Patent ID: 9033051
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A system for diversion of a fluid flow from a subsea wellhead, the system comprising: a mudline closure mechanism suitable for attachment to the wellhead, said mudline closure mechanism having a main passageway and a diversion passageway, said mudline closure mechanism having a valve therein; a blowout preventer connected or interconnected to said mudline closure mechanism, said blowout preventer having a flow passageway communicating with said main passageway of said mudline closure mechanism, said blowout preventer positioned on a surface of a body of water above said mudline closure mechanism, said mudline closure mechanism operable independently of said blowout preventer; a riser having one end connected to said main passageway and an opposite end connected to said blowout preventer, said valve being in a normally open position so as to allow fluid flow from said main passageway of said mudline closure mechanism through said riser to said blowout preventer; a flow control line having one end connected to said diversion passageway and extending therefrom such that an opposite end of said flow control line is disposed away from said mudline closure mechanism, said valve being actuable so as to move to a flow diverting position such that fluid flow is diverted away from said riser to said diversion passageway and to said flow control line; a base positioned away from said mudline closure mechanism, said base supporting said opposite end of said flow control line; a flexible riser connected to and in fluid communication with said flow control line, said flexible riser being supported by said base, said flexible riser having an end opposite said base surface for passing the diverted fluid to the water at the surface of the body of water in a location away from said blowout preventer.