FIELD
[0001] This relates to a latching assembly, such as a latching assembly that may be used
to latch a rotating control device with a riser.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Rotating control devices are often used in order to manage pressure when drilling
offshore. The rotating control device is generally secured to a riser by way of a
removable latch in order to simplify installation and removal. United States patent
no.
7,487,837 (Bailey et al.) entitled "Riser Rotating Control Device" describes a latching assembly that connects
to a riser, and that can be released remotely.
EP 1 659 260 A2 is in the same patent family as
US7487837 discussed above, and describes a riser rotating control device.
SUMMARY
[0003] There is provided a latching assembly, comprising a tubular housing having an outer
surface and an inner surface that defines an inner bore. Latch members carried by
the housing have a latch position that extends out from the outer surface and a release
position that is retracted from the latch position. A plurality of gripping members
are pivotally attached to the housing, the gripping members having a first end that
is pivotally attached to the tubular housing and a second end extending outward from
the first end. The gripping members pivotally move between a gripping position wherein
the second end of the gripping members extend into the inner bore to engage a tubular
member and a retracted position. An actuator engages the latch members and the gripping
members and moves between a first position and a second position, the actuator engaging
the latch members and the gripping members such that the actuator moves the latch
members from the latch position to the release position and the gripping members from
the retracted position to the gripping position as the actuator moves from the first
position to the second position.
[0004] According to another aspect, the latching assembly may further comprise a first locking
element that moves between a locked position to secure the latch members in the latch
position, and a release position to release the latch members from the latch position.
[0005] According to another aspect, the actuator may be an electrical actuator.
[0006] According to another aspect the latching assembly may further comprise a second locking
mechanism that moves between a locked position to secure the latch members in the
release position, and a release position to release the latch members from the release
position.
[0007] According to another aspect, the latch members may comprise a spring element that
biases the latch members toward the release position.
[0008] According to another aspect, the latching assembly may further comprise a secondary
release element that slides axially along the housing and is connected to the actuator
such that, when actuated, the secondary release element moving the actuator from the
first position to the second position.
[0009] According to another aspect, the first end of the gripping members may comprise a
first pivotal connection that connects the gripping members and the actuator and a
second pivotal connection spaced along the gripping members from the first pivotal
connection, the second pivotal connection that connects the gripping members and the
housing and the actuator moving radially such that the actuator moves the gripping
members between the gripping position and the release position.
[0010] According to another aspect, the first end of the gripping members may comprise a
cam surface that engages the actuator, the actuator moving axially along the housing
and applying a force to the cam surface to rotate the gripping members between the
gripping position and the release position.
[0011] According to another aspect, the actuator may comprise a first portion that moves
axially along the housing and a second portion that moves radially within the housing,
the first portion engaging the second portion by a sloped engagement surface such
that the axial movement of the first portion results in the radial movement of the
second portion.
[0012] According to another aspect, there is provided, in combination, a riser defining
a central bore, a drill string extending through the riser, and a latching assembly
as described above positioned within the central bore of the riser and receiving the
drill string within the central bore of the housing of the latching assembly. A sealing
and bearing assembly is mounted to the drill string and attached to the latching assembly.
[0013] The aspects described above may be combined together in any reasonable combination.
Other aspects will become apparent from the description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description
in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose
of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view in section of a latching assembly in a released position.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view in section of a latching assembly in a latched position.
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view in section of a latching assembly in a released position
with a running tool positioned within the assembly.
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view in section of a latching assembly and the running
tool expanded to engage the assembly.
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view in section of the latching assembly being actuated
toward a release position.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view in section of the latching assembly in a released
position.
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a latching assembly securing a bearing assembly
in a riser.
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view in section of a latching assembly securing a bearing
assembly in a riser.
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an alternative latching assembly in a latched position.
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of an alternative latching assembly in a latched
position.
FIG. 11 is a side elevation view in section of an alternative latching assembly in
a latched position.
FIG. 12 is a side elevation view in section of an alternative latching assembly in
a release position.
FIG. 13 is a side elevation view in section of an alternative latching assembly in
a manually released position.
