WO2012148956A2 - Outil de récupération de cloche de repêchage de brides - Google Patents

Outil de récupération de cloche de repêchage de brides Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012148956A2
WO2012148956A2 PCT/US2012/034888 US2012034888W WO2012148956A2 WO 2012148956 A2 WO2012148956 A2 WO 2012148956A2 US 2012034888 W US2012034888 W US 2012034888W WO 2012148956 A2 WO2012148956 A2 WO 2012148956A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
flange
basket grapple
tool
grapple
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2012/034888
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English (en)
Other versions
WO2012148956A3 (fr
Inventor
Paul Edward ANDERSON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BP Corp North America Inc
Original Assignee
BP Corp North America Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BP Corp North America Inc filed Critical BP Corp North America Inc
Publication of WO2012148956A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012148956A2/fr
Publication of WO2012148956A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012148956A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/16—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
    • E21B41/04—Manipulators for underwater operations, e.g. temporarily connected to well heads
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
    • E21B43/0122—Collecting oil or the like from a submerged leakage
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/035—Well heads; Setting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
    • E21B33/038—Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to remedial devices and methods for hydrocarbon drilling and production operations. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods for removing a flange subsea.
  • the tool comprises a housing having a central axis, a first end, an open second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface.
  • the housing also includes a first access port extending radially from the outer surface to the inner surface.
  • the tool comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed within the second end of the housing and configured to coaxially receive and engage a first flange.
  • the basket grapple has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface, and a cutout extending radially through the basket grapple from the outer surface to the inner surface.
  • the outer surface of the basket grapple includes external threads that engage mating internal threads on the inner surface of the housing.
  • the tool comprises a key releasably coupled to the housing.
  • the key has a first position extending radially through the access port and the cutout, and a second position removed from the cutout. The key is configured to prevent relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing in the first position and allow relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing in the second position.
  • the method comprises (a) positioning a flange overshot retrieval tool over the subsea flange joint.
  • the tool comprises a housing having a central axis, a first end, an open second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface.
  • the tool also comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially threaded into the second end of the housing.
  • the basket grapple has a first end, and a second end opposite the first end.
  • the method comprises (b) receiving the first flange into the basket grapple. Further, the method comprises (c) radially expanding the basket grapple during (b). Still further, the method comprises (d) removing the first flange from the flange joint after (b).
  • the method comprises (a) lowering a flange overshot retrieval tool to a subsea flange joint including a first flange coupled to a second flange.
  • the tool also comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed in the second end of the housing.
  • the basket grapple has a first end, and a second end opposite the first end.
  • the method comprises (b) lowering the tool onto the first flange.
  • the method comprises (c) capturing the first flange with the basket grapple during (b).
  • the method comprises releasing the first flange from the basket grapple subsea after (c).
  • Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a flange overshot tool in accordance with the principles described herein;
  • Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool of Figure 1 engaging an upper flange of a flange joint;
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tool of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tool of Figure 1 illustrating a first release mechanism for releasing a flange
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of the basket grapple of Figure 1 engaging the upper flange of Figure 2;
  • Figures 6A-6D are schematic sequential views of the tool of Figure 1 being deployed subsea to remove the upper flange from the flange joint of Figure 2.
  • the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to... .”
  • the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections.
  • the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a central axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the central axis.
  • an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the central axis
  • a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis.
  • tool 100 is employed to separate and retrieve a flange from a flange joint or connection (e.g., subsea flange joint or downhole flange joint).
  • a subsea flange joint 200 including a first or upper flange 201 and a second or lower flange 202 is shown.
  • Tool 100 is used to engage, lift, and remove upper flange 201 from lower flange 202 for subsequent operations.
  • tool 100 has a central or longitudinal axis 105 and includes a housing 110, a connection sub 140 coupled to housing 110, and a basket grapple 160 at least partially disposed within housing 110.
  • housing 110 has a central or longitudinal axis 115 coincident with axis 105, a first or upper end 110a, and a second or lower end 110b opposite upper end 110a.
  • a plate 150 including a plurality of holes extends across upper end 110a, however, lower end 110b is open.
  • housing 110 comprises a first or upper sub-housing 120 and a second or lower sub-housing 130 mounted to upper housing 120.
  • Upper sub-housing 120 and lower sub-housing 130 are coaxially aligned, each having a central or longitudinal axis coincident with axes 105, 115.
  • Upper sub-housing 120 has a first or upper end 120a, a second or lower end 120b, a radially inner cylindrical surface 121, and a radially outer cylindrical surface 122.
  • Upper end 120a comprises an annular flange 123 extending radially inward from surface 121
  • lower end 120b comprises an annular flange 124 extending radially outward from outer surface 122.
  • Upper flange 123 defines an annular shoulder 123 a along inner surface 121 at upper end 120a
  • lower flange 124 defines an annular shoulder 124a along outer surface 122 at lower end 120b.
  • sub-housing 120 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced through holes or apertures 126 axially positioned between flanges 123, 124.
  • Each aperture 126 has a longitudinal axis 126a and extends radially through sub-housing 120 from inner surface 121 to outer surface 122.
  • apertures 126 are generally rectangular and oriented with axes 126a parallel to axes 105, 115.
  • apertures 126 allow fluid to flow radially through sub-housing 120.
  • fluid within sub-housing 120 may flow through apertures 126 to the region outside sub-housing 120 and tool 100.
  • cylindrical plate 150 is coaxially disposed within upper sub-housing 120.
  • Plate 150 has a planar upper surface 151 oriented perpendicular to axis 105 and a planar lower surface 152 oriented parallel to upper surface 151.
  • Plate 150 engages annular shoulder 123a and is attached to upper sub-housing 120 (e.g., plate 150 may be welded to sub-housing 120).
  • plate 150 is fixed to upper sub-housing 120 such that plate 150 does not move translationally or rotationally relative to upper sub-housing 120.
  • plate 150 includes a central through bore 154 coaxially aligned with axes 105, 115 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced through bores 155 disposed about bore 154.
  • Each bore 154, 155 extends axially through plate 150 from upper surface 151 to lower surface 152.
  • Connection sub 140 extends coaxially through central bore 154.
  • radially outer bores 155 allow fluid to flow axially through plate 150.
  • fluid within sub-housing 120 may flow axially through bores 155 to the region outside sub-housing 120 and tool 100.
  • connection sub 140 is an elongate member having a central or longitudinal axis 145 coaxially aligned with axes 105, 115, a first or upper end 140a distal (i.e., away from) upper sub-housing 120, a second or lower end 140b extending into upper sub-housing 120, and a radially outer surface 141 extending between ends 140a, b.
  • Outer surface 141 includes an annular shoulder 143 proximal (i.e., at or near) lower end 140b that engages lower surface 152 of plate 150.
  • upper end 140a comprises a box end 142 adapted to receive a mating pin end at the lower end of a pipe string (e.g., drill string) for deploying tool 100.
  • a pipe string e.g., drill string
  • Sub 140 is disposed within bore 154 and is rigidly attached to plate 150 (e.g., sub 140 may be welded to plate 150). In particular, sub 140 is fixed to plate 150 such that sub 140 does not move translationally or rotationally relative to plate 150.
  • lower sub-housing 130 has a first or upper end 130a, a second or lower end 130b, a radially inner surface 131 extending axially between ends 130a, b, and a radially outer cylindrical surface 132 extending axially between ends 130a, b.
  • Upper end 130a comprises an annular fiange 133 extending radially inward from surface 131.
  • Flange 133 defines an annular shoulder 133a along inner surface 131 at upper end 130a.
  • Inner surface 131 includes an upper cylindrical portion 131a extending axially from upper flange 133 and a lower threaded portion 131b extending axially from lower end 130b. As seen more clearly in Figure 3, upper portion 131a of inner surface 131 engages lower flange 124 of upper sub-housing 120. As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, lower portion 131b includes internal threads 134 sized and configured to threadably engage basket grapple 160. As best shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, internal threads 134 defines a plurality of radially inner peaks 134a and a plurality of radially outer roots 134b axially positioned between peaks 134a.
  • a frustoconical surface 135a extends from each peak 134a to a root 134b axially above the peak 134a, and an annular planar surface 135b oriented perpendicular to axes 105, 115 extends radially outward from each peak 134a to a root 134b radially adjacent the peak 134a.
  • Lower sub-housing 130 is disposed about upper sub-housing 120.
  • flange 133 of lower sub-housing 130 engages outer surface 122 of upper sub-housing 120
  • fiange 124 of upper sub-housing 120 engages cylindrical portion 131b of inner surface 131.
  • shoulders 124, 133a axially abut.
  • Lower sub housing 130 is attached to upper sub-housing 120 (e.g., sub-housing 130 may be welded to sub-housing 120).
  • sub-housing 130 is fixed to sub-housing 120 such that sub-housing 130 does not move translationally or rotationally relative to sub-housing 120.
  • an annular weight 170 is coupled to lower sub-housing 130.
  • weight 170 is disposed about sub-housing 130 and includes a radially inner annular shoulder 171 that axially abuts and engages upper end 130a.
  • each foot 180 may the same or different from one another. Specifically, each foot 180 has an upper end 180a radially adjacent outer surface 132, a lower end 180b distal (i.e., away from) sub-housing 130, and a radial extension or finger 181 axially positioned (relative to axes 105, 115) between ends 180a,b. Each finger 181 extends radially inward along lower end 130b and into lower sub- housing 130.
  • fingers 181 define a plurality of circumferentially spaced shoulders 182 that extend radially inward from inner surface 131 at lower end 130b, thereby restricting and/or preventing basket grapple 160 from falling out of lower sub- housing 130.
  • Each foot 180 may be described as having a first or upper portion 183 extending between upper end 180a and finger 181 and a second or lower portion 184 extending between finger 181 and lower end 180b.
  • Upper portion 183 of each foot 180 extends axially along outer surface 132 of lower sub-housing 130, and lower portion 184 of each foot 180 extends axially downward and radially outward from lower end 130b.
  • each foot 180 has a radially inner surface 185 that tapers axially downward and radially outward relative to sub-housing 130 and axes 105, 115.
  • surface 185 of each foot 180 is oriented at an angle a measured from axes 105, 115 to surface 185 in side view ( Figure 2).
  • Angle a is preferably between 30° and 60°.
  • angle a of each inner surface 185 is 45°.
  • inner surfaces 185 may also be referred to as guide surfaces.
  • each foot 180 is coupled to lower sub-housing 130 with a bolt 187.
  • sub-housing 130 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced threaded bores 136 extending radially inward from outer surface 132 proximal (i.e., at or near) lower end 130b, and each foot 180 includes a through bore 186 extending radially through upper portion 183.
  • Each bore 186 is circumferentially aligned with one bore 136, and a bolt 187 is passed through bore 136 and threaded into bore 186, thereby securing the corresponding foot 180 to lower sub-housing 130.
  • each bolt 187 includes a T-handle 188 that extends radially outward from sub-housing 130 and its corresponding foot 180.
  • T-handles 188 enable rotation of bolts 187 with subsea remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and enable subsea manipulation of tool 100 with subsea ROVs.
  • ROVs remotely operated vehicles
  • lower sub-housing 130 includes an access port 138 axially positioned between weight 170 and feet 180.
  • Port 138 extends radially through sub- housing 130 from inner surface 131 to outer surface 132.
  • a rectangular access panel or door 190 is removably coupled to sub-housing 130 and is sized and configured to close port 138.
  • door 190 is coupled to sub-housing 130 with two bolts 187 as previously described.
  • sub-housing 130 includes a pair of threaded bores 137 extending radially from outer surface 132 above and below port 138, and each door 190 includes a pair of through bores 191 extending radially therethrough.
  • Bores 191 in each door 190 are aligned with bores 137 corresponding to port 138, and one bolt 187 is passed through each bore 191 and threaded into corresponding bore 137, thereby securing door 190 to lower sub- housing 130 over port 138.
  • door 190 is a rectangular plate having a first surface 190a that faces and engages outer surface 132, and a second surface 190b parallel to inner surface 190a and facing away from sub-housing 130.
  • a U-shaped handle 192 extends perpendicularly from second surface 190b of door 190. Handle 192 allows manipulation of door 190 with subsea ROVs during installation and removal of door 190.
  • door 190 includes a rectangular prismatic grapple key 193 extending perpendicularly from first surface 190a. Grapple key 193 is sized and configured to slidingly engage access port 138.
  • key 193 extends radially inward through access port 138 and basket grapple 160 disposed within sub-housing 130.
  • handle 192 and key 193 are each integral with door 190.
  • basket grapple 160 is coaxially disposed within lower sub-housing 130 and has a first or upper end 160a, a second or lower end 160b, a radially inner surface 161 extending axially between ends 160a, b, and a radially outer surface 162 extending axially between ends 160a, b.
