Abstract: A connector to secure a blow out preventer to a casing head of a well or wellhead or other tubing and a method of securing a blow out preventer to the well tubing utilizing the connector. The connector may be configured to secure the blow out preventer adapter to the well tubing and provide, within fifteen minutes, a seal operable to withstand ten thousand pounds per square inch of pressure. The connector may include both a hydraulically operated locking segment and a separate mechanical locking segment, and wherein both locking segments may be transitioned from a fully retracted position to a fully locked position within fifteen minutes. The connector may be configured to accommodate up to ten degrees of misalignment between the blow out preventer and the tubing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for installing at least two subsea functional lines having differing functions, such as a subsea umbilical and a subsea flowline, and integrated termination assemblies for use in the methods. The integrated termination assemblies combine terminations of the at least two subsea functional lines, simplifying the layout of a subsea production field, reducing the number of connections necessary and simplifying the installation of subsea functional lines used in offshore hydrocarbon production.

Abstract: A lower riser assembly connects a riser to a seabed mooring and to a subsea hydrocarbon fluid source. The assembly includes sufficient intake ports to accommodate flow of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon fluid source, as well as optional flow assurance fluid. The upper end of the member has a profile suitable for fluidly connecting to the riser. The lower end of the member includes a connector suitable for connecting to the seabed mooring. An upper riser assembly connects the riser to a near-surface subsea buoyancy device and to a surface structure. The assembly includes sufficient outtake ports to accommodate flow of hydrocarbons from the riser through a subsea flexible conduit to the surface structure. The upper end of the member includes a connector for connecting to a subsea buoyancy device. The lower end of the member comprises a profile suitable for fluidly connecting to the riser.

Abstract: Modular stress joints usable to compensate for forces applied to a subsea riser or other structure include a base member and one or more additional members. Members having desired lengths can be selected such that the sum of the length of the base member and additional members defines a desired total length. Members having desired wall thicknesses can be selected such that a combination of the wall thicknesses of the base member and each additional member defines an overall wall thickness or stiffness. The total length, overall wall thickness, or both correspond to expected forces applied to the subsea riser or structure, such that the stress joint is adapted to compensate for the forces and prevent damage. The number or length of members used and their thickness or other characteristics can be varied to provide multiple lengths and stiffnesses, such that the stress joint is modular and reconfigurable.

Abstract: Remotely operated underwater redirection plenum chamber for spill response. A method for operating an underwater redirection plenum chamber including aligning a first end of the redirection plenum chamber with a riser pipe having a fluid flow. A collar is lowered from the first end of the redirection plenum chamber, such that an inner diameter of the collar surrounds an outer diameter of the riser pipe. A plurality of barbs within the collar are activated to pierce and engage an inner surface of the riser pipe. A grip engages the outer diameter of the riser pipe. The grip has at least two counter rotating cylinders such that when rotated by the fluid flow the counter rotating cylinders create a seal allowing fluid to travel through the grip and into a first chamber of the redirection plenum chamber.

Abstract: A seal sub system for the connection of fluid lines, including first and second fluid lines, each including a terminal end with an inner diameter. A seal sub includes an inner channel and first and second pin ends, one pin end removably insertable in the fluid line terminal end with the other pin end extending from the fluid line terminal end. A seal forms a seal between the seal sub and the inner diameter of the first fluid line terminal end. The extending pin end is configured to be inserted into the terminal end of the second fluid line to establish a sealed fluid connection between the first and second fluid lines.

Abstract: An autonomous junk collecting sleeve for a riser is provided. The sleeve is constructed and arranged to be independently lowered and seated above a subsea tree section and, subsequently, raised and removed independent of the work string. The autonomous junk collecting sleeve includes a first cylindrical structure, a second cylindrical structure concentric to the first cylindrical structure and which are joined together in spatial relation at a bottom end to form an interior J-channel basket. The J-channel basket is operable to collect debris traveling up through the bottom end and over of the second cylindrical structure for deposit therein.

Abstract: A clamp for securing about annular casing via a centrally oriented aperture having a radius includes at least one aperture for grasping a longitudinally extending accessory disposed about the radius of the centrally oriented aperture and at least one fastening member for securing the longitudinally extending accessory about the clamp. At least one fastening member and at least one aperture act to secure a longitudinally extending accessory relative to the annular casing.

Abstract: A manipulator device (4) arranged to move a hose manifold (13) as one or more hoses (12) is/are being connected to and disconnected from pipelines (11) arranged on a marine riser (1), the manipulator (4) being fixed to an undercarriage (3) which is movable relative to a working well (21).

Abstract: Methods and devices for restoring control of at an offshore oil well following an uncontrolled fluid release after an explosion include lowering through a riser of successive flow restricting inserts into the oil well to gradually reduce the uncontrolled fluid release. Flow restricting inserts may be inserted in parallel or in series with each other. Following attachment of the riser to the oil well, provisions are made to restore oil production from the well. Flow restricting inserts may further be used to adjust flow resistance from the well in order to optimize oil production. Passages between the riser and the flow restricting inserts may also be used to form a gas lift in order to maximize production of oil from the well.

Abstract: A blowout preventer assembly comprising a blowout preventer and control apparatus, the blowout preventer comprising a housing a sealing element and a fluid pressure operated actuator mounted in the housing, the actuator 18 dividing the interior of the housing into two chambers, namely an open chamber and a close chamber, substantially preventing flow of fluid between the two chambers, and being movable, by means of the supply of pressurised fluid to the close chamber, to urge the sealing element into sealing engagement with a drill pipe extending through the blow out preventer, the control apparatus including a close line which extends from the exterior of the housing to the close chamber, and a source of pressurised fluid which is connected to the close line, wherein the source of pressurised fluid is located adjacent to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for blocking or capping a pipe end is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular body defining a central cavity having an inlet, an outlet, and an axis. The apparatus also includes a plurality of conical blocker rings mounted to an inner diameter surface of the tubular body within the cavity, at least some of the blocker rings being rigid and some of the blocker rings being compliant. The blocker rings are adapted to seal to a pipe end inserted into the central cavity. The rigid blocker rings have an outer diameter joined to an inner diameter of the central cavity, and the compliant blocking rings have an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the rigid blocker rings and are adapted to seal around an exterior of the pipe when inserted from the inlet.

Abstract: A high energy tubular shear is connectable within a drilling system and includes a body forming a bore through which a tubular is disposed, a cross-bore intersecting the bore, opposing cutters moveably positioned in the cross-bore on opposite sides of the bore, and the each cutter in hydraulic communication with a respective hydraulic intensifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for performing well operations from a floating installation comprising a high pressure riser (8) connected to the floating installation through a tension system, and where the riser comprises a housing (18) with an internal diameter larger than an internal diameter of the riser and connected at the top of the riser, where it for performing operations is made an assembly (15) comprising a desired numbers of modules for use in a specific operation, the modules are assembled at the installation, then positioned in the housing and the operation is performed through the assembly.

Abstract: A connector is lowered onto and secured to a subsea member, effecting a seal between subsea member and the connector. The connector includes an outer body defining a cavity, and an inner body defining a bore, wherein the lower end of the inner body resides within the cavity. The connector also includes an engaging member coupled to the outer body and adapted to engage the subsea device, the engaging member radially movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The connector includes a seal carried by the inner body and adapted to form a seal between the bore and the subsea device. Finally, the connector includes a pre-loading member coupled to the outer body, operable to urge the inner body and seal against the subsea device to exert a pre-loading force on the seal. A differential pressure between the bore and a subsea environment energizes the seal.

