Abstract:
A method and apparatus for angularly drilling during a tapping procedure into a pressurized multiple strings of coaxially situated tubulars for wells and/or platforms which have overturned wherein the tapping occurs underwater via a diver or remotely operated vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/165,475, filed 31 Mar. 2009, and said application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT: 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     Abandonment Procedure for Wells on a Platform That Has Fallen over. There are basically two ways to restore control of the wells on a platform that has fallen over. Abandon the wells completely in the order they are accessed, or remove the bent or broken portion of the well and install a subsea wellhead. However, when removing the bent or broken part of the pipe such piping may still be under pressure such pressure dealt with before removal. Otherwise, a blow out could occur. 
     The present invention relates to the cutting of multiple nested (e.g., coaxial) strings of underwater piping and/or tubing for overturned wells and/or platforms using a specially configured articulating drill apparatus and method. 
     Under pressure drilling or hot tapping is the process of drilling into a pressured pipe or vessel using special equipment and procedures to ensure that the pressure and fluids are safely contained when access is made. The most common example of a hot tap is into a pressured pipeline. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment is provided an articulating saw for use in a hot tapping method and apparatus which can hot tap one or more multiple coaxial strings of underwater piping and/or tubing for overturned wells and/or platforms. 
     In one embodiment is provided a clamping system which has angular adjustment of tapping tool both up and down and side to side, in a spherical manner. 
     In one embodiment is provided an articulating drill system which can be pivotally mounted on the clamp for hot tapping tool. In one embodiment drill system can be lowered with clamp while pivotally mounted on clamp. In one embodiment drill system is attached to clamp while underwater. 
     In one embodiment an articulating saw can have articulating adjustments of at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 degree increments. In one embodiment the rotational adjustability is between about any two of the above specified angular increments. 
     The present invention provides an articulating drill system for cutting one or more tubular members. The apparatus includes a drill base and an articulating boom attached at one end portion to the base. The boom includes a first arm, a second arm, and pivotal connections joining the first and second arms. The plate supports a plate having a plate opening, wherein the plate is attached to the second arm and the base is attached to the first arm. A drill motor has a motor, a cutting tip, and a cutting axis. The drill motor is supported upon the base. A clamping mechanism enables the plate to be attached to a tubular that is to be cut, the clamping mechanism generally aligning the plate opening with the tubular. The clamping mechanism and plate support the articulating boom, drill and drill base. The articulating boom enables selective placement of the drill cutting tip relative to the plate opening, including angulation of the cutting axis relative to the plate opening. 
     In one embodiment, the articulating drill system provides an adjustment mechanism interfacing the drill motor and the base, the adjustment mechanism enabling selective movement of the drill motor toward or away from the articulating boom. 
     In one embodiment, the drill motor is movable upon the base along a longitudinal axis. 
     In one embodiment, the drill motor is movable upon the base along a transverse axis. 
     In one embodiment, the drill motor is movable upon the base along intersecting longitudinal and transverse axes. 
     In one embodiment, the base includes a base plate and a motor mount and wherein the drill motor is attached to the motor mount and wherein said adjustment mechanism is in between the motor mount and the base plate. 
     In one embodiment, the motor that is attached to the motor mount. 
     In one embodiment, the cutting tip is a generally cylindrically shaped cutting member. 
     In one embodiment, the plate is pivotally attached to the first arm. 
     In one embodiment, the plate is pivotally attached to the first arm with a pivot pin, the plate and first arm being adjustably connected at the pivot pin, enabling the elevation of the plate to be changed relative to the first arm. 
     In one embodiment, the drill base includes a first lower base plate and a second higher base plate, the first base plate and second base plate being movable, one relative to the other. 
     In one embodiment, the lower base plate has rails and the upper base plate travels upon the rails. 
     In one embodiment, the drill base includes a motor mount that travels upon the upper base plate. 
     In one embodiment, the upper base plate slides upon the lower base plate along a first axis. 
     In one embodiment, the drill base includes a motor mount, and the motor mount slides upon the upper base plate along a second axis that forms an angle with the first axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an overall perspective view of a platform which has fallen over and needs to be plugged and abandoned (with two riser piping systems although up to 24 or more riser piping systems can be seen). 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering one embodiment of a hot tap housing and attaching the housing to one of the riser piping systems (below the bend in the riser). The articulating drill method and apparatus can be used with multiple types of hot tap housings and is not limited to the particular hot tap housing shown (and can be used with systems beyond hot tap systems). 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the step of tightening the hot tap housing below the bend in the riser. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering a hot tap tool which will be attached to the hot tap housing for hot tapping one or more of the nested tubulars. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating the step of hot tapping one or more of the nested tubulars. 
         FIG. 6  is a closeup perspective view of a hot tap tool attached to a housing. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering one embodiment of an articulating saw and attaching the articulating saw to the hot tap housing (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The saw can be pivotally attached to the hot tap housing via a pin on one side and a support plate on another side. The saw also has an articulating and sliding support join for the rotating saw shaft 
         FIG. 8  shows the saw attached to the hot tap housing and positioned to make a cut in one of the nested tubulars. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a diver using the articulating saw and the diver looking thru the stabilizer and hot tap housing for positioning the saw tip to make a cut. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic partial top view of one embodiment illustrating the step of making an opening in a first exterior pipe. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the second pipe. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a third interior pipe. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the third pipe. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an articulating drill system where the system is swung away from the plate. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 14  where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and in the center of main plate opening. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 14  where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and in the center of main plate opening with the drill tip having passed through main plate opening. 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 14  where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and in the center of main plate opening with the double arrow schematically indicating that drill tip can move back and forth through main plate opening. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 14  where the system is connected to the plate, angled from same and in the center of main plate opening with the two sets of double arrows schematically indicating that drill tip can move back and forth through main plate opening along with rotating back and forth. 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 16  where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset in the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening. 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 16  where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening. 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 16  where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset in the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening and the drill tip is passed through the main opening. 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 16  where the system is connected to the plate, angled from a perpendicular to same as indicated by the arrows, where and the drill tip is passed through the main opening. 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 16  where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening and the drill tip is passed through the main opening. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing a hot tap housing being placed on the riser piping system. 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a first exterior pipe. 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the first exterior pipe. 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a second interior pipe wherein the second interior pipe is concentrically located within the first pipe. 
         FIG. 29  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a second interior pipe wherein the second interior pipe is non-concentrically located (angularly offset from a perpendicular) within the first pipe. 
         FIG. 30  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the second pipe. 
         FIG. 31  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a third interior pipe wherein the third interior pipe is concentrically located within the first pipe. 
         FIG. 32  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a third interior pipe wherein the third interior pipe is non-concentrically located (angularly offset from a perpendicular) within the first pipe. 
         FIG. 33  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the third pipe. 
         FIG. 34  is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a fourth pipe or tubing where the hot tapping tool is angularly offset from a perpendicular to assist in making the hot tapping seal between the tip and the pipe along with pushing the fourth pipe or tubing back, and to a location where it contacts the third interior pipe and enough backward resistance by the fourth pipe or tubing to maintain a good seal between the tip of the hot tap tool and the surface of the fourth pipe or tubing. 
         FIG. 35  is a top view of the preferred embodiment of an articulating drill system for making openings through the different pipes shown swivelled out of the way of the clamp where the system is connected to the plate, angled from same and in the center of main plate opening with the two sets of double arrows schematically indicating that drill tip can move back and forth through main plate opening along with rotating back and forth. 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 35  shown in position to make a cut through one of the pipes, where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and in the center of main plate opening with the double arrow schematically indicating that drill tip can move back and forth through main plate opening. 
         FIG. 38  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 37  where the drill tip has been moved in a position to make a cut and the stabilizer has been attached to stabilize the drill tip when making a cut. 
         FIG. 39  is a top view of the articulating drill system shown in the position of  FIG. 37  where the drill tip has been moved through the plate (and the articulating joint of the stabilizer) and towards an item to be cut. 
         FIG. 40  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 37 , where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening, and where the drill tip (and the articulating joint of the drill shaft stabilizer) has been shifted to the right from a perpendicular and the drill tip has been moved in a position to make a cut at such angle. 
         FIG. 41  is a top view of the articulating drill system shown in the position of  FIG. 40 , where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening and the drill tip is passed through the main opening, where the drill tip has been moved through the plate (and the articulating joint of the stabilizer) and towards an item to be cut. 
         FIG. 42  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 40 , where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset in the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening, and where the drill tip (and the articulating joint of the drill shaft stabilizer) has been shifted to the left from a perpendicular and the drill tip has been moved in a position to make a cut at such angle. 
         FIG. 43  is a top view of the articulating drill system shown in the position of  FIG. 42 , where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset in the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening and the drill tip is passed through the main opening, and where the drill tip has been moved through the plate (and the articulating joint of the stabilizer) and towards an item to be cut. 
         FIG. 44  is a top view of the articulating drill system of  FIG. 35 , where the system is connected to the plate, angled from a perpendicular to same as indicated by the arrows, where and the drill tip is passed through the main opening, and where the drill tip (along with the articulating joint of the stabilizer) has been angled from a perpendicular and the drill tip has been moved in a position to make a cut at such angle, and the stabilizer joint has also angled to allow the drill shaft to angle. Of course the system can be angled in the opposite angular direction. 
         FIG. 45  is a top view of the articulating drill system, where the system is connected to the plate, angled from a perpendicular to same as indicated by the arrows, where and the drill tip is passed through the main opening, and where the drill tip has been moved through the plate (and the articulating joint of the stabilizer) and towards an item to be cut. 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of a stabilizer system for the drill shaft and bit. 
         FIG. 47  is an exploded view of the stabilizer system of  FIG. 46 . 
         FIGS. 48 ,  49 , and  50  are front, side and top views of the stabilizer system of  FIG. 46 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a damaged marine platform  1 . The platform  1  can be any offshore or marine platform such as a drilling platform, production platform or the like. Such a platform is normally supported by an underwater jacket  4  that is anchored to seabed  2 . 
     When a fierce storm such as a hurricane strikes, the upper  5  can be separated from jacket  4  by wind and wave action at water surface area  3 . Upper  5  can be any known above water upper such as drilling (e.g., derrick  7 ) or production structures having one or more decks  6 . When a hurricane separates upper  5  from jacket  4 , tubulars  50  can remain under pressure though bent at bends  8  as shown. Often, multiple nested tubulars are present. 
     One embodiment includes an articulating drill system  1100  which can be used in the process of hot tapping a string of a plurality of pipes or tubing system. The plurality of pipes can include first pipe  50 , second pipe  60 , third pipe  70 , and fourth pipe or tubing  80 . Between first and second pipes is annular space  62 . Between second and third pipes is annular space  72 . Between third and fourth pipes is annular space  82  (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). 
     In one embodiment articulating drill system can be used with a hot tap system  10 , which can include adjustable clamp  100  (see  FIGS. 2-24 ). In one embodiment hot tap system  10  can include a plate  200  and one or more chains  150 . In one embodiment adjustable clamp  100  can include first and second plates  200 ,  200 ′ and are threadably connected to each other and can be frictionally connected to a pipe. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering a hot tap housing  100  (two plate embodiment) and a diver  9  attaching the housing to one of the riser piping systems (e.g. nested tubulars  50 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80 ) below the bend  8  in the riser  50 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80 .  FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the step of the diver  9  tightening the hot tap housing  100  (two plate embodiment) below the bend in the riser.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering to a diver  9  (from a surface vessel, not shown) the hot tap tool  2000  along with a hot tap tip and housing which will be attached to the hot tap housing  100  for hot tapping one or more of the nested tubulars  50 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating the step of a diver  9  hot tapping one or more of the nested tubulars  50 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80  where the hot tap tool is rotatively connected to the circular thrust/articulating plate at a selected rotational position. The one or more windows in the thrust plate allow the user (e.g. diver  9 ) to see the tip of the hot tap tool  2000  to obtain a good position between the hot tap tip and the nested tubular  50  or  60  or  70  or  80  being hot tapped. 
       FIG. 6  is a closeup perspective view of hot tap tool  2000  after being connected to the hot tap housing  100 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating the step of lowering the articulating saw  1100  to a diver  9  for use in the hot tapping process. In  FIG. 8 , the diver  9  is shown attaching the articulating saw  1100  to the hot tap housing  100 . The saw  1100  can be pivotally attached to the hot tap housing  100  via a pin on one side and a support plate on another side. The saw  1100  also has an articulating and sliding support join for the rotating saw shaft.  FIG. 8  shows the saw  1100  attached to the hot tap housing  100  and positioned to make a cut in one of the nested tubulars  50 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80 .  FIG. 9  is a closeup perspective view of a diver  9  using the hot tap tool  2000 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a diver  9  using the articulating saw  1100 . 
     In one embodiment first plate  200  can comprise first side  210 , second side  220 , a main opening  230 , and a plurality of openings  240  for supporting a compression plate. Main opening  230  is designed to allow access through first plate  200  (from first side  210  and through second side  220 ) (see  FIGS. 2-24 ). 
     Between the steps of hot tapping nested tubulars, drill system  1100  can be swung (e.g., pivoted on pin  294 ) out of the way so that diver  9  can use hot tapping tool  200  without drill system  1100  being in the way. Also between steps of hot tapping nested tubulars, articulating drill system  1100  can remain attached to outside pipe  50  (e.g., by being pivotally attached to pin  294  of hot tap clamp  100  which is connected to pipe  50 ). 
     In  FIGS. 14-24  and  35 - 45 , one embodiment articulating drill system  1100  can include first arm  1110 , second arm  1120 , base  1150 , and connection plate  1500 . First arM  1110  can be pivotally connected to second arm  1120 . Second arm  1120  can be pivotally connected to base  1150 . Base  1150  can be pivotally connected to connection plate  1500 . 
     Drill  1300  can be attached to base  1150 . Drill  1300  can comprise motor  1320  and cutting tip  1400  which is rotationally connected to motor  1320 . 
     Longitudinal track system  1160  can allow controlled longitudinal movement (e.g., along the longitudinal direction of base  1150 ) of drill  1300  such as by a screw and thread system. Track system  1160  can include a quick release/quick lock system which longitudinally locks the position of drill  1300  relative to base  1150 . 
     Perpendicular track system  1200  can allow controlled perpendicular movement (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of base  1150 ) of drill  1300  such as by a screw and thread system. Track system  1200  can include a quick release/quick lock system which perpendicularly locks the position of drill  1300  relative to base  1150 . 
     Longitudinal and perpendicular track systems  1160  and  1200  can respectively longitudinally and perpendicularly adjust the position of drill  1300  and tip  1400 . 
     Drill system  1100  can be pivotally connected to first plate  200 , such as by pin  294 . 
     Connection plate  1500  can be used to partially positionally lock drill system  1100  relative to first plate  200 . Even when partially locked, drill  1300  can be pivoted relative to first plate  200  through pivoting joint  1510 . Quick release/quick lock  1550  when unlocked allows for pivoting. However, locking quick release/quick lock  1550  prevents further pivoting movement of drill  1300 . 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic top view schematically illustrating the step of making an opening  51  in the first exterior pipe  50 . 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic top view schematically illustrating the step of making an opening  61  in the second pipe  60 . 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic top view of hot tapping system  10  illustrating the step of hot tapping a third interior pipe  70 . 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic top view of system  10  illustrating the step of hot tapping a fourth pipe or tubing  80  where the hot tapping tool  2000  is angularly offset (by angle theta) from a perpendicular to assist in making the hot tapping seal between the tip  2010  and the pipe  80 , along with the step of using a second tool  3000  to provide support for the tubing  80  when making a seal between the hot tapping tool tip  2010  and the tubing  80 . 
       FIGS. 14-15  are perspective views of one embodiment of an articulating drill system  1100  for making openings through the different pipes with drill system  1100  shown swivelled out of the way of the clamp  100 . 
       FIG. 16  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  shown in the same position as  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 17  is a top view of the articulating drill  100  in the position of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 18  is a top view of articulating drill system  1100  with the double arrows indicating that drill tip  1400  can move back and forth through plate  200 . 
       FIG. 19  is a top view of articulating drill system  1100  where the drill tip  1400  has been angled from a perpendicular and the drill tip  1400  has been moved in a position to make a cut at such angle. 
       FIG. 20  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  where the system is connected to the plate  200 , perpendicular to same and offset in the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening  230 . 
       FIG. 21  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  where the system is connected to the plate  200 , perpendicular to same and offset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening  230 . 
       FIG. 22  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  where the system is connected to the plate, perpendicular to same and offset in the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening  230  and the drill tip  1400  is passed through the main opening  230 . 
       FIG. 23  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  where the system is connected to the plate  200 , angled from a perpendicular to same as indicated by the arrows, where and the drill tip  1400  is passed through the main opening  230 . 
       FIG. 24  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  where the system is connected to the plate  200 , perpendicular to same and offset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening  230  and the drill tip  1400  is passed through the main opening  230 . 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing a hot tap housing  100  being placed on the riser piping system.  FIG. 26  is a schematic top view of hot tap housing  100  generally illustrating the step of hot tapping of a first exterior pipe  50 . 
       FIG. 27  is a schematic top view of articulating saw system  1100  schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the first exterior pipe  50 . 
       FIG. 28  is a schematic top view of a hot tap housing  100  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a second interior pipe  60  wherein the second interior pipe is concentrically located within the first pipe.  FIG. 29  is a schematic top view of hot tap housing  100  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a second interior pipe  60  wherein the second interior pipe  60  is non-concentrically located (angularly offset from a perpendicular) within the first pipe  50 . 
       FIG. 30  is a schematic top view of the articulating saw system  1100  schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the second pipe  60 . 
       FIG. 31  is a schematic top view showing hot tap housing  100  hot tapping a third interior pipe  70  wherein the third interior pipe  70  is concentrically located within the first pipe  50 .  FIG. 32  schematically shows hot tap housing being used to hot tap third interior pipe  70  wherein the third interior pipe  70  is non-concentrically located (angularly offset from a perpendicular) within the first pipe  50 . 
       FIG. 33  is a schematic top view of articulating saw system  1100  schematically illustrating the step of making an opening in the third pipe  70 . 
       FIG. 34  is a schematic top view showing hot tap housing  100  illustrating the step of hot tapping of a fourth pipe or tubing  80  where the hot tapping tool  2000  is angularly offset from a perpendicular to assist in making the hot tapping seal between the tip and the pipe along with pushing the fourth pipe or tubing  80  back, and to a location where it contacts the third interior pipe  70  and enough backward resistance by the fourth pipe or tubing  80  to maintain a good seal between the tip  2010  of the hot tap tool  2000  and the surface of the fourth pipe or tubing  80 . 
       FIG. 35  is a top view of the preferred embodiment of an articulating drill system  1100  for making openings through the different pipes (e.g., pipes  50 ,  60 , and  70 ) shown swivelled out of the way of the clamp where the system  1100  is connected to the plate  200 , angled from same and in the center of main plate opening with the two sets of double arrows schematically indicating that drill tip can move back and forth through main plate opening along with rotating back and forth.  FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the articulating drill system  1100 . 
       FIG. 37  is a perspective view of articulating drill system  1100  shown in a centered position to make a cut through one of the pipes (e.g., pipes  50 ,  60 , and  70 ), where the system is connected to the plate  200 , perpendicular to same and in the center of main plate opening with the double arrow schematically indicating that drill tip  1400  can move back and forth through main plate opening. 
       FIG. 38  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  where the drill tip  1400  has been moved in a position to make a cut and the stabilizer  110  has been attached to stabilize the drill tip  1400  when making a cut.  FIG. 39  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  (shown in the position of  FIG. 38 ), where the drill tip  1400  has been moved through the plate  200  (and the articulating joint of the stabilizer  110 ) and towards an item to be cut (e.g., pipes  50 ,  60 , and  70 ). 
       FIG. 40  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100 , where the system  1100  is connected to the plate  200 , perpendicular to same and offset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening, and where the drill tip  1400  (and the articulating joint of the drill shaft stabilizer  110 ) has been shifted to the right from a perpendicular and the drill tip  1400  has been moved in a position to make a cut at such shifted position.  FIG. 41  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  (shown in the position of  FIG. 40 ), where the system  1100  is connected to the plate  200 , perpendicular to same and offset in the right direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening and the drill tip  1400  is passed through the main opening, where the drill tip  1400  has been moved through the plate (and the articulating joint of the stabilizer  110 ) and towards an item to be cut (e.g., pipes  50 ,  60 , and  70 ). 
       FIG. 42  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100 , where the system  1100  is connected to the plate  200 , perpendicular to same and offset in the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening, and where the drill tip  1400  (and the articulating joint of the drill shaft stabilizer  110 ) has been shifted to the left from a perpendicular, and the drill tip  1400  has been moved in a position to make a cut at such angle.  FIG. 43  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  (shown in the position of  FIG. 42 ), where the system  1100  is connected to the plate  200 , perpendicular to same and offset in the left direction of the arrow from the center of main plate opening, and the drill tip  1400  is passed through the main opening, and where the drill tip  1400  has been moved through the plate (and the articulating joint of the stabilizer  110 ) and towards an item to be cut (e.g., pipes  50 ,  60 , and  70 ). 
       FIG. 44  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100 , where the system  1100  is connected to the plate  200 , angled from a perpendicular to same as indicated by the arrow, where and the drill tip  1400  is passed through the main opening, and where the drill tip  1400  (along with the articulating joint of the stabilizer  110 ) has been angled from a perpendicular, and the stabilizer joint  110  has also angled to allow the drill shaft to angle. Of course the system can be angled in the opposite angular direction.  FIG. 45  is a top view of the articulating drill system  1100  (shown in the position of  FIG. 44 ), where and the drill tip  1400  has passed through the main opening, and where the drill tip  1400  has been moved through the plate  200  (and the articulating joint of the stabilizer  110 ) and towards an item to be cut (e.g., pipes  50 ,  60 , and  70 ). 
       FIG. 46  is a perspective view of a stabilizer system  110  for the drill shaft and bit  1400 .  FIGS. 48 ,  49 , and  50  are front, side and top views of the stabilizer system  110  of  FIG. 46 .  FIG. 47  is an exploded view of the stabilizer system  110  of  FIG. 46 . 
     Stabilizer system  110  includes a plate  111  having central slot  114  and plate openings  112 ,  113 . The plate  111  is clamped or sandwiched in between housing sections  117 ,  125  with bearing  115  in between. Bearing  115  is an annular bearing that is sized and shaped to fit cavity  118  of housing section  117  while enabling bearing  115  to pivot with hot tapping tool that passes through opening  116 . Clamps or bolts  121 ,  122  can be loosened to allow bearing  115  (and a hot tapping tool) to pivot while being supported by the bearing  115  and the housing sections and plate  111 ,  117 ,  125 . Each clamp or bolt can have a lever or handle  123  or  124  for enabling a user (e.g. diver  9 ) to tighten the bolts or clamps  121 ,  122  once a selected angular position of the hot tapping tool is selected. Housing section  125  has surface  130  which slides upon surface  134  of plate  111 . Housing section  125  has surface  131  which slides upon surface  135  of plate  111 . Housing section  132  slides upon rear surface  136  of plate  111 . In this fashion, a user such as diver  9  can loosen bolts or clamps  121 ,  122  and slide the housing sections  117 ,  125  laterally relative to plate  111 . The plate  111  can be bolted to a selected part of clamp  100  using bolted connections at plate openings  112 ,  113 . The housing section  125  has internally threaded openings  126 ,  127  that accept threaded portions  138  or  139  of bolts  121  or  122 . 
     The following is a list of Reference numerals which are used in this application. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Reference Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 damaged platform 
               
