By Riser Pipe Patents (Class 405/224.2)
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Publication number: 20020060077Abstract: Pipe for great water depths allowing transfer of a fluid between a floating support (1) and a point situated below and at a distance from the water surface, characterized in that it comprises:Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 1999Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventor: FRANCIS BIOLLEY
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Patent number: 6386798Abstract: A universal catenary riser support that can be designed to accommodate all riser pipe diameters typically considered for production of offshore hydrocarbons and allows the catenary riser to exit from the vessel at any azimuth angle and at a wide range of angles from the vertical. The support structure at the keel of the offshore structure is provided with a receptacle to receive a curved riser segment. The curved riser segment is adapted to be received in the receptacle. The curved riser is also adapted to receive a vertical riser section through the offshore structure. Relative motions between the catenary riser and the offshore structure are accommodated by a tapered section of riser or flexible joint attached to the curved riser section. A removable plug may be provided in the curved riser section to prevent water from entering the catenary riser during installation in the offshore structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Deep Oil Technology IncorporatedInventor: Lyle David Finn
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Publication number: 20020054789Abstract: The invention relates to a production riser system wherein the riser (1), at the touchdown point (5), has a bottom flexjoint (8) so that the dynamic motion of the riser (1) is absorbed by angular excursion (9) of the flexjoint (8) and not by the interaction of the sag bend (10) with the seabed (6). The surface end of the riser may be fixed, or coupled by a second flexjoint to a production and storage vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventor: Vincent Alliot
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Patent number: 6382320Abstract: This application discloses a method of extracting hydrocarbons from a submarine well, which is characterized in that a displacement fluid, e.g. water, is injected under pressure into the submarine well, or into a reservoir connected to the submarine well, from a submerged buoy or from a submerged part of a buoy. Typically, the injection fluid is rawwater. A buoy is also disclosed which comprises an upper section (2) arranged to extend above the sea level; and a lower, submerged section (1), characterized in that the lower, submerged section comprises means for providing a displacement fluid under pressure to an output which is connected or is connectable to a submarine well.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: McDermott Marine Construction LimitedInventors: Andrew Peter Tilbrook, David Bone, Ian Allard, Robert Eden
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Publication number: 20020048492Abstract: An installation for producing oil from an off-shore deposit has a semi-submersible platform, at least one riser connecting the platform to the sea bed, and devices for tensioning the riser. The tensioning devices include, for each riser, at least one submerged float connected to a point on the main run of the riser for hauling it towards the surface, and a mechanism for hauling the riser. The mechanism is installed on the platform and applied to the top end of the riser.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventor: Pierre-Armand Thomas
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Publication number: 20020044838Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsea system for the production of hydrocarbon reserves. More specifically, the present invention relates to a subsea system in economically and technically challenging environments. Still more specifically, the present invention relates to a control wellhead buoy that is used in deepwater operations for offshore hydrocarbon production.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: Rajnikant M. Amin, James F. O'Sullivan, David A. Gray
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Patent number: 6371697Abstract: An exemplary floatable vessel is described having an upper tower section with a reduced diameter or width and an affixed lower base section having an enlarged diameter or width. The lower section contains weighted ballast distributed upon its lower floor. The lower section also includes flotation tanks which can be filled with air to raise the vessel in the water such that portions of the lower section are raised above the water line. Alternatively, the flotation tanks can be flooded to dispose the lower section and a portion of the upper section below the water level. The upper tower section of the vessel supports a deck structure upon which rig components can be constructed or secured. The tower section includes flotation tanks as well. In preferred embodiments, these tanks are variable tanks that can be partially filled with air and partially flooded with water.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: ABB Lummus Global, Inc.Inventors: Edward Huang, Bambang A. Sarwono, Thomas W. Clapp
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Patent number: 6367554Abstract: The riser system includes a small diameter riser that can be disconnected from the subsea BOP/wellhead assembly to obtain access to the wellbore for large diameter casing while continuously maintaining a hydrostatic head to control the well. The riser system further includes a large diameter riser joint having one end connected to the BOP/wellhead assembly and one or more hydraulic conduits extending from the BOP/wellhead assembly to the small diameter riser which extends to the surface. The small diameter riser has a first position where the small diameter riser is aligned and connected to the other end of the riser joint and a second position where the small diameter riser is non-aligned and unconnected with the large diameter riser joint. The riser system further includes a shifter which moves the small diameter riser from the first position to the second position. Downhole operations are conducted through the small diameter riser in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Cooper Cameron CorporationInventor: David H. Theiss
