The present invention relates generally to adapters for conductor pipe, more particularly, to an improved weldless adapter for mechanical hook-up to conductor pipe.
Adapters for conductor pipe are used in the oilfield and may be welded or weldless to facilitate pressurized connections to conductor pipe. The design and size of adapters limits the maximum wellbore working pressure as well as the time and energy necessary to install and utilize adapters at a plurality of well sites. An adapter may be used for pressure testing seals on conductor casing at the wellhead. Welded adapter casings require increased resources and downtime to mount or remove compared to weldless adapters.
An objective of the present invention is to provide an improved weldless adapter assembly for conductor pipe 20 inch diameter or less.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a weldless adapter operable to latch on to conductor casing to allow for pressure testing and drilling.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a weldless adapter that can easily be installed, removed, and moved to another conductor casing well site.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a weldless adapter with pressurized seals to allow for testing on the conductor.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a weldless adapter that may be slipped onto a conductor and attached by slips contracting onto the conductor casing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method to test seals that operate in all ranges of temperature, pressure, and types of fluid that are encountered in oilfield applications.
These and other objects and advantages may or may not be used depending on the various possible embodiment of the invention.
One general aspect includes a weldless adapter operable for attachment to a conductor casing. The weldless adapter also includes an adapter body. The adapter body defines a bore therethrough. The adapter also includes an adapter body which may include a body cavity. The body cavity defines a slip cavity. A plurality of slip segments is mounted within the slip cavity and positioned for engagement with the conductor casing. The adapter also includes the body cavity which may include two seal recesses. The adapter includes two seals mounted in the two seal recesses where the two seals are positioned to seal around the conductor casing. The adapter has a body cavity defining two injection ports in fluid communication with the two seal recesses. Two injection fittings are mounted in the two injection ports. The two injection ports receive pressurized fluid to energize the two seals for sealing around the conductor casing. A test port is positioned between the two seals. The test port is in communication with an annulus formed between the two seals and the conductor casing. The adapter also includes a test fitting mounted to the test port.
The weldless adapter may include a plurality of slip actuator bolts mounted along a periphery of the adapter body within receptacles through the adapter body where the plurality of slip actuator bolts engages the slip segments. A plurality of jack bolts is arranged along a circumference of the bottom of the adapter body when the adapter body is mounted for operation. The plurality of jack bolts fit within receptacles along the bottom of the adapter body, the plurality of jack bolts engages the slip segments. The slip actuator bolts and the jack screws bolts urge the slip segments into the conductor casing during latching the weldless adapter to the conductor casing and to retract the slip segments when releasing the weldless adapter from the conductor casing. The weldless adapter may include a test port for receiving pressurized fluid between the two seals to provide a pressurized test of the two seals. The slip segments may be constructed with teeth along an inner wall of the slip segments relative the adapter body. The teeth bite into the conductor casing when latching the weldless adapter to the conductor casing and retracting when releasing the weldless adapter from the conductor casing.
One general aspect includes a method of providing a weldless adapter operable for attachment to a conductor casing. The method includes mounting an adaptor body onto the conductor casing. Grease is injected to activate two seal rings around the conductor casing. Grease is also injected into an annulus between the two seal rings and the conductor casing to test the two seal rings.
The method may include supporting the adaptor body on the conductor casing on a shoulder formed within the adaptor body. Bolts above and below a plurality of slip segments may be utilized for tightening and releasing the plurality of slip segments against the conductor casing. At least one of the bolts above and below the slip segments may be utilized for centralizing the adaptor body on the conductor casing. To activate the two seal rings, grease may be injected through two injector ports. The plurality of slip actuator bolts engages the plurality of slip segments. A plurality of jack screws bolts is arranged along the circumference of the bottom of the adapter body. The plurality of jack bolts fits within receptacles along the bottom of the adapter body. The plurality of jack bolts engages the plurality of slip segments. The body cavity may define two bleeder ports in fluid communication with the two seal recesses. Two bleeder fittings may be mounted to the two bleeder ports.
One general aspect includes a weldless adapter operable for attachment to a conductor casing. The weldless adapter also includes an adapter body. The adapter also includes a plurality of slip segments mounted in the adapter body. A first plurality of bolts is along a periphery of the adapter body to engage an upper portion of the plurality of slip segments. A second plurality of bolts is mounted to engage a lower portion of the plurality of slip segments.
The weldless adapter may include a third plurality of bolts mounted to engage the plurality of slip segments. The third plurality of bolts may be positioned between the first plurality of bolts and the second plurality of bolts. The weldless adapter may include the adapter body defining a bore therethrough. The bore may define a first axis. The plurality of slip segments may have an angled surface relative the first axis. The angled surface is adjacent the adapter body and may define a second axis. The third plurality of bolts may move axially along the second axis. The second plurality of bolts may move axially along the first axis.
