Abstract: Systems and methods for managing umbilical lines and one or more jumpers are provided. An example of a system includes a deployment platform carrying a winch and spool assembly, a tether management assembly, and an integrated electrical and/or hydraulic umbilical line extending between a spool on the winch and spool assembly and the tether management assembly. The winch and spool assembly is configured to deploy and to support the umbilical line. The tether management assembly includes a winch and spool assembly for deploying a flying lead and/or annulus jumper adapted to connect to an emergency disconnect package of a well control package for a well. A set of buoyant modules are connected to or integral with a portion of the umbilical line to be used to form an artificial heave compensation loop.

Abstract: A marine riser includes a plurality of central pipes assembled end to end to form a main conduit. A plurality of tension members runs the length of the main conduit. The tension members are coupled to the main conduit to support and constrain an axial motion of the main conduit.

Abstract: A moveable joint suitable for connection with a tubular member including a socket member having an inner surface defining a cavity and a rotation member having an outer surface corresponding to the cavity wherein the rotation member is journaled for rotation in said cavity. The rotation member has an inner surface defining a cylindrical bore through the rotation member and centered on a longitudinal axis of rotation member, the cylindrical bore being configured to receive a tubular member. The moveable joint further includes a releasable locking mechanism for releasably locking a tubular member in the cylindrical bore so that when the tubular member is locked in the cylindrical bore the tubular member and the rotation member are fixed with respect to one another and are rotatable relative to the socket member. The locking mechanism includes a cage connected to the rotation member.

Abstract: A tensioner assembly for applying tension to a tubular member, such as a riser, can include an upper latch connected to the tubular member, a platform with a bore, and a lower latch ring. After applying tension to the tubular member, the lower latch ring can be closed around the tubular member so that when the tension is released, the upper latch lands on and engages the lower latch. The assembly can include a locking mechanism that prevents axial movement of the upper latch, relative to the lower latch, after engagement. The upper latch can self-center on the lower latch as it is moved into the latching position.

Abstract: A riser tensioner assembly for supporting risers on an offshore drilling platform includes a frame assembly and a plurality of riser centralizers circumferentially spaced about the frame assembly. The riser centralizers each include a clevis supporting roller for bearing on a riser to limit lateral movement of the riser with respect to the frame assembly. The clevis includes an elongated channel along which the roller is movable to accommodate angular movement of the riser with respect to the frame assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an offshore vessel capable of installing and removing a subsea well control device and a riser string, the vessel comprising a hoisting device comprising a travelling block for connecting a load, which travelling block is displaceable along a firing line which extends through a moonpool and a heave compensation system. The vessel further comprises a working deck supported by the hull of the vessel which covers at least a portion of the moonpool to allow the assembly of a riser string, wherein said working deck is provided with a riser string suspension device that allows to suspend a top end of a string of risers.

Abstract: A multi purpose hoisting device for use on a floating vessel having a deck, including: a load bearing structure to be mounted on the vessel; a main hoisting mechanism for raising/lowering an object above the deck and including: at least one main hoisting winch; an upper cable pulley block supported by the load bearing structure; a travelling cable pulley block; a main hoisting cable associated with the at least one main hoisting winch and passed over pulleys of the upper cable pulley block and of the travelling pulley block in a multiple fall configuration, such that the travelling cable pulley block is moveable relative to the load bearing structure by using the at least one main hoisting winch; a main hoist heave compensation mechanism associated with the main hoisting cable for damping the effect of sea-state induced motion of the vessel onto an object supported by the main hoisting cable.

Abstract: A well intervention system is described which has a riser access drive adapted to be located below a vessel, or a rig, work floor. The riser is tensioned and extends from a subsea wellhead to the access device which, in use, is attached to the riser at the location below the work floor. Embodiments of the invention are described.

Abstract: A motion compensating support assembly provides a support framework, attachable to well platform, floating vessel or other underlying structure, for supporting well intervention operations. The motion compensation function can be manually controlled, or set to passive compensation mode. Hydraulic clamp assemblies can connect the compensating well intervention support assembly to structural member(s) of an underlying support surface or substructure.

Abstract: A floating LNG plant including a first and a second converted LNG carrier each provided with a hull and at least one LNG storage tank wherein the floating LNG plant further includes: a connection structure for connecting the hull of the first and the second converted LNG carrier in order to obtain a twin-hull vessel; process equipment for LNG processing on the floating LNG plant; and a mooring system for mooring the floating LNG plant to the seabed, wherein the at least first and second converted LNG carrier each include an LNG carrier, originally provided with a plurality of LNG tanks, wherein at least one LNG tank has been deactivated and/or removed from at least one LNG carrier to create space on the floating LNG plant for installing the process equipment for LNG processing.

