Sock for a floating vessel

A sock for a floating platform including a plurality of tubulars coupled together and defining a bore and a catcher assembly. The catcher assembly including a plurality of orifices formed in at least one of the plurality of tubulars, a catcher releasably coupled to the plurality of tubulars by a plurality of shearable members, wherein the catcher is disposed in the bore, and wherein the catcher is movable from a first position to a second position, and a stop flange having at least one aperture.

BACKGROUND

Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a sock for the assembly of multiple joints of pipe, collars, and/or casings on a floating vessel, such as an offshore rig. The sock has an assembly to catch a dropped joint or section.

Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a sock for core sample retrieval operations on the floating vessel.

Description of Related Art

Multiple joints of pipe, collars, or casing are often assembled in a sock, such as a shuck, of an offshore drilling rig and are then transferred directly to the well or to a setback. A joint is the length of one pipe, collar, or casing. A section (e.g., multiple joint, stand) includes multiple individual joints. For example, a section of drill pipe is assembled by threading two or more drill pipes together. The section may be a double, triple, or quadruple. For example, during a drilling operation, a section of drill pipe can be added to the drilling string from the setback.

Once a section is assembled in the sock, it is transferred to the setback or directly to the existing string inside the well. However, it is possible that the section, such as a section of drill pipe, may be dropped before the section is removed from the sock. A single joint may also be dropped while the section is being assembled in the sock. The weight of the single joint or section and the height from which the single joint or section is dropped can result in the dropped single joint or section impacting the sock and causing the sock to fail, resulting in the dropped single joint or section exiting the sock. As a result, the dropped single joint or section of drill pipe can fall to the bottom of the ocean and cause damage to the wellhead, blowout preventers, and/or other equipment on the seafloor.

Some socks have a spring mechanism that attempts to slow a dropped single joint or section. However, the springs become damaged as a result of the operation and require a lengthy and expensive repair operation. There is a need for a sock that can catch a dropped single and/or section without allowing the single joint or section to fall to the sea floor. There is also a need for a sock that can catch a dropped single joint or section that has a reduced time and cost to return the sock into service after catching the dropped single joint or section.

Prior to drilling a wellbore, core samples of the seabed are taken. The core samples are used to determine the physical properties of the seabed, which are used to design and construct the wellbore. The water content of the core sample is used to determine certain physical characteristics of the seabed. Additionally, the core samples may be delicate and ideally have minimal disturbances due to storage and handling. For example, excessive jarring of the core sample at the surface may disturb the striation of the sediments in the sample. Disturbances to the core sample may occur when the core sample is horizontally orientated. The core samples may be several feet long. For example, some cores may be 80 ft (about 24.38 m) or more in length. The core samples are collected using a coring tool string, which includes a coring tool connected at the end of a tubular string, such as a drill sting. In order to retrieve the core sample from the wellbore, the joints of the tubular string are removed one section or joint at a time.

There is also need for sock that can be suspended from the offshore rig and be at least partially submerged in the sea while providing a vertical and dry environment for disassembling a coring tool string and or storing a core sample disposed in a coring tool.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a sock for a floating platform includes a plurality of tubulars coupled together and defining a bore, and a catching assembly. The catching assembly includes a plurality of orifices formed in at least one of the plurality of tubulars. The catching assembly further includes a catcher releasably coupled to the plurality of tubulars by a plurality of shearable members, wherein the catcher is disposed in the bore, and wherein the catcher is movable from a first position to a second position. The catching assembly further includes a stop flange having at least one aperture.

In one embodiment, a method of using a sock on a floating platform includes disposing a sock having a catcher, a stop flange having an aperture, and a plurality of orifices at least partially in a body of water, wherein the catcher is maintained in a first position by a plurality of shearable members. The method further includes releasing the catcher from the first position by shearing the plurality of shearable members in response to an impact of a dropped joint with a portion of the catcher. The method further includes displacing a column of water from a bore of the sock through at least one of the plurality of orifices and the aperture in response to the catcher descending in the bore. The method further includes engaging the catcher with the stop flange.