The plurality of slip segments may be constructed with teeth on an inner side of the plurality of slip segments relative the adapter body for engagement with the conductor casing. The adapter body may define a body cavity. The body cavity may include two seal recesses. Two seals may be mounted in the two seal recesses where the two seals are positioned to seal around the conductor casing. The body cavity has two injection ports in fluid communication with the two seal recesses. Two injection fittings are mounted in the two injection ports. The two injection ports receive pressurized fluid to energize the two seals for sealing around the conductor casing. The body cavity has two bleeder ports in fluid communication with the two seal recesses. Two bleeder fittings are mounted to the two bleeder ports. A test port is positioned between the two seals. The test port is in communication with an annulus formed between the two seals and the conductor casing. A test fitting is mounted to the test port.
The weldless adapter may include the adapter body defining a bore therethrough. The bore may define a first axis. The plurality of slip segments may have an angled surface relative to the first axis. The angled surface is adjacent the adapter body which may define a second axis. The first plurality of bolts may move axially along the second axis. The second plurality of bolts operable may move axially along the first axis.
These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings, the descriptions given herein, and the appended claims. However, it will be understood that above-listed objectives and/or advantages of the invention are intended only as an aid in understanding aspects of the invention, are not intended to limit the invention in any way, and therefore do not form a comprehensive or restrictive list of objectives, and/or features, and/or advantages.
The following detailed description and claims are merely illustrative of the generic invention. Additional modes, advantages, and particulars of this invention will be readily suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. A more complete understanding of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereto will be readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts and wherein:
Detailed descriptions of the invention are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
The weldless adapters described below comply with the latest edition of API 6A and API 16A and has fully implemented API Q1 quality system.
The API 16A license applies to drill-through equipment.
Products are designed to NACE MR-01-75 materials standards for resistance to sulfide stress cracking.
The weldless adapter permits mechanical hook-up to the conductor eliminating welding while providing a fully pressurized integral connection on top of the conductor pipe.
This adapter is designed to be used with 20″ or s a ler O.D. pipe. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to a particular size. However, the maximum rated wellbore working pressure of this adapter is limited by the working pressure of the top connection (usually a flange) or the working pressure of the conductor pipe.
The actual maximum working pressure of the weldless adapter when installed on the conductor pipe should not exceed two-thirds (0.666) of the internal yield pressure of the pipe or the working pressure of the top connection, whichever is less, in other words, use the smallest number as the maximum working pressure of the adapter.
Internal metal-to-metal engagement slips 6 are mechanically activated for frictional engagement with the conductor 42. Seal pressurization is accomplished by hydraulic activation of rubber seals 4.
The use of the weldless adapter results in a significant time savinas. As the conductor is being installed, the diverter can be nippled up to the weldless adapter and the complete unit can be lowered onto the conductor at the appropriate time.
Now referring to
Additionally, in one possible embodiment, slip retainer bolts 8 may be angled relative to jack screws 12. In another possible embodiment, slip actuator bolts 10 may be angled relative jack screws 12. In yet another possible embodiment, both slip retainer bolts 8, actuator bolts 10, and jack screws 12 may all be at different angles relative to each other. In one possible embodiment, the retainer bolts 8 and/or the actuator bolts 10 may move along a different or second axis 46 (See
Additional components may be mounted on adapter 100 such as gate valve 30 which may be secured to flanges 26, 27 nuts or fasteners 28, and stud tap ends 24. Ring gaskets 22 along with stud bolts 32 may also be used to mount components to gate valve 30. Other valves or components may be mounted to the adapter 100 as well such as diverters or medium service pressure devices. Plugs 18 may be used to seal and cover valves or other like devices attached to weldless adapter 100. Within the side of the body 2 along the seals 4 may be plugs (not shown) to retain and protect grease fittings as well as to assist to energize or de-energize the seals. Eye bolts 20 may be mounted to the body 2 to allow for lifting and lowering the adapter 100 into position.
After the conductor pipe is landed and cemented, the pipe or casing may be cut at the desired elevation. This can be done with either gas cutting equipment or high-pressure water cutters. The cut should be square With the casing to ensure that when the adapter is installed, the casing rests squarely on the inside shoulder 40 (See
In a preferred embodiment, fittings or ports 14,16 (See
Turning to
Prior to the installation of the adapter 100 on the casing, inspection of the underside of the adapter 100 may be performed to ensure that all seals 4 are installed. The teeth 9 of the slip segments 6 may also be inspected to ensure that they are clean and free of any foreign metal particles that may have been deposited there from previous well operations.
