Abstract: A push-up tensioner for maintaining a tensile force in a riser having an axis couples to a floating platform and maintains the tensile force while the riser tilts variably from the vertical. The tensioner includes a plurality of cylinders having a lower end pivotally coupled to the deck. The cylinders are substantially perpendicular to the deck in the running position and at an angle to the deck in the tensioning position. After running of the riser, a placement assembly moves the cylinders from the running position to the tensioning position. A tensioner ring is run on the riser proximate to an upper end of the cylinders, and the cylinders are then automatically coupled to the tensioner ring.

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 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 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 travel joint (100) for space out operations in a wellbore. The travel joint (100) includes a generally tubular mandrel assembly (112) and a generally tubular housing assembly (102) slidably disposed about the mandrel assembly (112). The mandrel assembly (112) included an infinite slot (118) and at least one axial slot (120). A lock assembly (128) is positioned between the mandrel assembly (112) and the housing assembly (102). The lock assembly (128) is operable to selectively prevent and allow relative axial movement between the mandrel assembly (112) and the housing assembly (102). A floating lug ring (140) is positioned between the mandrel assembly (112) and the housing assembly (102). The floating lug ring (140) includes at least one lug (142) and is operable to rotate relative to the mandrel assembly (112) and the housing assembly (102) when the lug (142) travels in the infinite slot (118).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling movements of a free-hanging tubular suspended via at least a connector element by at least one compensator member connected to a buoyant vessel, the tubular extending into a body of water below the vessel. The apparatus includes a motion sensing device configured to sense movements of the compensator member and thus that of the vessel, and a position indicator device configured to sense the position of the connector element, and thus that of an upper region of the tubular, with respect to the compensator member. The apparatus further includes a data processor configured to determine one or more parameters regarding the movement between the vessel and the upper region of the tubular; and an adjusting device configured to control at least the stiffness and dampening of the compensator member; whereby the axial loads which are transferred between the compensator and the tubular may be controlled.

Abstract: A floating, offshore drilling and/or production platform is equipped with a rail-mounted transport system that can be positioned at a plurality of selected positions over the well bay of the vessel. The transport system can move a drilling riser with a drilling riser tensioner system and a blowout preventer from one drilling location to another without removing them from the well bay of the vessel. Using the transport system, the drilling riser is lifted just clear of a first well head and positioned over an adjacent, second well head using guidelines. The transport system may then move the upper end of the drilling riser (together with its attached tensioner and BOP) to a second drilling location. A dummy wellhead may be provided on the seafloor in order to secure the lower end of the drilling riser without removing it from the sea while production risers are being installed.

Abstract: A tieback connection between an offshore production platform and a wellhead on the sea floor has a riser and a tubular expandable and contractable member within the riser. The expandable and contractable member compensates for axial movement within the riser while maintaining axial tension in the riser. The expandable and contractable member is of uni-body construction having a wall configured to correspondingly expand and contract to compensate for the riser movement. In cross section, the member wall comprises folds formable by alternating slots formed into the inner and outer wall surface or an undulating surface.

Abstract: A heave compensation system that facilitates the transfer of pipe between a floating platform and a snubbing jack. The heave compensation system includes a first end connected to the floating platform and a second end in connection with a traveling slip assembly of the snubbing jack, the heave compensation system is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. When the heave compensation system is in the disengaged position the traveling slip assembly moves separate and independent from the movement of the floating platform, and when the heave compensation system is in the engaged position the traveling slip assembly is locked in a constant position relative to the floating platform.

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 MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a liquid and a gas interface moves along a flow line between a riser and a gas accumulator as the tubular moves up and down. In another 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. In other embodiments, a piston connected with the rig or the riser telescoping joint moves in a fluid container thereby communicating fluid either into or out of the riser annulus.

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 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.

