REMOTE OPERATION OF A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE BEARING CLAMP

A rotating control device can include a housing assembly, a body and a clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body. The clamp device can include a piston which radially displaces a clamp section. A well system can include a rotating control device which includes at least one seal which seals off an annulus between a body of the rotating control device and a tubular string which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device. The rotating control device can also include a piston which displaces longitudinally and selectively clamps and unclamps a housing assembly to the body. 1. A rotating control device , comprising:a housing assembly;a body; anda clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body, the clamp device including a piston which radially displaces a clamp section.2. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the piston radially displaces the clamp section into latched engagement with a profile.3. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the clamp section comprises a continuous ring.4. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the clamp section comprises multiple collets.5. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the clamp section comprises multiple lugs.6. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the piston is annular shaped.7. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the piston encircles a flow passage which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device.8. The rotating control device of claim 7 , wherein the piston displaces longitudinally when the clamp section displaces radially.9. The rotating control device of claim 1 , further comprising an unclamping device which displaces the piston without a pressure differential being created across the piston.10. The rotating control device of claim 9 , wherein the unclamping device threadedly engages the piston.11. The rotating control device of claim 1 , further comprising a position sensor ...

Well drilling method utilizing real time response to ahead of bit measurements

A well drilling method utilizing real time response to ahead of bit measurements. A well drilling method includes measuring a property of a portion of the earth prior to drilling a wellbore into the earth portion; and varying a drilling parameter in real time while drilling the wellbore, in response to measuring the property.

REMOTELY OPERATED ISOLATION VALVE

A method of operating an isolation valve can include continuously transmitting a signal to a detector section, and a control system operating an actuator in response to the detector section detecting cessation of the signal transmission. A well system can include an isolation valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of a wellbore, a remotely positioned signal transmitter, and the isolation valve including a control system which operates an actuator in response to detection of a signal by a detector section. Another well system can include an isolation valve interconnected in a tubular string, and the tubular string being cemented in a wellbore, with cement being disposed in an annulus formed radially between the isolation valve and the wellbore. 1. A method of operating an isolation valve in a subterranean well , the method comprising:continuously transmitting a signal to a detector section of the isolation valve; anda control system of the isolation valve operating an actuator of the isolation valve in response to the detector section detecting that continuous transmission of the signal has ceased.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the signal is transmitted from a remote location.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the signal is transmitted from the remote location via telemetry.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the telemetry comprises at least one of the group consisting of electromagnetic claim 3 , acoustic claim 3 , and pressure pulse telemetry.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein continuously transmitting the signal further comprises maintaining a configuration of the isolation valve unchanged.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein operating the actuator of the isolation valve further comprises changing the configuration of the isolation valve.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the isolation valve is cemented in a wellbore.8. The method of claim 7 , wherein cement is positioned in an annulus formed between the isolation valve ...

Offshore universal riser system

An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

OFFSHORE UNIVERSAL RISER SYSTEM

An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table. 185-. (canceled)86. A drilling method comprising the steps of:installing a first annular seal module in an internal flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string, the first annular seal module being secured in the flow passage between opposite end connections of the riser string;then conveying a second annular seal module into the flow passage; andsealing an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string in the flow passage utilizing the first and second annular seal modules.87. The method of claim 86 , wherein the sealing step further comprises sealing the annular space between the riser string and the tubular string in the flow passage utilizing the first and second annular seal modules while the tubular string rotates within the flow passage.88. The method of claim 86 , wherein the second annular seal module includes at least one seal which seals against the tubular string while the tubular string rotates within the flow passage.89. The method of claim 88 , wherein the seal rotates with the tubular string.90. The ...

OFFSHORE UNIVERSAL RISER SYSTEM

An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table. 146-. (canceled)47. A drilling method comprising the steps of:connecting an injection conduit externally to a riser string, so that the injection conduit is communicable with an internal flow passage extending longitudinally through the riser string;installing an annular seal module in the flow passage, the annular seal module being positioned in the flow passage between opposite end connections of the riser string;conveying a tubular string into the flow passage;sealing an annular space between the tubular string and the riser string utilizing the annular seal module;rotating a drill bit at a distal end of the tubular string, the annular seal module sealing the annular space during the rotating step;flowing drilling fluid from the annular space to a surface location; andinjecting a fluid composition having a density less than that of the drilling fluid into the annular space via the injection conduit.48. The method of claim 47 , wherein in the injecting step claim 47 , the fluid composition comprises Nitrogen gas.49. The method of claim 47 , ...

OFFSHORE UNIVERSAL RISER SYSTEM

An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table. 177-. (canceled)78. A drilling method comprising the steps of:sealing an annular space between a tubular string and a riser string;flowing drilling fluid from the annular space to a surface location via a drilling fluid return line; andinjecting a fluid composition having a density less than that of the drilling fluid into the drilling fluid return line via an injection conduit.79. The method of claim 78 , wherein in the injecting step claim 78 , the fluid composition comprises Nitrogen gas.80. The method of claim 78 , wherein in the injecting step claim 78 , the fluid composition comprises hollow glass spheres.81. The method of claim 78 , wherein in the injecting step claim 78 , the fluid composition comprises a mixture of liquid and gas.82. The method of claim 78 , wherein the injecting step further comprises selecting from among multiple connection points between the drilling fluid return line and the injection conduit for injecting the fluid composition into the drilling fluid return line.83. The method of claim 78 , further comprising the steps ...

