US3661204A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater drilling methods and apparatus
Assignee: General Dynamics Corp
•
Filing: 1970-03-23
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Granted: 1972-05-09
•
Expires: 1990-03-23
Abstract
Abstract Broadly, three embodiments are disclosed: a first involving drilling a well from a submersible vessel, a second specifically adapted to drilling a well in shallow water, and a third specifically adapted to drilling a well in deep water. In the second and third embodiments, drilling may be accomplished by workmen on the surface of the water. In each embodiment, an anchor pad is first installed at the selected site of the wellhead. Means is disclosed for performing the cementing of the anchor pad underwater. Drilling is effected through a hollow, watertight capsule, which is secured directly or indirectly to the anchor pad, and casing is lowered into the well. In the second and third embodiments, casing extension is mounted on the wellhead within the capsule and run to the surface of the water. After completion of the drilling operation, the casing extension, if used, is removed, a christmas tree is installed in the capsule, and the capsule is sealed to protect the wellhead during the production cycle. A service chamber facilitates return of workmen periodically to the capsule for inspection and repair. Chambers and adaptors facilitating underwater separation of oil and gas and storage of the oil are provided, and a floating production buoy facilitating support of wellhead equipment and product collection by a tanker is also provided. Hydraulic apparatus with suitable electrical actuating means is disclosed for facilitating remote control of a number of operations including positive hold-down of one chamber mounted underwater atop another, sealing of one chamber to another, raising and lowering of the christmas tree within the capsule, and the coupling together of product-bearing lines in one chamber to product-bearing lines in an adjacent chamber.
Inventors
- 👤 John E Blanding
- 👤 Edmund C Trageser
- 👤 James Vincent Harrington
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 02:43
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B7/00; E21B7/12; E21B7/124; E21B33/00; E21B33/02; E21B33/03; E21B33/035; E21B33/037; E21B43/00; E21B43/34; E21B43/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a hollow watertight capsule engageable with and disengageable from the vessel, drilling means extensible from said vessel through the capsule for drilling a well with the capsule enclosing the wellhead, a hollow watertight service chamber, means for moving the chamber between the surface of the water and the capsule, sealing means for forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule, and means on the chamber and the capsule and within the sealing means for permitting access to the wellhead.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a hollow watertight capsule engageable with and disengageable from the vessel, drilling means extensible from said vessel through the capsule for drilling a well with the capsule enclosing the wellhead, a hollow watertight service chamber, means for moving the chamber between the surface of the water and the capsule, sealing means for forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule, and means on the chamber and the capsule and within the sealing means for permitting access to the wellhead.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, drilling means in said vessel for drilling an underwater well, a hollow watertight service chamber having a hatch surrounded by a first sealing means, a hollow watertight capsule enclosing the wellhead of said well and having a hatch surrounded by a second sealing means whose shape conforms to the shape of the first sealing means, means for lowering the chamber to the capsule, and means for landing the chamber on the capsule with the two sealing means in mating relation, whereby the wellhead remains dry and workmen have access thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, drilling means in said vessel for drilling an underwater well, a hollow watertight service chamber having a hatch surrounded by a first sealing means, a hollow watertight capsule enclosing the wellhead of said well and having a hatch surrounded by a second sealing means whose shape conforms to the shape of the first sealing means, means for lowering the chamber to the capsule, and means for landing the chamber on the capsule with the two sealing means in mating relation, whereby the wellhead remains dry and workmen have access thereto.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus defined in claim 2, and further comprising packing between the two sealing means and projecting spaced-apart lips on the chamber engageable with oppositely-proJecting spaced-apart lips on the capsule for pressing the two sealing means together against the packing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a hollow service chamber having a watertight compartment in its upper portion and a diving-bell configuration in its lower portion, a watertight hatch connecting the two portions and a first sealing flange at the bottom of the lower portion, a hollow watertight capsule engageable with a selected one of said vessel and said chamber and enclosing a wellhead, a hatch on the upper part of the capsule, a second sealing flange around the hatch conforming to the shape of the first sealing flange, means for lowering the chamber to the capsule, landing means for landing the chamber on the capsule with the sealing flanges in mating relation, packing between the flanges, means for pressing the flanges together against the packing, and a pump for removing water from the lower portion of the chamber, whereby the wellhead remains dry and workmen have access thereto from said vessel or said chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a hollow service chamber having a watertight compartment in its upper portion and a diving-bell configuration in its lower portion, a watertight hatch connecting the two portions and a first sealing flange at the bottom of the lower portion, a hollow watertight capsule engageable with a selected one of said vessel and said chamber and enclosing a wellhead, a hatch on the upper part of the capsule, a second sealing flange around the hatch conforming to the shape of the first sealing flange, means for lowering the chamber to the capsule, landing means for landing the chamber on the capsule with the sealing flanges in mating relation, packing between the flanges, means for pressing the flanges together against the packing, and a pump for removing water from the lower portion of the chamber, whereby the wellhead remains dry and workmen have access thereto from said vessel or said chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus defined in claim 4 in which the landing means are lugs projecting from the capsule and a line extending from the capsule and adapted to be taken up within the chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a hollow watertight capsule attached thereto, drilling means extensible from said vessel through the capsule for drilling a well with the capsule enclosing the wellhead, completion means for completing the well after the drilling thereof, means for separating the capsule and the vessel, whereby the vessel can depart and the capsule remains enclosing the wellhead, a hollow watertight service chamber, means for moving the chamber between the surface of the water and the capsule, sealing means for forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule and means on the chamber and the capsule and within the sealing means for permitting access to the wellhead.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a hollow watertight capsule attached thereto, drilling means extensible from said vessel through the capsule for drilling a well with the capsule enclosing the wellhead, completion means for completing the well after the drilling thereof, means for separating the capsule and the vessel, whereby the vessel can depart and the capsule remains enclosing the wellhead, a hollow watertight service chamber, means for moving the chamber between the surface of the water and the capsule, sealing means for forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule and means on the chamber and the capsule and within the sealing means for permitting access to the wellhead.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
130 words
Underwater well-drilling and servicing apparatus comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, an evacuated capsule engageable with and disengageable from said capsule, an upper sealed hatch on the capsule, well casing sealably attachable to the capsule and projecting downwardly into the well, a line extending from the surface to the capsule, a service chamber adapted to service the capsule, a hatch in the chamber, means in the chamber to engage and draw the line into the chamber to propel it down to the capsule, and means to attach and seal the capsule to the chamber, whereby the well can be drilled from the submersible vessel and the chamber and capsule hatches may be opened when the chamber is sealed to the capsule to provide access to the capsule from the chamber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
130 words
Underwater well-drilling and servicing apparatus comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, an evacuated capsule engageable with and disengageable from said capsule, an upper sealed hatch on the capsule, well casing sealably attachable to the capsule and projecting downwardly into the well, a line extending from the surface to the capsule, a service chamber adapted to service the capsule, a hatch in the chamber, means in the chamber to engage and draw the line into the chamber to propel it down to the capsule, and means to attach and seal the capsule to the chamber, whereby the well can be drilled from the submersible vessel and the chamber and capsule hatches may be opened when the chamber is sealed to the capsule to provide access to the capsule from the chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
75 words
Underwater drilling apparatus comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a capsule adapted to be lowered underwater by said vessel, a wellhead secured in and sealed to the capsule, blowout preventers disposed above the wellhead, drilling and casing means adapted sealably to be inserted through the blowout preventers and wellhead for drilling a well, and a service chamber adapted to be lowered and sealed to the capsule after completion of the well to provide access thereto.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
75 words
Underwater drilling apparatus comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a capsule adapted to be lowered underwater by said vessel, a wellhead secured in and sealed to the capsule, blowout preventers disposed above the wellhead, drilling and casing means adapted sealably to be inserted through the blowout preventers and wellhead for drilling a well, and a service chamber adapted to be lowered and sealed to the capsule after completion of the well to provide access thereto.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
125 words
Underwater drilling apparatus comprising a submersible vessel, a watertight capsule adapted to form a seal with the vessel, a watertight plate on the vessel within the seal, a manhole in the plate providing access to the capsule, a cover for the manhole, a wellhead secured in and sealed to the capsule, a double cellar gate blowout preventer and an annular preventer adapted to be mounted in series above the wellhead, an extension spool adapted to be mounted above the double cellar gate and annular preventers and extending sealably through the plate, a drill-through blowout preventer adapted to be mounted above the extension spool, and drilling and casing means adapted Sealably to be inserted through the blowout preventers, extension spool and wellhead for drilling a well.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
