Patent ID: 9080427
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus useable in an offshore drilling installation close to the seabed for controlling well influx within a wellbore comprising: a centralizer and flow constrictor assembly configured to centralize a drill string within a drill riser and regulate a return mud flow, the centralizer and flow constrictor assembly comprising at least one centralizer component comprised of a ram plate and a flexible element bearing configured to seal about the drill string while allowing rotation of the drill string and a flow constrictor component; a sensor located close to the centralizer and flow constrictor assembly and configured to acquire values of at least one parameter related to the return mud flow; and a controller coupled to the centralizer and flow constrictor assembly and the sensor, the controller configured to control the centralizer and flow constrictor assembly to achieve a value of a control parameter close to a predetermined value, based on the values acquired by the sensor.