Abstract: This disclosure includes riser-component assemblies and methods of assembling the same that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) and that can be split apart when using pin connectors to connect auxiliary lines to other auxiliary lines and to components of the riser-component assemblies.

Abstract: A method includes mounting a platform deck block to a tower. The platform deck block (500) includes a first frame (515) defining a deck, a plurality of first conductor tubes (505) connected to the first frame, a first plurality of releasable connectors (520) coupled to the first conductor tubes, and a plurality of docking receptacles (800A,800B,800C) defined in the deck. The tower includes a second frame (415), a plurality of second conductor tubes (405) connected to the second frame, and a second plurality of releasable connectors (420) coupled to the second conductor tubes and engaging the first plurality of releasable connectors coupled to the first conductor tubes. The method further comprises mounting a first production block (600) to one of the plurality of docking receptacles.

Abstract: The submarine drilling support system includes a first guide support part that has a ring shape, has a plurality of rollers of which roller axes are directed to a horizontal direction and is arranged along a circumferential direction going around a rotation support axis parallel to a vertical direction, and is provided to allow the drill pipe to be inserted through in the vertical direction; and a first rotation holding part that is configured to support the first guide support part so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The pluralities of rollers are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and are arranged in a state where the drill pipe is able to insert through a space surrounded by the plurality of rollers.

Abstract: A flexible deployment system is used to deploy subsea/downhole well equipment or modules from a multi-purpose vessel without requiring a moon pool and a derrick or tower. The deployment system may include the vessel and a deployment frame disposed on the vessel. The deployment frame includes a protruding section extending as a cantilever beyond an external edge of the vessel, and the protruding section includes an aperture formed therein to facilitate construction of the well equipment or modules through the protruding section. The deployment system also includes an actuation assembly coupled to the protruding section to selectively transition the protruding section to a collapsed, split, or retracted orientation out of a deployment path of the well equipment or modules. The system allows for controlled deployment of well equipment or modules including at least a string of downhole tools or tubulars coupled end to end from the side of the vessel in a single trip.

Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.

Abstract: A method for managed pressure drilling comprising: extending a drilling riser with a drill string from a floating installation to a subsea blow-out preventer stack; providing a first fluid in the drilling riser annulus and a second fluid in a fluid conduit extending from the floating installation, where the first fluid has a higher density than the second fluid; circulating the second fluid through a control valve which is fluidly connected to the fluid conduit and operating the control valve to apply a surface back-pressure so as to obtain a pre-determined, desired combined hydrostatic and frictional circulation pressure below the subsea blow-out preventer stack.

Abstract: An offshore platform for use in combination with an offshore rig comprises an upper deck defining an upper deck aperture which is alignable with a rig aperture of the offshore rig, when said offshore rig extends over the upper deck, to permit objects to extend between the offshore rig and through the upper deck. The offshore platform further includes a sheath arrangement aligned with the upper deck aperture and extending upwardly relative to the upper deck to be alignable with the rig aperture, wherein the sheath arrangement defines a confinement zone for confining objects which pass downwardly from the offshore rig through the rig aperture.

Abstract: A method can include positioning a tubular string in a riser string including an outer housing of a pressure control device and an annular seal operable to prevent flow through an annulus between the tubular and riser strings, the tubular string including an equalization valve and a running tool operable to convey a releasable assembly of the pressure control device through the riser string, and opening the equalization valve, thereby permitting fluid communication between the annulus and a flow passage extending longitudinally through the tubular string. A system can include a riser string including an annular blowout preventer with an annular seal, a tubular string including a running tool and an equalization valve releasably attachable to a releasable assembly including an annular seal, and the equalization valve selectively preventing and permitting fluid communication between a flow passage of the tubular string and an annulus between the annular seals.

Abstract: A fluid processing machine that includes a stator capable of generating an electromagnetic field and a first rotor section having at least one impeller and at least one permanent magnet. The stator is configured to electromagnetically engage with the first rotor section so as to rotate the first rotor section about a central axis in a first rotational direction. Further rotor sections can also be included that are induced to rotate in the first rotational direction. Other rotator sections with impellers and permanent magnets can also be included that are driven in a second, contra-rotating, direction by a second stator. Several of the fluid processing machine can be distributed within a surface system or subsea system that transports produced fluid from wells to a surface facility.

Abstract: A string assembly system that includes a first conduit defining a first end and a second end. A second conduit defining a third end and a fourth end. A first connector assembly coupled to the second end of the first conduit. The first connector assembly includes a first connector shaft that rotates relative to the first conduit and the second conduit. A first alignment shaft that axially aligns the first conduit and the second conduit. A second connector assembly couples to the third end of the second conduit. The second connector assembly couples to the first connector shaft, and the first conduit rotates relative to the second conduit.

Abstract: A reelable pipeline includes a pipe-in-pipe section and a single pipe section coupled to the pipe-in-pipe section. The single pipe section has a bending stiffness that is different from the bending stiffness of the pipe-in-pipe section. The reelable pipeline includes a transition piece connected between the pipe-in-pipe section and the single pipe section and having a bending stiffness that varies along its length.

Abstract: A protection system for a drilling riser. The drilling riser includes a main drilling riser bore and a drilling riser annulus and extends from a floating installation to a location on a seafloor and is fluidly connected to a subsea BOP. The system includes a fluid conduit which extends from the floating installation to a lower region of the drilling riser. The fluid conduit is fluidly connected with the drilling riser annulus in the drilling riser. The fluid conduit provides at least one of a rapid pressure relief and a fluid bypass for the main drilling riser bore to prevent the drilling riser from an uncontrolled pressure build-up due to an inadvertent plugging or a restriction resulting in a maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of the drilling riser being exceeded, if a restriction, a plug or a blockage exists in the drilling riser annulus or in riser outlets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector comprising an external locking ring (11) allowing bayonet type connection on either side with two male (9) and female (8) connector elements, by means of studs having identical angular ranges. Furthermore, the connector comprises at least one removable pin (12) for translationally blocking locking ring (11), notably upon locking and unlocking.

Abstract: A riser connector assembly includes a first connector assembly portion with first locking members, a second connector assembly portion with second locking members, and a locking device with third and fourth locking members. The locking device is rotatably connected to the first connector assembly portion. The locking device rotates between a first position where each of the locking members are interlocked, a second position where the first and third locking members are interlocked, and the second and fourth locking members are not interlocked, and a third position where none of the locking members are interlocked, so that the locking device is removable. The first and third locking members selectively/releasably interlock via a relative rotation between the first connector assembly portion and the locking device. The second and fourth locking members selectively/releasably interlock via a relative rotation between the second connector assembly portion and the locking device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pipeline component design are described. Input parameters and output parameters for the component design are identified. An analytic model is constructed using a design of experiments technique to represent influence of the input parameters on the output parameters. Value sets for the input parameters which meet a selection criterion for at least one of the output parameters are then identified. Finite element analysis is conducted on the identified value sets, and a pipeline component design choice is identified from results of the finite element analysis. Pipeline components are then manufactured according to the identified design.

Abstract: A method of removing a flexible line deployed between an offshore platform and a subsea structure, where the platform has a landing deck on which the flexible line is installed, the landing deck facing away from the platform towards an installation side. The method comprises: decoupling a topside end of the flexible line from the landing deck; lowering the topside end from the landing deck to the sea bed using a platform mounted winch, and detaching the winch from the topside end; moving the platform in a direction away from the installation side and positioning an installation vessel on the installation side; lowering a recovery line from the installation vessel and attaching an end of the recovery line to the topside or subsea end of the riser; raising the attached topside or subsea end onto the installation vessel from the seabed using the recovery line; and recovering the flexible line onto the installation vessel, whereupon the platform can be moved back to an operating position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a riser section (4) equipped with an external locking ring (11). Locking ring (11) cooperates with a male connector element (9) and a female connector element (8) by means of a series of studs. The invention also relates to a riser consisting of several sections (4) and to the use of the riser for carrying out an offshore drilling operation.

Abstract: A removable riser hang-off connector is equipped with a flexible element that, in one embodiment, comprises rubber-encapsulated steel plates. The connector is designed for attachment to a hang-off collar provided on a steel catenary riser below the tapered stress joint or flex joint. Connection of the removable riser hang-off connector may be made by an ROV. With the removable riser hang-off connector attached, the tapered stress joint and/or flex joint may be raised out of the water (for inspection, maintenance, repair or replacement) by lifting the upper end of the SCR out of its porch receptacle with a chain jack (or other lifting device) and inserting the removable riser hang-off connector into the porch receptacle. This temporarily supports the SCR in an elevated state with the tapered stress joint and/or flex joint above the surface of the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing access to equipment or structures that require maintenance. More particularly, the present invention is suitable to provide access to equipment or structures located offshore, such as wind turbines or structures for oil and gas production. The apparatus comprises a deck, an apparatus structure for supporting the deck, a platform and a platform support mechanism. The platform is movable with respect to the deck from a stowed position to an extended position. In the extended position the platform forms an extension to the deck. The platform support mechanism comprises at least one cable and at least one compression post. The/each cable has a cable first end attached to the platform at or adjacent to a platform leading edge and a cable second end attached to the platform at or adjacent to a platform trailing edge.

Abstract: Method for construction of a wind turbine generator on a slip formed concrete on a construction/deployment dry dock barge and delivery of WTG and foundation to the installation site as a complete unit. A split hull hydraulic dump scow facilitates the slip form construction and deployment of the slip-formed gravity anchor(s). The barge is sunk as a dry dock to a draft that permits the WTG/WTG foundation to be floated off. The free floating WTG foundation is ballasted with sea water to its operating draft. The tension legs from the gravity anchors are attached to the WTG foundation. The sea water is then removed from the WTG foundation. The gravity anchor(s) is constructed from slip formed concrete on a split hull hydraulic dump scow and deployed to the installation site, with tension legs attached for deployment and attachment to the WTG platform.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a ram-style riser tensioner cylinder assembly includes an outer cylinder barrel and an inner rod barrel disposed within and extending in a first direction from the outer cylinder barrel. The cylinder assembly also includes a high pressure seal disposed along a sliding interface between an end of the inner rod barrel and an inner wall of the outer cylinder barrel. In addition, the cylinder assembly includes a cap coupled to an end of the inner rod barrel extending from the outer cylinder barrel, and a fluid reservoir disposed in the cap. The fluid reservoir may be used to store and communicate fluid from the fluid reservoir to the high pressure seal for lubricating the seal.

Abstract: A packer assembly for sealing about a subsea riser is provided. The subsea riser is operatively connectable between a surface platform and subsea equipment. The packer assembly includes a packer housing and at least one packer. The packer housing is positionable about a telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly operatively connects the subsea riser to the surface platform. The packer(s) are positionable along an inner surface of the packer housing to form a seal with the telescoping assembly and include a plurality of packer segments. Each of the packer segments has male and female connectors on each end thereof matably connectable to the male and female connectors of another of the segments to form a seal connection therebetween. The seal connection defines a non-linear leak path whereby leakage of fluid between the plurality of segments is resisted.

Abstract: A subsea connector assembly is provided for automatically coupling a movable subsea structure to a tubular fixed subsea structure. The connector assembly comprises a male connector assembly, removably mountable to the movable subsea structure, and further comprising a throughbore, at least one first actuator member and at least one second actuator member. The connector assembly further comprises an adapter assembly, removably mountable to an end-fitting of a string of tubulars, comprising at least one first engagement member and at least one second engagement member, each of said at least one first and second engagement member are operable to be acted upon by said first and/or second actuator member so as to selectively release a locked engagement with said male connector assembly, allowing said adapter assembly to be moved through said throughbore of said male connector assembly.

