Abstract: The present invention relates to a riser system in the form of a pumped riser (1), i.e. a riser (1) having an outlet (6) from the riser (1) at a depth below the surface (S) of a body of water, where the outlet (6) is coupled to a return pump (7) to return fluid from the riser (1) to the surface (S), and various operational methods to facilitate greater versatility when performing hydrocarbon drilling related operations. The arrangement also comprises a sealing element (15, 16) to seal an annulus (5) of the riser (1), and a by-pass (17) around the sealing element (15, 16). Various methods makes it possible to switch between open mode and closed mode, and vice versa, monitoring leakage across the sealing element (15, 16), as well as performing other operations exploiting the advantages of the two different modes.

Abstract: A drill cuttings processing system including a breaker mill. The breaker mill operates to pulverize drill cuttings. The breaker mill includes an outer housing, a drum operatively positioned in the outer housing, hammers operatively positioned in the drum, and a screen configured for discharge of pulverized drill cuttings. A method includes feeding drill cuttings to the breaker mill. The breaker mill is located at a drilling rig site or is attached to a drilling rig. The method includes pulverizing the drill cuttings within the breaker mill.

Abstract: A riser extending from a floating rig has a riser manifold. A rig manifold can be manipulated by an arm to couple in an automated manner to the riser manifold when running the riser from the rig. The riser and rig manifolds have mechanical connectors that mechanically connect them. Additionally, the manifolds have flow couplings mating together for conducting flow in at least one flow connection, and the manifolds control couplings mating together for conducting control in at least one flow connection. At least one of the manifolds has at least one valve controllable with the at least one control connection and configured to control fluid communication for the at least one flow connection between at least one rig flow line and an internal passage of the riser.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject technology provide for receiving real-time drilling data comprising different drilling parameters measured during a drilling operation. The subject technology calculates a kick detection parameter based at least in part on the different drilling parameters. The subject technology detects an occurrence of a kick during the drilling operation when the kick detection parameter deviates from a trend formed by previously calculated kick detection parameters. Further, the subject technology activates an alarm during the drilling operation in response to detected occurrence of the kick to facilitate preventing a blowout.

Abstract: System for displacing a blowout prevention safety valve, which has an overhead crane mounted on a suspended rail and provided with a winch for lifting and transporting the safety valve from a parking zone to a drilling area, where a crane is placed on which the safety valve is hung. A coupling device is mounted on the overhead crane, such that the overhead crane can be moved between the parking zone and the drilling area, having both the winch and the coupling device connected to the safety valve. In the drilling area, the coupling device are disengaged from the safety valve, while the crane and the winch are maintained connected to the safety valve in order to lower it to an operating position.

Abstract: A subsea drilling method for controlling the bottom hole annular pressure and downward injection rate during mud cap drilling operations from a mobile offshore drilling unit with a low pressure marine riser and subsea blowout preventer. The method called controlled mud cap drilling uses the hydrostatic head of a heavy annular mud (fluid) managed or observed in order to balance the highest pore pressure in the well and to control the injection rate, by using a subsea mud lift pump and a control system to regulate the process.

Abstract: A method for handling and/or testing an in-riser landing string assembly onboard a floating vessel, which method comprises the use of an in-riser landing string assembly cart, e.g. a skiddable in-riser landing string assembly cart, having a cart base, e.g. a cart base configured to be skidded over skid rails on a deck of the vessel, and having a support tower erected on said cart base. The in-riser landing string assembly is arranged and retained in vertical orientation on said cart with the support tower providing lateral support for the in-riser landing string assembly, e.g. the in-riser landing string assembly being temporarily secured to the tower at different elevations along the height of the support tower.

Abstract: A blowout preventer system including a lower blowout preventer stack comprising a number of hydraulic components, and a lower marine riser package comprising a first control pod and a second control pod adapted to provide, during use, redundant control of hydraulic components of the lower blowout preventer stack where the first and the second control pods are adapted to being connected, during use, to a surface control system and to be controlled, during use, by the surface control system. The blowout preventer system further including at least one additional control pod connected to at least one additional surface control system and to be controlled, during use, by the additional surface control system.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a rig floor, first and second support structures, a mast, a lower drilling machine, a continuous drilling unit, an upper drilling machine, and an upper mast assembly. The rig floor includes a V-door defining a V-door axis extending perpendicularly from the side of the rig floor that includes the V-door. The first and second support structures define a traverse corridor having a traverse corridor axis, wherein the traverse corridor axis is perpendicular to the V-door axis. The drilling rig may be used for continuous drilling of a wellbore.

