Method and apparatus for drilling multiple wells from a platform
US5865260A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B7/043
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A facility or platform (11) having a limited number of circular well-drilling slots (3) is converted to provide additional well-drilling locations on the platform (11) while protecting the platform (11) from the hoisting and lowering loads normally required to drill deep water wells. The additional well-drilling locations are provided by placing multiple wells in individual slots (3). Load protection is accomplished by transferring such loads to a underwater competent earth formation (15) with a thick-walled shroud (12). The shroud (12) surrounding the multiple wells carries at minimum by a plurality of internal centers through which the wells pass for assuring separation of the multiple wells and transmitting loads to the shroud (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.