U.S. patent application number 16/015083 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-18 for remote connection to wellhead for multiple operations.
The applicant listed for this patent is HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. Invention is credited to Brad R. Bull, Richard D. Housden, William D. Kendrick.
Application Number | 20180298713 16/015083 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63792012 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180298713 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bull; Brad R. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2018 |
REMOTE CONNECTION TO WELLHEAD FOR MULTIPLE OPERATIONS
Abstract
A connector adapter for use with a subterranean well includes a
generally cylindrical body defining a coaxial passage therethrough,
a connector end at one end of the cylindrical body, the connector
end having external threads and configured to connect the
cylindrical body to a remote connector, and an equipment end at
another end of the cylindrical body, the equipment end having
external threads and configured to connect the cylindrical body to
well equipment. The remote connector comprises multiple
circumferentially distributed engagement structures which clamp
directly together first and second radially enlarged hubs and a
biasing device which biases the engagement structures toward an
open configuration thereof in which the second hub is separable
from the first hub. This allows the well equipment to be connected
to the wellhead without worker intervention and while a second well
operation is being performed near the wellhead.
Inventors: |
Bull; Brad R.; (Duncan,
OK) ; Kendrick; William D.; (Duncan, OK) ;
Housden; Richard D.; (Conroe, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63792012 |
Appl. No.: |
16/015083 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14023610 |
Sep 11, 2013 |
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16015083 |
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62541513 |
Aug 4, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 33/038 20130101;
E21B 33/072 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 33/038 20060101
E21B033/038 |
Claims
1. A connector adapter for use with a subterranean well, the
connector adapter comprising: a generally cylindrical body defining
a coaxial passage therethrough; a connector end at one end of the
cylindrical body, the connector end having threads and configured
to connect the cylindrical body to a remote connector; and an
equipment end at another end of the cylindrical body, the equipment
end having threads and configured to connect the cylindrical body
to well equipment; wherein the remote connector comprises multiple
circumferentially distributed engagement structures which clamp
directly together first and second radially enlarged hubs and a
biasing device which biases the engagement structures toward an
open configuration thereof in which the second hub is separable
from the first hub.
2. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein the well equipment is
one of a lubricator and a well servicing line, the well servicing
line including a frac line.
3. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein the remote connector
further comprises a sleeve which encircles the engagement
structures and prevents the engagement structures from displacing
radially outward from the open configuration.
4. The connector adapter of claim 2, wherein the remote connector
further comprises an actuator which, in response to a first
pressure differential applied across a piston of the actuator,
displaces the sleeve to an open position in which the biasing
device displaces the engagement structures to the open
configuration.
5. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein the actuator, in
response to a second pressure differential applied across the
piston, displaces the sleeve to a closed position in which the
sleeve biases the engagement structures into clamping engagement
with the first and second hubs.
6. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein the engagement
structures are pivotably mounted relative to the first hub between
first and second ends of the engagement structures.
7. The connector adapter of claim 6, wherein the biasing device
inwardly biases the first ends of the engagement structures.
8. The connector adapter of claim 7, wherein the second ends of the
engagement structures are displaced outward by a biasing force
exerted by the biasing device.
9. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein engagement between the
second hub and the engagement structures in the open configuration
aligns the first and second hubs.
10. A method of connecting well equipment to a wellhead, the method
comprising: connecting the well equipment to a connector adapter at
an equipment end thereof; connecting a connector end of the
connector adapter to a remote connector; connecting the remote
connector to the wellhead; applying pressure to the remote
connector from a remote location, thereby allowing multiple
circumferentially distributed engagement structures of the
connector to displace outward to an open configuration thereof; and
displacing a first hub of the connector into contact with a second
hub secured to the wellhead, the engagement structures axially
aligning the second hub with the first hub during the
displacing.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the well equipment includes one
of a lubricator and a well servicing line, the well servicing line
including a frac line.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the well equipment is connected
to the wellhead while a second well operation is being performed
near the wellhead.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second well operation
includes a fracking operation.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the pressure applying further
comprises displacing a sleeve of the connector to an open position
thereof, the sleeve in the open position preventing outward
displacement of the engagement structures from the open
configuration.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the pressure applying further
comprises applying a first pressure differential across a piston of
an actuator, thereby displacing the sleeve to the open
position.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising applying a second
pressure differential across the piston, thereby displacing the
sleeve to a closed position in which the sleeve biases the
engagement structures into clamping engagement with the first and
second hubs.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the engagement structures are
pivotably mounted relative to the first hub between first and
second ends of the engagement structures.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein a biasing device biases the
engagement structures toward the open configuration.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the biasing device inwardly
biases ends of the engagement structures.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein opposite ends of the engagement
structures are displaced outward by a biasing force exerted by the
biasing device.