Abstract: Method for moving a cantilever with respect to a deck of an offshore structure in longitudinal and rotational direction, around a predetermined virtual vertical axis, without providing a fixed vertical rotation shaft, comprising providing an offshore structure with a cantilever movable with respect to a deck of the offshore structure, providing cantilever rails on the bottom side of the cantilever and providing a supporting member or a skid shoe to support the cantilever on the deck, wherein the supporting member or the skid shoe has a top part configured for allowing the cantilever rail to have an angle deviating from the centerline of the skid shoe during rotation of the cantilever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion (heave) compensation system for a load hanging from a mobile unit (1), the system comprising two blocks (3, 4) and hybrid damping means. According to the invention, the damping means comprise an oleopneumatic damping system (6) and an electric drive system (9, 10). The invention further relates to the use of such a compensation system for heave compensation for drilling tools support.

Abstract: A bell design crown block for a top mounted compensator includes a removable, tilting sheave block mounted within the outside perimeter of a crown block yoke. An actuator installed in the crown block actuates the tilt function. No hinge adaptor is required and the sheave block does not hang past or below the crown block yoke. When used in a floating platform application, idler sheaves are mounted on the crown block yoke and an optional interface beam may be provided for the active heave cylinder head.

Abstract: A method for introducing an organic drilling fluid additive into an aqueous drilling fluid in a subterranean formation, where the method includes introducing loaded microparticles into an aqueous drilling fluid. The loaded microparticles are made by absorbing at least one organic drilling fluid additive onto hybrid calcium carbonate microparticles to form loaded microparticles. The method further includes delivering the drilling fluid into a subterranean formation, and optionally shearing the loaded microparticles to release the absorbed drilling fluid additive(s) into the drilling fluid, such as by shearing them at the drill bit.

Abstract: A riser tensioning system for providing a tensioning to a riser connected to a floating installation via a tension ring. The riser tensioning system includes at least one riser tensioner assembly. Each of the at least one riser tensioner assembly includes a riser tensioning cylinder comprising a cylinder rod, at least one sheave, and a wireline with a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed to the tension ring, and the second end is fixed to the cylinder rod. The wireline extends between the tension ring and the cylinder piston via the at least one sheave.

Abstract: A system for hoisting a load on a drilling rig includes: a hoisting means having an elongated hoisting member and an elongated hoisting member drive means; a drill string rotation means suspended from an end of the elongated hoisting member; a support structure having a first side and a second side and being adapted to support at least a portion of the weight the drill string rotation means; a first elongated hoisting member guiding means connected to the support structure; and a counterweight connected to the elongated hoisting member at the second side of the support structure. The elongated hoisting member is reeved over the first elongated hoisting member guiding means from the first to the second side of the support structure. The drill string rotation means is suspended from the elongated hoisting member at the first side of the support structure.

Abstract: There are provided high power laser systems for performing decommissioning of structures in land based boreholes, and wells, offshore, and other remote and hazardous locations, and using those system to perform decommissioning operations. In particular embodiments the laser system is a Class I system and reduces emission of materials created during laser cutting operations. The laser systems can include lifting and removal equipment for removing laser sectioned material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for compacting soil and granular materials. The soil compaction apparatuses include an arrangement of diametric expansion elements that, in their expanded state, form a larger compaction surface. In another embodiment, a compaction chamber can be provided with diametric restriction elements and a flow-through passage in the upper portion of the chamber exterior of a drive shaft. The diametric expansion or restriction elements can be fabricated from, for example, individual chains, cables, or wire rope, or a lattice of vertically and horizontally connected chains, cables, or wire rope. Embodiments of the soil compaction apparatus include, but are not limited to, closed-ended driving shafts, open-ended driving shafts, flow-through passages, no flow-through passages, removable rings for holding the diametric expansion/restriction elements, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and heave compensator for eliminating snap-load and heave effects at offshore deposition of a load into or onto the sea or seabed involves a heave compensator suspended between the load and the lifting device having a relatively stiff stroke response at small to moderate stroke lengths and then a softer stroke response at larger stroke lengths to avoid exceeding the dynamical amplification factor (DAF)-limitations of the crane/lifting device or on the load.

Abstract: An offshore drilling rig includes a drill deck, at least one work center arranged in the drill deck; a diverter system operatively connectable at least to a riser extending towards the seafloor; a hoisting system adapted for raising or lowering tubular equipment through the work center; wherein the offshore drilling rig includes a first positioning system configured for positioning at least the work center and/or the diverter system and/or a riser tensioning system selectively at a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position, different from the first horizontal position; and wherein the hoisting system is operable to raise or lower tubular equipment through the work center when said work center is positioned at said first horizontal position.

