Abstract:
A method is provided for producing usable hydrocarbon product from an offshore reservoir. The method includes the economically desirable step of producing a valuable hydrocarbon product from the formation, soon after its being discovered. The product is then extracted from its reservoir, long prior to, and during the period when a marine structure is being fabricated and installed to more fully develop the reservoir and to receive a flow of the product.
Abstract:
Conductor pipes on an offshore drilling and production platform pass through openings in the decks of the platform. The openings are to be sealed off to prevent spreading of hot and/or noxious fluids from one deck to another. The sealing means consists of two annular elements arranged around a conductor and connected to the conductor and the deck, respectively, thereby forming an annular trough in which one of the elements protrudes. The trough is filled with a flexible substance, such as a silicone foam.
Abstract:
A drilling rig comprises a platform (10) supported above a sea surface (14) by legs which extends to the sea bottom (16). A drill guide (30) of rigid open framework construction extends down from the platform to the sea bottom. The drill guide is only minimally affected by turbulent sea conditions because of its open framework construction. A hardenable substance such as concrete (54) is poured into a flexible bag (50) at the lower end of the drill guide to form a solid structure conforming to the uneven sea bottom and having a substantially flat upper surface. Drilling takes place through the hardenable substance and into the underlying sea bottom.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for installing a curved well conductor (22) from an offshore marine structure (10) utilizes a leading section of precurved pipe (26) along with a plurality of trailing sections of initially straight pipe (24). The precurved pipe (26) is releasably straightened as the conductor (22) is lowered from the marine structure (10). Upon engagement with the sea floor, the precurved pipe (26) is released to resume its original curvature. The trailing initially straight sections of pipe (24) are then forced to follow a curved path defined by the leading section as the well conductor (22) is driven into the sea floor.
Abstract:
An Angulating Knuckle Lead installed within an offshore pile driving rig having both upper and lower hydraulically actuated supporting kickers, independently operable for driving pile on extreme slope or batter and which is movable upwardly and downwardly through an opening in the upper deck of the rig toward the lower deck.