Abstract: An underwater fluid transport apparatus (10) to transport a fluid between a sea bed (12) and the surface (14) of the sea vertically above the sea bed. A riser (20) is connected to a flexible pipe (32) leading to the sea surface (14). A retaining float (24) is installed around the riser in order to maintain the riser (20) in a stretched suspended position between the sea bed (12) and a subsurface region situated between the sea bed and the surface (14) of the sea. The flexible pipe (32) extends in a catenary curve between the riser (20) and the sea surface. An additional float (28) is installed between the riser (20) and the sea surface (14). The riser (20) is attached to the additional float (28) to increase the buoyancy of the riser.

Abstract: Provided is a damping apparatus for a moonpool, which has a simple driving mechanism. The damping apparatus includes one or more damping plates which cover a moonpool of a hull entirely or partially. The damping plates are pivotally hinged to a sidewall of the moonpool, and one or more conveying units are disposed above the moonpool to convey drilling equipment. Driving wires are coupled between the conveying units and the damping plates, and the conveying force of the conveying units is transferred through the driving wires to the damping plates. Thus, the damping plates are pivoted to open and close the moonpool entirely or partially.

Abstract: A tensioner assembly for applying tension to a tubular member, such as a riser, can include an upper latch connected to the tubular member, a platform with a bore, and a plurality of lower latch segments, each having a base that is pivotally connected to the platform. After applying tension to the tubular member, the segments pivot inward to form an annular lower latch ring having an inner diameter less than an outer diameter of the upper latch. The assembly can include a locking mechanism that prevents axial movement of the upper latch, relative to the lower latch ring, after engagement. The upper latch can self-center on the lower latch as it is moved into the latching position.

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 gooseneck conduit extending radially from the tube, and a tenon projecting from a rear face of the gooseneck conduit. The width of the tenon increases with distance from the rear face. The riser telescoping joint also includes a mortise channel extending along the length of the tube. The mortise channel is interlocks with the tenon and laterally secures the gooseneck conduit assembly to the tube.

Abstract: A method of traversing a travel joint with a line can include, after the travel joint has been installed in a well, activating a connector which provides sealed fluid communication between sections of the line on respective opposite sides of the travel joint. A travel joint system for use with a subterranean well can include a travel joint comprising a releasing device which permits relative displacement between sections of the travel joint, and a connector which provides fluid communication between sections of a line.

Abstract: The invention discloses a subsea device comprising a can, a string of risers, a blowout preventer and a string of tie-back pipes. The blowout preventer is installed on the can. The top of risers is connected to a rig and its bottom is mounted on the blowout preventer. The upper of tie-back pipes is fixed to the can. The lower of tie-back pipes is mounted to a wellhead in the seabed by a subsea wellhead apparatus and connected to the casings for collecting oil/gas stored in formations by the subsea wellhead apparatus. A passage communicating the blowout preventer with tie-back pipe is jointed on the can. A pipeline, transporting oil/gas, mud and cuttings in drilling process, is divided into two sections, both tie-back pipes and casings, by the wellhead apparatus settled on seabed, thereby ensuring security of the rig in the drilling process and stronger operability of entire production system.

Abstract: A riser pipe section (4) is disclose for offshore well drilling operations comprising a main tube element (6) having as an extension a male connector element (10) and a female connector element (9) comprising a first series of tenons. At least one auxiliary tube element (7) is secured to the male connector element (10) and to the female connector element (9) so that the main tube element (6) and the auxiliary tube element (7) jointly transmit tensile stresses between the male connector element (10) and the female connector element (9). A locking ring is mounted on the male connector element and the ring comprises a second series of tenons.

Abstract: The present invention regards a joint for use in a riser (1) extending between a floating installation (3) and a subsea installation (2). The joint comprises an inner pipe segment (21) and an outer pipe segments (22), arranged moveable relative each other in an axial direction and connectable to respective riser segments, forming a chamber (23) between them with a radially extending piston (24), dividing the chamber (23) in a first chamber part (25) and a second chamber part (26), wherein on of said chamber parts (25) in an initial position of the joint is adapted to contain a mainly incompressible fluid, this chamber part (25) decreasing in volume as the inner pipe segment (21) is moved relatively out of the outer pipe segment (22).

Abstract: A system compensates for heave-induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during NIPD, tripping, cementing operations or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. The system also compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a riser telescoping joint located below an RCD is moving between its retracted and extended positions while drilling.

Abstract: An inertia transition terminal pipe element having a main rigid pipe element including at one of its ends an inertia transition piece that is constituted by at least one and preferably a plurality “n” of coaxial reinforcing pipe elements placed coaxially around the main pipe element, each reinforcing pipe element presenting an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the main pipe element. The various main and reinforcing pipe elements each being positioned with one end situated at the same level along the axis of symmetry of the pipe elements, and each reinforcing pipe element presenting a length that is less than the height of the main pipe element. The annular gap between the various pipe elements being filled with a solid filler material. A rigid undersea pipe is also disclosed including at at least one of its ends, an inertia transition pipe element.

Abstract: A motion compensation system is provided for controlling relative movements between a floating vessel and an elongate element, where the elongate element is suspended by the vessel at a first end and extends into a body of water below the floating vessel. An active motion compensator is connected to the elongate element first end via an element arranged in an upper region of an erect support structure and a passive motion compensator is connected to the elongate element first end via the element. The motion compensators are structurally and operationally separate and independent units and are configured for separate and mutually independent operation.

Abstract: A device for heave compensation of a tool unit that is suspended via one or more wires from a mast mounted on a platform, each wire at a first end being attached to the mast via an attachment and running via a first heave compensation unit, and each wire at a second end being attached to a second heave compensation unit that is connected to the tool unit. The second heave compensation unit includes a movable compensation mechanism, which at its first end is attached to the wire and which at its second end is attached to the tool unit. The second heave compensation unit includes a releasable locking device with which the motions of the compensation mechanism can be selectively prevented and allowed.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a conduit, such as a riser, against motion. The apparatus comprises an outer wall portion, an inner tubular member having a longitudinal channel extending therethrough, a first tubular member at least partially located between the outer wall portion and the inner tubular member, and a second tubular member at least partially located between the outer wall portion and the inner tubular member. The outer wall portion at least partially surrounds the inner tubular member and the first and second tubular members are movable about the inner tubular member and are movable relative to each other. The first and second tubular members are adapted for securing to the conduit, such as a riser.

Abstract: A riser tensioner has a cylindrical barrel and a piston rod that telescopingly engage each other. An external accumulator containing a hydraulic fluid and a gas is mounted outside of the barrels for communicating the hydraulic liquid to an end of the barrel. Depending on the stroke of the piston rod, the liquid level in the accumulator will fluctuate and the gas pressure vary. A composite rod within the accumulator is embedded with an array of PVDF sensors. The PVDF sensors provide an output signal to indicate the liquid level in the accumulator when the liquid comes in contact with the sensor, allowing for reliable monitoring of liquid levels.

Abstract: A subsea assembly for producing fluids from a well having a casing string in the well supported with a hanger on an upper end. Cement is in a portion of an annulus between the casing string and walls of the well, thereby leaving segment of the casing string unsupported in the well. A motion compensating element is coaxially provided in the unsupported segment of the casing string to absorb axial expansion and/or contraction that may occur in the unsupported segment of the casing string.

Abstract: A tensioner assembly for applying tension to a tubular member, such as a riser, can include an upper latch connected to the tubular member, a platform with a bore, and a lower latch ring. After applying tension to the tubular member, the lower latch ring can be closed around the tubular member so that when the tension is released, the upper latch lands on and engages the lower latch. The assembly can include a locking mechanism that prevents axial movement of the upper latch, relative to the lower latch, after engagement. The upper latch can self-center on the lower latch as it is moved into the latching position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing a riser or similar object against motion can include engaging two or more cylinder apparatus to the object. Communication of fluid between cylinder apparatus, responsive to a force on the object, can limit movement of the object, such as through extension or retraction of pistons within the cylinders. The cylinder apparatus can include internal channels that can accommodate coiled tubing, slickline, wireline, and similar conduits or devices, enabling operations to be performed through the cylinders, independent of their position.

Abstract: A marine riser includes a plurality of central pipes assembled end to end to form a main conduit. A plurality of tension members runs the length of the main conduit. The tension members are coupled to the main conduit to support and constrain an axial motion of the main conduit.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for compensating a landing string due to movement of a floating rig platform. In one aspect, a compensation system for use with a landing string is provided. The compensation system includes a slip joint member attachable to the landing string, the slip joint member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The compensation system further includes a first lock assembly configured to connect the upper portion of the slip joint member to a floating rig. Additionally, the compensation system includes a second lock assembly configured to connect the lower portion of the slip joint member to a riser disposed below the floating rig. In another aspect, a method for compensating a landing string due to movement of a floating rig is provided.