If the seals 4 are not installed in the body of the adapter 100, inspection of the seal grooves or recesses 17 (
Grease injection fittings may be installed in N.P.T. openings within body 2 for injection ports 14. Plugs (not shown) are installed on the test ports 36. Ball check fittings, with vent port holes, may be installed in the bleeder ports 16. Additional plugs (not shown) may be fitted onto injection ports 14 and bleeder ports 16.
The seals 4 may be energized with a grease gun or other suitable grease injection pump by pumping or injecting grease into the injector port 14 for the top seal. The relief or bleed fitting 16 for that seal should be in the “open” position.
When returns are observed through the appropriate relief port 16 the relief port 16 may be dosed while continuing to pump grease into the seal 4 until a continuous pressure of approximately 1500 PSI is reached. The appropriate pressure may vary more or less depending on the desired application. The grease gun or other like device may be removed from upper seal 5 and the procedure repeated on the lower seal 7 to energize both seals 4.
After both seals 4 have been energized, a test pressure can then be applied into test port 36 between the two seals 4. The pressure from the seals assists in clamping the adapter 100 onto the conductor casing 42. For this purpose, grease can be injected into the test port 36. The test pressure may be approximately 1000 PSI between the seals 4. If the test pressure cannot be maintained, check the grease pressure on the seals 4 to ensure that the previously applied pressure is still holding on the seals 4. Repressurize the seals 4 with grease if necessary and retest.
If the test pressure cannot be maintained, recheck the grease pressure in all seals 4. If the grease pressure is low, repressurize the seals 4 with grease. Reapplication of the test pressure can then verify whether the proper pressure can be maintained between the seals 4. If the seals 4 will not hold test pressure, the weldless adapter 100 should be removed from the pipe and all damaged seals 4 should be replaced.
Now turning to
In a preferred embodiment, the slip actuator bolts 10 may then be tightened at 12 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions (as viewed from the top). The distance from the casing O.D. to the adapter bottom I.D. may then be measured to ensure that the adapter is centered over the casing (± 1/16″). The distance may vary depending on the application and can be larger or smaller than 1/16″. This dimension should be taken or measured in line with the slip actuator bolts 10. If the dimension at all four points is not equal, tighten the slip actuator bolt 10 on the side with the smaller dimension until the adapter 100 is centered with the casing 42 and all dimensions are equal along axis 44.
The four actuator bolts 10 may be tightened to approximately “1000 foot-pounds” of torque. The actual torque requirement may vary depending on a plurality of factors such as pressure, metal type, or the like. The dimensions on the actuator bolts 10 should be inspected to make sure that the weldless adapter 100 is still centered over the casing 42. After the torque and dimensions have been verified, the remaining actuator bolts 10 may be evenly tightened to approximately to “800-1000 foot-pounds” of torque. The slips should be secured in place as shown in
In
Annulus 37 is formed between adapter 100 and conductor casing 42 and allows for fluid movement during operations. After both seals 4 have been energized, a test pressure can then be applied into test port 36 between the two seals 4. The pressure from the seals assists in clamping the adapter 100 onto the conductor casing 42. The seals 4 prevent fluid from flowing through the annulus. A test pressure is injected between the upper seal 5 and lower seal 7, collectively seals 4, to ensure the required seal pressure is maintained and each seal is operating satisfactorily. If the seals 4 will not hold test pressure, the weldless adapter 100 should be removed from the pipe and all damaged seals 4 should be replaced.
Turning to
One of the advantages of utilizing a weldless adapter is the decreased amount of time to deploy the adapter. Another advantage is decreased time for engaging or disengaging the adapter for moving it from one conductor casing location to another. Accordingly, after the adapter 100 is mounted and finishing any pressure testing or initial drilling operations, the weldless adapter may be moved to another location.
The weldless adapter may be removed from the conductor pipe by first releasing the grease pressure from the upper and lower seals 5,7 by opening the two relief ports 16 (as can be seen in
To further loosen the adapter 100, the slip actuator bolts 10 may be rotated counterclockwise to move the slip segments 6 to the fully retracted position. Check all actuator bolts 10 to make sure that all slip segments 6 are in the fully retracted position. This check can be done by measuring the length of the actuator bolt 10 protruding above the adaptor body 2.
Pressure may then be applied to the test port 36 which will loosen the seals 4 contact with the conductor pipe 42. The eye bolts 20 may be attached to and used to pull on the bolts 20 perpendicular to the connector. This will also loosen the seals against the conductor pipe. After all slip segments 6 are fully retracted and seals 4 released, the adapter 100 may be lifted and removed from the casing 42 for inspection, service, redeployment, or the like.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that various changes in the size, shape and materials as well as in the details of the illustrated construction or combinations of features of the various coring elements may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, the scope of this patent is not limited to its literal terms but instead embraces all equivalents to the claims described.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20230151702 A1 | May 2023 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63280341 | Nov 2021 | US |