FIG. 14 is a side elevation view in section of an alternative latching assembly in
a latching position
FIG. 15 is a side elevation view in section of the alternative latching assembly of
FIG. 14 in a release position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Referring to FIG. 7 and 8, a latching assembly 100 is used to secure a bearing assembly
102 to a riser 104. Riser 104 has a port 106 that is designed to be attached to a
conduit (not shown) for pumping fluids, such as drilling mud. Bearing assembly 102
may include a bearing section and a seal section, which may be separate or integrally
formed. The actual configuration of bearing assembly 102 will vary depending on the
preferences of the user and the demands of the situation. As can be seen, latching
assembly 100 preferably carries bearing assembly 102 and latches to riser 104. While
latching assembly 100 and bearing assembly 102 are shown as separate components, they
may be integrally formed, depending on the space requirements and preferences of the
user. During normal operation, latching assembly 100 and bearing assembly 102 support
a tubular 108, such as a drill string, that passes through each assembly 100 and 102
and through one or more seals 110. Bearing assembly 102 may be removed by unlatching
latching assembly 100, and pulling bearing assembly 102 to surface. As latching assembly
100 is removed with bearing assembly 102, it can be serviced at the same time as bearing
assembly 102. Referring to FIG. 9 and 10, the latches can be seen extending from latching
assembly 100.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, there is a tubular housing 11 with an outer surface 50 and an
inner surface 52 that defines an inner bore 54. A latch 24 is carried by the housing
11 that has a latch position as shown in FIG. 2 extending out from the outer surface
and a release position as shown in FIG. 1 retracted from the latch position, preferably
flush with or recessed from the outer surface 50 of the housing 11, but in any event,
sufficiently retracted to disengage from the corresponding groove or aperture in the
riser (not shown). An electrical actuator 27, such as an electromagnet, moves the
latch 24 between the latch position and the release position. The electrical actuator
27 may take other forms as well, and may apply forces in either direction, depending
on the signal being transmitted. Alternatively and as shown, the latch 24 may be biased
by a spring 26 or other resilient member, toward the unlatched position as shown,
or the latched position in other embodiments, such that the electrical actuator 27
merely applies a force to move the latch to the other position.
[0017] The latch 24 is secured by a first locking element 15 that moves between a locked
position to secure the latch 24 in the latch position as shown in FIG. 2, and a release
position to release the latch 24 from the latch position as shown in FIG. 1. As shown,
the first locking element 15 is a latch lock ring. Latch lock ring 15 may take other
forms, and may be made up of one or more components. Preferably, a second locking
element 20 is also provided, shown as a unlatch lock ring, which has a locked position
that secures the latch 24 in the release position as shown in FIG. 1, and a release
position that permits the latch to move between the latched and the unlatched positions
as shown in FIG. 2 - 6. As depicted, the locking elements 15 and 20 move perpendicular
to the direction of travel by the latch 24. As with the latch 24, each locking element
15 and 20 may be powered by an electrical actuator in either both directions, or only
one direction with a biasing element, such as a spring, that biases the locking element
toward the other position. As shown, first locking element 15 is moved to a retraced
position by an electromagnet 19 and is biased toward an extended position by a spring
18 while second locking element 20 is moved to a retracted position by an electromagnet
27 and is biased toward an extended position by a spring 22.
[0018] The latch 24 and the locking elements 15 and 20 are preferably powered by an onboard
power source 35 or 36 that is carried by the housing 11, such as a battery pack, and
are preferably controlled by a wireless controller 37 that is programmed to control
the position of the latch 24, the first locking element 15 and the second locking
element 20 based on signals received from a controller (not shown), such as a computer
located at an operator's station. The combination of the onboard power source 35 and
36 and the wireless communicator 37 allow the latching assembly 100 to operate without
any umbilicals running to the assembly 100.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 3 - 6, in addition to the latch 24 described above, the latching
assembly 100 also preferably includes a tubular gripping assembly as well as a secondary
release mechanism.