Abstract: A surface assembly that communicates with subsea structures and includes a working deck on a floating structure. The working deck has an aperture extending axially therethrough. A riser extends from a subsea location to the working deck and through the aperture. The surface assembly includes a frame extending circumferentially around the riser so that the frame moves axially with the riser. The assembly also includes a tensioner assembly connected between the working deck and the frame. The tensioner assembly includes a piston slidably carried in a piston chamber, a piston rod extending from the piston and away from the piston chamber, and a shroud enclosing the piston rod. The shroud has a plurality of segments with at least one of the shroud segments being movable in unison with the piston rod.

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: 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: A method for maintaining pressure in a wellbore drilled from a drilling platform floating on a body of water includes pumping fluid at a determined flow rate into a drill string disposed in a wellbore and measuring fluid pressure within a fluid discharge line of fluid returning from the wellbore. The fluid discharge line has a variable length corresponding to an elevation of the floating platform above the bottom of the body of water. The wellbore pressure is determined at a selected depth in the wellbore or at a selected position along a drilling riser or variable length portion of the fluid discharge line using known parameters/methods. The determined wellbore pressure is adjusted for changes in length of the fluid discharge line corresponding to changes in the elevation of the floating platform relative to the bottom of the body of water.

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: Methods and apparatuses for active heave compensation, the method, in certain aspects, including the steps of: (a) measuring with a measurement device (44) the heave of a vessel (10) and outputting a heave signal representative thereof; (b) using said heave signal to compensate for said heave by moving a connection device (20) relative to said vessel (10) as a function of said heave signal, whereby movement due to said heave of a load attached to said vessel via the connection device is reduced; said heave signal comprising errors induced by said measurement device (44) whereby accuracy of said compensation is reduced; (c) processing said heave signal so as to reduce said errors and outputting an adjusted heave signal; and (d) using said adjusted heave signal to move said connection device (20) to compensate for said heave.

Abstract: Floating systems for well operations are disclosed with a height-adjustable crown assembly movably connected to a derrick; in one aspect, movable within the derrick by movement apparatus; and, in one aspect, movable with a motion compensator. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A shock absorber for use in lowering a structure in a body of sea water. The shock absorber includes a cylinder with a piston arranged slidably therein, said piston having a piston rod which in use extends downwards out of the cylinder, wherein at least one chamber in the cylinder above the piston is fillable with a fluid and is provided with means for controlled exiting of the fluid from the chamber when the piston rod is subjected to an impact force which presses the piston inwards in the chamber. Said fluid is water deliverable from the body of sea water to said chamber through a valve device having a one-way function in the piston, and the piston and the piston rod alone have sufficient weight to pull the piston down and provide renewed filling of the chamber with water when the impact force has ceased.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a marine riser comprising a support for a number of actuators, where the support is connected to a vessel's structure, and where each actuator is connected to the support and to a marine riser, and where elements of the riser tensioner apparatus are enclosed.

Abstract: A system for active heave compensation of the running block in a drilling derrick on board a floating off shore platform comprises a double-acting hydraulic cylinder (1) which is connected to a hydraulic power unit (3) for the supply of hydraulic pressure fluid to the hydraulic cylinder (1), a control unit (6) which regulates the supply conditions of the pressure fluid to the at any time active side (A, B) of the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic fluid concurrently being permitted to leave the passive side (B, A) of the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic power unit (3) comprises a pump unit (4) which via respective conduits (9a, 9b) are directly connected to the two sides (A, B) of the hydraulic cylinder (1) in order to form a generally closed hydraulic system therewith. The hydraulic fluid delivered by the pump unit (4) to the conduits (9a, 9b) to the active cylinder side is drawn from the conduit (9b, 9a) to the passive cylinder side, while the control unit regulates the output of the pump unit.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant alloy tube is formed and bonded to a pre-machined steel alloy rod to form a riser tensional cylinder rod. During assembly, an epoxy is injected into an annular space between the tube and rod and then cured. The bonded tube is ground to a desired surface finish prior to installation and utilizes a double seal arrangement that prevents external pressure or corrosive fluids from entering the cured epoxy in the annular space.