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Publication number: 20020028112Abstract: A tension member comprising a plurality of fiber filaments (21) gathered into a plurality of strands (20). The filaments (21) run close together, and a protective sheath (16) is provided around the strands. Each strand (20) is coated on the exterior thereof with a sheath (22) of a material having a low friction coefficient, permitting the strands (20) to move longitudinally in relation to one another and independently of each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Inventors: Bjorn Paulshus, Roy Olav Kristiansen, Zouhair Sahnoun
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Patent number: 6352115Abstract: A device for fitting a stiffening sleeve which is located at the end of an oil pipe onto a bearing structure. The device comprises an internal hollow tube fixed on the bearing structure, the tube having an internal diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical wall of the stiffener, and two support/centering devices, respectively a lower device formed by retractable balls and an upper device formed by a conical collar, the devices interacting with the cylindrical wall of the stiffener and a conical bearing surface at the top of the tube in order to support/center the stiffener.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: CoflexipInventor: Patrice Raymond Mathieu
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Patent number: 6347912Abstract: An installation for producing oil from an off-shore deposit has a semi-submersible platform, at least one riser connecting the platform to the sea bed, and devices for tensioning the riser. The tensioning devices include, for each riser, at least one submerged float connected to a point on the main run of the riser for hauling it towards the surface, and a mechanism for hauling the riser. The mechanism is installed on the platform and applied to the top end of the riser.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Technip FranceInventor: Pierre-Armand Thomas
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Publication number: 20020009336Abstract: A connection between a riser and a receptacle of a floating platform may be preloaded to reduce fatigue. The platform has a receptacle with upper and lower grooved profiles. A hanger is connected to the upper end of the riser. The hanger has a latch that engages the lower grooved profile in the receptacle to resist downward pull of the riser. A tieback connection inserts from above into the receptacle. The tieback connection has an outer member that lands on the hanger. The outer member has a latch that engages the upper grooved profile. The tieback connection also has an inner member with a set of internal threads. Threads on the inner member engage threads on the latch, rotating the inner member relative to the outer member exerts an outward force on the tieback connection latch. As the latch is pushed into the tieback grooved profile, a downward preload force is created, which passes to the hanger latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Rockford D. Lyle, Joseph W. Pallini, Glenn Wald
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Publication number: 20020003039Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a drilling unit comprising a floating drilling rig, a subsea wellhead, and a riser connecting the subsea drilling rig with the subsea wellhead. A floatation collar encircles the riser so as to reduce deck load on the floating drilling rig. The floatation collar comprises a hollow fabric body filled with gas. The floatation collar has a longitudinal axis and is formed from a sidewall body having a longitudinally extending slit extending through the sidewall body. The slit enables the floatation collar to be transversely mounted onto the marine riser.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventor: Granville Louis Wells
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Patent number: 6321844Abstract: A method for transporting petroleum products in deep water from the seabed up to a floating or semi-submersible surface structure wherein at least one rigid and straight hybrid riser extends vertically. The hybrid riser has a rigid central hollow tubular structure surrounded by a cylindrical block of syntactic material which provides buoyancy and thermal insulation for the riser. A plurality of rigid pipelines are embedded in the syntactic material and surround the central tubular structure for receiving petroleum products from wells on the sea bed. The bottom of the riser is connected to a suction or gravity anchor at the sea bed. A submerged float is attached to the top of the riser and exerts an upward vertical force thereon. Flexible pipelines connect the rigid pipelines in the riser to the floating or semi-submersible structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignees: Stolt Comex Seaway, Doris EngineeringInventors: François Thiebaud, Vincent Alliot
