Compensating well intervention method and apparatus

Abstract

A motion compensating support assembly provides a support framework, attachable to well platform, floating vessel or other underlying structure, for supporting well intervention operations. The motion compensation function can be manually controlled, or set to passive compensation mode. Hydraulic clamp assemblies can connect the compensating well intervention support assembly to structural member(s) of an underlying support surface or substructure.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A compensating support assembly for supporting a load over a well on a floating vessel comprising:
 a) a lower frame member;   b) an upper frame member movably disposed on said lower frame member; and   c) at least one hydraulic cylinder connecting said lower frame member to said upper frame member, wherein said at least hydraulic cylinder automatically extends or retracts to account for movement of said floating vessel.   
     
     
         2 . The compensating support assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said load is maintained in a substantially stationary position relative to said well. 
     
     
         3 . The compensating support assembly of  claim 1 , wherein hydraulic fluid is injected into or drained out of said at least one hydraulic cylinder to maintain a substantially constant fluid pressure in said at least one hydraulic cylinder. 
     
     
         4 . The compensating support assembly of  claim 1  wherein said compensating support assembly is secured to said vessel using at least one clamp assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The compensating support assembly of  claim 4 , further comprising at least one guy wire extending from said compensating support assembly to said at least one clamp assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The compensating support assembly of  claim 4 , wherein said clamp assembly comprises:
 a) a base;   b) at least one clamp member moveably attached to said base; and   c) at least one fluid-actuated cylinder mounted to said base.   
     
     
         7 . The compensating support assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said at least one fluid-actuated cylinder is powered by hydraulic fluid or air. 
     
     
         8 . A clamp assembly for attaching to an object comprising:
 a) a base;   b) at least one substantially c-shaped clamp member pivotally attached to said base; and   c) at least one linear actuator mounted to said base.   
     
     
         9 . The clamp assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said at least one linear actuator comprises a fluid-actuated cylinder. 
     
     
         10 . The clamp assembly of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one fluid-actuated cylinder is powered by hydraulic fluid or air. 
     
     
         11 . The clamp assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one substantially c-shaped clamp member pivots about a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to a stroke direction of said fluid-actuated cylinder. 
     
     
         12 . The clamp assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said object is positioned between at least a portion of said substantially c-shaped clamp member and said at least one linear actuator, and extension of said at least one linear actuator applies compressive forces to said object.