Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090211749 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR ISOLATING PORTIONS OF A WELLHEAD FROM FLUID PRESSURE - A wellhead system is provided. In one embodiment, the wellhead system includes a bypass sleeve for temporarily isolating portions of a wellhead assembly from pressurized fracing fluid. The bypass sleeve may include a generally tubular body having a tool interface, a lock ring disposed at least partially around the body, and an anti-rotation device coupled to the body. In some embodiments, the anti-rotation device includes a resilient member disposed in a cavity in the body, and an anti-rotation member biased away from the body by the resilient member. The anti-rotation member of some embodiments extends radially outward from the body. | 08-27-2009 |
20100183360 | CONNECTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A novel connector is provided, in one embodiment, the connector includes a collar ( | 07-22-2010 |
20100193195 | SEAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring. | 08-05-2010 |
20100206545 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO SEAL MULTIPLE CONTROL LINES - A system in some embodiments includes sealing system including an energizing member that simultaneously seats a plurality of sealing elements about a plurality of control lines, respectively. Further embodiments provide a method including disposing a plurality of sealing elements about a plurality of control lines, respectively, and fastening an energizing member to simultaneously seat each of the sealing elements. | 08-19-2010 |
20100206588 | SEAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system in some embodiments includes a tool for setting an annular seal, including an inner body, wherein the inner body is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the tool and is configured to bias a retaining ring, a first outer body coaxial with the longitudinal axis and configured to couple to a portion of a mineral resource system, and a second outer body coaxial with the longitudinal axis, wherein the second outer body is coupled to the first outer body, and the second outer body is configured to move along the longitudinal axis to bias the annular seal. | 08-19-2010 |
20100243268 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SNUBBING UNDER PRESSURE - A snubbing plug is configured to enable pressure equalization above and below the plug before it is removed from a mineral extraction well. The pressure may be equalized via fluid pathways through the snubbing plug. While the snubbing operations are ongoing, the fluid pathways are closed and sealed by a valve. Upon completion of the snubbing operations, the valve is opened to enable fluid flow through the pathways. The valve includes a piston disposed within a body of the snubbing plug. The piston may be coupled to pins disposed within L slots in the body. While the valve is closed, the pins are disposed in a horizontal portion of the L slot, blocking vertical movement of the piston. To open the valve, the piston is rotated until the pins reach a vertical portion of the L slot, whereupon a spring biases the piston upward to open the fluid pathways. | 09-30-2010 |
20100258295 | FRAC SYSTEM SPLIT RING DEVICE - A wellhead system, in an embodiment, includes a first wellhead component with an internal bore, and a second wellhead component with a lower end disposed within the first wellhead component internal bore and an upper end disposed outside of the first wellhead component internal bore. The upper end of the second wellhead component has a groove disposed on an outer surface thereof. The wellhead system also includes a retaining member with a plurality of sections, wherein a portion of the retaining member is at least partially disposed in the groove on the second wellhead component, the retaining member is coupled to the first wellhead component, and an anti-rotation mechanism engages both the retaining member and the second wellhead component. | 10-14-2010 |
20100258319 | BACK PRESSURE VALVE - A system in some embodiments includes a back pressure valve configured to mount in a mineral extraction system. The back pressure valve comprises a cylindrical body comprising a venting port coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and a plunger disposed in the venting port, wherein the plunger comprises a stem that extends from the venting port into an adjacent cavity of the cylindrical body. In some embodiments, a method of operating a valve, includes biasing a plunger to an open position, biasing a valve locking mechanism to a locked position in relation to a bore of a mineral extraction system, and biasing a plunger to a closed position. | 10-14-2010 |
20100264648 | CONNECTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Various novel connectors are provided. In one embodiment, the connector includes a collar configured to receive first and second components. In this embodiment, the connector may also include a load ring configured to be received in a groove of the second component and to move into and out of engagement with the collar when the second component is received by the collar. The connector of this illustrative embodiment may also include a cotter configured for installation to the second component and to inhibit disengagement of the load ring from the collar. In some embodiments, engagement of the load ring and the collar effects securing of the first and second components to one another. Other devices, systems, and methods related to connectors are also disclosed. | 10-21-2010 |
