Abstract: In one aspect, a method of connecting a riser from an offshore rig to wellhead equipment that includes a first connector is disclosed. The method, in one non-limiting embodiment, includes lowering a riser of sufficient length having a second connector at a lower end thereof adapted to connect to the first connector of the wellhead equipment, wherein the riser is in fluid communication with and is filled with the sea water; closing the riser proximate to the lower end of the riser after lowering the riser; displacing the sea water in the riser with a fluid that is heavier than the sea water to straighten the riser and the second connector; and connecting the second connector to the first connector.

Abstract: A device is associated with a downhole tool to control the weight that can be set down on the tool while the tool is operating. A shroud is secured to the string that supports the tool with interior modular biasing components that for run in extend the tool past the shroud. Upon encountering a support for the tool, further set down weight compresses the biasing components for a predetermined stroke length delineated by the shroud landing on a support. If the tool is a mill, its operation takes place under the biasing force as the mill advances into the piece being cut or milled under a predetermined pressure. When the mill reaches full extension from the shroud the process can be repeated until the milling is complete. The shroud also centralizes the mill during milling.

Abstract: A device is associated with a downhole tool to control the weight that can be set down on the tool while the tool is operating. A shroud is secured to the string that supports the tool with interior modular biasing components that for run in extend the tool past the shroud. Upon encountering a support for the tool, further set down weight compresses the biasing components for a predetermined stroke length delineated by the shroud landing on a support. If the tool is a mill, its operation takes place under the biasing force as the mill advances into the piece being cut or milled under a predetermined pressure. When the mill reaches full extension form the shroud the process can be repeated until the milling is complete. The shroud also centralizes the mill during milling.