FIELD
[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an actuator assembly for a tubular running
device used for gripping and handling of tubular members.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0002] In the construction of oil or gas wells it is usually necessary to line the wellbore
with a string of steel pipes commonly known as a "tubular" or tubing or generically
as oil country tubular goods ("OCTG"). Because of the length of the tubular string
required, individual sections of tubular are typically progressively added to the
string in the wellbore as it is lowered into a well from a drilling rig or platform.
The section to be added is restrained from falling in to the well by some tubular
engagement means, typically a spider, and is lowered into the well to position the
threaded pin of the tubular adjacent the threaded box of the tubular in the wellbore.
The sections are then joined by relative rotation of the sections until such time
as the desired total length has been achieved.
US 2007/261857 A1,
CN 101487377 B,
US 2008/164693 A1,
US 2011/147010 A1, and
US 7874352 B2 are useful for understanding the present invention.
[0003] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a tubular running device including
a gripping apparatus at a lower end and an actuator assembly at an upper end. The
gripping apparatus includes an outer cage concentrically disposed about an inner mandrel
and movable relative to the inner mandrel for engaging and disengaging a plurality
of rolling supports with a tubular, and an actuator assembly for moving the outer
cage. The actuator assembly includes a housing assembly coupled to the outer cage,
and the housing assembly is movable relative to the inner mandrel. An upper fluid
chamber is disposed between the housing assembly and the inner mandrel, and a lower
fluid chamber is disposed between the housing assembly and the inner mandrel. Fluid
pumped through an upper pressure port into the upper chamber moves the housing assembly
in a first direction thereby causing the gripping apparatus to engage the tubular,
and fluid pumped through a lower pressure port into the lower fluid chamber moves
the housing assembly in a second direction thereby causing the gripping apparatus
to disengage the tubular.
[0004] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of operating a
tubular running device including a gripping apparatus at a lower end and an actuator
assembly at an upper end. The gripping apparatus includes an outer cage concentrically
disposed about an inner mandrel and movable relative to the inner mandrel for engaging
and disengaging a plurality of rolling supports with a tubular. The method includes
providing an actuator assembly for moving the outer cage, the actuator assembly including
a housing assembly coupled to the outer cage, and an upper fluid chamber defined between
the housing assembly and the inner mandrel, and a lower fluid chamber defined between
the housing assembly and the inner mandrel. The method further includes pumping fluid
into the upper chamber and moving the housing assembly axially relative to the inner
mandrel in a first direction thereby causing the gripping apparatus to engage the
tubular.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005]
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tubular running device and
actuator assembly for operating the tubular running device.
Figure 2 illustrates a section view of an embodiment of a tubular running device and
actuator assembly for operating the tubular running device.
Figure 3A illustrates an enlarged section view of an embodiment of an actuator assembly
in a first position.
Figure 3B illustrates an enlarged section view of an embodiment of an actuator assembly
in a second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0006] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an actuator assembly for a tubular running
device used for gripping and handling of tubular members. The tubular running device
is connectable to a top drive and may be used to grip the tubular OCTG from the inside
or the outside. A rig operator may use existing rig equipment, such as a transfer
elevator, to pick up and position a tubular OCTG above a tubular OCTG already secured
in the rotary table on the drill floor. The operator may then use the tubular running
device to grip the tubular OCTG and use the rotational capability of the top drive
to couple the two joints of tubular OCTG together, that is "make up." Similarly, the
rotational capability of the top drive may be used to decouple two joint of tubular
OCTG, that is "break out." The tubular running device includes a gripping apparatus
disposed at a lower end to grip tubular OCTG, and an actuator assembly disposed at
an upper end for actuating the gripping apparatus to grip tubular OCTG. The gripping
apparatus generally includes a first member (
e.g., a probe or inner mandrel) having a plurality of indentations formed in an outer surface.
Each indentation has an inclined surface angled relative to a longitudinal axis of
the first member. The gripping apparatus further includes a second member (
e.g., an outer cage) concentrically disposed relative to the first member. The second
member has a plurality of openings through which a plurality of rolling supports disposed
within respective indentations of the first member may protrude. Movement of the second
member relative to the first member urges the rolling supports along the inclined
surfaces of indentations of the first member. Operating the actuator assembly causes
relative movement of the outer cage with respect to the inner mandrel to cause the
rolling supports to move along the inclined surfaces of the indentations. The rolling
supports are configured to protrude at least partially from the openings in the outer
cage and engage the OCTG tubular. Thereafter, rotational torque may be applied by
the top drive (not shown) to connect the tubular to its respective partner secured
in the rotary table. A tubular running device has been described in detail by, for
example,
U.S. Patent Application No. 13/980,769.
[0007] In one embodiment the actuator assembly includes a series of hydraulic or pneumatic
fluid chambers, which when filled with fluid directly move the outer cage relative
to the inner mandrel. A sleeve is fixed at an upper end and lower end about an outer
surface of the inner mandrel. The fixed sleeve is configured having an outer circumferential
flange protruding radially outward. Alternatively, a circumferential flange may be
integrally disposed on the inner mandrel itself. A movable outer housing assembly
includes an outer housing attached between an upper end cap at an upper end and a
hub assembly at a lower end. The movable outer housing assembly is disposed concentrically
about the fixed sleeve and flange. The upper end cap and hub assembly sealingly engage
an outer surface of the fixed sleeve, and the outer housing sealingly engages an outer
surface of the flange of the fixed sleeve.
[0008] The hub assembly disposed at a lower end of the outer movable housing directly engages
the outer cage and is capable of moving the outer cage to travel axially relative
to the movement of the inner mandrel. A bump stop ring is attached by fasteners to
a lower portion of the hub assembly. The bump stop ring includes two plates fastened
together - an upper steel plate and a lower shock-absorbing plate made from a shock-absorbing
material such as carbon fiber. A mandrel ring is fixed to the inner mandrel and engages
a lower end of the fixed sleeve. The mandrel ring is configured to limit axial movement
of the hub assembly 130 along the length of the inner mandrel.
[0009] An upper chamber is defined above the flange on the fixed sleeve and below the upper
end cap, and between the outer surface of the fixed sleeve and the inner surface of
the movable outer housing. A lower chamber is defined below the flange on the fixed
sleeve and above the hub assembly, and between the outer surface of the fixed sleeve
and the inner surface of the movable outer housing. An upper port extends radially
through the movable outer housing and provides fluid communication into the upper
chamber. A lower port extends radially through the movable outer housing and provides
fluid communication into the lower chamber. The upper port and the lower port may
each be fitted with a pilot operated check valve configured to be closed to prevent
fluid from exiting the upper chamber and lower pressure, respectively.
[0010] A floating piston may be disposed in the lower chamber and is configured to move
axially therein. A gas chamber is defined below the floating piston and above the
hub assembly, and between the outer surface of the fixed sleeve and the inner surface
of the movable outer housing. The gas chamber may be filled or pre-charged with a
gas or gas mixture - such as nitrogen or similar gases - at a certain pressure. For
example, the gas chamber may be pre-charged to a pressure of at least 500 pounds per
square inch (psi), or at least 1,000 psi, or at least 1,500 psi, or greater. A floating
piston stop, configured as a radially inwardly protruding lip, may be disposed on
an inner surface of the movable outer housing configured to limit upward movement
of the floating piston.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tubular running device 100.