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Publication number: 20010041098Abstract: An apparatus for rapid venting of the compressed air and deballasting of a buoyant air tank in a positively buoyant riser system in the event of a premature drive off or a riser section parting is shown. The rapid venting of the compressed air ensures that the riser section cannot rapidly ascend to the surface and damage the drilling rig positioned above. In a first embodiment, the buoyancy tank or housing includes a circumferentially shaped channel positioned on its upper end. An annularly shaped ring is placed over the circumferentially shaped channel and sealed in place by a frangible weld. A tether line attaches to the annularly shaped ring and extends to an anchor point on the BOP stack below. In the event of a catastrophic parting of the riser, as the riser sections and attached buoyancy tank or housings begin ascending, the tether line is drawn tight.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventor: Edmund A. Fisher
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Publication number: 20010041097Abstract: A universal catenary riser support that can be designed to accommodate all riser pipe diameters typically considered for production of offshore hydrocarbons and allows the catenary riser to exit from the vessel at any azimuth angle and at a wide range of angles from the vertical. The support structure at the keel of the offshore structure is provided with a receptacle to receive a curved riser segment. The curved riser segment is adapted to be received in the receptacle. The curved riser is also adapted to receive a vertical riser section through the offshore structure. Relative motions between the catenary riser and the offshore structure are accommodated by a tapered section of riser or flexible joint attached to the curved riser section. A removable plug may be provided in the curved riser section to prevent water from entering the catenary riser during installation in the offshore structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 1999Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventor: LYLE DAVID FINN
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Publication number: 20010030045Abstract: A method for assembling and delivering a drivepipe to a drill site, the method having the following steps: assembling the drivepipe at a shoreline assembly station; attaching floatation devices to the drivepipe and floating the drivepipe in the ocean; towing the drivepipe with tow vessels to a drill site; delivering the drivepipe in a horizontal orientation to a drilling vessel at the drill site; attaching a upper end of the drivepipe to the drilling vessel and detaching the tow vessels from the drivepipe; pivoting the drivepipe about its point of attachment to the drilling vessel until the drivepipe is vertically oriented; deactivating the buoyancy function of the floatation devices attached to the drivepipe; removing the floatation devices from the drivepipe; equipping the drivepipe with a driving mechanism; and lowering the drivepipe with a running string from the drilling vessel to the sea bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Billy J. Roberts, Jenova J. Roberts, William Harold Strong
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Publication number: 20010031174Abstract: A connection device for connecting a submerged tubular structure to a floating support structure, said connection device comprising a first tubular connection element and a second tubular connection element concentric with said first element, the connection elements being connected respectively to one end of the submerged tubular structure, the first tubular connection element being provided firstly with a first shoulder serving to co-operate with a corresponding first abutment face of the second tubular connection element to form a first axial abutment in a pulling direction in which the submerged tubular structure is pulled, and secondly with a second shoulder serving to co-operate with a corresponding second abutment face of the second tubular connection element to form a second axial abutment in a direction opposite from the pulling direction, locking and tensioning means being mounted between the first and second tubular connection elements to act, by putting the first and second shoulders simultaneouslyType: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Moog Olivier, Thuet Sylvain
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Publication number: 20010026733Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel 10 adapted to resist heave motion that includes a plurality of support columns 16, each of which has an upper end 19 and a lower end 23. A deck 39 is interconnected between the plurality of support columns 16 at locations upon the columns 16 proximate the upper ends 19 thereof. The deck 39 is a box-shaped structure. A ring-pontoon 43 is connected to the plurality of support columns 16 at locations proximate the lower ends 23 of each of the columns 16. Each support column 16 has a longitudinal axis 29 that is inclined upwardly and inwardly from the ring-pontoon 43 to the deck 39 and the longitudinal axis is oriented substantially radially from a center point 13 of the vessel 10. An angle of columnar inclination of the support columns 16 approaches at least five degrees from vertical. The ring-pontoon 43 is rectangular-shaped, and in one variation, is substantially square-shaped and has corner pontoon portions 49 interconnected by elongate pontoon portions 56.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventor: Robert Ludwigson
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Patent number: 6296421Abstract: An apparatus for rapid venting of the compressed air and deballasting of a buoyant air tank in a positively buoyant riser system in the event of a premature drive off or a riser section parting is shown. The rapid venting of the compressed air ensures that the riser section cannot rapidly ascend to the surface and damage the drilling rig positioned above. In a first embodiment, the buoyancy tank or housing includes a circumferentially shaped channel positioned on its upper end. An annularly shaped ring is placed over the circumferentially shaped channel and sealed in place by a frangible weld. A tether line attaches to the annularly shaped ring and extends to an anchor point on the BOP stack below. In the event of a catastrophic parting of the riser, as the riser sections and attached buoyancy tank or housings begin ascending, the tether line is drawn tight.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Cooper Cameron CorporationInventor: Edmund A. Fisher
