Riser Gas Handling

Risk Mitigation for Deepwater Rigs

AN ADVANCED SOLUTION FOR RISER GAS HANDLING
ADAPTABLE TECHNOLOGY AND EXPERT ENGINEERING PROVIDE NEW ANSWERS
FOR INTEGRATING RISER GAS HANDLING CAPABILITIES ON FLOATING RIGS.

AFGlobals next-generation riser gas handling (RGH) system increases safety, efficiency, and flexibility on
dynamically positioned and moored rigs. Our industry-leading expertise ensures full integration with your
rig system and operations.

Integral to the drilling riser, the highly adaptable RGH system
provides solutions for retrofit and newbuild applications using
specialty riser joints and equipment.
Advanced AFGlobal RGH systems are transparent to rig
processes. Operations move seamlessly and efficiently from
conventional drilling to RGH mode. And when you are ready,
In a competitive marketplace where safety and efficiency
are critical, Our RGH systems provide a reliable, flexible
solution for adding riser gas handling and MPD capabilities
to your drilling system. The RGH system provides:
Full integration with rig and riser
Adaptable technology

our flexible RGH systems are uniquely designed to provide an Experienced engineering
easy transition to third-party managed pressure drilling (MPD).
Seamless operation

Ready for MPD design

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 RISER GAS MITIGATION
Riser gas typically occurs when gas entrained in the mud system breaks out in the riser. Because it occurs above the
control of the subsea BOP, it presents a unique risk to personnel and the rig.

AFGlobals RGH system provides a means of safely and effectively handling formation gas by:
Diverting wellbore flow away from the rig floor

Can enable a controlled process for removing gas from the riser

Allowing larger volumes of gas to be handled safely for longer periods of time

Greatly reducing mud loss

CLOSED-LOOP ADVANTAGES
The RGH system equips floating rigs with the ability to mitigate riser gas, and easily apply MPD to overcome extreme
drilling conditions. Both RGH and MPD are based on creating a closed-loop drilling (CLD) system. Instead of a conventional
circulating path that is open to the atmosphere, CLD diverts annular flow from the wellbore and ultimately diverts flow away
from the rig floor.

The RGH system closes the loop with a hydraulically activated packing element housed in a specialized riser joint.
The element is quickly closed around the drill pipe for annular diversion or opened for conventional drilling operations.
The closed packing element diverts return flow through the RGH flow spool and armored hoses to the rig choke manifold
or distribution (buffer) manifold for handling.

A CLD system is also a prerequisite to applying MPD methods. MPD service providers create a CLD system on a floating
rig by diverting annular wellbore flow using a rotating control device (RCD) installed in the riser. The AFGlobal RGH system
uniquely enables the addition of the service providers RCD with a specialized adapter joint that integrates it with the riser.

INTEGRATED RISER GAS HANDLING SYSTEM

The RGH system is a versatile technology that can be easily adapted to specific drillship and operational requirements.
RGH assemblies are integrated with the riser using a suite of specialty riser joints and components.

The system is based on specialty joints made up and run with the riser. They consist of:
A crossover joint used to connect the RGH assembly to the rigs riser at the top and bottom

A Drill String Isolation Tool (DSIT) to divert flow by hydraulically closing the annulus

A flow spool to route the diverted flow to the rig or MPD choke manifold

This riser assembly is deployed with integral choke, kill, boost, and hydraulic lines, which makes it immediately available to
support drilling operations. A multi-purpose control umbilical that handles both RGH and MPD-RCD applications is available.

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 MPD CONVERSION
The unique ability to add MPD capability to the
RGH system is possible with a RCD adaptor. The
adapter allows a third party RCD to be included in
the RGH system, complete with bypass lines. In
addition, the RGH umbilical system can be enabled
for some RCD operations.

DOWNHOLE ISOLATION
The DSIT riser joint remains in place when an RCD
is added to the RGH system. When the RCD bearing/
packer assembly is removed, the DSIT is closed to
isolate the wellbore and allow drill pipe to be stripped.
Closing the DSIT creates a seal that helps mitigates
swabbing and surging effects.

WE ARE FACILITATORS
Our versatile RGH system is the product of expertise
developed through close work with operators,
contractors, shipbuilders, and service companies.

That comprehensive understanding makes AFGlobal

a powerful resource for adapting RGH technology
to your rig. Our experts bring exceptional insights
and valuable cross discipline skill to every retrofit or
newbuild application, so you have the best solution
now and in the future.

Installation of an AFGlobal RGH system on your

dynamically positioned or moored floating rig provides
the next generation of drilling riser technology to keep
your drilling operations safe and efficient, and your
rig competitive.

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RGH SYSTEM: FEATURES AND BENEFITS
The AFGlobal RGH system is comprised of a suite of specialized riser joints and components designed to integrate and
complement the riser and rig system. Its features and benefits include:
Integral choke, kill, boost, and hydraulic lines that allow deployment with the riser for efficiency and fast availability.

Deployment through a 60-in rotary table with 58-in. minimum ID through diverter housing to integrate with
riser dimensions for fast, easy running.
A minimum bore restriction of 19-in. for easy passage of wellbore equipment.

A proprietary AFGlobal riser flange rated to 3.5M pounds of axial tension with 2,000 psi combined load that allows
a smooth transition of stresses when bending movements are encountered.
2,000-psi maximum allowable working pressure, which meets or exceeds the needs of most risers on the market today.

