Patent Grant
12018541
Note that '677 has expired but was timely claimed in '114; application '114 has issued as 10914130 on 2021-02-09; '049 claimed '114 while pending and '677 by extension; '049 co-pending with this application; and '049 currently has a notice of allowance. Applicant will pay the issue fee for '049 subsequent to filing the current application.
All prior filings are hereby incorporated by reference.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Prior art cited in the parent application to this filing include: US 20150376970 A1, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,530,430 B2, 5,848,643 A, 5,647,444 A, 5,178,215 A, US 2013 0032359 A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,094 A.
In one embodiment, a stripper head assembly 100 can be used to hold back pressure while stripping work-strings in and out of pressurized well environments. Said stripper head assembly 100 can also aid in wellsite operations including horizontal drill-outs, rig assisted snubbing, reverse circulation, and sonic stimulation.
A stripper head assembly for holding back pressure while stripping a work-string in and out of a pressurized well environment. Said stripper head assembly comprises a stripper head, a stripper insert, a stripper rubber, one or more retention bushing assemblies, one or more retention pins, and one or more retention apertures. Said stripper head comprises an outer portion of said stripper head assembly. Said stripper head comprises, from top to bottom, a top portion, a body portion, a lower neck portion and a flange base. a portion of said stripper insert fits within a portion of said stripper rubber. a portion of said stripper rubber fits within a portion of said stripper head. a portion of said stripper insert is configured to fit within a portion of said stripper rubber. a portion of said stripper rubber is configured to fit within a portion of said stripper head. Said one or more retention pins are configured to hold said stripper insert within an inner stripper head cavity of said stripper head. Said stripper insert comprises an insert upper ring. Said insert upper ring comprises a cylindrical ring having an outer sidewall, a top surface, a bottom surface and an inner sidewall. An insert ring shoulder comprises a bevel between said outer sidewall and said bottom surface. Said outer sidewall comprises an indention. Said stripper head can comprise said inner stripper head cavity having an internal surface. Said internal surface can comprise at least an insert ring support shoulder comprising a portion of said internal surface where an internal diameter is reduced as from top to bottom of said inner stripper head cavity. with said stripper insert installed in said stripper head, said insert ring support shoulder of said internal surface of said stripper head is configured to press upward on said insert ring shoulder of said insert upper ring of said stripper insert and said one or more retention pins is configured to press down on a portion of said indention. Said outer sidewall comprises said outer sidewall with said indention in an upper portion and said insert ring shoulder in a lower portion and said lower portion therebetween. A mid-portion width of said stripper rubber is smaller than or equal to an interior shoulder width. Said stripper insert and said stripper rubber attached to one another, said insert ring shoulder can extend outside of said mid-portion width of said stripper rubber.
Said stripper head assembly for holding back pressure while stripping said work-string in and out of said pressurized well environment. Said stripper head assembly comprises said stripper head, said stripper insert, said stripper rubber, said one or more retention bushing assemblies, said one or more retention pins, and said one or more retention apertures. Said stripper head comprises an outer portion of said stripper head assembly. Said stripper head comprises, from top to bottom, said top portion, said body portion, said lower neck portion and said flange base. a portion of said stripper insert fits within a portion of said stripper rubber. a portion of said stripper rubber fits within a portion of said stripper head. a portion of said stripper insert is configured to fit within a portion of said stripper rubber. a portion of said stripper rubber is configured to fit within a portion of said stripper head. Said one or more retention pins are configured to hold said stripper insert within said inner stripper head cavity of said stripper head. Said stripper insert comprises said insert upper ring. Said insert upper ring comprises a cylindrical ring having said outer sidewall, said top surface, said bottom surface and said inner sidewall. Said insert ring shoulder comprises a bevel between said outer sidewall and said bottom surface. Said outer sidewall comprises said indention. Said stripper head can comprise said inner stripper head cavity having said internal surface. Said internal surface can comprise at least said insert ring support shoulder comprising a portion of said internal surface where an internal diameter is reduced as from top to bottom of said inner stripper head cavity. with said stripper insert installed in said stripper head, said insert ring support shoulder of said internal surface of said stripper head is configured to press upward on said insert ring shoulder of said insert upper ring of said stripper insert and said one or more retention pins is configured to press down on a portion of said indention.
Said stripper head assembly for holding back pressure while stripping said work-string in and out of said pressurized well environment. Said stripper head assembly comprises said stripper head, said stripper insert, said stripper rubber, said one or more retention bushing assemblies, said one or more retention pins, and said one or more retention apertures. Said stripper head comprises an outer portion of said stripper head assembly. Said stripper head comprises, from top to bottom, said top portion, said body portion, said lower neck portion and said flange base. a portion of said stripper insert fits within a portion of said stripper rubber. a portion of said stripper rubber fits within a portion of said stripper head. a portion of said stripper insert is configured to fit within a portion of said stripper rubber. a portion of said stripper rubber is configured to fit within a portion of said stripper head. Said one or more retention pins are configured to hold said stripper insert within said inner stripper head cavity of said stripper head. Said stripper insert comprises said insert upper ring. Said insert upper ring comprises a cylindrical ring having said outer sidewall, said top surface, said bottom surface and said inner sidewall. Said insert ring shoulder comprises a bevel between said outer sidewall and said bottom surface. Said outer sidewall comprises said indention. Said stripper head can comprise said inner stripper head cavity having said internal surface. Said internal surface can comprise at least said insert ring support shoulder comprising a portion of said internal surface where an internal diameter is reduced as from top to bottom of said inner stripper head cavity. with said stripper insert installed in said stripper head, said insert ring support shoulder of said internal surface of said stripper head is configured to press upward on said insert ring shoulder of said insert upper ring of said stripper insert and said one or more retention pins is configured to press down on a portion of said indention. Said stripper rubber comprises a form fitting element for use within said stripper head assembly. Said stripper rubber comprises a lower aperture and an upper aperture at either end of a center aperture. Said stripper rubber comprises an inner surface around an interior space comprising said center aperture. Said stripper rubber comprises a collar portion attaching to an upper mid portion. Said upper mid portion comprises a substantially cylindrical hollow element for selectively being held within said inner sidewall of said stripper insert. A lower portions of said upper mid portion extend down toward said lower aperture and forming a multi-stage loading zones. Said multi-stage loading zones are configured to directing pressures to enhance the seal of said stripper rubber within said stripper head assembly.
The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, said stripper head assembly 100 can comprise a stripper head 102, one or more bolts 104, a stripper insert 106, one or more retention bushing assemblies 110, a stripper rubber 108, one or more retention pins 112, and a one or more mating apertures 114.
In one embodiment, said one or more bolts 104 can comprise a first bolt 104a, a second bolt 104b, a third bolt 104c, a fourth bolt 104d, a fifth bolt 104e, a sixth bolt 104f, a seventh bolt 104g, an eighth bolt 104h, a ninth bolt 104k and a tenth bolt 104m.
In one embodiment, said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 can comprise a first retention bushing assembly 110a, a second retention bushing assembly 110b, a third retention bushing assembly 110c, a fourth retention bushing assembly 110d, a fifth retention bushing assembly 110e, a sixth retention bushing assembly 110f, a seventh retention bushing assembly 110g, an eighth retention bushing assembly 110h, a ninth retention bushing assembly 110k and a tenth retention bushing assembly 110m.
In one embodiment, said one or more retention pins 112 can comprise a first retention pin 112a, a second retention pin 112b, a third retention pin 112c, a fourth retention pin 112d, a fifth retention pin 112e, a sixth retention pin 112f, a seventh retention pin 112g, an eighth retention pin 112h, a ninth retention pin 112k and a tenth retention pin 112m.
In one embodiment, said one or more mating apertures 114 can comprise a first mating aperture 114a, a second mating aperture 114b, a third mating aperture 114c, a fourth mating aperture 114d, a fifth mating aperture 114e, a sixth mating aperture 114f, a seventh mating aperture 114g, an eighth mating aperture 114h, a ninth mating aperture 114k and a tenth mating aperture 114m. In one embodiment, said one or more mating apertures 114 can be used to mate said stripper head assembly 100 with equipment such as a snubbing unit, hooks for lifting or similar.
As illustrated, only said first retention bushing assembly 110a is labeled. However, others among said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 are illustrated throughout the figures and are arranged in a rotary pattern around said stripper head 102. Likewise, only said first retention pin 112a among said one or more retention pins 112 is illustrated, and said first mating aperture 114a and said second mating aperture 114b among said one or more mating apertures 114 are illustrated.
In one embodiment, said stripper head assembly 100 can be used to hold back pressure while stripping work-strings in and out of pressurized well environments. Said stripper head assembly 100 can also aid in wellsite operations including horizontal drill-outs, rig assisted snubbing, reverse circulation, and sonic stimulation. In one embodiment, said stripper head assembly 100 can fit to a snubbing unit, as is known in the art.
Said one or more retention pins 112 can be threaded. In one embodiment, said one or more retention pins 112 can be configured to hold said stripper head assembly 100 in place.
Said stripper head assembly 100 can be designed and built to meet API 16A.
Said stripper head assembly 100 can comprise said stripper rubber 108. Said stripper rubber 108 can comprise a self-energized seal that becomes reinforced as wellbore pressure increases within the pressure rating range.
In one embodiment, a flange base 202 can comprise a bottom surface 216 and a top surface 222.
In one embodiment, a body portion 206 can comprise one or more flanged outlets 212 and a side surface 220.
In one embodiment, a top portion 208 can comprise one or more retention apertures 210, a top surface 214 and one or more grease ports 226.
Said one or more retention apertures 210 can comprise a first retention aperture 210a, a second retention aperture 210b, a third retention aperture 210c, a fourth retention aperture 210d, a fifth retention aperture 210e, a sixth retention aperture 210f, a seventh retention aperture 210g, an eighth retention aperture 210h, a ninth retention aperture 210k and a tenth retention aperture 210m.
In one embodiment, said one or more flanged outlets 212 can comprise a first flanged outlet 212a and a second flanged outlet 212b. In one embodiment, said one or more flanged outlets 212 can be arranged around said side surface 220 of said stripper head 102. In one embodiment, said one or more flanged outlets 212 can be used for pressure equalization and bleed-off.
Said one or more grease ports 226 can comprise a first grease port 226a, a second grease port 226b, a third grease port 226c, a fourth grease port 226d, a fifth grease port 226e, a sixth grease port 226f, a seventh grease port 226g, an eighth grease port 226h, a ninth grease port 226k and a tenth grease port 226m.
In one embodiment, said one or more grease ports 226 can comprise a part within said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110.
In one embodiment, said stripper head 102 can comprise an outer portion of said stripper head assembly 100. Said stripper head 102 can comprise, from top to bottom, said top portion 208, said body portion 206, a lower neck portion 204 and said flange base 202. In one embodiment, said stripper head 102 can comprise a series of substantially cylindrical parts being adapted for use as a snubbing unit, as is known in the art.
As illustrated, only a portion of said one or more retention apertures 210 and said one or more grease ports 226 are labeled. However, each are arranged around a center aperture 224 in a rotary pattern wherein, each unlabeled part can be determined by a person in the art.
As illustrated, said stripper head assembly 100 can comprise several components which selectively nest within one another. For example, in one embodiment, a portion of said stripper insert 106 can fit within a portion of said stripper rubber 108; a portion of said stripper rubber 108 can fit within a portion of said stripper head 102; a portion of said one or more bolts 104 can attach to a portion of said stripper head 102; a portion of said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 fit within a portion of said stripper head 102; and a portion of said one or more retention pins 112 fit within a portion of said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110.
In one embodiment, said stripper insert 106 can be molded into said stripper rubber 108. In one embodiment, these parts can be bonded together through an injected rubber molding process. In one embodiment, these can be bonded through injection transfer, compression, or molding process.
In one embodiment, said stripper head 102, said one or more bolts 104, said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and said one or more retention pins 112 can be constructed of metals such as steel. In one embodiment, said stripper rubber 108 can comprise rubber.
In one embodiment, one or more stalks 402 can comprise a first stalk 402a, a second stalk 402b, a third stalk 402c, a fourth stalk 402d, a fifth stalk 402e, a sixth stalk 402f, a seventh stalk 402g and an eighth stalk 402h.
From top to bottom, said stripper insert 106 can comprise an insert upper ring 400, said one or more stalks 402, and an insert lower ring 406.
In one embodiment, said stripper insert 106 can fit within a portion of said stripper rubber 108; wherein, said one or more stalks 402 and said insert lower ring 406 can nest within said stripper rubber 108 as described and illustrated herein.
In one embodiment, said one or more stalks 402 can comprise cylindrical elements expending down from a lower portion of said insert upper ring 400. In one embodiment, said insert lower ring 406 can comprise a portion of said insert upper ring 400 having been cut away. In one embodiment, said insert lower ring 406 can comprise a substantially circular element adapted to prevent movement of said stripper insert 106 relative to said stripper rubber 108 once attached thereto.
In one embodiment, said insert upper ring 400 can comprise an anti-rotation tab 404 adapted to prevent rotation of said stripper insert 106 with a portion of said one or more retention pins 112 inserted into a portion of said insert upper ring 400.
In one embodiment, said stripper insert 106 can comprise a center aperture 408, as illustrated.
In one embodiment, said insert upper ring 400, said one or more stalks 402, said anti-rotation tab 404 and said insert lower ring 406 can be welded to one another.
Said insert upper ring 400 can comprise a substantially cylindrical shape with said center aperture 408 cutting through a central axis 538. Said insert upper ring 400 can comprise an outer sidewall 514, a top surface 516, a bottom surface 518, an inner sidewall 520, and a height 532.
In one embodiment, said outer sidewall 514 can comprise an indention 508 having an indention height 522 and an indention depth 534.
In comparison to parent application Ser. No. 17/143,049, co-pending and claimed as noted above and in the ADS: said indention 508 can be modified to remove an upper portion (part 504 in '049). Whereby, the end user can see down into said indention 508. This change, however, can cause said stripper insert 106 to side down into said stripper head 102. Accordingly, an insert ring shoulder 540 can be cut into a lower edge of said insert upper ring 400 between said outer sidewall 514 and said bottom surface 518 of said insert upper ring 400. A corresponding shoulder can be positioned within said stripper head 102, as discussed below.
In one embodiment, said outer sidewall 514 can comprise said outer sidewall 514 with said indention 508 in an upper portion and said insert ring shoulder 540 in a lower portion 506 and said lower portion 506 therebetween.
In one embodiment, said center aperture 408 of said insert upper ring 400 can comprise a beveled interior edge 502 at a surface between said top surface 516 and said inner sidewall 520. In one embodiment, said top surface 516 can be substantially horizontal, and said inner sidewall 520 can be substantially vertical.
In one embodiment, said center aperture 408 can comprise an internal diameter 528; and said insert upper ring 400 can comprise an external diameter 526.
In one embodiment, said insert upper ring 400 can comprise a cylindrical ring defined by said outer sidewall 514, said top surface 516, said bottom surface 518 and said inner sidewall 520. Said beveled interior edge 502 can comprise an angular cut into said inner sidewall 520 between said top surface 516 and said inner sidewall 520. Said indention 508 can comprise a cut into said outer sidewall 514 to define said indention 508. Said insert ring shoulder 540 can comprise a 45 degree angular cut between said outer sidewall 514 and said bottom surface 518.
Said anti-rotation tab 404 can be inserted into a portion of said indention 508 to block off a portion of said indention 508. In one embodiment, a plurality of said anti-rotation tab 404 can be used, as needed. In one embodiment, said anti-rotation tab 404 can be welded into a portion of said indention 508.
In one embodiment, said insert lower ring 406 can be attached to said insert upper ring 400 with said one or more stalks 402 fixed at rotary intervals there-between.
In one embodiment, said one or more stalks 402 can attach to said bottom surface 518 at one end and said insert lower ring 406 at another end.
In one embodiment, said center aperture 408 can extend through said inner sidewall 520 and an inner sidewall 530 of said insert lower ring 406.
In one embodiment, said one or more stalks 402 can be arranged at a stalk angle 536 inward and down toward said center aperture 408 to provide an interference fit of said stripper head assembly 100 when no pressure is applied to the system and to provide a press said stripper rubber 108 in ward when under pressure.
Said stripper rubber 108 can comprise a rubber material for sealing parts of said stripper head assembly 100.
Said stripper rubber 108 can comprise one molded item with several features which can comprise (listed from top to bottom): a collar portion 604, an upper mid portion 606, a lower mid portion 608 and a lower portions 610. Said stripper rubber 108 can comprise a center aperture 600 to allow fluids to pass through said stripper rubber 108.
In one embodiment, said stripper rubber 108 can comprise a series of substantially cylindrical parts being arranged at various diameters to fill spaces within said stripper head 102 and said stripper insert 106 as discussed herein.
A stalks aperture 602 can comprise a space which (if assembled), said stripper insert 106 would be molded into said stripper rubber 108.
Said stripper rubber 108 can comprise a central aperture 744 along a horizontal central axis. Said central aperture 744 can comprise a lower aperture 716 and an upper aperture 718.
In one embodiment, said collar portion 604 of said stripper rubber 108 can comprise a diameter 720 at said upper aperture 718. In one embodiment, said collar portion 604 can flare out and upward away from said upper mid portion 606, as illustrated.
In one embodiment, said upper mid portion 606 of said stripper rubber 108 can comprise wrap around a portion of said stripper insert 106.
Said stalks aperture 602 can be formed by molding said one or more stalks 402 into said stripper rubber 108.
In one embodiment, said stripper rubber 108 can comprise a form fitting element for use within said stripper head assembly 100 being defined with said lower aperture 716 and said upper aperture 718 at either end of said center aperture 600; an inner surface 706 around an interior space comprising said center aperture 600; said collar portion 604 attaching to said upper mid portion 606; said upper mid portion 606 comprising a substantially cylindrical hollow element for selectively being held within said inner sidewall 520 of said stripper insert 106; a lubrication groove 714 cut into a portion of said lower portions 610; a mid-portion upper surface 738 extending out from said upper mid portion 606 to form said lower mid portion 608; a seal lip 702 comprising an outwardly extending material comprising a pressure trap 740 between said lower mid portion 608 and said lower portions 610; said lower portions 610 extending down toward said lower aperture 716 and forming a multi-stage loading zones 726; and said multi-stage loading zones 726 configured to directing pressures so as to enhance the seal of said stripper rubber 108 within said stripper head assembly 100.
In one embodiment, said pressure trap 740 can comprise an internal taper 746. In one embodiment, said internal taper 746 can create an early seal with an internal surface 1202 of said stripper head 102. In this manner, said pressure trap 740 can be self-energized to press said seal lip 702 into said internal surface 1202. In one embodiment, said seal lip 702 can have enough initial contact to create the initial seal which can then hold. Self-energized can mean that said stripper rubber 108 need not be compressed or squeezed at installation to create the initial seal, rather it need only be inserted into said stripper head 102.
Existing systems are designed only to hold up to 2500 psi of pressure, whereas, said stripper head assembly 100 can hold many times more than that. Many design advantages are seen in this disclosure, including innovations in said stripper rubber 108.
Said internal taper 746 of said pressure trap 740 can tighten under pressure as said pressure trap 740 will enhance a seal with said internal surface 1202 under pressure.
In one embodiment, said multi-stage loading zones 726 can build its hold on a tubing within said stripper head assembly 100 by increasing the cross-section thickness of said stripper rubber 108 as said multi-stage loading zones 726 increase from a first stage 734 to a second stage 732 to a third stage 730 to a fourth stage 728.likewise, the relative angle of said fourth stage 728 and said second stage 732 convert pressure into inward force on tubing. Finally, pressure on said fourth stage 728 can assert pressure on said insert lower ring 406 and said one or more stalks 402 within said stripper rubber 108.
Said stripper rubber 108 can comprise a stripper rubber height 722. Said mid-portion upper surface 738 can comprise a mid-portion width 724.
In one embodiment, an inner portions 800 can comprise said stripper insert 106 and said stripper rubber 108 attached to one another. In one embodiment, said inner portions 800 can be assembled by molding a portion of said stripper insert 106 into a portion of said stripper rubber 108. In one embodiment, a portion of said insert lower ring 406 and said one or more stalks 402 can be molded into said stalks aperture 602.
In one embodiment, said mid-portion width 724 can be smaller than or equal to an interior shoulder width 802. Accordingly, with said stripper insert 106 and said stripper rubber 108 attached to one another, said insert ring shoulder 540 can extend outside of said mid-portion width 724 of said stripper rubber 108.
In one embodiment, each among said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 can comprise said one or more retention pins 112 and one or more retention bushings 902 attached within said one or more retention apertures 210.
In one embodiment, said one or more retention bushings 902 can comprise a first retention bushing 902a, a second retention bushing 902b, a third retention bushing 902c, a fourth retention bushing 902d, a fifth retention bushing 902e, a sixth retention bushing 902f, a seventh retention bushing 902g, an eighth retention bushing 902h, a ninth retention bushing 902k, and a tenth retention bushing 902m.
In one embodiment, each among said one or more retention pins 112 can comprise an external threading 1000, a drive head 1002, a pressing head 1004, a exterior portion body 1006, an interior portion body 1008, an interior end diameter 1010, a shoulder 1012, an internal end 1014, an external end 1016 and an exterior end diameter 1018.
Said external threading 1000 can be arranged between said internal end 1014 and said external end 1016. In one embodiment, said external threading 1000 can be on said interior portion body 1008 proximate to said shoulder 1012. In one embodiment, said interior end diameter 1010 can be larger than said exterior end diameter 1018; wherein, the step down in diameter between said interior end diameter 1010 and said exterior end diameter 1018 can create said shoulder 1012. In one embodiment, said internal end 1014 and said external end 1016 can be substantially cylindrical and aligned on a central pin axis 1020.
Said one or more retention pins 112 can comprise said drive head 1002 for attachment to a driving tool, such as a wrench. In one embodiment, said drive head 1002 can comprise a helical cross-section.
Said attached configuration 1100 can comprise said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and said one or more retention pins 112 inserted into said one or more retention apertures 210 of said stripper head 102.
In one embodiment, said one or more retention pins 112 can selectively slide into said one or more retention apertures 210 and selectively attach thereto by screwing said external threading 1000 into an internal threading 1102 of said one or more retention apertures 210.
In one embodiment, said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 can comprise a ring comprising an interior O-ring groove 1104, an exterior O-ring groove 1106, a center aperture 1108, a grease aperture 1110, and a bleeder hole 1112.
Each among said one or more retention apertures 210 can further comprise an O-ring groove 1114 which can be configured to contain a first O-ring 1116 configured to seal a portion of said one or more retention pins 112 with said one or more retention apertures 210.
In one embodiment, said interior O-ring groove 1104 and said exterior O-ring groove 1106 can each be configured to contain a second O-ring 1118 and a third O-ring 1120, as illustrated. In one embodiment, said second O-ring 1118 can seat into said exterior O-ring groove 1106 and create a seal between said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and a portion of said stripper head 102; and said third O-ring 1120 can seat into said interior O-ring groove 1104 and create a seal between said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and a portion of said one or more retention pins 112.
In one embodiment, said one or more retention apertures 210 can further comprise a snap ring groove 1122, as illustrated, which can be configured to hold said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 within said one or more retention apertures 210.
In one embodiment, a lubricant 1126 can be inserted into a retention pin cavity 1124 through said one or more grease ports 226 and said grease aperture 1110. In one embodiment, said lubricant 1126 (such as grease or other lubricants) can ensure parts of said one or more retention apertures 210 and said one or more retention pins 112 are protected from friction and heat.
Said retention pin cavity 1124 can comprise a cavity between portions of said one or more retention apertures 210 and said one or more retention pins 112.
Accordingly, said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110, said one or more retention pins 112 and said top portion 208 are engineered to allow said lubricant 1126 to be inserted into threading between said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and said one or more retention pins 112 without allowing said lubricant 1126 to spill inside of said stripper head 102.
In one embodiment, said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 can be welded into said stripper head 102 in said one or more retention apertures 210.
In one embodiment, said stripper head 102 can comprise an inner stripper head cavity 1216 comprising said internal surface 1202. In one embodiment, said internal surface 1202 can progress (from top to bottom) as: a beveled upper edge 1204, a first surface 1206, an insert ring support shoulder 1218, a second surface 1208, a third surface 1210, a lower beveled edge 1212 and a fourth surface 1214.
As is known in the art, said beveled upper edge 1204 and said insert ring support shoulder 1218 can allow pipe and tubing to enter said stripper head assembly 100 so as to minimize damage to said stripper head assembly 100 or the tubing. Further, said collar portion 604 can be aligned above said beveled upper edge 1204 to further protect the equipment.
In one embodiment, said first surface 1206 can be slightly larger than said second surface 1208; wherein, said second surface 1208 can taper in so as to create a more solid seal between said stripper head 102 and said stripper rubber 108, as illustrated herein.
Said third surface 1210 can comprise a step inward and said lower beveled edge 1212 can be beveled, as illustrated. Finally, said fourth surface 1214 can be the smallest diameter of said internal surface 1202. In one embodiment, said fourth surface 1214 can fit with equipment mounted below said stripper head assembly 100.
In one embodiment, said insert ring support shoulder 1218 can support said insert ring shoulder 540 as discussed below.
In one embodiment, said one or more bolts 104 can comprise API studs, as is known in the art.
In one embodiment said stripper head assembly 100 can attach to a blow-out preventer 1500 which is attached to a well head 1502.
As illustrated hereafter, said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and said one or more retention pins 112 are simplified. Please refer to
In one embodiment, said insert ring support shoulder 1218 of said internal surface 1202 of said stripper head 102 can press upward on said insert ring shoulder 540 of said insert upper ring 400 of said stripper insert 106. Said one or more retention pins 112 can press down on an upper portion of said insert upper ring 400, such as said indention 508.
In one embodiment, by removing an upper portion of said indention 508 of said insert upper ring 400, said stripper head assembly 100 can be configured to display a portion of said one or more retention pins 112 when holding down said indention 508. This improvement ensures visual confirmation of sintallation at all locations (here 10 locations) of said one or more retention pins 112 around said stripper insert 106.
Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”
The following listing of the parts in the specification is included for ease of reading this specification:
The following sentences reare a restatement of the original claims and are included to ensure a complete disclosure and matching claims:
said stripper head assembly 100 for holding back pressure while stripping said work-string 1402 in and out of said pressurized well environment 1400. Said stripper head assembly 100 comprises said stripper head 102, said stripper insert 106, said stripper rubber 108, said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110, said one or more retention pins 112, and said one or more retention apertures 210. Said stripper head 102 comprises an outer portion of said stripper head assembly 100. Said stripper head 102 comprises, from top to bottom, said top portion 208, said body portion 206, said lower neck portion 204 and said flange base 202. A portion of said stripper insert 106 fits within a portion of said stripper rubber 108. A portion of said stripper rubber 108 fits within a portion of said stripper head 102. A portion of said stripper insert 106 can be configured to fit within a portion of said stripper rubber 108. A portion of said stripper rubber 108 can be configured to fit within a portion of said stripper head 102. Said one or more retention pins 112 can be configured to hold said stripper insert 106 within said inner stripper head cavity 1216 of said stripper head 102. Said stripper insert 106 comprises said insert upper ring 400. Said insert upper ring 400 comprises a cylindrical ring having said outer sidewall 514, said top surface 516, said bottom surface 518 and said inner sidewall 520. Said insert ring shoulder 540 comprises a bevel between said outer sidewall 514 and said bottom surface 518. Said outer sidewall 514 comprises said indention 508. Said stripper head 102 can comprise said inner stripper head cavity 1216 having said internal surface 1202. Said internal surface 1202 can comprise at least said insert ring support shoulder 1218 comprising a portion of said internal surface 1202 where an internal diameter can be reduced as from top to bottom of said inner stripper head cavity 1216. With said stripper insert 106 installed in said stripper head 102, said insert ring support shoulder 1218 of said internal surface 1202 of said stripper head 102 can be configured to press upward on said insert ring shoulder 540 of said insert upper ring 400 of said stripper insert 106 and said one or more retention pins 112 can be configured to press down on a portion of said indention 508. Said outer sidewall 514 comprises said outer sidewall 514 with said indention 508 in an upper portion and said insert ring shoulder 540 in said lower portion 506 and said lower portion 506 therebetween. Said mid-portion width 724 of said stripper rubber 108 can be smaller than or equal to said interior shoulder width 802. Said stripper insert 106 and said stripper rubber 108 attached to one another, said insert ring shoulder 540 can extend outside of said mid-portion width 724 of said stripper rubber 108.
Said stripper head assembly 100 for holding back pressure while stripping said work-string 1402 in and out of said pressurized well environment 1400. Said stripper head assembly 100 comprises said stripper head 102, said stripper insert 106, said stripper rubber 108, said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110, said one or more retention pins 112, and said one or more retention apertures 210. Said stripper head 102 comprises an outer portion of said stripper head assembly 100. Said stripper head 102 comprises, from top to bottom, said top portion 208, said body portion 206, said lower neck portion 204 and said flange base 202. A portion of said stripper insert 106 fits within a portion of said stripper rubber 108. A portion of said stripper rubber 108 fits within a portion of said stripper head 102. A portion of said stripper insert 106 can be configured to fit within a portion of said stripper rubber 108. A portion of said stripper rubber 108 can be configured to fit within a portion of said stripper head 102. Said one or more retention pins 112 can be configured to hold said stripper insert 106 within said inner stripper head cavity 1216 of said stripper head 102. Said stripper insert 106 comprises said insert upper ring 400. Said insert upper ring 400 comprises a cylindrical ring having said outer sidewall 514, said top surface 516, said bottom surface 518 and said inner sidewall 520. Said insert ring shoulder 540 comprises a bevel between said outer sidewall 514 and said bottom surface 518. Said outer sidewall 514 comprises said indention 508. Said stripper head 102 can comprise said inner stripper head cavity 1216 having said internal surface 1202. Said internal surface 1202 can comprise at least said insert ring support shoulder 1218 comprising a portion of said internal surface 1202 where an internal diameter can be reduced as from top to bottom of said inner stripper head cavity 1216. With said stripper insert 106 installed in said stripper head 102, said insert ring support shoulder 1218 of said internal surface 1202 of said stripper head 102 can be configured to press upward on said insert ring shoulder 540 of said insert upper ring 400 of said stripper insert 106 and said one or more retention pins 112 can be configured to press down on a portion of said indention 508. Said outer sidewall 514 comprises said outer sidewall 514 with said indention 508 in an upper portion and said insert ring shoulder 540 in said lower portion 506 and said lower portion 506 therebetween. Said mid-portion width 724 of said stripper rubber 108 can be smaller than or equal to said interior shoulder width 802. Said stripper insert 106 and said stripper rubber 108 attached to one another, said insert ring shoulder 540 can extend outside of said mid-portion width 724 of said stripper rubber 108.
Said stripper head assembly 100 for holding back pressure while stripping said work-string 1402 in and out of said pressurized well environment 1400. Said stripper head assembly 100 comprises said stripper head 102, said stripper insert 106, said stripper rubber 108, said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110, said one or more retention pins 112, and said one or more retention apertures 210. Said stripper head 102 comprises an outer portion of said stripper head assembly 100. Said stripper head 102 comprises, from top to bottom, said top portion 208, said body portion 206, said lower neck portion 204 and said flange base 202. A portion of said stripper insert 106 fits within a portion of said stripper rubber 108. A portion of said stripper rubber 108 fits within a portion of said stripper head 102. A portion of said stripper insert 106 can be configured to fit within a portion of said stripper rubber 108. A portion of said stripper rubber 108 can be configured to fit within a portion of said stripper head 102. Said one or more retention pins 112 can be configured to hold said stripper insert 106 within said inner stripper head cavity 1216 of said stripper head 102. Said stripper insert 106 comprises said insert upper ring 400. Said insert upper ring 400 comprises a cylindrical ring having said outer sidewall 514, said top surface 516, said bottom surface 518 and said inner sidewall 520. Said insert ring shoulder 540 comprises a bevel between said outer sidewall 514 and said bottom surface 518. Said outer sidewall 514 comprises said indention 508. Said stripper head 102 can comprise said inner stripper head cavity 1216 having said internal surface 1202. Said internal surface 1202 can comprise at least said insert ring support shoulder 1218 comprising a portion of said internal surface 1202 where an internal diameter can be reduced as from top to bottom of said inner stripper head cavity 1216. With said stripper insert 106 installed in said stripper head 102, said insert ring support shoulder 1218 of said internal surface 1202 of said stripper head 102 can be configured to press upward on said insert ring shoulder 540 of said insert upper ring 400 of said stripper insert 106 and said one or more retention pins 112 can be configured to press down on a portion of said indention 508.
Each among said one or more retention bushings 902 comprises a ring comprising said interior O-ring groove 1104, said exterior O-ring groove 1106, said center aperture 1108, said grease aperture 1110, and said bleeder hole 1112. Said interior O-ring groove 1104 and said exterior O-ring groove 1106 can be configured to each be configured to contain said second O-ring 1118 and said third O-ring 1120. Said second O-ring 1118 can be configured to seat into said exterior O-ring groove 1106 and create a seal between said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and a portion of said stripper head 102. Said third O-ring 1120 can be configured to seat into said interior O-ring groove 1104 and create a seal between said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and a portion of said one or more retention pins 112.
Each among said one or more retention apertures 210 can be configured to further comprise said O-ring groove 1114 which can be configured to contain said first O-ring 1116 configured to seal a portion of said one or more retention pins 112 with said one or more retention apertures 210. Said one or more retention apertures 210 can be configured to further comprise said snap ring groove 1122 which can be configured to hold said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 within said one or more retention apertures 210. Each among said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 can comprise said one or more grease ports 226. Each said one or more retention apertures 210 can comprise said retention pin cavity 1124. Said retention pin cavity 1124 comprises a cavity between portions of said one or more retention apertures 210 and said one or more retention pins 112. Each among said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 can be configured to seal said retention pin cavity 1124 within said one or more retention apertures 210 and around a portion of said one or more retention pins 112. Said one or more grease ports 226 can be configured to receive said lubricant 1126. Said lubricant 1126 can be inserted into said retention pin cavity 1124 through said one or more grease ports 226. Said lubricant 1126 can be configured to lubricate parts of said one or more retention apertures 210 and said one or more retention pins 112 can be protected from friction and heat.
Said stripper rubber 108 comprises a form fitting element for use within said stripper head assembly 100. Said stripper rubber 108 comprises said lower aperture 716 and said upper aperture 718 at either end of said center aperture 600. Said stripper rubber 108 comprises said inner surface 706 around an interior space comprising said center aperture 600. Said stripper rubber 108 comprises said collar portion 604 attaching to said upper mid portion 606. Said upper mid portion 606 comprises a substantially cylindrical hollow element for selectively being held within said inner sidewall 520 of said stripper insert 106. Said lower portions 610 of said upper mid portion 606 extend down toward said lower aperture 716 and forming said multi-stage loading zones 726. Said multi-stage loading zones 726 can be configured to directing pressures to enhance the seal of said stripper rubber 108 within said stripper head assembly 100.
Said stripper rubber 108 comprises a rubber material. Said stripper insert 106 can be molded into said stripper rubber 108 and bonded together through an injected rubber molding process.
Said stripper insert 106 comprises said insert upper ring 400, said one or more stalks 402, and said insert lower ring 406. Said stripper insert 106 can be configured to fit within a portion of said stripper rubber 108. Wherein, said one or more stalks 402 and said insert lower ring 406 can be configured to nest within said stripper rubber 108. Said one or more stalks 402 comprises cylindrical elements expending down from a lower portion of said insert upper ring 400. Said insert lower ring 406 comprises a portion of said insert upper ring 400 having been cut away. Said insert lower ring 406 comprises a substantially circular element adapted to prevent movement of said stripper insert 106 relative to said stripper rubber 108 once attached thereto.