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Patent number: 6276456Abstract: A riser system connecting a oil or gas well head and a surface vessel comprises a first riser section maintained substantially vertically under tension, attached for example by a tension cable to a constant load tensioner means mounted on the vessel, and a flexible second riser section arranged above the first riser, the second riser being able to flex to accommodate movements in the surface vessel. The second riser section includes a curvature limiter, achieved for example by making the riser from a material of variable stiffness along the riser's length. An emergency disconnect valve is provided between the lower riser section and the upper flexible section. An alternative curvature limiter comprises a plurality of discrete collars which are connected together and surround the outer diameter of the second riser.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Philip Head
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Patent number: 6263971Abstract: The invention is a system used for production of petroleum effluents situated at great water depths. The system includes an intermediate floating station situated below the surface at a depth selected according to the pressure of the effluent at the outlet of wellheads situated on the station, production risers communicating with the well to be worked, an anchor including production risers, a pump situated on the floating station which transfers the effluent to a processing or destination site, a transfer which transfers the effluent between the floating station, the water bottom and a final platform or a processing plant, and an energy source providing necessary energy to the various equipments installed on the floating station.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventor: Jean-François Giannesini
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Patent number: 6257337Abstract: A drilling unit comprises a floating drilling rig, a subsea wellhead, and a riser connecting the subsea drilling rig with the subsea wellhead. A floatation collar encircles the riser so as to reduce deck load on the floating drilling rig. The floatation collar comprises a hollow fabric body filled with gas. The floatation collar has a longitudinal axis and is formed from a sidewall body having a longitudinally extending slit extending through the sidewall body. The slit enables the floatation collar to be transversely mounted onto the marine riser.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Granville Louis Wells
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Patent number: 6257801Abstract: An arrangement and method are disclosed for providing a fluid flow path between a seabed supply of hydrocarbons and a turret moored storage vessel. A steel catenary riser interface buoy provides support for a steel catenary riser and the lower end of a flexible riser. This arrangement allows both risers to be pre-installed prior to arrival of the storage vessel or other floating storage facility. A turret interface buoy, secured to an upper end of the flexible riser is used in the installation process as well as in the hook-up of the riser system to the storage vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: FMC CorporationInventors: Ron L. Kelm, Charles O. Etheridge, Yonghui H. Liu
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Patent number: 6253855Abstract: A production riser that provides the benefits of a slug catcher, riser based gas lift, and multiphase meter in a single device and is suited to both shallow and deep-water oil/gas field developments. The riser is formed from a pipe within a pipe. The inner pipe provides the path for the production fluids. Perforations are provided near the base and top of the inner pipe. The top of the annulus between the pipes is closed and is in fluid communication with a gas supply/compression system via an isolation control valve/choke. The bottom of the annulus is closed. Three sets of pressure and temperature transducer transmitters are installed at the top, center, and base of the riser through the outer pipe wall.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Mentor Subsea Technology Services, Inc.Inventors: Kashmir Singh Johal, Anthony Robert Cousins
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Publication number: 20010001633Abstract: An apparatus for rapid venting of the compressed air and deballasting of a buoyant air tank in a positively buoyant riser system in the event of a premature drive off or a riser section parting is shown. The rapid venting of the compressed air ensures that the riser section cannot rapidly ascend to the surface and damage the drilling rig positioned above. In a first embodiment, the buoyancy tank or housing includes a vertical channel positioned on its exterior. A cover plate is placed over the vertical channel and sealed in place by a frangible weld. A tether line attaches to the cover plate and extends to an anchor point on the BOP stack below. In the event of a catastrophic parting of the riser, as the riser sections and attached buoyancy tank or housings begin ascending, the tether line is drawn tight. Further ascension of the buoyancy tank or housings, causes the frangible weld joints to break and peel back the cover plate, exposing the vertical channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2001Publication date: May 24, 2001Inventor: Edmund A. Fisher