The tubular running device 100 includes a gripping apparatus 110 disposed at a lower
end to grip tubular OCTG, and an actuator assembly 120 disposed at an upper end for
actuating the gripping apparatus to grip tubular OCTG. Figure 2 illustrates a section
view of an embodiment of a tubular running device 100. The gripping apparatus 110
includes a first member 112 (
e.g., a probe or inner mandrel) having a plurality of indentations 116 formed in an outer
surface. Each indentation 116 has an inclined surface angled relative to a longitudinal
axis of the first member 112. The gripping apparatus 110 further includes a second
member 114 (
e.g., an outer cage) concentrically disposed relative to the first member 112. The second
member 114 has a plurality of openings through which a plurality of rolling supports
118 disposed within respective indentations 116 of the first member 112 may protrude.
Movement of the second member 114 relative to the first member 112 urges the rolling
supports 118 along the inclined surfaces of indentations 116 of the first member 112.
Operating the actuator assembly 120 in a manner described herein causes relative movement
of the outer cage 114 with respect to the inner mandrel 112 to cause the rolling supports
118 to move along the inclined surfaces of the indentations 116. The rolling supports
118 are configured to protrude at least partially from the openings in the outer cage
114 and engage the OCTG tubular. Thereafter, rotational torque may be applied by the
top drive (not shown) to connect the tubular to a tubular secured in the rotary table.
The tubular running device 100 further includes an actuator assembly 120 disposed
at an upper end to operate the gripping apparatus 110.
[0012] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate enlarged section views of an embodiment of an actuator
assembly 120 for the tubular running device 100. Figure 3A illustrates the actuator
assembly in a first or unset position, that is, a position in which the rolling supports
do not engage a tubular. Figure 3B illustrates the actuator assembly in a second or
set position, that is, a position in which the rolling supports engage a tubular.
The inner mandrel 112 of the tubular running device extends axially through the actuator
assembly 120. The inner mandrel 112 includes a central through bore 111 that extends
axially therethrough to allow drilling fluid or mud to be pumped into the tubular
OCTG and/or well bore. The actuator assembly 120 includes a series of hydraulic or
pneumatic fluid chambers, which when alternately filled with fluid directly move the
outer cage 114 relative to the inner mandrel 112. A sleeve 122 is fixed at an upper
end and lower end about an outer surface of the inner mandrel 112. The fixed sleeve
122 is configured having an outer circumferential flange 124 protruding radially outward.
A movable outer housing assembly 125 includes an outer housing 126 attached between
an upper end cap 129 at an upper end and a hub assembly 130 at a lower end. The movable
outer housing assembly 125 is disposed concentrically about the fixed sleeve 122 and
flange 124. The upper end cap 129 and hub assembly 130 sealingly engage an outer surface
of the fixed sleeve 122, and the outer housing 126 sealingly engages an outer surface
of the flange 124 of the fixed sleeve 122.
[0013] The hub assembly 130 disposed at a lower end of the outer movable housing 126 is
coupled either directly or indirectly to the outer cage 114 and is capable of moving
the outer cage 114 to travel axially relative to the movement of the inner mandrel
112. A bump stop ring 133 secured or fixed to an outer surface of the outer cage 114
is attached by a plurality of fasteners 135 to a lower portion of the hub assembly
130. The bump stop ring 133 includes two plates fastened together - an upper steel
plate and a lower shock-absorbing plate made from a shock-absorbing material such
as carbon fiber or similar materials. A mandrel ring 131 is secured or fixed to an
outer surface of the inner mandrel 112 and engages a lower end of the fixed sleeve
122. The mandrel ring 131 is configured to limit axial movement of the hub assembly
130 along the length of the inner mandrel 112.
[0014] Referring still to Figures 3A and 3B, an upper chamber 134 is defined above the flange
124 on the fixed sleeve 122 and below the upper end cap 129, and between the outer
surface of the fixed sleeve 122 and the inner surface of the movable outer housing
126. A lower chamber 138 is defined below the flange 124 on the fixed sleeve 122 and
above the hub assembly 130, and between the outer surface of the fixed sleeve 122
and the inner surface of the movable outer housing 126. An upper port 136 extends
radially through the movable outer housing 126 and provides fluid communication into
the upper chamber 134. A lower port 140 extends radially through the movable outer
housing 126 and provides fluid communication into the lower chamber 138. The upper
port 136 and the lower port 140 may each be fitted with a pilot operated check valve
configured to be closed to prevent fluid from exiting the upper chamber and lower
pressure, respectively.
