Abstract: A connector assembly that can be used to connect a tension ring to a telescoping joint on a riser by using a lower set of hydraulically actuated dogs. A set of hydraulically actuated hang-off dogs on the connector assembly can be used to connect the tension ring to a diverter housing mounted on a rig. To prevent accidental disengagement of the hang-off dogs, a hydraulically actuated lock ring is used to provide a positive stop against the back of the hang-off dogs.

Abstract: In-riser power generation devices and methods are utilized to generate power subsea to operate subsea devices of a subsea well system. A turbine power generator is located in fluid communication with a subsea fluid flow path of a subsea well system and the turbine power generator is operationally connected to a subsea power device.

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

Abstract: A technique enables determination of changes in length of a conveyance deployed between a surface vessel and a subsea installation. The technique allows information to be obtained on the relationship between length of conveyance spooled out or spooled in at a surface location and the depth and/or speed of an intervention well tool deployed in a well. The information can be used to determine the actual depth of the well tool deployed in the well for the intervention operation.

Abstract: A device for containing fluid flow from a borehole includes: a containment assembly including a body having a cavity configured to receive a leaking portion of a borehole termination structure extending from the borehole and surround the leaking portion, the cavity configured to be adapted to at least partially conform to a shape of at least one of the leaking portion and the borehole termination structure; and a flow control assembly configured to connect a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the containment assembly and direct downhole fluid into the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for controlling the flow of hydrocarbons from a structure or conduit are provided. An engagement apparatus having a body with threads disposed on an end is lowered into a position suitable for engagement with the structure or conduit, the threads including a deformable material. Rotation of the apparatus to engage the threads with the structure or conduit deforms the material to form a wedge shape that provides a seal between the apparatus and structure or conduit, and resists removal of the apparatus from the structure or conduit. Additional conduits can be secured to the upper end of the apparatus, in combination with a valve. The valve can direct the flow of hydrocarbons from the structure or conduit to selected additional conduits, enabling vessels and/or containers to be removed and/or replaced without wholly ceasing the flow of hydrocarbons in a manner that could cause a buildup of pressure.

Abstract: An underwater buoy for hanging a duct between a sea bed and the surface, the buoy including a frame and a plurality of modular members mounted in the frame, the modular members extending between their two opposite modular-member ends, the frame including a longitudinal body for receiving the extended tubular duct, and retainers mounted on the body for maintaining the modular members substantially parallel to the body. The retainers include two retaining structures spaced from each other along the body. The retaining structures are maintained in a fixed position relative to each other in order to hold at least one modular member.

Abstract: A piping system for housing system components for regulating the flow of fluid therethrough is provided. The piping system includes an inner small diameter length of piping through which hot fluids flow, an outer larger diameter length of piping surrounded by cold fluid, and an annulus between the small and larger diameter piping in which the system components are received. Insulation material extends about a predetermined section of the small diameter length of piping for restricting heat transfer therefrom to the system components in the annulus and allowing heat transfer from the system components in the annulus to the outer piping.

Abstract: A gooseneck conduit system for use with a telescoping joint of a subsea riser. In one embodiment, a riser telescoping joint includes a tube and a gooseneck conduit assembly affixed to the tube. The gooseneck conduit assembly includes a gooseneck conduit extending radially from the tube, and a tenon projecting from a rear face of the gooseneck conduit. The width of the tenon increases with distance from the rear face. The riser telescoping joint also includes a mortise channel extending along the length of the tube. The mortise channel is interlocks with the tenon and laterally secures the gooseneck conduit assembly to the tube.

Abstract: A dynamic hang-off assembly for supporting a riser string from an off-shore drilling rig including a dynamic tensioning system. The hang-off assembly includes a housing with a passage through the housing. The housing also includes a locking mechanism. The assembly further includes an adapter positionable within the housing passage. The outer surface of the adapter includes a profile. The riser string is also attachable to the adapter. The locking mechanism actuates to engage the adapter profile and secure the adapter to the housing. When the riser string is connected to the adapter and the adapter is secured by the housing, the riser string is supportable by the housing. The housing is also dynamically supportable by the dynamic tensioning system to dynamically support the riser string.