[0020] The latching assembly 100 has a cantilevered gripping member 32 that is positioned
within the inner bore 54 of the housing 11. The gripping member 32 is connected to
the housing 11 by a movable connection such as fulcrum pin 31, and is also preferably
connected to the latch 24. As depicted in FIG. 1, as the latch 24 moves toward the
release position, the latch 24 pushes out on the cantilevered gripping member 32,
causing it to pivot about the movable connection 31 and therefore extend into the
inner bore 54, allowing it to engage a tubular member (not shown), such as a drill
string or running tool. Depending on the tolerances and the actual movement of the
various component, it will be understood that the movable connection 31 or the engagement
of the latch 24 may require some lateral movement as well as pivoting movement to
accommodate the movement of the latch 24. The cantilevered gripping arm 32 may be
used to grip, for example, a joint of a tubular member such as a drill string or a
portion of a running tool, etc. that has an enlarged radius or other gripping surface.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 3 - 6, the secondary release element 29 is also connected to move
with the latch 24 and is engaged by a collar or unlock sleeve 13 that is slidably
engaged within the inner bore 54 of the housing 11. As shown, the secondary release
element 29 is secured to the inward end of the latch 24 and extends downward opposite
the cantilevered gripping arm 32 in the depicted example. The collar 13 engages the
secondary release element 29 as it is raised and applies a force to move the latch
24 to the release position. As shown, the collar 13 is preferably engaged by a running
tool 56 that engages the collar 13, such as by expanding outward to become secured
within an inner profile 58 of the collar 13 as shown in FIG. 4, which allows an upward
force to be applied to the collar 13 to engage the secondary release element 29, as
shown in FIG. 5. The collar 13 and the secondary release element 29 preferably have
complementary sloped surfaces, such that, as the collar 13 is raised, the slopes are
engaged, and a force is applied to release the latch 24 as shown in FIG. 6, which
also moves the gripping members 32 of the tubular gripping assembly to engage the
running tool 56. In this position, the latching assembly is locked into the release
position and is securely attached to the running tool 56 and can therefore be safely
removed. The secondary release element 29 may be useful if the latch 24 becomes stuck
in the latched position due to a buildup of debris, mechanical or electrical failure,
etc. It may also be used as a secondary lock against the latch 24 moving to the latched
position during removal, and in the depicted example, helps maintain the cantilevered
gripping arm in the gripping position.
[0022] A preferred example of a latching assembly will now be described with respect to
FIG. 1 - 6. The assembly 100 is designed to operate a mechanical latching and retrieval
assembly via remote control without the aid of umbilical lines or power cables. In
this example, the assembly is preferably powered by a self-contained power source.
The mechanical latch assemblies are operated by an electrical device, where the direction
in which the latches are operated is determined by the polarity the current is applied
to the electrical device. The assembly is controlled by a wireless device inside the
housing, and the wireless device is controlled by a stand-alone workstation situated
elsewhere, such as at surface. The operation of this preferred example of the device
will now be given, with reference to the drawings.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1 and 2, the initial latching procedure of the depicted example
will now be described:
- 1. Signal is sent to wireless device 37 via remote work station
- 2. Wireless device 37 sends signal to electrical device 27 which receive power from
self-contained power source 35
- 3. Electrical device 27 moves latch shaft 25 which is connected to latch segment 24,
which is pushed outwards from housing 11 into the latch position, from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 2.
- 4. Latch lock ring 15 is moved by electrical device 19 and with the aid of latch lock
ring spring 18 into lock position behind latch shaft 25, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the unlatching procedure will now be described:
- 1. Signal is sent to wireless device 37 via remote work station
- 2. Wireless device 37 sends signal to electrical device 19 which receive power from
self-contained power source 35
- 3. Latch lock ring 15 is moved out of lock position behind latch shaft 25.
- 4. Electrical device 27, which receives power from self-contained power source 35
moves latch shaft 25 and latch segment 14 that is attached with the aid of latch springs
26 into the unlatched position.
