Patent Grant
9556699
1. Field of the Disclosure
This invention relates in general to subterranean wells, and in particular to connectors for attaching to a conductor pipe associated with the subterranean well.
2. Description of Prior Art
In a subterranean well of the type concerned herein, a tubular member extends generally upwards from the subterranean well. Typically the tubular member can be casing, a drill string, or other conductor pipe that extends out of the subterranean well. A conductor pipe connector assembly connects the upper end of the conductor pipe to a pressure containing component, such as a surface wellhead, a multibowl component, or a drilling diverter system.
Many current connector assemblies are mechanical in nature. Such mechanical systems can be cumbersome in size with the mechanical components defining a relatively large outer diameter clearance to operate. In certain situations, the forces required to operate the mechanical connector can become so large that it is difficult for an operator to properly energize the connector.
Methods and system of embodiments of the current disclosure provide a conductor pipe connector that can be used in close confines or restricted applications such as tight well slot allocations or overshot applications. Embodiments of this disclosure are able to engage rough conductor pipe and energize a seal between, the conductor pipe connector and the conductor pipe in a quick connect operation with no welding required. The use of hydraulics to control the conductor pipe connector provides ease of operations for engaging the conductor pipe with the conductor pipe connector as well as for releasing the conductor pipe connector from the conductor pipe. A Iranian operator does not have to physically provide the force or torque required to operate a mechanical connector and the conductor pipe connector does not require a clearance around the connector in order to manually reach the connector. Embodiments of the hydraulic conductor pipe connector of this disclosure can be modified to exclude any external lockdown members so that due to its slick outer diameter profile, the conductor pipe connector can be run through subsea wellheads or surface wellhead systems.
In an embodiment of tins disclosure, a conductor pipe connector assembly for coupling a pressure containing component to a conductor pipe of a subterranean well includes an annular slip bowl circumscribing the conductor pipe. An annular slip segment is located between the slip bowl and the conductor pipe. A slip actuation ring is located between the slip bowl and the slip segment, the slip actuation ring having a beveled surface in sliding contact with one of the slip bowl and the slip segment. An elongated annular piston member circumscribes the conductor pipe and is coupled to the slip actuation ring, the piston member movable to an engaged position to urge the slip segment radially inward against the conductor pipe.
In an alternate embodiment of this disclosure, a conductor pipe connector assembly for coupling a pressure containing component to a conductor pipe of a subterranean well includes a connector housing, the connector housing being annular with a housing central bore and a central axis. A slip bowl is located axially adjacent to, attached to, and coaxial with, the connector housing, the slip bowl being annular and having a bowl central bore. A slip segment is carried by the slip bowl. An annular seal is located within the housing central bore. A piston member is located within the housing central bore. The piston member is an elongated annular member movable to an engaged position where the piston member both energizes the annular seal to seal between, the connector housing and the conductor pipe and retains the slip segment In gripping engagement with the conductor pipe.
In yet another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for coupling a pressure containing component to a conductor pipe of a subterranean well includes providing a conductor pipe connector assembly. The conductor pipe connector assembly has a connector housing with a housing central bore, a slip bowl attached to, and coaxial, with, the connector housing and having a bowl central bore, a slip segment carried within the bowl central bore, an annular seal located within the housing central bore, and a piston member located within the housing central bore. The conductor pipe connector assembly is landed over an end of the conductor pipe so that the connector housing circumscribes a portion of the conductor pipe. A pressure media is injected into a supply port through the connector housing and into an engage pressure chamber defined between the piston member and the connector housing, to move the piston member towards an engaged position so that the annular seal is energized to seal between the connector housing and the conductor pipe, and the slip segment grips the conductor pipe.
Some of the features and benefits of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction, with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The methods and systems of the present disclosure will sow be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The methods and systems of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
It is to be further understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.
Referring to
Conductor pipe connector assembly 14 provides a connection between conductor pipe 10 and the pressure containing component. Conductor pipe connector assembly 14 includes a connector housing 16. Connector housing 16 is an annular shaped member with housing central bore 18 having central axis 20. Connector housing 16 can be a single solid member. Alternately, as shown in the embodiments of
Returning to
Slip segment 28 is located within bowl central bore 26 radially between slip bowl 24 and conductor pipe 10. Slip segment 28 is generally ring shaped and concentric with bowl central bore 26. Slip segment 28 can be a single continuous ring except for a single cut through the axial length of slip segment 28, defining a gap in slip segment 28 and allowing slip segment 28 to expand and contract. Slip segment 28 has a generally axially extending inner surface with teeth 30 for engaging and gripping an outer-surface of conductor pipe 10.
The outer surface of slip segment 28 includes downward facing sloped surface 32 and upward facing sloped surface 34. Surfaces 32, 34 extend radially inward with distance from a mid-portion of slip segment 28 to give slip segment 28 a wedge like cross section. Downward facing sloped surface 32 mates with a bowl lower sloped surface 36. Bowl lower sloped surface 36 is a sloped surface facing in an upward direction on an inner diameter of bowl central bore 26 and is complimentary to slip segment 28. Slip segment 28 is fabricated to be biased in a radially outward direction so that slip segment 28 is constantly applying radially outward forces on bowl central bore 26 as it strains to expand radially outward. Because of the radially outward bias of slip segment 28, slip segment 28 protrudes into slip bowl 24. The mated interaction between downward facing sloped surface 32 and bowl lower sloped surface 36 allows slip segment 28 to be retained within bowl central bore 26 when conductor pipe connector assembly 14 is being lowered onto conductor pipe 10 and during other operations and handling of conductor pipe connector assembly 14.
Upward facing sloped surface 34 of slip segment 28 mates with inner sloped surface 38 of slip actuation ring 40. Slip actuation ring 40 is an annular member located in bowl central bore 26 radially between slip bowl 24 and slip segment 28 and has a beveled surface in sliding contact with one of slip bowl 24 or slip segment 28. Slip actuation ring 40 has a generally wedged shape in cross section, with an outer sloped surface that faces downward engaging an inner mating sloped surface of bowl central bore 26 that laces upward. Both the outer sloped surface of slip actuation ring 40 and the inner mating sloped surface of bowl central bore 26 can be smooth or with a slight grooved profile to reduce the surface drag. Slip actuation ring 40 is located axially above bowl lower sloped surface 36.
Looking at
Returning to
Conductor pipe connector assembly 14 includes piston member 46 for driving slip segment 28 into gripping engagement with the outer surface of conductor pipe 10. Piston member 46 is located within housing central bore 18 and is moveable between an unengaged position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, piston member 46 is in an axial lower location than when piston member 46 is in an unengaged position. In the engaged position, piston member 46 energizes an annular seal 48 to seal between conductor housing 16 and conductor pipe 10, and retains slip segment 28 in gripping engagement with conductor pipe 10. Annular seal 48 is located within housing central bore 18 for sealing between connector housing 16 and conductor pipe 10. Annular seal 48 can be, for example, an elastomer slab packing.
Piston member 46 has a generally axial and planar inner diameter surface. The outer diameter surface of piston member 46 includes upper portion 50, expanded portion 52, and lower portion 54. The wall thickness and outer diameter of expanded portion 52 is greater than the wall thickness and outer diameter of both upper portion 50 and lower portion 54. The transition between expanded portion 52 and upper portion 50 defines an upper piston surface 56, which faces an upper downward facing sloped surface of housing central bore 18. The transition between expanded portion 52 and lower portion 54 defines a lower piston surface 58, which faces a lower upward facing sloped surface of housing central bore 18. In the embodiments of
Engage pressure chamber 60 is defined by the inner surface of housing central bore 18 and the outer surface of piston member 46, between upper piston surface 56 and the upper downward facing sloped surface of housing central bore 18. Ring seals are located axially above and below engage pressure chamber 60 to prevent pressure media from escaping between housing central bore 18 of connector housing 16, and the outer surface of piston member 46, so that the pressure integrity of engage pressure chamber 60 is maintained. Supply port 62 extends into engage pressure chamber 60 so that pressure media can be supplied to engage pressure chamber 60. When pressure media is supplied into engage pressure chamber 60, the pressure media will act on upper piston surface 56, moving piston member 46 downward towards the engaged position. The pressure media can be, for example, hydraulic fluid, pressurized air, or other suitable liquid or gas under pressure.
Similarly, release pressure chamber 64 is defined by the inner surface of housing central bore 18 and the outer surface of piston member 46, between lower piston surface 58 and the lower upward facing sloped surface of housing central bore 18. Ring seals are located axially above and below release pressure chamber 64 to prevent pressure media fern escaping between housing central bore 18 of connector housing 16, and the outer surface of piston member 46, so that the pressure integrity of release pressure chamber 64 is maintained. Release port 66 extends into release pressure chamber 64 so mat pressure media can be supplied to release pressure chamber 64. When pressure media is supplied into release pressure chamber 64, the pressure media will act on lower piston surface 58, moving piston member 46 upward towards the unengaged position.
