LATERALLY REINFORCED SUBTERRANEAN CONDUIT FOR DEEP WATERS

• US 3,817,325 A
• Filed: 10/27/1971
• Issued: 06/18/1974
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: George E. Mott, Robert L. Skaggs
• Original Assignee: George E. Mott, Robert L. Skaggs
• Inventors: Mott, George E., Skaggs, Robert L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sutherland, Henry C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Favreau, Richard E.
• Application Number:
  US05/192,978
• Time in Patent Office: 965 Days
• Field of Search: 166/.5,.6 175/7
• US Class Current: 166/359
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/01 Risers
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/128 from floating support with independent underwater anchored guide base

Abstract

The invention relates to a submarine conduit such as a well casing, mud riser or other conductor which extends in a substantially vertical direction between a subterranean well, and a drilling vessel at the water'"'"''"'"'s surface. The conduit is suspended from the floating vessel at one end, and connected to a well head base. A plurality of flexible tension lines such as steel cables or the like, are stretched parallel to, and adjacent the conduit, which lines are subjected to a constant pulling force. The lines are further connected to the conduit by a series of brackets, spaced therebetween whereby to laterally support the conduit against displacement by water currents and other forces.

Claims

1. A rigid subterranean conduit positioned in an offshore body of water and disposed in a substantially vertical direction, being connected to a well formed in the floor of said body of water, and with a vessel floating at the water'"'"''"'"'s surface, the latter including constant tension apparatus thereon, a. an anchoring base fastened at said floor and having a well head depending upwardly therefrom, the lower end of said subterranean conduit being detachably connected to said well head and in communication with said well, b. constant tension means spaced from said conduit having one end communicated with said anchor base and the other end operably connected to said constant tension apparatus whereby to induce a tension force into said tension means, and c. a plurality of spacer brackets fixed on said conduit and extending outwardly therefrom, being operably engaged to said constant tension apparatus whereby to brace said conductor against displacement thereof in response to water currents and other lateral forces acting thereagainst, d. said spacer brackets being formed of semi-circular components hinged at joining faces of one side thereof and connected by a connector at the opposite joining faces whereby to secure said spacer brackets to said conduit.