US3811322A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for monitoring return mud flow
Assignee: SONAT OFFSHORE DRILLING Inc
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Filing: 1972-09-25
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Granted: 1974-05-21
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Expires: 1992-09-25
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for monitoring steady state mud flow return rate through a marine riser extending between a floating drill ship and the ocean floor, and including a telescopic joint wherein the mud flow return rate is measured at a point below the telescoping joint where the flow rate is essentially unaffected by the pumping action of the telescoping joint and the measurements are then transmitted to the drill ship.
Inventors
- 👤 W Swenson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:08
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B21/00; E21B21/08; E21B21/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for monitoring the steady state mud flow return rate in a marine riser extending between the ocean floor and a drill ship and including a telescoping joint, said method comprising: measuring the mud flow at a point below the telescoping joint where the mud flow rate is essentially unaffected by the pumping action of said telescopic joint, and transmitting said measurements to said drill ship.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for monitoring the steady state mud flow return rate in a marine riser extending between the ocean floor and a drill ship and including a telescoping joint, said method comprising: measuring the mud flow at a point below the telescoping joint where the mud flow rate is essentially unaffected by the pumping action of said telescopic joint, and transmitting said measurements to said drill ship.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the mud flow rate is measured in the annulus of said marine riser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein a representative portion of said mud flow is measured externally of said marine riser.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for monitoring mud flow return rate in a marine riser extending between the ocean floor and a floating drill ship and including a telescoping joint, said apparatus comprising: means for measuring the mud flow in said riser at a point below said telescoping joint where the mud flow rate is essentially unaffected by the pumping action of said telescoping joint, means for transmitting the measurements made by said measuring means to said drill ship, and means on said drill ship for receiving and displaying said transmitted measurements.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for monitoring mud flow return rate in a marine riser extending between the ocean floor and a floating drill ship and including a telescoping joint, said apparatus comprising: means for measuring the mud flow in said riser at a point below said telescoping joint where the mud flow rate is essentially unaffected by the pumping action of said telescoping joint, means for transmitting the measurements made by said measuring means to said drill ship, and means on said drill ship for receiving and displaying said transmitted measurements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said measuring means comprises a flow sensor placed in the annulus of said marine riser.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said measuring means comprises a flow sensor placed in a bypass line connected to said marine riser for measuring only a representative portion of said mud flow in said marine riser.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
95 words
An apparatus for monitoring mud flow return rate during offshore drilling operations comprising: a floating drill ship; a marine riser extending from said ship to the ocean floor and including, a telescoping joint in said marine riser to accommodate vertical movements of said drill ship with respect to the ocean floor, and mud flow measuring means positioned in said marine riser at a point below said telescoping joint; means for transmitting the measurements made by said measuring means to said drill ship; and means on said drill ship for receiving and displaying said transmitted measurements.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
95 words
An apparatus for monitoring mud flow return rate during offshore drilling operations comprising: a floating drill ship; a marine riser extending from said ship to the ocean floor and including, a telescoping joint in said marine riser to accommodate vertical movements of said drill ship with respect to the ocean floor, and mud flow measuring means positioned in said marine riser at a point below said telescoping joint; means for transmitting the measurements made by said measuring means to said drill ship; and means on said drill ship for receiving and displaying said transmitted measurements.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said mud flow measuring means comprise flow sensor apparatus mounted in a bypass line externally of said marine riser for measuring only a portion of the mud flow.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-05-20 | 1977-11-19 | 1978-05-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-20 | 1981-11-19 | 1982-05-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-20 | 1985-11-19 | 1986-05-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |