Self-Standing Riser with Artificial Lift System

Abstract

A system and method of establishing an offshore exploration and production system is disclosed, in which a well casing is disposed in communication with an adjustable buoyancy chamber and a well hole bored into the floor of a body of water. A lower connecting member joins the well casing and the chamber, and an upper connecting member joins the adjustable buoyancy chamber and a well terminal member. A lift device is disposed in communication with the lower connecting member to increase the flow of fluids throughout the system. The chamber's adjustable buoyancy enables an operator to vary the height or depth of the well terminal member, and to vary the vertical tension imparted to drilling and production strings throughout exploration and production operations.

1 . An offshore exploration and production system, the system comprising:
 a well casing disposed in communication with an offshore well;   one or more approximately annular adjustable buoyancy chambers;   a lower connecting member disposed between said well casing and said one or more approximately annular adjustable buoyancy chambers; and   a lift device disposed in communication with said lower connecting member.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an electrical submersible pump disposed in communication with said lower connecting member. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gas lift device disposed in communication with said lower connecting member. 
     
     
         4 . A self-standing riser system, said system comprising:
 a subsurface well disposed in communication with a self-standing riser assembly; and   a lift device disposed in communication with said self-standing riser assembly.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , further comprising an electrical submersible pump disposed in communication with said self-standing riser assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , further comprising a gas lift device disposed in communication with said self-standing riser assembly. 
     
     
         7 . A method of installing and maintaining a self-standing riser system, the method comprising:
 disposing a subsurface well in communication with a self-standing riser assembly; and   disposing a lift device in communication with said self-standing riser assembly.