Subsurface wellhead shield

Abstract

This invention concerns means for protecting a marine wellhead (including the Christmas tree) on an offshore hydrocarbon-producing platform from damage due to fire. Special means are provided to protect a wellhead placed a small depth, e.g., 25 to 50 feet, below the water surface under the deck of the offshore platform. These special means include a horizontal support frame supported by the platform. The wellhead is supported at about the same level as the support frame. A heavy shield comprising a heavy framework somewhat bell- shaped with an open bottom is lowered over the wellhead and comes to rest on the fixed frame or shelf. This shield is removable, but is ordinarily kept in position. In event of a fire on the production platform above the submerged wellhead, debris that may fall from the platform is diverted by the shield. Ocean water continually surrounds the marine wellhead, so that, in case of fire, it cannot be damaged by heat.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.