- 5. Electrical device 23 which receive power from self-contained power source 35 moves
unlatch lock ring 20 with the aid of unlatch lock ring spring 22 into the lock position
in front of latch shaft 25, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the procedure for extending the retrieval arm will now
be described:
- 1. Signal is sent to wireless device 37 via a remote work station
- 2. Electrical device 27, which receives power from self-contained power source 35
moves latch shaft 25 and latch segment 24 that is attached with the aid of latch springs
26 into the unlatch position
- 3. Latch shaft 25 pushes unlock sleeve segment pin 30 with attached secondary release element 29 which pushes unlock sleeve fulcrum pin 31 which pushes gripping member 32 and forces it to pivot outwards due to retrieval arm anchor pin 33.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the procedure for retracting the retrieval arm will now
be described:
- 1. Signal is sent to wireless device 37 via remote work station
- 2. Electrical device 23, which receives power from self-contained power source 35,
moves unlatch lock ring 20 into the unlock position below latch shaft 25
- 3. Electrical device 27, which receive power from self-contained power source 35,
moves latch shaft 25 and latch segment 24 that is attached into latch position
- 4. Latch shaft 25 pulls unlock sleeve segment pin 30 with attached secondary release element 29 which pulls unlock sleeve fulcrum pin 31 which pulls gripping member 32 and forces it to pivot inwards due to retrieval arm anchor pin 33.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the procedure for retrieving the bearing using a running
tool will now be described:
- 1. Unlatched running tool 41 is run in hole via drill pipe
- 2. Unlatched running tool 41 is landed in profile of unlock sleeve 13
- 3. Unlock sleeve 13 is moved upwards shearing shear pins 14
- 4. Unlock sleeve 13 continues to travel upwards and contacts latch lock ring pin 16
which is attached to latch lock ring 15 and begins to moves upwards
- 5. Latch lock ring 15 moves out of lock position and allows latch shaft 25 to move
inwards via latch spring 26
- 6. Unlock sleeve 13 continues to travel upwards and contacts secondary release element 29 which is attached to unlock sleeve segment pin 30 which pulls lock shaft 25 inwards
to ensure latch segment 24 is fully retracted to unlock position.
- 7. Unlock sleeve 13 continues to travel upwards and contacts secondary release elemtent 29 which is attached to unlock sleeve segment pin 30 which pushes unlock sleeve fulcrum
pin 31 which pushes gripping member 32 and forces it to pivot outwards due to retrieval arm anchor pin 33
- 8. Unlatch lock ring 20 moves into lock position with the aid of unlatch lock ring
spring 22 preventing latch shaft 25 from moving.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 11 and 12, an alternative latching assembly 200 is shown. In this
example, the latch 202 is carried on a shaft 204 within the housing 205 having a sloped
plate 206. The force to move the shaft 204 and therefore the latch 202 is applied
to the sloped plate 206. The latching actuator 208 that controls the position of the
latch 202 includes an upper portion 210 that engages a top end 212 of the plate 206
and a lower portion 214 that engages a bottom end 216 of the plate 206. As the latching
actuator 208 engages the sloped plate 206, the latch 202 is forced out to the latch
position as shown in FIG. 11, in which the latch 202 engages the riser assembly (not
shown), or back to the release position as shown in FIG. 12, in which the latch 202
is retracted to be flush with the housing 205. As can be seen, the latching actuator
208 overlaps the sloped plate 206 in an axial direction such that it locks the latch
202 in either the latched position or the released, retracted position. As with the
example described above, cantilevered gripping members 218 are provided that are forced
inward when the latches 202 move to the release position, such that the gripping members
218 grip the tubular member (not shown) passing through the latching assembly 200.
In this example, first end 252 of gripping members 218 has a first pivotal connection
256 between gripping members 218 and actuator 208, as well as a second pivotal connection
258 spaced along gripping members 218 from the first connection 256. This second pivotal
connection 258 connects the gripping members 218 to the housing 205. In this example
the actuator 208 moves radially in order to move the gripping members 218 between
the gripping position and the release position. While the controls are not shown in
this example, the latching actuator 208 is preferably a piston that is driven hydraulically.
[0029] At the top of the assembly 200 are a series of bolts 220 that act as a mechanical
linkage and are mechanically connected to the latching actuator 208. Should it become
necessary, an upward force can be applied to the series of bolts 220 to cause the
latching actuator 208 to move upward and force the latches 202 to move to the release
position. During normal operation, the bolts 220 will move up and down with the latching
actuator 208, as shown in FIG. 11 and 12, but will not affect the operation of assembly
200. However, bolts 220 provide a manual release for the assembly 200 in the event
that there a failure in the normal operation of the assembly. As depicted, the housing
205 has an upper section 222 with an engagement surface, in this case an inner groove
224, that engages with a release tool (not shown). Once the inner groove 224 is engaged,
the release tool may then apply an upward, mechanical force to the upper section 222.
As the upper section 222 is lifted, it engages the bolts 220 and lifts them as well.
The upward force on the bolts 220 that are connected to the latching actuator 208
provide a second motive force, this one mechanical, to lift the latching actuator
208. As the latching actuator 208 is lifted, it engages the latches 202 and pulls
them back to the release position as shown in FIG. 13. As the latches 202 are released,
it also causes the cantilevered gripping members 218 to move inward, such that any
pipe joints will be gripped by these members, and allow the assembly to be lifted
to surface with the tubing string even if the release tool fails. Shear pins or other
releasable locks may be provided to ensure that the manual release is not activated
unintentionally.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 14 and 15, a further example of a latching assembly 200 is shown.
