Abstract: Disclosed is a wellhead that includes a casing head, a tubing hanger and a rotation assembly connected to the tubing hanger. The tubing hanger is rotatable relative to the casing head and this rotation is effected by the rotation assembly. Also disclosed is a centraliser for use with tubing in a well. The centraliser has a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a body that has a first band and a second band connected by a number of resiliently deformable members. The bands extend about the sleeves, with the bands being able to move relative to the respective sleeves. This can permit the centraliser to be fitted to tubing without requiring tight tolerances of tubing size, for example, and may reduce the friction between the body and the tubing to allow the tubing to be rotated within the casing during use.

Abstract: A configurable coupling assembly includes a body having a central bore and multiple receptacles. The central bore is configured to facilitate flow of fluid through the body, the receptacles are positioned radially outward from the central bore, the receptacles are substantially the same as one another, the receptacles are configured to receive respective couplers, and the respective couplers include multiple different types of couplers.

Abstract: A blow out preventor (BOP) stump test apparatus includes: a main body including an outer surface, a bore, and a mounting structure for releasably and rigidly connecting the main body to a BOP to be tested; and a test bar including a position indicator slidably retained in the bore and capable of moving up and down in the bore between an upper position and a lower position, where the positional indicator indicates when the test bar moves up in the bore during a BOP stump test.

Abstract: A subsea well intervention method implemented on a well (200) from a floating vessel (100), said floating vessel not comprising a derrick, the method comprising a step of connecting a power line (207) directly between a remotely operated vehicle (206) and the blowout preventer module (202) for powering the blowout preventer module, the remotely operated vehicle (206) being connected to a control unit (107) located on the floating vessel via a remotely operated vehicle umbilical (106).

Abstract: An orienting sub including a hub retainer, a gun sleeve, a locking sleeve, and an electric conductor assembly. In several embodiments, the orienting sub couples a first perforating gun to a second perforating gun. The first perforating gun, the second, perforating gun, and the orienting sub may together form a well perforating system for perforating a wellbore that traverses a subterranean oil and gas formation.

Abstract: A valve assembly is installed within a wellhead such as a conventional tubing hanger or casing hanger used to suspend pipe or other tubular goods in a well. A seal bushing assembly is installed in a tubing head assembly or other wellhead component. A hanger valve assembly is stung into the seal bushing assembly and includes a valve that can be selectively opened or closed. In the open position, the valve does not restrict a central flow path diameter through the hanger and wellhead. In the closed position, the valve contains pressure and/or fluid flow and fully seals against wellbore pressure acting on the valve. A wellhead adapter covers the hanger valve assembly and provides an attachment point for a conventional Christmas tree or other wellhead equipment.

Abstract: An enclosure and method for an electrical component having a base portion and a cover portion. The base portion has a first channel which extends about at least a portion of a periphery of the base portion. The cover portion has a second channel which extends about at least a portion of a periphery of the cover portion. The second channel is aligned with the first channel to form a sealant receiving channel. A sealant is provided in the sealant receiving channel. The cover portion has at least one inlet opening configured to receive the sealant as the sealant is injected into the sealant receiving channel. The cover portion has at least one outlet opening configured to allow excess sealant of the sealant to escape from the sealant receiving channel as the sealant is injected into the sealant receiving channel.

Abstract: A tool for gaining lateral access to a well includes a head portion configured to advance axially forwardly relative to a lateral access passage. The tool includes a first shaft and a shaft assembly including a second shaft. The second shaft is at least partly received in the first shaft so as to be axially forwardly moveable therewith. In use, axial forward movement of the first and second shafts causes forward advancement of the head portion. The second shaft is axially forwardly moveable relative to the first shaft. The first shaft includes an internal thread and the shaft assembly includes an external thread engaging the internal thread of the first shaft so that relative rotation of the internal and external threads causes the axial forward movement of the second shaft relative to the first shaft without rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft.

Abstract: A rotating choke assembly includes a rotating control device and a flow control device. The rotating control device has a seal element configured to be disposed around a tubular, where the seal is configured to rotate in a circumferential direction via rotation of the drill string and a bearing configured to facilitate rotation of the seal element in the circumferential direction within a housing of the rotating control device. The flow control device includes a first plate having at least one first opening and a second plate having at least one second opening, where the first plate is configured to rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the second plate.

