Orienting Tubing Hanger Apparatus

Abstract

A tubing hanger for suspending multiple tubing strings is seated in a subsea wellhead or casing hanger, being properly oriented with respect to a running tool by means of which the tubing hanger is lowered from a drilling vessel to seat in the casing hanger. The running tool is properly oriented relative to a blowout preventer stack previously oriented with respect to a guidance system as a reference point, the guidance system extending from the subsea floor to the drilling vessel, resulting in the multiple string tubing hanger being properly oriented with respect to the guidance system for subsequent appropriate connection with a Christmas tree, or other apparatus, to be lowered down the guidance system, which it also uses as a reference point, thereby properly relating the Christmas tree to the multiplicity of passages in the tubing hanger. The tubing hanger is releasably secured to the wellhead or casing hanger through mechanical manipulation of the running tool after the tubing hanger has been oriented with respect to the blowout preventer and guidance system, the running tool being released from the tubing hanger for elevation to the drilling vessel. Thereafter, when desired, the running tool can be relowered and reconnected to the tubing hanger to release it from the casing hanger and elevate it to the drilling vessel.

Description

The present invention relates to subaqueous well bore apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus including a multiple string tubing hanger to be set and sealed in a wellhead or casing hanger.

Apparatus has been used for suspending multiple strings of tubing from a tubing hanger seated in a subsea casing hanger or wellhead, the tubing hanger and tubing strings being oriented relative to a reference point, such as the guidance system or structure disposed at the subsea floor, which includes a guide base, guide posts or columns extending upwardly from the base, and cables or wirelines secured to the posts and extending upwardly through the water to the drilling vessel thereabove. With some prior apparatus, to properly orient the tubing hanger with respect to the guidance system, a separate round trip is required between the vessel and subsea floor to run-in and retrieve a special orienting bushing. With other prior apparatus, a mechanical tubing hanger incorporates a spring loaded dog which fits into a slot in a wellhead housing, which requires prior orienting of the wellhead housing with respect to the guidance structure, presenting decided difficulties and disadvantages.

The aforenoted disadvantages are overcome with apparatus embodying the present invention. Proper orienting of the tubing hanger relative to the guidance system, or other reference point, is secured without the necessity for making additional round trips between the drilling vessel and subsea floor. In fact, only a single trip is required to run-in the tubing hanger, orient it properly relative to a known reference point, and to seal and lock the tubing hanger in its associated casing hanger. Moreover, it is unnecessary to orient the wellhead with respect to the guidance system and then interrelate the tubing hanger to the wellhead. Instead, the tubing hanger is oriented with respect to another device, such as a blowout preventer stack, guided into position by the guidance system. More specifically, the running tool for lowering and landing the tubing hanger in place serves as an intermediate agency for orienting the tubing hanger with respect to such other device. The tubing hanger is attached to the running tool in a known relationship thereto, the running tool then being appropriately related to the other device, such as the blowout preventer stack, resulting in the tubing hanger being properly angularly related to the guidance system.

Because of the foregoing features, the multiple string tubing hanger is simpler than corresponding devices, of reduced size, and less costly to manufacture. The performance of all necessary functions with a single round trip, and setting and sealing the tubing hanger in an associated casing hanger in proper oriented relation to a known reference point, effects considerably savings in rig time and expense. The portion of the apparatus that locks the tubing hanger in the casing hanger also maintains an effective and efficient seal of the tubing hanger against the casing hanger.

The tubing hanger can be readily unlocked or unlatched and released from the casing hanger whenever desired, and elevated to the drilling vessel. If difficulty is encountered in unlocking the tubing hanger, the apparatus embodies a safety feature that enables the tubing hanger to be forcibly released from the casing hanger.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other purposes which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a subsea system used in connection with the drilling and completion of an underwater well bore;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal fragmentary section through a portion of the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical section through apparatus embodying the invention, and which is to be disposed in the wellhead casing hanger apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, including apparatus for setting a multiple string tubing hanger in a predetermined position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the tubing hanger locked in a casing hanger, the section being taken generally along the line 4--4 on FIG. 7;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical section similar to FIG. 4, illustrating tubing supported in the tubing hanger secured to a casing hanger;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged section illustrating one of the tubing strings locked to the tubing hanger body;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along the line 7--.differential.on FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section illustrating the relationship between the running tool and the upper portion of the tubing hanger when the tubing hanger is to be released under emergency conditions from the casing hanger to which it has been latched.

