Abstract: A system for offshore production of oil or gas, comprising a surface vessel having a means for maintaining a desired position and orientation, a bottom installation at the seabed for at least two production wells, and risers for connecting the bottom installation to the vessel. The vessel is provided with drilling equipment for wells at the seabed and with process equipment for produced oil or gas. The bottom installation comprises a template having its foundation at the seabed and being provided with a manifold unit and is designed with at least two well head sections adapted for installing associated Christmas trees. A drill string is adapted to extend from the drilling equipment on the vessel to an operation module at the bottom installation, and a product riser is adapted to connect the operation module to the process equipment on the vessel.

Abstract: An underwater installation for use in offshore drilling of and production from, respectively, oil and/or gas wells at deep and moderate deep water comprises an intermediate station in the form of a buoyancy based hollow body (16) tension strut anchored at the seabed (10) and located at a depth substantially closer to the surface of the sea than the seabed (10). At least one hydrocarbon conveying pipeline extends between the buoyancy body (16) and seabed depth, for the transfer of hydrocarbons from the reservoir to said buoyancy body (16). At least one casing extension pipe string (18a-18h) constitutes the tension leg/strut anchoring the buoyancy body (16). The invention also relates to a method for the building of an underwater installation.

Abstract: Subsea unit for offshore production of oil or gas, comprising one or more wellheads with associated christmas trees provided on or at a bottom frame (template). On or at the template there is mounted a swivel device, having fluid connection to the christmas tree or trees and being provided with connection members for risers and an umbilical or control cable from a production vessel at the sea surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for extending subsea hydrocarbon flowlines from an initial installation on a template/manifold system to later drilled subsea wells. The extension utilizes a pigging valve assembly which completes a flow path to allow for line cleaning or pigging and is modified by adding a curved flowline connector adaptor to extend the subsea flowlines. The apparatus and method minimizes the amount of equipment that must be pre-installed to provide such flexibility, thus facilitating the ability to defer incremental development decisions.

Abstract: Two or more opposing and outward facing profiles are fabricated and joined to each other along their outer edges, forming a section of a guide string. The sections of the guide string are secured together in an assembly and lowered into a single conductor. The assembly lands on the bottom of the well and may support its own weight. The guide string defines two separate longitudinal cavities or sections of the well. Each separate cavity allows drilling and installation of casing in the conductor.

Abstract: A subsea production system that facilitates the cost effective development of offshore hydrocarbon reserves. The system includes a template base, a wellhead assembly, a saddle manifold, flowlines, a subsea tree assembly, and a control center. The system facilitates phased development by allowing control over timing for the installation of system components and by providing extendibility to additional wells developed after installation of the system.

Abstract: A blowout preventer control system has been developed with a pod with features which include a retractable internal stab with fixed internal hydraulic connection lines to the blowout preventer. The hydraulic connection lines are connected by pressure activated packer seals. The stab also has an electrical connector to the blowout preventer which uses a guide which proper aligns the pins of the connector without any rotation. The piping of the control system uses an adjustable length type tubing to reduce the binding on the pipe. A lost motion float is used reduce the loading on the connection bolts of the system. The entire system is enclosed with plates with keep the expended hydraulic fluid in contact with the internal mechanisms. The transducers and seal subs are located for easy accessibility with no disruption of the surrounding elements of the system.

Abstract: A method for connecting a subsea wellhead to a subsea manifold by an articulated flowline comprised of a plurality of flowline segments joined in series by adjustable ball joint connectors each of which comprises a plurality of bolts for clamping the joined segments in a fixed position and means for stretching the bolts by applying a force which does not exceed the yield strength of the bolts to loosen the connection. The method includes attaching one end of the flowline to an outlet of the wellhead, adjusting each of the ball joint connectors to configure the flowline as necessary for attaching the other end of the flowline to the manifold, and attaching said other end of the flowline to the manifold.