Abstract: A power and communications hub (PCH) for oil and gas operations is disclosed. The PCH includes a port operable to provide electrical power to a device for use in oil and gas operations; a port operable to provide electrical communications for use in oil and gas operations; a multiplexer (MUX) interface for connection to a MUX cable; a PCH connection interface for connection to at least one additional PCH; and a PCH body. The PCH body is operable to be disposed proximate a blowout preventer (BOP) stack, and the PCH body is physically disposed apart from but in electrical communication with at least one control pod on the BOP stack.

Abstract: A system for controlling a coiled tubing injector head includes a hydraulic control line in fluid communication with each drive motor, a valve associated with one or both hydraulic control lines, and a sensor associated with each drive motor. Each sensor is configured to output to a digital computer a signal representative of a motor speed, and at least one valve associated with a hydraulic control line is operable to regulate pressure in the hydraulic control line and thereby increase or decrease the speed of the corresponding motor until both speed sensors report substantially matching motor speeds.

Abstract: A low inertia permanent magnet motor includes a stator and rotor. The rotor includes a generally tubular and hollow rotor body coupled to the shaft of the motor by one or more spokes and/or webs. The permanent magnets of the rotor are coupled to the rotor body. In some embodiments, the low inertia permanent magnet motor may be used to power a drawworks. In some embodiments, the drawworks may be controlled by an active heave compensation controller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for running a tubular into a wellbore. The method includes attaching a first member of a lifting coupling to a first tubular, and attaching a second member of the lifting coupling to a second tubular. The second tubular extends downward through an opening of a rotary station. The method also includes connecting together the first and second members of the lifting coupling, such that a weight of the second tubular is transmitted via the lifting coupling to the first tubular. The method further includes lowering the lifting coupling, the second tubular, and at least a portion of the first tubular through the opening, and disconnecting the second member from the first member. The method additionally includes moving the second member of the lifting coupling and the second tubular laterally, away from the opening.

Abstract: A versatile multipurpose jackup unit comprises a hull with a top platform; and a configurable and detachable cantilever installation system comprising a plurality of longitudinal working groups; wherein each longitudinal working group comprises a stern pad, and more than one fixed cantilever hold-down modules.

Abstract: An offshore drilling rig comprising a drill deck, at least one work center arranged in the drill deck; a diverter system operatively connectable at least to a riser extending towards the seafloor; a hoisting system adapted for raising or lowering tubular equipment through the work center; wherein the offshore drilling rig comprises a first positioning system configured for positioning at least the work center and/or the diverter system and/or a riser tensioning system selectively at a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position, different from the first horizontal position; and wherein the hoisting system is operable to raise or lower tubular equipment through the work center when said work center is positioned at said first horizontal position.

Abstract: An offshore drilling rig comprising a drill floor deck having a hole defining a first well center. The drilling rig may further include a first hoisting system configured for hoisting and lowering tubular equipment through the first well center. The drilling rig may further include first pipe handling equipment for presenting tubular equipment to the first hoisting system so as to allow the first hoisting system to hoist or lower the tubular equipment through the first well center.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus for removing sediments from a bed of an expanse of water, includes: a suction apparatus including a) a submersible pump including: a housing body provided with an inlet mouth and with a discharge opening and an impeller rotatably supported in the body between the inlet mouth and the discharge opening and rotatably driven by a respective driving device; and b) a suction head associated to the inlet mouth of the housing body of the pump and provided at the bottom with a suction opening of the sediments; wherein the suction opening of the head has a value of the cross-section area dimensioned to achieve in the working range of the pump a suction speed capable of removing the sediments by means of the fluid dynamics removal action carried out by the water sucked into the head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling vessel for drilling in the earth's surface, comprising a dual firing line and a suspension carriage to move strings of drilling tubulars between the two firing lines, wherein the suspension carriage is provided with a stationary first suspension device and a moveable second suspension device, so that the second suspension device only requires a relatively small sideways motion in order to pass a string of drilling tubulars present in a firing line and to allow the first suspension device to approach and engage said string of drilling tubulars. The invention further relates to a method for replacing a string of drilling tubulars for another string of drilling tubulars in which use is made of a drilling vessel according to the invention.

