Drive off method from subsea well with pipe retention capability

摘要

This invention involves a method of securing pipe (also referred to as a “string of tools”) when driving off a subsea well or sealing off a well in onshore applications where there is an emergency by grabbing the pipe before it is cut. A pipe ram then is closed on the pipe before a shear ram is actuated to cut the pipe. In subsea applications, the top of the pipe may then be raised clear of the blowout preventer within a marine riser. A blind ram and annular preventer can then be closed above the remnant of the pipe being retained by the pipe catcher. The pipe above the cut is removed through the marine riser and the marine riser itself is then disconnected. The rig is then driven off the well. If the well is reactivated the steps are reversed but the well is safely secured before the blowout preventer components are opened. The pipe supported by the catcher is independently supported before the catcher is released and the pipe lifted through the riser.

主权项

1. A method for shutting in a well in an emergency, comprising:
providing a pipe catcher adjacent a blowout preventer; supporting a pipe with said pipe catcher; stabilizing said pipe after said supporting by engaging said supported pipe with a pipe ram located adjacent and above said pipe catcher; cutting said now stabilized pipe with a shear ram located on an opposite side of said pipe ram from said pipe catcher after said stabilizing; sealing the well above the cut on said pipe.