US3760889A

US3760889A - Apparatus and method to modify and service a subaqueous strata drilling system

Info

Publication number: US3760889A
Application number: US00143769A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Nelson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-01-07
Filing date: 1971-05-17
Publication date: 1973-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 1990-09-25

Abstract

A vertical array comprises: a lengthened drill string extending in reach from its buoyant support station initially positioned in vicinity of the water surface, through the body of water and to the lowest penetration of the floor strata as an assembly to deepen the hole by an amount approximating the free length through the said body of water; a drilling fluid circulating system having a conduit portion periodically lengthened while drilling and so independently suspended as to retain fluid communication with the string, to have an increased length approximating the increased depth of hole. To change the assembly; the total increased length of conduit is removed as a unit, the string said free length is withdrawn from the well as a unit, a portion of the string length is segmentally disassembled from the array to leave for unit removal a final string assembly equal to said free length. Provisions are included to control the well against blowout caused by sudden release of excessive formation fluid pressure.

Description

United States Patent [191 Nelson [451 Sept. 25, 1973 APPARATUS AND METHOD TO MODIFY AND SERVICE A SUBAQUEOUS STRATA DRILLING SYSTEM [76] Inventor: Arthur John Nelson, 3304 Shasta Dr., San Mateo, Calif.

[22] Filed: May 17, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 143,769

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuationin-part of Ser. No. 789,494, Jan. 7,

1969, Pat. No. 3,594,808.

Primary Examiner-Marvin A. Champion Assistant Examiner-Richard E. Favreau [5 7 ABSTRACT A vertical array comprises: a lengthened drill string extending in reach from its buoyant support station initially positioned in vicinity of the water surface, through the body of water and to the lowest penetration of the floor strata as an assembly to deepen the hole by an amount approximating the free length through the said body of water; a drilling fluid circulating system having a conduit portion periodically lengthened while drilling and so independently suspended as to retain fluid communication with the string, to have an increased length approximating the increased depth of hole. To change the assembly; the total increased length of conduit is removed as a unit, the string said free length is withdrawn from the well as a unit, a portion of the string length is segmentally disassembled from the array to leave for unit removal a final .string assembly equal to said free length. Provisions are included to control the well against blowout caused by sudden release of excessive formation fluid pressure.

7 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENIED$EP25I975 I 3.760.889

SHEET 3 OF 5 ArthurJ Nelson PATENTEU SEPZS I975 SHEEI 4 BF 5 //VVENTO, ArthurJNelson PATENIEB SEPZSIHYS -SHEET 5 [If 5 334 IN l E/VTOR ArthurJ Nelson BACKGROUND or THE INVENTION Conventional derricks limit the travel of the draw works with a corresponding operable kelly bar, thus not only during trips when a chaneover is required, but also in drilling, the string is stopped and hauled up to introduce a string segment with such frequency that liabilities are greatly multiplied. Dependance upon above surface apparatus to power equipment in reach through a body of water and into the strata below poses further liabilities.

Consequently, the present apparatus differs in operating principle, especially by the omission of the conventional conductor casing extending above the water surface from its connection at the well. The apparatus developed according to the listed references above depends upon advantageous utilization of the situation to offset adversities.

Therefore a prime object of this application is to cope with the depth of water by utilizing buoyancy characteristics to provide extended support afforded by the depth as a superior draw works.

An important object, too, is to immerse the support means of the vertical array well below disrupting surface conditions, constructing surfaced members to contend with those adversities.

A further object is to expedite dismantling of the array when alterations or additions are required to the apparatus or well.

A still further object is to provide apparatus which I not'only automatically continues penetration of the strata over extended periods of time but is also in full control of the well against environmental adversities and dangers.

Theseand other objects of the invention will become more apparent when viewed in light of the following description and accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An apparatus arranged as a vertical array of buoyantly supported immersed members in a deep body of water to drill a well through the strata below by remote control from a surfaced vessel dependently linked to the array established as a stable assembly. The depth of water is advantageously utilized to prolong drilling as a continuous operation commensurate with controlled descent of the support means of an integrated drill string preassembled to extend through the depth of water to lowermost penetration of the strata. This application is specifically directed to apparatus and method expediting alterations to the assembly and includes controls contending with adversities commonly encountered in drilling through strata. Of the total assembled length of means employed to transmit drilling fluid to the bottom of a drilled hole, a length approximating three times the water depth of the site is retract able in three unit lengths.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Again as for previous applications it will be observed several figures are identified by'numerals bearing subscript letters, done so they more readily become comparable with similar figures of the same numeral as presented in the listed references. Likewise, parts bear same identifying numeral as previously assigned with modified parts bearing a subscript letter. Some details have been omitted as needless repetition to this disclosure when not specifically mentioned in the Claims.

FIG. 1a is an elevational view diagrammatically illustrating unit removal of elements from the entire array upon completion of the drilling operation possible with the integrated assembly.

FIG. lb is a partial elevational view illustrating the array configuration upon completion of an assembly and prior to further progress in drilling.

FIG. 1d is an elevational view illustrating sequence in position of members of the array emphasizing treatment of electric conductors and gas lines.

FIG. 5 is a fractional elevational view showing a method to alter the length of the array. I

FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view illustrating a final phase in dismantling the array and displays separation of the drilling station.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the portable portio of the drilling station.

FIG. 8 is a partial elevational view of the support station and related control station.

FIG. 9 is a sectional elevation view of the universal joint.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional elevational view of the diverter means.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the diverter means.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the float used to remove the conduit portion from the array.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the float used to effect the stepwise method in control of the array in deep settings.

FIG. 3 is a common plan view of the floats viewed in FIGS. 4 and 2.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional elevational view of the means to dismantle the drill string and the attending blow-out preventer.

DESCRIPTION The description is divided into two parts. A first part recites the General Arrangement so that the application presents apparatus involved together with alterations suggestive of possible changes consistent with the princple of operation while depending upon cited references to substantiate and detail the brief coverage. The second part Servicing and Attending Apparatus discloses means to fulfill the purposes mentioned and details made to periodically modify the array as part of the operational procedure. Following this procedural disclosure certian apparatus is described in detail to illustrate feasibility or arbitrary selection of design suitable for the purpose.

General Arrangement (Part 1) (In FIG. 1a) A service station 20b floating on the surface 28 of a body of water provides transfer means, supplies and master control attending an array of objects stabilized and extending as a vertical arrangement for boring through the floor 152 of the body of water. The array, fixed to a site by an erect drilling station 150a bearing on the floor, extends to include control station 340 buoyantly supported by immersed pontoons 40 in vicinity of the surface 28 to define the extent of movement of support station 525 functioning between as a buoyantly manipulated feeder. The array further includes; drill string 146 preassembled to suspend from support station 52b as bared to the water in reach through the drill station and a diverter assembly 348 fixed to the floor, and a periodically lengthened conduit in fluid communication with the drill string extending therefrom upwardly with a vertical constituent 46 connected by flexible joint 38 to pivotal constituent 22 having the inlet end supported by axis 24 on the service station and adapted for connection to a fluid supply 701.

(In FIG. 9) A universal fitting 50b effects union of the non-rotating conduit 46 to the drill string 146 with the latter automatically and continuously rotated by the drilling station to effect uninterrupted penetration of the strata below the floor by the terminally connected bit 284.

(In FIG. 8) As part of the array, too, is a wire system comprising lower portion 990 connecting the drilling station 150a to the support station 52b and upper portion 99b connecting the control station 344 to the support station 52b joined by equalizers 106a, 106b respectively to the bottom and top of support station 52b to provide balanced tension in the three wires of its portion and the other wire ends are secured to reels. In addition to the preliminary function to tie the array together when in an inoperative position, the wire system also in transmitting a tension load provides taut members serving as an element in the stabilization system 296.

(in FIG. 8) The control station 34a includes a superstructure 36 transmitting the pontoon buoyant support to an apex assemblage 37 towering above the surface 28 to accommodate mounting of a crane 39 used to manipulate a frame 41 bearing; the flexible joint 38, unsupported end of pivotal constituent 22, all the vertical constituents 46 and reels 118b locked during normal drilling to transmit a deliberate deficiency in the support of the drill string to the control station by way of the loaded crane 39. Thus the support station is insufficiently buoyed to avoid the contingency of buckling the conduit 46 if excessively supporting. Reels 1181; provides wire length adjustment corresponding with length changes to conduit 46 and the crane 39 sustains movement of the conduit 46 by paying out cable to lower its tail block 55 consistent with penetration of the drill bit 284 in the strata below floor 152.

(In FIG. la) The superstructure 36 is constructed upon a base 43 supported by the pontoons 40 connected at the vertices of a polygonal configuration dimensional in excess of the height to the apex 37. One of the lateral sides provides passageway 45 for articulative pivotal constituent 22 and assemblage of the array as to be subsequently discussed. The superstructure is provided with a leveler 47 arranged to retain the structure erect. Freeboard of the control station 340 is established by adjusting the position of a regulator 51 mounted to the superstructure at the desired mean water line. For normal drilling the superstructure is positioned to accommodate allowable movement of axis end 24 attributed to the heaving service station b. When changes are made to the vertical constituent 46 while drilling, the superstructure freeboard may be altered to better position for the assembly method to be subsequently discussed and previously covered in listed references.

(In FIGv l0) Reels 118a at the drilling station periodically haul-in the lower wire portion 99a with accommodation means 274 relating descent of the support station as progress in drilling to prescribe payout by the crane; so that the vertical conduit 46 descends accordingly to preserve a space relationship of its end within the fitting 50b. The lower wires, portion 99a, are provided with a weighted means to establish taut lines essential to the stabilizer system 2960. The weighted means being sheaves 272 guided for vertical movement representing half the descent of the support station 52b to indicate progress in drilling. These sheaves provide a takeup means so that reels 118a need not be rotated except at periodic intervals when returning sheaves 272 from a lower limiting position to an upper limiting position with the limit switches touched-off communicating with the solenoid includes in mechanism 208a transmitting power from the torque table to reels 1 18a.

(in FIG. la) the flexible joint 38 connecting the

conduit constituents

22, 46 moves vertically within the superstructure between a contracted position 73 of the tail block 55 and a lowermost clamped position 75 of the conduit 46 to the control station 34a, whereupon when so clamped the joint 38 may be disconnected from the conduit 46. The clamp mechanism 77 is integral with the bridge 79 extending between pontoons 40 and in its normal inactivated position provides clear passage through of the pipe segments 46a of the conduit 46 but intercepts couplings 48 connecting adjacent segments 46a. With the coupling engaged to the normal intercepting position of the clamp the conduit can no longer lower except as will occur with lowering of the control station 34a. Means are included to remotely activate the clamp to a non-interceptive position. With appraoch of joint 38 to clamp 77 certain advance preparations minimizes the time to add a pipe segment 46a to lengthen constituent 46 while penetrating the strata as a continuing operation. This anticipation principally includes transfer of a pipe segment 46a from the stock pile aboard the service station 20b to an erect posture immediate to its installed position as suspended by a hoist 83 fixed uppermost on the control station. A valve 85 is shut off just prior to disconnecting the joint 38; so that during the seconds time required to effect the lengthening, the inertia effect of the moving fluid column is depended upon to maintain the jet at the hole bottom.

Frame 41 bearing freed joint 38 is raised by haulingin on crane 39 and paying-out on reel 118b to provide space above the clamped coupling to add segment 46a. With the conduit 46 lengthened crane 39 is reinstated to respond in lowering the conduit 46 and the clamp deactivated to normal position for interception of the next coupling.

The term continuous drilling is predicated upon the space between the surfaced control station and the remote drilling station that permits lowering therebetween of the support station as a regulated elevator of the preassembled drill string retained as an integral length through that descent. Since the support station moves through this space the proper place to locate the drill station is on the floor below the support station. The large diameter mud return line concentric with the drill string and encompassing same from floor to water surface of conventional rigs is necessarily abandoned, since first of all, it would prevent descent of the support station (to which the string is suspended) and secondly would exclude application 'of torque to the immersed string. Thus the string must be bared to accept torquing means and the torquing means must be automatic for installations subject to the pressures of these depths (where normal labor is inconceivable) and be uninterruptive to make effective the travel of the station through space.

(In FIG. lb) The drill string146 is made up of pipe I segments capable of being handled by derrick 26a that a sufficient number of segments are assembled by locking each together by couplings 148 to provide a composite length determined by either; the amount of well to be dug with the attached drill bit or by the maximum distance available equal to the head of water beneath the immersed buoyant supports plus the depth of hole thus far bored. A minimum drilling would occur when first drilling to provide a well which is to be cased with diverter portion 352 attached as in FIG. 10. A maximum drill string length would be contingent upon developed stresses in the members. For an intermediate water depth of 3,000 feet the assembly would include some 18 couplings adapted as the torque receiving means, thus utilizing an integral and otherwise necessary and intermittently spaced part of the stringf Repeating previous coverage, this drilling apparatus is dependent upon the space provided by the depth of water to yield protracted use of an integrated' assembly. The overall performance improves with increase in depth of water to the subaqueous strata. In what is herein termed shallow water amounting to present day maximum depth of worked waters the present invention is therefore adapted to periodic lengthening of the string without resorting to the system of divesting the well of the portable drill station and well head. Such alternate method is considered to be within the'realmof the disclosure.

The drilling station 150a, as can be best seen from FIG. It, comprises a base portion 154a and a portable superstructureportion 1560. These portions couple together to form the composite structure seen in FIG. la. Three individually operable telescopic legs 182 are mechanically powered through gearing associated with the turntable 202 to establish an erect posture of the drilling station as monitored by leveling device 248. The leveler 248 also serves as a constant sentinel to the erect posture of the drilling station to re-establish firm footing if affected; so as not to bend the drill string.

The superstructure portion 1560 as can be best seen from FIG. 10, comprises a framework 166a of generally hyperbolical shape terminating in a journal 168 at or near its top 621. The journal rotatably supports a torque tube 170 extending longitudinally of the framework l66a. The lower end of the torque tube 170 is rotatably received in a journal 172. Pontoon 620 is the base to which the tower structure 1660 is constructed, thus the pontoon is part of the portable portion 156a to enable various controls for it to be periodically inspected.

Pontoon 620 is sectionalized to provide a separately controlled gas chamber for each of the three adjustable legs. The chamber is penetrated by a cylindrical member 175 to define an upper connection with shell 158 to provide an axial guide for bearing member 174 transmitting radial load of bearing 172 to the structure 156a. Cylinder 175 provides clearance for the mounting of the upper portable porti'on'354 of the diverter 'to bearing member 174. Torque imparted to the torque tube 170 through means of therotary table 202 fixed thereto is transmitted to the drill string 146. The couplings 148 are spaced apart by a distance less than the length of the torque tube 170. Thus, at least one cou-' pling is at all times driven by the torque tube. 1 i

(In FIG. 7) The diverter assembly 348 is connected between the surface well casing 350 cemented to the floor 152 and the bearing member 174 supported from removable superstructure portion 156a of the drilling station 1500. Assembly 348 is separable to permit; removal of the superstructure and drill string for reassemblage as needed, and to divest the well of the string to permit, e.g., lining the bored hole with casing. Thus bottom section 352 remains fixed to the well comprising the diverter portion 347 and conventional blow-out preventer 353 adaptable to seal off the well with the string in place or removed. The top section 354 is remotely securable to the bottom section by jaw assembly 356 locking conically faced flanges 349. v

The diverter portion 347 is ported 358 toallow fluid communication to the vessel 20b. A valve 351 (preferably a conventional non-lubricating plug valve pneumatically actuated remotely controlled) regulates discharge from the port to a conduit 360 that is connected to compensating coupling 643 to provide limited vertical displacement of the remote conduit 362 extending to the vessel 20b and dependent upon on independent support system 366 A pump 355 and valve 351 are optionally included in the remote conduit assembly. Controls to the lower portion 352 of diverter assembly 348 are trained along the remote conduit 362 so remain with the permanent portion of the installation.

(In FIG. 6) The diverting assembly accommodates sealed entry of the bared string', has a diverter directing flow from the well annulus saw the remote conduit and has terminating means sealing off the annulus to a mitigated well condition at the seal. Flushing fluid compounded at the service station is circulated through the system of the foregoing presentation and herewith summarized to exclude the concluding phase involving processing of the returned slurry.

The fluid compound is pumped through

conduits

22, 46 and through fitting 50b where some mix occurs with flushing liquid injected to protect parts of fitting 50b. The string 146 then conveys the mix for jetting from the bit 284. at the well bottom; to cool and lubricate the bit, entrain all cuttings with return up the annulus 53 under pressure opposing all liberated fluids seeking escape into the bored hole and to plaster the walls of the well in passage through annulus 53. The exterior of the drill string is abraded only to the extent when defining the annulus 53 with the well. Thereafter a diverter assembly 348 at the floor 152 in fluid communication with the well directs flow via a remote conduit 362 to the service station 20b. The destructive properties of fluid in the system is further minimized by protective measures employed at the diverter assembly 348 and fitting 50b as will be subsequently discussed.

Utility of fitting 50b is summarized: to provide fluid communication of an abrading slurry between two rigid tension members (conduit and drill string) compensating for relative stability of their independent supports subject to varying surge effect, compensate for inequalities in transfer rate off reels of the crane and wire systern, serve as an expansion joint during changes to the conduit length, provide a fluid seal of two members rotating relative the other, contribute in part to the thrust bearing transmitting drill string weight to the support station and importantly to permit selective separation of the two rigid members upon withdrawal of the lengthened conduit as a unit assembly, while automatically sealing off the well then exposed by said disconnect from the drill string.

A pair of magnetic switches 181, 183 mounted to an extension 185 of fitting 50b are spaced so that a vane 189 mounted on coupling 74a becomes engaged with one switch depending upon position to activate a monitor regulating crane motor speed to correct the end of conduit 72 to neutral position in fitting 50b. Any sudden freeing of the bit when retracting the string from the well causing the support station 52b to rise more quickly than the control station 34a is monitored by a magnetic switch 187 which when engaged is done so by the vane 189 at an excessively lowered position. Switch 187 is electrically wired to activate a solenoid opened blow-off valve 195 venting the air chamber of support station 52b to instantly avoid compressive liability to conduit 46 designed as a tension member. Such relief is also a warning to avoid further supercharging of the buoyant chamber to extract the bit.

(In FIG. 9) Universal fitting 50b comprises: a tubular housing 680 fastened to cylindrical member 138b in turn fastened to shell 70 of the station 52b; a first tubular element 72 coupled to the lower end of conduit 46 by a weighted coupling 74a, and extending downwardly therefrom slidably into the housing68a for rectilinear movement relative thereto; and a second tubular conduit element 76 received within the housing 68a and around conduit element 72 for rotational movement relative thereto. The housing 68a has guide means 78a fixed to and extending upwardly therefrom for guiding engagement with coupling 74a. It is also provided with an involute flushing chamber 80 extending around the element 72 and opening into element 76, and closed at its upper end by an annular seal 82 interposed between housing 68a and the exterior surface of element 72. Flushing fluid is introduced to discharge from volute 80 in opposition to drilling fluid abrasion of journal member 88 and sealing means 92 for the bearing 88 to prevent fluid from escaping past the bearing. The lower end of the conduit element 76 joined to the string by coupling 148 has a spherically shaped thrust collar 94 fixed thereto for rotation therewith. This collar is supported on a thrust surface 96 fixed to flange 616 formed to tubular support 138b elongated to accommodate mounting of tension equalizer 106b. A built-in blow-out preventer 700 is formed in housing 68a to provide a sealing assembly of the well when the conduit 46 has been raised; so that then tubular element 72 clears and permits automatic closure of the preventer. Coupling 74a is depicted to be considerable mass weighting down the lower terminal of the conduit 46.

The interior of cylindrical member 138a is also utilized to mount a retractable clamp mechanism 77a provided to engage with a coupling 148 in support of the drill string when the universal fitting 50b has been removed during retraction and dismantling of the string as to be subsequently discussed.

Servicing and attending apparatus (Part 2) (In FIG. 1a) This figure is distinguishable from that of FIG. 1 (Ref. B) in consideration of the remote conduit 362 and of inoperative situations having to do with servicing the array. It seems timely also, to distinguish FIG. 1a with its disclosure of the connection of conduit 362 to the vessel 20b versus the disclosure of electric conduits and gas lines (bundle arrangement 717) reserved for viewing only in FIG. 1d; so as to simplify the trace of these members on their respective figures.

(In FIG. 1b) The initial position is shown of the support station 52b/1 just below the control station 340 at commencement of drilling a hole with a lengthened drill string 146 then extending so that bit 284 is adjacent the bottom of the bored hole; observing intermediate buoy 71a representative of one or more like stations is attached to wire system 99a when needed in reach between position 52b/1 and the drilling station 150a. Such need exists in deep drilling to sectionally support the wire, to support bundle arrangement 717a and contain junction boxes to power compressors therewith to stepwise increase gas pressure to service the array.

(In FIG. la) The lowermost position of the support station 52b/3 is shown situated just above the top 621 of the drilling station, noting intermediate buoy 71a also so located, but deliberately shown associated with another of the 3 wire system 99a indicating when additional floats 710 are required they successively mount to another wire of the three (typified in FIG. 3). Likewise it is noted, float 71b mounted to wire system 99b is in position formally first occupied by float 71a to retain the said stepwise method.

Since the array must now be altered after having reached the full extent of drilling depth of the integrated assembly, a float 712 is introduced below control station 34a and assumes support of conduit 46. Thus by virtue of the slip connection at the universal fitting 50b the length of conduit 46 is removable as a unit for disposal and eventual dismantling as for instance at the forward end of vessel 20b utilizing derrick 26b. Instantly the lower terminal of the conduit 46 is raised above a limiting position within the universal fitting 50b, blow-out preventer 700 therein seals off the remaining string communicating with the well.

Thereafter the support station 52b is free to be raised to again occupy its position 52b/l (as per FIG. 1b) whereby that exposed string portion now extending below to the drilling station has been expeditiously withdrawn, permitted by the effectiveness of the system 274 to manipulate the diverter sealing means 354. The result thus far has been to quickly remove an amount of the array corresponding approximately with twice the setting depth of water.

Thereafter the string is segmentally dismantled utilizing the clamp means 77 provided at the control station. A plug assembly 711 is in readiness to seal off the exposed string end to serve as a blow-out preventer at the open end coupling supported by clamp 77. The support station 52b fitted with clamp means 77b is used alternately with the clamp 77 of the control station 34a to measuring approximately the water depth is removed for eventual dismantling. Now then the well may be cased as covered in Ref. B, sooner than if all segments had been individually detached from the array.

(In FIG. la) Apparatus associated with drilling fluid supply 701 aboard vessel 20b includes preprocessstorage tank 702 into which slurry is discharged as conveyed from the well by the remote conduit 362. The upper reach of conduit 362 terminates with a surge compensator 710 for connection to a Y fitting 703 (or equal) to provide one leg 704 with valve 705 for flexible connection to preprocess tank 702, with the other leg 706 connected by flexible conduit and through valve 707 to a leg 708 of a second Y fitting 709 (or equal) providing selective discharge from the supply 701 of conditioned fluid, since the other leg 710 of said second Y is connected to pivotal constituent 22 for normal routing of fluid. Thus valve 707 is closed and valves 85 and 705 are open to circulate fluid while drilling, whereas valves 85 and 705 are closed with valve 707 open when retracting the drill string to direct fluid flow down the conduit 362 to fill the void being created by withdrawal of the string otherwise sealed off by

preventers

353, 700 or 711 depending upon circumstances.

Summary of incidences during dismantling of the array pertaining to the effectiveness of the system employed is as follows: A unit removal of the extended conduit 34 between the control station and the support station during which short time blow-out preventer 700 seals of the well still subject to injected pressurized drilling fluid; rapid withdrawal from the well of a portion of the drill string commensurate with the increased well depth of the drilling stage then completed and still sealed by preventer 700 with increased rate of fluid injection to occupy the vacated space as it occurs; coupling design and mode of handling to effect dismantling a length of string commensurate with the portion remaining below the diverter assembly still sealed against blow-out incidents (plug assembly 711) except during each interval when the support station segmentally raises the string with continued fluid injection as mentioned; final unit removal of the remaining exposed string freed from the diverter fixed portion left to dominate the well by preventer 353 and valve 351 regulating remote conduit 362.

(In FIG. 10) This view of the drilling station (incidentally only of the portable portion 156a) provides a diagram to illustrate the coincidence in position of the sheave 272 of the monitor system 274 employed to manipulate the sealing means of the diverter portion 354; so that couplings 148 are passable therethrough. It is recalled that reel 1180 is periodically used in connection with sheave 272 to account for the store of wire portion 990 accumulated commensurate with the segmental movement of the string (amounting to the distance between couplings). Thus in the case when retracting the string, the sheave is disposed to a lowermost position D when a coupling 148 is imminently below throttle 336a. With raising of the string by the support station 52b, the wire portion 99a is raised moving sheave 272 upwards thus activating selsyn 61 to monitor power means 421 to open throttle 363a while coupling 148 passes by. Thereafter throttle 363a is closed and succeeding throttles to include final seal 357 are manipulated until the coupling and sheave each are at position C. Thereafter that coupling is free relationship when the coupling traverses the diverter portion 354. As in Ref. D stops 662a, b, act on switches 664, 665 selectively altered depending upon operational function of drilling or retracting the array. (In FIG. 1d) As mentioned this view is limited to consideration of the electric conductors and gas lines extending through the array as supported and connected between the source aboard vessel 20b and the portable portion 156a, noting such lines as needed for the fixed portion 154a are separate and dependent with the system associated with remote conduit 362.

The support station is shown to have had a position 52b/l just below the control station 34a while buoy 71a then occupied the intermediate and subsequent support station position 52b/2; so the said stepwise method to control the array is accomplished. In this first situation the bundle arrangement 717 (electric conductors taped to gas line) are connected, for example, midway between

stations

34a, 150a through buoy 71a and with flexible means 710a (similar to means 710 for conduit 362) to vessel 20b. When drilling has progressed, so the support station is midway at 52b/2, the float 71a will have contacted the top 621 of station 150a with the extended bundle 7170 in a slacked display. At this stage the bundle 7170 extends for connection to buoy 71b near the water surface preparatory to assume the position no longer occupied by the support station designated 52b/2 but will then be at the drilling station position 52b/3; so that bundle 717b is then also in slacked display but oriented l20 from that of 717 a as indicated in FIG. 3.

Details of apparatus (In FIGS. 4, 2, 3) The similarity of floats 71 and 712 suggests a single disclosure of like features with individual treatment of unlike features. These floats though smaller are similar and fitted like pontoon 70, having semi-elliptical shells a, 70b, to confine a volume of gas regulated again by structure 500, monitoring conduit portions 524e, f (repeatedly discussed in mentioned references). Differences consist first in the slot 713 which enables centralizing to the floats of wires pertaining to the system 99 for float 71 and conduit 46 for float 712, whereby fastening means integrate the float to the supported member.

(In FIG. 4) A clamp 77b essentially the same as clamp 77'for control station 34a (fully disclosed) provides support of an upper conduit coupling 48 by virtue of at least three pivotal segments 113 remotely controlled to engage with the coupling. After testing to support the load, crane 39 is employed to remove the disconnected pivotal constituent 22; so that the column 46 is free to be removed by float 712.

(In FIG. 2) A grip 718 wedged in pedestal 719 deforms a wire 102 of system 99 to integrate the float 71a, b, with the supported member. Insofar as float 71a is concerned it is provided with a grip release 720 that dislodges the wedge means 721 when its link member 722 contacts the drilling station. Thus the wires of system 99a are free; so that though float 71a is then stationary, the remaining wire extending above to support station 52b can continue to function as required by system 274 monitoring the diverter portion 354. Link member 722 is omitted from float 71b.

(In FIG. 11) Clamp 77 comprises (three) interceptors 113 pivotally mounted by pins 111 to support a coupling collar 542 when in normal position to be arrested by peripheral bracket 105 fixed to extended bridge 79 of structure 36. A rack and gear 125, 127 is solenoid 123 activated to displace the interceptor from the normal position established by compression spring 131 to a non-intercepting position whereby a coupling is free to move downwardly. The similar clamp 77b situated in well 138a of the support station 52b is provided for engagement with a coupling located at least two segments 146a below the coupling engaged at the control station. When the support station again assumes support of the string 146, its buoyancy is increased to raise the string; so that the coupling connecting the upper segment 146a to the string engages with clamp 77 whereupon the support station is free to be lowered for its clamp 77a to engage with the next lower coupling. The manipulation of each string segment 146a may be variously undertaken as for example in reverse procedure to that method applyinga segment 46a to the array with increased digging as subsequently covered.

(In FIG. 11) The plug assembly 711 is dependent upon a rail 723 fixed to structure 36 permitting displacement of assembly 711 to and from axial alignment with the string 146 supported by clamp 77. When a coupling releaser 81 (Ref. B) is used it may be mounted to and integral with plug assembly 711; so that both straddle the string when out of use and selectively aligned over the string when needed by linkage 724 (power activated) connecting the assembly to structure 36. Assembly 711 comprises a movable carriage 725 providing the journal forplug 726 for plug is brought to bear with coupling collar 542 by an axially movable screw 727 actuated by a nut 728 held in fixed position for rotation thereabout by its peripheral gear 729 in mesh with pinion 730 mounted on rotary power means 731 likewise supported by carriage 725. Thus in event of a blow-out (release fo formation fluids), the plug assembly is moved from a stored position by linkage 724 to alignment over the string coupling; whereupon the motive power 731 is automatically actuated to power plug 726 into fit with fixed coupling collar 542; so that gasket means 551a seals off the well, supplementing the coupling gasket 551.

(In FIG. Service station 20b is equipped with means to disengage assembly 22 and displace it temporarily during assembly periods (if desired) so as to provide access to alley way and head room directly above. Such a condition is illustrated with the introduction of a monorail 11 in this cleared area to accommodate an electric powered cable hoist 12. An accessory for hoist 12 in addition to the terminal hook is a conventional pipe tong which is self locking when loaded and self opening when unloaded. Extending above vessel b is a tower to support a hoist 26a having accessories principally including wire or chain slings which can be quickly adapted to engage with or disengage from a pipe.

Servicing of

assemblies

46, 146 is disclosed in the following with reference to previous comments regarding lengths of conduit sections and their storage. Pipe storage areas extend substantially the length of and on both sides of alley-way 10 that in effect contrives vessel 20b to be a catamaran. Sections 46a, 146a conveniently occupy the length of these areas, and are anticipated to exceed feet lengths, representing the assembly increment of change to the array. Phantom illustration depicts the method to add a section to the array with tongs and slings supporting the section drawn somewhat outboard of the storage area. Thus the alley-way has been utilized as a clearance space for the movement of elongated sections. Slack off of hoist 12 will establish the section to a vertical position whereupon the lower tongs are disengaged. The lower end of sections are guided through passage 45 assisted at entry by flares, and at the upper end encased so as to confine a section within structure 36.

In this position sections 46a will be oscillating vertically responding with movement of hull 20b, whereas station 34a is essentially immobile. A sling off hoist 83 engages section 46a, 146a approximately where previously supported by the tongs. With an upward surge of a section, as mentioned, hoist 83 is activated to take over the support of a section; so that with descent of hull 20b hoist 26a is made ineffective. Having accomplished transfer of a section to a stable hoist the newly assumed length is positioned to be made up between a coupling connection supported by clamp 77 and the flexible joint 38 as again connected to the returned assembly 22. 7 Conclusion From the foregoing description it'is believed apparent that the present invention enables the accomplishment of the object initially set forth herein. It is understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific details of the exemplary embodiment herein described. No attempt will here be made to enumerate all possible variations or include various incidental elements.

I claim:

1. Ina vertical array assembled to bore a hole into the strata below a deep body of water, employing an integrated drill string assembled in reach from a lowermost penetration of said strata to the string suspension means borne by a buoyant support station then situated immediate to the surface of a body of water and below a buoyantly supported control station, retained as a vertical array by a stabilizing system relative to a water floor fixed base portion of a drilling station assembled with a releasably fastened portable portion that rotatably drives the drill string with automatic translation through an extended torque tube for continuous bit penetration of the strata corresponding with regulated descent of the support station from the control station to the drilling station including members contributing to a fluid transmission system circulating drilling fluid from a supply aboard an oscillating surface vessel in support of the drilling sequence that is expedited by the utilization of the buoyant support and space between of stations afforded by the water depth as elements comprising a superior draw works associated with rearrangement of apparatus for a subsequent penetration of the strata, the improvement comprising:

a. an upper and lower injection portion designated conduit vertical constituent and drill string respectively, each portion assembled with pipe segments having identical lengths joined by couplings, including a universal fitting connecting portions to accommodate fluid flow therethrough with discharge at the hole bottom to entrain formation cuttings with fluid return up the annulus around a section of said drill string defined within said hole;

b. a separable diverter assembly comprises, terminating means to seal off said annulus accommodating sealed entry therethrough of said string, a port diverting fluid to flow through a branch outlet formed in the bottom section thereof fixed to casing cemented to the floor, and a blow out preventer remotely employed to selectively seal off the hole;

c. a remote conduit accommodates fluid transmission between statically fixed said branch outlet and a surge compensator for connection to a preprocess storage tank aboard a surfaced vessel;

d. a flexibly connected surge accommodating conduit designated pivotal constituent provides transmission of fluid from said supply to the said conduit vertical constituent;

e. a valve arrangement provided in the transmission system controls directional fluid flow either to flush formation cuttings while boring the hole by way of flow up the remote conduit or reverse flow down said remote conduit to pressurize the hole the fluid fill the void created as the string is withdrawn from the hole; and,

f. a system of blow-out preventers is arranged to facilitate automatic and sequential control of the well against release of formation fluids consistent with progress in divesting the array of the lower injection portion of said fluid transmission system.

2. In a fluid transmission system according to claim 1, the improvement comprises:

a. an adjustable crane fixed to the control station provides vertical suspension means of an articulative conduit at the flexible joint connecting said vertical constituent and pivotal constituent;

b. said vertical constituent initially comprises a first pipe segment extending between said pivotal constituent and said universal fitting and is sequentially lengthened by additional pipe segments;

c. the intervening lengths to eventual extension of the vertical constituent together with the contributing reach of said pivotal constituent is commensurate with change in position of said support station upon ultimate descent to the final situation above the drilling station denoting additional penetration. of the strata;

d. said universal fitting is provided with monitoring I means limiting axial displacement between said vertical constituent and string in control of linear adjustment of the suspension means of the vertical constituent to remain fixed in movement with that of said support station;

e. said universal fitting is dominated by an intermediate blow-out preventer arranged to seal off said string in fluid communication with the bored hole upon an excess displacement to said limited axial displacement; and,

f. the lowest segment of said vertical constituent is weighted in opposition to the force exerted by internal pressure against the constituent end within the universal fitting, said end made free to be withdrawn therefrom upon selective extension of said support relating vertical constituent and string.

3. In a fluid transmission system according to claim 2, the improvement comprises:

a. an accommodation means includes, accumulation of suspended wires comply with the position of the support station to which they are attached, periodic adjustment of reels mounted on the drilling station occur in time phase with the position of said couplings within said diverter, said coupling position corresponds with an upper and lower limiting position of a weighted means incorporated with said accumulation, said weighted means retain these wires as tension elements in the monitoring and control of a stabilizing system maintaining vertical alignment of the stations;

b. alteration of the vertical constituent by said segment is coincident with the time of each said periodic adjustment of the said wire accumulaiton commensurate with the said alteration;

c. atsaid limiting position one of said weighted means activates a switch to induce power to the reel, when the weighted means is at lowermost position during drilling to reel-on wire thereby raising said weight until deactivated at the upper position or when the weighted means is at uppermost position during withdrawal of the string to reel-off wire thereby lowering said weighted means until deactivated at the lower position;

d. progress in said accumulation of wire is monitored to also control adjustment of said crane in support of the vertical constituent to retain said limited axial displacement; and,

e. progress in said accumulation of wire is monitored to also control said terminating means accommodating sealed entry for unhindered passage of said couplings through the diverter assembly.

4. In a fluid transmission system according to claim 3, the improvement comprises:

a. an auxiliary float is imposed to assume support of said vertical constituent to effect its integral removal from the array as simply arranged with said universal fitting upon disengagement from said pivotal means and extension of said linear adjustment maintaining position of said adjacent ends; upon said removal, the support station is free to be returned to said first position with that travel representative of the length of unit withdrawal of the string from the bored hole under fluid sealed influence of said blow-out preventer and of the diverter means intermittently activated following each replacement of said wire accumulation, reversing previously stored length on said reel;

c. the remainder of string below said diverter with the support station at said first position is representative of the length segmentally removed, relying on clamp mechanisms included in both the control and support stations to alternately engage with a said coupling to support the string;

d. said clamp mechanism with the support station is repeatedly engaged to a coupling below the control station clamp engaged to the coupling connecting the upper segmental length of the string positioned for removal by the support station utilized as an e1- evator;

e. a powered plug means adapted for selective engagement to the end of the said string portion being segmentally removed serves as a member of the said system of blow-out preventers; and,

f. residual of the drill string with the drill bit clear of the diverter means together with the portable portion of the separable drilling station is disposed as a unit assembly to a remote area by the support station, leaving the bored hole dominated by said blow-out preventer and said valve arrangement.

5. In a vertical array of subaqueous strata drilling apparatus adapted for uninterrupted drilling of a hole to the extent provided by an integrated drill string assembled in reach from a lowermost pentration of said strata to the string suspension means borne by a support station then situated immediate to the surface of the body of water and below a buoyantly supported control station that is in stable relation with a water floor established drilling station that rotatably drives the drill string with automatic translation through an extended torque tube for continuous bit penetration of the strata corresponding with regulated descent of the support station from the control station to the drilling station, depending upon a transmission system to convey drilling fluid from a supply aboard a sea affected oscillating surface vessel to entrain formation cuttings from the hole to a preprocess storage tank aboard said vessel, the improvement comprising:

a. inthe array a conduit assembled length is progressively increased in segmental increments, while drilling, commensurate with increased penetration of said strata to retain drilling fluid transmission between a supply aboard a surface vessel and the descending drill string;

b. an adjustable crane supports said conduit as a suspended member from the control station and monitoring means controls the crane to lower the conduit commensurate with descending string;

c. a universal fitting provides fluid sealed connection of adjacent ends of the conduit and string and, accommodates limited axial displacement between said ends;

d. a selectively extensible equalized tension means connects the crane means to the support station in accommodation with said increase penetration to transmit part of a deliberate deficiency in support of the drill string to the control station;

e. a diverter assembly joined to the drilling station and anchored to said floor establishes the upper v terminalof the hole being bored and comprises, accommodation to fluid seal passage of the string therethrough, provides a port-formed therefrom to divert fluid flow througha branch outlet in communication with a remote conduit independently supported as required to reach to said vessel;

f. a tension wire means connects the support station to the drilling station, comprises a reel to periodically spool on the accumulation of the store of wire commensurate with said segmental increment addition with descent of the support station, monitoring means associated with said wire controls sealing means reception by the diverter of couplings joining tubing of same said increment length comprising the integrated string;

g. a blow-out preventer included in the diverter assembly above said port is remotely controlled to fluid sealoff said hole when the string has been withdrawn above the preventer;

h. a built-in blow-out preventer formed with the universal fitting, fluid seals off said string when said conduit end is raised above said limited axial displacement;

. said drilling station and diverter assembly each comprises a floor fixed portion and a portable portion for joined removal from their fixed portions to accomplish withdrawal of the drill string from the well;

j. a tubular element connected by a weighted coupling to the lower end of said conduit extends in sliding fit within the universal fitting to be removable therefrom upon extension of said equalized tension means;

k. said conduit made to articulate includes a pivotal constituent transmitting fluid from said supply to the suspended vertical constituent; and,

1. said transmission system further comprises, a surge compensator accommodates connection of the upper said reach of the remote conduit to a Y fitting having the other two legs thereof fitted with valves, one of said legs connected to said tank accommodates normal fluid return entraining formation cuttings while drilling, the other of said two legs provides fluid communication through a flexible conduit to one of two legs of a second Y fitting, said second Y fitting providing selected discharge from said supply, the other of the two legs of the second Y fitting provides fluid communication to said pivotal constituent, said pivotal constituent likewise fitted with a valve, and selected manipulation of valves provides for flow reversal through the remote conduit to the hole.

6. A method of drilling a hole in subaqueous strata entails a succession of stages of protracted penetration, employing an integrated drill string assembled in reach from a lowermost penetration of said strata to the string suspension means borne by a buoyant support station then situated immediate to the surface of a body of water and below a buoyantly supported control station, retained as a vertical array of the apparatus by a stabilizing system relative to a water floor fixed base portion of a drilling station assembled with a releasably fastened portable portion that rotatably drives the drill string with automatic translation through an extended torque tube for continuous bit penetration of the strata corresponding with regulated descent of the support station from the control station to the drilling station, with each said stage representing an operation attended by a fluid transmission system circulating drilling fluid from a supply aboard an oscillating surface vessel in support of the drilling sequence that is expedited by the utilization of the buoyant support and space between of stations afforded by the water depth as elements comprising a superior draw works associated with rearrangement of apparatus for a subsequent penetration of the strata, the improvement comprising:

a. employing an articulative conduit accommodating consequential displacement of its inlet end connected to said supply respective limited displacement of the discharge end releasably connected to the drill string, including a universal fitting effecting said connection and sealedly adapted to accommodate axial relationship of the discharge end therein respective the supported end of the suspended drill string with fluid flow therethrough to the bottom of the hole being drilled to convey formation cuttings up the annulus formed with the string in the hole;

b. terminating the annulus with a diverter assembly having a fixed bottom diverter portion ported to provide a branch outlet for connection to a remote conduit completing th fluid transmission system therewith extending fluid communication to the surfaced vesseland having an upper portable portion of the diverter assembly, releasably fastened to the fixed portion to provide at least one throttle and a final seal accommodating fluid tight passage of the drill string therethrough;

. interconnecting the stations with a linearly adjustforming the articulative conduit to include a pivotal constituent having said inlet end, a vertical constituent having said discharge end, a flexible joint connecting contiguous ends of said constituents, a limited angular movement of the pivotal constituent establishes limited displacement of said discharge end, lengths of identical conduit segments coupled together comprising the vertical constituent-is commensurate with said end displacement, while limited vertical adjustment of wires and length of the multiplicity of identical pipe segments comprising the integrated drill string are likewise commensurate with said end displacement;

. increasing the vertical constituent length with each periodic occurrence of the pivotal constituent disposition to a lower limiting position coincident with the extension of said adjustable wires to retain said discharge end within said universal fitting comprises, disconnecting the joint from the vertical consistuent, then elevating the pivotal constituent in accommodation to connect in an additional conduit segment prepositioned immediate thereto duing a continuous drilling operation feasible with the integrated drill string repeating a said stage following a protracted penetration sequentially comprises, a unit removal of the resulting lengthened vertical constituent to a selected remote area upon disconnecting said flexible joint and raising-of said discharge end free of the universal fitting effected by an auxiliary float,

upon withdrawal of the discharge end from said fitting a blow-out preventer formed as part of the universal fitting assembly provides sealing. off of fluid flow from the well through the drill string, returning the support station to the control station effects unit withdrawal of a corresponding length of the drill string through the diverter assembly with reverse operation of controls for said throttle and seal, dismantling a length of the upper portion of the drill string commensurate with the depth of hole below the diverter assembly, said dismantling performed utilizing the control station and mobile support station fitted with clamps to successively support and manipulate the array to segmentally shorten the drill string, completing the removal with unit withdraw! for disposition to a selected remote area upon remote control to simultaneously separate the portable portions of the drilling station and the diverter assembly from the respective fixed portions with the vacated hole then dominated by a blow-out preventer included in the diverter assembly.

7. A method of drilling a hole into the strata below a deep body of water in sequential stages, employing a drill string support station initially positioned immediately below a control station established at the water surface and thereafter displaced to an ultimate final position immediately above an erect drilling station supported in part upon the water floor, with descent of the support station through the space between the support station at said initial position to the drilling station being commensurate with penetration of the strata achieved with continuous drilling, said method comprising:

a. controlling descent of the support station to effectively penetrate the strata by a force equal to a deliberate deficiency in support of the string insured against compressive stresses;

b. powering the drill string by the drill station having an extended torque table to rotatably drive the string wtih automatically engaged translation therethrough of succeeding equally spaced couplings integrating the extended string;

terminating entrance to the bored hole by a diverter means accommodating fluid sealed passage of the string therethrough and, directing fluid flow between the annulus formed in the hole around the string and a remote conduit extending to a fluid supply processed aboard a surfaced vessel; d. transmitting drilling fluid for discharge from the drill bit at the hole bottom to flush formation cuttings up the annulus and remote conduit to said supply, employing an articulative conduit in fluid communication between said supply and a universal fitting connection to the drill string; constructing the articulative conduit to have a flexibly connected surge compensating pivotal constituent supported as a simple beam by an adjustable frame suspended from the control station and said surfaced vessel for connection there to said supply and, a vertical constituent adjustably supported from the control station with lower weighted terminal common with the string supported end within the universal fitting; assembling the vertical constituent. for said initial position with one segmental pipe length equal to the string segmental conduit length between couplings and, having a lower weighted end adapted for sliding engagement into and with the universal fitting;

g. maintaining a vertical array of apparatus by a thruster system opposing upsetting forces, attended by monitoring and control means associated with an equalized tensioned wire system adjustably connected, with a lower portion between the mobile support station and the fixed drilling station and an upper portion between the support station and said frame suspended from the control station by a crane means monitored and controlled to linear adjustment commensurate with vertical travel of the support station;

h. monitoring and control means responsive to the degree of lower portion wire accumulation resulting with the movement of the support station provides automatic adjustment, of the lower wire portion, of the said linear crane adjustment and actuates diverter sealing means accommodating passage therethrough of string couplings;

. altering the length of the vertical constituent by segment lengths while drilling corresponding with end travel of the pivotal constituent sequentially with the maximum said degree of wire accumulation;

. accommodating said altering of the vertical constitk. removing as a unit from the array the resultant increased vertical constituent with the support station at said final position by an auxiliary buoyant means for disposition to a remote area, there to be dismantled at will;

. retracting the support station to said initial position following said removal of the vertical constituent withdraws as a unit length the portion of string from the well corresponding to the increased penetration;

m. during said withdrawal the diverter means reversibly accommodates sealed passage therethrough of the string automatically dominated by a blow-out preventer upon excess said .limited displacement within the universal fitting and reversing flow through the remote conduit injects fluid to fill the void as occurring;

dismantling a portion of the string corresponding to the residual length below the diverter is accomplished utilizing the control and support stations to alternately support the string, whereby the support station successively relocates to a lower position when the control station supports the string when dismantling the introduced top segment by the then elevating support station; and,

completing the removal, the string portion remaining as suspended from the support station and bearing the portable drill string and diverter portions elsewhere disposed following their remotely controlled separation from the respective remaining portions serving to introduce appurtenances to the hole as needed during rearrangement of the string assembly.

Claims

1. In a vertical array assembled to bore a hole into the strata below a deep body of water, employing an integrated drill string assembled in reach from a lowermost penetration of said strata to the string suspension means borne by a buoyant support station then situated immediate to the surface of a body of water and below a buoyantly supported control station, retained as a vertical array by a stabilizing system relative to a water floor fixed base portion of a drilling station assembled with a releasably fastened portable portion that rotatably drives the drill string with automatic translation through an extended torque tube for continuous bit penetration of the strata corresponding with regulated descent of the support station from the control station to the drilling station including members contributing to a fluid transmission system circulating drilling fluid from a supply aboard an oscillating surface vessel in support of the drilling sequence that is expedited by the utilization of the buoyant support and space between of stations afforded by the water depth as elements comprising a superior draw works associated with rearrangement of apparatus for a subsequent penetration of the strata, the improvement comprising: a. an upper and lower injection portion designated conduit vertical constituent and drill string respectively, each portion assembled with pipe segments having identical lengths joined by couplings, including a universal fitting connecting portions to accommodate fluid flow therethrough wiTh discharge at the hole bottom to entrain formation cuttings with fluid return up the annulus around a section of said drill string defined within said hole; b. a separable diverter assembly comprises, terminating means to seal off said annulus accommodating sealed entry therethrough of said string, a port diverting fluid to flow through a branch outlet formed in the bottom section thereof fixed to casing cemented to the floor, and a blow out preventer remotely employed to selectively seal off the hole; c. a remote conduit accommodates fluid transmission between statically fixed said branch outlet and a surge compensator for connection to a preprocess storage tank aboard a surfaced vessel; d. a flexibly connected surge accommodating conduit designated pivotal constituent provides transmission of fluid from said supply to the said conduit vertical constituent; e. a valve arrangement provided in the transmission system controls directional fluid flow either to flush formation cuttings while boring the hole by way of flow up the remote conduit or reverse flow down said remote conduit to pressurize the hole the fluid fill the void created as the string is withdrawn from the hole; and, f. a system of blow-out preventers is arranged to facilitate automatic and sequential control of the well against release of formation fluids consistent with progress in divesting the array of the lower injection portion of said fluid transmission system.

2. In a fluid transmission system according to claim 1, the improvement comprises: a. an adjustable crane fixed to the control station provides vertical suspension means of an articulative conduit at the flexible joint connecting said vertical constituent and pivotal constituent; b. said vertical constituent initially comprises a first pipe segment extending between said pivotal constituent and said universal fitting and is sequentially lengthened by additional pipe segments; c. the intervening lengths to eventual extension of the vertical constituent together with the contributing reach of said pivotal constituent is commensurate with change in position of said support station upon ultimate descent to the final situation above the drilling station denoting additional penetration of the strata; d. said universal fitting is provided with monitoring means limiting axial displacement between said vertical constituent and string in control of linear adjustment of the suspension means of the vertical constituent to remain fixed in movement with that of said support station; e. said universal fitting is dominated by an intermediate blow-out preventer arranged to seal off said string in fluid communication with the bored hole upon an excess displacement to said limited axial displacement; and, f. the lowest segment of said vertical constituent is weighted in opposition to the force exerted by internal pressure against the constituent end within the universal fitting, said end made free to be withdrawn therefrom upon selective extension of said support relating vertical constituent and string.

3. In a fluid transmission system according to claim 2, the improvement comprises: a. an accommodation means includes, accumulation of suspended wires comply with the position of the support station to which they are attached, periodic adjustment of reels mounted on the drilling station occur in time phase with the position of said couplings within said diverter, said coupling position corresponds with an upper and lower limiting position of a weighted means incorporated with said accumulation, said weighted means retain these wires as tension elements in the monitoring and control of a stabilizing system maintaining vertical alignment of the stations; b. alteration of the vertical constituent by said segment is coincident with the time of each said periodic adjustment of the said wire accumulaiton commensurate with the said alteration; c. at said limiting position one of said weighted meanS activates a switch to induce power to the reel, when the weighted means is at lowermost position during drilling to reel-on wire thereby raising said weight until deactivated at the upper position or when the weighted means is at uppermost position during withdrawal of the string to reel-off wire thereby lowering said weighted means until deactivated at the lower position; d. progress in said accumulation of wire is monitored to also control adjustment of said crane in support of the vertical constituent to retain said limited axial displacement; and, e. progress in said accumulation of wire is monitored to also control said terminating means accommodating sealed entry for unhindered passage of said couplings through the diverter assembly.

4. In a fluid transmission system according to claim 3, the improvement comprises: a. an auxiliary float is imposed to assume support of said vertical constituent to effect its integral removal from the array as simply arranged with said universal fitting upon disengagement from said pivotal means and extension of said linear adjustment maintaining position of said adjacent ends; b. upon said removal, the support station is free to be returned to said first position with that travel representative of the length of unit withdrawal of the string from the bored hole under fluid sealed influence of said blow-out preventer and of the diverter means intermittently activated following each replacement of said wire accumulation, reversing previously stored length on said reel; c. the remainder of string below said diverter with the support station at said first position is representative of the length segmentally removed, relying on clamp mechanisms included in both the control and support stations to alternately engage with a said coupling to support the string; d. said clamp mechanism with the support station is repeatedly engaged to a coupling below the control station clamp engaged to the coupling connecting the upper segmental length of the string positioned for removal by the support station utilized as an elevator; e. a powered plug means adapted for selective engagement to the end of the said string portion being segmentally removed serves as a member of the said system of blow-out preventers; and, f. residual of the drill string with the drill bit clear of the diverter means together with the portable portion of the separable drilling station is disposed as a unit assembly to a remote area by the support station, leaving the bored hole dominated by said blow-out preventer and said valve arrangement.

5. In a vertical array of subaqueous strata drilling apparatus adapted for uninterrupted drilling of a hole to the extent provided by an integrated drill string assembled in reach from a lowermost pentration of said strata to the string suspension means borne by a support station then situated immediate to the surface of the body of water and below a buoyantly supported control station that is in stable relation with a water floor established drilling station that rotatably drives the drill string with automatic translation through an extended torque tube for continuous bit penetration of the strata corresponding with regulated descent of the support station from the control station to the drilling station, depending upon a transmission system to convey drilling fluid from a supply aboard a sea affected oscillating surface vessel to entrain formation cuttings from the hole to a preprocess storage tank aboard said vessel, the improvement comprising: a. in the array a conduit assembled length is progressively increased in segmental increments, while drilling, commensurate with increased penetration of said strata to retain drilling fluid transmission between a supply aboard a surface vessel and the descending drill string; b. an adjustable crane supports said conduit as a suspended member from the control station and monitoring means controls the crane to lower the conduit commensurate with descEnding string; c. a universal fitting provides fluid sealed connection of adjacent ends of the conduit and string and, accommodates limited axial displacement between said ends; d. a selectively extensible equalized tension means connects the crane means to the support station in accommodation with said increase penetration to transmit part of a deliberate deficiency in support of the drill string to the control station; e. a diverter assembly joined to the drilling station and anchored to said floor establishes the upper terminal of the hole being bored and comprises, accommodation to fluid seal passage of the string therethrough, provides a port formed therefrom to divert fluid flow through a branch outlet in communication with a remote conduit independently supported as required to reach to said vessel; f. a tension wire means connects the support station to the drilling station, comprises a reel to periodically spool on the accumulation of the store of wire commensurate with said segmental increment addition with descent of the support station, monitoring means associated with said wire controls sealing means reception by the diverter of couplings joining tubing of same said increment length comprising the integrated string; g. a blow-out preventer included in the diverter assembly above said port is remotely controlled to fluid sealoff said hole when the string has been withdrawn above the preventer; h. a built-in blow-out preventer formed with the universal fitting, fluid seals off said string when said conduit end is raised above said limited axial displacement; i. said drilling station and diverter assembly each comprises a floor fixed portion and a portable portion for joined removal from their fixed portions to accomplish withdrawal of the drill string from the well; j. a tubular element connected by a weighted coupling to the lower end of said conduit extends in sliding fit within the universal fitting to be removable therefrom upon extension of said equalized tension means; k. said conduit made to articulate includes a pivotal constituent transmitting fluid from said supply to the suspended vertical constituent; and, l. said transmission system further comprises, a surge compensator accommodates connection of the upper said reach of the remote conduit to a Y fitting having the other two legs thereof fitted with valves, one of said legs connected to said tank accommodates normal fluid return entraining formation cuttings while drilling, the other of said two legs provides fluid communication through a flexible conduit to one of two legs of a second Y fitting, said second Y fitting providing selected discharge from said supply, the other of the two legs of the second Y fitting provides fluid communication to said pivotal constituent, said pivotal constituent likewise fitted with a valve, and selected manipulation of valves provides for flow reversal through the remote conduit to the hole.

6. A method of drilling a hole in subaqueous strata entails a succession of stages of protracted penetration, employing an integrated drill string assembled in reach from a lowermost penetration of said strata to the string suspension means borne by a buoyant support station then situated immediate to the surface of a body of water and below a buoyantly supported control station, retained as a vertical array of the apparatus by a stabilizing system relative to a water floor fixed base portion of a drilling station assembled with a releasably fastened portable portion that rotatably drives the drill string with automatic translation through an extended torque tube for continuous bit penetration of the strata corresponding with regulated descent of the support station from the control station to the drilling station, with each said stage representing an operation attended by a fluid transmission system circulating drilling fluid from a supply aboard an oscillating surface vessel in support of the drilling sequence that is Expedited by the utilization of the buoyant support and space between of stations afforded by the water depth as elements comprising a superior draw works associated with rearrangement of apparatus for a subsequent penetration of the strata, the improvement comprising: a. employing an articulative conduit accommodating consequential displacement of its inlet end connected to said supply respective limited displacement of the discharge end releasably connected to the drill string, including a universal fitting effecting said connection and sealedly adapted to accommodate axial relationship of the discharge end therein respective the supported end of the suspended drill string with fluid flow therethrough to the bottom of the hole being drilled to convey formation cuttings up the annulus formed with the string in the hole; b. terminating the annulus with a diverter assembly having a fixed bottom diverter portion ported to provide a branch outlet for connection to a remote conduit completing th fluid transmission system therewith extending fluid communication to the surfaced vessel and having an upper portable portion of the diverter assembly, releasably fastened to the fixed portion to provide at least one throttle and a final seal accommodating fluid tight passage of the drill string therethrough; c. interconnecting the stations with a linearly adjustable, tensioned equalized wire system establishes, taut members serving the stabilizing system, provides a tie of members together when inoperative and provides the monitoring means of said throttle and seal to accommodate passage therethrough of the drill string to retain an operative condition of members throughout the sequence of events occurring during a said stage; d. forming the articulative conduit to include a pivotal constituent having said inlet end, a vertical constituent having said discharge end, a flexible joint connecting contiguous ends of said constituents, a limited angular movement of the pivotal constituent establishes limited displacement of said discharge end, lengths of identical conduit segments coupled together comprising the vertical constituent is commensurate with said end displacement, while limited vertical adjustment of wires and length of the multiplicity of identical pipe segments comprising the integrated drill string are likewise commensurate with said end displacement; e. increasing the vertical constituent length with each periodic occurrence of the pivotal constituent disposition to a lower limiting position coincident with the extension of said adjustable wires to retain said discharge end within said universal fitting comprises, disconnecting the joint from the vertical consistuent, then elevating the pivotal constituent in accommodation to connect in an additional conduit segment prepositioned immediate thereto duing a continuous drilling operation feasible with the integrated drill string; f. repeating a said stage following a protracted penetration sequentially comprises, a unit removal of the resulting lengthened vertical constituent to a selected remote area upon disconnecting said flexible joint and raising of said discharge end free of the universal fitting effected by an auxiliary float, upon withdrawal of the discharge end from said fitting a blow-out preventer formed as part of the universal fitting assembly provides sealing off of fluid flow from the well through the drill string, returning the support station to the control station effects unit withdrawal of a corresponding length of the drill string through the diverter assembly with reverse operation of controls for said throttle and seal, dismantling a length of the upper portion of the drill string commensurate with the depth of hole below the diverter assembly, said dismantling performed utilizing the control station and mobile support station fitted with clamps to successively support and manipulate the array to segmentally shorten the drill string, completing the removal with unit withdrawl for dispOsition to a selected remote area upon remote control to simultaneously separate the portable portions of the drilling station and the diverter assembly from the respective fixed portions with the vacated hole then dominated by a blow-out preventer included in the diverter assembly.

7. A method of drilling a hole into the strata below a deep body of water in sequential stages, employing a drill string support station initially positioned immediately below a control station established at the water surface and thereafter displaced to an ultimate final position immediately above an erect drilling station supported in part upon the water floor, with descent of the support station through the space between the support station at said initial position to the drilling station being commensurate with penetration of the strata achieved with continuous drilling, said method comprising: a. controlling descent of the support station to effectively penetrate the strata by a force equal to a deliberate deficiency in support of the string insured against compressive stresses; b. powering the drill string by the drill station having an extended torque table to rotatably drive the string wtih automatically engaged translation therethrough of succeeding equally spaced couplings integrating the extended string; c. terminating entrance to the bored hole by a diverter means accommodating fluid sealed passage of the string therethrough and, directing fluid flow between the annulus formed in the hole around the string and a remote conduit extending to a fluid supply processed aboard a surfaced vessel; d. transmitting drilling fluid for discharge from the drill bit at the hole bottom to flush formation cuttings up the annulus and remote conduit to said supply, employing an articulative conduit in fluid communication between said supply and a universal fitting connection to the drill string; e. constructing the articulative conduit to have a flexibly connected surge compensating pivotal constituent supported as a simple beam by an adjustable frame suspended from the control station and said surfaced vessel for connection there to said supply and, a vertical constituent adjustably supported from the control station with lower weighted terminal common with the string supported end within the universal fitting; f. assembling the vertical constituent for said initial position with one segmental pipe length equal to the string segmental conduit length between couplings and, having a lower weighted end adapted for sliding engagement into and with the universal fitting; g. maintaining a vertical array of apparatus by a thruster system opposing upsetting forces, attended by monitoring and control means associated with an equalized tensioned wire system adjustably connected, with a lower portion between the mobile support station and the fixed drilling station and an upper portion between the support station and said frame suspended from the control station by a crane means monitored and controlled to linear adjustment commensurate with vertical travel of the support station; h. monitoring and control means responsive to the degree of lower portion wire accumulation resulting with the movement of the support station provides automatic adjustment, of the lower wire portion, of the said linear crane adjustment and actuates diverter sealing means accommodating passage therethrough of string couplings; i. altering the length of the vertical constituent by segment lengths while drilling corresponding with end travel of the pivotal constituent sequentially with the maximum said degree of wire accumulation; j. accommodating said altering of the vertical constituent by said adjustable upper wire portion establishing the lower end within the universal fitting by a monitoring and control means limiting end displacement therein; k. removing as a unit from the array the resultant increased vertical constituent with the support station at said final position by aN auxiliary buoyant means for disposition to a remote area, there to be dismantled at will; l. retracting the support station to said initial position following said removal of the vertical constituent withdraws as a unit length the portion of string from the well corresponding to the increased penetration; m. during said withdrawal the diverter means reversibly accommodates sealed passage therethrough of the string automatically dominated by a blow-out preventer upon excess said limited displacement within the universal fitting and reversing flow through the remote conduit injects fluid to fill the void as occurring; n. dismantling a portion of the string corresponding to the residual length below the diverter is accomplished utilizing the control and support stations to alternately support the string, whereby the support station successively relocates to a lower position when the control station supports the string when dismantling the introduced top segment by the then elevating support station; and, o. completing the removal, the string portion remaining as suspended from the support station and bearing the portable drill string and diverter portions elsewhere disposed following their remotely controlled separation from the respective remaining portions serving to introduce appurtenances to the hole as needed during rearrangement of the string assembly.