Conductor pipe connector assembly 14 further includes a plurality of guide rods 68 for conveying movement of piston member 46 to movement of slip segment 28. Guide rods 68 are elongated, members spaced around a circumference of connector housing 16 and moveable in an axial direction only. Each guide rod 68 has a first end 70 coupled to piston member 46. In the embodiments of
Second end 74 of each guide rod 68 is linked to slip segment 28. In the embodiments of
A middle portion 78 of each guide rod 68 is located within and extends through one of a plurality of elongated bores 80. Elongated bores 80 extend axially through a length of connector housing 16, offset from central axis 20. Elongated bores 80 provide a path for guide rods 68 and maintain guide rods 68 in a generally axial orientation.
In this way, as piston member 46 moves downward and towards an engaged position, guide rods 68 move slip segment 28 towards conductor pipe 10. This occurs by way of piston member 46 being connected to carrier plate 72, which in turn is coupled to first end 70 of guide rod 68, which has a second end 74 fastened to slip carrier ring 76, that mates with slip actuation ring 40, which urges slip segment 28 axially downward and radially inward towards conductor pipe 10. Simultaneously, the lower surface of piston member 46 engages annular seal 48, energizing annular seal 48, to seal between connector housing 16 and conductor pipe 10. When piston member moves in the opposite, upward direction, the engagement and mating of actuation surface profile 44 of actuation ring 40 with slips surface profile 42 of slip segment 28 retains slip segment 28 in engagement with slip actuation ring 40 when piston member 46 is moved towards the unengaged position.
Conductor pipe connector assembly 14 can in some embodiments, including the embodiments of
In other embodiments, such as that of
Returning to
Looking now at
The outer diameter surface of second piston member 46′ includes second upper portion 50′, second expanded portion 52′, and second lower portion 54′. The wall thickness and outer diameter of second expanded portion 52′ is greater than the wall thickness and outer diameter of both second upper portion 50′ and second lower portion 54′. The transition between second expanded portion 52′ and second upper portion 50′ defines a second upper piston surface 56′, which faces a second upper downward facing sloped surface of housing central bore 18. In the embodiment of
Second engage pressure chamber 60′ is defined by the inner surface of housing central bore 18 and the outer surface of second piston member 46′, between second upper piston surface 56′ and the second upper downward facing sloped surface of housing central bore 18. Ring seals are located axially above and below second engage pressure chamber 60′ to prevent pressure media from escaping between housing central bore 18 of connector housing 16, and the outer surface of second piston member 46′, so that the pressure integrity of second engage pressure chamber 60′ is maintained. Second supply port 62′ extends into second engage pressure chamber 60′ so that pressure media can be supplied to second engage pressure chamber 60′. When pressure media is provided into second engage pressure chamber 60′, the pressure media will act on second upper piston surface 56′, moving second piston member 46′ downward towards the engaged position where it engages and energizes second annular seal 48′.
Similarly, second release pressure chamber 64′ is defined by the inner surface of housing central bore 18 and the outer surface of second piston member 46′, between second lower piston surface 58′ and the lower upward feeing sloped surface of housing central bore 18. Ring seals are located axially above and below second release pressure chamber 64′ to prevent pressure media from, escaping between housing central bore 18 of connector housing 16, and the outer surface of second piston member 46′, so that the pressure integrity of second release pressure chamber 64′ is maintained. Second release port 66′ extends into second release pressure chamber 64′ so that pressure media can be supplied to second release pressure chamber 64′. When pressure media is pumped into second release pressure chamber 64′, the pressure media will act on second lower piston surface 58′, moving second piston member 46′ upward towards the unengaged position.
In an example of operation, conductor pipe connector assembly 14 is assembled together with a pressure containing component through flanged end 84 of connector housing 16. The pressure containing component can be, for example, a surface wellhead component such as a casing head, a surface, or offshore member to be used with the conductor pipe connector assembly 14 when the conductor pipe connector assembly 14 is used as a overshot for latching and gripping onto stuck pipe, or a diverter system such as mini drilling stack when the conductor pipe connector assembly 14 is used for drilling applications.
Conductor pipe connector assembly 14 together with the pressure containing component is then run as one assembly and landed over and end of conductor pipe 10 so that connector housing 16 circumscribes a portion of conductor pipe 10. Pressure media is then injected into supply port 62 and into engage pressure chamber 60, to move piston member 46 downward and towards an engaged position. As pressure media is injected into supply port 62 and piston member 46 moves downward, any pressure media in release pressure chamber 64 escapes out of release port 66.
As piston member 46 travels downward, it is simultaneously performing two operations: annular seal 48 is energized to seal between connector housing 16 and conductor pipe 10, and slip segment 28 grips conductor pipe 10. Annular seal 48 is energized by squeezing annular seal 48 between the lower surface of piston member 46 and an annular upward facing surface of end cap 22, forcing annular seal 48 to exert a seal radially between end cap 22 of connector housing 16 and conductor pipe 10.
At the same time, as described above, as piston member 46 moves downward and towards an engaged position, guide rods 68 move slip segment 28 towards conductor pipe 10. This occurs by way of piston member 46 being connected to carrier plate 72, which in turn is coupled to first end 70 of guide rod 68, which has a second end 74 fastened to slip carrier ring 76, that mates with slip actuation ring 40, which urges slip segment 28 axially downward and radially inward towards conductor pipe 10.
Because slip segment 28 is controlled with a beneficial mechanical advantage, the downward motion of piston member 46 forces slip segment 28 radially inwards, biting conductor pipe 10. Slip actuation ring 40 can travel downwards until a tip at the bottom of slip actuation ring 40 bottoms out on an annular shoulder of slip bowl 24. The tip at the bottom of slip actuation ring 40 prevents slip segment from travelling so far downward that it becomes bound and can no longer be moved in an upward direction.
In embodiments where conductor pipe connector assembly 14 has a second annular seal 48′, pressure media can also be provided into second engage pressure chamber 60′ to move second piston member 46′ downward towards the engaged position where it engages and energizes second annular seal 48′.
After Conductor pipe connector assembly 14 is set with piston member 46 in an engaged position, a test can be performed running a cup tester or equivalent tool. If annular seal 48, and second annular seal 48′, as applicable, is not be able to withstand the pressure, annular seal 48 can be further energized by applying torque to lock members 82. By torqueing lock members 82, the lock members 82 will be driven inward until the radially inner end of lock members 82 engage the recess in the outer diameter surface of piston member 46. This recess is positioned so after the energization of annular seal 48 and slip segment 28, there is still sufficient stroke to allow the annular seal 48, and second annular seal 48′, as applicable, to compress further as required. In embodiments without lock member 82, the pressure of the pressure medium engage pressure chamber 60 is maintained to maintain annular seal 48 in an energized condition and maintain slip segment 28 in gripping engagement with conductor pipe 10.
In order to reverse the process, pressure media can be injected through release port 66 and into release pressure chamber 64. During such operation, pressure media in engage pressure chamber 60 can escape out through supply port 62. Piston member 46 will move towards an unengaged position so that annular seal 48 is unenergized. Slips surface profile 42 and actuation surface profile 44 engage so that as slip actuation ring 40 moves upward, slip segment 28 moves upward with slip actuation ring 40. Therefore as piston member 46 moves upwards towards an unengaged position, slip segment 28 un-grips and releases conductor pipe 10.
Embodiments of this disclosure therefore provide a conductor connector with a quick makeup connection, that is weldless, and that utilizes hydraulic fluid to engaging the slip segment, whilst energizing the elastomer seals concurrently, all within a slim profile design.
The terms “vertical”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “above”, and “below” are used herein only for convenience because elements of embodiments of this disclosure may be utilized in various positions.
The system and method described herein, therefore, are well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the system and method has been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results. These and other similar modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the system and method disclosed herein and the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4856594 | Jennings | Aug 1989 | A |
| 4936382 | Thomas | Jun 1990 | A |
| 5158326 | Anderson | Oct 1992 | A |
| 6138762 | Sweeney | Oct 2000 | A |
| 8474537 | Voss | Jul 2013 | B2 |
| 20030121653 | Webster | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2233687 | Jan 1991 | GB |
| Entry |
|---|
| A PCT Search Report and Written Opinion issued in connection with corresponding PCT Application No. PCT/US2015046442 on Oct. 29, 2015. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20160060994 A1 | Mar 2016 | US |
