Weight management system and method for marine drilling riser
US5875848A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B21/001
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A system and a method are provided for managing the weight of an underwater riser assembly. The system includes a blocking mechanism for selectively blocking the bottom end of the riser assembly so that heavy drilling mud is retained within the riser assembly. Upper and lower flooding valves are located in the riser assembly above the blocking mechanism and are spaced apart. The valves can be opened so that an annulus in the riser assembly is in fluid communication with surrounding water. Drilling fluid can be introduced to or removed from the annulus during deployment or disconnect conditions using the upper and lower flooding valves. For the blocking mechanism, an elongated cylindrical tool can fill the annulus at the bottom end of the riser assembly to block fluid flow in the annulus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.