Abstract: A pest seal for a recreational vehicle (RV) to seal the gap that exists between a hose and/or cable passing through an access port located within the service compartment of a RV. The pest seal is comprised of two halves that are joined together along a single edge with mirrored cutouts that are lined with a compressible foam formed along the joining edge so that when the two halves are brought together the cutouts allow for the passage of a hose or cable through the pest seal. Embodiments further comprise a semicircular flange formed on the underside of each halve of a radius slightly smaller than the radius of the access port or a hinge attaching the two halves at one end of the edge where the halves are joined. The halves may be joined together by any number of means such as but not limited to magnets, hook and loop fabric, and mechanical latches.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.

Abstract: A blowout preventer may be used for shearing an object positioned in a vertical bore extending through the blowout preventer. The blowout preventer includes a shear ram movable towards the tubular, the shear ram including a biasing mechanism for biasing against an interior surface of the blowout preventer body. In this way, the biasing mechanism urges the shear ram into axial engagement with an opposing shear ram movable towards the tubular during shearing operations. The biasing mechanism comprises a biasing member, such as a coiled spring, coned-disc spring, and/or coned-disc washer which urges the biasing mechanism into contact with the inner portion of the blowout preventer body.

Abstract: A system for pumping a fluids from a subsea formation has a pipe extending into the formation, a first blowout preventer affixed to the pipe so as to be in fluid communication with the pipe, a flow diverter affixed to the first blowout preventer so as to have a diverter line in fluid communication with the flow passageway of the first blowout preventer, a pump module having a flow line affixed to the diverter line of the flow diverter so as to create a positive pressure to the fluid in the flow line, and an outline interconnected to the flow line of the pump module. The pump module is suitable for passing fluid from the flow line of the pump module through the outlet line. The pump produces a pressure to the fluid greater than the pressure of the formation. A second blowout preventer is affixed to the flow diverter.

Abstract: An annular drilling device is provided that employs an active or passive, stationary sealing element. The sealing element is made of a low-friction material that contacts the drill pipe and creates a seal.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying a rod annular blowout preventer using existing hydraulic pressure is provided. The system connects between an existing hydraulic blowout preventer system and a blowout preventer device installed on the wellhead to provide regulated hydraulic pressure to a rod annular blowout preventer. The system comprises a manifold that receives hydraulic fluid from an existing reservoir and pump and accumulator, routes the fluid through a pressure regulator and into the rod annular blowout preventer. The rod annular blowout preventer includes a diaphragm that expands to close the wellbore during maintenance or during an emergency event. The system provides controlled hydraulic actuation of the rod annular blowout preventer, eliminates manual deployment of the rod annular blowout preventer, and allows the operator to initiate the rod annular blowout preventer away from the wellhead.

Abstract: Specialized tools and methods are presented for use on blowout preventers on oil and gas rigs. The specialized tools releseably attach to a threaded, blowout-preventer head to remove the same. In one instance, the tool has a longitudinal shaft, a lifting eye member at one end and a head-mounting member at the other. The head-mounting member attaches to the threaded, blowout-preventer head. In some instances, one or more torque arms may be included to add additional torque. Other embodiments and methods are also included.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying a rod annular blowout preventer using existing hydraulic pressure is provided. The system connects between an existing hydraulic blowout preventer system and a blowout preventer device installed on the wellhead to provide regulated hydraulic pressure to a rod annular blowout preventer. The system comprises a manifold that receives hydraulic fluid from an existing reservoir and pump and accumulator, routes the fluid through a pressure regulator and into the rod annular blowout preventer. The rod annular blowout preventer includes a diaphragm that expands to close the wellbore during maintenance or during an emergency event. The system provides controlled hydraulic actuation of the rod annular blowout preventer, eliminates manual deployment of the rod annular blowout preventer, and allows the operator to initiate the rod annular blowout preventer away from the wellhead.