As in FIG. 12 and 13, latches 202 move as a result of latching actuator 208 moving
between a first position and a second position. As shown, actuator 208 engages or
is attached to latch members 202 and gripping members 218. When actuator 208 moves
from the first position to the second position, actuator 208 moves latch members 202
from the latch position shown in FIG. 14 to the release position shown in FIG. 15,
where it is flush or recessed with housing 205. At the same time, actuator 208 moves
gripping members 218 from the retracted position shown in FIG. 14 to the gripping
position shown in FIG. 15 wherein the second end 254 of the gripping members extend
into the inner bore such that they can engage a tubular member, similar to what is
shown in FIG. 6. Housing 205 is a tubular housing having an outer surface and an inner
surface that defines an inner bore, and latch members 202 are carried by the housing.
The housing 205 is shaped such that in the latch position latch members 202 extend
out from the outer surface, and in the release position latch members 202 are flush
with the surface of housing 205, or are recessed into housing 205, as previously discussed.
Gripping members 218 are also attached to the housing 205. In the example shown in
FIG. 14 and 15, the gripping members 218 are attached by a pivot point 256 at first
end 252. First end 252 also has and a cam surface 250 that engages the actuator 208.
In this example, when actuator 208 moves axially along the housing 205 and applies
a force to the cam surface 250, the gripping members 218 are rotated by the cam surface
250, pivoting between the gripping position and the release position. FIG. 14 shows
the gripping members 218 in a release position. As actuator 208 engages latch 202,
cam surface 250 is also engaged such that gripping members 218 move to the gripping
position shown in FIG. 15. It will be understood that gripping members 218 may also
be rotated using other design, such as those described previously. As shown in FIG.
14 and 15, latching assembly 200 has six gripping members 218. It will be understood
that latching assembly 200 may have different numbers of gripping members with different
shapes and configurations, as required for the application.
[0031] In the example in FIG. 14 and 15, latches 202 are not connected directly with gripping
members 218 as shown in the previous examples. In this case, when actuator 208 engages
latches 202 to move them between positions, bolts 220 are also engaged. As shown in
FIG. 14, when the latch 202 is in the latching position, bolts 202 are lowered, and
upper portion 210 of actuator 208 resides lower than top end 212 of sloped plate 206.
As the latch 202 is moved toward the retracted position through the engagement of
lower portion 214 of the actuator 208 with the bottom end 216 of sloped plate 206,
the top end 212 of sloped plate 206 engages with upper portion 210 of actuator 208.
As these sloped surfaces move further into contact, bolts 220 are moved upwards and
engage cam surface 250 of gripping members 218. The axial movement of bolts 220 causes
the rotational movement of gripping members 218 to the gripping position shown in
FIG. 15. As previously described, bolts can also 220 provide for a manual release
mechanism in the event of a failure.
[0032] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense
to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned
are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not
exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context
clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
[0033] The following claims are to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated
and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, and what can be obviously substituted.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth
in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description as a whole.
1. A latching assembly (100; 200) carried by or integrally formed with a bearing assembly
(102), comprising:
a tubular housing (11; 205) having an outer surface (50) and an inner surface (52)
that defines an inner bore (54);
latch members (24, 25; 202, 204) carried by the housing (11; 205) that have a latch
position that extends out from the outer surface (50) and a release position that
is retracted from the latch position;
a plurality of gripping members (32; 218) pivotally attached to the housing (11; 205),
the gripping members (32; 218) having a first end that is pivotally attached to the
tubular housing (11; 205) and a second end extending outward from the first end, the
gripping members (32; 218) pivotally moving between a gripping position wherein the
second end of the gripping members extend into the inner bore (54) to engage a tubular
member (56) of a drill string or a running tool and a retracted position; and
an actuator (27; 208) that engages the latch members (24, 25) and the gripping members
(32; 218) and moves between a first position and a second position, the actuator (27;
208) engaging the latch members (24, 25) and the gripping members (32; 218) such that
the actuator (27; 208) moves the latch members (24, 25; 202, 204) from the latch position
to the release position and the gripping members (32; 218) from the retracted position
to the gripping position as the actuator (27; 208) moves from the first position to
the second position.
