Abstract:
A device for reducing the load on a wellhead casing (12) from a bending moment (M w ) generated by a horizontal load component (L h ) from a well element (2, 3) arranged over a wellhead (11), in which a supporting frame (6) is connected to an upper portion (12a) of the wellhead casing (12) and projects outwards from the centre axis of the wellhead casing (12) and is provided with an abutment (61) which rests supportingly against a base (13, 41) at a radial distance from the wellhead casing (12), the supporting frame (6) being arranged to absorb a portion of said bending moment (M w ).
Abstract:
Systems and methods for running and cementing casing into wells drilled with dual-gradient mud systems include running casing through a subsea wellhead connected to a marine riser, the casing having an auto-fill float collar, and connecting a landing string to the last casing run. The landing string includes a surface-controlled valve (SCV) and a surface-controlled ported circulating sub (PCS). The SCV and PCS are manipulated as needed when running casing, washing it down while preventing u-tubing on connections and prior to cementing to displace mixed density mud from the landing string and replace it with heavy- density mud prior to circulating below the mudline thus maintaining the dual gradient effect.
Abstract:
Reducing the diameter of a well bore has many advantages. To achieve this a subsurface well bore is provided comprising one or more expandable sleeve components, preferably expandable liners, each expandable sleeve component being fully overlapped by one or more non expandable sleeve component, preferably conventional liners, such that the interior of the well bore is cased entirely by non expandable sleeve components. In addition the through holes for downhole lines can be provided within the well head rather than the tubing hanger. As the tubing hanger does not need to provide space for through holes and associated mounting couplings, its diameter can be reduced, thus reducing the internal diameter of the well bore by several inches.
Abstract:
Field development drilling and completion/production work are performed from a floating facility having a deck with a moon pool and a well bay, a first drilling rig fixed to the deck over the moon pool, and a second drilling rig movably mounted on the deck over the well bay. In use, the facility is positioned in a first position for field development drilling by the first drilling rig through the moon pool at a first well location. The facility is moved to a second position for field development drilling by the first drilling rig through the moon pool at a second well location. During the field development drilling at the second well location, the facility is moved so that the first well location is accessible through the well bay. Well completion/production work is performed at the first well location through the well bay with the second drilling rig.
Abstract:
In the various methods of the present invention, reliance is placed on a first and second barrier (26) and (30) respectively positioned in a well (10) to provide well control during well suspension, completion and/or workover operations. Each of the barriers is below the depth of the lowermost end of a completion string when that string is installed in the well (10). By not placing either barrier higher up in the well-bore, both of the barriers can remain in place during suspension and completion and workover operations, thus obviating the need to use a BOP stack to supplement well control. This results in a considerable saving in drill rig time and thus significantly reduces the cost of constructing a well.
Abstract:
A system includes a tubular member (60) including a radially outer surface (60c) and a sensor assembly (128). The sensor assembly includes a strain sensor coupled to the radially outer surface. In addition, the sensor assembly includes a first coating having (134) a first hardness and a first tensile strength. The first coating encases the strain sensor (131,130) and at least part (64) of the outer surface. Further, the sensor assembly includes a second coating (136) having a second hardness that is greater than the first hardness and a second tensile strength that is greater than the first tensile strength. The second coating encases the first coating and at least another part (68) of the radially outer surface.
Abstract:
A subsea well installation assembly for installing a tubing hanger in a subsea well includes a spool with a spool orientation feature and a running tool connectable to the tubing hanger with a running tool orientation feature. The tubing hanger is rotatable to the predetermined orientation by movement of the running tool with respect to the spool such that the running tool orientation feature engages the spool orientation feature, and the tubing hanger is landable in the predetermined orientation by movement of the running tool with respect to the spool such that the running tool orientation feature engages the spool orientation feature.
Abstract:
A method of running casing in a dual gradient system includes lowering a casing into a low density fluid region and allowing the low density fluid to enter the casing; releasing a plug into the casing; supplying a high density fluid behind the plug; and lowering the casing into a high density fluid region until target depth is reached.
Abstract:
A method and system for constructing a subsea well in a subterranean formation is described. A tubular in a subsea well defines a main wellbore, and a fluid circulation path from the main wellbore to an outlet is formed via the wellbore annulus between the tubular and the subterranean formation. A cement slurry flows from the main wellbore along the wellbore annulus towards the outlet, causing fluid to be displaced from the annulus through the outlet. A controllable subsea choke in fluid communication with the fluid circulation path generates a backpressure in the fluid circulation path using the controllable subsea choke. In a preferred embodiment, the controllable subsea choke is part of a subsea pressure regulation system which also comprises a subsea pump.
Abstract:
A novel method and device for sealing a borehole (14) that is filled either partially or completely with water. A water-permeable sleeve (2) is capable of expanding to the diameter of the borehole (14), and is constructed of a material that will allow the passage of water in and out throughout its length, with a series of apertures (10), but will prevent an explosive charge from escaping. Once the sleeve (2) is in place, a hose, to introduce the explosive charge, is lowered through the sleeve (2) to the bottom of the borehole (14).