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: The disclosure provides a subsea overload release system and method. The disclosure provides a releasable connection system than can be overridden during an overload condition, and is resettable in a subsea location in situ. During normal operation, a collet sleeve is slidably engageable with a collet having one or more fingers that can releasably couple a first member with a second member. During an overload condition, an overload piston acting on fluid in an overload reservoir causes an overload pressure and a rupture or other release of fluid through an overload pressure member, causing the overload reservoir to at least partially collapse. The collapse allows the system to extend and force open the fingers to disengage the second member from the first member. When the overload symptom is rectified, the overload reservoir can be reset and the overload pressure member reset or replaced without requiring repairs above sea surface.

Abstract: Telescoping riser arrangement forming part of a riser string (1) connecting a subsea well and a floating installation. The riser arrangement is adapted to be switched between a high pressure mode, in which an upper part of the riser assembly will move vertically with respect to the installation when the installation heaves, and a low pressure mode in which the upper part of the riser assembly will move vertically along with the installation when the installation heaves. In the low pressure mode, a low pressure inner sleeve (9) is adapted to reciprocate inside a high pressure outer sleeve (1a), the reciprocating heave path being above the position of the inner sleeve (9) in the high pressure mode. In the high pressure mode, the telescoping section of the low pressure inner sleeve (9) is enclosed within a high pressure compartment.

Abstract: This patent application applies to an Active Motion Compensation system for use during intervention or other work on subsea wells, pipelines or other structures. It could be used 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 could also be deployed over the side of or through the moon pool of a vessel without the need of any other compensation device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods and apparatus for the design, installation, use, recovery, and reuse of a Self Supporting Riser (SSR) for wells that are not under a platform. The SSR of the present invention uses standardized joints that can be recovered, potentially warehoused, and recombined in different configurations for different purposes or locations. Emphasis is on methods and apparatus that use relatively small vessels subject to high motions in the use and recovery of the SSR, especially the methods, apparatus and vessel for downhole intervention and work over through a SSR.

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 tensioner system for an offshore drilling rig for drilling a well with recoil controls is disclosed herein. The tensioner system can include removable independently operable riser tensioner assemblies. Each removable independently operable riser tensioner assembly can include a bidirectional riser recoil valve and a hydraulic cylinder connected thereto. The hydraulic cylinder can power a rod engaged with a clevis and a blind end clevis. The clevis can engage a tension ring on a drilling riser. A fluid containment storage can be connected to the bidirectional riser recoil valve and the hydraulic cylinder, and can have a goose neck for connecting to a flexible jumper. A controller can be connected to the bidirectional riser recoil valve for regulating flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough to control a disconnect process of the drilling riser by controlled raising or lowering of the drilling riser.

Abstract: A riser tensioner cylinder rod incorporates a thin, corrosion-resistant alloy tube over a pre-machined steel alloy rod. The tube is swedged at one end and expanded to the inner surface of a split die. A gradual tapered surface on a stretching die provides a smooth transition during a stretching process for the tube. A pressurizing vessel traps an outer lip of the pre-swedged tube. Pressurized fluid in the vessel simultaneously causes the tube to expand and force the rod into the tube inner diameter. At the completion of the process, the pressurizing vessel is removed. The stretched tube is parted off at both ends and the stretching die is removed from the rod to complete the assembly.

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 vessel for operating on underwater wells has a deck; a moon pool extending through the deck; a further deck elevated above the moon pool and having a hole; and a compensation unit, which is mounted on the deck above the moon pool, is arranged between the deck and the further deck, and is provided with a frame sliding along the deck, a support carrier moveable with respect to the frame in a direction substantially vertical and suitable to support items, and a driving assembly connecting the support carrier to the frame and suitable to be selectively set so as to displace in the direction the support carrier either in a heave compensation mode or in a elevator mode.

