Patent ID: 7584796
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A drilling rig for use underwater for rotating a drill string for drilling a bore hole in a seabed comprising: (a) a storage system containing standard tubulars upright at multiple positions; (b) a mast; (c) means for moving said mast laterally; (d) a stinger mounted on said mast of a size and shape for engaging and moving said tubulars out of said storage system and transporting said tubulars into a position vertically aligned with said drill string; (e) rotary drive means connected to said stinger for rotating said stinger and each of said attached tubulars into threaded engagement with said drill string; (f) continuous circulating coupler means attached to said drill string and each tubular for continuously circulating drilling fluid down said drill string during the connection and disconnection of each tubular to and from said drill string; (g) carriage means mounted on said mast for vertically moving said stinger and each attached tubular into threaded engagement with said drill string; and means for moving said mast and said stinger laterally from the axis of said bore hole to multiple positions vertically above said tubulars in said storage system.