Patent ID: 8555981
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A riser weak link comprising: an upper housing for connecting to a riser upper section, a lower housing for connecting to a riser lower section, at least one connection device for releasably connecting the upper and lower housings, and a pressure application device adapted to apply a coupling force to the upper housing to at least partially counter a separation force applied, in use, by well pressure, the well pressure separation force acting to separate the upper and lower housings such that the upper housing is adapted to disconnect completely from the lower housing, wherein the pressure application device comprises at least one pressure balance piston and at least one latch device, wherein the pressure application device is moveable between a first position in which the device is latched to the upper housing by action of the at least one pressure balance piston on the at least one latch device under the influence of the coupling force, and a second position in which the device is disengaged from the upper housing and the pressure application device is latched to the lower housing.