Subsea gas separation system and method for offshore drilling
US6276455A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/035
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A subsea gas separation system use in drilling an offshore well includes a subsea blowout preventor connected to the well and a gas separator connected to the blowout preventor near the seafloor. Gas released into the well bore during a well control event is removed at the separator and not returned with the drilling mud recirculated to the surface. A method offshore drilling includes a mud circulation circuit established leading down the drill string, through the drill bit, up the borehole, through a subsea pump, and to the surface through a return riser. The subsea pump is protected during critical well control events by removing gas released into the mud at a gas separator located upstream of the subsea pump and in communication with the blowout preventor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.