Abstract: A riser includes a first pipe stand and a second pipe stand, wherein at least the first pipe stand includes a length of pipe and a coupling that is coupled to an upper end of the pipe, the coupling including a body. At least the first pipe stand further includes an upper support member and a lower support member, both of which are mechanically coupled to the body, the upper support member including an elevator engagement support shoulder and the lower support member including a riser weight load support shoulder that is adapted to support a weight load of the riser from a support structure, wherein the coupling with the upper support member and the lower support member coupled thereto is adapted to be lowered through the support structure after a lower end of the second pipe stand has been coupled to an upper end of the coupling.

Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, a riser disclosed herein includes a length of pipe (101A), a coupling (102) that is coupled to the pipe (101A), the coupling comprising a body (120) and an upper support member (109A) and a lower support member (109B) both of which are mechanically coupled to the body (120) by mechanical means, the upper support member (109A) comprising an elevator engagement support shoulder (111A), the lower support member (109B) comprising a riser weight load support shoulder (111B), wherein the mechanical means comprises one of a plurality of mating grooves (140) and teeth (142) or a threaded connection (170).