# US 8,783,360 B2 · Laser assisted riser disconnect and method of use > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,783,360 B2 - Document ID: US8783360B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/034,017 - Filed: 2011-02-24 - Published: 2012-08-30 - Granted: 2014-07-22 - Earliest claimed: 2011-02-24 - Assignees: Foro Energy, Inc.; Chevron U.S.A. Inc. - Applicants: Mark S. Zediker; Henry A. Bergeron; Philip V. Clark; Brian O. Faircloth; Joel F. Moxley; Paul D. Deutch; Charles C. Rinzler - Inventors: Mark S. Zediker; Henry A. Bergeron; Philip V. Clark; Brian O. Faircloth; Joel F. Moxley; Paul D. Deutch; Charles C. Rinzler - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8783360B2 ## CPC - E21B 33/064: specially adapted for underwater well heads - E21B 7/12: Underwater drilling (using heave compensators E21B19/09) - E21B 19/004: {supporting a riser from a drilling or production platform} - E21B 29/12: specially adapted for underwater installations (E21B29/08 takes precedence) - E21B 33/038: Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser - E21B 33/06: Blow-out preventers {, i.e. apparatus closing around a drill pipe, e.g. annular blow-out preventers (rotating blow-out preventers E21B33/085)} - F16L 23/003: {Auxiliary devices} - E21B: EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL ## Abstract There is provided a high power laser-riser blowout preventer package and laser module for use with a subsea riser. The laser module and laser-riser package use high power laser energy to quickly cut the riser permitting an offshore drilling rig to quickly, and in a controlled manner disconnect from a blowout preventer. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A laser-riser blowout preventer package for operably releasably associating an offshore drilling rig, a vessel or a platform on a surface of a body the water with a borehole in a seafloor of the body of water, the laser-riser blowout preventer package comprising: a. a riser section comprising a first and a second end, wherein the first end has a first coupling and the second end has a second coupling; b. a laser module operably associated with the riser section; and, c. and a blowout preventer configured to be operably associated with the riser section and the borehole; d. wherein, when the laser-riser blowout preventer package is deployed and operably associating the offshore drilling rig with the borehole in the seafloor the offshore drilling rig, vessel or platform is mechanically connected and in fluid communication with the borehole; and, the laser module upon firing a laser beam can completely cut the riser section at a predetermined location on the riser section, thereby releasing the offshore drilling rig, vessel or platform from the blowout preventer. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, wherein the first coupling is selected from the group consisting of: a dog connector, a flange-connector, a key connector, a clip connector, a bowen connector, and a threaded connector. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, wherein the second coupling is selected from the group consisting of: a dog connector, a flange connector, a key connector, a clip connector, a bowen connector, and a threaded connector. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, wherein the second coupling is a blowout preventer connector. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 4, wherein the blowout preventer connector is hydraulic. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, wherein the laser module comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam defining a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the first coupling. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, wherein the laser module comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam defining a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the second coupling. ### Claim 8 (depends on 2) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 2, wherein the laser module comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam defining a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the first coupling. ### Claim 9 (depends on 2) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 2, wherein the laser module comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam defining a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the second coupling. ### Claim 10 (depends on 3) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 3, wherein the laser module comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam defining a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the first coupling. ### Claim 11 (depends on 3) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 3, wherein the laser module comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam defining a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the second coupling. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, wherein the laser module is adjacent the first coupling. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, wherein the laser module is adjacent the second coupling. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the laser module comprises two laser cutters. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, comprising 9 additional riser sections. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, comprising 29 additional riser sections. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, comprising 59 additional riser sections. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 1, comprising 99 additional riser sections. ### Claim 19 (depends on 2) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 2, further comprising 59 additional riser sections. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The laser-riser blowout preventer of claim 1, wherein the laser module mechanically engages an exterior of the riser section. ### Claim 21 A laser-riser blowout preventer package comprising: a. A riser section comprising a first riser coupling and a second riser coupling; b. A means for providing a laser beam to cut a component of the riser section; c. The means for providing a laser beam engaging an exterior of the riser section; and d. A blowout preventer; e. Whereby the means for providing a laser beam is capable of cutting the riser section from the exterior to release an offshore drilling rig, vessel or platform from the blowout preventer. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 21, wherein the first riser coupling is a dog-style riser coupling. ### Claim 23 (depends on 22) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 22, wherein the second riser coupling is a dog-style riser coupling. ### Claim 24 (depends on 21) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 21, wherein the second riser coupling is a means for connecting the riser section to the blowout preventer. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 24, wherein the means for connecting the riser section to the blowout preventer is hydraulic. ### Claim 26 (depends on 21) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 21, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the first riser coupling. ### Claim 27 (depends on 21) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 21, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the second riser coupling. ### Claim 28 (depends on 22) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 22, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the dog-style riser coupling. ### Claim 29 (depends on 23) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 23, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the dog-style riser coupling. ### Claim 30 (depends on 24) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 24, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the first riser coupling. ### Claim 31 (depends on 24) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 24, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the means for connecting the riser section to the blowout preventer. ### Claim 32 (depends on 21) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 21, wherein the first riser coupling is a flange-style riser coupling. ### Claim 33 (depends on 32) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 32, wherein the second riser coupling is a flange-style riser coupling. ### Claim 34 (depends on 32) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 32, wherein the second riser coupling is a means for connecting the riser section to the blowout preventer. ### Claim 35 (depends on 34) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 34, wherein the means for connecting the riser section to the blowout preventer is hydraulic. ### Claim 36 (depends on 32) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 32, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the flange-style riser coupling. ### Claim 37 (depends on 32) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 32, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the second riser coupling. ### Claim 38 (depends on 34) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 34, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the flange-style riser coupling. ### Claim 39 (depends on 34) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 34, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the means for connecting the riser section to the blowout preventer. ### Claim 40 (depends on 21) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 21, wherein the first riser coupling is a key-style riser coupling. ### Claim 41 (depends on 40) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 40, wherein the second riser coupling is a key-style riser coupling. ### Claim 42 (depends on 40) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 40, wherein the second riser coupling is a means for connecting the riser to the blowout preventer. ### Claim 43 (depends on 42) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 42, wherein the means for connecting the riser section to the blowout preventer is hydraulic. ### Claim 44 (depends on 40) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 40, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the key-style riser coupling. ### Claim 45 (depends on 40) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 40, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the second riser coupling. ### Claim 46 (depends on 42) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 42, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the key-style riser coupling. ### Claim 47 (depends on 42) The laser-riser blowout preventer package of claim 42, wherein the means for providing a laser beam comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam having a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed toward the means for connecting the riser section to the blowout preventer. ### Claim 48 A laser module for use with a marine riser, the laser module comprising: a. A housing configured for mechanical association with a marine riser, the housing defining an inner area, whereby at least a portion of the marine riser is contained within the inner area upon engagement of the housing with the riser; b. The housing having a first laser cutter and a second laser cutter; c. The first and second laser cutters, being positioned within the housing and the first and second laser cutters each having a laser discharge end; d. A first beam path extending from the laser discharge end of the first laser cutter to the inner area of the housing; and e. A second beam path extending from the laser discharge end of the second laser cutter to the inner area of the housing; f. Wherein the first and second laser cutters are capable of cutting the marine riser. ### Claim 49 (depends on 48) The laser module of claim 48, wherein the inner area of the housing comprises an annulus and wherein the marine riser comprises a center tube, an external pipe, and a coupling, and wherein the annulus is configured to accommodate the center tube, the external pipe and the coupling. ### Claim 50 (depends on 48) The laser module of claim 48, wherein the first beam path is directed to a portion of the inner area, the portion of the inner area being configured for placement adjacent a center tube of the marine riser. ### Claim 51 (depends on 48) The laser module of claim 48, wherein the first beam path is directed to a portion of the inner area, the portion of the inner area being configured for placement adjacent an external pipe of the marine riser. ### Claim 52 (depends on 48) The laser module of claim 48, wherein the first beam path is directed to a portion of the inner area, the portion of the inner area being configured for placement adjacent a coupling of the marine riser. ### Claim 53 (depends on 48) The laser module of claim 48, wherein the first and second laser cutters are configured within the housing to move within the housing, whereby the first and second laser cutters have the ability to at least partially orbit around the marine riser when the housing is engaged with the marine riser. ### Claim 54 (depends on 48) The laser module of claim 48, wherein the marine riser comprises a coupling comprising a flange, a bolt and a nut. ### Claim 55 (depends on 54) The laser module of claim 54, wherein the first beam path is directed to a portion of the inner area of the housing, which portion is configured for placement adjacent the bolt. ### Claim 56 (depends on 54) The laser module of claim 54, wherein the first beam path is directed to a portion of the inner area of the housing, which portion is configured for placement adjacent the nut. ### Claim 57 (depends on 54) The laser module of claim 54, wherein the first beam path is directed to a portion of the inner area of the housing, the portion of the inner area being configured for placement adjacent the flange. ### Claim 58 (depends on 48) The laser module of claim 48, wherein the marine riser comprises a coupling comprising a shoulder. ### Claim 59 (depends on 58) The laser module of claim 58, wherein the first beam path is directed to a portion of the inner area of the housing, the portion of the inner area being configured for placement adjacent the shoulder. ### Claim 60 A quick release riser section comprising: a. A riser section, comprising a first end having a first coupling, a second end having a second coupling and a center tube; b. A laser cutter engaging an exterior of the riser section; and, c. A beam path extending between the laser cutter and the riser section; whereby the laser cutter is capable of cutting the riser section from the exterior to release an offshore drilling rig, vessel or platform from a blowout preventer. ### Claim 61 (depends on 60) The quick release riser section of claim 60, wherein the center tube has a central region located between the first and second ends, and wherein the beam path intersects the central region. ### Claim 62 (depends on 60) The quick release riser section of claim 60, wherein the beam path intersects the first coupling. ### Claim 63 (depends on 60) The quick release riser section of claim 60, wherein the first coupling comprises a key and the beam path is directed toward the key. ### Claim 64 (depends on 60) The quick release riser section of claim 60, wherein the first coupling comprises a flange and the beam path intersects the flange. ### Claim 65 (depends on 60) The quick release riser section of claim 60, wherein the first coupling comprises a bolt and the beam path intersects the bolt. ### Claim 66 (depends on 60) The quick release riser section of claim 60, wherein the first coupling comprises a nut and the beam path intersects the nut. ### Claim 67 An offshore drilling rig system comprising: an offshore drilling rig; and a quick release riser blowout preventer package, the package comprising: a. a riser comprising a plurality of riser sections, wherein the plurality of riser sections are configured for being lowered from the offshore drilling rig to a depth at or near a seafloor; and mechanically connected to the offshore drilling rig; and in fluid communication with the offshore drilling rig; b. a blowout preventer, the blowout preventer configured for being mechanically connected to the riser; in fluid communication with the riser; and lowered by the riser from the offshore drilling rig to the seafloor; and, c. the riser comprising a laser module; and, d. the laser module comprising a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam defining a beam path, wherein the beam path is directed from the laser cutter toward one of the plurality of riser sections; e. wherein, when the package is deployed and mechanically connecting the offshore drilling rig with a borehole in the seafloor, the laser module upon firing a laser beam can cut at least a portion of the one of the plurality of riser sections at a predetermined location, thereby providing for the quick release of the offshore drilling rig from the blowout preventer. ### Claim 68 A method of drilling subsea wells by using a laser module operably associated with a riser section, the method comprising: a. lowering a blowout preventer from an offshore drilling rig to a seafloor using a riser comprising a plurality of riser sections, wherein the blowout preventer comprises a blowout preventer cavity defined by the blowout preventer, the riser comprises a riser cavity defined by the riser; b. one of the plurality of riser sections having a laser module operably associated therewith, wherein the laser module comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam that defines a beam path and wherein the beam path is directed from the laser cutter toward a component of the one of the plurality of riser sections; c. securing the blowout preventer to a borehole defining a borehole cavity, whereby the borehole cavity, the blowout preventer cavity and the riser cavity are in fluid and mechanical communication; and, d. advancing the borehole by lowering tubulars from the offshore drilling rig down through the riser cavity, the blowout preventer cavity and into the borehole; e. whereby, a drilling operation is enhanced by having an ability in an emergency situation to fire a laser beam from the laser module to completely cut the component of the one of the plurality of riser sections in the beam path, thereby weakening the riser. ### Claim 69 A method of performing drilling, workover, intervention, completion or service activities on a subsea well by using a laser module, the method comprising: a. positioning a riser between a surface of a body of water and a seafloor, the riser comprising a riser cavity defined by the riser, wherein the riser is in fluid communication with a subsea well and an offshore rig, vessel or platform; b. mechanically associating a laser module with the riser, wherein the laser module comprises a laser cutter for emitting a laser beam that defines a beam path and wherein the beam path is directed from the laser cutter toward a component of the riser; and, c. performing activities on the well by moving a structure through the riser cavity; d. providing the capability to fire a laser beam from the laser module to completely cut the riser in the beam path, thereby weakening the riser and providing a controlled disconnection of the riser. ### Claim 70 (depends on 69) The method of claim 69, wherein the structure is selected from the group consisting of a tubular, a tool and a drill pipe.