2. The latching assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the latching assembly (100) further
comprises a first locking element (15) that moves between a locked position to secure
the latch members (24, 25) in the latch position, and a release position to release
the latch members (24, 25) from the latch position.
3. The latching assembly (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator (27; 208) is an
electrical actuator.
4. The latching assembly (100) of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second locking element
(20) that moves between a locked position to secure the latch members (24, 25) in
the release position, and a release position to release the latch members (24, 25)
from the release position.
5. The latching assembly (100) of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the latch members (24,
25) comprise a spring element (26) that biases the latch members (24, 25) toward the
release position.
6. The latching assembly (100) of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a secondary
release element (29) that slides axially along the housing (11) and is connected to
the actuator (27) such that, when actuated, the secondary release element moves the
actuator (27) from the first position to the second position.
7. The latching assembly (200) of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first end (252) of
the gripping members (218) comprise a first pivotal connection (256) that connects
the gripping members (218) and the actuator (208) and a second pivotal connection
spaced along the gripping members (218) from the first pivotal connection (256), the
second pivotal connection that connects the gripping members (218) and the housing
(205) and the actuator (208) moving radially such that the actuator (208) moves the
gripping members (218) between the gripping position and the release position.
8. The latching assembly (200) of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first end (252) of
the gripping members (218) comprises a cam surface (250) that engages the actuator
(208), the actuator (208) moving axially along the housing (205) and applying a force
to the cam surface (250) to rotate the gripping members (218) between the gripping
position and the release position.
9. The latching assembly (200) of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the actuator (208) comprises
a first portion (210) that moves axially along the housing (205) and a second portion
(214) that moves radially within the housing (205), the first portion (210) engaging
the second portion by a sloped engagement surface (206) such that the axial movement
of the first portion (210) results in the radial movement of the second portion (214).
10. In combination: a riser (104) defining a central bore;
a drill string (108) extending through the riser (104);
a latching assembly (100; 200) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 positioned within
the central bore of the riser (104) and receiving the drill string (108) within the
central bore of the housing of the latching assembly (100);
a sealing and bearing assembly (102) mounted to the drill string (108) and attached
to the latching assembly (100).
1. Verriegelungsanordnung (100; 200), die von einer Lageranordnung (102) getragen oder
einstückig damit ausgebildet ist, umfassend:
ein röhrenförmiges Gehäuse (11; 205) mit einer Außenfläche (50) und einer Innenfläche
(52), die eine innere Bohrung (54) definiert;
Verriegelungselemente (24, 25; 202, 204), die von dem Gehäuse (11; 205) getragen werden,
die eine Verriegelungsposition, die sich von der Außenfläche (50) nach außen erstreckt,
und eine Freigabeposition, die von der Verriegelungsposition zurückgezogen ist, aufweisen;
eine Mehrzahl von Greifelementen (32; 218), die schwenkbar am Gehäuse (11; 205) angebracht
sind, wobei die Greifelemente (32; 218) ein erstes Ende, das schwenkbar am röhrenförmigen
Gehäuse (11; 205) angebracht ist, und ein zweites Ende, das sich von dem ersten Ende
nach außen erstreckt, aufweisen, wobei sich die Greifelemente (32; 218) schwenkend
zwischen einer Greifposition, wobei sich das zweite Ende des Greifelements in die
innere Bohrung (54) erstreckt, um mit einem röhrenförmigen Element (56) eines Bohrstrangs
oder Einfahrwerkzeugs in Eingriff zu treten, und einer zurückgezogenen Position bewegen;
und
einen Betätiger (27; 208), der mit den Verriegelungselementen (24, 25) und den Greifelementen
(32; 218) in Eingriff tritt und sich zwischen einer ersten und einer zweiten Position
bewegt, wobei der Betätiger (27; 208) derart mit den Verriegelungselementen (24, 25)
und den Greifelementen (32; 218) in Eingriff tritt, dass der Betätiger (27; 208) die
Verriegelungselemente (24, 25; 202, 204) von der Verriegelungsposition zu der Freigabeposition
und die Greifelemente (32; 218) von der zurückgezogenen Position zu der Greifposition
bewegt, wenn sich der Betätiger (27; 208) von der ersten Position zu der zweiten Position
bewegt.
