Patent ID: 8353351
Filing Date: 2013-01-15
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A system configured to extract minerals from a subterranean reservoir through a body of water and through a seabed the system comprising: a mineral extraction well that is prepared for mineral extraction, the well comprising: one or more conduits installed in an outer wall of the completed well between a surface of the body of water and the seabed such that the one or more conduits pass through the casing to communicate with the well annulus, the one or more conduits providing one or more pathways through which fluid is communicated between the well annulus and the exterior of the well; and one or more reservoirs configured to sit between the surface of the body of water and the seabed, the one or more reservoirs being in fluid communication with the one or more conduits such that fluid passing out of the well annulus via the one or more conduits is received into the one or more reservoirs, and such that fluid passing into the well annulus via the one or more conduits comes from the one or more reservoirs, wherein the one or more conduits and the one or more reservoirs are configured such that, responsive to temperature changes caused by mineral extraction through the well, pressure within the well annulus is regulated by flows of fluid into and out of the well annulus.