Method and apparatus for leveling templates for offshore subterranean wells
US4212562A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1978 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/017
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for leveling a relatively massive template structure which is positionable on the ocean bottom in proximity to one or more sites of subterranean wells. Since the template is primarily utilized to mount or guide later applied drilling, completion or production equipment, it is essential that the template be positioned on its fixing piles in a precise horizontally level position. Accordingly, a plurality of sleeves are secured to the template which respectively loosely encircle the hollow fixing piles. Hydraulically operated clamp means are provided to lock the encircling sleeves at any selected vertical position to a respective fixing pile. A hydraulic elevating mechanism is lowered into the top open end of at least one such fixing pile and utilized to effect the lifting of the sleeve and adjacent portion of the template to which the sleeve is secured to a height approximating the desired level position. The lifting movements may be performed successively or simultaneously on each of the fixing piles so that the template is gradually brought into a precise level position as indicated by bubble or other level indicators mounted on or associated wi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.