2. Verriegelungsanordnung (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Verriegelungsanordnung (100)
ferner ein erstes Arretierelement (15) umfasst, das sich zwischen einer arretierten
Position, um die Verriegelungselemente (24, 25) in der Verriegelungsposition zu sichern,
und einer Freigabeposition, um die Verriegelungselemente (24, 25) aus der Verriegelungsposition
freizugeben, bewegt.
3. Verriegelungsanordnung (100) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Betätiger (27; 208)
ein elektrischer Betätiger ist.
4. Verriegelungsanordnung (100) nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, ferner umfassend ein zweitens
Arretierelement (20), das sich zwischen einer arretierten Position, um die Verriegelungselemente
(24, 25) in der Verriegelungsposition zu sichern, und einer Freigabeposition, um die
Verriegelungselemente (24, 25) aus der Verriegelungsposition freizugeben, bewegt.
5. Verriegelungsanordnung (100) nach Anspruch 1 bis 4, wobei die Verriegelungselemente
(24, 25) ein Federelement (26) umfassen, das die Verriegelungselemente (24, 25) hin
zu der Freigabeposition vorspannt.
6. Verriegelungsanordnung (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, ferner umfassend ein
sekundäres Freigabeelement (29), das axial an dem Gehäuse (11) entlang gleitet und
mit dem Betätiger (27) verbunden ist, so dass das sekundäre Freigabeelement bei Betätigung
den Betätiger (27) von der ersten Position zu der zweiten Position bewegt.
7. Verriegelungsanordnung (200) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei das erste Ende
(252) der Greifelemente (218) eine erste Schwenkverbindung (256), die die Greifelemente
(218) und den Betätiger (208) verbindet, und eine zweite Schwenkverbindung, die entlang
den Greifelementen (218) von der ersten Schwenkverbindung (256) beabstandet ist, umfasst,
wobei die zweite Schwenkverbindung, die die Greifelemente (218) und das Gehäuse (205)
und den Betätiger (208) verbindet, sich derart radial bewegt, dass der Betätiger (208)
die Greifelemente (218) zwischen der Greifposition und der Freigabeposition bewegt.
8. Verriegelungsanordnung (200) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei das erste Ende
(252) der Greifelemente (218) eine Nockenfläche (250) umfasst, die mit dem Betätiger
(208) in Eingriff tritt, wobei sich der Betätiger (208) axial entlang dem Gehäuse
(205) bewegt und eine Kraft auf die Nockenfläche (250) ausübt, um die Greifelemente
(218) zwischen der Greifposition und der Freigabeposition zu drehen.
9. Verriegelungsanordnung (200) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei der Betätiger
(208) einen ersten Abschnitt (210), der sich axial entlang dem Gehäuse (205) bewegt,
und einen zweiten Abschnitt (214), der sich radial innerhalb des Gehäuses (205) bewegt,
umfasst, wobei der erste Abschnitt (210) mit dem zweiten Abschnitt durch eine geneigte
Eingriffsfläche (206) derart in Eingriff tritt, dass die axiale Bewegung des ersten
Abschnitts (210) zu der radialen Bewegung des zweiten Abschnitts (214) führt.
10. In Kombination: eine Steigleitung (104), die eine mittige Bohrung definiert;
ein Bohrstrang (108), der sich durch die Steigleitung (104) erstreckt;
eine Verriegelungsanordnung (100; 200) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, die innerhalb
der mittigen Bohrung der Steigleitung (104) positioniert ist und den Bohrstrang (108)
innerhalb der mittigen Bohrung des Gehäuses der Verriegelungsanordnung (100) aufnimmt;
eine Dichtungs- und Lageranordnung (102), die an dem Bohrstrang (108) montiert und
an der Verriegelungsanordnung (100) angebracht ist.
