Exxon Production Research Company

James D Howell

Jerry M Speers

L Donald Maus

John David McLain

George Hayden Bruce

Robert William Beck

A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the flow rate of drilling fluid flowing from a subaqueous well. The invention may also be used to determine the presence of an abnormal drilling condition during heaving motion of an offshore vessel from which the drilling operation is conducted. The invention measures the volume of fluid passing predetermined locations in the drilling system at particular points in time so as to eliminate the influence that the expansion and contraction of a telescoping section has on the total volume of drilling fluid within the system.

Method and apparatus for compensating well control instrumentation for

An improved method and apparatus for offshore drilling is described which is particularly useful for drilling in deep water from a floating surface vessel. Drilling fluid is introduced into a drill string extending from the vessel into a wellbore in the floor of the body of water. In order to maintain a controlled hydrostatic pressure within the riser, drilling fluids are diverted from the lower end of the riser and are either discharged into the body of water or pumped to the surface through a return conduit adjacent the riser.

Drilling fluid diverter system

An apparatus for limiting the tension to which a suspended member can be subjected is disclosed. The apparatus responds to excessive tensile stress by increasing in length at a rate to keep such stress from exceeding a predetermined level. The present invention includes a closed cylinder with a piston disposed therein. Connected to the piston is a piston rod which extends through an opening in one end of the cylinder. The cylinder and piston rod are adapted to connect with a suspended member and a hoisting means. A bypass conduit connects the cylinder chambers by extending from one side of the piston to the other. In the conduit, there is a flow control regulator which actuates when the pressure on one side of the piston reaches a predetermined level, corresponding to a proportional tensile stress, permitting fluid to flow through the conduit in such a volume that the pressure on that side of the piston is maintained at the predetermined level.

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Gretna, LA, United States of America

James D Howell