Seaboard International Inc.

Paul Horton, Jr

Jerry Keith Rhodes

Kenneth Bean

Albert Demny

According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.

Connector apparatus for subsea blowout preventer

In order to prevent potential electrical hazards associated with supplying power downhole, a hanger is provided for either casing or tubing strings, or a plurality of casing or tubing strings, that electrically insulates the internal suspension mechanism of the hanger from the hanger's external seal. Electrical power is typically transferred through a hanger by way of the internal suspension mechanism. If electrical umbilicals are used, connecting devices may be located within the internal suspension mechanism for connecting an upper and lower umbilical and transferring power trough the hanger. If a rigid tubular conductor is used, the suspension mechanism may be ported to allow the passage of electrical feedthroughs or, in the case of tubing hangers, the tubing itself may be charged with electrical power. By insulating the suspension mechanism from the external seal potential electrical hazards are eliminated.

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Lafayette, LA, United States of America

Paul Horton, Jr