Operating a drilling riser in deep water

Journal Article · Mon May 14 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6572138

Warriner, R A

The purpose of a drilling riser is to provide a conduit from a floating vessel to the seafloor through which drilling operations are conducted. The primary components of a riser system, as shown include the gimbal connection to the drill vessel, the slip joint, riser tensioners, an upper ball joint (if required), riser joints, and the lower ball joint. The gimbal connection (usually a ball joint) of the slip joint inner barrel to the drill vessel isolates the riser from the pitch and roll motions of the vessel. Similarly, the slip joint allows for relative vertical motion (heave) between the drill vessel and riser. Riser tensioners provide a pull at the top of the slip joint outer barrel sufficient to maintain tension throughout the riser string. Tension is maintained nearly constant by pneumatic/hydraulic tensioners that compensate for relative motion between the vessel and the slip joint outer barrel. An upper ball joint immediately below the slip joint is sometimes employed if high bending stresses are expected in the wave zone. Its function is to reduce bending stress. A lower ball joint provides the necessary flexible connection between the lower end of the riser and the BOP stack.

• Research Organization: Triton Engineering Services Co, Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 6572138
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Vol. 82:20
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
MARINE RISERS
DESIGN
OPERATION
DEPTH
DRILL PIPES
FLEXIBILITY
JOINTS
OFFSHORE SITES
SEA BED
SHIPS
WELL DRILLING
DIMENSIONS
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
PIPES
TENSILE PROPERTIES
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
030300 - Natural Gas- Drilling
Production
& Processing