초록 ▼

A floating rig or structure for drilling in the floor of an ocean using a rotatable tubular includes a seal housing having a rotatable seal connected above a marine riser fixed to the floor of the ocean. The seal rotating with the rotating tubular allows the riser and seal housing to maintain a pred

A floating rig or structure for drilling in the floor of an ocean using a rotatable tubular includes a seal housing having a rotatable seal connected above a marine riser fixed to the floor of the ocean. The seal rotating with the rotating tubular allows the riser and seal housing to maintain a predetermined pressure in the system that is desirable in underbalanced drilling, gas-liquid mud systems and pressurized mud handling systems. A flexible conduit or hose is used to compensate for the relative movement of the seal housing and the floating structure since the floating structure moves independent of the seal housing. A method for use of the system is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. System adapted for use with a structure for drilling in the floor of an ocean using a rotatable tubular and drilling fluid when the structure is floating at a surface of the ocean, the system comprising:a riser fixed relative to the floor of the ocean and a portion of s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. System adapted for use with a structure for drilling in the floor of an ocean using a rotatable tubular and drilling fluid when the structure is floating at a surface of the ocean, the system comprising:a riser fixed relative to the floor of the ocean and a portion of said riser extending between the floor of the ocean and the surface of the ocean, said riser having a top, bottom and an internal diameter;a housing disposed on the top of said riser, said housing having a first housing opening and an internal diameter, said first housing opening sized to discharge the drilling fluid received from said riser;a bearing assembly having an inner member and an outer member and being removably positioned with said housing, said inner member rotatable relative to said outer member and having a passage through which the rotatable tubular may extend;a seal moving with said inner member to sealably engage the tubular;a quick disconnect member to disconnect said bearing assembly from said housing; andthe floating structure moving independent of said bearing assembly when said tubular is sealed by said seal and the tubular is rotating. [26.]26. Method for communicating drilling fluid from a casing fixed relative to an ocean floor to a structure floating at a surface of the ocean while rotating within the casing a tubular, comprising the steps of:positioning a housing on a first level of the floating structure and sealingly attaching the housing to the casing;allowing the housing to move independent of said floating structure;sealingly positioning the tubular with the housing so that the tubular extends through the housing and into the casing;pressurizing the drilling fluid to a predetermined pressure as the fluid flows into the tubular;moving the fluid from the tubular up the casing to a second level of the floating structure above the housing; androtating the tubular relative to the housing while maintaining the seal between the tubular and the housing.