Abstract: The present invention is a blowout preventer including a large frustoconical funnel. The large end of the funnel is placed over a well pipe (or other pipe) through which oil (or gas or other fluid) is blowing out. The small end of the funnel is connected to a return pipe. A high pressure pipe with a smaller diameter is inserted into the well pipe. Air is pumped under high pressure through the high pressure pipe, separating the oil and forcing the oil, that is not kept down in the well pipe by the pressure, up through the return pipe. The funnel can be moved into alignment with the well pipe using jets. There are sensing devices on moveable arms. A stopper is forced into the well pipe. There are one-way valves in the stopper. There are stacked turbines in the return pipe. There is a gasket with pivoting overlapping plates.

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

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

Abstract: A termination assembly for a steel tube umbilical, wherein a plurality of the elongated umbilical elements which compose the umbilical are steel tubes, said termination assembly comprising a cavity through which said tubes pass, said cavity being filled with a filler material, at least one of said tubes having at least one region of increased localized diameter at a location within said cavity to define at least one load bearing face on the tube to anchor said at least one tube within said cavity.

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

Abstract: A riser for use in boring a subsea wellbore having a gooseneck assembly connected onto the riser. The gooseneck assembly has an outlet that couples with a flowline on the riser and a connector assembly that selectively decouples the gooseneck assembly from the flowline. A release member, such as a wire, cable, or rod, is attached to the connector so the connector assembly can be actuated by manipulating the release member from a remote location.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and apparatus for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe used in a riser in an offshore hydrocarbon production facility. Fluid, such corrosion inhibitors, can be introduced into the annulus by pumping fluid from a storage tank located on a platform or vessel into tubes within the annulus. Use of the system to flow the fluid through the annulus can prevent or reduce corrosion of the steel members within the annulus and increase the fatigue life of the riser.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for running and cementing casing into wells drilled with dual-gradient mud systems include running casing through a subsea wellhead connected to a marine riser, the casing having an auto-fill float collar, and connecting a landing string to the last casing run. The landing string includes a surface-controlled valve (SCV) and a surface-controlled ported circulating sub (PCS). The SCV and PCS are manipulated as needed when running casing, washing it down while preventing u-tubing on connections and prior to cementing to displace mixed density mud from the landing string and replace it with heavy-density mud prior to circulating below the mudline thus maintaining the dual gradient effect.

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

Abstract: 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: The connector comprises a male flange 15 and a female flange 14 allowing to assemble a main tube and auxiliary line tubes 11. A locking ring 17 assembles the male flange and the female flange. The locking ring is mounted mobile in rotation on the outer surface of the male flange while cooperating with the outer surfaces of the male and female flanges.

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

Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.

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: According to one or more aspects of the invention, a method for drilling an offshore wellbore into a seabed from a platform positioned proximate to the water surface comprises making-up a first tubular string with a first conveyance assembly and running the first tubular string into the wellbore with the first conveyance assembly, wherein the first tubular string enters the wellbore from the water column at an entry position proximate to the seabed; performing a wellbore task with the first tubular string; while the wellbore task is being performed with the first tubular string, making-up a second tubular string in the water column from a second conveyance assembly; withdrawing the first tubular string from the wellbore with the first conveyance assembly once the wellbore task is completed; and running the second tubular string with the second conveyance assembly into the wellbore at the entry point from the water column.

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

Abstract: Apparatus includes a seal head having first and second ends and a sidewall having an internal diameter. The first end of the seal head is open to the environment, and the second end is closed to the environment by an end cap. The seal head includes an aperture configured to accommodate a subsea source. A tubular seal head extension is fluidly connected to the seal head end cap. The seal head extension has an external diameter, an external surface, and a length. A movable element having first and second ends and a sidewall structure having an internal diameter sufficiently larger than the external diameter of the extension forms an annulus between the movable element and the extension. The movable element first end opens to the environment, while its second end is closed by an end cap defining an exit fluidly connectable to a subsea collection system.

Abstract: A subsea completion testing tree (SCTT) for connection in a tubular string includes a lower tree portion having a control valve; an upper tree portion separably connected to the lower tree portion at a latch; a circulation valve connected with the upper tree portion; and a retainer valve connected with the upper tree portion between the circulation valve and the latch.

Abstract: A tensioner anti-rotation device and method that transfers rotational force from an offshore platform deck to a riser in response to waves and currents. The device includes a bracket mounted on the deck, and a rib that transfers force from the deck through the bracket, to the rib, and into the riser such that the tensioners on the riser are not subjected to torque.