Abstract: A guidance system comprising two guide tubes is lowered into a well with a conductor. The guide tubes are connected together by partitions which are about 100 feet apart and divide the conductor into two halves. Each partition comprises two symmetrically formed, semi-cylindrical sections facing in opposite directions. A threaded collar is secured to the upper end of each of the guide tubes. The collars are then landed on a lower plate at the upper end of the conductor. An upper plate is secured to the upper end of the conductor on top of the lower plate. The operator lowers a string of drill pipe through holes in the plates into the conductor to drill a first smaller diameter well at the bottom of the conductor. After drilling to the desired depth, the operator runs a first string of casing down the conductor and through the new well bore. The casing is located on one side of each partition and cemented in place.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for drilling and completing multiple subterranean wells from a template which is secured within a cased well bore extending to the surface. An orienting cam having a bore therethrough is positioned above the template such that the bore through the orienting cam is automatically aligned with one of at least two bores through the template. Fluid tight seals are provided between the orienting cam and the casing and between the orienting cam and one of the at least two bores through the template. Thereafter, a drill string including a drill bit is lowered from the surface of the earth through the casing, the bore through the orienting cam and the one bore through said template to drill a first subterranean well bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and completing a bore hole is disclosed. Generally, the method comprises the steps of positioning a workstring in the well, with the workstring having attached thereto a bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly may contain a bit for rotary drilling a bore hole; and, a drilling motor, operably associated with the bit, for effecting rotation to said drilling means. The method further includes the steps of circulating a fluid in the workstring so that the motor effects rotation of the bit means; and, drilling the bore hole through a target reservoir. In one embodiment, the workstring string is a production string, and the production string is attached to an isolation safety valve member for isolating the well and the bore hole from pressure.

Abstract: A guidance system comprising two guide tubes are lowered into a well with a conductor. The guide tubes are connected together by partitions which divide the conductor into two halves. Each partition comprises two symmetrical half sections facing in opposite directions. The operator lowers a string of drill pipe into the conductor to drill a first smaller diameter well at the bottom of the conductor. After drilling to the desired depth, the operator runs a first string of casing down the conductor and through the new well bore. The casing is located on one side of each partition and cemented in place. The operator then lowers the drill pipe down the other side of the partitions and repeats the drilling and casing of a second well.

Abstract: An offshore fluid transfer system (10) is provided, of the type that includes a riser (32) having an upper end (34) connected through a universal joint (36) to a turret (22) on a vessel and having a lower end (36) anchored by catenary chains (40), and that also includes hoses (70, 71) extending from a base (50, 58) on the seafloor to the turret on the vessel, which avoids the need for a complicated hose structure to pass fluid across the universal joint. A fluid coupling (73) near the bottom of the turret, which is widely spaced from the universal joint, connects to a hose that extends from the fluid coupling in a sinuous path down to the seafloor base. The long length of hose, enables it to bend when the vessel drifts, to avoid excessive hose tension or riser contact during such vessel drift. A riser connector (102) can be operated to disconnect the riser from the turret so the riser can sink. The fluid coupling can include a fluid connector (100) which can separately disconnect the hose from the turret.

Abstract: One or more bracing structures are placed at an underwater mud line location. The bracing structure(s) are first used as a template to guide the offshore drilling and placement of well tubulars. After drilling through the template is completed, at least one of the bracing structures is raised and attached to the well tubulars to act as a support structure for bracing between the well tubulars. The uppermost raised structure typically acts as a working platform or a support for a working platform. If more than one bracing structure is used, they are stacked one on top the other at the underwater location until the well tubulars are in place and one or more of the structures are raised and spaced apart.

Abstract: A system adapted for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of production wells from a remote location is provided. This system is capable of controlling and/or monitoring: (1) a plurality of zones in a single production well; (2) a plurality of zones/wells in a single location (e.g., a single platform); or (3) a plurality of zones/wells located at a plurality of locations (e.g., multiple platforms). The multizone and/or multiwell control system of this invention is composed of multiple downhole electronically controlled electromechanical devices and multiple computer based surface systems operated from multiple locations. Important functions for these systems include the ability to predict the future flow profile of multiple wells and to monitor and control the fluid or gas flow from either the formation into the wellbore, or from the wellbore to the surface.

