Annular Pressure Control Diverter

Abstract

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an Annular Pressure Control Diverter designed to be positioned below the conventional blowout preventer stack, and which will be activated during near balanced drilling operations to seal the annulus between the drill pipe and the production casing. Returned drilling fluid and produced fluids are diverted up the annulus between the production casing and intermediate casing and through a well head located below an all-inclusive BOP stack. The Annular Pressure Control Diverter does not rotate, and some embodiments have an elliptical internal cavity which ensures that the elliptical seals cannot rotate. Doors are provided on each side of the Annular Pressure Control Diverter to permit changing of the seal elements. Door locking mechanisms are provided for operator safety.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.