20100326674 | Torque-Provider - An assembly for providing torque to an object in a wellhead. The assembly includes a body attachable to the wellhead and including a bore with a centerline. The body further includes a first set of pistons within cylinders oriented at angles offset from and perpendicular to the centerline of the bore. The pistons are moveable within the cylinders between a retracted position and an extended position where the pistons are extended into the body bore. The movement of the pistons between the retracted and extended positions imparts a linear force capable of rotating the object in the wellhead in a first direction. | 12-30-2010 |
20110011575 | STRAIGHT-BORE BACK PRESSURE VALVE - A system in some embodiments includes a back pressure valve. The back pressure valve includes a body, a plunger disposed internal to the body, and a friction member disposed about the exterior of the body. The friction member is configured to expand radially to contact an internal surface of a bore. In some embodiments, a method includes disposing a back pressure valve into a straight bore and expanding a friction member of the back pressure valve radially into contact with an internal surface of the straight bore. | 01-20-2011 |
20110011598 | INTERNAL LOCKDOWN SNUBBING PLUG - A snubbing plug is configured to be secured within a component of a mineral extraction system by an internal locking mechanism. In addition, the snubbing plug enables pressure equalization of regions above and below the plug before removal of the plug. Upon insertion of the snubbing plug into a well component, pressure may be equalized via fluid pathways through the snubbing plug. The pathways are sealed closed during snubbing operations and opened again when snubbing operations are complete. Manipulation of the fluid pathways may be accomplished via rotation of a load ring within the snubbing plug. | 01-20-2011 |
20110011599 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ISOLATING WELLHEAD PRESSURE - A wellhead is provided. In one embodiment, the wellhead includes a plug for sealing a side passage of the wellhead. The plug may include an outer member, an inner member extending through the outer member and coupled to the outer member with at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the outer member, and a moveable seal disposed around the outer member. In some embodiments, the moveable seal is configured to seal against the side passage in response to being moved on the outer member by the inner member. | 01-20-2011 |
20110030974 | Slip Hanger Assembly and Actuator - A slip hanger assembly for installation of casing in a wellhead, the assembly including a slip ring capable of restraining the casing in the wellhead. The assembly including a seal assembly with an inner and outer seal. The assembly also includes a hanger assembly actuator including a load ring flange, a BOP adapter including a horizontal torque provider and the BOP adapter being connectable to the wellhead, and a seal assembly actuator. The hanger assembly actuator can set the inner and outer seals independently of each other. | 02-10-2011 |
20110079399 | Hydra-Connector - A hydraulic connector for a wellhead hub is provided that includes a piston and a bottom portion configured to move in an axial direction via hydraulic pressure applied to one or more hydraulic ports in the connector. The movement of the piston and the bottom portion moves a ring and a segment of the connector in a radial direction to engage recesses in the wellhead hub. The connector may be unlocked by applying hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic port of the connector. A system and method of operating the connector are also provided. | 04-07-2011 |
20110114321 | Open/Close Outlet Internal Hydraulic Device - A fluid-driven adapter for a mineral extraction system is provided. The adapter includes a sleeve (e.g., annular piston) that engages a mandrel disposed in a wellhead component and moves in an axial direction in response to fluid pressure. The adapter moves the mandrel between a first position and a second position to open or close passages in the wellhead component. The adapter includes a lock ring that moves in response to fluid pressure and that locks the adapter to a wellhead assembly to prevent axial movement of the adapter. Methods of operation are also provided. | 05-19-2011 |
20110114337 | NON-ROTATION LOCK SCREW - A non-rotation lock screw for a wellhead assembly is provided that includes a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion. The non-rotating portion includes a distal end configured to engage a component of the wellhead assembly, and may include one or more seals. The rotating portion may be rotating into a component of wellhead assembly such that the non-rotating portion translates in a radial direction. The rotating portion and non-rotating portion may be coupled together via a bearing to enable free rotation of the rotating portion. Systems and methods of operation that include the non-rotation lock screw are also provided. | 05-19-2011 |
20110162852 | WELLHEAD COMPONENT COUPLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A wellhead system is provided. In one embodiment, the wellhead system includes first and second wellhead components or members. An exemplary first wellhead member includes an internal bore and a first groove, while an exemplary second wellhead member is at least partially disposed within the internal bore such that a second groove of the second wellhead member is aligned with the first groove. The wellhead system may include a locking ring positioned within at least one of the first or second grooves, and a retaining ring at least partially disposed within the internal bore between the first and second wellhead members. Further, in one embodiment, the retaining ring is configured to selectively engage the locking ring to facilitate securing of the second wellhead member to the first wellhead member. Other embodiments of wellhead systems, devices, and methods of coupling the same are also provided. | 07-07-2011 |