Abstract: Techniques for shearing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a blowout preventer are provided. The blowout preventer has a housing with a hole therethrough for receiving the tubular. The techniques relate to a blade assembly including a ram block movable between a non-engagement position and an engagement position about the tubular, a blade carried by the ram block for cuttingly engaging the tubular, and a retractable guide carried by the ram block and slidably movable therealong. The restractable guide has a guide surface for urging the tubular into a desired location in the blowout preventer as the ram block moves to the engagement position.

Abstract: A rotating control device comprises an outer housing having a bore for receiving a tubular member. An inner housing and a piston assembly are rotatably disposed within the outer housing. An annular sealing assembly is disposed between the piston assembly and the inner housing so that axial movement of the piston assembly moves the annular sealing assembly into sealing engagement with the inner housing and the tubular member. A plurality of bearings is disposed between the inner housing and the outer housing. At least one of the plurality of bearings is a hydrodynamic journal bearing.

Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.

Abstract: A Blowout Preventer comprising a housing, one or more magnets and a magnetic fluid is described. More particularly, a Magnetorheological Blowout Preventer with a Magnetorheological Ram Head that conforms to virtually any cross sectional shape is described with ultra-reliable termination of natural gas and/or oil effluent flow resulting.

Abstract: A blowout preventer comprising: a main body comprising a seal seating profile, one or more bonnet guideways, and one or more slide guideways; a bonnet attached to the main body, wherein the bonnet comprises one or more guide rods, a ram unit, and a seal seating profile; two retention units attached to the main body and the bonnet, wherein each retention unit comprise a clamp block, one or more guide rods, and a bonnet guideway; and a metal seal, wherein the metal seal is seated in the seal seating profile of the main body and the seal seating profile of the bonnet.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a drilling rig having a substructure, the drilling rig being adapted to be positioned above a plurality of wellbore location such that each of the plurality of wellbore locations is simultaneously positioned below the substructure, equipment movement means for moving pressure control equipment between positions proximate each of the plurality of wellbore locations, the equipment movement means being adapted to move the pressure control equipment between the positions while the drilling rig is performing a rig operation on at least a first one of the plurality of wellbore locations, and equipment positioning means for positioning pressure control equipment on one or more of the plurality of wellbore locations, the equipment positioning means being adapted to position the pressure control equipment on a second one of the plurality of wellbore locations while the rig operation is being performed on the first wellbore location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sealing a wellbore are provided. A seal assembly carried by a pair of opposing ram blocks of a blowout preventer is provided. The seal assembly includes a pair of seals carried by the pair of opposing ram blocks and a plurality of inserts carried by the pair of seals. The inserts include an upper body and a lower body with a rib therebetween. The upper and lower bodies each have an extended tip on a seal end thereof and a tip receptacle on a leading face thereof for receiving the extended tip. The extended tips are positionable in the tip receptacle of an adjacent inserts whereby an extrusion of a seal therebetween is restricted.

Abstract: A ram-type blowout preventer including an operating piston assembly isolated from wellbore pressure effects is provided. In one embodiment, a blowout preventer includes piston coupled to a ram by a connecting rod, and the connecting rod is inserted into a recess in the ram. A pressure-isolating seal may be provided in the recess between the connecting rod and the ram to isolate the end of the connecting rod within the recess from wellbore pressure in the blowout preventer. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for containing and recovering from the blowout of an oil or gas well. The blowout containment (BOC) system is operable in place of, or as a failsafe alternative to, standard blowout preventer (BOP) systems. The BOC system includes a hydraulically operated gate valve positioned over the well at the wellhead. The gate valve includes a check valve operable when the gate valve is closed. The BOC system further includes at least one shearing assembly positioned over the gate valve. The shearing assembly orients explosive charges into the well flow path. An activation trigger detonates the explosive charges to clear the well flow path of obstructions to permit the gate valve to close. Operation of the BOC system is preferably monitored and controlled from a remote location apart from the rig associated with the well.

Abstract: A valve useable in an undersea apparatus for generating a force for closing a blowout preventer (BOP) based on a pressure difference between a low pressure recipient and ambient pressure, an apparatus including the valve and related methods are provided. The valve includes a valve body enclosing a chamber with an input port selectively connectable to an output port, and a chamber separating assembly configured to separate the chamber from a region of different pressure. The assembly includes (1) a backup plate having a first portion of a first diameter towards the chamber and a second portion of a second diameter larger than the first diameter, towards the region, and (2) an upper seat located between the first portion of the backup plate and the valve body.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and a method to insert a wireline through a blow out preventer to log an underbalanced open hole well without killing the well or causing formation damage while maintaining well control during the process. A dual throated blow out preventer (10) provides a moveable sealing element (1210, 1402) to allow a wireline (13) and a drill string (25) to be placed in a well for assembly, then seals off the dual throat to isolate the drill string from the wireline, thereby permitting pressure to be maintained on both the wireline through a standard packoff arrangement (1218) and on the drill string using the rams of the blow out preventer (10).

Abstract: A multi-component tubular coupling is provided for wellhead assemblies. In one embodiment, the multi-component tubular coupling may include a first tubular member, a landing ring, and a second tubular member. The second tubular member may include internal threads, lock screws, or any combination thereof to couple to a wellhead component. In another embodiment, the multi-component tubular coupling may only include the first tubular member and the landing ring. In such an embodiment, a wellhead component may be secured to the coupling via lock screws.

Abstract: Modeling and triggering safety barriers. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium includes executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to model, using one or more models, safety barriers in one or more drilling rigs based on drilling rig safety barrier data. The processors are further caused to identify, based on the one or more models, a first impending invalidation of a first safety barrier. The processors are further caused to initialize, triggered solely by the instructions, a second safety barrier based on the impending invalidation.

Abstract: A blowout preventer and seal structure for a blowout preventer, the seal structure having a the body with two front faces including a first face and a second face, a projection projecting out from the body, the first face on the projection, the second face in a plane, and the projection with the first face projecting out beyond the plane. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A shear blade attached to a ram block. At least one bolt passage is formed at an angle at the top of the ram block. A bolt passage is formed in the shear blade that corresponds with the bolt passage on the tam block. A bolt introduced into the bolt passage of the ram block and also the bolt passage in the shear blade attaches the shear blade to the ram block. By using this technique for attaching the shear blade to the ram block, surface area of a front face of the shear blade is not further reduced. Therefore, the strength of the shear blade is increased.

Abstract: An annular blowout container (ABOC) that may be used in multiples in a stack in conjunction with additional gate and shear valves to protect a wellhead. The ABOC incorporates a cylindrical formed bladder that provides a tight constrictive seal around whatever pipe or tubing may be in the well bore. The bladder is made of top and bottom rotator plates with springs extending between the plates. The springs are encased in Teflon® and held in place by Kevlar® then covered over completely with cured Viton® that is injected to complete the overall bladder in a molded form. Rotation of the top and bottom rotator plates effects a twisting constriction around the drill pipe or tubing. Electrical and hydraulic operational components are housed inside chambers within the ABOC for predominantly self-contained operation. The cylindrical bladder assembly may be removed and replaced after extended use.

Abstract: A blade assembly of a blowout preventer for shearing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The blowout preventer has a housing with a hole therethrough for receiving the tubular. The blade assembly includes a ram block movable between a non-engagement position and an engagement position about the tubular, a blade carried by the ram block for cuttingly engaging the tubular, a retractable guide carried by the ram block and slidably movable therealong, and a release mechanism for selectively releasing the guide to move between a guide position for guiding engagement with the tubular and a cutting position a distance behind the blade for permitting the blade to cuttingly engage the tubular.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) is provided in which each ram includes a primary rope packing seal formed from a first length of rope packing extending horizontally across the front face, rearwardly and then either or both of upwardly and downwardly over the top and/or bottom portion of the ram. The primary rope packing seal is held in, so as to protrude radially outwardly from, a continuous first groove formed in the ram. The continuous first groove is adapted to accommodate joined abutting ends or overlapping ends of the first length of rope packing. A secondary rope packing seal and a circumferential rope packing seal may be provided on the ram.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a safety device configured to mount in a mineral extraction system and block axial movement of a plug in the mineral extraction system while the plug is released from a retainer. The safety device may be a sleeve configured to receive screws or other retention mechanism in a tubular. A method is provided that includes installing a plug safety catch into a tubular of a mineral extraction system in which the safety device is configured to block axial movement of a plug in response to a pressure differential while the plug is released from a mount position.