As illustrated in the drawings, a multiple tubing string hanger 10 is to be set in sealed relation in a casing hanger 11 disposed within a casing hanger body 12 suitably supported, as through other casing hangers 12a, 12b, in a housing 13 extending into a well bore 14 drilled into a formation underlying the floor F of an ocean, or other body of water. As is known in the art, the housing 13 and the various casing hangers 11, 12 supported thereby are secured to a guidance structure 15 of a guidance system, in a known manner. This guidance structure includes a base 16 having guide posts 17 extending upwardly from its corner portions and to which are secured cables or lines 18 extending upwardly through the water to a drilling vessel (not shown) floating in the water. A blowout preventer stack 19 is disposed at the lower end of a marine riser 20 extending upwardly to the drilling vessel, this blowout preventer stack being suitably secured, as by a coupling 21, to a connector 22 suitably attached to a casing hanger body 12b supported, in a known manner, in the housing 13 (FIG. 2). This connector may be of any suitable type, for example, being of the hydraulic type illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,217. A suitable seal ring or gasket 23 effects a seal between the upper end of the connector and the lower end of the blowout preventer stack, another seal ring 24 effecting a seal between the casing hanger body 12b and the connector 22.

The connector 22 occupies a known position with respect to the guidance structure 15, being moved downwardly with the blow-out preventer stack 19 toward the casing hanger body 12b along the guide lines 18. The connector has a guide frame 25 suitably secured thereto, the outer ends of which are attached to guide sleeves 26 having lower downwardly flaring funnels 27 secured thereto, and being slidable along the guide lines 18 and then over the guide posts. The connector has a longitudinal slot or groove 28 disposed therein which has a known orientation with respect to the guide posts 17. It is with respect to this groove 28 that the tubing hanger 10 is to be oriented (FIG. 3), so that the two or more longitudinal passages 29, 30, 31 extending through the tubing hanger body 39 will bear a known orientation or angular relation relative to the groove 28 in the connector, and consequently, with respect to the guide lines 18 and guide posts 17 of the guidance system 15, the orientation being accomplished with the structure and in the manner described hereinbelow.

A plurality of concentric casing strings 35a, 35b, 35c are connected at their upper ends to concentric casing hangers 12a, 12, 11 in stacked relation and appropriately sealed against the casing hanger body 12b. The uppermost casing hanger 11 is the one on which the tubing hanger 10 is to seat and against which it is to be sealed, this casing hanger having a suitable downwardly tapering hanger seat 36 and an internal lock groove 37 thereabove, the upper side 38 of which tapers in a downward and outward direction.

The tubing hanger 10 includes a main body 39 having the plurality of longitudinal passages 29, 30, 31 extending therethrough. The lower end of this body is connected by means of a swivel 40 to a landing ring 41 having a downwardly tapering seating surface 42 adapted to engage the companion seat 36 in the casing hanger 11. The ring 41 has a plurality of circumferential grooves 43 therein receiving elastomer seal rings 44 adapted to bear and seal against the casing hanger seat 36. It also includes circumferential internal grooves 45 containing seal rings 46 sealing against the periphery of the lower portion of the tubing hanger body 39.