20110169224 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SETTING A METAL SEAL - A system and method is provided for setting a metal-to-metal seal (e.g., in an annular space between wellhead components) using a temporary elastomer seal. For example, the annular space may be sealed with one or more elastomer seals before hydraulically setting the metal-to-metal seal. A seal assembly may include the elastomer seals and the metal-to-metal seal. Positioning the seal assembly in the annular space between the wellhead components may isolate pressure in the annular space below the seal such that the metal-to-metal seal may be set. In an exemplary embodiment, a hydraulic mechanism axially compresses the metal-to-metal seal between two members of the seal assembly, thereby radially expanding and setting the metal-to-metal seal. | 07-14-2011 |
20110203810 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HYDRAULICALLY PRESETTING A METAL SEAL - A system and method is provided for hydraulically presetting a metal-to-metal seal, which may be installed in an annular space between wellhead components. A hydraulic running tool may be landed on a first wellhead component and coupled to a second wellhead component, for example, via a hydraulic or mechanical coupling assembly. Fluid pressure may then be applied to the hydraulic running tool to move the components axially together, thereby setting the metal-to-metal seal (i.e., axially compressing and radially expanding the seal). A coupling may secure the wellhead components in place relative to one another, while fluid pressure is being applied so that the metal-to-metal seal remains in the set position after the hydraulic tool is removed. | 08-25-2011 |
20110226490 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ONE-TRIP HANGER INSTALLATION - There is provided a system and method for installing a wellhead component in a single trip. Generally, a wellhead component may be run into a wellhead using a running tool. The running tool may then be retrieved from the wellhead and replaced with a locking tool, which is also run into the wellhead. Additional tools may be used to over-pull the wellhead component and to cementing the wellhead component in place. The process of retrieving and running tools into the wellhead is both time-consuming and costly. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments include a one-trip tool configured to run a wellhead component into a wellhead, engage an internal coupling to lock the wellhead component in place, over-pull the wellhead component to ensure the internal coupling was properly engaged, and cement the wellhead component in place within the wellhead. | 09-22-2011 |
20110232920 | Full Bore System Without Stop Shoulder - A production assembly for controlling production from a well, the assembly including a wellhead that includes a body and a bore through the body. The bore does not include a hanger support shoulder but does include an engagement profile extending into the body. The assembly also includes a tubing hanger assembly installable in the wellhead. The assembly includes a load shoulder including a load segment expandable into supporting engagement with the bore engagement profile. The assembly also includes a tubing hanger and attached production tubing capable of being run in with the load shoulder and supportable on the load shoulder when the shoulder is engaged with the wellhead. | 09-29-2011 |
20110240307 | Wellhead Hanger Shoulder - A well production system including a wellhead and a first casing string supported from a first casing hanger landed on a shoulder in the wellhead bore. A loading shoulder assembly is installable in the wellhead and includes an energizing ring, a loading ring threaded into the interior of the energizing ring, a lock ring, and a hold-down ring threaded into the interior of the loading ring. The hold-down ring engages the first casing hanger to prevent rotation of the hold-down ring and restrain rotation of the loading ring. The lock ring is expandable from an unset position into supporting engagement with the wellhead in a set position upon rotation of the energizing ring. The hold-down ring is also moveable axially out of the loading ring to restrain the first casing hanger. | 10-06-2011 |
20110253389 | SINGLE TRIP POSITIVE LOCK ADJUSTABLE HANGER LANDING SHOULDER DEVICE - A system, in certain embodiments, includes a landing assembly. The landing assembly includes a top ring. The landing assembly also includes a bottom ring disposed axially below the top ring. A radially interior surface of the top ring is configured to engage a radially exterior surface of the bottom ring via first threading. The landing assembly also includes a lock ring disposed between the top ring and the bottom ring on a radially exterior side of the landing assembly. The landing assembly further includes a landing ring disposed axially below the bottom ring. | 10-20-2011 |
20110278005 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TEMPORARILY LOCKING A TUBULAR - There is provided a system and method for temporarily locking a wellhead component while cementing it in place within a mineral extraction system. As cement is pumped into the wellhead, its temperature may be increased, leading to thermal expansion of the cement and movement of wellhead components. Disclosed embodiments include a hold-down ring configured to cooperate with tie-down screws to temporarily lock a running tool in place within the wellhead during cementing. In another embodiment, the tie-down screws may cooperate directly with the running tool. The locked running tool then blocks other wellhead components, such as a hanger run into the wellhead by the running tool, from upward axial movement due to thermal expansion of the cement during the cementing process. After the hanger is cemented in place, the running tool may be unlocked and retrieved from the wellhead. | 11-17-2011 |
20110284206 | MULTI-COMPONENT C-RING COUPLING - A multi-component C-ring coupling is provided that includes a connector, an internal C-ring, and a lower ring. In one embodiment, the multi-component C-ring coupling may include a diverter connector to weldlessly couple a diverter to a pipe, such as a conductor. In other embodiment, the coupling may include a casing housinghead connector to couple to a casing housinghead. The lower ring may be engaged with the connector via axial fasteners. The lower ring and connector may include angled internal surfaces to exert radial forces on the C-ring and cause engagement of the teeth of the C-ring with the outer wall of a pipe. | 11-24-2011 |
20120007314 | FULL BORE COMPRESSION SEALING METHOD - An annular seal, in certain embodiments, includes a top seal section, a bottom seal section, and a core seal section including non-orthogonal top and bottom faces relative to a radial axis of the core seal section disposed between the top seal section and the bottom seal section. The core seal section is configured to expand radially when an axial load is applied to the top and bottom faces of the core seal section such that the top and bottom faces are deformed into an orthogonal alignment relative to the radial axis of the core seal section. | 01-12-2012 |
20120056413 | MULTI-COMPONENT TUBULAR COUPLING FOR WELLHEAD SYSTEMS - A multi-component tubular coupling is provided for wellhead assemblies. In one embodiment, the multi-component tubular coupling may include a first tubular member, a landing ring, and a second tubular member. The second tubular member may include internal threads, lock screws, or any combination thereof to couple to a wellhead component. In another embodiment, the multi-component tubular coupling may only include the first tubular member and the landing ring. In such an embodiment, a wellhead component may be secured to the coupling via lock screws. | 03-08-2012 |
20130093183 | CONNECTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Various novel connectors are provided. In one embodiment, the connector includes a collar configured to receive first and second components. In this embodiment, the connector may also include a load ring configured to be received in a groove of the second component and to move into and out of engagement with the collar when the second component is received by the collar. The connector of this illustrative embodiment may also include a cotter configured for installation to the second component and to inhibit disengagement of the load ring from the collar. In some embodiments, engagement of the load ring and the collar effects securing of the first and second components to one another. Other devices, systems, and methods related to connectors are also disclosed. | 04-18-2013 |
20130118753 | SEAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring. | 05-16-2013 |
20130299186 | Hydra-Connector - A hydraulic connector for a wellhead hub is provided that includes a piston and a bottom portion configured to move in an axial direction via hydraulic pressure applied to one or more hydraulic ports in the connector. The movement of the piston and the bottom portion moves a ring and a segment of the connector in a radial direction to engage recesses in the wellhead hub. The connector may be unlocked by applying hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic port of the connector. A system and method of operating the connector are also provided. | 11-14-2013 |
20140020894 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ISOLATING WELLHEAD PRESSURE - A wellhead is provided. In one embodiment, the wellhead includes a plug for sealing a side passage of the wellhead. The plug may include an outer member, an inner member extending through the outer member and coupled to the outer member with at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the outer member, and a moveable seal disposed around the outer member. In some embodiments, the moveable seal is configured to seal against the side passage in response to being moved on the outer member by the inner member. | 01-23-2014 |
20140060806 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR ISOLATING PORTIONS OF A WELLHEAD FROM FLUID PRESSURE - A wellhead system is provided. In one embodiment, the wellhead system includes a bypass sleeve for temporarily isolating portions of a wellhead assembly from pressurized fracing fluid. The bypass sleeve may include a generally tubular body having a tool interface, a lock ring disposed at least partially around the body, and an anti-rotation device coupled to the body. In some embodiments, the anti-rotation device includes a resilient member disposed in a cavity in the body, and an anti-rotation member biased away from the body by the resilient member. The anti-rotation member of some embodiments extends radially outward from the body. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060809 | BACK PRESSURE VALVE - A system in some embodiments includes a back pressure valve configured to mount in a mineral extraction system. The back pressure valve comprises a cylindrical body comprising a venting port coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and a plunger disposed in the venting port, wherein the plunger comprises a stem that extends from the venting port into an adjacent cavity of the cylindrical body. In some embodiments, a method of operating a valve, includes biasing a plunger to an open position, biasing a valve locking mechanism to a locked position in relation to a bore of a mineral extraction system, and biasing a plunger to a closed position. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060810 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR ISOLATING PORTIONS OF A WELLHEAD FROM FLUID PRESSURE - A wellhead system is provided. In one embodiment, the wellhead system includes a bypass sleeve for temporarily isolating portions of a wellhead assembly from pressurized fracing fluid. The bypass sleeve may include a generally tubular body having a tool interface, a lock ring disposed at least partially around the body, and an anti-rotation device coupled to the body. In some embodiments, the anti-rotation device includes a resilient member disposed in a cavity in the body, and an anti-rotation member biased away from the body by the resilient member. The anti-rotation member of some embodiments extends radially outward from the body. | 03-06-2014 |
