Apparatus and method for killing or suppressing a subsea well
US6179057A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/076
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatus and method for killing or suppressing a subsea wellbore. The system includes a pressure intensifier adjacent the wellhead. The output of the pressure intensifier is coupled to a "kill" inlet at the wellhead equipment. Power is supplied from the surface to the pressure intensifier, which increases the pressure by a known multiple, usually 3 to 5, and supplies the high pressure fluid to the wellbore. A control unit at the surface controls the operation of the pressure intensifier in response to the predefined criteria or programmed instructions. One or more sensors provide measurements to the control unit of the wellbore conditions, which are used to determine the timing of activation of the pressure intensifier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.