Crossover joints using AFG riser flanges provide easy integration of the RGH system with the rigs riser below the
tension ring and the termination joint.

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1. Umbilical Reel / Hydraulic Control Unit 5. DSIT

2. Control Umbilical 6. Flow Spool
3. Distribution (Buffer) Manifold 7. Bottom Crossover
4. Top Crossover 8. Armored Lines

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DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
RCD ADAPTER

TOP CROSSOVER

SPIDER SPLIT RING DISTRIBUTION (BUFFER) MANIFOLD

Adapts RGH system flange to land in clients spider Due to numerous variations, technical specifications
are available upon request
Technical specifications available upon request

RISER RUNNING TOOL

UMBILICAL REEL/HYDRAULIC CONTROL
Allows the rigs elevator to be used to lift AFG flange connections
Can be configured to control RGH system
Technical specifications available upon request
Can include RCD

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 BOTTOM CROSSOVER
API 16R for the riser flange coupling
API 16C for the auxiliary lines
BUMPERS
Protect the auxiliary lines during
running and retrieval

FLOW SPOOL
API 16R for the riser flange coupling
API 16C for the auxiliary lines
Operating parameters:
Max OD of 58 in.
Internal bore 19 in.
3.5M pound rating axial tension
3,000 psi MAWP
Length 12.5 ft

DRILL STRING ISOLATION TOOL (DSIT)

API 16A for the annular component except CSO test
API 16R for the riser flange coupling
API 16C for the auxiliary lines

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AFG SYSTEM COMPONENTS

DRILL STRING ISOLATION TOOL (DSIT)

The DSIT closes the annulus and diverts flow using a hydraulically activated packing element.
In the open position, the non-intrusive element allows unhindered conventional operations. In
the closed position, the flow path is blocked, diverting it through the flow spool and armored
hoses to the rig choke or distribution (buffer) manifold. An integrated multi-function umbilical
provides DSIT control.

Operating parameters
Max OD 58-in.
Internal bore 19 in.
3.5M pound rating axial tension
2,000 psi MAWP
Length 20 ft
Integral auxiliary lines
15,000 psi rating for choke and kill (4,130); 6-in. OD x 1-in wall
7,500 psi rating for booster (4,130) 4.5 x 12-in. wall
5,000 psi rating for hydraulic (Duplex SS) 3 x .438-in. wall
Weight ~ 26,500 pounds (approximate)
DNV Type Examination Approval In process
Auxiliary line clamps included
Bumpers included
Volume to open: ~ 16 US gallons
Volume to close: ~ 30 US gallons

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CROSSOVER
Operating parameters
Max OD of 57 in.
Internal bore of 19-in. minimum
3.5M pound rating axial tension (or third party riser flange, whichever is less)
2,000 psi MAWP
Integral auxiliary lines
15,000 psi rating for choke and kill (4,130) 6-in. OD x 1-in. wall
7,500 psi rating for booster (4,130) 4.5 x 12-in. wall
5,000 psi rating for hydraulic (Duplex SS) 3 x .438-in. wall
Converts AFG riser flange ends to rigs proprietary riser connections
Length each ~ 6.5 ft
Weight ~ 6,635 pounds
Auxiliary line clamps included

API/RCD ADAPTER
The RCD adapter makes adding a third-party RCD to the AFGlobal RGH system, including
bypass lines a simple process.

The adapters connect either end of the RCD to the rest of the riser assembly using an
API 21-1/4-in. 10M X AFG riser flange.

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AFG SYSTEM COMPONENTS

FLOW SPOOL
Integral auxiliary lines:
15,000 psi rating for choke and kill (4130); 6-in. OD x 1-in wall
7,500 psi rating for booster (4,130) 4.5 x 12-in. wall
5,000 psi rating for hydraulic (Duplex SS) 3 x .438-in. wall
Weight ~ 17,000 pounds
Each valve requires ~ 14 ounces of fluid to open or close
Tapped ports on the elbows are optionally fitted with pressure
transducers that allow for riser bore pressure readings

Gooseneck:
ID 5.125 in.
OD 7.125 in.
Bend Radius 18 in.

Gooseneck is rated:
15,000 pound hang-off load
8,071 ft/lb torsional (Gray loc connection)

DNV Type Examination Approval Certification TEC D-5121

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UMBILICAL REEL

The HPU umbilical topsides attaches to the

RGH through the stab plate on the system.

UMBILICAL SYSTEM RGH STAB PLATE

The system has an integrated RGH/RCD umbilical for
HMI interface, HPU power, and PLC communications between
the rig and the RGH riser assembly. The system consists of:
Reel turn down sheave
Umbilical line
Removal stab plate at flow spool connection

ACCESSORIES
Tools to enhance RGH system handling and operation include:
Saddles to support RGH system on deck and in transport basket
AFG manual running tool
Spider split rig to land AFG flange
Junk catcher
Distribution Buffer manifold

Test stand

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AFGLOBAL RISER GAS HANDLING SYSTEM
Call us to start your transition to a safer, more efficient
and more competitiverig. Our experts will show you how
the industrys most advanced RGH system can be adapted to
your specific rig and objectives.

For more information, contact AFGlobal at

713-393-4200 or sales@afglobalcorp.com

AFGlobal Corporation
945 Bunker Hill, Suite 500
Houston, Texas 77024 USA
713-393-4200

afglobalcorp.com

2015 AFGlobal Corporation. All rights reserved.