Abstract: A rotating control device housing includes an upper riser flange; a lower riser flange; a latch section for receiving a bearing assembly and connected to the upper riser flange; a port section connected to the latch section by a flanged connection, having an outlet for discharging fluid flow diverted by the bearing assembly, and connected to the lower riser flange; and a jumper connected to the upper and lower riser flanges.

Abstract: A conductor pipe support system for a bottom-supported offshore drilling rig, the conductor pipe support system including a guide member configured for supporting a conductor pipe against horizontal movement when the conductor pipe extends from a blow-out preventer downward towards the seabed; a support member configured for vertically supporting at least a part of the load of the conductor pipe; and an access platform for allowing personnel to access at least a bottom portion of the blow-out preventer system; wherein the support member is connectable to the conductor pipe below the access platform.

Abstract: Reducing the diameter of a well bore has many advantages. To achieve this a subsurface well bore is provided comprising one or more expandable sleeve components, preferably expandable liners (27, 271), each expandable sleeve component being fully overlapped by one or more non expandable sleeve component, preferably conventional liners (28, 29), such that the interior of the well bore is cased entirely by non expandable sleeve components (28, 29). In addition the through holes (34a) for downhole lines can be provided within the well head (34) rather than the tubing hanger (33). As the tubing hanger does not need to provide space for through holes and associated mounting couplings, its diameter can be reduced, thus reducing the internal diameter of the well bore by several inches.

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 marine riser includes one or more buoyancy modules running along a length of the marine riser, wherein the one or more buoyancy modules are molded such that an umbilical may be secured along a length of the one or more buoyancy modules.

Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a rotating and reciprocating swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections with the mandrel of the swivel being comprised of double box end joints and using double pin end subs to connect a plurality of such mandrel joints together.

Abstract: A system for the diversion of flow from a wellhead has a mudline closure mechanism suitable for attachment to the wellhead, a blowout preventer connected or interconnected to the mudline control mechanism, and a flow control line having one end connected to a diversion passageway of the mudline control mechanism and extending therefrom such that an opposite end of the flow control line is disposed away from the mudline closure mechanism. The mudline closure mechanism has a main passageway communicating with the flow passageway of the blowout preventer. The mudline closure mechanism has a valve suitable for switching fluid flow from the main passageway to the diversion passageway. The blowout preventer is positioned above the mudline closure mechanism. The flow control line is supported by a base anchored into the subsea floor away from the mudline closure mechanism.

Abstract: Device (11) for compensation of wave induced distance variations to a drill string between a floating drill rig and a seabed-fixed installation, comprising an extendable cylinder/piston unit (12) which is arranged to be able to compensate when the load exceeds a pre-determined threshold value. The cylinder (13) of the cylinder/piston unit (12) comprises a non-compressible liquid at both sides of a piston (14) positioned substantially in the middle of the cylinder (13) and is prevented from fluid communication with the surroundings. A control valve (19) is arranged to activate the device (11) by opening for fluid communication between the cylinder (13) and a gas containing accumulator (17) when the load exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The device is characterized by being a complete, self-supported unit comprising cylinder (13), piston (14) on a piston rod (15), accumulator (17), control valve (19) and drainage tank (20).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed that uses a gas lift tubing arrangement to produce synthetic hydrocarbon related products. Using the Fischer Tropsch process as an example, the tubing is packed with a suitable catalyst and then hydrogen and carbon monoxide are injected into the top of the tubing in a fashion similar to a gas lift process. As the gases travel past the catalyst, synthetic hydrocarbons are formed and heat is rejected. The synthetic hydrocarbons and water flow out of the bottom of the tubing and travel up the annulus to the surface. In some embodiments, this process is carried out in a producing well or a in producing riser. In a producing well or a producing riser, the production from the well which flows up the annulus cools the synthetic hydrocarbon derived products. In additional and alternate embodiments, this process can be used in non-flowing wells.

Abstract: A free-standing riser system connects a subsea source to a surface structure. The system includes a concentric free-standing riser comprising inner and outer risers defining an annulus there between. A lower end of the riser is fluidly coupled to the subsea source through a lower riser assembly (LRA) and one or more subsea flexible conduits. An upper end of the riser is connected to a buoyancy assembly and the surface structure through an upper riser assembly (URA) and one or more upper flexible conduits, the riser also mechanically connected to a buoyancy assembly that applies upward tension to the riser. The riser may be insulated for flow assurance, either by a flow assurance fluid in the annulus, insulation of the outside of the outer riser, or both. The system may include a hydrate inhibition system and/or a subsea dispersant system. The surface structure may be dynamically positioned.

Abstract: The present invention regards a riser system comprising at least one riser extending from a subsea wellhead to a surface vessel, tension means for keeping the at least one riser tensioned, which tension means are connected to the vessel, a upper workover riser package (UWRP) located at the upper section of the riser and arranged to seal off the riser passage.According to the invention the UWRP is located below the connection point of the tension means to the vessel, giving the UWRP a position stationary relative a seabed, and that the UWRP comprises an interface adapted for the connection of different kinds of workover equipment. The invention also regards a method for inserting tools into a riser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting and monitoring flexible collection and production lines in real time, rendering possible constant tracking of the condition of the internal structures of a flexible riser, specifically of the tensile armor thereof. The device may be provided at any point along the riser ensuring the establishment of an area of physical and visual contact directly over the surface of the tensile armor of the riser for the installation of equipment for analysis, which area permits further accesses without destroying the sealing of the chamber there formed.

Abstract: A water intake assembly (105) is suspendable from an off-shore structure (102) is proposed. It has a bundle (106) of at least a first tubular conduit (106A) and a second tubular conduit (106B) generally stretching side by side along a length direction. At least a part of the distal portion (109) of the first tubular conduit extends further in the length direction than the second tubular conduit when in fully suspended condition. Described used of such a water intake riser assembly include: a method of producing a liquefied hydrocarbon stream and a method of producing a vaporous hydrocarbon steam.

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 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: An umbilical for use in the offshore production of hydrocarbons, and in particular to a power umbilical for use in deep water applications is described, comprising a plurality of longitudinal strength members, wherein at least one longitudinal strength member comprises rope enclosed within a tube. In this way, the or each longitudinal strength member being a rope and tube combination achieves the synergistic benefit of favorable mechanical properties in the axial direction, with favorable mechanical properties in the radial direction during tensioning or the like of the umbilical, especially during installation.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly responding to and regaining control of uncontrolled flow from offshore hydrocarbon wells, comprising a subsea containment assembly, optionally including a capture caisson assembly installed around the assembly, riser systems for production of hydrocarbons to capture vessels on the surface of the sea, and modularized subsystems facilitating communication between and fluid flow from the subsea containment assembly through the riser to the capture vessel.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an in-situ system and method for transferring a load from a tensioned flexible link between at least two bodies, such as between a buoyancy can and a subsea riser or between a moored offshore platform and a pile. The system and method provides a tether assembly having a hydraulic cylinder and/or a transfer assembly, where the hydraulic cylinder is configured upon actuation to decrease a distance between the two bodies; and the transfer assembly includes a mechanical interlock configured upon actuation to maintain the decreased distance between the two bodies independent of the hydraulic cylinder. The mechanical interlock can include various embodiments that can be selectively activated and deactivated position to allow the hydraulic cylinder to operate at various times in the transfer process. A support assembly can provide additional support to the flexible link independent of or in addition to the transfer assembly.

Abstract: A method for making a riser component includes: positioning a coupler adjacent and end of a tube such that a region of the coupler forms an interface with the tube's end, wherein the region includes a material (in some embodiments an aluminum alloy), and the tube's end includes a groove and another material (in some embodiments a steel alloy) that is different than the region's material; heating the region of the coupler to increase the region's malleability; and exerting pressure on the region of the coupler to plastically deform the region to insert some of the region's material into the groove in the tube's end. By fixing the coupler to the tube in this manner, the coupler may be strongly secured to the tube, and thus able to withstand high, dynamic loads frequently experienced in service. Also, the material of the coupler may be different than the material of the tube, and thus the material of the coupler may be lighter than the material of the tube.

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 method, device, and system for determining whether liquid enters a subsea system includes a flow line having an inside bore capable of carrying producing fluids from a subsea wellhead to a floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO). An annulus is defined between an innermost sheath that surrounds the inside bore and an outermost sheath at an exterior of the flow line. The device further includes a housing element disposed within the annulus and in hydraulic communication with the annulus; a sensor element disposed at a predetermined location within the housing element; and data acquisition equipment capable of: determining environmental characteristics of the annulus based on measurements made by the sensor element, and determining at least one of the presence, location, and rate of collection of liquids in the subsea system based on the environmental characteristics of the annulus.

Abstract: An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Abstract: A temperature compensated accumulator and method for use thereof downhole in a well. The accumulator may include a housing with separate bulkhead and piston assemblies. Thus, one assembly may include a hydraulic fluid chamber separated from a gas precharge pressure chamber by a piston and the other assembly may include an ambient pressure chamber separated from an atmospheric chamber by another piston. Additionally a pressure relief and check valve assembly may be located at a pressure relief chamber between the other assembly sections. Thus, venting to or from the gas precharge pressure chamber may take place upon exposure to a predetermined decreased or elevated temperature so as to maintain a substantially constant precharge level for the accumulator, for example, in spite of dramatic changes in downhole temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for riser coupling are disclosed. A riser coupling system comprises a riser joint connector comprising a first tubular assembly coupled to a second tubular assembly. The riser coupling system further comprises a spider assembly which receives the riser joint connector and has a connector actuation tool. The connector actuation tool comprises a dog assembly, a clamping tool and a splined member. The dog assembly selectively extends a dog to engage the riser joint connector. The clamping tool couples the first tubular assembly and the second tubular assembly. Finally, the splined member actuates a locking member of the riser joint connector.

Abstract: A drilling system (10) including a drill string (13) which extends from a floating drilling rig to a well bore, and a tubular riser (12) which surrounds at least part of the portion of the drill string (13) between the well bore and drilling rig, the riser (12) having a telescopic joint (20) between a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion of the riser, the first tubular portion extending down to a well head at the top of the well bore and the second tubular portion extending up towards the drilling rig, the telescopic joint (20) comprising an inner tube part (20b) which is mounted within an outer tube part (20a), the drilling system (10) further including a riser closure device (26) which is mounted in the second tubular portion of the riser (12) and which is operable to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the riser (12) and the drill string (13) whilst permitting the drill string (13) to rotate relative to the riser (12).

Abstract: A technique for subsea intervention operations incorporates use of a compliant guide that extends between a surface location and a subsea installation. The technique facilitates deployment of tool strings into a subsea well. For example, a portion of the compliant guide can be used as a subsea lubricator during pressure deployment of tool strings. In some applications, a tool entry guide can be connected into the subsea installation to facilitate deployment of tool strings into the subsea well.

Abstract: The connector includes a sleeve (4) which is screwed on to a thread (18) provided on an upper axial end of the lower riser section (1). The sleeve (4) encloses a lower end of an upper riser section (2) and is retained thereto. Once the sleeve (4) is secured to the lower riser section, this loosely tool then stretches the sleeve (4) upwardly and a retaining collar (5) is then manoeuvred in order to retain the sleeve (5) in this tensioned state after the release of the tensioning tool. This creates a preloaded connection between secures the upper riser section (2) to the lower riser section (1). A tensioning the upper riser section (2) and the lower riser section (1).