Abstract: A blowout preventer and flow regulator, comprising blocks, each having a channel and plates to close it. The blocks are placed over a pipe through which oil or other fluid is escaping, so that the pipe is in their channels. Alongside the channel in each block are one or more plates, having diameters somewhat larger than the diameter of the channel. One or more pistons are attached to each of the plates. Explosive charges, or other suitable means, move the pistons to propel the plates across the channel to seal it off and stop the leak. Flanges may limit the pistons' movement. Gears can engage teeth on the pistons to withdraw the plates from the channel, to reopen it and allow the flow of oil or other fluid to resume. Plates may be withdrawn part way from the channel, to reduce and control the flow, without cutting it off completely.

Abstract: A system for controlling functions of a subsea structure, such as a blowout preventer, has a plurality of actuators respectively affixed to a plurality of controls of the subsea structure, and an acoustic signal generator positioned remotely from the plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of actuators has a transponder connected thereto. The acoustic signal generator produces an acoustic signal so as to actuate at least one of the plurality of actuators. Each of the actuators is an electrically-powered torque wrench having a battery affixed there to so as to supply power thereto. An induction generator can transmit an electromagnetic wave along the tubing associated with the blowout preventer so as to recharge the batteries of the torque wrenches.

Abstract: A ram type blowout preventer having a seal on each ram, extending across the front face, rearwardly and then over the top portion or the bottom portion of the ram. Each ram forms a leading edge portion above or below the front face seal, so as opposing rams move into the extended sealing position, the leading edge portions of the rams press against each other, imparting a generally vertical movement to bring the seals on the front faces into sealing engagement with each other and to energize the seals extending over the top or bottom portions against the ram bores. The front face of each ram may include a portion which is inclined toward the central bore. Rope packing seals may be provided on the rams having a vertical offset at the front faces of the rams such that rope packing seals on opposing front faces seal against each other.

Abstract: A capping stack having a first capping stack component and a second capping stack component, and a method for transporting the same are disclosed. The capping stack components are mounted onto standard skids and loaded onto an aircraft. Upon arrival at a location, the skids are mated, and the capping stack components are aligned and coupled. A clamp assembly may be used to create pressure integrity between two capping stack components.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus and method is disclosed, particularly for sealing around an elongate member which passes through a throughbore of a valve device, the apparatus having an upper sealing element and a lower sealing element, each being adapted to change configuration from an open configuration to a sealed configuration within the valve device to seal the throughbore of the valve device around the elongate member. The upper and lower sealing elements are separate and moveable independently from one another, and are configured to be actuated between open and sealed configurations by a common actuator. This actuation reduces the stack height and the weight of the valve, and reduces the number of well seals.

Abstract: Blowout preventer (BOP) stack and lower marine riser package for sealing an undersea well. The blowout preventer stack includes a frame extending along an axis and configured to be attached to a head of the well; an accumulator attached to the frame and configured to provide high pressure; two or more BOPs attached to the frame, the two or more BOPs being disposed within the frame and attached one on top of the other along the axis; each BOP having a body and a pair of bonnets attached to the body, where the bonnets are configured to be detachably attached to the body; each BOP having a corresponding cavity extending along the axis through which a fluid from the well is circulating; each BOP being configured to seal the well when the high pressure from the accumulator is released to the BOPs; plural brackets attached to the body of at least one BOP; and a safety bar attached to the plural brackets and configured to partially encircle the body of the at least one BOP.

Abstract: A shear/seal ram provides a knife edge at the shearing edge and the knife edge is inclined to minimize the cutting force required and to leave a clean cut edge. The knife edge is presented in an opening of the ram, thus the opening is positioned at the axis of the BOP, and consequently the coiled tubing, before the coiled tubing is run through the BOP. A biasing means, such as for example a Bellville spring, forces a sealing sleeve against the underside of the ram to prevent leakage of pressure from below the BOP. Similarly, a plurality of biasing means, referred to herein as “skates”, forces the ram down against the sealing sleeve to seal pressure from above the BOP.