20140182863 | STRAIGHT-BORE BACK PRESSURE VALVE - A system in some embodiments includes a back pressure valve. The back pressure valve includes a body, a plunger disposed internal to the body, and a friction member disposed about the exterior of the body. The friction member is configured to expand radially to contact an internal surface of a bore. In some embodiments, a method includes disposing a back pressure valve into a straight bore and expanding a friction member of the back pressure valve radially into contact with an internal surface of the straight bore. | 07-03-2014 |
20140196908 | INTERNAL LOCKDOWN SNUBBING PLUG - A system, including a plug, including one or more fluid pathways extending between upstream and downstream sides of the plug, and an internal lock positionable in an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the internal lock is resiliently biased to the locked position upon release from the unlocked position, wherein the locked position is configured to internally secure the plug within a wellhead component. | 07-17-2014 |
20140217724 | CONNECTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Various novel connectors are provided. In one embodiment, the connector includes a collar configured to receive first and second components. In this embodiment, the connector may also include a load ring configured to be received in a groove of the second component and to move into and out of engagement with the collar when the second component is received by the collar. The connector of this illustrative embodiment may also include a cotter configured for installation to the second component and to inhibit disengagement of the load ring from the collar. In some embodiments, engagement of the load ring and the collar effects securing of the first and second components to one another. Other devices, systems, and methods related to connectors are also disclosed. | 08-07-2014 |
20140345849 | Full Bore System Without Stop Shoulder - A production assembly for controlling production from a well includes a wellhead and a tubing hanger assembly. The wellhead includes a bore formed through the wellhead with a first groove and a second groove each extending into the wellhead and axially spaced apart from each other. The tubing hanger assembly is installable in the wellhead and includes a load segment expandable into engagement with the first groove to support the tubing hanger assembly within the wellhead and a lock ring expandable into engagement with the second groove to secure the tubing hanger assembly within the wellhead. | 11-27-2014 |
20150027731 | BACK PRESSURE VALVE - A system in some embodiments includes a back pressure valve configured to mount in a mineral extraction system. The back pressure valve comprises a cylindrical body comprising a venting port coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and a plunger disposed in the venting port, wherein the plunger comprises a stem that extends from the venting port into an adjacent cavity of the cylindrical body. In some embodiments, a method of operating a valve, includes biasing a plunger to an open position, biasing a valve locking mechanism to a locked position in relation to a bore of a mineral extraction system, and biasing a plunger to a closed position. | 01-29-2015 |
20150027738 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ONE-TRIP HANGER INSTALLATION - There is provided a system and method for installing a wellhead component in a single trip. Generally, a wellhead component may be run into a wellhead using a running tool. The running tool may then be retrieved from the wellhead and replaced with a locking tool, which is also run into the wellhead. Additional tools may be used to over-pull the wellhead component and to cementing the wellhead component in place. The process of retrieving and running tools into the wellhead is both time-consuming and costly. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments include a one-trip tool configured to run a wellhead component into a wellhead, engage an internal coupling to lock the wellhead component in place, over-pull the wellhead component to ensure the internal coupling was properly engaged, and cement the wellhead component in place within the wellhead. | 01-29-2015 |
20150075771 | MULTI-COMPONENT TUBULAR COUPLING FOR WELLHEAD SYSTEMS - A multi-component tubular coupling is provided for wellhead assemblies. In one embodiment, the multi-component tubular coupling may include a first tubular member, a landing ring, and a second tubular member. The second tubular member may include internal threads, lock screws, or any combination thereof to couple to a wellhead component. In another embodiment, the multi-component tubular coupling may only include the first tubular member and the landing ring. In such an embodiment, a wellhead component may be secured to the coupling via lock screws. | 03-19-2015 |
20150083389 | NON-ROTATION LOCK SCREW - A non-rotation lock screw for a wellhead assembly is provided that includes a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion. The non-rotating portion includes a distal end configured to engage a component of the wellhead assembly, and may include one or more seals. The rotating portion may be rotating into a component of wellhead assembly such that the non-rotating portion translates in a radial direction. The rotating portion and non-rotating portion may be coupled together via a bearing to enable free rotation of the rotating portion. Systems and methods of operation that include the non-rotation lock screw are also provided. | 03-26-2015 |