21. A connector adapter for use with a subterranean well, the
connector adapter comprising: a generally cylindrical body defining
a coaxial passage therethrough; a connector end at one end of the
cylindrical body, the connector end having threads and configured
to connect the cylindrical body to a remote connector; and an
equipment end at another end of the cylindrical body, the equipment
end having threads and configured to connect the cylindrical body
to well equipment, the coaxial passage having a first inner
diameter that transitions to a second inner diameter near the
equipment end, the second inner diameter being larger than the
first inner diameter; wherein the remote connector comprises
multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures which
clamp directly together first and second radially enlarged hubs and
a sleeve which encircles the engagement structures and prevents the
engagement structures from displacing radially outward from an open
configuration thereof in which the second hub is separable from the
first hub.
22. The connector adapter of claim 21, wherein the well equipment
is one of a lubricator and a well servicing line, the well
servicing line including a frac line.
23. The connector adapter of claim 21, wherein engagement between
the second hub and the engagement structures in the open
configuration aligns the first and second hubs.
24. The connector adapter of claim 21, further comprising an
actuator which, in response to a first pressure differential
applied across a piston of the actuator, displaces the sleeve to an
open position in which the engagement structures are in the open
configuration.
25. The connector adapter of claim 24, wherein the actuator, in
response to a second pressure differential applied across the
piston, displaces the sleeve to a closed position in which the
sleeve biases the engagement structures into clamping engagement
with the first and second hubs.
26. The connector adapter of claim 21, wherein the engagement
structures are pivotably mounted relative to the first hub between
first and second ends of the engagement structures.
27. The connector adapter of claim 21, further comprising a biasing
device which biases the engagement structures toward the open
configuration.
28. The connector adapter of claim 27, wherein the biasing device
inwardly biases ends of the engagement structures.
29. The connector adapter of claim 28, wherein opposite ends of the
engagement structures are displaced outward by a biasing force
exerted by the biasing device.
30. A wellhead assembly for mounting to a wellhead in a
subterranean well, the wellhead assembly comprising: a remote
connector comprising (i) multiple circumferentially distributed
engagement structures which clamp directly together first and
second radially enlarged hubs, (ii) a biasing device which biases
the engagement structures toward an open configuration thereof, in
which the second hub is separable from the first hub, (iii) a
sleeve which encircles the engagement structures and prevents the
engagement structures from displacing radially outward from the
open configuration, and (iv) an actuator which, in response to a
first pressure differential applied across a piston of the
actuator, displaces the sleeve to an open position in which the
biasing device displaces the engagement structures to the open
configuration, (v) wherein the engagement structures and the piston
of the actuator are circumferentially aligned with one another so
as to define a flow path therethrough extending coaxially with the
first and second hubs when the engagement structures clamp together
the first and second hubs; a connector adapter connected to the
remote connector, the connector adapter comprising a generally
cylindrical body defining a coaxial passage therethrough, a
connector end at one end of the cylindrical body configured to
connect to the remote connector, and an equipment end at another
end of the cylindrical body, wherein the coaxial passage has a
first inner diameter that transitions to a second inner diameter
near the equipment end, the second inner diameter being larger than
the first inner diameter; and well equipment connected to the
connector adapter at the equipment end thereof, the well equipment
being one of a lubricator and a well servicing line, the well
servicing line including a frac line; wherein the wellhead assembly
is preassembled as a single assembly for mounting to the wellhead.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/541,513, entitled "Remote Connection to Wellhead
for Multiple Operations," filed Aug. 4, 2017, and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
14/023,610, entitled "High Pressure Remote Connector With
Self-Aligning Geometry," filed Sep. 11, 2013, both of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods
and apparatuses used in conjunction with a subterranean well and,
more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for connecting
lubricators, frac lines, and similar well equipment to a wellhead
using a high pressure remote connector with self-aligning geometry
in order to allow multiple types of well operations to be
performed.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is frequently desired to make a pressure bearing
connection between components at a well. However, such components
are oftentimes large, heavy, manipulated by imprecise positioning
equipment and/or located in relatively inaccessible or hazardous
locations. Such conditions can make it difficult to accurately
align the components so that the connection can conveniently be
made without damaging any elements (such as seals) of the
connection.