In one embodiment, a sock for a core retrieval operation includes a first portion including one or more tubulars and a second portion. The second portion includes a first tubular having a upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is open and the lower end is closed. The second portion further includes a coupling connected to the upper end configured to couple the second portion to the first portion. The second portion further includes at least one sealing member configured to seal the coupling between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion further includes a valve coupled to the lower end, the valve configured to selectively allow fluid communication with an interior of the first tubular.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a partial cross section of an exemplary offshore rig100having a sock200for assembling sections101of multiple joints of pipe. For the purposes of this application, a section101includes multiple individual joints101jof pipe, collars, and/or casing. The sections101can be formed from drill pipe, casing pipe, production pipe, or other pipe used in oil drilling, exploration, or production.

As shown inFIG.1, the offshore rig100is shown at sea102. The offshore rig100includes a drill floor103, a moon pool deck104, a derrick110, a setback140, a first rotary table150, and a second rotary table152. The offshore rig100may include a rail and crane system that may be used to assemble the sections in the sock200and to remove the assembled sections from the sock200for transfer to the setback140or transfer directly to the string in the wellbore. In some embodiments and as shown inFIG.1, the sock200is disposed below the second rotary table152. For example, the first rotary table150is used for a drilling operation while second rotary table152may be incorporated into an operation to assemble sections101of drill pipe in the sock200for use in the drilling operation, A cart300may be moveable along tracks104tdisposed on the moon pool deck104. As shown inFIG.1, the sock200is partially submerged in the sea102.

FIG.2A-2Cillustrates the sock200shown inFIG.1. The sock200includes tubulars201a-cand a catching assembly220. As shown inFIG.2A, the tubulars201a,201bare connected together by a flange connection202a. Tubulars201b,201care connected together by a flanged connection202b. The sock200further includes a bore204. In some embodiments, the sock200includes a support structure208. The upper end203of the sock200has an opening205. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.2A, the upper end203of the sock200is a cone shaped member210connected to or integral with the tubular201a.FIG.2Bbetter illustrates the upper end203. The generally cone shaped member210may guide a dropped section101into the sock200. In some embodiments, the upper end203includes slots212configured to allow an installation tool500(FIGS.10A-B) to couple with the sock200. As shown inFIG.2B, the slots212are formed in the cone shaped member210. The slots212may be a j-slot with a curve212c. When the installation tool500is coupled to the upper end203, the sock200can be raised, lowered, and/or moved around the offshore rig100.

As shown inFIG.2A, the sock200has a first portion260and a second portion262. The first portion260includes the tubulars201a-c, upper end203, and support structure208. The catching assembly220forms the second portion262of the sock200. The catching assembly220is connected to the lower end of the first portion260. As shown inFIG.2A, the catching assembly220is connected to the tubular201cby a flanged connection202c. When assembling a section101, a portion of the section101is at least disposed in the sock200. The section101or the first individual joint101jis inserted into the sock200through the opening205.

In some embodiments, the sock200includes a support structure208. As shown inFIG.2C, the support structure208includes a flange plate208p, a support plate208s, and brackets208b. The support structure208may be attached to or integral with the tubular201b. In some embodiments, the support structure208is welded to the tubular201b. The support structure208is disposed about the exterior of the tubular201b, The flange plate208pmay include a plurality of fastener holes208h.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.1, the sock200is partially disposed within the cart300that is movable on the moon pool deck104. In some embodiments, the cart300is a blowout prevent (BOP) cart. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.1, the sock200is supported by the cart300, and thus the cart300is configured to support the weight of the sock200and a dropped single joint101jand/or section101.

FIG.3A-Billustrates the cart300. The cart includes a frame301, a central bore304, and a support structure308. The cart300may be configured to travel along tracks104tdisposed on the moon pool deck104. One or more clamps310may be coupled to the frame301. The clamps310may be engaged with a respective track104tto hold the cart300in a fixed position on the tracks104t(shown as the dashed lines). The support structure308may be connected to or integral with the frame301. The support structure308may be a flange. The support structure308may include fastener holes308h. The support structure308is configured to engage with the corresponding support structure208of the sock200. The support structures208,308may be fastened together. For example, the flange plate208pmay be bolted to the support structure308by disposing bolts in the fasteners holes208h,308h. The cart300supports the weight of the sock200when the corresponding support structures208,308are engaged. The sock200is insertable into the cart300via the bore304. Alternatively, the weight of the sock200is supported by slips which grip a tubular201, such as tubular201a, or grip the upper end203of the sock200. For example, a spider with slips may grip tubular201a.

The catching assembly220includes a catcher230, a tubular221, and a stop flange250. As shown inFIG.2, the stop flange250is disposed at the lower end of the sock200. The tubular221is connected to the tubular201cby the flange connection202c. The tubular221includes a plurality of orifices228formed in the wall of the tubular221. Thus, ocean water may flow into and out of the bore204via the plurality of orifices228. In some embodiments, the each orifice228of the plurality of orifices228is about 0.5 inches (about 1.27 cm) to about 3 inches (about 7.62 cm) in diameter. In some embodiments, each orifice228of the plurality of orifices228may be all about the same diameter. In some embodiments, each orifice228of the plurality of orifices228may be various different diameters. In some embodiments, the orifices228are spaced along the length and about the circumference of the tubular221.

A cross section of the catcher230is shown inFIG.4. In some embodiments, the catcher230may be made of high strength steel and may be about 1000 lbs (about 453.59 kg). The catcher230is disposed within the bore204when the sock200is assembled. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.4, one end of the catcher230includes an opening231configured to receive a portion of a dropped joint101jor section101. The catcher230further includes an upper surface233. In some embodiments, the opening231may be configured to allow a lifting tool to lift the catcher230into position. In some embodiments, the dropped joint101jor section101contacts the upper surface233instead of being received in the opening231. In some embodiments, the catcher230has a plurality of blind bores232configured to receive a portion of a corresponding shearable member240of a plurality of shearable members240, such as a spring loaded shear pin. In some embodiments, the catcher230has a circumferential groove configured to receive a portion of the shearable members240instead of the blind bores232. The blind bores232(or circumferential grove) may be formed at any location along the longitudinal axis of the catcher230. For example, the bores232may be disposed in a thicker portion of the catcher230adjacent the opening231as shown by the dashed lines232a. The catcher230is releasably attached to the sock200via the plurality of shearable members240. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.2, a portion of the catcher230may be disposed within a tubular201, such as tubular201c, and tubular221of the catching assembly220. As shown inFIG.4, the catcher230is hollow. In some embodiments, the catcher230is not hollow. The catcher230is also shown inFIG.2A.

FIG.5illustrates the connection202cof the first portion260to the second portion262. As shown inFIG.5, the connection202cbetween the first and second portions260,262includes a releasable coupling between the catcher230and the remainder of the sock200to maintain the catcher230in a first position. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.5, the shearable members240are partially disposed in the plurality of blind bores232and between the flanges202,222of the flange connection202c. Flange202is connected to or integral with the lower end of tubular201c. Flange222is connected to or integral with the upper end of the tubular221. The flanges202,222are connected together by a plurality of fasteners224, such as bolts. As shown, a spacer226can be placed between the two flanges202,222of the flanged connection202csuch that the flanges202,222are spaced apart to receive the portion of the shearable member240. The flanges202,222grip the shearable members240. In some embodiments, the shearable members240are disposed partially in the blind bores232and bores formed through a wall of a tubular, such as tubular221.

In an exemplary embodiment of placing the catcher230in the first position, shearable members240are first placed into the plurality of blind bores232(or circumferential groove). Then, the catcher230is lifted by a lifting tool and placed into the tubular221. The catcher230is lowered relative to the tubular221until the shearable members240abut the flange222. Then, the spacer226is placed on the flange222. Then, the lifting tool is disconnected from the catcher230. Then, the tubular201c(or the entire first portion260) is attached to the flange222. For example, the tubular201cis positioned such that the lower flange202is adjacent flange222. Then the flanges202,222are fastened together with the plurality of fasteners224to form the flanged connection202c. The engagement of the flanges202,222hold the shearable members240in place.

In some embodiments and as shown inFIGS.6A-B, the tubular221is only one tubular. In some embodiments, the tubular221includes multiple tubulars connected together.

FIGS.6A-6Billustrate a partial cross-section of the catching assembly220. The stop flange250is disposed at the lower end of the catching assembly220, such as at the lower end of the tubular221. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS.6A-6B, the stop flange250includes a first flange251and a second flange252. The first flange251is integral with or coupled to the bottom end of the tubular221. The second flange252is releasably coupled to the first flange251. In some embodiments, the second flange252is coupled to the first flange251by a plurality of fasteners254, such as bolts. In some embodiments and as shown inFIGS.6A-6B, the second flange252has an aperture256. In some embodiments, the aperture256may be about 2 inches (about 5.08 cm) to about 5 inches (about 12.7 cm) in diameter. In some embodiments, the second flange252has a plurality of apertures256. The aperture256or plurality of apertures256of the stop flange250allow ocean water to flow into and out of the bore204.

The section101is assembled in the sock200above the catcher230. Preferably, the section101is assembled without contacting the catcher230. A single joint101j, such as an individual pipe, collar, or casing, may be dropped during an operation to assemble a section101in the sock200. A section101may also be dropped before it is removed from the sock200. A section101may also be dropped as the section101is removed from the sock200. If a single joint101jor section101is dropped into the sock200or dropped while at least partially disposed in the sock200, the single joint101jor section101may fall within the sock200until it impacts the catcher230. For example, the single joint101jor section101may impact the upper surface233of the catcher230. The single joint101jor section101may be received in the opening231of the catcher230. The impact force of the dropped single joint101jor section101may be sufficient to shear the plurality of shearable members240, which causes the catcher230to detach. Once the shearable members240shear, the catcher230is free to move relative to the tubular221. As shown inFIGS.6A-6B, the catcher moves from the first position (FIG.6A) to a second position (FIG.6B). The catcher230is in the first position when it is held in place by the shearable members240, such as by the coupling shown inFIG.5. The catcher230is in the second position when the catcher230has contacted the stop flange250, such as second flange252, and can no longer continue to travel in the tubular221.

As the catcher230moves from the first position to the second position, the catcher230displaces the column of fluid (e.g., water) that was in the bore204below the catcher230. The displaced fluid flows from the bore204into the surrounding sea102through the plurality of orifices228and/or aperture(s)256. The displacement of the fluid through the plurality of orifices228and/or the aperture(s)256slows the decent of the catcher230and the dropped single joint101jor section101in the sock200. Thus, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the displacement of the fluid dissipates the energy of the impact of the dropped single joint101jor section101with the catcher230. The plurality of orifices228, aperture(s)256, and/or the length of the tubular221are configured such that the descent of the catcher230and the dropped single joint101jor section101results in the catcher230landing on the stop flange250, such as the second flange252, without the stop flange250failing. As a result, the catcher230and the dropped single joint101jor section101are not allowed to exit the sock200. Thus, the dropped single joint101jor section101is prevented from falling through the sea102and causing damage to equipment disposed on the seabed.

Once the dropped single joint101jor section101and catcher230have stopped moving downwardly within the sock200, the dropped single joint101jor section101may be extracted. The dropped single joint101jor section101may be extracted by a fishing tool. Once the dropped single joint101jor section101has been extracted from the sock200, an operation may be conducted to reset the catching assembly220. For example, the sock200may be lifted by a crane of the offshore rig100after the sock200is coupled to the installation tool500. If the support structure208is fastened to the support structure308, then the connection is unfastened prior to lifting the sock200. The sock200is lifted to a deck of the offshore rig100, such as above the moon pool deck104or above the drill floor103. Once lifted, the catching assembly220may be detached from the first portion260. Then, the second flange252of the stop flange250may be detached from the first flange251. The catcher230may then be removed from the tubular221. Once the catcher230is removed, the second flange252is reattached to the first flange251. The catcher230is inspected for damage. If the catcher230is still in a usable condition, then new shearable members240are inserted into the plurality of blind bores232(or circumferential groove) and the catcher230is lifted and inserted into to the top of the tubular221. Then, the catching assembly220is then reattached to the other tubulars201, such as tubular201c, of the sock200via the flanged connection202c. Once the catching assembly220is reattached, the sock200is returned to its deployment position ready for the assembly of new sections101.

In some embodiments, the sock200is configured to catch a 30,000 lb (about 13,607.77 kg) joint101jor section101that falls from a height of about 100 ft (about 30.48 m) above the catcher230. In some embodiments; the sock200is sufficiently long enough to assembly a section101of about 81 ft (about 24.69 m) to about 96 ft (about 29.26) in length without contacting the catcher230during assembly of the section101.

Referring back toFIG.1, the sock200is shown deployed on the offshore rig100. The upper end203of the sock is shown disposed below the second rotary table152. In some embodiments, the upper end203is disposed in or above a rotary table, such as the second rotary table152.

It is contemplated that the sock200can catch more than one dropped object, such as multiple dropped single joints101jor multiple dropped sections101. For example, the sock200can catch a dropped single joint101and a dropped section101.

FIG.7illustrates an alternative embodiment of the sock200a. The sock200ahas a first portion260aand a second portion262a. The first portion260ais substantially the same as the first portion260described above. The sock200adiffers from sock200in that the second portion262ais a watertight assembly400instead of a catching assembly220. The sock200ais used during a core retrieval operation on the offshore rig100. The sock200amay have a diameter sufficient to accommodate the outer diameter of a coring tool.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, core samples are obtained with a coring tool string. The coring tool string includes the coring tool connected at the end of a tubular string. The tubular string may be comprised of drill pipe. The coring tool may include a hollow coring bit. During retrieval of the core sample, the length of the coring tool string is reduced to a length, such as about 100 feet (about 30.48 m), that can be practically raised above a deck of the offshore rig100, such as raising the coring tool above the first rotary table150disposed on the drilling floor103. This reduced length of the coring tool string is then moved above the sock200a, The reduced length of the coring tool string is then lowered into the sock200a. The sock200aprovides a vertical and dry environment to complete the removal of the remaining tubular string from the coring tool. Because the final disassembly of the tubular string from the coring tool occurs while the coring tool is disposed in the sock200a, the rotary table150is useable for subsequent coring or drilling operations. The coring tool, with the core sample disposed therein, may be stored in the sock200auntil the core is ready to be process or ready to be transported offsite for processing.

FIG.8illustrates the watertight assembly400. The watertight assembly400may be completely or partially submerged in the sea102. The watertight assembly400includes a tubular401, an open end403, a bore404, a closed end406, a valve408, and at least one sealing member410. A flange402is connected to or integral with the upper end of the tubular401. The bore404is closed at one end by the closed end406and open at the open end403. For example, the closed end406may be a base plate welded to the lower end of the tubular401. As shown inFIG.8, the valve408is attached to the closed end406and in communication with a bore412formed through the closed end406. The valve408may be selectively opened to allow communication with the bore404. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.8, the valve408is a needle valve. In some embodiments, the valve408is disposed in the closed end406.

The watertight assembly400may be attached to the first portion260aby a flanged connection. For example, the flange402is fastened to the bottom flange202of the tubular201cby a plurality of fasteners, such as bolts. One or more sealing members410may be disposed between the flanges202,402. The one or more sealing members410may be a gasket. The one or more sealing members410seal the connection between the watertight assembly400and the first portion260a. In some embodiments, the flanged connections202a-bof the first portion260aare unsealed because these flanged connections are not submerged in the sea102.

Once the watertight assembly400is attached to the first portion260a, the sock200alowered into the sea102to test the integrity of the seal of the sealing members410. The sock200ais lowered until the sealing members410are disposed below the surface of the sea102. The valve408is closed during the test. The sock200amay be supported by the cart300during the test. After the watertight assembly400is disposed in the sea102for a test duration, such as 1 hour, the sock200ais raised until the watertight assembly400is disposed above the moon pool deck104. The valve408is then opened. If water leaked into the watertight assembly400while submerged in the sea102, then water will flow out the valve408. If a leak occurred, then the watertight assembly400is detached from the first portion260aand reattached. Subsequent testing occurs until a proper seal is verified. Once the seal of the sealing members410is verified, then the sock200acan be deployed from the offshore rig100for a core retrieval operation. For example, the sock200acan be suspended from the cart300with its upper end203disposed below the second rotary table152. A portion of a coring tool string may be inserted into the sock200afor storage and/or removal of the tubular string from the coring tool. The core sample may be disposed in the watertight assembly400. The valve408is closed when the watertight assembly400is deployed in the sea102.