Abstract: A slip joint (10) having a tubular inner barrel (11b) and a tubular outer barrel (11a), the inner barrel (11b) lying at least partially within the outer barrel (11a), the slip joint further comprising a sealing assembly (12a), (12b), (12c) which is operable to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between two sealing surfaces comprising an interior surface of the outer barrel 11a and an exterior surface of the inner barrel (11b), the sealing assembly (12a), (12b), (12c) including an actuator (20) and a seal (46), the actuator (20) being movable to push the seal (46) into engagement with one of the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for applying a substantially constant tension to a workover riser (12) includes a first portion (40) adapted to be coupled to a workover riser, a second portion (44) adapted to be coupled to a marine riser (14) and tensioning means (46) for providing relative movement between the first portion and the second portion to, in use, tension, the workover riser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and reacting to an upper packer failure in a riser slip joint. An upper packer failure is determined by comparing pressures at two points in the upper packer pressure circuit using a differential pressure valve. In the event of a failure of the upper packer, a secondary pressure source is used to energize a lower packer in the riser slip joint.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting a floating rig and a riser assembly includes a rotating control device permitting pressurization of the riser assembly; and a sliding joint connected to the rotating control device, the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized. Another system includes a sliding joint including more than two telescoping sleeves, and the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized at the surface. An apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple sets of telescoping sleeves, each set including at least two of the sleeves. Another apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple radially overlapping seal assemblies.

Abstract: A telescopic riser section device for a riser which is arranged to connect a wellhead to a surface vessel, the telescopic riser section being placed between the wellhead and the riser and being provided with at least one actuator arranged to apply a downward tensile force to the riser; an actuator-pressurizing circuit being connected to the at least one actuator and being arranged on the riser section and/or on the riser.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing well intervention work using coiled tubing. The apparatus includes a structural frame. The upper portion of the frame include two winches for suspending well interventions tools including a coiled tubing injector head. The winches may be selective reciprocated by a hydraulic cylinder to either bring the first or second winch into operative alignment into or out of alignment with a subsea wellhead.

Abstract: An offshore well system for a subsea well, including a floating platform, a drilling riser system connected with the well for drilling operations, and a production riser system connected with the well for production operations. The drilling system also includes a riser tension system. The riser tension system is capable of compensating for movement of the platform while adequately tensioning both drilling riser system and the production riser system when each are connected to the well.

Abstract: A riser tensioner system for tensioning a riser at an offshore vessel includes a frame adapted to affix to the vessel. An elongate riser joint is provided for coupling into the riser. The riser joint has an axial flange portion projecting laterally outward therefrom from and extending axially along a length of the riser joint. Ram pistons are arranged about the frame to couple to the riser and to support the riser in tension. Centralizer arms are arranged on the frame to extend into proximity to the flange portion of the riser joint when the riser joint is received through the frame.

Abstract: A backup heave compensation system and an associated lifting arrangement are for a floating drilling vessel comprising a rig structure with a primary heave compensation system. The backup heave compensation system comprises: a vertically extendable and retractable lifting arrangement; a hydraulic system operatively connected to said lifting arrangement; and a control system operatively connected to said lifting arrangement and hydraulic system for selective control and operation thereof. The lifting arrangement comprises: a rigid frame structure comprised of: at least two vertically extending cylinders; a first transverse element connecting first end portions of said cylinders; and a second transverse element connecting second end portions of said cylinders; and a portal structure comprised of: at least two vertically extending piston rods having first end portions provided each with a piston; and a transverse portal element connecting second end portions of said piston rods.

Abstract: A tailpipe stone dumping vessel (1) for stone dumping through a fallpipe suspended from the vessel, comprising: • a hull (1a), • a fallpipe section storage for storing fallpipe sections (2), • a tower (20) at least comprising fallpipe support means (40) for supporting the suspended fallpipe, said tower (20) being adapted for assembly and disassembly of the fallpipe by addition of a fallpipe section to the upper end of the suspended fallpipe or removal of a fallpipe section from the suspended fallpipe, respectively, • a tower gimbal structure (22) provided between the hull and the tower providing a pivotal mode for the tower (20) wherein the tower is pivotable about at least one pivot axis with respect to the hull so that the tower—and the fallpipe suspended there from—has in a plane associated with said at least one pivot axis an orientation essentially independent from sea-state induced vessel motions, • hoist means (31, 32, 33, 34) for lowering and raising the suspended fallpipe, • fallpipe section handling

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a subsea structure; and a carrier comprising an opening adapted to receive the subsea structure.

