Inventors:
Benton F. Baugh - Houston TX
Herman O. Henderson - Houston TX
John H. Fowler - Spring TX
Assignee:
Smith International, Inc. - Newport Beach CA
International Classification:
E21B 43013
Abstract:
Method for completing an underwater well includes locating drilling apparatus at the well site, and installing conductor casing in the floor of the body of water with a wellhead, blowout preventer stack, and riser attached thereto at a point near the floor, with the riser extending upwardly to the drilling means. A drill string and standard 171/2 inch drill bit is then run through the wellhead and conductor casing, and a hole is drilled for suspending 16 inch casing within the wellhead and conductor casing. A hanger-support member having a casing string attached thereto is lowered into the well until it lands in the wellhead, and it is then rotated less than 360. degree. to connect it within the wellhead. The hanger-support member is then latched within the wellhead. A hole is then drilled for suspending another casing within the wellhead, and a casing hanger with casing string is run through the riser and into the wellhead, and the casing hanger is landed on the hanger-support member.