               
                 2 
                 seabed 
               
               
                 3 
                 water surface 
               
               
                 4 
                 jacket 
               
               
                 5 
                 upper 
               
               
                 6 
                 deck area 
               
               
                 7 
                 derrick 
               
               
                 8 
                 bend 
               
               
                 9 
                 driver 
               
               
                 10 
                 system 
               
               
                 50 
                 first pipe 
               
               
                 51 
                 opening 
               
               
                 60 
                 second pipe 
               
               
                 61 
                 opening 
               
               
                 62 
                 annular space between first and second pipes 
               
               
                 70 
                 third pipe 
               
               
                 71 
                 opening 
               
               
                 72 
                 annular space between second and third pipes 
               
               
                 80 
                 fourth pipe or tubing 
               
               
                 82 
                 annular space between third and fourth pipes 
               
               
                 84 
                 interior of fourth pipe or tubing 
               
               
                 100 
                 clamp 
               
               
                 110 
                 stabilizer system 
               
               
                 111 
                 plate 
               
               
                 112 
                 plate opening 
               
               
                 113 
                 plate opening 
               
               
                 114 
                 plate slot 
               
               
                 115 
                 annular bearing 
               
               
                 116 
                 central opening 
               
               
                 117 
                 first bearing housing section 
               
               
                 118 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 119 
                 opening 
               
               
                 120 
                 opening 
               
               
                 121 
                 bolt 
               
               
                 122 
                 bolt 
               
               
                 123 
                 lever/handle 
               
               
                 124 
                 lever/handle 
               
               
                 125 
                 second bearing housing section 
               
               
                 126 
                 internally threaded opening 
               
               
                 127 
                 internally threaded opening 
               
               
                 128 
                 upper part 
               
               
                 129 
                 lower part 
               
               
                 130 
                 upper flat surface 
               
               
                 131 
                 lower flat surface 
               
               
                 132 
                 middle flat surface 
               
               
                 133 
                 opening 
               
               
                 134 
                 upper flat plate surface 
               
               
                 135 
                 lower flat plate surface 
               
               
                 136 
                 rear flat plate surface 
               
               
                 137 
                 front flat plate surface 
               
               
                 138 
                 threaded portion 
               
               
                 139 
                 threaded portion 
               
               
                 150 
                 chain 
               
               
                 200 
                 first plate 
               
               
                 210 
                 first side 
               
               
                 220 
                 second side 
               
               
                 230 
                 main opening 
               
               
                 240 
                 plurality of openings 
               
               
                 294 
                 pin 
               
               
                 299 
                 pin 
               
               
                 500 
                 compression plate 
               
               
                 510 
                 first side 
               
               
                 520 
                 second side 
               
               
                 530 
                 plurality of support openings 
               
               
                 550 
                 main opening 
               
               
                 551 
                 offset from centerline 
               
               
                 552 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 554 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 560 
                 tapered area 
               
               
                 580 
                 view opening 
               
               
                 582 
                 view opening 
               
               
                 584 
                 view opening 
               
               
                 586 
                 view opening 
               
               
                 800 
                 swivel nut 
               
               
                 1100 
                 articulating drill system/articulating saw 
               
               
                 1110 
                 first arm 
               
               
                 1120 
                 second arm 
               
               
                 1122 
                 pivot connection between first and second arms 
               
               
                 1150 
                 base 
               
               
                 1152 
                 pivot connection between second arm and base 
               
               
                 1160 
                 longitudinal track system 
               
               
                 1170 
                 handle for longitudinal track system 
               
               
                 1200 
                 perpendicular track system 
               
               
                 1210 
                 handle for perpendicular track system 
               
               
                 1300 
                 drill 
               
               
                 1320 
                 drill motor 
               
               
                 1400 
                 cutting tip 
               
               
                 1410 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1420 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1500 
                 connection plate 
               
               
                 1502 
                 plurality of openings 
               
               
                 1510 
                 pivoting joint between connection plate and base 
               
               
                 1550 
                 quick release/quick lock for pivoting joint 
               
               
                 2000 
                 hot tapping system 
               
               
                 2010 
                 tip 
               
               
                 2050 
                 barrel 
               
               
                 2100 
                 hot tap drill 
               
               
                 2110 
                 drill bit 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.