The swivel 40 interconnects the tubing hanger body 39 and landing ring 41, permitting the hanger body to rotate relative to the landing ring. As specifically illustrated, the swivel includes a lower body member 47 threadedly secured to the body 39 and having a downwardly facing raceway 48 opposed to an upwardly facing raceway 49 in the landing ring, there being suitable ball baring elements 50 between and rideable in the opposed raceways. The landing ring 41 has an upwardly extending skirt 51 encompassing the lower portion of the lower body member 47 and receiving the outer portion of an inherently expansible retainer ring 52 in an internal groove 53, which also extends partially into an external groove 54 in the lower body member. It is apparent that the retainer ring 52 prevents the landing ring 41 from shifting longitudinally with respect to the hanger body 39 and its lower member 47, while permitting rotation of the hanger body and lower member relative to the landing ring 41 when the latter is engaged with the casing hanger seat 36.

The lower body member 47 also carries a plurality of circumferentially spaced lock dogs 55 extending through circumferentially spaced radial slots 56 in the lower body member and slidable radially therein. The outer portions of the dogs are receivable within the internal lock groove 37 in the casing hanger 12 and with the upper downwardly and outwardly inclined cam faces 57 on the dogs engageable with the companion upper cam face or side 38 of the groove. Outward movement of each dog is limited by engagement of its upwardly directed terminal member 58 with the inner surface 59 of the lower body member above the slots 56, the dogs being shiftable radially inwardly to the extent limited by their engagement with the periphery of the tubing hanger body 39. The dogs also have downwardly and inwardly inclined external tapered surfaces 60 engageable with an upper tapered surface 61 on the casing hanger to be cammed radially inwardly thereof during lowering of the tubing hanger body 39 with respect to the casing hanger 11, as described hereinbelow.

The dogs 55 are expandable outwardly as a result of downward shifting of a cam actuator sleeve 62 surrounding the tubing hanger body, this actuator sleeve having a lower portion provided with a downwardly tapering expander surface 63 adapted to move behind the dogs or lock elements 55 and engage companion tapered expander surfaces 64 therein. The cam actuator sleeve 62 is longitudinally shiftable relative to the tubing hanger body 39, but is non-rotatable with respect thereto by virtue of an orienting dog or key 65 extending through a slot 66 in the cam actuator sleeve and which is also received in a longitudinal groove or keyway 67 in the tubing hanger body, this key being secured to the body by one or more cap screws 68. The orienting dog or key is secured to the tubing hanger body in a known and predetermined angular relationship relative to the longitudinal passages 29, 30, 31 through the hanger body.

The cam actuator sleeve 62 is shiftable longitudinally of the tubing hanger body 39 by an actuator sleeve 69 that encompasses the upper portion of the hanger body 39 and which is threadedly secured to an upper actuator ring 70 having an inwardly extending portion or flange 71 overlying the upper end 72 of the hanger body. Downward movement of this actuator sleeve 69 along the body 39 is prevented by the flange 71 engaging the upper end 72 of the tubing hanger body; whereas, its upward movement is prevented by engagement of an upwardly facing shoulder 73 on the actuator sleeve with a shear ring 74 encompassing the body and secured thereto by one or more shear pins or screws 75 extending through the ring and threaded into companion bores in the body. This shear ring is initially spaced downwardly from a downwardly facing shoulder 76 formed on and provided by an external flange 77 on the upper end of the tubing hanger body. Thus, the actuator sleeve 69 is prevented from shifting longitudinally in both upward and downward directions relative to the tubing hanger 39, but is capable of rotating with respect thereto. Such rotation will effect longitudinal shifting of the cam actuator sleeve 62 along the tubing hanger body 39 by virtue of a threaded interconnection 78 between the lower portion of the actuator sleeve and the upper portion of the cam actuator sleeve. As noted, the actuator sleeve 69 has external right-hand threads 79 thereon meshing with companion internal right-hand threads 79 thereon meshing with companion internal right-hand threads 80 on the upper threaded head portion 81 of the cam actuator sleeve. Thus, right-hand rotation of the actuator sleeve 69 will shift the cam actuator sleeve 62 longitudinally upwardly along the body to a position in which the upper end of the cam actuator sleeve engages a downwardly facing shoulder 82 on the actuator sleeve (FIG. 3), at which time the lower expander portion 63 is elevated above the dogs 55, the latter being permitted to contract inwardly and be located completely out of the internal casing hanger groove 37. On the other hand, left-hand rotation of the actuator sleeve 69 will effect downward movement of the cam actuator sleeve 62 along the tubing hanger body, shifting its expander portion 63 behind the dogs 55 and expanding the latter outwardly into the casing hanger groove 37.

The tubing hanger 10 is lowered from the drilling vessel into its appropriate seating position within the casing hanger 11, is firmly sealed thereagainst, and is appropriately oriented relative to the groove 28 in the connector 22, and, therefore, with respect to the blowout preventer stack 19 and the guidance system 15 through use of a running tool 90 connected to the tubing hanger. The running tool includes an upper sub 91 having a threaded box 92 threadedly secured to the lower end of a running string 93 of drill pipe, or the like, extending upwardly through the marine riser 20 to the drilling vessel. The running tool includes an inner body member 94 disposed in a counterbore 95 in the upper portion of the tubing hanger body 39 and having a suitable side seal ring 96 therein sealingly engaging against the inner cylindrical wall of the counterbore. The upper portion of the hanger body 39 includes a circumferential internal groove 97 above its cylindrical surface having a downwardly tapering lower side 98 and an upwardly tapering upper side 99, this groove being adapted to receive a split lock ring 100 mounted in a groove 101 defined between the inner body member and an outer guide sleeve 102 thereabove, which is spaced from the lower side of the groove to provide upper and lower guide surfaces for the split lock ring 100.

The upper portion of the outer guide sleeve 102 surrounds an upper guide member 103 constituting the upper portion of the inner body structure and threadedly secured to the inner body member 94, this guide member having an outwardly directed flange 104 overlaying the upper end of the outer guide sleeve 102 and extending laterally beyond its periphery. The lock ring 100 is expandable laterally outwardly hydraulically and is locked in its outward expanded position by an annular cylinder member 105 slidable along the inner body member 94. Thus, the annular cylinder is located within an annular space 106 between the inner body member and the outer guide sleeve. It includes a lower cylinder sleeve portion 107 slidable along a lower piston portion 108 of the inner body member, the guide member 103 having a depending annular piston portion 109 along which an upper cylinder sleeve 110 is slidable. An inwardly directed cylinder head 111 is disposed in the space between the upper and lower pistons 109, 108, being slidable along a reduced diameter peripheral portion 112 of the inner body member. The upper sleeve 110 slidably seals against a suitable seal ring 113 in the upper annular piston, the lower cylinder sleeve 107 slidably sealing against a suitable seal ring 114 in the lower piston 108, there being a seal ring 115 in the cylinder head 111 slidably sealing against the periphery of the reduced diameter portion 112 of the inner body member 94.

Fluid under pressure derived from the running string 93 can pass into a radial port 116 between the interior of the inner body member into an upper cylinder space 117 to shift the actuating cylinder 105 downwardly along the inner body member, for the purpose of engaging an upper inclined cam face 118 on the split lock ring 100 to expand the latter outwardly into the internal groove 97 in the upper portion of the tubing hanger body 39 and to then shift behind the inner cylindrical surface 119 of the lock ring to retain it within the hanger body groove 97. On the other hand, when the lock ring 100 is to be released from the groove 97, fluid under pressure is directed from the interior of the inner body member 94 through its side port 120 into the cylinder space 121 between the lower piston 108 and cylinder head 111 to shift the cylinder upwardly and out of engagement from the split latch ring 100, allowing the latter to contract from the hanger body groove 97.

