US3687204A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Curved offshore well conductors
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1970-09-08
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Granted: 1972-08-29
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Expires: 1990-09-08
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation located beneath the floor of a body of water. A platform structure is installed on the floor over the formation and well conductors are extended down the structure and penetrate into the floor of the body of water. The conductors may include an upper vertical portion, then continually curve downwardly and outwardly through the structure above the floor in a manner maintaining a relatively smooth bore throughout the entire extent of the conductors. The conductors are extended into the floor of the body of water and wells are drilled, via the conductors, down into communication with the formation. Formation fluids are then produced from the formation via the conductors.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter W Marshall
- 👤 Peter Arnold
- 👤 Francis P Dunn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:32
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/01; E02; E02B; E02B17/00; E21B7/00; E21B7/04; E21B7/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of curving said conductor includes the steps of: providing guide means at a plurality of vertically spaced locations on said platform structure adapted to curve said conductor; and extending said conductor into communication with said guide means thereby curving said conductor through said guide means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of extending at least one well conductor downwardly with respect to said platform structure includes the step of extending a plurality of well conductors downwardly with respect to said platform, at least some of said well conductors being extended outwardly and downwardly with respect to said platform structure in a direction different from that of an adjacent well conductor in a predetermined pattern with respect to said platform structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of curving said conductor includes the step of continually curving said conductor up to approximately 6* every 100 feet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of curving said conductor includes the step of pre-forming the desired curvature in said conductor prior to the step of extending said conductor downwardly with respect to said platform structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of extending said well conductor downwardly with respect to said platform structure includes the step of extending the upper portion of said conductor first vertically downwardly wIth respect to said platform structure, then curving said conductor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
107 words
Apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation located beneath the floor of a body of water, said apparatus comprising: a platform structure disposed on the floor of said body of water; at least one well conductor extending downwardly with respect to said platform structure, then curved outwardly and downwardly through said platform structure above the floor of said body of water, said conductor having a relatively smooth bore throughout substantially the entire extent thereof; a drilled well communicating with both said conductor and said formation; and formation fluids recovery means associated with said conductor for recovering formation fluids produced from said formation via said conductor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said platform structure includes a plurality of conductor guide means disposed vertically thereof for curving said conductor and said conductor engages said guide means in a manner curving said conductor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 7 including a plurality of said conductors extending downwardly with respect to said platform structure, at least some of said conductors extending outwardly and downwardly with respect to said platform structure in a direction different from that of an adjacent well conductor in a predetermined pattern with respect to said platform structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said conductor continually curves approximately up to 6* every 100 feet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said well conductor extends first vertically downwardly with respect to said platform structure, then curves outwardly and downwardly.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said conductors extending downwardly with respect to said platform structure extend below said platform structure and into the floor of said body of water.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1900163A
Cited
US3004612A
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US3380520A
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US3451493A
Cited
US3390531A
Cited
US3542125A
Cited
US3595312A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |