Methods and Means for Installing, Maintaining and Controlling a Self-Standing Riser System

Abstract

Improved systems and methods for installing, maintaining and controlling a self-standing riser (SSR). SSRs are installed using wire pulleys or weights to place the SSRs over a wellhead. A flow diverter, which may be incorporated into or separate from a buoyancy chamber, allowing diversion of flow both into and out of an SSR. Non-annular buoyancy chambers configured to receive a riser of an SSR through a slot of the buoyancy chamber.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of installing a riser of a self-standing riser system, comprising:
 placing the riser above a wellhead; and   attaching the riser to the wellhead;   wherein the riser is placed above the wellhead using at least one of a weight attached to the riser and at least one pulley wheel attached to the wellhead.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein two pulley wheels are attached to the wellhead. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising two wires attached to the riser and passed through the two pulley wheels such that the riser is pulled down by the two wires. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising: pulling upward on leading ends of the two wires such that the riser is pulled downward via trailing ends of the two wires. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the weight is attached to a top portion of the riser. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the weight is a drill collar. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the weight is attached to a bottom portion of the riser. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the weight is a piece of steel configured to rest upon the wellhead. 
     
     
         9 . A flow diverter, comprising:
 a flow diversion path having a first end connected to a riser of a self-standing riser; and   a fluid line connected to a second end of the flow diversion path;   wherein the flow diversion path is configured to divert fluid flow into and out of the riser.   
     
     
         10 . A flow diverter of  claim 9 , wherein the flow diversion path is incorporated into a buoyancy chamber. 
     
     
         11 . A flow diverter of  claim 9 , wherein the flow diversion path is incorporated into a flow diverter device. 
     
     
         12 . A flow diverter of  claim 11 , wherein the flow diverter device is configured to connect to the riser at a point below a buoyancy chamber. 
     
     
         13 . A buoyancy chamber assembly for a self-standing riser, comprising:
 a non-annular chamber having:
 an outer circumference; 
 an inner circumference forming an opening; and 
 a slot; 
   a hang off ring having:
 an outer circumference; and 
 a riser space; 
   wherein a diameter formed by the outer circumference of the hang off ring is greater than a diameter of the opening formed by the inner circumference of the chamber;   wherein the hang off ring is configured to attach to a riser; and   wherein the hang off ring is further configured to rest upon a top portion of the chamber.   
     
     
         14 . The buoyancy chamber assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the chamber has a non-adjustable buoyancy. 
     
     
         15 . The buoyancy chamber assembly of  claim 13 , wherein a width of the slot is greater than the diameter of a riser installed in the buoyancy chamber assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The buoyancy chamber assembly of  13 , wherein the hang off ring is configured to hold the riser to the chamber.