FIG.9illustrates a schematic portion of a coring tool string1100disposed in the sock200a. The coring tool string1100includes a coring tool1101connected to tubular string1102. The coring tool1101includes a core sample1104disposed therein. The tubular string1102is composed of multiple joints of tubulars1102j, such as drill pipe. The length of the coring tool string1100was reduced by removing tubulars1102juntil the length of the remaining coring tool string1100was of a length that could be handled on the offshore rig100. The coring tool string1100was lifted and placed into the sock200a. The remaining tubular joints1102jmay be removed from the coring tool string1100while the coring tool string1100is disposed in the sock200a, For example the tubular joints1102jmay be removed using a tong assembly.

FIGS.10A-Billustrate an exemplary installation tool. The installation tool500includes a body502, padeyes504, and connection members506. The body502may be selectively coupled to a crane or rail lift system of the offshore rig100. The padeyes504are configured to receive chains. In some embodiments, the chains are used by deck hands to position the installation tool500. The connection members506may be pins. The connection members are configured to be received in the slots212of the sock200,200a. The slots212may be a j-slot as shown inFIG.2. Once the connection members506are lowered in the slots212, the installation tool500may be rotated such that the connection members506are located in the curve212cof the j-slot212. Once the connection members506are engaged with the slots212, the installation tool500can be used to lift the sock200,200a.

In some embodiments, the tubulars201,221, and401are made from high strength steel pipe having an outer diameter of about 18 inches (about 45.72 cm) to about 30 inches (about 76.2 cm).

In some embodiments, the sock200,200amay be moved about the moon pool deck104by moving the cart300along the tracks104t. For example, the clamps310of the cart300may be unset to move the cart300and the sock200,200ato a storage position.

It is contemplated that the sock200,200acould be used on floating platforms operating in bodies of fresh water.

In some embodiments, the support structure308may be retrofitted to an existing cart of the offshore rig100. For example, a frame including the support structure308may be fastened to the existing cart.

In one embodiment, sock includes a plurality of tubulars coupled together and defining a bore. The sock further includes a catcher assembly. The catcher assembly includes a plurality of orifices formed in at least one of the plurality of tubulars. The catcher assembly further including a catcher releasably attached to the plurality of tubulars by a plurality of shearable members, wherein the catcher is disposed in the bore, and wherein the catcher is movable from a first position to a second position. The catcher assembly further including a stop flange having at least one aperture.

In some embodiments, each orifice of the plurality of orifices is about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches in diameter.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is a plurality of apertures.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is about 2 inches to about 5 inches in diameter.

In one embodiment, a method of catching a dropped pipe in a sock of a floating platform includes disposing a sock having a catcher, a stop flange having an aperture, and a plurality of orifices at least partially in a body of water. The catcher is releasably attached to the sock via a plurality of shearable members. The method further includes releasing the catcher from the sock by shearing the plurality of shearable members in response to the impact of a dropped pipe with a portion of the catcher. The method further includes displacing a column of water from a bore of the sock through at least one of the plurality of orifices and/or the aperture in response to the catcher descending in the bore of the sock. The method further includes engaging the catcher with the stop flange.

In some embodiments of the method, the method includes, lifting the sock out of the body of water after engaging the catcher with the stop flange.

In some embodiments of the method, the method includes removing a portion of the stop flange.

In some embodiments of the method, the method includes removing the catcher form the sock.

In some embodiments of the method, the method includes reattaching the catcher to the sock with a new plurality of shearable fasteners.

In some embodiments of the method, the method includes disposing the sock with the reattached catcher at least partially in the body of water.

In some embodiments of the method, the floating platform is an offshore rig.

In some embodiments of the method, the sock is supported from the floating platform with a cart.

In some embodiments of the method, the cart is a blowout preventer cart.

In one embodiment, a sock assembly includes the sock200,200aand the cart300.

In one embodiment, a method of retrieving a core includes deploying a sock from a floating platform, the sock having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is a water tight assembly. The method further includes disposing a coring tool string in the sock, wherein the coring tool string including a coring tool and a tubular string composed of individual joints of tubulars, wherein a core retrieved from the seabed is disposed in the coring tool.

In some embodiments of the method of retrieving the core, prior to disposing the coring tools string in the sock, the method further includes testing a seal of the water tight assembly by lowering the watertight assembly into the sea and then lifting the watertight assembly above the sea. A valve of the water tight assembly is opened once the watertight assembly is lifted above the sea to determine if sea water leaked into the sock.

In some embodiments of the method of retrieving the core, deploying the sock includes suspending the sock from a cart on a moon pool deck of the offshore rig.

In some embodiments of the method of retrieving the core, the method further includes removing the tubular string from the coring tool while the coring tool is disposed in the sock.

In one embodiment, a sock for a floating platform includes a plurality of tubulars coupled together and defining a bore, and a catching assembly. The catching assembly includes a plurality of orifices formed in at least one of the plurality of tubulars. The catching assembly further includes a catcher releasably coupled to the plurality of tubulars by a plurality of shearable members, wherein the catcher is disposed in the bore, and wherein the catcher is movable from a first position to a second position. The catching assembly further includes a stop flange having at least one aperture.

In some embodiments, each orifice of the plurality of orifices is about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches in diameter.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is a plurality of apertures.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is about 2 inches to about 5 inches in diameter.

In some embodiments, the stop flange is a first flange fastenable to a second flange, wherein the second flange includes the at least one aperture.

In some embodiments, the catcher includes a plurality of blind bores, wherein a respective shearable member is partially disposed in a respective blind bore.

In some embodiments, the plurality of shearable members are partially disposed between a first flange connected to the first tubular of the plurality of tubulars and a second flange connected to the at least one of the plurality of tubulars including the plurality of orifices, wherein a spacer is disposed between the first flange and the second flange.

In some embodiments, at least one of the tubulars includes a first support structure configured to be engaged with a second support structure of a cart configured to support the weight of the sock.

In one embodiment, a method of using a sock on a floating platform includes disposing a sock having a catcher, a stop flange having an aperture, and a plurality of orifices at least partially in a body of water, wherein the catcher is maintained in a first position by a plurality of shearable members. The method further includes releasing the catcher from the first position by shearing the plurality of shearable members in response to an impact of a dropped joint with a portion of the catcher. The method further includes displacing a column of water from a bore of the sock through at least one of the plurality of orifices and the aperture in response to the catcher descending in the bore. The method further includes engaging the catcher with the stop flange.

In some embodiments, the method of using the sock on the floating platform includes lifting the sock out of the body of water after engaging the catcher with the stop flange.

In some embodiments, the method of using the sock on the floating platform includes removing a portion of the stop flange and removing the catcher from the bore of the sock after removing the sock out of the body of water.

In some embodiments, the method of using the sock on the floating platform includes reattaching the catcher to the sock with a new plurality of shearable fasteners.

In some embodiments, the method of using the sock on the floating platform includes disposing the sock with the reattached catcher at least partially in the body of water.

In some embodiments of the method of using the sock on the floating platform, disposing the sock the sock at least partially in the body of water induces supporting the sock from a cart.

In some embodiments of the method of using the sock on the floating platform, the cart is a blowout preventer cart.

In one embodiment, a sock for a core retrieval operation includes a first portion including one or more tubulars and a second portion. The second portion includes a first tubular having a upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is open and the lower end is closed. The second portion further includes a coupling connected to the upper end configured to couple the second portion to the first portion. The second portion further includes at least one sealing member configured to seal the coupling between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion further includes a valve coupled to the lower end, the valve configured to selectively allow fluid communication with an interior of the first tubular.

In some embodiments of the sock, the first portion includes a support structure configured to be engaged with a second support structure of a cart.

In some embodiments of the sock, the lower end is closed by a base plate.

In some embodiments of the sock, the valve is disposed in the base plate.

In some embodiments of the sock, wherein the at least one sealing member a gasket.