[0004] Therefore, it will be readily appreciated that improvements
are continually needed in the art of constructing and utilizing
connectors for use in conjunction with wells. Such improvements may
be useful whether or not components of a connector are large,
heavy, manipulated by imprecise positioning equipment and/or
located in relatively inaccessible or hazardous locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a more complete understanding of the exemplary disclosed
embodiments, and for further advantages thereof, reference is now
made to the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a representative partial view of a well system and
associated method which can embody principles of this
disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a representative cross-sectional view of a remote
connector and a connector adaptor which may be used in the well
system and method of
[0008] FIG. 1, and which can embody the principles of this
disclosure, the connector being depicted in an open
configuration;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a representative cross-sectional view of the
remote connector and the connector adaptor, the connector being
depicted in a closed configuration with the connector adaptor
attached to the connector;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the remote connector and the
connector adaptor disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the remote connector in a
closed configuration with the connector adaptor attached to the
connector; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a wellhead guide that may be
used with the remote connector disclosed herein.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The following discussion is presented to enable a person
ordinarily skilled in the art to synthesize and use the exemplary
disclosed embodiments. Various modifications will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles
described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications
other than those detailed below without departing from the spirit
and scope of the disclosed embodiments as defined herein.
Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are not intended to be
limited to the particular embodiments shown, but are to be accorded
the widest scope consistent with the principles and features
disclosed herein.
[0014] As mentioned above, the embodiments disclosed herein relate
to methods and apparatuses for connecting lubricators, frac lines,
and similar well equipment to a wellhead. "Lubricators" are well
known to those skilled in the art and refer generally to a long
pipe fitted to the top of a wellhead or "Christmas tree" so that
tools may be put into the well. The lubricator is installed on top
of the tree, well tools are placed in the lubricator, and the
lubricator is pressurized to wellbore pressure. The top valves of
the tree are then opened to allow the tools to fall or be pumped
into the wellbore under pressure. Similarly, frac lines are pipes
fitted to the top of the wellhead that carry fracking fluid into
the well.
[0015] Currently, workers are needed at the wellhead to manually
attach/remove a lubricator to/from a wellhead, for example, in
wireline operations. However, safety rules restrict personnel from
being in a high pressure area ("red zone") when certain operations,
such as fracturing operations, are being performed nearby, such as
in an adjacent well. This can cause delays while waiting for the
personnel to clear the area. Eliminating the need for personnel at
the wellhead to attach/remove the lubricator would improve
operational efficiency and reduce HSE (health, safety, and
environment) exposure.
[0016] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and
systems that eliminate the need for personnel to manually attach
and remove lubricators, frac lines, and similar well equipment at
the wellhead. The methods and systems accomplish this by enabling
such well equipment to be attached ahead of time to a remote
connector with self-aligning geometry. The self-aligning geometry
of the connector in turn allows it be connected to the wellhead
using remotely operated equipment whenever needed. A connector
adapter may be provided to attach the well equipment to the remote
connector. Multiple types of connector adapters may be used to
attach multiple types of well equipment to the remote connector,
thereby allowing multiple types of well operations to be performed
without the need for personnel to be at the wellhead.
[0017] In some embodiments, the remote connector may be the same as
or similar to the remote connector described in the earlier
referenced Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/023,610, which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The connector
adapter herein disclosed may then be used to make the features of
the referenced remote connector (i.e., self-aligning geometry,
pressure rating, flow bore) beneficially available for use with the
well equipment at the wellhead. Such an arrangement would provide a
method of swapping in well services (e.g., wireline services)
without exposing personnel to high pressure areas. This would in
turn allow other operations (e.g., high pressure operations) to be
performed concurrently at or near the wellhead with the current
operation, thereby reducing HSE exposure on location.
[0018] Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a typical well
system 10 that can be used with the embodiments disclosed herein.
However, it should be clearly understood that the well system 10 is
merely one example of an application in which the principles of
this disclosure may be practiced and a wide variety of other
examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is
not limited in any way to the details of the system 10 described
herein and/or depicted in the drawings.
