Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods and apparatus for the design, installation, use, recovery, and reuse of a Self Supporting Riser (SSR) for wells that are not under a platform. The SSR of the present invention uses standardized joints that can be recovered, potentially warehoused, and recombined in different configurations for different purposes or locations. Emphasis is on methods and apparatus that use relatively small vessels subject to high motions in the installation, use and recovery of the SSR. The SSR is adapted for high current and/or deep water applications for purposes of downhole well intervention and subsea equipment installation. In contrast to the apparatus and processes of the prior art, this invention addresses a comprehensive system design.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system including a self supporting riser (SSR) which is connected to a well to provide fluid communication to fossil hydrocarbon reservoirs deep below the seafloor. The SSR is constructed of a plurality of joints comprising regular joints and specialty joints that define the SSR and are selected to optimize the SSR for a well in a specific location. A unique aspect of the invention is further directed to a small vessel subject to high vessel motions that permits a coil tubing/wire line system to be mounted on a stabilizer system mounted on the vessel. The riser extension that connects the vessel to the self supporting riser preferably has a telescopic joint/section that is designed for the heave of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method directed to a variable buoyancy gas-can buoyancy module or buoy having a flexible barrier between a variable volume gas chamber in the gas-can hull and water in the hull. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a variable buoyancy module for a Self Supporting Riser (SSR) wherein the tension in the SSR may be increased/decreased by increasing/decreasing the variable volume of a chamber formed by a flexible liner that provides a barrier between the variable volume gas chamber in the gas-can hull and water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods and apparatus for the design, installation, use, recovery, and reuse of a Self Supporting Riser (SSR) for wells that are not under a platform. The SSR of the present invention uses standardized joints that can be recovered, potentially warehoused, and recombined in different configurations for different purposes or locations. Emphasis is on methods and apparatus that use relatively small vessels subject to high motions in the installation, use and recovery of the SSR. The SSR is adapted for high current and/or deep water applications for purposes of downhole well intervention and subsea equipment installation. In contrast to the apparatus and processes of the prior art, this invention addresses a comprehensive system design.