Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for remotely connecting or disconnecting upper flexible choke/kill lines (including auxiliary lines) to choke/kill lines of a floating drilling rig riser which has been lowered toward the sea floor. Remote stab assemblies are mounted to a stowable tension ring releasably secured to a housing secured to rig beams. In the stowed position, hydraulic stab connectors secured to travelling yoke assemblies are disconnected from each line. The travelling yoke assemblies are moved to an outer position so that the flexible drape hoses clear the space beneath the housing in order that a blowout preventer stack may be trolleyed in from the side of the rig moon pool during running or retrieval. The stack is lowered toward the sea floor by the riser. A telescopic joint is connected to the top of the riser and lowered through the housing and the tension ring. The tension ring is temporarily connected to the telescopic joint, disconnected from the housing and rides down with the telescopic joint while the stack, riser and telescopic joint are lowered until the stack is landed on the sea floor. The tension ring is then partially connected to the telescopic joint as the tension cables are pulled upwardly. Apparatus is provided for angularly and axially aligning the stab connectors with the choke/kill lines of the riser when the travelling yoke assemblies are moved inwardly where complete connection of the tension ring and telescopic joint is accomplished.

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First Claim