Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for connecting a flowline to a subsea structure. A flowline connection tool is deployed downwardly to the subsea structure and secured to the subsea structure. A flowline terminal head, which is at the end of a flowline, is then pulled toward the flowline connection tool by means of a pull-cable. The flowline terminal head is then secured to the subsea structure and the flowline connection tool is recovered to the surface.The flowline connection tool contains a prime mover means in order to minimize the length of cable exposed to forces encountered in pulling the flowline to the subsea structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in drilling a well from a floating vessel by means of a riser, which connects the vessels drilling equipment to a wellhead assembly adjacent the ocean floor. The riser is capable of being disconnected from the wellhead assembly, and having its upper end locked to the vessel. The present riser locking apparatus is made up of selectively-positionable resiliently-moveable locking beams adapted to be remotely actuated to lock the upper elements of the riser to the vessel, thereby preventing lateral or vertical movement of the riser relative to the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in drilling a well from a floating vessel by means of a riser, which connects the vessels drilling equipment to a wellhead assembly adjacent the ocean floor. The riser is capable of being disconnected from the wellhead assembly, and having its upper elements locked to the vessel. This allows the riser to be suspended from the floating vessel, or permits maintenance of the normal riser motion-compensating and tensioning equipment. Riser locking apparatus is employed which comprises selectively positionable moveable locking beams adapted to be remotely actuated to lock the upper elements of the riser to the vessel, thereby preventing lateral or vertical movement of the riser relative to the vessel after the lower end thereof has been disconnected from the wellhead assembly.

Abstract: A method of replacing a corroded well conductor positioned in an oil production platform at an offshore location. After shutting in or killing the well, the wellhead is removed and the sections of the casing and tubing strings within the well conductor above the mud line are backed off and removed. The damaged well conductor is cut off above the mud line leaving a stub to which the lower end of a new section of well conductor is connected and bonded by means of a novel connector. Communication between the old and new sections of well conductor is established and the casing and tubing sections are re-installed in the new well conductor and the wellhead is closed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of installing an erosion-preventing lightweight, semi-permeable, semi-flexible structure in the form of a dike for erosion control of a bank along a body of water. The method comprises the excavation of hydraulically placed silty or clay-containing sand fill or existing silty or clay-containing beach sands to form a trench and the placing of a synthetic woven fabric at the base of the excavation. A mixture of shell, sand and cement is then formed and placed in the excavated trench and compacted therein in layers to construct a dike. After covering the dike with a porous synthetic fabric, rock-filled gabions are then placed on the water-side face and crest of the dike.

Abstract: A self-draining composite plastic and steel thread protector for both the pin and box ends of oil field tubulars. The protector completely seals and prevents pressure differentials across the threads as well as provides openings for draining any moisture that may enter the tubular.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplementing the substructure of an offshore platform within, or in the vicinity of, the well conductors of the platform so as to add large numbers of anodes distributed vertically within the platform adjacent the well conductors. A number of anodes are attached to the outer surface of a number of short sections of pipe. The pipe sections are lowered down through the platform where each section is anchored to a preselected cross-bracing platform member. These anode carrier sections are connected together under water to form an elongated tubular support for the anodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for supplementing the substructure of an offshore platform within, or in the vicinity of, the well conductors of the platform so as to add large numbers of anodes distributed vertically within the platform adjacent the well conductors. A long anode carrier apparatus is run down through the platform substructure at one or more locations to support large numbers of anodes.