Abstract: A drilling vessel with a drilling deck includes a drilling vessel floor structure defining the drilling deck and a tubular support assembly that is recessed in the drilling floor structure. The assembly includes a support frame and at least two support tables, wherein the tables have a top surface that forms part of the drilling deck. The tables are each guided by the support frame to allow displacement along a line between an active position for supporting a tubular and a retracted position for passing an object. The tables and the adapters segments supported thereby are coupled, for example via a clamp or a shape-coupling, such that when the tables move from their active position into their retracted position each segment moves with the respective table it is coupled with and the bushing is opened up for passing through an object through the opening between the at least two support tables and the adapter segments they support.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a derrick installed on a platform of a stationary floating structure. An activity forms a borehole in a sea-bed, and carries out installation of a casing pipe assembly and a BOP assembly in the formed borehole. A BOP trolley forms the BOP assembly together with the activity, and moves while supporting the formed BOP assembly thereon. A slot is formed on a work stand of a moon pool for underwater storage of the BOP assembly so as to extend parallel with the direction of movement of the BOP trolley, and suppresses shaking of risers when the BOP assembly positioned underwater is moved by the BOP trolley and the BOP assembly is moved to an underwater storage position.

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 low inertia permanent magnet motor includes a stator and rotor. The rotor includes a generally tubular and hollow rotor body coupled to the shaft of the motor by one or more spokes and/or webs. The permanent magnets of the rotor are coupled to the rotor body. In some embodiments, the low inertia permanent magnet motor may be used to power a drawworks. In some embodiments, the drawworks may be controlled by an active heave compensation controller.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a spider configured to support multiple mineral extraction riser segments. The system also includes a gimbal disposed below the spider and configured to support the spider during operation. The system further includes one or more arcuate radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas disposed within the gimbal and/or the spider. The one or more arcuate RFID antennas are configured to communicate with one or more RFID tags coupled to each riser segment.

Abstract: A mousehole apparatus having a main body configured for holding a drill pipe or similar elongate element, includes a carrier connected to a deck structure and having a support region adapted for releasable supportive interaction with an abutment element on the main body. The carrier comprises guiding devices for the main body and movement means operable to move the main body with respect to the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus including a base, and a drilling tower pivotally coupled to the base to pivot the drilling tower between first and second pivot positions. The drilling tower includes a first portion, and a second portion pivotally coupled to the first portion to pivot the second portion between third and fourth pivot positions when the drilling tower is in the first pivot position. A method includes pivotally coupling a drilling tower to a base, which includes providing a first portion of the drilling tower, pivotally coupling a second portion of the drilling tower to the first portion of the drilling tower, and pivotally coupling the first portion of the drilling tower to the base.

Abstract: A portable frame assembly having a skid assembly for supporting a vertically oriented mast assembly is disclosed. The mast assembly is comprised of at least two column assemblies that may be extended or retracted vertically as desired. The mast assembly is translatable to slide horizontally on the skid assembly without the need for tracks or rollers by means of powered actuators to allow for a desired placement of the mast assembly. The portable frame assembly may be positioned adjacent a wellhead for the purpose of performing plug and abandon operations and may include a power swivel and other such hydraulic or mechanical tools for performing a variety of operations on a well including removing and plugging well casing strings, milling pipe strings, cement drilling, removing wellhead assemblies, or setting and pulling plugs from pipe strings.

Abstract: Properly identifying the most vulnerable areas and quantifying the effectiveness of armor at those locations is critical to achieving efficient armor integration. A method for designing protective armor for a vehicle includes the deriving shotlines through an element; computing a probability of kill value for each shotline in each element; calculating a probability of kill intensity for each element; ranking the elements according to highest probability of kill intensity; mapping the elements in a 3D CAD environment to visually depict the elements having the highest probability of kill intensity; and designing armor taking into account the elements having the highest probability of kill intensity.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a drilling station or drilling rig, respectively, is provided for use on a drilling platform with a drilling mast, characterized in that the drilling mast and/or the energy supply and/or the generating device for hydraulic energy is/are composed of individual elements, the respective masses of which do not exceed a mass limit value of less than or equal to 25 t. A joining process requiring no welding, preferably by means of quick connectors, is preferred.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing deepwater completions and performing well intervention from a vessel that can perform other duties while not running completions or performing interventions. The system for installing deepwater completions and performing well intervention may comprise a surface pipe handling and deployment package including a horizontally operated rig that may also be operated in a slanted mode. Deepwater completions may be deployed from the vessel via a buoyant horizontal riser (BHR), which may be supported by a submerged buoyant tensioning system (BTS). In this manner, the cost of performing completion or intervention operations may be significantly reduced compared to such operations run from a drilling rig.