Abstract: A variable bore packer used in a blowout preventer to form a seal against different diameter tubular members for oil and gas drilling operations. The variable bore packer includes a packer member molded of elastomeric material with certain mechanical properties and including an inside curved surface. The packer also includes a plurality of packer inserts molded within the packer member to form an insert array. Additionally, the packer includes a protrusion extending from and bonded to the packer member inside curved surface, the protrusion including increased mechanical properties compared to the packer member. The packer member, the insert array, and the protrusion are molded into a unitary structure and sized to form a seal against the different diameter tubular members upon closure of the blowout preventer. Also, the insert array and the protrusion diminishing extrusion of the elastomeric material between the packer inserts and the tubular members.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) may be programmed and launched to interface with an emergency blowout preventer which has been fitted, either when new or retrofitted, with an emergency BOP control system (EBOP). The EBOP is a “black box” drop-in solution for projects such as emergency well control that can be retrofitted to existing BOP systems or added to new BOP systems and comprises one or more control docking stations, each adapted to receive autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV); one or more interface units connected to the control docking station and used to provide an interface between the control docking station and a BOP; and the AUV which is dimensioned and configured to autonomously mate with the control docking station and effect controls of the BOP.

Abstract: An apparatus for engaging and moving a ram block. In some embodiments, the apparatus, or ram block changer, includes a support bracket coupled to a blowout preventer and an articulated arm releasably coupled to the ram block. The ram block changer may further include a pivot coupling assembly having a first axis of rotation. The pivot coupling assembly extends through the support bracket and the articulated arm, wherein the articulated arm is rotatable about the first axis of rotation relative to the support bracket. The articulated arm may include a first member receiving the pivot coupling assembly therethrough, a second member coupled to the ram block, and a second pivot coupling assembly having a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation and extending through the first and second members. The second member is rotatable about the second axis of rotation relative to the first member.

Abstract: Techniques for severing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation are provided. A blade is extendable by a ram of a blowout preventer positionable about the tubular. The blade includes a blade body having a front face on a side thereof facing the tubular. At least a portion of the front face has a vertical surface and at least a portion of the front face has an inclined surface. The vertical surface is perpendicular to a bottom surface of the blade body. The blade body includes a loading surface on an opposite side of the blade body to the front face. The loading surface is receivable by the ram. The blade also includes a cutting surface along at least a portion of the front face for engagement with the tubular, and a piercing point along the front face for piercing the tubular. The piercing point has a tip extending a distance from the cutting surface.

Abstract: An orientation joint for a subsea landing string equipped to maintain both unitary and telescoping configurations. For example, the joint may maintain a unitary configuration to provide continuous orientation definition while lowering a landing string within a blowout preventer (BOP). Additionally, the orientation joint may be configured to telescope and provide an appropriately sized uniform outer diameter surface to enable a sealing engagement with an aligned ram of the BOP.

Abstract: A method for severing a tubular of a wellbore is provided. The method involves positioning a blowout preventer about a tubular, the blowout preventer having a plurality of rams slidably positionable therein and a plurality of blades carried by the rams for engaging the tubular. The method further involves piercing the tubular with a piercing point of at least one of the blades such that a portion of the tubular is dislodged therefrom, and raking through the tubular with a cutting surface of at least one of the blades.

Abstract: A subsea connection apparatus to allow connecting a surface blowout preventer stack and riser to a subsea wellhead is disclosed. The subsea connection apparatus uses a single cavity blowout preventer with a set of shearing blind rams. Hydraulically actuated wellhead connectors are secured to the top and bottom of the blowout preventer to allow connection to a subsea wellhead below the subsea connection apparatus and a well head hub profile on the lower end of a riser above the apparatus. A control system can operate both of the hydraulically actuated connectors and the blowout preventer independently. A frangible bore protector is disposed in the bore of the blowout preventer to protect the shearing blind rams from pipe, tools, and fluids being passed through the blowout preventer and can be sheared by the shearing blind rams along with any drill pipe in the bore.