a fluid conduit that is disposed at a point between the drilling rig and the wellhead. The fluid conduit provides fluid communication between the primary riser and the auxiliary riser. A pump system is disposed within the auxiliary riser and is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. A drive string is disposed within the auxiliary riser and is coupled to the pump system so as to operably couple the pump system to the drilling rig.

Abstract: An offshore platform may include a pair of trolleys. One trolley may be mounted on top of the platform and the other trolley may be suspended below the platform. Each trolley may be positioned on opposed sides of a moon pool in one embodiment of the present invention. The lower trolley may be used to hang off a riser and blowout preventer. The upper trolley may be utilized to hang off smaller diameter casing while larger diameter casing is being made up and positioned within the hole. As a result of the parallel operations made possible by the trolleys, drilling time may be reduced in some embodiments.

Abstract: A rotating control device (RCD) includes: a tubular housing having a flange formed at each end thereof; a stripper seal for receiving and sealing against a tubular; a bearing for supporting rotation of the stripper seal relative to the housing; a retainer for connecting the stripper seal to the bearing; and a tachometer. The tachometer includes a probe connected to the retainer and including: a tilt sensor; an angular speed sensor; an angular acceleration sensor; a first wireless data coupling; and a microcontroller operable to receive measurements from the sensors and to transmit the measurements to a base using the first wireless data coupling. The tachometer further includes the base connected to the housing and including: a second wireless data coupling operable to receive the measurements; and an electronics package in communication with the second wireless data coupling and operable to relay the measurements to an offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide frame for guiding a cutting apparatus within a pipe incorporated into the ground, having a framework body which can be inserted into the pipe and comprises a guide, along which the cutting apparatus can be displaced, a bracing means for tensioning and fixing the framework body in the pipe, and an adjusting means, with which the cutting apparatus can be adjusted within the pipe in a transverse direction relative to the pipe axis. The invention further relates to a method for anchoring a pipe in the ground.

Abstract: A drilling system employing a main tubular having a plurality of fluid inlet and outlet conduits positioned thereon and a concentric inner tubular having a plurality seals for sealing the annular space between the concentric inner and main tubulars. The fluid inlet and outlet conduits work in cooperation with the annular seals to selectively open and close for effective management of pressure within the tubulars.

Abstract: A method of drilling a bore at a subsea location is provided, the method comprising providing a remotely operated drilling assembly at a subsurface location; providing a conduit extending from the surface of the water to the remotely operated drilling assembly; and drilling the bore at the subsea location using the remotely operated drilling assembly. An apparatus for conducting a drilling operation at the seabed comprises a remotely operable drilling assembly deployed at a subsea location; and a conduit extending from the drilling assembly to the surface of the water.

Abstract: A system for offshore disposal of drill cuttings including a cleaning system for treating contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants; a transport system for moving the drill cuttings; a slurrification system for making a slurry of the treated drill cuttings; and a cuttings re-injection system for injecting the slurry into a well.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides drilling fluid additives for reducing or controlling lost circulation in a drilling operation. The additives comprises particles. The particles comprise one or more solids in association a wax or waxy substance. A drilling fluid comprising a drilling fluid additive of the invention is also provided, as well as a method and use of the drilling fluid additive in a drilling operation to reduce or control lost circulation. Methods for manufacturing the drilling fluid additives are also described.

Abstract: A subsea cutting device for a subsea blow-out preventer or wellhead comprises a tubular body having an axial throughbore, and configured to be fitted to a casing string, the cutting device further comprising a shearing mechanism in the form of a radial cutting system rotatably mounted within a pressure-containing housing, and comprising a plurality of movable cutters arranged around the throughbore and configured for deployment during rotation successively inwards. The cutting device is useful in a subsea shut off device which is latched to a template at surface and run to the sea floor on a casing string which is drilled into place and converted into a riser on a single trip. For the event when emergency disconnection is required, the device may be used to cut the casing and seal in the well. The system then allows a conventional subsea reconnection of the riser.

Abstract: A method and device for establishing a borehole (26) in the seabed (4), comprising setting of a conductor (1), wherein the method is characterized in that it comprises:—providing the conductor (1) with a suction module (6);—then lowering the conductor (1) down to the seabed (4); and—displacing the conductor (1) down into the seabed (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto

Abstract: A drilling rig with rig buffer storage and optional surge tank for receiving and processing drill cuttings and waste made of a drilling rig, having a tank in a frame with an inlet and an outlet, a moveable weir for expanding to accommodate additional drill cuttings, a central sweep member for cutting the drill cuttings and waste opposite a peripheral outer ring with peripheral cutting members, a controller for controlling rates of flow into and out of the rig buffer storage and the central sweep member rotation via a motor with reduction gear and wherein a first transportation system moves waste from the well bore to the rig buffer storage and a second transportation system moves cut waste and cut drill cuttings to a post treatment system, a skip, or a vessel for transport to another location.

Abstract: There is provided a high power shear laser module, which can be readily included in a blowout preventer stack. The shear laser module as the capability of delivering high power laser energy to a tubular within a blowout preventer cavity, cutting the tubular and thus reducing the likelihood that the tubular will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal off a well.

Abstract: Methods and systems for drilling subsea wells bores with dual-gradient mud systems include drilling the subsea well bore while employing a subsea pumping system, a subsea choke manifold and one or more mud return risers to implement the dual gradient mud system. When a well bore influx is detected, the well bore is shut in, and components determine if pressure control may be used to circulate the influx out of the well bore, the size of the influx, and how much the mud system weight will need to be reduced to match the dual gradient hydrostatic head before the influx reaches the subsea pump take point. The subsea pumping system, subsea choke manifold, and mud risers are isolated while the influx is circulated up one or more fluid passages in the drilling riser package using the surface pump, through the wellhead, and out the surface choke manifold.

Abstract: A method and device for recovering drilling fluid used in connection with the provision of a subsea well, in which the drilling fluid is circulated from a vessel on a sea surface via a drill string and out through a drill bit into an annulus which is defined by a borehole and the drill string. The device includes a filtering device which is connected, in respect of fluid, to an annulus and which is arranged to contain drill cuttings and drilling fluid. A fluid line extends from a portion of the filtering device to the vessel, the fluid line being arranged to carry drilling fluid which has been separated from the drill cuttings back to the vessel.

Abstract: Two sensors may be installed on a marine drill to improve measurements used for monitoring and operating the marine drill. The sensors may be installed in a differential configuration with one sensor located on a top block of the marine drill and a second sensor located on a drilling floor of the marine drill. Various calculations may be performed using measurements obtained from the two sensors such as, for example, rate of penetration of the marine drill, drilling level bubble for the marine drill, out of-straightness values for the marine drill, and vibration motion for the marine drill.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lifting drilling fluid from a well bore in a subsea formation are disclosed. Some system embodiments include a drill string suspended within a drilling riser to form the well bore, and a drilling fluid source for supplying drilling fluid through the drill string during drilling. A diverter is coupled between the drilling riser and a return line, while a power riser coupled to the return line at an interface. A lift fluid source supplies lift fluid through the power riser into the return line. The lift fluid is intermittently injected from the power riser through the interface into the return line to form one or more slugs of lift fluid positioned between slugs of drilling fluid, such that the combined density of lift fluid and drilling fluid in the return line is less than the density of the drilling fluid alone.

Abstract: A system compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a liquid and a gas interface moves along a flow line between a riser and a gas accumulator as the tubular moves up and down. In another embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. In other embodiments, a piston connected with the rig or the riser telescoping joint moves in a fluid container thereby communicating a required amount of the fluid either into or out of the riser annulus.

Abstract: A system and method of exploiting an offshore oil and gas reservoir, comprising installing a drilling structure in a body of water; drilling a plurality of wells from the drilling structure; and providing a plurality of buoyant, flexible structures adjacent to the well.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for use in wellbore drilling includes at least one pressure vessel having a fluid port at a bottom thereof for entry and discharge of a working fluid and a fluid port at a top thereof for entry and discharge of a power fluid. The pressure vessel has no physical barrier between the power fluid and the working fluid. Valves are coupled to the power fluid port for selective introduction of the power fluid into the at least one pressure vessel. Valves are coupled to the working fluid port such that the working fluid is constrained to flow in only one direction.

Abstract: A valve comprises a housing including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a neutral chamber. In addition, the valve comprises a stem disposed within the housing. Further, the valve comprises a first valve member at least partially disposed in the first chamber and connected to the stem and a second valve member at least partially disposed in the second chamber and connected to the stem. The first valve member has a closed position seated in a first annular valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the first valve seat. The second valve member has a closed position seated in a second annular valve seat and an open position spaced apart from the second valve seat. Moreover, the valve comprises a biasing member configured to bias the second valve member to the closed position and the first valve member to the open position.

Abstract: A system compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a liquid and a gas interface moves along a flow line between a riser and a gas accumulator as the tubular moves up and down. In another embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. In other embodiments, a piston connected with the rig or the riser telescoping joint moves in a fluid container thereby communicating fluid either into or out of the riser annulus.