Method and apparatus for controlling an underwater well blowout
US4318442A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 1979 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/36
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling an underwater well blowout including a vessel with a lower weighted collar vent ports intermediate the top and bottom of the vessel a valve controlled chimney at the top of the vessel, a gas outlet positioned to provide a gas cap in the vessel when the valve is closed with the vessel in position around the blowing well, an oil outlet above the vent ports and below the gas cap and means for pumping substantially only oil from the vessel at a rate to prevent oil from escaping from the vessel to the sea in substantial quantities. The method includes the steps of lowering a vessel with a weighted collar, a frusto-conical upper section, a valve controlled chimney leading from the upper section, vent parts, an oil outlet above the vent ports and a gas outlet providing a gas cap, over an underwater blowing well with the chimney valve open, seating the vessel on the bottom around and over the blowing well, pumping substantially only oil including entrained gas from the oil outlet and conducting free gas away from the vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.