[0015] A floating piston 132 is disposed in the lower chamber 138 and is configured to move
axially therein. A gas chamber 142 is defined below the floating piston 132 and above
the hub assembly 130, and between the outer surface of the fixed sleeve 122 and the
inner surface of the movable outer housing 126. The gas chamber 142 may be filled
or pre-charged with a gas or gas mixture - such as nitrogen or similar gases - at
a certain pressure. A floating piston stop 127, configured as a radially inwardly
protruding lip, is illustrated disposed on an inner surface of the movable outer housing
126 configured to limit upward movement of the floating piston 132.
[0016] Methods of operating the tubular running device 100 with the actuator assembly 120
described herein include pumping fluid through the lower pressure port 140 and into
the lower chamber 138, thereby moving the outer housing assembly 125 in an axial direction
downward. In turn, the outer cage 114 is moved downward relative to the inner mandrel
112, and rolling supports 118 are moved simultaneously in axial and radial directions
along inclined surfaces of the indentations 116, thereby protruding through openings
in the outer cage 114 to engage the tubular OCTG. Pumping fluid through the lower
pressure port 140 also forces the floating piston 132 in an axial direction downward,
thereby compressing gas therein and pressurizing the gas chamber 142. Once the desired
fluid pressure has been reached in the lower chamber 138, fluid ceases to be pumped
into the lower chamber 138, which remains pressurized at the desired pressure level
due to the closed pilot operated check valve in the lower pressure port 140. The compressed
gas in the gas chamber 142 directly acts upon the lower surface of the floating piston
132, upwardly urging the floating 132 piston and providing a continuous set pressure
in the lower chamber 138. Moving the outer cage 114 to disengage the rolling supports
from the tubular OCTG includes opening the pilot operated check valve in the lower
pressure port 140, and pumping fluid through the upper pressure port 136 and into
the upper chamber 134, thereby moving the outer housing assembly 125 upward.
[0017] The tubular running device further includes a safety control system configured to
monitor the set and unset hydraulic or pneumatic pressures present at any given time
in the upper and lower chambers, and thereby the position of the rolling supports.
The safety control system is also able to monitor feedback loops that include sensors
or monitors located to monitor pressures in the upper and lower chambers, and located
at other pressure locations of the tubular running device 100. The safety control
system may include a processor to collect data readings from the various sensors.
A wireless communication link may be used to transmit pressure data readings from
the safety control system processor to an operator.
[0018] The tubular running device may be coupled with various other devices or equipment
on a rig. For example, a hydraulic or pneumatic swivel may be coupled to the tubular
running device such that if the top-drive has no swivel function capability a separate
member can be added to provide this function, for make-up or breakout operations.
In another example, the tubular running device may be coupled to a weight compensation
control system whereby the activation of the weight compensation system will provide
for the tubular OCTG to be lowered in a controlled fashion into the tubular OCTG already
secured in the rotary table on the drill floor and utilizing the weight compensation
system will effectively give the tubular OCTG zero weight in gravity and protect the
threads of the tubular OCTG during stabbing operations, for make-up or breakout operations.
[0019] Advantageously, embodiments described herein provide a actuator assembly for a tubular
running device with minimal moving components to provide greater efficiency and torque
capability for operating the tubular running device. The actuator assembly removes
components required in current systems, including separate hydraulic or pneumatic
lines and systems, and a remote control console for operating the hydraulic or pneumatic
systems. Rather, the present embodiments have hydraulic or pneumatic chambers built
directly into the actuator. The actuator assembly further provides the advantage of
having a safety device built directly into the actuator to ensure the tubular running
device remains set or engaged at all times.