[0019] In the example of FIG. 1, a remote connector 12 is used to
connect a line 14 to a wellhead 16, which may be, for example, an
ExpressKinect Wellhead Connection Unit available from Halliburton
Energy Services, Inc. The wellhead 16 is shown on land in the
figure, but in other examples the remote connector 12 could be used
to connect to an underwater wellhead, to another line connected to
a wellhead on land or underwater, to a rig on land or water, and
the like. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to
any particular wellhead location or to any particular use for the
connector 12.
[0020] In the FIG. 1 example, the line 14 is used to deliver fluids
at high pressures and flow rates to the wellhead 16 in a
stimulation operation. The connector 12 is specially configured to
withstand high pressures such as those used in stimulation
operations, and to enable rapid and convenient connection of the
line 14 to the wellhead 16 without damage to any components of the
connector. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to
stimulation operations or in any other particular well operation,
or to only relatively high pressure operations.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2, a description of the connector 12
is provided by way of background. As can be seen, an enlarged scale
cross-sectional view of the connector 12 is representatively
illustrated. The connector 12 may be used in the well system 10 of
FIG. 1, or it may be used in other well systems, in keeping with
the principles of this disclosure.
[0022] In the FIG. 2 view, it may be seen that the connector 12
includes multiple engagement structures 18 circumferentially spaced
apart and distributed about a radially enlarged hub 20. Each of the
structures 18 includes a recess 22 formed therein for receiving the
hub 20 and another hub 24, whereby the hubs can be clamped
together. The hub 24 can, for example, be secured to the wellhead
16 (see FIG. 1) with a flange 26.
[0023] The structures 18 are pivotably mounted to the connector hub
20, for example, with recesses 28 in the structures 18 being
engaged with a ring 30. In other examples, the structures 18 could
be pivotably mounted using pivot pins or other devices.
[0024] An upper end 18a of each structure 18 is biased radially
inward by a biasing device 32. In the open configuration depicted
in FIG. 2, a biasing force exerted by the biasing device 32 has
displaced the upper ends 18a of the structures 18 inward, so that
lower ends 18b of the structures are outwardly displaced. This
allows the connector and wellhead hubs 20, 24, respectively, to be
separated from each other, or to be axially aligned and engaged
with each other, as described more fully below.
[0025] The biasing device 32 depicted in FIG. 2 is a single
continuous coiled extension spring (also known as a "garter"
spring), which extends about the upper ends 18a of the structures
18. In other examples, the biasing device 32 could be other types
of devices (such as, an elastomer, leaf springs, etc.) capable of
exerting a biasing force, or multiple biasing devices could be
used, etc.
[0026] In the FIG. 2 example, the structures 18 are surrounded by a
sleeve 34. The sleeve 34 is used to pivot the structures 18 between
their open and closed configurations. The sleeve 34 also prevents
outward displacement of the structures 18 from their open
configuration, so that the lower ends 18b of the structures can be
used to axially align the hubs 20, 24 with each other when they are
displaced into engagement.
[0027] Note that the lower ends 18b of the structures 18 are
generally funnel-shaped and have an inner surface 18c that will
approximately laterally center the hub 24 with the hub 20 as they
are displaced toward each other. This coarse axial alignment helps
to guide a seal insert 36 in the wellhead hub 24 into engagement
with a seal 38 in the connector hub 20. The seal insert 36 can be
received in the connector hub 20 without damage (e.g., which damage
might otherwise be caused by the seal insert improperly striking
another component) and more precisely axially align the hubs 20,
24, due to the coarse axial alignment of the hubs 20, 24 provided
by the structures 18 being maintained in their open configuration
by the sleeve 34.
[0028] The sleeve 34 is displaced by an actuator 40 of the
connector 12. The actuator 40 includes a piston 42 connected to the
hub 20, and a cylinder 44 connected to the sleeve 34, so that the
sleeve can be displaced relative to the hub 20 and structures
18.
[0029] In the open configuration of FIG. 2, an increased pressure
has been applied to an upper chamber 46 of the actuator 40, thereby
producing a pressure differential across the piston 42 and
displacing the cylinder 44 and sleeve 34 upward (as viewed in the
figure). To displace the structures 18 to a closed configuration
thereof, an increased pressure can be applied to a lower chamber 48
(see FIG. 3) of the actuator 40, thereby producing an oppositely
directed pressure differential across the piston 42 and displacing
the cylinder 44 and sleeve 34 downward (as viewed in the
figure).
[0030] As evident from above, the use of the connector 12 provides
a number of advantages. However, depending on the implementation,
the connector 12 may not be physically compatible with certain
types of well equipment. Note in particular the connector 12 has a
generally cylindrical connector port 50 at the opposite end from
the engagement structures 18 to which well equipment such as the
line 14 may be connected. That connector port 50 may not be able to
accommodate some types of well equipment.
[0031] Referring still to FIG. 2, a connector adapter 60 may be
provided for attaching well equipment 90, such as a lubricator or
frac line and the like, to the remote connector 12. In accordance
with the disclosed embodiments, instead of connecting well
equipment directly to the remote connector 12, a connector adapter
60 that is specifically designed to be compatible the cylindrical
connector port 50 of the connector 12 may be interposed between the
connector 12 and the well equipment. Different types of connector
adapters 60 may then be developed to allow the remote connector 12
to be used with different types of well equipment. It is of course
also possible for one type of connector adapter 60 to be used with
multiple different types of well equipment (i.e., a "universal"
adapter).
[0032] In the particular example of FIG. 2, the connector adapter
60 is designed to accommodate multiple types of pipe-shaped well
equipment 90, including the lubricator or frac line and the like.
To this end, the connector adapter 60 has a generally cylindrical
body 62 extending between two ends, an equipment end 64 and a
connector end 66. The generally cylindrical body 62 has an interior
inner wall 68 having a given inner diameter (i.e., a first inner
diameter D1) that defines a passage 70 running coaxially along the
connector adapter 60. Near the equipment end 64, the interior inner
wall 68 transitions to an intermediate inner wall 72 having another
given diameter (i.e., a second inner diameter D2) that is larger
than the first inner diameter. Beyond the intermediate inner wall
72, the passage 70 expands outward through a funnel shaped opening
74 at the equipment end 64. A similar funnel-shaped opening 76 is
also formed at the connector end 66 of the connector adapter 60.
External threads 78 on the connector end 66 allow the connector
adapter 60 to be threadedly connected to the connector 12 via
internal threads 52 of the connector port 50. In a similar manner,
external threads 80 on the equipment end 64 of the connector
adapter 60 allow it to be threadedly connected to the well
equipment 90 via internal threads 92 thereof.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows the connector 12 with the hubs 20, 24 engaged
and clamped to each other so that the connector is able to contain
pressure, with the structures 18 having been displaced to their
closed configuration by downward displacement of the sleeve 34. In
this closed configuration, the seal 38 can prevent leakage of
relatively high pressure fluid in the connector 12.
[0034] Note that when the sleeve 34 is displaced downward by the
actuator 40, the structures 18 are caused to pivot relative to the
connector hub 20, with the upper ends 18a displacing outward and
the lower ends 18b displacing inward. This inward displacement of
the lower ends 18b causes the hubs 20, 24 to be received in the
recesses 22 and clamped together, thereby preventing separation of
the hubs. The hubs 20, 24 and recesses 22 are provided with
inclined surfaces, so that engagement between these surfaces acts
to urge the hubs toward each other as the recesses pivot
inwardly.
[0035] In FIG. 3, the connector adapter 60 can be seen threadedly
engaged to the remote connector 12 with the well equipment 90
threadedly engaged to the connector adapter 60, the assembly being
indicated generally at 92. This assembly 92 may be completed ahead
of time and stored or set aside until such time when the well
equipment 90 needs to be installed on the wellhead. When the time
arrives, the well equipment 90 with the connector adapter 60 and
the connector 12 already attached may be retrieved and simply
installed on the wellhead remotely via the connector 12 without
further worker intervention at the wellhead. Because no worker
intervention is needed at the wellhead, other nearby operations,
such as a fracking operation, may take place simultaneously with
the well equipment 90 being installed without risk to personnel.
This improves overall operational efficiency and reduces HSE
exposure. It is of course also possible to connect only the
connector 12 and the connector adapter 60 or only the connector
adapter 60 and the well equipment 90 ahead of time without
departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector 12 with the
connector adaptor 60 connected thereto. The well equipment 90 may
then be attached to the connector adapter 60, and the entire
assembly 92 (see FIG. 3) set aside for later use. Then, when the
well equipment is ready for use, the connector 12 with the
connector adapter 60 and the well equipment 90 already attached may
then be clamped to the hub 24. This is depicted in FIG. 5, which is
a perspective view of the connector 12 in a closed configuration
and the connector adaptor 60 and the well equipment 90
attached.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, a wellhead guide
60 may be placed on the wellhead (i.e., over the hub 24) to assist
in aligning the connector 12 and the wellhead. Although not
expressly shown, a lubricator entry guide (LEG) may also be
provided on the lubricator to assist in loading of tools into the
lubricator.
[0038] Although various examples have been described above, with
each example having certain features, it should be understood that
it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example to be
used exclusively with that example. Instead, any of the features
described above and/or depicted in the drawings can be combined
with any of the examples, in addition to or in substitution for any
of the other features of those examples. One example's features are
not mutually exclusive to another example's features. Instead, the
scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the
features.
[0039] Although each example described above includes a certain
combination of features, it should be understood that it is not
necessary for all features of an example to be used. Instead, any
of the features described above can be used, without any other
particular feature or features also being used.
[0040] Accordingly, as set forth above, in general, in one aspect,
the embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a connector
adapter for use with a subterranean well. The connector adapter
comprises, among other things, a generally cylindrical body
defining a coaxial passage therethrough, a connector end at one end
of the cylindrical body, the connector end having threads and
configured to connect the cylindrical body to a remote connector,
and an equipment end at another end of the cylindrical body, the
equipment end having threads and configured to connect the
cylindrical body to well equipment. The remote connector comprises
multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures which
clamp directly together first and second radially enlarged hubs and
a biasing device which biases the engagement structures toward an
open configuration thereof in which the second hub is separable
from the first hub.
[0041] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the the well equipment is one of a lubricator and a
frac line.
[0042] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the remote connector further comprises a sleeve which
encircles the engagement structures and prevents the engagement
structures from displacing radially outward from the open
configuration.
[0043] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the remote connector further comprises an actuator
which, in response to a first pressure differential applied across
a piston of the actuator, displaces the sleeve to an open position
in which the biasing device displaces the engagement structures to
the open configuration.
[0044] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the actuator, in response to a second pressure
differential applied across the piston, displaces the sleeve to a
closed position in which the sleeve biases the engagement
structures into clamping engagement with the first and second
hubs.
[0045] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the the engagement structures are pivotably mounted
relative to the first hub between first and second ends of the
engagement structures.
[0046] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the biasing device inwardly biases the first ends of
the engagement structures and the second ends of the engagement
structures are displaced outward by a biasing force exerted by the
biasing device.
[0047] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the engagement between the second hub and the
engagement structures in the open configuration aligns the first
and second hubs.
[0048] In general, in another aspect, the embodiments disclosed
herein are directed to a method of connecting well equipment to a
wellhead. The method comprises, among other things, connecting the
well equipment to a connector adapter at an equipment end thereof,
connecting a connector end of the connector adapter to a remote
connector, and connecting the remote connector to the wellhead. The
method further comprises applying pressure to the remote connector
from a remote location, thereby allowing multiple circumferentially
distributed engagement structures of the connector to displace
outward to an open configuration thereof, and displacing a first
hub of the connector into contact with a second hub secured to the
wellhead, the engagement structures axially aligning the second hub
with the first hub during the displacing.
[0049] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the the well equipment includes one of a lubricator
and a frac line.
[0050] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the well equipment is connected to the wellhead while
a second well operation is being performed near the wellhead.
[0051] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the second well operation includes a fracking
operation.
[0052] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the applying of pressure further comprises displacing
a sleeve of the connector to an open position thereof, the sleeve
in the open position preventing outward displacement of the
engagement structures from the open configuration.
[0053] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the applying of pressure further comprises applying a
first pressure differential across a piston of an actuator, thereby
displacing the sleeve to the open position.
[0054] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the method further comprises applying a second
pressure differential across the piston, thereby displacing the
sleeve to a closed position in which the sleeve biases the
engagement structures into clamping engagement with the first and
second hubs.
[0055] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the engagement structures are pivotably mounted
relative to the first hub between first and second ends of the
engagement structures.
[0056] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, a biasing device biases the engagement structures
toward the open configuration.
[0057] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the biasing device inwardly biases ends of the
engagement structures.
[0058] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, opposite ends of the engagement structures are
displaced outward by a biasing force exerted by the biasing
device.
[0059] In general, in yet another aspect, the embodiments disclosed
herein are directed to a connector adapter for use with a
subterranean well. The connector adapter comprises, among other
things, a generally cylindrical body defining a coaxial passage
therethrough, a connector end at one end of the cylindrical body,
the connector end having threads and configured to connect the
cylindrical body to a remote connector, and an equipment end at
another end of the cylindrical body, the equipment end having
threads and configured to connect the cylindrical body to well
equipment. The coaxial passage has a first inner diameter that
transitions to a second inner diameter near the equipment end, the
second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter.
The remote connector comprises multiple circumferentially
distributed engagement structures which clamp directly together
first and second radially enlarged hubs and a sleeve which
encircles the engagement structures and prevents the engagement
structures from displacing radially outward from an open
configuration thereof in which the second hub is separable from the
first hub.
[0060] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the well equipment is one of a lubricator and a frac
line.
[0061] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, engagement between the second hub and the engagement
structures in the open configuration aligns the first and second
hubs.
[0062] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the remote connector further comprises an actuator
which, in response to a first pressure differential applied across
a piston of the actuator, displaces the sleeve to an open position
in which the engagement structures are in the open
configuration.
[0063] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the actuator, in response to a second pressure
differential applied across the piston, displaces the sleeve to a
closed position in which the sleeve biases the engagement
structures into clamping engagement with the first and second
hubs.
[0064] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the engagement structures are pivotably mounted
relative to the first hub between first and second ends of the
engagement structures.
[0065] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the remote connector further comprises a biasing
device which biases the engagement structures toward the open
configuration.
[0066] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, the biasing device inwardly biases ends of the
engagement structures.
[0067] In accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
embodiments, opposite ends of the engagement structures are
displaced outward by a biasing force exerted by the biasing
device.
[0068] In general, in still another aspect, the embodiments
disclosed herein are directed to a wellhead assembly for mounting
to a wellhead in a subterranean well. The wellhead assembly
comprises, among other things, a remote connector comprising (i)
multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures which
clamp directly together first and second radially enlarged hubs,
(ii) a biasing device which biases the engagement structures toward
an open configuration thereof, in which the second hub is separable
from the first hub, (iii) a sleeve which encircles the engagement
structures and prevents the engagement structures from displacing
radially outward from the open configuration, and (iv) an actuator
which, in response to a first pressure differential applied across
a piston of the actuator, displaces the sleeve to an open position
in which the biasing device displaces the engagement structures to
the open configuration, (v) wherein the engagement structures and
the piston of the actuator are circumferentially aligned with one
another so as to define a flow path therethrough extending
coaxially with the first and second hubs when the engagement
structures clamp together the first and second hubs. The wellhead
assembly also comprises a connector adapter connected to the remote
connector, the connector adapter comprising a generally cylindrical
body defining a coaxial passage therethrough, a connector end at
one end of the cylindrical body configured to connect to the remote
connector, and an equipment end at another end of the cylindrical
body, wherein the coaxial passage has a first inner diameter that
transitions to a second inner diameter near the equipment end, the
second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter.
The wellhead assembly further comprises well equipment connected to
the connector adapter at the equipment end thereof, the well
equipment being one of a lubricator and a well servicing line, the
well servicing line including a frac line, wherein the wellhead
assembly is preassembled as a single assembly for mounting to the
wellhead.
[0069] It should be understood that the various embodiments
described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as
inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various
configurations, without departing from the principles of this
disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of
useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is
not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.
[0070] In the above description of the representative examples,
directional terms (such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower,"
etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying
drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope
of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions
described herein.
[0071] The terms "including," "includes," "comprising,"
"comprises," and similar terms are used in a non-limiting sense in
this specification. For example, if a system, method, apparatus,
device, etc., is described as "including" a certain feature or
element, the system, method, apparatus, device, etc., can include
that feature or element, and can also include other features or
elements. Similarly, the term "comprises" is considered to mean
"comprises, but is not limited to."
[0072] While the invention has been described with reference to one
or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the description. Each of these
embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as
falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which
is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *