Abstract: An apparatus includes a tube having at least one flow outlet in communication with an interior of the tube. The apparatus includes valves for selectively connecting the flow outlet to one of a fluid return line and an inlet of a fluid pump. The apparatus also includes valves for selectively connecting the outlet of the pump to the fluid return line and closing the pump outlet. A method includes returning mud from a wellbore into a riser extending between the wellbore and a drilling unit on the surface of a body of water. Flow from a tube in the riser is selectively diverted to an inlet to a fluid pump or a mud return line extending from the tube to the drilling unit. When the flow is diverted to return mud flow in the riser is stopped above the tube. When flow is diverted to the inlet of the pump, the pump is operated to lift the mud to maintain a selected mud pressure in the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a non-rotating housing, a rotatable member rotatably supported in the non-rotating housing and a bearing adapter sleeve disposed externally to the non-rotating housing. The bearing adapter sleeve has an internal upset for limiting longitudinal movement of the non-rotating housing. The bearing adapter sleeve has a retaining ring affixed to a longitudinal end of the bearing adapter sleeve to limit longitudinal movement of the non-rotating housing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a non-rotating housing, a rotatable member rotatably supported in the non-rotating housing and a bearing adapter sleeve disposed externally to the non-rotating housing. The bearing adapter sleeve has an internal upset for limiting longitudinal movement of the non-rotating housing. The bearing adapter sleeve has a retaining ring affixed to a longitudinal end of the bearing adapter sleeve to limit longitudinal movement of the non-rotating housing.

Abstract: A bearing pressure system includes a bearing assembly having a first component movable against a second component and at least one accumulator in fluid communication with an interface between the first and second components, the at least one accumulator holding a pressurized fluid. A method includes providing a bearing pressure system having a fluid communicable between an accumulator and an interface between components movable relative to each other, providing an amount of pressurized fluid from the accumulator to the interface when the pressure of the fluid at the interface falls below a pressure range being maintained, and transferring an amount of the fluid from the interface to the accumulator when the pressure of the fluid at the interface rises above the pressure range being maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tube having at least one flow outlet in communication with an interior of the tube. The apparatus includes valves for selectively connecting the flow outlet to one of a fluid return line and an inlet of a fluid pump. The apparatus also includes valves for selectively connecting the outlet of the pump to the fluid return line and closing the pump outlet. A method includes returning mud from a wellbore into a riser extending between the wellbore and a drilling unit on the surface of a body of water. Flow from a tube in the riser is selectively diverted to an inlet to a fluid pump or a mud return line extending from the tube to the drilling unit. When the flow is diverted to return mud flow in the riser is stopped above the tube. When flow is diverted to the inlet of the pump, the pump is operated to lift the mud to maintain a selected mud pressure in the wellbore.

Abstract: A tool has an elongated body having an outer surface, a first recess formed at a first axial position along the outer surface, and a second recess formed at a second axial position along the outer surface. The tool also includes a gripping element that has a plurality of collets at a gripping portion of the gripping element and a retention end. A retention mechanism axially retains the retention end of the gripping element within an axial length along the body to allow the plurality of collets to overlap with the first axial position and the second axial position of the body.

Abstract: A bearing pressure system includes a bearing assembly having a first component movable against a second component and at least one accumulator in fluid communication with an interface between the first and second components, the at least one accumulator holding a pressurized fluid. A method includes providing a bearing pressure system having a fluid communicable between an accumulator and an interface between components movable relative to each other, providing an amount of pressurized fluid from the accumulator to the interface when the pressure of the fluid at the interface falls below a pressure range being maintained, and transferring an amount of the fluid from the interface to the accumulator when the pressure of the fluid at the interface rises above the pressure range being maintained.

Abstract: A tool has an elongated body having an outer surface, a first recess formed at a first axial position along the outer surface, and a second recess formed at a second axial position along the outer surface. The tool also includes a gripping element that has a plurality of collets at a gripping portion of the gripping element and a retention end. A retention mechanism axially retains the retention end of the gripping element within an axial length along the body to allow the plurality of collets to overlap with the first axial position and the second axial position of the body.