Marine riser system with dual purpose lift and heave compensator mechanism
US4176722A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 1978 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B19/09
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Apparatus for drilling a well at a location submerged below a body of water includes a buoyant foundation structure. The foundation structure is floatable on the surface of the body of water and is subject to vertical motion in response to waves and the like. A riser handling and tensioning mechanism is mounted to the foundation structure and is operable for moving a riser pipe along a substantially vertical line from and to the foundation into and out of connection with the submerged location. The riser handling and tensioning mechanism is also operable for applying tension to a riser pipe connected to the submerged location. The handling and tensioning mechanism includes vertically disposed hydraulic rams mounted to the foundation structure. Holding means are releasably engageable with a riser pipe adjacent its upper end and are connected to the rams for movement along the riser line by the rams. The rams have an active operating mode in which they are operable to lower and raise a riser pipe along the line into and out of connection of the lower end of the riser with the submerged location. The rams also have a passive operating mode in which they are operable to apply a selecte…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.