Abstract: An Active Motion Compensation system for use during intervention or other work on subsea wells, pipelines or other structures. The present invention can be employed on existing floating production platforms such as Tension Leg Platforms (TLP) and Spar structures where intervention work including Coiled Tubing, Slickline, Electric Line, Wireline, as well as snubbing or Hydraulic Workover activities are being utilized. It can also be deployed over the side of or through the moon pool of a vessel without the need of any other compensation device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing umbilical lines and one or more jumpers are provided. An example of a system includes a deployment platform carrying a winch and spool assembly, a tether management assembly, and an integrated electrical and/or hydraulic umbilical line extending between a spool on the winch and spool assembly and the tether management assembly. The winch and spool assembly is configured to deploy and to support the umbilical line. The tether management assembly includes a winch and spool assembly for deploying a flying lead and/or annulus jumper adapted to connect to an emergency disconnect package of a well control package for a well. A set of buoyant modules are connected to or integral with a portion of the umbilical line to be used to form an artificial heave compensation loop.

Abstract: A heave compensating system for a marine vessel includes a hydraulic machine configured to be coupled to a load suspended from the vessel and to vary the distance between the load and the vessel in response to heaving motion of the vessel. The system further includes a second hydraulic machine in fluid communication with a hydraulic accumulator, both the first and second hydraulic machines are mechanically connected to one another and a shared electric motor, and a controller configured to control hydraulic movement of the first and second hydraulic machines and to control the supply of power to the electric motor.

Abstract: A riser tensioner assembly for supporting risers on an offshore drilling platform includes a frame assembly and a plurality of riser centralizers circumferentially spaced about the frame assembly. The riser centralizers each include a clevis supporting roller for bearing on a riser to limit lateral movement of the riser with respect to the frame assembly. The clevis includes an elongated channel along which the roller is movable to accommodate angular movement of the riser with respect to the frame assembly.

Abstract: An improved motion compensator device that includes a compensated framework for various types of well intervention operations where a stable work area is required that is stationary to the sea bed and equipment in the annulus. The device is intended for use on offshore drilling vessels that are primarily either moored or dynamically positioned and therefore subject to the motions created by the sea. The device is designed to compensate for the vertical motion of the rig by means of two steel frame assemblies, pneumatic compensating cylinders, and a load and motion transfer apparatus.

Abstract: A riser tensioner system maintains a tensile force in a riser having an axis and extending from a subsea wellhead assembly through an opening in a floating platform deck. The tensioner includes a plurality of tensioner legs having lower ends mounted to the deck, and upper ends having slots formed therein to receive leg attachment plates having an opening therein through which a tubular support ring passes. A plurality of cylinders extend between the tubular support ring and a tensioner ring and couple to the support ring with cylinder attachment plates through which the tubular support ring passes. An upper end of each cylinder pivots about the mounting point, and a lower end of each cylinder adjustably mounts to the tensioner ring.

Abstract: In an offshore drilling facility, apparatus is disclosed comprising: a drilling floor centralizer for receiving the upper end of a string of drilling riser sections; a moon pool centralizer for receiving another portion of the drilling riser; and at least one roto-track, removably and rotationally carried by at least one of the pin end of one drilling riser section and the box end of the adjacent drilling riser section, for extending the outer diameter of each of the adjacent ends to the outer diameter of the adjacent drilling risers sections intermediate the ends of the drilling riser sections.

Abstract: Flexible hang-off arrangement is provided for a catenary riser suspended from an offshore or inshore platform, which includes floating or fixed platforms, vessels or/and buoys. The bending loads in the top segments of the said riser are reduced by incorporating a pivot at the riser hang-off. Pressure containing welded, bolted, rolled or swaged pipe spools transfer fluids, including hydrocarbons between the riser and the platform. Along significant spool lengths the tangents to the center lines of said spools are orthogonal to and offset from the tangent to the center line of the riser at the hang-off. The said pressure containing spools include arbitrary looped, spiral and helicoidal designs that are subject to torsion.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting a floating rig and a riser assembly includes a rotating control device permitting pressurization of the riser assembly; and a sliding joint connected to the rotating control device, the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized. Another system includes a sliding joint including more than two telescoping sleeves, and the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized at the surface. An apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple sets of telescoping sleeves, each set including at least two of the sleeves. Another apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple radially overlapping seal assemblies.

Abstract: A ram tensioner system with a deck mountable frame having an upper portion and a lower portion connected by a plurality of cylinder sleeves and at least one guide post sleeve. A guide post engages the guide post sleeves, and an individually replaceable modular cylinder is in each cylinder sleeve along with at least one individually removable seal gland that is lubricated by a hydraulic power unit, and a slidable rod engaging each of the cylinders. The slidable rods can be attached to the tension deck with a tension ring to engage a riser and provide movable tension to the riser.