Apparatus and methods for releasing drilling rig and blowout preventer (BOP) prior to cement bonding

摘要

Apparatus and methods for managing cementing operations are provided. An example method includes connecting a cementing adapter atop a casing head itself positioned atop a surface casing landed within a conductor pipe, connecting a drilling adapter atop the cementing adapter, connecting a blowout preventer to the drilling adapter, and drilling for and running production casing. The method also includes positioning a casing hanger at least partially within a bore of the cementing adapter to be immobilized therein to retain back pressure of cement within an annulus located between the production casing and the surface casing, cementing the production casing within the surface casing, and removing the drilling adapter and blowout preventer after running the cement, but typically prior to cement bonding.

主权项

1. A method of managing cementing operations with a drilling rig, the method comprising:
landing a casing hanger at least partially within a bore of a cementing adapter and in contact with a casing head connected to a surface casing, the casing hanger circumscribing outer surface portions of a production casing and positioned to retain back pressure of cement within an annulus located between the production casing and surface casing to thereby provide for removal of a drilling adapter initially positioned atop the cementing adapter prior to bonding of the cement; cementing the production casing within the surface casing, the step of cementing including injecting cement into an annulus located between the production casing and the surface casing, and returning at least a portion of the cement through one or more cement return channels extending through the casing head; re-tasking the drilling rig prior to substantial bonding of the cement; the method further comprising: connecting the casing head atop the surface casing landed within a conductor pipe; connecting a cementing adapter atop the casing head a quick connection; connecting a drilling adapter atop the cementing adapter with a quick connection; and removing the drilling adapter prior to substantial bonding of the cement.