Pressure Control Device with Remote Orientation Relative to a Rig

Abstract

A method of maintaining a substantially fixed orientation of a pressure control device relative to a movable rig can include rotating a body of the pressure control device while the rig rotates. A method of remotely controlling an orientation of a pressure control device relative to a movable rig can include rotating a body of the pressure control device, and controlling the rotation of the body from a location on the rig remote from the body. A pressure control device for use in conjunction with a rig can include a body, a flange, an orientation device which changes a rotational orientation of the body relative to the flange, and an orientation control system which remotely controls the orientation device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pressure control device for use in conjunction with a rig, the pressure control device comprising:
 a body;   a flange;   an orientation device which changes a rotational orientation of the body relative to the flange; and   an orientation control system which remotely controls the orientation device.   
     
     
         2 . The pressure control device of  claim 1 , wherein the orientation device comprises a motor. 
     
     
         3 . The pressure control device of  claim 2 , wherein the motor turns a first gear which engages a second gear secured to the body. 
     
     
         4 . The pressure control device of  claim 1 , wherein the orientation control system receives a vessel position indication from a rig data acquisition system. 
     
     
         5 . The pressure control device of  claim 1 , wherein the orientation control system automatically controls the orientation device in response to the vessel position indication. 
     
     
         6 . The pressure control device of  claim 1 , wherein the orientation control system automatically maintains an orientation of the body relative to a floating vessel. 
     
     
         7 . The pressure control device of  claim 1 , further comprising an annular seal within the body, the annular seal being of the type which rotates within the body while sealing against a tubular string disposed within the body. 
     
     
         8 . The pressure control device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure control device comprises a blowout preventer. 
     
     
         9 . The pressure control device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure control device comprises a pressure control section of a riser assembly.