[0020] A tubular running device having the actuator assembly described herein may be used
in a number of places. First, as primarily described herein, the tubular running device
may be used in the construction of oil and gas wells where it is usually necessary
to drill and line the well bore with a string of steel pipes, or OCTG tubulars. Other
oil and gas applications may include abandonment or decommissioning of oil and gas
wells where it is usually necessary to remove OCTG tubulars, steel structures, pilings,
caissons, or pipelines. Yet other applications may include installing anchoring connector
systems for offshore drilling establishments. For example, floating drilling rigs
in the form of semi-submersibles, spars, and drill ships are often used in deep water
drilling activities. These drilling rigs must be anchored or tethered to the sea floor
using large suction anchors deployed and placed on the sea floor to remain in position.
Large ropes or chains are then attached from the drilling rig to the suction anchors.
Yet another application may be in the recovery of damaged or abandoned pipelines from
the sea floor. The actuator described herein provides a means to grip the pipeline
while being manipulated by a ROV. Yet other applications may be in the placement of
columns for wind energy turbines. Still other applications may be in the erection
of structures fabricated from tubular members such as offshore platforms, water towers,
etc.
[0021] The claimed subject matter is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments
described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those
described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
description. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the appended claims.
1. A tubular running device comprising a gripping apparatus (110) at a lower end, the
gripping apparatus (110) comprising an outer cage (114) concentrically disposed about
an inner mandrel and movable relative to the inner mandrel (112) for engaging and
disengaging a plurality of rolling supports (118) with a tubular, and an actuator
assembly (120) for moving the outer cage, the actuator assembly (120) comprising:
a housing assembly (125) coupled to the outer cage (114), wherein the housing assembly
(125) is movable relative to the inner mandrel (112);
characterised by an upper fluid chamber (134) disposed between the housing assembly and the inner
mandrel (112), and a lower fluid chamber (138) disposed between the housing assembly
(125) and the inner mandrel (112),
wherein fluid pumped through an upper pressure port (136) into the upper chamber (134)
moves the housing assembly (125) in a first direction thereby causing the gripping
apparatus (110) to disengage the tubular, and wherein fluid pumped through a lower
pressure port (140) into the lower fluid chamber (138) moves the housing assembly
(125) in a second direction thereby causing the gripping apparatus (110) to engage
the tubular; and
a floating piston (132) disposed within the lower fluid chamber (138), and a gas chamber
(142) defined between the housing assembly (125) and the inner mandrel (112) and below
the floating piston (132),
wherein fluid pumped through the lower pressure port (140) into the lower fluid chamber
(138) moves the floating piston (132) in the first direction and compresses a gas
present in the gas chamber (142).
2. The actuator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve (122) fixed to the inner
mandrel (112), the sleeve (122) comprising an outer circumferential flange (124) protruding
radially outward to sealingly engage the housing assembly (125).
3. The actuator assembly of claim 2, wherein the housing assembly (125) comprises an
outer housing (126) attached between an upper end cap (129) at an upper end and a
hub assembly (130) at a lower end.
4. The actuator assembly of claim 3, wherein the upper fluid chamber (134) is axially
defined between the flange (124) on the sleeve (122) fixed to the inner mandrel (112)
and the upper end cap (129), and radially between the outer surface of the fixed sleeve
(122) and the inner surface of the movable outer housing (126).
5. The actuator assembly of claim 3, wherein the lower fluid chamber (138) is axially
defined between the flange (124) on the sleeve (122) fixed to the inner mandrel (112)
and the hub assembly (130), and radially between the outer surface of the fixed sleeve
(122) and the inner surface of the movable outer housing (126).
6. The actuator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a mandrel ring (131) secured
to the inner mandrel (112) proximate to a lower end of the sleeve (122) fixed to the
inner mandrel (112), wherein the mandrel ring (131) is configured to limit axial movement
of the housing assembly (125) along the length of the inner mandrel (112).
1. Eine rohrförmige Laufvorrichtung, die Folgendes beinhaltet: eine Greifeinrichtung
(110) an einem unteren Ende, wobei die Greifeinrichtung (110) einen Außenkäfig (114)
beinhaltet, der konzentrisch um einen inneren Dorn angeordnet ist und relativ zu dem
inneren Dorn (112) zum Eingreifen einer Vielzahl von Rollstützen (118) in ein Rohr
und zum Lösen davon beweglich ist, und eine Betätigungsanordnung (120) zum Bewegen
des Außenkäfigs, wobei die Betätigungsanordnung (120) Folgendes beinhaltet:
eine Gehäuseanordnung (125), die mit dem Außenkäfig (114) verbunden ist, wobei die
Gehäuseanordnung (125) relativ zu dem inneren Dorn (112) beweglich ist;
gekennzeichnet durch eine obere Fluidkammer (134), die zwischen der Gehäuseanordnung und dem inneren Dorn
(112) angeordnet ist, und eine untere Fluidkammer (138), die zwischen der Gehäuseanordnung
(125) und dem inneren Dorn (112) angeordnet ist,
wobei Fluid, das durch eine obere Drucköffnung (136) in die obere Kammer (134) gepumpt
wird, die Gehäuseanordnung (125) in eine erste Richtung bewegt, wodurch bewirkt wird,
dass die Greifeinrichtung (110) das Rohr löst, und wobei Fluid, das durch eine untere
Drucköffnung (140) in die untere Fluidkammer (138) gepumpt wird, die Gehäuseanordnung
(125) in eine zweite Richtung bewegt, wodurch bewirkt wird, dass die Greifeinrichtung
(110) mit dem Rohr in Eingriff kommt; und
einen Schwimmkolben (132), der innerhalb der unteren Fluidkammer (138) angeordnet
ist, und eine Gaskammer (142), die zwischen der Gehäuseanordnung (125) und dem inneren
Dorn (112) und unter dem Schwimmkolben (132) definiert ist,
wobei Fluid, das durch die untere Drucköffnung (140) in die untere Fluidkammer (138)
gepumpt wird, den Schwimmkolben (132) in die erste Richtung bewegt und ein Gas, das
in der Gaskammer (142) vorhanden ist, komprimiert.
2. Betätigungsanordnung gemäß Anspruch 1, die ferner eine Hülse (122) beinhaltet, die
an dem inneren Dorn (112) fixiert ist, wobei die Hülse (122) einen äußeren Umfangsflansch
(124) beinhaltet, der radial nach außen vorsteht, um dichtend in die Gehäuseanordnung
(125) einzugreifen.
3. Betätigungsanordnung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei die Gehäuseanordnung (125) ein Außengehäuse
(126) beinhaltet, das zwischen einer oberen Endkappe (129) an einem oberen Ende und
einer Nabenanordnung (130) an einem unteren Ende befestigt ist.
4. Betätigungsanordnung gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei die obere Fluidkammer (134) axial zwischen
dem Flansch (124) auf der Hülse (122), die an dem inneren Dorn (112) fixiert ist,
und der oberen Endkappe (129) und radial zwischen der äußeren Oberfläche der fixierten
Hülse (122) und der inneren Oberfläche des beweglichen Außengehäuses (126) definiert
ist.
5. Betätigungsanordnung gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei die untere Fluidkammer (138) axial zwischen
dem Flansch (124) auf der Hülse (122), die an dem inneren Dorn (112) fixiert ist,
und der Nabenanordnung (130) und radial zwischen der äußeren Oberfläche der fixierten
Hülse (122) und der inneren Oberfläche des beweglichen Außengehäuses (126) definiert
ist.
