Riser Technology

• US 20130014688A1
• Filed: 09/20/2012
• Published: 01/17/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: My Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: My Technologies LLC
• Inventors: Yemington, Charles R.
• Granted Patent: US 9,222,317 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 114/264
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 2003/147 Moon-pools, e.g. for offshore drilling vessels
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 35/44 Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices construction methods for floating offshore platforms B63B75/00
• CPC Class Codes: B66C 13/02 Devices for facilitating retrieval of floating objects, e.g. for recovering crafts from water handling live-boats B63B; salvaging, or hauling-out on slipways, waterborne vessels B63C; winding mechanism controls B66D1/52
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 19/002 specially adapted for underwater drilling E21B19/09, E21B19/143 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 19/004 supporting a riser from a drilling or production platform
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 19/006 including heave compensators
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 19/22 Handling reeled pipe or rod units, e.g. flexible drilling pipes lifting or hauling appliances using two or more cooperating endless chains B66D3/003
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

The present invention is directed to novel methods and apparatus for the design, installation, use, recovery, and reuse of a Self Supporting Riser (SSR) for wells that are not under a platform. The SSR of the present invention uses standardized joints that can be recovered, potentially warehoused, and recombined in different configurations for different purposes or locations. Emphasis is on methods and apparatus that use relatively small vessels subject to high motions in the installation, use and recovery of the SSR. The SSR is adapted for high current and/or deep water applications for purposes of downhole well intervention and subsea equipment installation. In contrast to the apparatus and processes of the prior art, this invention addresses a comprehensive system design.

Claims

1. A small sea vessel having a work surface outfitted for installation/recovery of a self supporting riser comprising:

a crane on deck;

a gantry mounted on tracks movable over the deck to a position near said work surface; and

said work surface being retractable to expose water when open, and when closed having a slot in said work surface; and

tools used to engage and break riser joint connectors mounted on said work surface around said slot.

2. A vessel according to claim 21 wherein said vessel has a moon pool and said work surface is the moon pool cover.

3. A vessel according to claim 22 which further includes two or more guide rails in said moon pool.

4. A vessel according to claim 22 wherein said guide rails when in operation extend below the keel of said vessel.

5. A vessel according to claim 22 wherein said tools include tongs for joints connected by rotation.

6. A vessel according to claim 22 wherein said tools include bolt tensioner/nut running functions for joints connected by flanges.