Abstract: An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may 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, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Abstract: An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may 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, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Abstract: A well drilling method can include detecting a drilling event by comparing a parameter signature generated during drilling to an event signature indicative of the drilling event, and automatically controlling a drilling operation in response to at least a partial match resulting from comparing the parameter signature to the event signature. A well drilling system can include a control system which compares a parameter signature for a drilling operation to an event signature indicative of a drilling event, and a controller which controls the drilling operation automatically in response to the drilling event being indicated by at least a partial match between the parameter signature and the event signature.

Abstract: A method of operating an isolation valve can include continuously transmitting a signal to a detector section, and a control system operating an actuator in response to the detector section detecting cessation of the signal transmission. A well system can include an isolation valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of a wellbore, a remotely positioned signal transmitter, and the isolation valve including a control system which operates an actuator in response to detection of a signal by a detector section. Another well system can include an isolation valve interconnected in a tubular string, and the tubular string being cemented in a wellbore, with cement being disposed in an annulus formed radially between the isolation valve and the wellbore.

Abstract: A well drilling method utilizing real time response to ahead of bit measurements. A well drilling method includes measuring a property of a portion of the earth prior to drilling a wellbore into the earth portion; and varying a drilling parameter in real time while drilling the wellbore, in response to measuring the property.

Abstract: A rotating control device can include a housing assembly, a body and a clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body. The clamp device can include a piston which radially displaces a clamp section. A well system can include a rotating control device which includes at least one seal which seals off an annulus between a body of the rotating control device and a tubular string which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device. The rotating control device can also include a piston which displaces longitudinally and selectively clamps and unclamps a housing assembly to the body.

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: Well control systems and associated methods. A well control method includes the steps of drilling a wellbore and predicting a change in flow between the wellbore and a reservoir prior to the change occurring, the predicting step being performed, and the change in flow occurring while drilling. Another well control method includes the steps of: sensing at least one first drilling operation variable while drilling a wellbore, thereby generating first sensed variables; sensing at least one second drilling operation variable while drilling the wellbore, thereby generating second sensed variables; and training a predictive device, using the first and second sensed variables, to predict the second drilling operation variable at a selected time.

Abstract: A disclosed method and associated apparatus provide convenient and accurate control of rates of fluid flow within a subterranean well. In one described embodiment, an apparatus has multiple tubing strings installed within multiple wellbores intersecting formations or intervals into, or from which, fluid is to be flowed. A remotely controllable flow regulating device is provided for each of the formations or intervals to regulate the rate of fluid flow through its associated tubing string. In another described embodiment, a single tubing string is utilized with multiple remotely controllable flow regulating devices interconnected therein.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising: a valve seat having a first end, a second end, and a valve seat passageway extending therethrough from said first end to said second end; a valve ball assembly rotatably positionable adjacent the second end of the valve seat passageway for selectively sealing the valve seat passageway; a first control arm connectable between the valve seat and the valve ball assembly, the connection between the first control arm and the valve ball assembly defining an axis of rotation for the valve ball assembly; a sealing member, reciprocatably positionable in the valve seat passageway adjacent the second end of the valve seat, for preventing fluid flow between the second end of the valve seat and the exterior of the valve ball assembly; and an urging member, positionable in the passageway, for urging the sealing member against the valve ball assembly.

Abstract: A valve employing a coupling disk to rotate the valve member so that rotative force is applied to the valve member in a direction away from the seat during opening of the valve and/or in a direction toward the seat during closing of the valve. Closing force is provided by a spring in a dome chamber and a gas charge in the dome chamber. A float valve controls fluid entry into the dome chamber to trap the gas charge therein while permitting the introduction of liquid from a balance-closure assist line to increase the pressure of the gas charge and assist in closing the valve member.

Abstract: A wet concern for latchingly connecting an electric cable between surface equipment and a previously installed electrically powered well tool at a remote, downhole location in a well for transmitting electrical energy or signals thereto or therefrom. One form of the wet connector is released electrically (reverse polarity being used), and another form of the connector is released by tensioning and slackening the electric cable a predetermined plurality of times. Systems using such wet connectors are disclosed, as are methods for their use. The wet connector can be used in conjunction with an electric cable for installing certain tools in a well, especially where it is desirable to deposit such tools gently with no jarring.

Abstract: A valve employing a coupling disk to rotate the valve member so that rotative force is applied to the valve member in a direction away from the seat during opening of the valve and/or in a direction toward the seat during closing of the valve. Closing force is provided by a spring in a dome chamber and a gas charge in the dome chamber. A float valve controls fluid entry into the dome chamber to trap the gas charge therein while permitting the introduction of liquid from a balance-closure assist line to increase the pressure of the gas charge and assist in closing the valve member.

Abstract: A wet connector for latchingly connecting an electric cable between surface equipment and a previously installed electrically powered well tool at a remote, downhole location in a well for transmitting electrical energy or signals thereto or therefrom. This wet connector comprises a male connector on the downhole well tool and a female connector on the electric cable. The female connector carries a non-conductive liquid which is expelled therefrom during mating with the male connector to wash and cleanse the electrical contacts of both the male and the female connectors. One form of the wet connector is released electrically (reverse polarity being used), and another form of the connector is released by tensioning and slackening the electric cable a predetermined plurality of times. Systems using such wet connectors are disclosed, as are methods for their use.

Abstract: A wet connector for latchingly connecting an electric cable between surface equipment and a previously installed electrically powered well tool at a remote, downhole location in a well for transmitting electrical energy or signals thereto or therefrom. One form of the wet connector is released electricaly (reverse polarity being used), and another form of the connector is released by tensioning and slackening the electric cable a predetermined plurality of times. Systems using such wet connectors are disclosed, as are methods for their use. The wet connector can be used in conjunction with an electric cable for installing certain tools in a well, especially where it is desirable to deposit such tools gently with no jarring.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching and removing equipment from a subsea wellhead in which equipment is lowered and raised on a flexible riser pipe, cables extend from the equipment to the wellhead and are winched in and out to control movement of the equipment adjacent the wellhead. While the cables are being winched in or out, the cables are maintained in tension by the cable reel or a motion compensator, between the equipment and riser pipe, permits the riser pipe to reciprocate vertically with the vessel in response to wave action, while the equipment is insulated from this action during engagement and disengagement with the wellhead. The equipment may include a guide frame, which may be made in two pieces, so that the upper section of the guide frame together with a riser pipe connector, may be released from the remainder of the frame and connector and lifted off by the riser pipe or by buoyancy means.