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Patent number: 6220787Abstract: A ship type floating oil production system for access to subsea wells through installation of surface wellheads on a ship type surface vessel on the sea comprises a cylindrical turret moored to a seabed is located within a moon pool formed in the ship type surface vessel such that the ship type surface vessel is freely rotatable about the cylindrical turret. A plurality of riser pipes have a rigid structure and extend downward to subsea wells through the cylindrical turret, and each riser pipe is provided at its top portion with a surface wellhead including valves of the riser pipe. Accordingly, workover operations can be facilitated as needed by running workover tools through the surface wellhead of the corresponding riser pipe through use of a work-over-rig installed on the ship type surface vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Japan National Oil CorporationInventors: Akio Tanabe, John Randolph Paulling
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Patent number: 6210075Abstract: An offshore hydrocarbon production system includes a spar (34, 52, 214) that floats at the sea surface, a subsea buoy (26, 154, 200, 210) lying under the spar and hanging from it, and one or more risers (20, 174, 220) that extend up to the subsea buoy and are coupled therethrough to the spar. The subsea buoy is initially negatively buoyant to ballast of the spar and keep it upright, but the subsea buoy can be made positively buoyant so the spar can be moved away and a workover vessel (70) moved over the subsea buoy. The subsea buoy can be coupled to the spar by one or more chains (60, 60A) extending between them, and one or more flexible hoses (60) extending between them.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Imodco, Inc.Inventor: Jafar Korloo
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Patent number: 6206614Abstract: A floating offshore drilling/producing structure. The structure is formed from a plurality of closely spaced vertically oriented buoyant columns on which one or more modules or decks may be placed to support process equipment, a drilling rig, utilities, and accommodations for personnel. The columns are held in the spaced relationship by a plurality of horizontal plates spaced along the length of the columns and vertical plates located near the bottom of the columns and near the top of the columns. Drilling and/or producing is accomplished through risers located approximately in the center of the structure. The structure includes fixed ballast, an oil storage area, and voids and variable ballast for offsetting the lighter weight of the stored oil. The columns have a smaller water plane area than the horizontal plates.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Deep Oil Technology, IncorporatedInventors: Robert D. Blevins, John E. Halkyard, Edward E. Horton, III
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Patent number: 6193441Abstract: An apparatus for rapid venting of the compressed air and deballasting of a buoyant air tank in a positively buoyant riser system in the event of a premature drive off or a riser section parting is shown. The rapid venting of the compressed air ensures that the riser section cannot rapidly ascend to the surface and damage the drilling rig positioned above. In a first embodiment, the buoyancy tank or housing includes a vertical channel positioned on its exterior. A cover plate is placed over the vertical channel and sealed in place by a frangible weld. A tether line attaches to the cover plate and extends to an anchor point on the BOP stack below. In the event of a catastrophic parting of the riser, as the riser sections and attached buoyancy tank or housings begin ascending, the tether line is drawn tight. Further ascension of the buoyancy tank or housings, causes the frangible weld joints to break and peel back the cover plate, exposing the vertical channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Cooper Cameron CorporationInventor: Edmund A. Fisher
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Patent number: 6193574Abstract: A vessel includes a swivel assembly wherein each swivel is individually connected to a support structure with the swivels not being interconnected in a weight-bearing manner, and piping extending within a central space of the swivel assembly having individual pipe segments which can be disconnected for removal of one swivel in the radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.Inventor: Jack Pollack
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Patent number: 6176646Abstract: A riser guide and support mechanism for a floating vessel, and particularly a spar type structure, where the buoyancy can stem extends nearly the entire length of the floating vessel. A riser centralizing element is provided on the riser near the lower end of the buoyancy guide stem. Riser bend limiting elements are positioned on the riser so as to extend above and below the riser centralizing element. Since the buoyancy cans and buoyancy can stem are not required to rotate relative to the stem guides on the floating vessel, the stem guides can be formed from pipe sections that provide a much larger bearing area than is customary.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Deep Oil Technology, IncorporatedInventors: Lyle David Finn, Paul Nelson Stanton
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Patent number: 6173782Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a connector for use in supporting a riser from cable which extend about sheaves intermediate the riser and a tensioning device located on a floating rig above a subsea wellhead to which the lower end of the riser is to be anchored. Each connector is of such construction that the cable may be advanced through an opening in a body of the connector in order that the wear point on the cable where it passes over the sheave may be changed from time to time without having to detach and reattached it from and to the riser.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventor: Bruce J. Watkins