OFFSHORE UNIVERSAL RISER SYSTEM

An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table. 1100-. (canceled)101. A riser system , comprising:multiple longitudinally spaced apart seals which sealingly engage a tubular string positioned in a flow passage extending through the riser string while the tubular string rotates, the seals being positioned in the riser string between opposite end connections of the riser string, wherein each one of the multiple seals includes an engagement surface which sealingly engages the tubular string, and wherein the tubular string rotates relative to the engagement surfaces of the seals.102. The riser system of claim 101 , wherein the seals remain stationary within the riser string while the tubular string rotates.103. A drilling method claim 101 , comprising:rotating a tubular string in a riser string; andsealingly engaging the tubular string with multiple seals, wherein each one of the multiple seals includes an engagement surface which sealingly engages the tubular string, and wherein the engagement surfaces remain stationary relative to the riser string while the tubular ...

SEALING ELEMENT WEAR DETECTION FOR WELLBORE DEVICES

A system is provided that can include a rotating control device (RCD) with a sealing element and a force measurement device for measuring an axial force imparted to the sealing element. The system can also include a computing device that is communicatively coupled to the force measurement device for receiving the axial force measurements and from which the wear status of the sealing element can be determined. 1. A system comprising:a wellbore device that includes a sealing element;a force measurement device for measuring an axial force imparted to the sealing element; anda computing device communicatively coupled to the force measurement device for receiving an axial force measurement for determining a wear status of the sealing element.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the force measurement device comprises a load cell mounted at a flanged connection between a blowout preventer (BOP) and the wellbore device claim 1 , wherein the wellbore device comprises a rotating control device (RCD).3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is communicatively coupled to the force measurement device for receiving a baseline axial force measurement on the sealing element and a subsequent axial force measurement on the sealing element claim 1 ,wherein the computing device includes a display for outputting a visual representation of the baseline axial force measurement and the subsequent axial force measurement generated by the computing device.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the computing device is communicatively coupled to a drill pipe position device for receiving information regarding a position of a drill pipe and determining wear of the sealing element using the position of the drill pipe and the axial force measurement.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the computing device includes a baseline axial force measurement on the sealing element that is predetermined rather than measured.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is located offsite ...

Method and system for attaching and removing equipment from a wellhead.

Un système et un procédé, permettant d'effectuer le montage et le démontage d'un équipement (25) dans une tête de puits sous-marine (26), utilisent un tube ascenseur flexible (22) pour monter et descendre l'équipement, des câbles (34) reliant l'équipement (25) à la tête de puits (26) et servant de câbles de treuil s'enroulant et se déroulant afin de diriger le mouvement de l'équipement (25) à proximité de la tête de puits (26). Pendant que les câbles (34) servant de treuil sont enroulés ou déroulés, leur tension est maintenue par une bobine (33) et un compensateur de mouvement (36) disposé entre l'équipement (25) et le tube ascenseur (22) et pouvant effectuer un mouvement de va-et-vient vertical avec le bateau (20) en réponse à l'action des vagues, pendant que l'équipement (25) est protégé de ladite action durant son montage et son démontage dans la tête de puits (26). Le système de câbles servant de treuil peut être utilisé pour reconnecter le connecteur inférieur (29, 31) du tube ascenseur au reste de l'équipement (28) après déconnexion. A system and a method for mounting and dismounting equipment (25) in an underwater wellhead (26), use a flexible elevator tube (22) to raise and lower the equipment, cables (34) connecting the equipment (25) to the wellhead (26) and serving as winch cables winding and unwinding in order to direct the movement of the equipment (25) near the head of well (26). While the cables (34) serving as the winch are wound or unwound, their tension is maintained by a coil (33) and a motion compensator (36) disposed between the equipment (25) and the elevator tube (22) and capable of perform a vertical back-and-forth movement with the boat (20) in response to the action of the waves, while the equipment (25) is protected from said action during its assembly and disassembly in the well head ( 26). The cable system serving as a winch can be used to reconnect the lower connector (29, 31) of the lift tube to ...

Remote operation of a rotating control device bearing clamp

A rotating control device can include a housing assembly, a body and a clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body. The clamp device can include a piston which radially displaces a clamp section. A well system can include a rotating control device which includes at least one seal which seals off an annulus between a body of the rotating control device and a tubular string which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device. The rotating control device can also include a piston which displaces longitudinally and selectively clamps and unclamps a housing assembly to the body.

Valve

Remote operation of a rotating control device bearing clamp

A rotating control device can include a housing assembly, a body and a clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body. The clamp device can include a piston which radially displaces a clamp section. A well system can include a rotating control device which includes at least one seal which seals off an annulus between a body of the rotating control device and a tubular string which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device. The rotating control device can also include a piston which displaces longitudinally and selectively clamps and unclamps a housing assembly to the body.

Sealing element wear detection for wellbore devices

A system is provided that can include a rotating control device (RCD) with a sealing element and a force measurement device for measuring an axial force imparted to the sealing element. The system can also include a computing device that is communicatively coupled to the force measurement device for receiving the axial force measurements and from which the wear status of the sealing element can be determined.

Method of installing and retrieving multiple modules from a riser string

A method comprising the steps of: installing multiple modules in an internal flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string, the modules being installed in the flow passage between opposite end connections of the riser string; inserting a tubular string through an interior of each of the modules; and then simultaneously retrieving the multiple modules from the flow passage on the tubular string.

Offshore universal riser system

An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Remotely operated isolation valve

A method of operating an isolation valve can include continuously transmitting a signal to a detector section, and a control system operating an actuator in response to the detector section detecting cessation of the signal transmission. A well system can include an isolation valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of a wellbore, a remotely positioned signal transmitter, and the isolation valve including a control system which operates an actuator in response to detection of a signal by a detector section. Another well system can include an isolation valve interconnected in a tubular string, and the tubular string being cemented in a wellbore, with cement being disposed in an annulus formed radially between the isolation valve and the wellbore.

Valve

Remotely operated isolation valve

A method of operating an isolation valve can include continuously transmitting a signal to a detector section, and a control system operating an actuator in response to the detector section detecting cessation of the signal transmission. A well system can include an isolation valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of a wellbore, a remotely positioned signal transmitter, and the isolation valve including a control system which operates an actuator in response to detection of a signal by a detector section. Another well system can include an isolation valve interconnected in a tubular string, and the tubular string being cemented in a wellbore, with cement being disposed in an annulus formed radially between the isolation valve and the wellbore.

Remote operation of a rotating control device bearing clamp

A rotating control device can include a housing assembly, a body and a clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body. The clamp device can include a piston which radially displaces a clamp section. A well system can include a rotating control device which includes at least one seal which seals off an annulus between a body of the rotating control device and a tubular string which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device. The rotating control device can also include a piston which displaces longitudinally and selectively clamps and unclamps a housing assembly to the body.

Method of pressure testing a riser string

A method of pressure testing a riser string, the method comprising the steps of: installing a valve module into an internal longitudinal flow passage extending through the riser string; closing the valve module to thereby prevent fluid flow through the flow passage; and applying a pressure differential across the closed valve module, thereby pressure testing at least a portion of the riser string.

Well drilling methods with automated response to event detection

Method of pressure testing a riser string

An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Well drilling methods with automated response to event detection.

Un método de perforación de pozos puede incluir detectar un evento de perforación al comparar una firma de parámetro generada durante la perforación con una firma de evento indicativa de un evento de perforación, y controlar automáticamente una operación de perforación en respuesta a al menos una coincidencia parcial que resulta de comparar la firma de parámetro con la firma de evento. Un sistema de perforación de pozos puede incluir un sistema de control el cual compara una firma de parámetro para una operación de perforación con una firma de evento indicativa de un evento de perforación, y un controlador el cual controla la operación de perforación automáticamente en respuesta al evento de perforación que se indica por al menos una coincidencia parcial entre la firma de parámetro y la firma de evento.

Offshore universal riser system

An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Method of drilling with a riser string by installing multiple annular seals

A drilling method comprising the steps of: installing a first annular seal module in an internal flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string, the first annular seal module being secured in the flow passage between opposite end connections of the riser string; sealing an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string in the flow passage utilizing the first annular seal module, the sealing step being performed while a drill bit on the tubular string is rotated; and then conveying a second annular seal module into the flow passage on the tubular string.

Offshore universal riser system

An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Offshore universal riser system

87 Abstract OFFSHORE UNIVERSAL RISER SYSTEMAn offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.Figure 19

Offshore universal riser system

An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Improvements in or relating to wet connector devices

Method and system for multi-layer signaling across multiple control networks

An aspect of the present invention provides a method of establishing call controller communication in a multi-layer transport network where a plurality of signaling communications networks may exist within each layer. An interlayer call controller association is enhanced to provide associations of multiple client call controllers to a single server layer call controller. A method of collecting sets of associations related to a single server layer call is provided so that a sequence of client call controllers may be constituted. The plurality of signaling communications networks is then used to pass control information between call controllers in that sequence.

Well drilling methods with automated response to event detection

A well drilling method can include detecting a drilling event by comparing a parameter signature generated during drilling to an event signature indicative of the drilling event, and automatically controlling a drilling operation in response to at least a partial match resulting from comparing the parameter signature to the event signature. A well drilling system can include a control system which compares a parameter signature for a drilling operation to an event signature indicative of a drilling event, and a controller which controls the drilling operation automatically in response to the drilling event being indicated by at least a partial match between the parameter signature and the event signature.