1. Ensemble de verrouillage (100; 200) porté ou intégralement formé avec un ensemble
de palier (102), comprenant:
un boîtier tubulaire (11; 205) présentant une surface extérieure (50) et une surface
intérieure (52) qui définit un alésage intérieur (54);
des éléments de verrou (24, 25; 202, 204) portés par le boîtier (11; 205) et qui présentent
une position de verrouillage qui s'étend à partir de la surface extérieure (50) et
une position de libération qui est rétractée à partir de la position de verrouillage;
une pluralité d'éléments de préhension (32; 218) attachés de façon pivotante au boîtier
(11; 205), les éléments de préhension (32; 218) présentant une première extrémité
qui est attachée de façon pivotante au boîtier tubulaire (11; 205) et une seconde
extrémité qui s'étend vers l'extérieur à partir de la première extrémité, les éléments
de préhension (32; 218) se déplaçant de façon pivotante entre une position de préhension
dans laquelle la seconde extrémité des éléments de préhension s'étendent dans l'alésage
intérieur (54) de manière à engager un élément tubulaire (56) d'un train de forage
ou d'un outil mobile et une position rétractée; et
un actionneur (27; 208) qui engage les éléments de verrou (24, 25) et les éléments
de préhension (32; 218) et qui se déplace entre une première position et une seconde
position, l'actionneur (27; 208) engageant les éléments de verrou (24, 25) et les
éléments de préhension (32; 218) de telle sorte que l'actionneur (27; 208) déplace
les éléments de verrou (24, 25; 202, 204) à partir de la position de verrouillage
jusqu'à la position de libération et les éléments de préhension (32; 218) à partir
de la position rétractée jusqu'à la position de préhension lorsque l'actionneur (27;
208) se déplace à partir de la première position jusqu'à la seconde position.
2. Ensemble de verrouillage (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'ensemble de
verrouillage (100) comprend en outre un premier élément de verrouillage (15) qui se
déplace entre une position verrouillée pour fixer les éléments de verrou (24, 25)
dans la position de verrouillage, et une position de libération pour libérer les éléments
de verrou (24, 25) de la position de verrouillage.
3. Ensemble de verrouillage (100) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel l'actionneur
(27; 208) est un actionneur électrique.
4. Ensemble de verrouillage (100) selon la revendication 2 ou 3, comprenant en outre
un second élément de verrouillage (20) qui se déplace entre une position verrouillée
pour fixer les éléments de verrou (24, 25) dans la position de libération, et une
position de libération pour libérer les éléments de verrou (24, 25) de la position
de libération.
5. Ensemble de verrouillage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans
lequel les éléments de verrou (24, 25) comprennent un élément de ressort (26) qui
pousse les éléments de verrou (24, 25) en direction de la position de libération.
6. Ensemble de verrouillage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, comprenant
en outre un élément de libération secondaire (29) qui glisse axialement le long du
boîtier (11) et qui est connecté à l'actionneur (27) de telle sorte que, lorsqu'il
est actionné, l'élément de libération secondaire déplace l'actionneur (27) à partir
de la première position jusqu'à la seconde position.
7. Ensemble de verrouillage (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans
lequel la première extrémité (252) des éléments de préhension (218) comprend une première
connexion pivotante (256) qui connecte les éléments de préhension (218) et l'actionneur
(208) et une seconde connexion pivotante espacée le long des éléments de préhension
(218) de la première connexion pivotante (256), la seconde connexion pivotante connectant
les éléments de préhension (218) et le boîtier (205) et l'actionneur se déplaçant
radialement de telle sorte que l'actionneur (208) déplace les éléments de préhension
(218) entre la position de préhension et la position de libération.
8. Ensemble de verrouillage (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans
lequel la première extrémité (252) des éléments de préhension (218) comprend une surface
de came (250) qui engage l'actionneur (208), l'actionneur (208) se déplaçant axialement
le long du boîtier (205) et appliquant une force à la surface de came (250) afin de
faire tourner les éléments de préhension (218) entre la position de préhension et
la position de libération.
9. Ensemble de verrouillage (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans
lequel l'actionneur (208) comprend une première partie (210) qui se déplace axialement
le long du boîtier (205) et une seconde partie (214) qui se déplace radialement à
l'intérieur du boîtier (205), la première partie (210) engageant la seconde partie
par l'intermédiaire d'une surface d'engagement inclinée (206) de telle sorte que le
déplacement axial de la première partie (210) entraîne le déplacement radial de la
seconde partie (214) .
10. En combinaison:
un train de forage (108) qui s'étend à travers la colonne montante (104);
un ensemble de verrouillage (100; 200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 9 positionné à l'intérieur de l'alésage central de la colonne montante (104) et
qui reçoit le train de forage (108) à l'intérieur de l'alésage central du boîtier
de l'ensemble de verrouillage (100);
un ensemble de joint d'étanchéité et de palier (102) monté sur le train de forage
(108) et attaché à l'ensemble de verrouillage (100).