Drilling riser centralizer

• Main Authors: CAPESIUS; MICHAEL E, OTTEN; JEFFREY D, MOORE; SAMMY R, CHOU; YUNG-SEN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 14.09.1999
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

A centralizing device is provided for a riser of an offshore well platform having a frame that defines an opening through which the riser passes from the platform to a subsea wellhead. The centralizing device has a centralizing ring with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the riser so that the riser can be passed longitudinally therethrough. The centralizing ring is positioned within the opening of the frame. Adjustable mounting means are used for mounting the centralizing ring to the frame at different positions within the opening. A roller assembly of the centralizing device is carried upon the riser as the riser is lowered through the centralizing ring. The roller assembly is configured to engage the centralizing ring as the riser is lowered through the centralizing ring so that the centralizing ring stops further carriage of the roller assembly by the riser. The roller assembly has rollers mounted thereon that bear against an exterior of the riser to limit lateral movement of the riser but that allow longitudinal movement of the riser when the roller assembly is engaged with the centralizing ring.