Patent · US Active

Riser disconnect package for lower marine riser package, and annular-release flex-joint assemblies

US9650855B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by

14References

39Claims

0Family size

Inventors

William Matthew Caldwell · Ocean Springs, US
Andrew Boyd · Houston, US
Scott Andrew Wagner · Cypress, US
Stephen John Walker · Parramatta, AU

Key dates

Filing date	Mar 11, 2014
Grant date	May 16, 2017
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Mar 11, 2034

Classification

Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
CPC primaryE21B33/038
WIPO fieldCivil engineering
WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A riser disconnect/reconnect system including a disconnection package (RDP) and a modified lower marine riser package (LMRP) are provided for quick disconnection of the marine drilling riser (MDR) from the LMRP. The RDP includes a flex joint and a release connector (RC) with a mandrel that engages a modified LMRP. In an emergency event, the RDP is disconnected from the LMRP allowing access to the BOP stack for emergency intervention. In routine drilling operations, the RDP is disconnected from the LMRP facilitating the recovery of the LMRP or BOP stack to the surface for repair or maintenance without recovering the MDR. The RC joins the flex joint to the uppermost annular blowout preventer in the LMRP. The RC is configured for use in a standard or inverted position. Also provided is a mechanical locking connector, a resident ROV and sonar technology and methods of using same with the RDP.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.