Said insert upper ring 400 comprises said anti-rotation tab 404 adapted to prevent rotation of said stripper insert 106 with a portion of said one or more retention pins 112 inserted into a portion of said insert upper ring 400. Said anti-rotation tab 404 can be inserted into a portion of said indention 508 to block off a portion of said indention 508. A plurality of said anti-rotation tab 404 can be used, as needed. Said anti-rotation tab 404 can be welded into a portion of said indention 508.
Said stripper rubber 108 comprises a form fitting element for use within said stripper head assembly 100 being defined with said lower aperture 716 and said upper aperture 718 at either end of said center aperture 600. Said inner surface 706 around an interior space comprising said center aperture 600. Said collar portion 604 attaching to said upper mid portion 606. Said upper mid portion 606 comprising a substantially cylindrical hollow element for selectively being held within said inner sidewall 520 of said stripper insert 106. Said lubrication groove 714 cut into a portion of said lower portions 610. Said mid-portion upper surface 738 extending out from said upper mid portion 606 to form said lower mid portion 608. Said seal lip 702 comprising an outwardly extending material comprising said pressure trap 740 between said lower mid portion 608 and said lower portions 610. Said lower portions 610 extending down toward said lower aperture 716 and forming said multi-stage loading zones 726. Said multi-stage loading zones 726 configured to directing pressures so as to enhance the seal of said stripper rubber 108 within said stripper head assembly 100.
Said pressure trap 740 comprises said internal taper 746. Said internal taper 746 can be configured to create an early seal with said internal surface 1202 of said stripper head 102. N this manner, said pressure trap 740 can be self-energized to press said seal lip 702 into said internal surface 1202. Said seal lip 702 can be configured to have enough initial contact to create the initial seal which can be configured to then hold. Self-energized can be configured to mean that said stripper rubber 108 need not be compressed or squeezed at installation to create the initial seal, rather it need only be inserted into said stripper head 102. Said internal taper 746 of said pressure trap 740 can be configured to tighten under pressure as said pressure trap 740 will enhance a seal with said internal surface 1202 under pressure. Said internal taper 746 of said pressure trap 740 can be configured to tighten under pressure as said pressure trap 740 will enhance a seal with said internal surface 1202 under pressure. Said multi-stage loading zones 726 can be configured to build its hold on a tubing within said stripper head assembly 100 by increasing the cross-section thickness of said stripper rubber 108 as said multi-stage loading zones 726 increase from said first stage 734 to said second stage 732 to said third stage 730 to said fourth stage 728. Likewise, the relative angle of said fourth stage 728 and said second stage 732 convert pressure into inward force on tubing. Pressure on said fourth stage 728 can be configured to assert pressure on said insert lower ring 406 and said one or more stalks 402 within said stripper rubber 108.
Said one or more retention pins 112 can be configured to selectively slide into said one or more retention apertures 210 and selectively attach thereto by screwing said external threading 1000 of said one or more retention pins 112 into said internal threading 1102 of said one or more retention apertures 210.
Each among said one or more retention bushings 902 comprises a ring comprising said interior O-ring groove 1104, said exterior O-ring groove 1106, said center aperture 1108, said grease aperture 1110, and said bleeder hole 1112. Said interior O-ring groove 1104 and said exterior O-ring groove 1106 can be configured to each be configured to contain said second O-ring 1118 and said third O-ring 1120. Said second O-ring 1118 can be configured to seat into said exterior O-ring groove 1106 and create a seal between said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and a portion of said stripper head 102. Said third O-ring 1120 can be configured to seat into said interior O-ring groove 1104 and create a seal between said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 and a portion of said one or more retention pins 112.
Each among said one or more retention apertures 210 can be configured to further comprise said O-ring groove 1114 which can be configured to contain said first O-ring 1116 configured to seal a portion of said one or more retention pins 112 with said one or more retention apertures 210.
Said indention 508 can comprise an open top configured to allow users to visually see down into said indention 508 with said one or more retention pins 112 installed.
Each among said one or more retention bushing assemblies 110 comprises said one or more retention bushings 902, said one or more grease ports 226, and said bleeder hole 1112. Said bleeder hole 1112 allows a portion of said lubricant 1126 within said retention pin cavity 1124 to selectively escape at a given pressure. Said one or more grease ports 226 can be configured to selectively receive said lubricant 1126 into said retention pin cavity 1124.
Said outer sidewall 514 comprises said outer sidewall 514 with said indention 508 in an upper portion and said insert ring shoulder 540 in said lower portion 506 and said lower portion 506 therebetween.
Said mid-portion width 724 of said stripper rubber 108 can be smaller than or equal to said interior shoulder width 802. Said stripper insert 106 and said stripper rubber 108 attached to one another, said insert ring shoulder 540 can extend outside of said mid-portion width 724 of said stripper rubber 108.
Said insert ring shoulder 540 comprises a 45 degree bevel between said outer sidewall 514 and said bottom surface 518.
Said stripper head assembly 100 further comprises said one or more bolts 104. A portion of said one or more bolts 104 attach said flange base 202 of said stripper head assembly 100 equipment attached to said well head 1502 at said pressurized well environment 1400.
This application claims benefit to US Patent Application Number(s) 62/628,677 filed on 2018-02-09, 16273114 filed on 2019 Feb. 11, and 17143049 filed on 2021 Jan. 6.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62628677 | Feb 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17143049 | Jan 2021 | US |
| Child | 18056879 | US | |
| Parent | 16273114 | Feb 2019 | US |
| Child | 17143049 | US |
