Patent ID: 7011152
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for drilling and producing a well, comprising the steps: (a) providing a subsea wellhead assembly at a sea floor; (b) locating an electrical power supply assembly subsea adjacent the sea floor and connecting the power supply to an umbilical from a platform at the surface; (c) extending a string of drill pipe and a drill bit through the sub sea wellhead assembly, and drilling a well with the drill bit while pumping drilling fluid from the platform through the drill pipe, which returns back up to the wellhead assembly; (d) connecting a pump to the wellhead assembly in communication with the drilling fluid returning back up the well, and to a conduit leading to the platform; (e) supplying electricity from the power supply to the pump, and pumping the drilling fluid up the conduit to the platform; (f) completing the well and installing production equipment subsea; and then, (g) after completion of the well, supplying electricity from the power supply assembly during production operations to subsea production equipment.