Abstract: A process comprising: organizing the top of the risers; organizing the bottom of the risers; and twisting the risers to impose tension in the risers. A system comprising: an organizer of the top of the risers; an organizer of the bottom of the risers; and a twister the risers to impose tension in the risers.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for drilling and completing multiple subterranean wells from a template which is secured within a cased well bore extending to the surface. An orienting cam having a bore therethrough is positioned above the template such that the bore through the orienting cam is automatically aligned with one of at least two bores through the template. Fluid tight seals are provided between the orienting cam and the casing and between the orienting cam and one of the at least two bores through the template. Thereafter, a drill string including a drill bit is lowered from the surface of the earth through the casing, the bore through the orienting cam and the one bore through said template to drill a first subterranean well bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and completing a bore hole are disclosed. The method comprises positioning a work string in the well, with a bottom hole assembly attached. The bottom hole assembly can include a drill bit, a drilling motor, orientation instrumentation, and a completion assembly. A fluid is circulated to drive the drill bit to drill the well to a target formation. Then, the completion assembly is used to produce fluids from the formation. Gravel packing can also be performed with the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A subterranean well system and a process for drilling and completing such a system from a first subterranean well bore which extends to the surface of the earth. A second well bore may be drilled from the first well bore and a first tubular of a multiple well drilling template can be positioned within the first well bore while a second tubular of the template can be positioned within both the first and second well bores. Additionally, a third well bore can be drilled from the first well bore and the first tubular can be further positioned therein. The first and second well bores can penetrate subterranean formation(s) or additional well bore(s) can be drilled from the first, second and/or third well bores so as to penetrate subterranean formations. A second multiple well drilling template may be utilized to drill such additional well bore(s) from the second or third well bores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for drilling multiple offshore wells from a single conductor casing string. A guide member is provided for securing to a standard casing string, and running downhole and setting within a lower section of the conductor string. The guide member includes multiple guide bores through which standard casing strings are run. A first one of the standard casing strings i secured into one of the multiple guide bores for lowering the guide member into the lower section of the conductor string. A multibore low pressure wellhead housing is mounted to the conductor string as the guide member is being lowered downhole within the conductor string. Once the guide member is set, the first one of the standard casing strings is released from the guide member and passed downward through the guide member for receiving a drill string and guiding the drill string in drilling a first one of the multiple offshore wells.

Abstract: An improved subsea template system. A drilling template is adapted to rest on the seafloor. The drilling template includes at least one conductor guide through which a well is drilled. An alignment structure is attached to the top of the conductor guide and fits within a conductor guide of a production template. The production template includes at least one conductor guide more than the drilling template. Once engaged, the alignment sleeve serves to coaxially align the conductor guide of the drilling template with a corresponding conductor guide of the production template.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved apparatus and method of moving a large, heavy structure or piece of machinery, such as an oil rig structure on an offshore platform. A plurality of load bearing plates are provided for supporting the structure. Each of the load bearing plates rides upon a plurality of rollers connected together by an endless chain revolving about a central core member when the structure is to be moved. A motor drives the endless chain connecting the rollers on which at least one of the load bearing plates rides when the structure is to be moved. A worm gear coupled to the motor transmits the motion of the motor to the endless chain to translate the structure across a platform.

Abstract: A process for drilling and completing multiple subterranean wells from a common well bore and an assembly for guiding a drill string during drilling and casing during completion of such multiple wells. The assembly comprises a wellhead located at or near the surface of the earth and positioned over the common well bore, at least two tubulars positioned within the common well bore, and means positioned at said wellhead for segregating and supporting the tubulars. In accordance with the process, at least one subterranean well bore is drilled through one of the tubulars and into a subterranean formation and hydrocarbons can be produced from the subterranean formation to the surface via production casing and/or production tubing positioned within the subterranean well bore. Other subterranean well bores can be drilled in a similar manner through other tubulars of the assembly.

Abstract: Basically the system consists of a supporting structure (1) lying in an opening in floating vessel (9) to which a group of risers (3) is connected running from sea bottom to sea surface, linking undersea oil wells to their respective production trees (5) which lie on floating vessel (9), said supporting structure (1) being provided with ball joints that enable a group of risers (3) to articulate in relation to supporting structure (1), and slide blocks to enable said supporting structure to be connected/articulated to floating vessel (9).

Abstract: System for optimizing the development of small oil deposit comprising a main platform, a floating structure including pumping means, the system being positioned close to at least one production wellhead, mechanism for transferring the effluents from said well towards the floating structure and from the floating structure to the main platform. The system comprises a device for taking a sample of a fluid from said effluents and at least one device for injecting said fluid at the level of the wellhead.The method comprises a stage of transfer of the effluents of a deposit towards a floating structure located close to the deposit, taking a sample of fluid from the effluents, reinjecting this sample of fluid at the level of an immersed wellhead and transferring the effluents towards the main platform.

