Apparatus and method for inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a subsea borehole
First Claim
1. An apparatus for inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a subsea borehole, the apparatus comprising:
- a first, lower, gripping mechanism for use in a location subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the first gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars;
a second, upper, gripping mechanism for use in a location subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the second gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars;
wherein the first and second gripping mechanisms are moveable with respect to one another;
a movement mechanism which, when actuated, moves one of the first and second gripping mechanisms with respect to the other of the first and second gripping mechanisms, such that the string of tubulars is inserted into or removed from the subsea borehole;
a make up/break out mechanism configured to one of add a tubular to and remove a tubular from the string; and
a compensation mechanism configured to keep the make up/breakout mechanism substantially stationary with respect to a subsea surface.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a subsea borehole. The apparatus includes a first, lower, gripping mechanism locatable subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole. The first gripping mechanism is capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars. The apparatus further includes a second, upper, gripping mechanism locatable subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the second gripping mechanism being capable of-gripping a portion of the sting of tubulars. The first and second gripping mechanisms are moveable with respect to one another. The apparatus further includes a movement mechanism which, when actuated, moves one of the first and second gripping mechanisms with respect to the other of the first and second gripping mechanisms, such that the string of tubulars is inserted into or removed from the subsea borehole.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. An apparatus for inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a subsea borehole, the apparatus comprising:
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a first, lower, gripping mechanism for use in a location subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the first gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars;
a second, upper, gripping mechanism for use in a location subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the second gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars;
wherein the first and second gripping mechanisms are moveable with respect to one another;
a movement mechanism which, when actuated, moves one of the first and second gripping mechanisms with respect to the other of the first and second gripping mechanisms, such that the string of tubulars is inserted into or removed from the subsea borehole;
a make up/break out mechanism configured to one of add a tubular to and remove a tubular from the string; and
a compensation mechanism configured to keep the make up/breakout mechanism substantially stationary with respect to a subsea surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22)
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16. An apparatus for inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a subsea borehole, comprising:
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a first, lower, gripping mechanism for use in a location subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the first gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars;
a second, upper, gripping/mechanism for use in a location subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the second gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars, wherein the first and second gripping mechanisms are moveable with respect to one another;
a movement mechanism which, when actuated, moves one of the first and second gripping mechanisms with respect to the other of the first and second gripping mechanisms such that the string of tubulars is inserted into or removed from the subsea borehole; and
a make up/breakout mechanism capable of adding a tubular to or removing a tubular from the string, wherein the make up/break out mechanism comprises a pair of vertically spaced tongs which are adapted to selectively grip the tubular. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. An apparatus for inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a subsea borehole, comprising:
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a first, lower, gripping mechanism for use in a location subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the first gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars;
a second, upper, gripping mechanism for use in a location subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the second gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars, wherein the first and second gripping mechanisms are moveable with respect to one another;
a movement mechanism which, when actuated, moves one of the first and second gripping mechanisms with respect to the other of the first and second gripping mechanisms such that the string of tubulars is inserted into or removed from the subsea borehole; and
a riser into which an upper end of a string is insertable at a vessel. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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23. A method of inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a subsea borehole, the method comprising:
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providing a first gripping mechanism located subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the first gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars;
providing a second gripping mechanism located subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the second gripping mechanism being capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars;
wherein the first and second gripping mechanisms are moveable with respect to one another;
providing a movement mechanism which is capable of moving one of the first and second gripping mechanisms with respect to the other of the first and second gripping mechanisms;
actuating the movement mechanism such that the string of tubulars is inserted into, or removed from, the subsea borehole;
providing a make up/breakout mechanism for one of adding a tubular to the string and removing the tubular from the string; and
providing a compensation mechanism for keeping the make up/breakout mechanism substantially stationary with respect to a subsea surface. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification