Method of controlling landing strings in offshore operations

Abstract

A method and system of operating a landing string utilized on a floating platform. The landing string is disposed within a marine riser, with the marine riser being connected to a subsea production tree, and wherein the subsea production tree contains internal conduits communicating controls through a series of stab passageways. The method comprises providing a tubing hanger operatively connected to the landing string, delivering hydraulic or electrical controls from the floating platform through a control system umbilical to a junction plate operatively attached to the subsea production tree. The method further comprises landing the tubing hanger into the subsea production tree, establishing control of the tubing hanger by providing the hydraulic controls to the tubing hanger with the series of stab passageways through the subsea production tree, and establishing control of the completion bottom hole assembly with the stab passageways. In the preferred embodiment, the landing string has attached thereto a completion bottom hole assembly that will be placed in the well.

Description

[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of my co-pending provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 826,289, filed on 20 Sep. 2006 by Inventor Ross Trewhella, and entitled “Method of Functioning and / or Monitoring Temporarily Installed Equipment Through a Tubing Hanger”.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a method of controlling equipment in offshore operations. More specifically, but without limitations, this invention relates to a system and method of landing and locking completions and other bottom hole assemblies with a landing string from a semi-submersible or dynamically positioned drilling vessel, wherein the landing string contains well control equipment.[0003]In the drilling and completion of wells located in bodies of water, operators find it necessary to incorporate safety measures. As those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, when wells are drilled and completed to subterranean reservoirs, the well will experience sig...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]An advantage of the present disclosure is that the system provides means for isolated and disconnecting from a live well in instances of severe weather or emergencies that necessitate the vessels moving out of its safe operating / watch circle. Another advantage is that the system meets government regulations pertaining to containing hydrocarbons during operations, such as during disconnecting operations. Yet another advantage is that deep water control systems do not need to be deployed within the marine riser.

[0010]A feature of the present system is that the there is no umbilical in the marine riser which reduces project risk, allows for access to the umbilical, improves rig space and reduces string running and retrieval time. Another feature is that no annular slick joint is required. Yet another feature is that the system and method significantly reduces the number of thru ports required in the system thereby reducing risk of hydraulic failure. Another feature is that there is no risk of dropped umbilical clamps within the marine riser.

Problems solved by technology

As those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, when wells are drilled and completed to subterranean reservoirs, the well will experience significant pressures which require containment.

The uncontrolled release of pressure from subterranean reservoirs can lead to catastrophic damage.

However, all of the prior art devices are cumbersome, awkward and complex to manufacture and operate.

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