Patent ID: 6085851
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: B63B,E21B

Abstract:
A multi-activity drilling assembly mounted above an opening of a drillship, semi-submersible, tension leg platform, jack-up platform, or offshore tower and being operable to be positioned above the surface of a body of water for supporting drilling operations through a drilling deck and into the bed of the body of water, said multi-activity drilling assembly including:a derrick positioned above the opening and extending above the drilling deck for simultaneously supporting drilling operations and operations auxiliary to drilling operations through the drilling deck;a first means connected to said derrick for advancing tubular members through the drilling deck and into the bed of the body of water;first means, connected to said derrick, for handling tubular members as said tubular members are advanced through the drilling deck by said first means for advancing;second means connected to said derrick for advancing tubular members through the drilling deck and into a body of water to the seabed; andsecond means, connected to said derrick, for handling tubular members as said tubular members are advanced through the drilling deck by said second means for advancing for conducting operations auxiliary to said drilling operations; andmeans positioned within said derrick for transferring tubular assemblies between said first means for advancing tubular members and said second means for advancing tubular members to facilitate simultaneous drilling operations and operations auxiliary to said drilling operations, wherein drilling activity can be conducted from said derrick by said first means for advancing and said first means for handling tubular members and auxiliary drilling activity can be simultaneously conducted from said derrick by said second means for advancing and said second means for handling tubular members.