125 words
Underwater drilling apparatus comprising a submersible vessel, a watertight capsule adapted to form a seal with the vessel, a watertight plate on the vessel within the seal, a manhole in the plate providing access to the capsule, a cover for the manhole, a wellhead secured in and sealed to the capsule, a double cellar gate blowout preventer and an annular preventer adapted to be mounted in series above the wellhead, an extension spool adapted to be mounted above the double cellar gate and annular preventers and extending sealably through the plate, a drill-through blowout preventer adapted to be mounted above the extension spool, and drilling and casing means adapted Sealably to be inserted through the blowout preventers, extension spool and wellhead for drilling a well.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus defined in claim 9 in which the drill-through blowout preventer comprises a stripper portion and a fixed portion and the drilling means includes a kelly attached to the stripper portion and extending through the drill-through blowout preventer, and further comprising a high-pressure mud-return line extending from the wellhead sealably through the plate and combining with a normal-pressure mud-return line extending from the drill-through blowout preventer to form a combined-pressure mud-return line.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus defined in claim 10, and further comprising a hatch on the capsule, mating sealing flanges on the hatch and the capsule, and means for drawing the hatch and the capsule together.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
88 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a hollow watertight capsule attachable to and detachable therefrom, a wellhead secured in and sealed to the capsule, a master valve mounted on the wellhead, a wing connection extending from the master valve and passing sealably through the capsule, a wing valve on the wing connection, a transponder mounted on the capsule for identifying the capsule on demand, and a service chamber adapted to be lowered and sealed to the capsule to provide access thereto.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
88 words
Apparatus for drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising a hollow watertight submersible vessel, a hollow watertight capsule attachable to and detachable therefrom, a wellhead secured in and sealed to the capsule, a master valve mounted on the wellhead, a wing connection extending from the master valve and passing sealably through the capsule, a wing valve on the wing connection, a transponder mounted on the capsule for identifying the capsule on demand, and a service chamber adapted to be lowered and sealed to the capsule to provide access thereto.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
71 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of drilling an underwater well from a submersible vessel, enclosing the wellhead with a hollow watertight capsule having a hatch thereon, lowering workmen in a hollow watertight service chamber having a hatch thereon to the capsule, forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule around the hatches and opening the hatches, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
71 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of drilling an underwater well from a submersible vessel, enclosing the wellhead with a hollow watertight capsule having a hatch thereon, lowering workmen in a hollow watertight service chamber having a hatch thereon to the capsule, forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule around the hatches and opening the hatches, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
114 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of drilling an underwater well from a submersible vessel, enclosing the wellhead with a hollow watertight capsule having means adapted to land a service chamber and a hatch surrounded by a first sealing flange, lowering workmen in a service chamber having a hatch surrounded by a second sealing flange conforming to the shape of the first sealing flange to the capsule and landing the chamber on the capsule with the sealing flanges in engagement, drawing the sealing flanges together so as to effect a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule, and opening the hatches, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
114 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of drilling an underwater well from a submersible vessel, enclosing the wellhead with a hollow watertight capsule having means adapted to land a service chamber and a hatch surrounded by a first sealing flange, lowering workmen in a service chamber having a hatch surrounded by a second sealing flange conforming to the shape of the first sealing flange to the capsule and landing the chamber on the capsule with the sealing flanges in engagement, drawing the sealing flanges together so as to effect a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule, and opening the hatches, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
135 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of drilling an underwater well from a submersible vessel, enclosing the wellhead with a hollow watertight capsule having means adapted to land a service chamber and an upper hatch surrounded by a first sealing flange, lowering workmen to the capsule in a service chamber having a watertight compartment in its upper portion, a diving-bell configuration in its lower portion, and a hatch connecting the two portions surrounded by a second sealing flange, landing the chamber on the capsule with the sealing flanges in engagement, drawing the sealing flanges tightly together against packing to effect a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule, pumping out water from the lower portion of the chamber, and opening the hatches, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
135 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of drilling an underwater well from a submersible vessel, enclosing the wellhead with a hollow watertight capsule having means adapted to land a service chamber and an upper hatch surrounded by a first sealing flange, lowering workmen to the capsule in a service chamber having a watertight compartment in its upper portion, a diving-bell configuration in its lower portion, and a hatch connecting the two portions surrounded by a second sealing flange, landing the chamber on the capsule with the sealing flanges in engagement, drawing the sealing flanges tightly together against packing to effect a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule, pumping out water from the lower portion of the chamber, and opening the hatches, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
144 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of attaching a hollow watertight capsule to a hollow watertight submersible vessel, the capsule and vessel having communicating openings adapted to receive drilling means, extending drilling means from the vessel through the openings and capsule and sealably out the other side of the capsule and drilling a well with the capsule enclosing the wellhead, completing the well following the drilling thereof, effecting watertight closure of the openings, separating the vessel and the capsule, whereby the vessel can depart and the caPsule remains enclosing the wellhead, periodically lowering workmen to the capsule in a hollow watertight service chamber having a hatch, forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule around the hatch and the opening on the capsule, and opening the hatch and the opening, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
144 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of attaching a hollow watertight capsule to a hollow watertight submersible vessel, the capsule and vessel having communicating openings adapted to receive drilling means, extending drilling means from the vessel through the openings and capsule and sealably out the other side of the capsule and drilling a well with the capsule enclosing the wellhead, completing the well following the drilling thereof, effecting watertight closure of the openings, separating the vessel and the capsule, whereby the vessel can depart and the caPsule remains enclosing the wellhead, periodically lowering workmen to the capsule in a hollow watertight service chamber having a hatch, forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule around the hatch and the opening on the capsule, and opening the hatch and the opening, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
95 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of drilling an underwater well from a submersible vessel, enclosing the wellhead with a watertight capsule sealably engaging the well casing and having a hatch, extending a line from the capsule to the surface, housing workmen in a hollow watertight service chamber having a hatch, drawing the line into the chamber, whereby the chamber is guided down to the capsule, forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule around the hatches, and opening the hatches, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
95 words
Method of drilling and servicing underwater wells comprising the steps of drilling an underwater well from a submersible vessel, enclosing the wellhead with a watertight capsule sealably engaging the well casing and having a hatch, extending a line from the capsule to the surface, housing workmen in a hollow watertight service chamber having a hatch, drawing the line into the chamber, whereby the chamber is guided down to the capsule, forming a watertight seal between the chamber and the capsule around the hatches, and opening the hatches, whereby the workmen have access to the wellhead.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
143 words
Method of constructing, operating, and servicing underwater wells, comprising the steps of outfitting a submarine with well-drilling and completion equipment, releasably attaching to the exterior of the submarine a watertight capsule adapted sealably to pass drilling said casing means, submerging said submarine, extending drilling means from the submerged submarine through the capsule and drilling an underwater well, removing the drilling means from the well and capsule and inserting casing into the well and sealing the casing to the capsule, sealing off said submarine and said capsule from each other and separating said submarine from said capsule, whereby the submarine is available for drilling another well and the capsule remains enclosing the wellhead, and periodically lowering to said capsule a watertight service chamber adapted to form a watertight seal with the capsule, whereby inspection and repair of said capsule and the wellhead is facilitated.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
143 words
Method of constructing, operating, and servicing underwater wells, comprising the steps of outfitting a submarine with well-drilling and completion equipment, releasably attaching to the exterior of the submarine a watertight capsule adapted sealably to pass drilling said casing means, submerging said submarine, extending drilling means from the submerged submarine through the capsule and drilling an underwater well, removing the drilling means from the well and capsule and inserting casing into the well and sealing the casing to the capsule, sealing off said submarine and said capsule from each other and separating said submarine from said capsule, whereby the submarine is available for drilling another well and the capsule remains enclosing the wellhead, and periodically lowering to said capsule a watertight service chamber adapted to form a watertight seal with the capsule, whereby inspection and repair of said capsule and the wellhead is facilitated.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-09 | 1975-11-08 | 1976-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-09 | 1979-11-08 | 1980-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-09 | 1983-11-08 | 1984-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |