U.S. patent application number 10/278560 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-29 for side retainer plate for variable bore ram packer for a ram type blowout preventer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cooper Cameron Corporation. Invention is credited to Foster, Anthony P..
Application Number | 20040079909 10/278560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32106567 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040079909 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Foster, Anthony P. |
April 29, 2004 |
Side retainer plate for variable bore ram packer for a ram type
blowout preventer
Abstract
A variable bore ram packer including a ram body, a top seal and
a packer member designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout
preventer used in oil and gas drilling operations is disclosed. A
side retainer plate is molded into the edges of the packer member.
The side retainer plate includes a depending lip portion to
minimize extrusion of the elastomeric material between the packer
member and the guideways of the blowout preventer.
Inventors: |
Foster, Anthony P.; (Katy,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael P. Hartmann
Cooper Cameron Corporation
P.O. Box 1212
Houston
TX
77251-1212
US
|
Assignee: |
Cooper Cameron Corporation
|
Family ID: |
32106567 |
Appl. No.: |
10/278560 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
251/1.3 ;
251/212; 277/325 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 33/062
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
251/001.3 ;
251/212; 277/325 |
International
Class: |
E21B 033/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A variable bore packer used in a ram-type blowout preventer for
oil and gas drilling operations, comprising: a packer member
moveable within a ram guideway of a blowout preventer, said packer
member molded of elastomeric material having a central opening
sized to fit closely about a tubular member upon closure of said
blowout preventer; a plurality of packer inserts molded within said
elastomeric material into a unitary structure to form an insert
array to move and seat against different diameter tubular members
to prevent extrusion of said elastomeric material between said
packer inserts and the tubular member; said unitary structure is
molded to form a pair of side block seals integral with said packer
member, said side block seals having an upper and lower face; and,
a pair of wing retainer plates molded within each of said upper and
lower faces of said side block seals to prevent extrusion of said
side block seals within said ram guideway of said blowout
preventer.
2. A variable bore packer used in a ram-type blowout preventer for
oil and gas drilling operations according to claim 1, wherein: said
side block seals substantially conform to said ram guideway of said
blowout preventer.
3. A variable bore packer used in a ram-type blowout preventer for
oil and gas drilling operations according to claim 2, wherein: said
wing retainer plates include a planar portion and a depending outer
portion, said depending outer portion positioned below the surface
of said side block seals and adjacent said ram guideway of said
blowout preventer.
4. A variable bore packer used in a ram-type blowout preventer for
oil and gas drilling operations according to claim 3, including: an
elongated slot in said planar portion of said wing retainer
plates.
5. A variable bore packer used in a ram-type blowout preventer for
oil and gas drilling operations according to claim 3, further
including: a packer pin molded within each of said side block
seals, said packer pin including horizontal and vertical portions,
said vertical portion including reduced diameter end segments that
engage said elongated slots in said planar portion of said wing
retainer plates.
6. A variable bore packer used in a ram-type blowout preventer for
oil and gas drilling operations according to claim 5, wherein: said
horizontal portion of said packer pin includes a slot for securing
said packer member of said variable bore packer to a ram.
7. A variable bore packer used in a ram-type blowout preventer for
oil and gas drilling operations according to claim 6, wherein: said
plurality of packer inserts molded within said elastomeric material
surround said central opening of said packer member.
8. A variable bore packer used in a ram-type blowout preventer for
oil and gas drilling operations according to claim 7, wherein: said
packer inserts include a top plate, a bottom plate and a central
web positioned therebetween; and, said top plate, said bottom plate
and said central web are integrally formed.
9. A variable bore packer used in a ram-type blowout preventer for
oil and gas drilling operations according to claim 8, wherein: each
of said top and bottom plates includes a guide lip and a guide
shoulder; and, said plurality of packer inserts coact to provide an
irising motion to move and seat against different diameter tubular
members.
10. A ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling
operations having a variable bore ram assembly, comprising: a body
with a vertical bore; a pair of opposing bonnet assemblies
laterally disposed in said body; a pair of opposing variable bore
rams laterally moveable within said bonnet assemblies; said
variable bore rams providing a seal around a tubular member having
a diameter within a predetermined range, said tubular member
disposed within said vertical bore upon closing of said variable
bore rams; said pair of variable bore rams each includes a ram
body, a top seal and a packer member; a packer member moveable
within a ram guideway of a blowout preventer, said packer member
molded of elastomeric material having a central opening sized to
fit closely about a tubular member upon closure of said blowout
preventer; a plurality of packer inserts molded within said
elastomeric material into a unitary structure to form an insert
array to move and seat against different diameter tubular members
to prevent extrusion of said elastomeric material between said
packer inserts and the tubular member; said unitary structure is
molded to form a pair of side block seals integral with said packer
member, said side block seals having an upper and lower face; and,
a pair of wing retainer plates molded within each of said upper and
lower faces of said side block seals to prevent extrusion of said
side block seals within said ram guideway of said blowout
preventer.
11. A ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling
operations having a variable bore ram assembly according to claim
10, wherein: said side block seals substantially conform to said
ram guideway of said blowout preventer.
12. A ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling
operations having a variable bore ram assembly according to claim
11, wherein: said wing retainer plates include a planar portion and
a depending outer portion, said depending outer portion positioned
below the surface of said side block seals and adjacent said ram
guideway of said blowout preventer.
13. A ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling
operations having a variable bore ram assembly according to claim
12, including: an elongated slot in said planar portion of said
wing retainer plates.
14. A ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling
operations having a variable bore ram assembly according to claim
13, further including: a packer pin molded within each of said side
block seals, said packer pin including horizontal and vertical
portions, said vertical portion including reduced diameter end
segments that engage said elongated slots in said planar portion of
said wing retainer plates.
15. A ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling
operations having a variable bore ram assembly according to claim
14, wherein: said horizontal portion of said packer pin includes a
slot for securing said packer member of said variable bore packer
to a ram.
16. A ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling
operations having a variable bore ram assembly according to claim
15, wherein: said plurality of packer inserts molded within said
elastomeric material surround said central opening of said packer
member.
17. A ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling
operations having a variable bore ram assembly according to claim
16, including: said packer inserts include a top plate, a bottom
plate and a central web positioned therebetween; and, said top
plate, said bottom plate and said central web are integrally
formed.
18. A ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling
operations having a variable bore ram assembly according to claim
17, including: each of said top and bottom plates includes a guide
lip and a guide shoulder; and, said plurality of packer inserts
coact to provide an irising motion to move and seat against
different diameter tubular members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a side retainer plate for use in
variable bore ram packers for a ram-type blowout preventer used in
oil and gas drilling operations. The side retainer plate is
intended to contain rubber in the variable bore ram packers to
prevent excessive rubber loss which can lead to premature wear.
This allows the packer to operate within the ram guideways of the
blowout preventer for a longer period of time without damaging the
ram guideway and prevents pressurized well bore fluid leaking.
[0003] Ram-type blowout preventers are part of a pressure control
system used in oil and gas drilling operations to control
unexpected well bore pressure spikes or "kicks" as they are
commonly referred to in the industry. The blowout preventer has a
body with a vertical bore and a pair of laterally disposed opposing
bonnet assemblies. Each bonnet assembly includes a piston which is
laterally moveable within the bonnet assembly by pressurized
hydraulic fluid. Replaceable sealing elements called "packers" are
mounted within rams attached to the ends of the pistons which
extend into the blowout preventer bore. When these pistons are
moved to a closed position, commonly referred to as "closing the
blowout preventer" or "closing the rams", the vertical bore of the
blowout preventer is sealed and the kick is contained. These
packers are available in a variety of configurations designed to
seal the blowout preventer bore when the opposing rams and pistons
are moved to their closed position.
[0004] One type of ram with packer has ends designed to seal around
pipe of a specific size in the blowout preventer bore when the
blowout preventer is closed. Other rams with packers are configured
to seal around a range of pipe sizes. It is the type designed to
seal around a range of pipe sizes, called variable bore ram packers
to which the present invention is directed. The ram packers form a
pressure tight seal during a kick until the well bore pressure can
be controlled. The well bore pressure can reach several thousand
pounds per square inch during a kick. Each ram packer has a
semicircular opening in its front face to form a seal around 1800
of the outer periphery of the pipe. When the rams are closed as
described above, the opposing ram packers meet and seal the entire
360.degree. periphery of the pipe. The novel side retainer plate of
the present invention is designed for use in a variable bore ram
packer and has a depending edge or lip to prevent excessive rubber
loss of the side block seals of the ram packer which can lead to
premature wear. This allows the packer to operate within the ram
guideways of the blowout preventer for a longer period of time
without damaging the ram guideway and prevents pressurized well
bore fluid leaking
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] The use of metal inserts in a conical-type blowout preventer
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,846,178 to B. S. Minor.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,038 to R. K. Le Rouax shows a ram type
blowout preventer using metal inserts as an anti-extrusion
means.
[0008] The use of metal inserts in an annular blowout preventer to
control the stress level in the elastomeric packer unit is shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,917,293 to G. E. Lewis et al.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,699 to H. Allen shows the use of irising
metal inserts in an annular blowout preventer.
[0010] Another example of metal inserts in a variable bore blowout
preventer in disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,012 to B. C.
Williams, III.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,404 to G. C. Parks, Jr. shows an example
of a variable bore ram packer with interlocking anti-extrusion
metal inserts.
[0012] Another example of a variable bore ram packer with
interlocking anti-extrusion metal inserts is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,458,876 to G. R. Schaeper et al.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,895 to D. U. Shaffer shows an early
version of a variable bore ram packer. This apparatus utilizes a
plurality of annular segments embedded in the elastomeric rubber to
aid in effectuating a seal.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,804 B1 to G. D. Watts discloses variable
bore ram packer utilizing a pillar insert with top and bottom
plates that are rotatable with respect to one another to allow
sealing on taper tool joint connections.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The side retainer plate of the present invention is designed
for use in a variable bore ram packer in a standard ram-type
blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling operations. The
blowout preventer has a body with an axial bore, a pair of opposing
bonnet assemblies and a pair of opposing rams laterally moveable
within the bonnet assemblies by a pressurized fluid source to
control flow of well fluids through the blowout preventer body
axial bore. The variable bore ram packer includes a ram body, a top
seal and a packer member. The packer member is molded of an
elastomeric material having a central opening sized to fit closely
about a tubular member when the blowout preventer is closed. The
packer member includes a plurality of packer inserts molded within
the elastomeric material surrounding the central opening of the
elastomeric material. The packer member and the plurality of packer
inserts are molded into a unitary structure allowing the plurality
of packer inserts to move and seat against different diameter
tubular members to prevent extrusion of the elastomeric material
between the packer inserts and the tubular member.
[0016] The unitary structure includes a pair of side block seals
molded integrally therewith. The side block seals have an upper and
lower face with a side retainer plate of the present invention
within each of the upper and lower faces. The side retainer plate
includes a planar portion, positioned parallel to the upper and
lower faces, and a depending outer portion that is molded below the
surface of the side block seals to conform to the ram guideway of
the blowout preventer.
[0017] The packer inserts include a top plate, a bottom plate and a
central web positioned therebetween and integrally formed
therewith. The top and bottom plates are a substantially triangular
shape and each of the top and bottom plates includes a guide lip
and a guide shoulder. The guide lips and guide shoulders of
adjacent top plates and the guide lips and guide shoulders of
adjacent bottom plates coact to provide an irising motion to the
top and bottom plates as the top and bottom plates move and seat
against different diameter tubular members. The simultaneous
movement of the top and bottom plates of the insert allows the top
and bottom plates to move and seat against the tubular member.
[0018] A principal object of the present invention is to provide a
side retainer plate for use in a variable bore ram packer that
minimizes rubber extrusion around the sides of the ram packer.
[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
side retainer plate for use in a variable bore ram packer that can
maintain the rubber in the variable bore ram packer and minimize
premature wear.
[0020] These with other objects and advantages of the present
invention are pointed out with specificness in the claims annexed
hereto and form a part of this disclosure. A full and complete
understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the
accompanying drawings and description of the preferred
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention are set forth below and further made clear by reference
to the drawings, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cutaway section
of a typical ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas
drilling operations with the side retainer plate of the present
invention in a variable bore ram packer shown installed within.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a variable bore ram packer
with the side retainer plates of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a sectional view, taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2,
showing the relationship between the side retainer plates of the
present invention and the packer pins.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a side retainer plate of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] With reference to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1,
an isometric view of a ram type blowout preventer 10 used in oil
and gas drilling operations is shown. The ram type blowout
preventer 10 includes a body or housing 12 with a vertical bore 14
and laterally disposed ram guideways 16. Bonnet assemblies 18 are
mounted to the body 12 with suitable securing means such as studs
or bolts 20 and aligned with laterally disposed guideways 16. Each
bonnet assembly 18 includes an actuation means 22, including a
piston 24 and connecting rod 26. While only one guideway 16 and
actuation means 22 is shown, it is understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art that there is a pair of opposed guideways 16 and
actuation means 22. Each connecting rod 26 is connected to a ram 28
which includes variable bore ram packer 30. Side retainer plates 32
of the present invention are positioned within variable bore ram
packer 30. Actuation means 22 allows ram 28 and variable bore ram
packer 30 to be reciprocated within guideways 16 or "opening and
closing the rams" as it is referred to in the industry.
[0027] Variable bore ram packer 30 is shown in an exploded view in
FIG. 2 to aid in understanding the relationship between the parts.
Variable bore ram packer 30 includes packer member 34 of an
elastomeric material with suitable rheological characteristics and
packer inserts 36 molded into one unitary structure with packer
inserts 36 arranged around a central opening 38 to form an insert
array 40 that is sized to fit closely about a tubular member.
Packer pins 42 are molded into variable bore ram packer 30 for
connecting variable bore ram packer 30 to ram 28. Packer member 34
is molded to form side block seals 44 on its lateral edges. Ram 28
includes top seal 46 on its upper face. Top seal 46 and side block
seals 44 combine to seal ram 28 in guideways 16 of ram type blowout
preventer 10 in a manner well known to those of ordinary skill in
the art. When rams 28 are closed around a tubular member disposed
in bore 14 of ram type blowout preventer 10, packer members 34 seal
around the tubular member.
[0028] Side block seals 44 have a curved outer surface 48 to
conform to the shape of guideways 16 to allow reciprocation therein
and aid in sealing. Side block seals 44 include upper face 50 and
lower face 52 with side retainer plates 32 molded therein. As best
seen in FIG. 4, side retainer plate 32 includes planar portion 54
and depending portion or lip 56. Planar portion 54 includes
elongated pin slot 58 for engagement with packer pin 42 in a manner
to be explained hereinafter. Depending portion or lip 56 is shaped
to approximate the curvature of curved outer surface 48 and be
molded therein as seen in FIG. 2. The shape and positioning of
depending portion or lip 56 within side block seal 44 aids in
preventing excessive rubber extrusion when side block seal 44 and
variable bore ram packer 30 are in the closed position and
subjected to well bore pressure or test pressure.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, the interaction of packer pins 42, wing
retainer plates 32 and side block seal 44 is shown. Packer pins 42
include horizontal portion 60 and vertical portion 62 in the
perpendicular orientation shown. Horizontal portion 60 includes
slot 64 for engagement with pins 66 molded into top seal 46.
Vertical portion 62 includes reduced diameter end segments 68 that
engage elongated pin slots 58.
[0030] Referring back to FIG. 2, packer inserts 36 include top
plate 70, bottom plate 72 and central web 74. Top plate 70 and
bottom plate 72 are substantially triangular in shape with central
web 74 positioned thereon. Central web 74 is integrally formed with
top plate 70 and bottom plate 72 by suitable means as casting. Top
plate 70 and bottom plate 72 are mirror images of one another and
include guide lip 76 and guide shoulder 78 formed on top plate 70
and guide lip 80 and guide shoulder 82 formed on bottom plate 72.
Thus, when packer inserts 36 are molded into packer member 32,
guide lips 76 and guide shoulders 78 of adjacent top plates 70
overlap. Similarly, guide lips 80 and guide shoulders 82 of
adjacent bottom plates 72 overlap. Thus, as seen in FIG. 2, the
assemblies of top plates 70 and bottom plates 72 are arranged to
form semi-circular steel arcs similar to that of an "iris" shutter
of a camera that acts to prevent extrusion of the elastomeric
material of packer member 32 in use.
[0031] The construction of my side retainer plate for use in a
variable bore ram packer will be readily understood from the
foregoing description and it will be seen that I have provided a
side retainer plate for use in a variable bore ram packer that
minimizes rubber extrusion around the sides of the ram packer.
Furthermore, while the invention has been shown and described with
respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that
equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others
skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the
specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent
alterations and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of
the appended claims.
* * * * *