  • Outer surface 162 includes external threads 163 sized and configured to mate with internal threads 134 of lower sub-housing 130.
  • external threads 163 define a plurality of radially outer peaks 163a and a plurality of radially inner roots 163b axially positioned between peaks 163a.
  • a frustoconical surface 164a extends from each peak 163a to a root 163b axially below the peak 163a, and an annular planar surface 164b oriented perpendicular to axes 105, 115 extends radially inward from each peak 163a to a root 163b radially adjacent the peak 163a.
  • Surfaces 164a are radially opposed and generally parallel to surfaces 135a, and surfaces 164b are axially opposed and generally parallel to surfaces 135b.
  • Planar surfaces 135b, 164b radially overlap (i.e., peaks 134a extend to an innermost radius that is less than the outermost radius of peaks 163a).
  • inner surface 161 of basket grapple 160 includes an annular recess 165 extending axially from lower end 160b.
  • Recess 165 defines an annular shoulder 166 on inner surface 161 axially positioned between ends 160a, b.
  • inner surface 161 comprises internal threads 167 defining a plurality of teeth 167a configured to engage and "bite" the radially outer surface of flange 201 of joint 200.
  • basket grapple 160 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel through slots 168 and a cutout 169.
  • slots 168 extends axially from lower end 160b to a terminus 168b axially positioned between shoulder 166 and end 160a, and extends radially through basket 160 from inner surface 161 to outer surface 162. Accordingly, slots 168 define a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers 168c extending axially from terminus 168b to lower end 160b. Fingers 168c can be flexed radially inward and radially outward at lower end 160b by applying radial forces to fingers 168c. Threads 167 previously described extend across fingers 168c, and thus, teeth 167a are disposed on fingers 168c.
  • lower sub-housing 130 may be moved axially upward and downward relative to basket grapple 160.
  • sub-housing 130 may be moved axially downward relative to basket grapple 160 until planar surfaces 135b, 164b engage, and sub-housing 130 may be moved axially upward relative to basket grapple 160 until surfaces 135a, 164a engage.
  • Cutout 169 extends axially from upper end 160a, is circumferentially aligned with access port 138, and slidingly receives key 193 previously described.
  • key 193 restricts and/or prevents basket grapple 160 from rotating relative to lower sub-housing 130 about axes 105, 115.
  • basket grapple 160 is allowed to rotate relative to housing 110 about axes 105, 115.
  • one slot 168 extends axially from lower end 160b to cutout 169.
  • basket grapple 160 includes one cut extending completely therethrough and defining circumferentially adjacent ends 160c, d.
  • basket grapple 160 may be described as having an "unexpanded” or “relaxed” state or position in which fingers 168c are not flexed radially outward and basket grapple 160 is not radially expanded, and an "expanded” or “flexed” state or position in which fingers 168c are flexed radially outward and/or basket grapple 160 is radially expanded via circumferential displacement of ends 160c, d.
  • Basket grapple 160 is biased to the unexpanded position. Thus, when basket grapple 160 is in the expanded position, it seeks to return to the unexpanded position. In this sense, basket grapple 160 functions similar to a spring.
  • the components of tool 100 may comprise any suitable material(s). These components preferably comprise strong, durable materials suitable for subsea use such as stainless steel.
  • flange joint 200 forms the connection between a subsea flex joint 343 and the lower end of a riser 315.
  • a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) 320 is mounted to a wellhead 330 at the sea floor 303, and a lower marine riser package (LMRP) 340 is secured to BOP 320.
  • BOP subsea blowout preventer
  • LMRP lower marine riser package
  • Riser 315 typically extends from LMRP 340 to a floating platform at the sea surface.
  • riser 315 has been severed proximal (i.e., at or near) joint 200.
  • BOP 320 and LMRP 340 are configured to controllably seal wellbore 301 and contain hydrocarbon fluids therein.
  • the upper end of LMRP 340 comprises riser flex joint 343 that allows riser 315 to deflect angularly relative to BOP 320 and LMRP 340 while hydrocarbon fluids flow from wellbore 301, BOP 320 and LMRP 340 into riser 315.
  • BOP 320 and/or LMRP 340 are normally actuated to seal in wellbore 301 and protect personnel and hardware upstream of BOP 320 and LMRP 340.
  • BOP 320 and/or LMRP 340 may not contain wellbore 301, which may result in the discharge of such hydrocarbon fluids subsea.
  • the emitted hydrocarbons fluids form a subsea hydrocarbon plume 360.
  • ROVs remote operated vehicles
  • three ROVs 350 are employed to position and monitor tool 100.
  • Each ROV 350 includes an arm 351 having a claw 352, a subsea camera 353 for viewing the subsea operations (e.g., the relative positions of tool 100 and joint 200, the positions and movement of arms 350 and claws 352, etc.), and an umbilical 354.
  • Streaming video and/or images from cameras 353 are communicated to the surface or other remote location via umbilical 354 for viewing on a live or periodic basis.
  • Arms 351 and claws 352 are controlled via commands sent from the surface or other remote location to ROV 350 through umbilical 354.
  • a tubular pipe string 370 is removably secured to connection sub 140, thereby coupling tool 100 to string 370.
  • Tool 100 is controllably lowered subsea with string 370, which extends from tool 100 to a surface vessel.
  • a derrick or other suitable device mounted to the surface vessel is preferably employed to support, axially move tool 100 on string 370, and to rotate tool 100 with string 370.
  • string 370 is employed to lower tool 100 in this embodiment, in other embodiments, tool 100 may be deployed subsea on wireline or cables.
  • tool 100 is lowered subsea under its own weight from a location generally above and laterally offset from joint 200 and outside of plume 360. Lowering tool 100 laterally offset from joint 200 and outside plume 360 offers the potential to reduce the likelihood of damage to joint 200 if tool 100 is inadvertently dropped, improve visibility of tool 200, and reduce the potential for hydrate formation within tool 100.
  • tool 100 is lowered laterally offset from joint 200 and outside of plume 360 until lower end 110b and guide feet 180 are slightly above joint 200.
  • ROVs 350 monitor the position of tool 100 relative to joint 200.
  • tool 100 is moved laterally into position immediately above joint 200 with housing 110 substantially coaxially aligned with joint 200.
  • One or more ROVs 350 may utilize claws 352 and handles 188 on tool 100 to guide and position tool 100 relative to joint 200. Due to its own weight, tool 100 is substantially vertical, whereas joint 200 may be oriented at an angle relative to vertical. Thus, it is to be understood that perfect coaxial alignment of housing 110 and joint 200 may be difficult.
  • string 370 sets tool 100 axially downward, thereby receiving upper flange 201 into lower sub-housing 130 and basket grapple 160.
  • the bolts securing flanges 201, 202 Prior to lowering tool 100 onto flange 201, the bolts securing flanges 201, 202 are removed such that flange 201 can be axially lifted and removed from flange 202 with tool 100 as will be described in more detail below.
  • the bolts securing flanges 201, 202 may be removed by any suitable means including, without limitation, by an ROV operated torque tool.
  • feet 180 help to guide and funnel upper flange 201 into lower end 110b of housing 110 and basket grapple 160. This may be particularly beneficial in cases where housing 110 is not perfectly coaxially aligned with joint 200 as tool 100 is lowered over upper flange 201.
  • apertures 126 in upper sub-housing 120 and bores 155 in plate 150 allow hydrocarbon fluids flowing from joint 200 to flow unrestricted through tool 100, thereby relieving well pressure and offering the potential to reduce the resistance to the coupling of tool 100 to flange 201.
  • tool 100 provides sufficient flow through area within tool 100 offers the potential to reduce the likelihood of hydrate formation within tool 100 and enhance visibility of tool 100.
  • embodiments of tool 100 and the methods of using same described herein offer the potential to reduce hydrate formations and enhance visibility when employed to remove flange 201 from flange joint 200 that is emitting hydrocarbons, it should be appreciated that embodiments described herein may also be employed to remove a flange from a flange joint that is not emitting hydrocarbons.
  • basket grapple 160 is sized and configured such that the inner diameter of basket grapple 160 within recess 165 is about the same or slightly less than the outer diameter of upper flange 201 when basket grapple 160 is in its relaxed and unexpanded state.
  • internal threads 167 and associated teeth 167a along the inner surface 161 of basket grapple 160 slidingly engage the radially outer surface of flange 201 as flange 201 is axially inserted into lower end 160b.
  • basket grapple 160 is preferably sized and configured such that the axial height of recess 165 is the same as the axial height of upper flange 201.
  • Upper flange 201 is preferably coaxially advanced into basket grapple 160 until flange 201 axially abuts and engages annular shoulder 166 on inner surface 161. Due to the relative sizes of upper flange 201 and basket grapple 160 in its relaxed state, basket grapple 160 may need to be urged axially downward to sufficiently seat flange 201 in basket grapple 160. Accordingly, housing 110 may be pushed axially downward and/or axially lifted and dropped one or more times after the initial engagement of basket grapple 160 and flange 201 to allow axial engagement of surfaces 135b, 164b to urge basket grapple 160 axially downward onto flange 201.
  • basket grapple 160 As basket grapple 160 is tapped and/or urged axially downward by housing 110 onto flange 201, basket grapple 160 is transitioned to an expanded state in which fingers 168c are flexed radially outward and/or basket grapple 160 is radially expanded via circumferential displacement of ends 160c, d. Since basket grapple 160 is biased to the unexpanded position, internal threads 167 and associated teeth 167a are urged radially inward into engagement with flange 201 as flange 201 is seated in basket grapple 160.
  • housing 110 is lifted axially upward with string 370 relative to flange 201 and basket grapple 160 coupled thereto.
  • surfaces 135a, 164a come into contact.
  • the continued application of axial lifting forces to housing 110 causes surfaces 135a to cam fingers 168c radially inward, thereby causing teeth 167a "bite" into and firmly grip the radially outer surface of flange 201 and allowing fiange 201 to be lifted with tool 100 and removed from fiange 202 as shown in Figure 6D.
  • tool 100 is lifted to the surface, where flange 201 may be removed from tool 100 with a spreader tool.
  • tool 100 may not be able to remove upper flange 201 subsea once it is seated within basket grapple 160 and an axial lifting force is applied to housing 110.
  • upper flange 201 may be firmly seized or corroded onto lower fiange 202.
  • several options are provided to remove tool 100 from upper flange 201 once it has been seated within basket grapple 160.
  • one option for disengaging upper fiange 201 subsea involves the rotation of housing 110 and basket grapple 160 with pipe string 370 relative to flange 201 to unthread or back off tool 100 from flange 201.
  • connection sub 140, plate 150, upper sub-housing 120, and lower sub-housing 140 are fixably coupled such that they do not move translationally or rotationally relative to each other.
  • rotation of string 370 causes housing 110 to rotate in the same direction about axes 105, 115.
  • Basket grapple 160 is threaded into lower sub-housing 130, however, key 193 extending radially from door 190 into cutout 169 of basket grapple 160 prevents housing 110 from rotating relative to basket grapple 160.
  • basket grapple 160 rotates along with housing 110 about axes 105, 115.
  • teeth 167a engaging flange 201 are defined by internal threads 167.
  • rotation of housing 110 and basket grapple 160 relative to fiange 201 enables teeth 167a to be unthreaded and backed off flange 201.
  • housing 110 and basket grapple 160 disposed therein may be lifted to the surface.
  • FIG. 1 and 6D another option for disengaging upper fiange 201 subsea involves the rotation of housing 110 with pipe string 370 relative to basket grapple 160 to unthread or back off housing 110 from basket grapple 160.
  • rotation of string 370 causes housing 110 to rotate in the same direction about axes 105, 115.
  • Basket grapple 160 is threaded into lower sub-housing 130 via mating threads 134, 163, however, key 193 extending radially through port 138 and cutout 169 of basket grapple 160 prevents housing 110 from rotating relative to basket grapple 160.
  • ROVs 350 withdraw key 193 from cutout 169 by first unthread bolts 187 coupling door 190 to lower sub-housing 130 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188, and then pulling door 190 and key 193 from sub-housing 130 with handle 192.
  • circumferentially spaced shoulders 182 defined by fingers 181 function to retain basket grapple 160 within sub-housing 130. Accordingly, guide feet 180 are also removed from sub-housing 130 to allow housing 110 to be completely unthreaded from basket grapple 160. ROVs 350 remove guide feet 180 by unthreading bolts 187 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188.
  • housing 110 is simultaneously moved axially downward relative to basket grapple 160 by string 370 or under its own weight, and rotated from the surface with string 370.
  • surfaces 135b, 164b move together and surfaces 135a, 164a move apart, thereby removing the camming forces applied to fingers 168c by surfaces 135a and creating radial clearance between surfaces 135a, 164b. Since basket grapple 160 is secured to upper flange 201 via engagement of teeth 167a and flange 201, housing 110 is allowed to rotate relative to basket grapple 160.
  • housing 110 is unthreaded and backed off basket grapple 160 and may be removed to the surface leaving basket grapple 160 behind.
  • basket grapple 160 can be directly accessed by ROVs 350 and removed from upper flange 201 (e.g., by cutting basket grapple 160 off flange 201).
  • FIG. 1 yet another option for disengaging upper flange 201 subsea involves the cutting of basket grapple 160 into multiple pieces.
  • basket grapple 160 is deployed with one through cut between ends 160c, d, thereby enabling basket grapple 160 to transition between an unexpanded state and an expanded state.
  • ROVs 350 withdraw key 193 from cutout 169 by first unthreading bolts 187 coupling door 190 to lower sub-housing 130 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188, and then pulling door 190 and key 193 from sub-housing 130 with handle 192.
  • housing 110 With key 193 removed from cutout 169, housing 110 is simultaneously moved axially downward relative to basket grapple 160 by string 370 or under its own weight, and rotated about 180° with string 370. Since basket grapple 160 is secured to upper flange 201 via engagement of teeth 167a and flange 201, housing 110 is allowed to rotate relative to basket grapple 160, thereby rotating a slot 168 that is positioned about 180° from cutout 169 and ends 160c, d into circumferential alignment with access port 138. Next, ROVs 350 access the slot 168 through port 135 and cut basket grapple 160 axially from upper end 160a to that slot 168, thereby dividing basket grapple 160 into two separate pieces, each extending about 180° about axes 105, 115.
  • housing 110 is slowly lifted axially upward with string 370. Since basket grapple 160 is cut into multiple pieces, it is loosely disposed about flange 201 and teeth 167a are not biased into positive engagement with flange 201. As a result, basket grapple 160 is lifted upward along with housing 110 from flange 201.
  • FIG. 4 and 6D still yet another option for disengaging upper flange 201 subsea involves lifting housing 110 from basket grapple 160 and flange 201.
  • circumferentially spaced shoulders 182 defined by fingers 181 function to retain basket grapple 160 within sub-housing 130.
  • guide feet 180 are removed from sub-housing 130 to allow housing 110 to be completely pulled upward from basket grapple 160.
  • ROVs 350 remove guide feet 180 by unthreading bolts 187 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188.
  • key 193 need not be removed from cutout 169 and port 138 since it can be moved axially upward through cutout 169.
  • basket grapple 160 With housing 110 removed from basket grapple 160 and upper flange 201, basket grapple 160 can be directly accessed by ROVs 350 and removed from upper flange 201 (e.g., by cutting basket grapple 160 off flange 201).
  • tool 100 has been shown and described as being deployed on string 370, tool 100 may also be deployed on wireline or cable. However, it should be appreciated that wireline deployment may limit the ability to rotate housing 110 subsea, and thus, the options for releasing basket grapple 160 subsea that require rotation of housing 110 may not be available.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

Selon l'invention, un outil servant à retirer une première bride d'une seconde bride comprend un logement présentant un axe central, une première extrémité, et une seconde extrémité ouverte opposée à la première extrémité. Ledit logement comprend également un premier orifice d'accès traversant radialement le logement. En outre, l'outil comprend un coin agrippeur annulaire disposé coaxialement dans la deuxième extrémité du logement et conçu pour loger coaxialement une première bride et entrer en contact avec celle-ci. Le coin agrippeur présente une première extrémité, une deuxième extrémité opposée à la première, et une fente s'étendant radialement dans ledit coin. La surface externe du coin agrippeur comporte des filetages externes qui entrent en contact avec des filetages internes sur la surface interne du logement. Par ailleurs, l'outil comporte une clé couplée au logement de manière amovible. La clé est conçue pour empêcher sélectivement la rotation relative entre le coin agrippeur et le logement.
PCT/US2012/034888 2011-04-25 2012-04-25 Outil de récupération de cloche de repêchage de brides Ceased WO2012148956A2 (fr)

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US201161478667P 2011-04-25 2011-04-25
US61/478,667 2011-04-25

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WO (1) WO2012148956A2 (fr)

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GB2553306B (en) * 2016-08-31 2019-02-27 Deltatek Oil Tools Ltd Apparatus for transmitting torque through a work string

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US20120267116A1 (en) 2012-10-25
WO2012148956A3 (fr) 2013-04-25

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