6. Betätigungsanordnung gemäß Anspruch 1, die ferner einen Dornring (131) beinhaltet,
der an dem inneren Dorn (112) nahe einem unteren Ende der Hülse (122), die an dem
inneren Dorn (112) fixiert ist, gesichert ist, wobei der Dornring (131) konfiguriert
ist, um axiale Bewegung der Gehäuseanordnung (125) entlang der Länge des inneren Dorns
(112) zu begrenzen.
1. Un dispositif de pose d'élément tubulaire comprenant un appareil de préhension (110)
au niveau d'une extrémité inférieure, l'appareil de préhension (110) comprenant une
cage externe (114) disposée concentriquement autour d'un mandrin interne et déplaçable
relativement au mandrin interne (112) pour mettre en et hors de prise une pluralité
de supports roulants (118) avec un tubulaire, et un ensemble actionneur (120) pour
déplacer la cage externe, l'ensemble actionneur (120) comprenant :
un ensemble logement (125) couplé à la cage externe (114), l'ensemble logement (125)
étant déplaçable relativement au mandrin interne (112) ;
caractérisé par une chambre de fluide supérieure (134) disposée entre l'ensemble logement et le mandrin
interne (112), et une chambre de fluide inférieure (138) disposée entre l'ensemble
logement (125) et le mandrin interne (112),
dans lequel du fluide pompé à travers un orifice de pression supérieur (136) jusque
dans la chambre supérieure (134) déplace l'ensemble logement (125) dans une première
direction amenant de ce fait l'appareil de préhension (110) à se mettre hors de prise
avec le tubulaire, et dans lequel du fluide pompé à travers un orifice de pression
inférieur (140) jusque dans la chambre de fluide inférieure (138) déplace l'ensemble
logement (125) dans une deuxième direction amenant de ce fait l'appareil de préhension
(110) à se mettre en prise avec le tubulaire ; et
un piston flottant (132) disposé au sein de la chambre de fluide inférieure (138),
et une chambre de gaz (142) définie entre l'ensemble logement (125) et le mandrin
interne (112) et en dessous du piston flottant (132),
dans lequel du fluide pompé à travers l'orifice de pression inférieur (140) jusque
dans la chambre de fluide inférieure (138) déplace le piston flottant (132) dans la
première direction et comprime un gaz présent dans la chambre de gaz (142).
2. L'ensemble actionneur de la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un manchon (122)
fixé au mandrin interne (112), le manchon (122) comprenant une bride circonférentielle
externe (124) faisant saillie radialement vers l'extérieur afin de se mettre en prise
de façon hermétique avec l'ensemble logement (125).
3. L'ensemble actionneur de la revendication 2, dans lequel l'ensemble logement (125)
comprend un logement externe (126) attaché entre un bouchon d'extrémité supérieur
(129) au niveau d'une extrémité supérieure et un ensemble moyeu (130) au niveau d'une
extrémité inférieure.
4. L'ensemble actionneur de la revendication 3, dans lequel la chambre de fluide supérieure
(134) est définie axialement entre la bride (124) sur le manchon (122) fixé au mandrin
interne (112) et le bouchon d'extrémité supérieur (129), et radialement entre la surface
externe du manchon fixé (122) et la surface interne du logement externe déplaçable
(126).
5. L'ensemble actionneur de la revendication 3, dans lequel la chambre de fluide inférieure
(138) est définie axialement entre la bride (124) sur le manchon (122) fixé au mandrin
interne (112) et l'ensemble moyeu (130), et radialement entre la surface externe du
manchon fixé (122) et la surface interne du logement externe déplaçable (126).
6. L'ensemble actionneur de la revendication 1, comprenant en outre une bague de mandrin
(131) assujettie au mandrin interne (112) à proximité d'une extrémité inférieure du
manchon (122) fixé au mandrin interne (112), la bague de mandrin (131) étant configurée
pour limiter un déplacement axial de l'ensemble logement (125) sur la longueur du
mandrin interne (112).