Abstract: A riser system configured to be secured between a surface vessel and a subsea location comprises a primary conduit and an auxiliary conduit extending adjacent the primary conduit, wherein the primary and auxiliary conduits are connected together at an axial location along the riser system via a connecting portion.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method to control and regulate the bottom hole pressure in a well during subsea drilling at deep waters: The method involves adjustment of a liquid/gas interface level in a drilling riser up or down. The arrangement comprises a high pressure drilling riser and a surface BOP at the upper end of the drilling riser. The surface BOP has a gas bleeding outlet. The riser also comprises a BOP, with a by-pass line. The drilling riser has an outlet at a depth below the water surface, and the outlet is connected to a pumping system with a flow return conduit running back to a drilling vessel/platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lifting drilling fluid from a well bore in a subsea formation are disclosed. Some system embodiments include a drill string suspended within a drilling riser to form the well bore, and a drilling fluid source for supplying drilling fluid through the drill string during drilling. A diverter is coupled between the drilling riser and a return line, while a power riser coupled to the return line at an interface. A lift fluid source supplies lift fluid through the power riser into the return line. The lift fluid is intermittently injected from the power riser through the interface into the return line to form one or more slugs of lift fluid positioned between slugs of drilling fluid, such that the combined density of lift fluid and drilling fluid in the return line is less than the density of the drilling fluid alone.

Abstract: A method for interchangeably connecting undersea a marine package with first and second pressure control devices. The method includes lowering undersea the marine package toward the first pressure control device such that a first half of a feed-thru component mounted to the marine package contacts a second half of the feed-thru component mounted on the first pressure control device; engaging the first and second halves, wherein the first and second halves of the feed-thru component were not previously engaged while the marine package and the first pressure control device were each assembled above sea; and locking the first half to the second half by using an external pressure such that a functionality of the feed-thru component is achieved.

Abstract: An offshore drilling riser joint has a central riser pipe, a number of auxiliary lines mounted around it, and a buoyancy module assembly of a buoyant material. A pair of upper thrust sleeves slide over two of the auxiliary lines, each of the upper thrust sleeves having a flange in contact with an upper end of the buoyancy module assembly. Each of the upper thrust sleeves transfer upward thrust imposed by the buoyancy module assembly to an upper support flange mounted to the central riser pipe. A pair of lower thrust sleeves slide over two of the auxiliary lines. Each lower thrust sleeve has a lower thrust flange that is engaged by a lower end of the buoyancy module assembly. Each of the lower thrust sleeves transfer weight of the buoyancy module assembly while out of water to a lower support flange mounted to the central riser pipe.

Abstract: A box and pin coupling for a drilling riser having an actuator assembly with an attached dog. The actuator assembly includes an actuation rod having an end affixed to the dog. A portion of the rod is circumscribed by an annular sleeve, where the outer surface of the sleeve is threadingly attached to one of the box or pin. A shoulder is formed on the rod outer circumference between the sleeve and the end of the rod attached to the dog. A retainer cap is provided on the end of the rod opposite where it attaches to the dog. The sleeve abuts the rod on one end, and the retainer cap on the other, so that rotating the sleeve axially moves the actuation rod, that in turn moves the attached dog into or out of engagement with a profile on the other of the box or pin.

Abstract: A riser system connects a subsea source of hydrocarbons to a collection vessel. The system includes a riser, a lower end of the riser fluidly coupled to a seal stem, the seal stem in turn fluidly attached to a lower riser assembly through a polished bore receptacle. The upper end of the riser is connected to the collection vessel, the riser being maintained in a near vertical position. Methods of installing and using the riser systems for killing and cementing wells are described.

Abstract: A thermal insulation of pipes of a drill pipe riser, the novelty consisting basically in the fact that the thermal insulation comprises several layers around the pipe and between the first layer and the pipe, and between two adjacent layers, there are spaces where sea water penetrates. A thermal insulation system of joint couplings of pipes for a drill pipe riser comprising a tubular segment that circumferentially surrounds the region of the joint coupling and, so that between the tubular segment and the pipes is formed a space where sea water penetrates.

Abstract: The method of providing flotation modules on subsea drilling riser joints comprising providing flotation modules as a full circle, installing said flotation modules sequentially onto the end of the central pipe of said drilling riser joints in a desired orientation, providing passageways through said flotation modules which extend from one end of said subsea drilling riser joints to the other end of said drilling riser joints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a riser tower structure including a plurality of elongate objects. The riser tower structure is provided with blocks, preferably of buoyant material, along at least part of its length. The blocks provide the riser tower with a substantially circular cross-sectional profile, wherein one or more strakes are provided on the outside of the blocks. The strakes in a main embodiment are helical. Also disclosed is a corresponding method of constructing such a riser tower structure.

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 invention comprises a sealing body (15) separating device) which can be used to separate fluids in risers used in offshore oil production from drilling vessels at the sea surface. The invention is characterized in that the sealing body (15) can be placed in position above the wellhead (13) using several appropriate methods and, in an especially preferred application, by utilizing an installation tool (27) which is not sealing against the inner wall of the riser and which contains a suitable positioning means (28), and that the body (15) which forms a seal against the inner wall of the riser separates fluids during the replacement of drilling fluid with water and of water with drilling fluid. The body (15) can be displaced using hydraulic force upwards in the longitudinal direction of the riser in that fluid is pumped at a relatively high pressure down the externally located smaller pipes (9, 10, 11) of the riser.

Abstract: A method of installing a subsea structure, such as a hybrid riser tower, is disclosed. The riser tower includes a main portion and a buoyancy portion. When installed, the riser tower extends substantially from the seabed towards the surface with the buoyancy portion attached at a top end. The method includes taking the riser tower to an installation site in a substantially horizontal configuration with the main portion containing a first fluid and the buoyancy portion containing a second fluid, the second fluid being more dense than the first fluid. Then, tilting of the riser tower is performed such that it takes a substantially vertical configuration by allowing the first fluid in the elongate portion to interchange with the second fluid in the buoyancy portion. Also disclosed is a suitable apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting formation of solid hydrates in a conduit used to contain a flowing, water-containing hydrocarbon, which method comprises introducing into said hydrocarbon in said conduit a gas which raises the pressure threshold for hydrate formation for said water-containing hydrocarbon, said gas being introduced in a manner which causes it to travel along at least part of said conduit in the direction of hydrocarbon flow.

Abstract: A system for introducing upwardly a flexible member into a tubular fixed structure with a sleeve surrounding the flexible member in the region where the flexible member attaches to the tubular fixed structure. The system comprises means for enabling the flexible member to be drawn upwardly into a bore of the tubular fixed structure, said bore being defined by an inner surface of said tubular structure, clamping means on the sleeve temporarily clamping the sleeve and flexible member together, and release means on the sleeve adapted to automatically release the clamping means when the sleeve attains a fixed disposition with respect to the tubular fixed structure, such as to permit continued movement of the flexible member with respect to the sleeve.

Abstract: An aluminum riser assembly has a plurality of riser joints connectable together to form a riser string. When upper and lower joints are assembled, clamps support auxiliary pipes for carrying hydraulic lines. A drive rotates a sleeve rotatably supported on the upper joint, and the sleeve rotates a union nut rotatably disposed on the upper joint. As the union nut rotates, it moves axially along the riser joint and threads onto the lower joint. The union nut is tightened until it engages an external collar to complete the coupling between the upper and lower riser joints. The entire process can then be repeated for additional upper riser joints to make up a riser string.

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: The present disclosure relates to a subsea catenary and a method of distributing ballast on a pipe. The subsea catenary includes a flexible pipe, and a selected amount of ballast attached to the flexible pipe, in which the ballast is distributed in a wave pattern on a sag bend of the subsea catenary. The method includes identifying a position of a sag bend in a flexible pipe of the subsea catenary, and applying ballast in a wave distribution along the subsea pipe at the identified position.

Abstract: The present invention is a blowout preventer including a large frustoconical funnel, made of metal or other material. The large end of the funnel is placed over a well pipe (or other pipe) through which oil (or gas or other fluid) is blowing out. The small end of the funnel is connected to a return pipe. A high pressure pipe with a smaller diameter is inserted into the well pipe. Air is pumped under high pressure through the high pressure pipe, separating the oil and forcing the oil that is not kept down in the well pipe by the pressure up through the return pipe. The Bernoulli effect keeps the funnel on the well pipe. A gasket at the top end of the channel prevents leaks. Channels and rotating blades near the top of the funnel accelerate the flow, reducing pressure and increasing the suction due to the Bernoulli effect.