SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING RETURN FLUID FROM SUBSEA WELLBORES

摘要

A subsea return fluid recovery system (200) for recovering drilling fluid and cuttings ("return fluid") from a subsea wellbore (14) in one embodiment includes a hub (210) at the opening of the subsea wellbore that directs fluid into a transport device (240). In one embodiment, the hub includes a stand pipe (212) that forms a return fluid column, the hydrostatic pressure of which causes return fluid to flow into the transport device rather than up the stand pipe. One or more buoyant members (244) attached to the transport device convey the transport device toward the surface.