Abstract: A drilling riser adapter connected to a riser. The drilling riser adapter is mounted to a BOP and has a cylindrical body on which a plurality of ports are disposed. The ports can perform various functions. Ports may connect to choke and kill, booster, injection, or hydraulic lines. Some of ports allow access to riser bore to perform emergency functions such as redirecting escaping oil during oil spills to containment vessels via hoses. These ports can remain deactivated until such emergency situations arise.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved design for a pull tube sleeved stress joint and associated pull tube for managing stresses on a catenary riser for a floating offshore structure. The pull tube sleeve stress joint includes at least one sleeve surrounding a length of the pull tube with an annular gap between the sleeve and pull tube and a link ring therebetween. For embodiments having a plurality of sleeves, a first sleeve can be spaced by an annular first gap from the pull tube and coupled thereto with a first ring between the pull tube and the first sleeve, and a second sleeve can be spaced by an annular second gap from the first sleeve and coupled thereto with a second ring between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. Both pull tube and sleeves can be made with regular pipe segments welded together with regular girth welds.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for killing of uncontrolled oil fountain include a series of rods with the first rod having the smallest diameter and successive rods having increasing diameters. Such telescopic assembly of rods is lowered into the well to cause gradual reduction in cross-sectional area available for oil flow discharge. Once sufficiently large rods are lowered into the well, the oil fountain discharge will be greatly diminished. Final sealing may be accomplished by pumping cement into a space formed between the well pipe and the rod assembly. A novel system for aligning the rods to the center of the well is also described.

Abstract: A riser system for underwater oil and gas wells features subsections with flanges that may be fastened together. Riser pipes extend between the flanges, through apertures with tapered seats. The riser pipes may be may from aluminum to reduce the weight of the riser system and may be a composite of two or more sections coupled together by compression fittings.

Abstract: Managing hydrates in a subsea includes a host production facility, a production cluster comprising one or more producers, a water injection cluster comprising one or more water injectors, a water injection line, and a single production line for directing production fluid from the one or more producers to the host production facility. The methods comprise placing a pig in the subsea production system, shutting in production from the producers, and injecting a displacement fluid into the subsea production system in order to displace the hydrate inhibitor and any remaining production fluids in the production flowline and to further move the pig through the production flowline. The method may also include further injecting displacement fluid into the subsea production system in order to displace the hydrate inhibitor and pig through the single production line and to the host production facility.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device prevents an inner wellhead housing from rotating within an outer wellhead housing. The anti-rotation device provides cam rollers within the inner wellhead housing that wedge between opposing surfaces of the inner wellhead housing and outer wellhead housing to arrest either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the inner wellhead housing. The cam rollers are circumferentially spaced apart around the inner wellhead housing.

Abstract: An offshore well drilling system for drilling a subsea well, including a floating platform, an external riser extending from the subsea well, and an internal riser extending from the subsea well to the platform. The internal riser is nested within the external riser. The system also includes an external riser tension device to apply tension to the external riser. The system also includes an internal riser tension device, separate from the external riser tension device, to apply tension to the internal riser.

Abstract: A method for capturing at least a portion of hydrocarbon fluids vented into the surrounding sea from a subsea discharge site comprises (a) mounting a pressure control device to the subsea discharge site. Further, the method comprises (b) flowing the vented hydrocarbon fluids from the subsea discharge site through the pressure control device. Still further, the method comprises (c) positioning a collection system subsea on a lower end of a tubular string. Moreover, the method comprises (d) flowing the vented hydrocarbons fluids from the pressure control device into the collection system and through the tubular siring after (b). The method also comprises (e) minimizing lateral and vertical loads applied to the subsea discharge site by the collection system.

Abstract: A method for control of liquid or liquid slugs in multi phase fluid pipelines, including a multiphase pipeline for the transportation of a fluid, consisting of mainly gas and some liquid such as water an/or gas condensate. The gas is evacuated via a gas separation unit connected to the multiphase pipeline to a second gas transport pipe, and the liquid is fed to a dedicated pipeline section acting as a buffer volume pipeline. The separation unit includes one or several vertical pipes connected at a distance from one another along the multiphase pipeline, whereby the gas is transported separately to a downstream processing facility on a platform or onshore or the like, and whereby the liquid proceeds to the loop which may preferably be an extension of the multiphase pipeline, or the liquid and gas may be re-combined and led in a common transport pipeline to the desired destination.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical buoyancy module for a marine riser includes a plurality of buoyancy elements separated along at least one helical separation plane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea control system testing including one or more of electrical, optical and fluidic conduit testing, wherein the testing is conducted subsea using a subsea testing skid. In one embodiment of the invention a subsea pipeline service skid is provided that includes at least one skid mounted pump dimensioned to deliver from about 3000 to about 20000 p.s.i. of pressure for pressure testing the fluidic conduits to desired pressures. Modular construction of the skid permits customization for testing service of unique subsea control equipment.

Abstract: A bottom-to-surface connection installation of at least two undersea pipes (10a, 10b) resting on the sea bottom, the installation comprising: 1) a first hybrid tower comprising: a) a vertical riser (1a) anchored (3a) to a first base and connected to a said undersea pipe (10a) resting on the sea bottom and having its top end connected to a first sub-surface float (2a); and b) a first connection pipe (4a) preferably a flexible pipe, providing the connection between a floating support (11) and the top end of said riser; and 2) at least one second rigid pipe (1b) rising from the sea bottom on which it rests (10b) or from a second undersea pipe resting on the sea bottom to which its bottom end is connected, said bottom end not being anchored at said first base, up to the sub-surface where its top end is connected to a second float (2b) situated substantially at the same depth as said first float (2a) and fastened to said first float at least respectively a flexible second connection pipe (2b) providing its c

Abstract: A hang-off assembly for supporting a riser string from an off-shore drilling rig. The hang-off assembly includes a housing with a passage through the housing and an open section allowing access to the entire length of the passage from outside the housing. The assembly also includes a gate member movable relative to the housing from an open position to a closed position, the gate member preventing access to the passage through the open section when in the closed position. A motor moves the gate member between the open and closed positions. An adapter attachable to the riser string includes a profile landable in the housing to support the riser string when connected to the adapter.

Abstract: An underwater connection installation (26) and a laying method for connecting a riser and a flexible pipe (22) that are intended for carrying hydrocarbons. A post (28) is attached to a float (20) to suspend the riser (12) below the surface. The post (28) supports a gooseneck shape pipe (54) that has a bent-over outlet free end (58) ending in a first coupling (60). A coupling end piece (32) mounted on the flexible pipe (22) includes a second coupling (86). The coupling end piece (32) and the post (28) define mechanical guides including complementary frustoconical rings (64, 84). The driving of the coupling end piece (32) and of the bent-over free end (58) toward each other causes the frustoconical rings (64, 84) to engage one another to bring about coaxial alignment of the couplings (60, 86).

Abstract: Method, riser assembly and gas handler for diverting gas from a riser. The riser assembly includes a riser having a first end and a second end and a conduit extending from the first end to the second end; a gas handler connected to the riser and provided between the first end and the second end, the gas handler having an external casing; plural pipes attached to an outside of the riser such that at least one pipe of the plural pipes enters through the external casing; and a gas vent pipe configured to start at the gas handler and extend towards the second end of the riser and the gas vent pipe is further configured to divert a gas from the gas handler through the outside of the riser.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a jet pump assembly affixed to a riser string and to a blowout preventer. The jet pump assembly comprises a conduit and a sealing assembly configured to accelerate a drilling fluid's return flow by a power fluid delivered by an umbilical connected to the conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and system for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe used in a riser in an offshore hydrocarbon production facility. Fluid, such as corrosion inhibitors, can be circulated in a closed loop which includes the annulus of the riser terminating at a platform or floating vessel, a fluid storage tank located on the platform or vessel and an umbilical tube terminating at the platform or vessel and at a subsea location. Use of the system to flow the fluid through the annulus can prevent or reduce corrosion of the steel members within the annulus and increase the fatigue life of the riser.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting severe slug flow in a multiphase fluid stream flowing through a pipeline and into a riser, wherein, the device is positioned immediately upstream of the riser and comprises at least one unit comprising (i) an upwardly inclined section of pipe having a lower end and an upper end and (ii) either a substantially horizontal section of pipe having a first end and a second end or a downwardly inclined section of pipe having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end of the upwardly inclined section of pipe is connected either directly or indirectly with the pipeline, the upper end of the upwardly inclined section of pipe is connected either directly or indirectly with the first end of the horizontal section of pipe or with the upper end of the downwardly inclined section of pipe, and the second end of the horizontal section of pipe or the lower end of the downwardly inclined section of pipe is connected either directly or indirectly with the riser, and wherein the angle of inclinati

Abstract: A subsea test tree control system provides operational control and power to subsea test tree equipment located within a subsea riser without an in riser umbilical to supply additional power to the subsea test tree control system. The subsea test tree control system includes a subsea horizontal subsea tree landed on a subsea wellhead, and a subsea control module communicatively coupled to the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea test tree stack is landed through the riser in the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea control module communication line extends through the horizontal subsea tree to terminate at a bore of the horizontal subsea tree proximate to the tubing hanger, and a riser string communication line communicatively couples to the subsea control module communication line to provide operational power and control the subsea test tree stack. Intervention workover control system umbilicals may bypass the subsea control module and directly connect to the subsea control module communication line.

Abstract: A tube buoyancy can system for tensioning a top tension riser. In some embodiments, the system includes a tubular can coupled to the top tension riser and a pressurized gas system configured to selectably inject pressurized gas into the tubular can. The tubular can includes an enclosed upper end having at least one closeable opening therethough, an open lower end configured to allow seawater to flow freely into and out of the tubular can, and an inner surface extending therebetween. The inner surface is devoid of structural obstructions which substantially inhibit the free flow of seawater through the lower end. When the opening is open, the tubular can is ballasted by seawater. When the opening is closed and pressurized gas is injected into the tubular can, the tubular can is de-ballasted of seawater.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting an umbilical to a marine riser is provided. The method and apparatus can be employed in instances when a riser is already in place in the water, extending from a drilling vessel to subsea equipment on the ocean floor.

Abstract: A system for rotating an element inside a pressure containing housing. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a pressure containing housing having an opening through a wall of the housing into an internal chamber in which, in use, the element to be rotated is located, a bushing located within the opening, and a worm gear rotatably mounted in the bushing. The worm gear is offset from the axial center of the bushing such that rotation of the bushing moves the worm gear between an extended position, wherein the thread of the worm gear engages an element in the chamber, and a retracted position, wherein the thread is disengaged from the element in the chamber.

Abstract: A riser system for coupling a surface platform to a wellhead. The riser system includes a main tube, flanges and one or more tie rods. The main tube forms an annulus for fluid flow between the wellhead and the platform. A flange extends radially from each end of the main tube. The tie rods are coupled to and extend between the flanges.

Abstract: A system for sampling production well production fluids from a manifold interface panel on a subsea production manifold. In some embodiments, the system includes a remotely operated vehicle, a skid coupled to the remotely operated vehicle, a sample tank supported on the skid, and a fluid transfer pump operable to convey production fluid from at least one of the production wells through the manifold interface panel into the sample tank.

Abstract: An offshore riser system has riser joints, each having a pin and a box. The pin has an external grooved profile that is engaged by a locking element carried by the box of another riser joint. An actuating ring engages with the locking element to move it into the locked position. A retractable spider supports the string of riser while the new joint is being made up. A makeup tool on the riser deploying floor moves the ring relative to the locking element, causing the locking element to move to the locked position.

Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for venting an annular space between a liner and a pipeline of a subsea riser used for conveying hydrocarbons, the apparatus comprising a permeate recovery device for recovering permeate passing through the liner into the annular space. The permeate recovery device includes a first vent port in a wall of the pipeline at or adjacent a lower region of the pipeline and communicating with a permeate recovery line defining a flow path between the annular space and a permeate collection vessel. A one-way valve is associated with the permeate recovery line for preventing flow from the permeate recovery line into the annular space. A gaseous permeate recovery line connected to a second vent port at an upper region of the pipeline defining a flow of gaseous permeate from the annular space.

Abstract: A gooseneck conduit system for use with a telescoping joint of a subsea riser. In one embodiment, a riser telescoping joint includes a tube, and a gooseneck conduit assembly affixed to the tube. The gooseneck conduit assembly includes a plurality of gooseneck conduits and a locking mechanism. The gooseneck conduits extend radially from the tube. The locking mechanism engages a locking pin affixed to the tube to secure the gooseneck conduit assembly to the tube. Each gooseneck conduit couples to an auxiliary fluid line secured to the telescoping joint.

Abstract: A technique enables a simplified approach for providing subsea hydraulic control. A subsea installation comprises one or more devices that are actuated hydraulically. A simple signal carrier, such as a wireline logging cable, can be routed down to the subsea installation. However, hydraulic fluid for controlling the one or more hydraulic devices in the subsea installation is delivered via an open water umbilical that extends to the subsea installation from a separate workover control system.

Abstract: A connector device for kill- and choke lines between a riser and a floating drilling platform includes a slip joint on top of the riser including an outer barrel, a kill- and choke manifold arranged on the platform and provided with flexible kill- and choke hoses to the slip joint's outer barrel, and wherein the slip joint's outer barrel is provided with a horizontally directed kill- and choke-manifold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose systems, apparatuses, and methods of measurement performed by pipe conveyed tools. In an embodiment, a system for evaluation of a well bore includes a drill string assembly comprising a plurality of pipe joints, a wired slip joint coupled to the plurality of drill pipe, the slip joint movable from a retracted position to an extended position to compensate for changes in length of the drill string, the extended position having a length greater than the retracted position; a sensor positioned in the slip joint, wherein the sensor detects a change in length of the slip joint and generates a signal representative of a position of the slip joint, and a communication system to transmit the signal from the slip joint to a surface processor.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for deploying a subsea well intervention system from a surface vessel to a subsea tree, including connecting a spoolable compliant guide (SCG) to a subsea intervention package; testing the connection; lowering overboard the intervention package into a water column using a primary lifting device; gradually paying out the SCG from a reel thereof as the intervention package is lowered to a seabed; transferring the weight of the intervention package to a secondary lifting device, wherein the intervention package functions as a dead weight to overcome a positive buoyancy of the SCG, a distance between the primary and secondary lifting devices creates and controls a shape of the SCG; and once landed onto a subsea tree with heave compensation, disconnecting the secondary lifting device from the intervention package, and hanging the SCG off at the vessel at deck level.

Abstract: Contemplated hybrid riser towers are configured such that individual riser lines can be added or removed via submarine ROV. Most preferably, riser lines are made from a housing and syntactic foam that encloses a riser pipe to so provide insulation and buoyancy. In further preferred aspects, hybrid riser towers are coupled to each other via a truss to allow expansion via SCR and/or to provide a riser porch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a riser including a plurality of pipelines. In one example there are three such pipelines extending from the seabed toward the surface and having an upper end supported at a depth below the sea surface. In one embodiment, a first of the pipelines acts as a central structural core, and the other pipelines are arranged around the first pipeline. In another embodiment, three pipelines are arranged around a structural core. In each case, the first of the pipelines can be a fluid injection line, and the other pipelines are production lines. Also disclosed is a riser having buoyancy along at least a part of its length. The buoyancy results in the riser having a generally circular cross-section, the circumference of which is non-contiguous. Methods of installing such risers are also described.

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.