Abstract: A method and a device for enabling the use of riserless drilling fluid recovery from a seabed-based borehole (1) which is to be drilled by means of a casing (26), the casing (26) being provided with a drill bit (28) at its lower portion and with an inner wellhead (30) at its upper portion, and there being a conductor casing (6), which has an outer wellhead (8), in the seabed (2), the method including: —providing a suction module (12) with a dividable adapter (16) which fits complementarily in the outer wellhead (8); —drilling a length of the borehole (1) by means of the casing (26) extending through the suction module (12), while, at the same time, drilling fluid is flowing via the suction module (12) from the borehole (1); —subsequently pulling the adapter (16) up from the outer wellhead (8) and dividing the adapter (16); and—lowering the casing (26) with the inner wellhead (30) through the suction module (12) and the adapter (16) to its position in the outer wellhead (8).

Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coring system considering a tilt of a coring part and a method of compensating for a depth of a coring part using the same. A coring system according to the present invention includes: a coring part with a core to be filled with an object to be cored; a driving unit controlling upward/downward movement of the coring part; a rope connecting the coring part with the driving unit; and a tilt meter measuring a tilt of the coring part.

Abstract: A drilling control system monitors and compares drilling and completion operation sensor values and autonomously acts in response to conditions such as a kick or surge. Sensors in various combinations may monitor return fluid flow rate, fluid inflow rate, wellhead bore pressure, temperature of returning fluid, torque, rate of penetration and string weight change. The control system has corresponding control logic to monitor, warn and act based on the sensor inputs. The actions may include the warning of support personnel, closing an annular blowout preventer, shearing drill pipe using a ram shear, pumping heavier fluid down choke and kill lines, disconnecting the riser or various other actions.

Abstract: A remotely operable drilling apparatus (6) comprises a body such as frame (10) and drive means arranged to drill annular pile (8), which is loaded in the drilling apparatus (6) into the floor of a body of water. The annular pile comprises a cutting shoe (24). The drive means comprises a power swivel (12) which attaches to the top of the annular pile (8) by means of a drive head. Delivery means is also provided which comprises at least one nozzle to enable flushing fluid and grout to be injected around annular pile (8). The power swivel (12) is raised and lowered by rack and pinion means 14 disposed on either side of the power swivel (12).

Abstract: A multi purpose hoisting device for use on a floating vessel having a deck, including: a load bearing structure to be mounted on the vessel; a main hoisting mechanism for raising/lowering an object above the deck and including: at least one main hoisting winch; an upper cable pulley block supported by the load bearing structure; a travelling cable pulley block; a main hoisting cable associated with the at least one main hoisting winch and passed over pulleys of the upper cable pulley block and of the travelling pulley block in a multiple fall configuration, such that the travelling cable pulley block is moveable relative to the load bearing structure by using the at least one main hoisting winch; a main hoist heave compensation mechanism associated with the main hoisting cable for damping the effect of sea-state induced motion of the vessel onto an object supported by the main hoisting cable.

Abstract: A triple activity drilling ship may be provided with two separate drilling centers, each including drilling apparatus. In addition, a trolley that is capable of supporting tubulars may be positioned between a first position within one of said drilling centers and a second position outside that drilling center. As a result, the trolley may be used to hold assembled tubulars while other activities are ongoing in one or more of the drilling centers.

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 subsea mud pump can be used to return heavy drilling fluid to the surface. In order to provide a less stringent requirement for such a pump and to better manage the bottom hole pressure in the case of a gas kick or well control event, the gas should be separated from the drilling fluid before the drilling fluid enters the subsea mud pump and the pressure within the separating chamber. The mud pump suction should be controlled and kept equal or lower than the ambient seawater pressure. This can be achieved within the cavities of the subsea BOP by a system arrangement and methods explained. This function can be used with or without a drilling riser connecting the subsea BOP to a drilling unit above the body of water.

Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.

Abstract: A tender barge for a drill ship includes a hull internally segmented into compartments. The compartments are for storing wellbore drilling consumables and wellbore drilling waste. The hull has an opening therein for positioning under a moon pool of a drill ship. The barge hull further includes a support structure for contacting a bottom of a hull of a drill ship when the drill ship is positioned over the barge hull. The barge has a mooring system having capacity to either hold the barge in position or hold both the barge and the drill ship when the drill ship is fully supported by the barge out of the water over a wellbore location.