Patent US3009976A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3720260A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3720260A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for controlling an offshore well
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-01-28
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Granted: 1973-03-13
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Expires: 1991-01-28
Abstract
Abstract An improved system and method for bringing uncontrolled offshore wells under control is disclosed and includes subsurface bifurcated equipment for attachment to the pipe strings. The equipment includes a supporting frame which isolates a section of pipe from upper and lower sections. The isolated section of pipe and interior pipes are successively sealed off, cut away and sealed off to prevent any loss of fluid. Control fluids are injected into the closed off pipe strings to bring the well under control.
Inventors
- 👤 J Duck
- 👤 J Lewis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:48
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B33/00; E21B33/02; E21B33/03; E21B33/06; E21B33/061; E21B33/062; E21B33/063; E21B29/00; E21B29/08; E21B33/064
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for controlling pressure in a well string extending from a surface strata to a point above a water level and which includes at least one telescoping interior string of pipe comprising the steps of sampling the pressure in the annulus between the interior string of pipe and the well string, isolating a section of well string under water so that portions of the well string above and below the isolated section are supported relative to one another independently of the isolated section of well string, sealing off the isolatEd section of well string at spaced apart locations to provide a sealed closed chamber about said section of well string between said locations, cutting away a portion of said sealed off isolated section of well string within said chamber with a cutting means, removing the cutting means from the well string, and sealing off the cross-section of the cut-away portion of the isolated section of well string within said chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for controlling pressure in a well string extending from a surface strata to a point above a water level and which includes at least one telescoping interior string of pipe comprising the steps of sampling the pressure in the annulus between the interior string of pipe and the well string, isolating a section of well string under water so that portions of the well string above and below the isolated section are supported relative to one another independently of the isolated section of well string, sealing off the isolatEd section of well string at spaced apart locations to provide a sealed closed chamber about said section of well string between said locations, cutting away a portion of said sealed off isolated section of well string within said chamber with a cutting means, removing the cutting means from the well string, and sealing off the cross-section of the cut-away portion of the isolated section of well string within said chamber.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for controlling pressure in a well string extending from a surface strata to a point above a water level and which includes at least one telescoping interior string of pipe comprising the steps of sampling the pressure in the annulus between the interior string of pipe and the well string, isolating a section of well string under water so that portions of the well string above and below the isolated section are supported relative to one another independently of the isolated section of well string, sealing off the isolatEd section of well string at spaced apart locations to provide a sealed closed chamber about said section of well string between said locations, cutting away a portion of said sealed off isolated section of well string within said chamber with a cutting means, removing the cutting means from the well string, and sealing off the cross-section of the cut-away portion of the isolated section of well string within said chamber.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for controlling pressure in a well string extending from a surface strata to a point above a water level and which includes at least one telescoping interior string of pipe comprising the steps of sampling the pressure in the annulus between the interior string of pipe and the well string, isolating a section of well string under water so that portions of the well string above and below the isolated section are supported relative to one another independently of the isolated section of well string, sealing off the isolatEd section of well string at spaced apart locations to provide a sealed closed chamber about said section of well string between said locations, cutting away a portion of said sealed off isolated section of well string within said chamber with a cutting means, removing the cutting means from the well string, and sealing off the cross-section of the cut-away portion of the isolated section of well string within said chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said well string includes at least two or more interior strings of pipe within the string of pipe, and the first step is to sample the pressure in each string of pipe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the steps of claim 1 are performed for each string of pipe.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for controlling pressure in a well string having multiple conduits and extending from a surface strata to a point above a water level, comprising the steps of attaching a support frame under water for supporting portions of a well string above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, tapping the well string to determine which conduit is under pressure, stripping away any conduits not under pressure, attaching a bifurcated sealing unit to a conduit under pressure to seal against the outer wall of said conduit, attaching a bifurcated cutting and sealing unit to said sealing unit, attaching a bifurcated sealing unit to said cutting and sealing unit to seal against the outer wall of said conduit, cutting away a peripheral section of said conduit with a cutting means, and removing the cutting means and sealing off said conduit.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for controlling pressure in a well string having multiple conduits and extending from a surface strata to a point above a water level, comprising the steps of attaching a support frame under water for supporting portions of a well string above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, tapping the well string to determine which conduit is under pressure, stripping away any conduits not under pressure, attaching a bifurcated sealing unit to a conduit under pressure to seal against the outer wall of said conduit, attaching a bifurcated cutting and sealing unit to said sealing unit, attaching a bifurcated sealing unit to said cutting and sealing unit to seal against the outer wall of said conduit, cutting away a peripheral section of said conduit with a cutting means, and removing the cutting means and sealing off said conduit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 4 and further including the steps of pumping a control fluid into said conduit.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for controlling pressure in a well string extending from a surface strata to a point above a water level comprising the steps of isolating a section of well string under water so that portions of the well string above and below the isolated section are supported relative to one another independently of the isolated section of well string, sealing off the isolated section of well string in an under water air chamber, sealing off the isolated section of well string at spaced apart locations to provide a sealed closed chamber about said section of well string between said locations, cutting away a portion of said sealed off isolated section of well string within said chamber with a cutting means, removing the cutting means from the well string, and sealing off the cross-section of the cut-away portion of the isolated section of well string within said chamber.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for controlling pressure in a well string extending from a surface strata to a point above a water level comprising the steps of isolating a section of well string under water so that portions of the well string above and below the isolated section are supported relative to one another independently of the isolated section of well string, sealing off the isolated section of well string in an under water air chamber, sealing off the isolated section of well string at spaced apart locations to provide a sealed closed chamber about said section of well string between said locations, cutting away a portion of said sealed off isolated section of well string within said chamber with a cutting means, removing the cutting means from the well string, and sealing off the cross-section of the cut-away portion of the isolated section of well string within said chamber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
107 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including means intermediate of said sealing means for cutting a pipe conduit and means independent from said cutting means for sealing off a cut pipe conduit, and means for coupling to a pipe conduit and to a boat for transporting equipment to and from said pipe conduit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
107 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including means intermediate of said sealing means for cutting a pipe conduit and means independent from said cutting means for sealing off a cut pipe conduit, and means for coupling to a pipe conduit and to a boat for transporting equipment to and from said pipe conduit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
124 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensive extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including slip means for gripping a conduit and preventing movement relative to said pipe conduit, upper and lower segmented sealing rings, pressure plate means disposed adjacent to said sealing rings and hydraulic means for applying pressure to said rIngs, means intermediate of said sealing rings for cutting a pipe conduit, and means independent from said cutting means for sealing off a cut pipe conduit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
124 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensive extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including slip means for gripping a conduit and preventing movement relative to said pipe conduit, upper and lower segmented sealing rings, pressure plate means disposed adjacent to said sealing rings and hydraulic means for applying pressure to said rIngs, means intermediate of said sealing rings for cutting a pipe conduit, and means independent from said cutting means for sealing off a cut pipe conduit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 8 and further including means forming a pressure channel intermediate of said sealing rings, and means for coupling said pressure channel to a pressure device for determining the efficiency of the sealing rings.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 8 and further including mechanical means for maintaining a force on said rings.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said mechanical means includes a threaded jam member having a hydraulic passageway therethrough.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
124 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including slip means for gripping a conduit and for preventing movement relative to said pipe conduit, means for normally retaining said slip means in a retracted position, means for actuating said slip means upon release of said retaining means, means intermediate of said sealing means for cutting a pipe conduit, and means independent from said cutting means for sealing off a cut pipe conduit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
124 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including slip means for gripping a conduit and for preventing movement relative to said pipe conduit, means for normally retaining said slip means in a retracted position, means for actuating said slip means upon release of said retaining means, means intermediate of said sealing means for cutting a pipe conduit, and means independent from said cutting means for sealing off a cut pipe conduit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including means intermediate of said sealing means for cutting a pipe conduit, said intermediate means including a segmented annular ring member, means for rotating said ring member, cutting means attached to said ring member and selectively movable between a position in contact with a pipe conduit and a retracted position, and sealing means independent from said cutting means movable transversely for sealing off a cut pipe conduit.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including means intermediate of said sealing means for cutting a pipe conduit, said intermediate means including a segmented annular ring member, means for rotating said ring member, cutting means attached to said ring member and selectively movable between a position in contact with a pipe conduit and a retracted position, and sealing means independent from said cutting means movable transversely for sealing off a cut pipe conduit.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 13 and further including hydraulic means for operating said cutting means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said hydraulic means includes at least one passageway extending through said ring member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said hydraulic means includes at least two passageways extending through said ring member.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said cutting means are pivotally coupled to linkage means on said ring member and tiltable relative to the surface of a pipe conduit.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 17 and further including means for selectively operating said hydraulic means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said hydraulic means includes a first piston and cylinder coupled to said linkage means, a power cylinder, and selectively operable valve means coupling said cylinders to one another.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 19 and further including means for selectively operating said valve means for moving said cutter means into and out of engagement with a pipe conduit.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including means intermediate of said sealing means for cutting a pipe conduit and means independent from said cutting means for sealing off a cut pipe conduit, and resilient wall means forming an air chamber about said coupling and sealing means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including means intermediate of said sealing means for cutting a pipe conduit and means independent from said cutting means for sealing off a cut pipe conduit, and resilient wall means forming an air chamber about said coupling and sealing means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
112 words
APparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including means intermediate of said sealing means, said intermediate means including a transverse bore for receiving a cutter, means for cutting a pipe conduit disposed in said bore and movable for transversely severing said pipe strings, and sealing means sized for reception in said bore for sealing off a cut pipe conduit.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
112 words
APparatus for obtaining control over an offshore well which includes one or more coextensively extending conduits comprising means for coupling to a pipe conduit at spaced locations for supporting portions of said conduit above and below an isolated section relative to one another and independent from said isolated section, means for sealing a pipe conduit at spaced apart locations and including means intermediate of said sealing means, said intermediate means including a transverse bore for receiving a cutter, means for cutting a pipe conduit disposed in said bore and movable for transversely severing said pipe strings, and sealing means sized for reception in said bore for sealing off a cut pipe conduit.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 22 and further including gate means for sealing off said bore intermediate of said pipe strings and cutter means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said sealing means includes selectively operable bypass means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
95 words
Apparatus for sealing off a pipe string comprising sealing means engageable with the periphery of a pipe string, means disposed in facing relationship to said sealing means for engaging said sealing means substantially around its periphery, said engaging means being segmented, hydraulic means operative for forcing said engaging means against said sealing means for sealing the periphery of a pipe string, said hydraulic means including a piston and cylinder, and mechanical means for additionally acting on said engaging means, said mechanical means including a rod member engaging said piston and having a hydraulic passageway therethrough.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
95 words
Apparatus for sealing off a pipe string comprising sealing means engageable with the periphery of a pipe string, means disposed in facing relationship to said sealing means for engaging said sealing means substantially around its periphery, said engaging means being segmented, hydraulic means operative for forcing said engaging means against said sealing means for sealing the periphery of a pipe string, said hydraulic means including a piston and cylinder, and mechanical means for additionally acting on said engaging means, said mechanical means including a rod member engaging said piston and having a hydraulic passageway therethrough.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said apparatus is in at least two segments, and means for coupling said segments to one another.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said apparatus includes upper and lower sealing and hydraulic means and an intermediate testing passage.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 27 and further including means on said apparatus for locking said apparatus to a pipe string to prevent longitudinal motion in at least one direction.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said locking means includes oppositely arranged slip means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 29 including means for normally retaining said slip means in a retractable position and being releasable to permit said slip means to engage a pipe string.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
141 words
Apparatus for cutting a string of pipe including a bifurcated housing member defining separate housing segments, each of said segments including a ring segment mounted on the housing for rotation about an axis means for driving said ring segment, cutter means on said segment including a linkage and actuative means, and means for coupling said housing segments to one another, said ring segments having interconnections to form an annular ring member, and said cutter means having an operative surface pivotally coupled to said linkage so that said surface is normal to said ring, said linkage being operable to move said surface relative to said ring member whereby said surface may be tilted relative to said member and transversely movable sealing members disposed below said ring member for sealing at a location above a string of pipe severed by said cutter means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
141 words
Apparatus for cutting a string of pipe including a bifurcated housing member defining separate housing segments, each of said segments including a ring segment mounted on the housing for rotation about an axis means for driving said ring segment, cutter means on said segment including a linkage and actuative means, and means for coupling said housing segments to one another, said ring segments having interconnections to form an annular ring member, and said cutter means having an operative surface pivotally coupled to said linkage so that said surface is normal to said ring, said linkage being operable to move said surface relative to said ring member whereby said surface may be tilted relative to said member and transversely movable sealing members disposed below said ring member for sealing at a location above a string of pipe severed by said cutter means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said housing member has an inlet port below said sealing members for injecting control fluids.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said actuating means includes a piston and cylinder coupled between said linkage and ring member for actuating said cutter means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 33 and further including passage means extending through said ring member and coupled to said piston and cylinder.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said actuating means further includes tank means coupled to said piston and cylinder, and selectively operable valve means for controlling the pressure in said piston and cylinder.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 35, and further including passage Means extending through said ring member.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 35, and further including selectively operable actuator means for operating said valve means.
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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) | 1976-03-12 | 1976-09-11 | 1977-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-12 | 1980-09-11 | 1981-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-12 | 1984-09-11 | 1985-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |