Patent ID: 9038732
Filing Date: 2015-05-26
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for riserless drilling fluid recovery from a seabed-based borehole configured to be drilled by a casing comprising a drill bit at its lower portion and an inner wellhead at its upper portion, and a conductor casing comprising an outer wellhead placed on the seabed, the method comprising: providing a suction module with a dividable adapter fit complementarily in the outer wellhead; drilling a length of the borehole with the casing extending through the suction module, while drilling fluid simultaneously flows from the borehole via the suction module; subsequently pulling the dividable adapter up and out of the outer wellhead and dividing the dividable adapter; and lowering the casing with the inner wellhead through the suction module and the dividable adapter into a position in the outer wellhead.