Abstract: A floating arrangement is provided for overhauling hydrocarbon wells at sea by means of coiled tubing, where the floating arrangement comprises a drill floor and a work deck which is arranged in an opening in the drill floor. The floating arrangement comprises a first set of heave-compensating devices which are arranged for connection to a slip joint connected to a riser in such a manner that an approximately constant tension in the riser can be maintained when the floating arrangement moves in the water. The floating arrangement further comprises a second set of heave-compensating devices which are arranged for connection to the work deck in such a manner that the work deck is at an approximately constant distance from the seabed when the work deck can move relative to the drill floor and the floating arrangement moves in the water. The invention also comprises a method for overhauling hydrocarbon wells at sea from a floating arrangement by means of a coiled tubing frame.

Abstract: A tensioner system for a top-tensioned riser in a floating platform includes a hydro-pneumatic tensioner assembly resiliently mounted to the floating platform, and a riser support conductor surrounding the riser coaxially, wherein the support conductor conveys a pull-type tensional force from the hydro-pneumatic tensioner assembly to the riser through a riser conductor coupling assembly that engages the tensioner assembly and the riser support conductor to convey the tensional force. A riser tension joint support assembly conveys the tensional force from the riser support conductor to a riser tension joint on the riser. The tensioner assembly compensates for relative platform motion including pitch, heave, and yaw. Also a reactive load assembly is mounted to the platform and reacts to a two-point dynamic bending moment imposed on the riser support conductor, while resisting riser support conductor rotation.

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

Abstract: A tensioner system is described for oil and natural gas floating platforms and floating vessels having a plurality of self contained dual pressure cylinders for adjusting simultaneously low and high pressures in low pressure and high pressure channels, wherein the tensioner system is disposed on a floating structure to dampen the effects of sea waves and wind load between casing from a well and the floating structure due to movement of the sea and movement based on wind.

Abstract: A method for tensioning for oil and natural gas floating platforms and floating vessels using a plurality of self contained dual pressure cylinders for adjusting simultaneously low and high pressures in low pressure and high pressure channels. The method can be used on a floating structure to dampen the effects of sea waves and wind load between casing from a well and the floating structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon exploration system, comprising a first vessel (1) having a turret (3) around which the vessel can weathervane, the turret being moored to the sea bed (4), and a second vessel (7) connected with at least one riser (12) to a subsea well (5), the first vessel (1) being connected to the second vessel via a fluid transfer duct (20) comprising a first end section (23) attached to the turret of the first vessel (1), a substantially horizontal mid section (24), and a second end section (22) attached at or near the second vessel (7), the second vessel (7) weighing between 2,000 and 15,000 ton its base being attached to the sea bed via taut tendons (9), the weight exerted by the fluid transfer duct (20) on the second vessel being below 1,000 ton, a power generator being situated on the first vessel (1), power being transferred from the power generator via an electrical swivel on the first vessel.

Abstract: A self contained dual pressure cylinder for use in tensioner assemblies for oil and natural gas floating vessels. The self contained dual pressure cylinder can have a high pressure outer barrel surrounding a high pressure inner barrel, forming a high pressure gas channel, a low pressure outer barrel surrounding a low pressure inner barrel, forming a low pressure fluid channel. A high pressure gas port connected to a high pressure gas reservoir, a low pressure fluid port connected to a low pressure gas reservoir, a low pressure fluid compression area connected to the low pressure fluid port, a hollow rod slidingly engaged each inner barrel, a dual pressure capture plate with moveable rod seals and moveable rod wear, a piston a low pressure elastomeric seal, a low pressure/high pressure separator, and a high pressure elastomeric seal.

Abstract: The method of preventing over tension to an umbilical wrapped on the spool of an offshore reel when the umbilical is being normally deployed or retrieved or when the umbilical is unexpectedly pulled from the spool on the reel, comprising providing a main disk, mounting the main disk on the spool of the reel with a slip connection which will be automatically controlled, connecting motor power for the reel to the main disk, connecting brakes to the main disk, such that when the diameter of deployment varies the slip connection torque will be automatically adjusted and prevent the umbilical from being subjected to tension higher than the desired amount.

Abstract: A depth compensated passive eave compensator comprises a first cylinder connected at its upper end to a vessel. A piston rod extends from a piston located within the first cylinder through the lower end thereof and is connected to subsea equipment. A second cylinder contains a compressed gas which maintains pressure beneath the piston of the first cylinder. The upper end of the first cylinder is connected to the upper end of a third cylinder having a piston mounted therein. A piston rod extending from the piston of third cylinder extends through the lower end thereof thereby applying the pressure of the sea to the piston of the third cylinder.

Abstract: A floating vessel for supporting top tension drilling and production risers having a hull and an operation deck disposed on top of the hull. A tensioner assembly for moveably carrying a conductor that communicates from a wellhead to a piece of well access equipment. The well access equipment is connected to the floating vessel. The tensioner assembly is supported by the floating vessel.

Abstract: This patent application applies to an Active Motion Compensation system for use during intervention or other work on subsea wells, pipelines or other structures. It could be used 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 could also be deployed over the side of or through the moon pool of a vessel without the need of any other compensation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating production platform for oil and/or gas production in a marine environment, the floating production platform comprising: a floater for providing buoyancy, the floater having suitable motion characteristics for supporting a dry tree riser, at least one riser support point constructed and arranged for supporting at least one dry tree riser which extends between the floating production platform and a seabed, a rotary communication assembly constructed and arranged for providing communication between the floating production platform and a vessel for: transferring a product fluid coming out of the at least one riser to the vessel, and/or transferring other fluids between the floating production platform and the vessel, and/or transferring electrical power via one or more electrical lines between the floating production platform and the vessel, transferring control signals via one or more electrical lines or fibre optic lines between the floating production platform an

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 tensioner for an offshore structure has inner and outer barrels engaging each other for movement between retracted and extended positions. The barrels are filled with gas pressure. A primary seal is located between the inner and outer barrels at the open end of the inner barrel. An annular lubricant reservoir is mounted to an interior wall surface of the inner barrel at the open end of the inner barrel. A lubricant port extends from the lubricant reservoir through the inner barrel to a high pressure side of the primary seal for dispensing lubricant between the inner and outer barrels. A fill tube leads from the reservoir to the exterior of the inner barrel for replenishing lubricant.

Abstract: A riser tensioner has inner and outer cylindrical barrels that telescopingly engage each other. A small external tank is mounted outside of the barrels for communicating a small quantity of hydraulic fluid the seals between the inner and outer barrels. The external tank allows the internal volume of the cylinder rod assembly to be used for gas storage and reduces the need for accumulators. The fluid level in the external tank is checked via a sight glass, and the tank is isolated from the cylinder assembly by a combination of check and three-way valves, which allows easier access to the working fluid, and allows the addition or removal of high pressure fluid to the system without a high pressure fluid cart.

Abstract: A technique facilitates formation of connections between compliant tubular members and subsea facilities. A compliant tubular member is deployed to a subsea location in a manner that arranges the compliant tubular member in a curvilinear shape. The distal end of the compliant tubular member is drawn down into proximity with the subsea facility and then moved horizontally into alignment with the subsea facility. Subsequently, the distal end is lowered into engagement with the subsea facility without being detrimentally affected by motion of an upper end of the compliant tubular member.

Abstract: A heave compensation system provides a direct acting heave compensator that reduces stress and fatigue on a line, the system includes a single sheave system that compensates for heave as it carries a load line and moves along a curve profile of the heave compensator tangent to the point the load line comes off of a line handling system. The length of the line extending from the line handling system to the sheave remains substantially the same length during heave compensation operations, and the point where the line takes off from the line handling system is substantially the only point of changing stress on the line.