The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 28, 1978
Filed:
Oct. 28, 1976
Harold W Wardlaw, Houston, TX (US);
Brown Oil Tools, Inc., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
Disclosed is a connecting assembly for communicating between a first location and a second location lower than the first location, with the two locations separated by a fluid body. A first tube extending between the two locations generally encloses a second tube, and the annular area between adjacent surfaces of the two tubes is sealed toward the second location. The buoyancy of the assembly is selectively controlled by selectively controlling the quantity and density of fluid in the area between the tubes. In an embodiment shown, a marine drilling facility is joined to an underwater well site by a riser with a liner set and sealed therein, and gas-lift pumping is used in controlling buoyancy. In the method, a riser is set between an underwater well site and a marine well operating facility. A first segment of the well may be drilled through the riser. Casing is cemented in the well, and a liner is sealed at its bottom end to the riser. Air and jet lines are positioned in the area between the liner and the riser to control the density and quantity of fluid in that area. Continued drilling may occur through the liner and the casing.