Abstract: A well system, and a method for installing the well system, for use in producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir located beneath a body of water is disclosed. The well system is intended for use in conjunction with a bottom-founded offshore platform. The inventive well system eliminates the conductors traditionally used in offshore platform well systems. According to the invention, a subsea guide template and an outer casing string extending downwardly from the guide template to a first predetermined depth less than the depth of the reservoir are installed prior to installation of the offshore platform. Thereafter, the platform and the first intermediate casing string are installed, in either order. Drilling for the first intermediate casing string takes place in the open hole defined by the outer casing string with all returns of drilling fluid and drill cuttings occurring at the seafloor.

Abstract: A subsea production system effects line connections between a manifold and adjacent satellite wells. The radial distance between each well (37) and a central manifold (38) is reduced to an operational minimum. The manifold is provided with connection terminals (45) including at a lower portion, a hydraulic type connector (47), and at an upper portion a reentry mandrel (50). A supporting structure (53) of the connection terminal (45) consists at the lower portion of a mud mat (54) centrally of a waiting mandrel (55). A lateral structure (56) is provided at an upper portion with eyelets (57), and the upper portion mounts a reentry funnel (58). Various methods are effected for completing line connections between such a manifold (38) and adjacent satellite wells (37).

Abstract: A template and process for drilling and completing multiple wells in a subterranean formation. A template having a plurality of axially extending, divergent bores therethrough is secured to surface or intermediate casing and a like plurality of subterranean wells are drilled through the bores and into the subterranean formation. Each well is separately cased to the well head at the surface and separate production tubing is inserted into each well. Thus, remedial operations can be carded out in one well or fluid injected into a subterranean formation via one well while fluid, such as hydrocarbons, are simultaneously produced from a subterranean formation via the other well(s).

Abstract: A method of extending the working range of a main platform installation for oil deposits at sea involves:(1) positioning a temporary floating station at a location distance from the main platform installation and near to an oil deposit having small individual production capacity;(2) connecting the floating station with at least one well head of said oil deposit;(3) bringing up multi-component effluents from the at least one well head and pumping the effluents to the main platform installation;(4) when production of the effluents from said deposit ends, removing the floating station; and then(5) repositioning the floating station at at least one other oil deposit located at a distant location from said main platform installation to work the at least one other deposit. Also a facility for carrying out this method as described.

Abstract: A subsea production system effects line connections between a manifold and adjacent satellite wells. The radial distance between each well (37) and a central manifold (38) is reduced to an operational minimum. The manifold is provided with connection terminals (45) including at a lower portion, a hydraulic type connector (47), and at an upper portion a reentry mandrel (50). A supporting structure (53) of the connection terminal (45) consists at the lower portion of a mud mat (54) centrally of a waiting mandrel (55). A lateral structure (56) is provided at an upper portion with eyelets (57), and the upper portion mounts a reentry funnel (58). Various methods are effected for completing line connections between such a manifold (38) and adjacent satellite wells (37).

Abstract: A system is provided for installing a drilling template in a level orientation over an ocean floor. The drilling template is supported on a plurality of preset piles. The piles extend above the ocean floor. After the piles are set, their elevations are accurately determined, and pile-receiving sockets in the drilling template are finally fabricated to have depths corresponding to the respective piles to be received therein. Once the drilling template is lowered onto the piles, it is supported in a level orientation.

Abstract: A method of extending the working range of a main platform installation for oil deposits at sea involves:(1) positioning a temporary floating station at a location distance from the main platform installation and near to an oil deposit having small individual production capacity;(2) connecting the floating station with at least one well head of said oil deposit;(3) bringing up multi-component effluents from the at least one well head and pumping the effluents to the main platform installation;(4) when production of the effluents from said deposit ends, removing the floating station; and then(5) repositioning the floating station at at least one other oil deposit located at a distant location from said main platform installation to work the at least one other deposit. Also a facility for carrying out this method as described.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for subsea transportation of a hydrocarbon production stream utilizing a wellhead aspirator to reduce wellhead flowing pressure. By using the Bernoulli effect, a head is delivered to the flowing stream that enables the crude oil/water/gas fluid within the system to be moved farther distances than wellhead pressure alone would allow.

Abstract: A universal tool for simultaneous vertical connections between two flow line terminals to be connected includes two vertical hydraulic connectors (2, 3) for locking to the fishing mandrels (43, 44) of the bridge of connectors (41). A vertical compensation system provides upwards and downwards movement of the structure (6) which supports the second connector (3). A turning system of the structure is employed and a guideline orientation system includes two structural arms (4). Each arm contains a funnel in its extremity, utilized for orientation with cables and guide posts. A horizontal movement system acts through a hydraulic cylinder (17) which has a shaft (18) coupled to a telescopic arm (20). An angular compensation system utilized in the second connector (3) acts through a spherical-shaped articulation (24) which supports, through a pin (58), a supporting shaft (27) of the second connector (3).

Abstract: Environmentally-safe work-over operations are carried out on a well of an offshore platform by transporting an auxiliary oil-and-water separator together with well work-over equipment and installing it temporarily on the platform. The large volumes of oil- or chemical-contaminated fluids generated during a well work-over operation are collected and run through the high-capacity auxiliary oil-and-water separator before being disposed of and without upsetting the performance of the regular platform separator handling the flow of production fluids from other wells on the platform.

Abstract: A subsea structure for oil well drilling, completion and production and specially designed for utilization in water depths of 1,000 m or more. The structure includes a template having radially extending structures and which extends radially from a central foundation, on top of which the template shall be set and where a central manifold for controlling the production of wells is located. Each structure arm is provided in its extremity with an opening for adaptation of a guide-base for well drilling, and one of the arms of the template (1) is intended to receive connectors (6) of export and well control lines.

Abstract: A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a template having a three-dimensional framework enclosing one or more production bays, each bay having a well slot and a manifold slot. The space above the well slot is occupied by a tree module fitted with a high pressure cap. The space above the manifold slot is occupied by a manifold header module positioned on the template and forming the base of the equipment in the area of the manifold slot(s), isolation valve module(s) positioned adjacent to the manifold header module and connected thereto, flow control modules(s) positioned adjacent to the isolation valve module(s) and connected thereto, production choke module(s) positioned adjacent to the flow control module(s) and connected thereto, and production control pod(s) positioned adjacent to the flow control modules(s) and connected thereto. The tree module(s) are connected to the flow control module(s).

Abstract: A method and device for producing effluent contained in a submarine geological formation which enables a submarine transfer of a petroleum output over short and medium distances between, for example, a hydrocarbon deposit and a hydrocarbon processing platform located over a larger deposit developed previously. At least one wellhead of the wells in the geological formation is connected to a production line feeding into the processing platform, with a pumping module being provided in the form of a jet pump connecting the wellheads to the production line whereby the hydrocarbons are pumped from the outlets of the well heads to the processing zone by the jet pump.

Abstract: The field of crude oil exploitation on a sub-marine site. The station comprises a platform 1 of octagonal shape carried by a central column 2 anchored in the ground on which is fixed an effluent collecting module 5. Stacked on the said module is a central control module 60. Fixed in overhanging fashion on six sides of the octagon are frames 10 to 15 adapted to overhang drilling wells and each carrying a production head 30, 40. On the other two sides of the octagon, fixed by means of frames, there are an umblical head 80 and a connecting module 70 for the discharge of effluent.This arrangement makes it possible to bring a certain number of wells close to the platform and so shorten the distances between the modular units.

Abstract: Where a subsea well is completed for production or water injection service, a subsea christmas tree must sealably connect with both the wellhead and the pipeline(s) or subsea manifold template pipework in order that fluids may flow out of (or into) the well. An intermediate series of pipework loops mounted within a space frame, herein referred to as a Flowline Connection Module (FCM) is removably interposed between the subsea wellhead and the subsea christmas tree to facilitate the piping connections. Each of the modules is further provided with removable U-looped pipework spools at its extremities and said spools may contain adjustable chokes to control the flow of fluids into or out of the wells. The replacement of one choke spool with another may adapt the service function of the well from, for example, production to water injection.

Abstract: Subsea template and method for using the same. A subsea template includes a plurality of gimballed joints for receiving piles therethrough which are anchored in the sea floor. Also included are a plurality of gimballed joints for receiving well conductors therethrough. A template is lowered to the sea floor. The piles and well casings are inserted into their associated gimballed joints from a substantially vertical axis and when finally positioned, are fixedly connected to the gimballed joint associated therewith thus obviating the need for leveling the template.

Abstract: A floating drilling platform having dual work stations is disclosed for performing deep sea drilling and/or hydrocarbon production operations. The structure of the platform is designed to accommodate replaceable modules which facilitate the installation and removal of either a drilling derrick or production equipment. Thus, during the drilling phase of a reservoir's development, the platform may be outfitted with dual drilling derricks while at later times the platform may be outfitted with a drilling derrick and a full production facility. Various expedients are available to permit the equipment of one work station to be used in conjunction with the equipment of one other. Simultaneous management of dual conductors is enabled by a dual riser management system which models in real time riser behavior under varying environmental and other operational conditions. The dual riser management system includes a riser analysis subsystem, a mooring analysis subsystem and a vessel stability analysis subsystem.

Abstract: A casing guide apparatus includes a subsea well template having a well opening defined therein, and a cylindrical well casing received through the well opening. A casing guide bushing is operably asssociated with the template and the casing for permitting relative vertical movement between the template and the casing and for preventing relative lateral movement between the template and the casing at the well opening.

Abstract: A light-weight, modular drilling template. A template is constructed of light-weight tubular steel having ring stiffeners to provide adequate crush resistance to withstand collapse under hydraulic loading provided by water pressure at 1800 feet water depth. The template is constructed as a pod-receiving frame with separable pods that may be installed after the frame has been set on the seafloor and leveled. The individual pods may be fine tune leveled by means of adjustable jacking mechanisms that form part of the latching devices that secure the pods to the frame. A method for installing a foundation template subsequent to installing the drilling template is also described.

Abstract: A subsea drilling template has a plurality of drilling guides disposed at various angles relative to the plane of the template. The drilling guides cause angular deviation of the drill string passing into the guides resulting in wide spacing of the boreholes drilling through the template. The widespread boreholes allow efficient production of shallow subsea hydrocarbon producing formation without the need of satellite wells.

Abstract: A drilling template for multiple wells has a dummy post on the template associate with each wellhead position and a wellhead connector is transferable between the dummy post and wellhead during completion and workover operations. A subsea wellhead is provided with a guide frame on which a dummy post is supported permitting the wellhead connector to be transferred between the dummy post and the wellhead. The wellhead includes a landing nipple and tubing hanger which permit the tubing hanger to tilt relative to the casing head without breaking the seal between the hanger and nipple. The wellhead connector is latched and released from the tubing head by reciprocation of a control sleeve and the connector is held in the unlatched position by a releasable lock. The wellhead connector includes a plug having a metal seal held in compression together with a resilient seal.

Abstract: A sub-sea oil production system has a three-dimensional template with a framework of vertical and horizontal members. These members enclose one or more production bays each of which has a well slot and a manifold slot. Within each bay a well tree module may be installed vertically above the well slot and a manifold module vertically above the manifold slot, with a production bridge module linking them. The template and the modules are designed to be transported and installed by a semi-submersible drilling rig without the use of divers or guidelines. All access points are at the top of the modules so that the modules can be inspected, tested and serviced by a remotely operated vehicle, which can perch on raised guides on the top of hinged covers of the framework.

Abstract: Wellhead supported subsea template apparatus and methods of installing such template apparatus are provided. The template apparatus are each comprised of a central support member adapted to be positioned into engagement with an upper portion of an existing wellhead and to be supported thereon above the sea floor. Attached to the template are a plurality of laterally spaced guide slot members, mechanisms for removably connecting the central support member to a running tool, and mechanisms for preventing the support member from rotating on the wellhead after being positioned thereon.

Abstract: A subsea system for transmitting a multiphase flow of hydrocarbons produced from a subsea well positioned remotely from fluid storing and treating facilities. The system includes a subsea well template which encloses a plurality of well heads. A composite hydrocarbon flow is manifolded from the respective wells and conducted to a fluid separator which causes the composite stream to separate into discrete liquid and vaporous flows. The latter are then conducted through a multi-conductor riser to the treating and storage facility.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation located beneath the floor of a body of water. A platform structure is installed on the floor over the formation and well conductors are extended down the structure and penetrate into the floor of the body of water. The conductors may include an upper vertical portion, then continually curve downwardly and outwardly through the structure above the floor in a manner maintaining a relatively smooth bore throughout the entire extent of the conductors. The conductors are extended into the floor of the body of water and wells are drilled, via the conductors, down into communication with the formation. Formation fluids are then produced from the formation via the conductors.This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. B1 Re. 28,860, dated Sept. 3, 1985, Request Nos. 90/000,412, June 27, 1983 and 90/000,607, Aug. 13, 1984.