The inner body member 94 is movable longitudinally with the top sub 91 of the running tool 90, this top sub, however, being rotatable relative to the inner body member, because of the provision of a swivel 125 therebetween. This swivel is constituted by the external flange 104 on the guide member 103 projecting into an internal groove 126 defined between a lower upwardly facing shoulder 127 of a clutch member 128 surrounding the outer guide sleeve 102, and threadedly secured to the top sub 91, and a downwardly facing shoulder 129 provided by the end of the top sub. Rotation of the top sub 91 relative to the inner body member 94 is facilitated by a ball bearing 130 provided between the top sub and the inner body structure. Thus, the top sub has a downwardly facing raceway 131 therein opposed to an upwardly facing raceway 132 in the upper end of the guide member 103, ball bearing elements 133 being received in both raceways. Leakage of fluid between the guide member 103 and the top sub 91 is prevented by a suitable side seal ring 134 in the guide member sealingly engaging the opposed inner wall of the lower portion of the top sub.

The rotary motion of the running string 93 and top sub 91 is transmitted to the actuator sleeve 69 for the purpose of locking the dogs 55 in the groove 37 in the casing hanger 11, or to release the dogs from such groove. Such transmission of rotary motion is effected by the interengagement of downwardly facing clutch teeth 135 at the lower end of the clutch member 128 with companion axially extending teeth 136 formed in the upper end of the upper actuator ring 71 secured to the actuator sleeve 69.

An outer orienting sleeve 137 surrounds the clutch member 128, actuator sleeve 69, the the upper portion of the cam actuator sleeve 62, having a lower slot 138 therethrough adapted to receive the outer portion of the orienting dog or key 65, this slot terminating in a downwardly flaring mouth 139 to facilitate passage of the key into the slot. This orienting sleeve is movable longitudinally with the top sub 91 and upper clutch member 128 by being secured, as by cap screws 140, to an upper orienting sleeve member 141 that extends into a peripheral groove 142 defined between an upwardly extending shoulder 143 on the clutch member and a downwardly facing shoulder 144 provided on the top sub. The orienting sleeve has a narrow, vertical groove 145 therein in which an orienting key or dog 146 is radially shiftable, this key or dog being shiftable outwardly by a helical compression spring 147 bearing against the base 148 of the groove and against the central portion of the dog. The outward extent of movement of the dog is limited by engagement of its upper and lower terminals 149 with companion upper and lower stop plates 150 secured by screws 151 to the orienting sleeve 137, the dog having upward and downward tapering external surfaces 152 to facilitate its longitudinal movement past obstructions that it might encounter. The dog 146 has a circumferential extent or width conforming to the width of the groove 28 in the connector 22, to be forced by its spring 147 thereinto.

Because of the swivel connection between the outer orienting sleeve 137 and the sub 91 and clutch member 128, the clutch member can transmit its rotary motion to the actuator sleeve 69, after the orienting key 146 has expanded into the connector groove 28, for the purpose of locking and unlocking the dogs 55 in the casing hanger groove 37. However, prior to locking of the dogs in the groove, the rotary motion of the running string 93 and top sub 91 is transferable to the outer orienting sleeve 137 for the purpose of turning the latter within the connector 22 into a position in which its spring pressed key 146 expands outwardly into the connector groove 28.

When the tubing hanger 10 is to be lowered and set in sealed off relation in the casing hanger 11, its cam actuator sleeve 62 is first disposed in an upward position along the tubing hanger body 39 (FIG. 3), with the upper end of the sleeve abutting the downwardly facing shoulder 82 on the actuator sleeve 69, the lower end of the cam actuator sleeve being in its upper position with respect to the dogs 55. The running tool 90 is secured to the tubing hanger 10, the inner body member 94 being piloted within the upper end of the tubing hanger body and the cylinder 105 being hydraulically actuated to be shifted downwardly to expand and retain the lock ring 100 within the upper body groove 97. At this time, the clutch teeth 135, 136 are engaged and the orienting key 65 is located within the orienting slot 138 in the lower portion of the outer orienting sleeve 137. Accordingly, the tubing hanger 10 has a known angular relationship relative to the spring pressed orienting key or dog 146 mounted in the orienting sleeve.

The running tool 90 and tubing hanger 10 are lowered by the running string 93 through the marine riser 20 and blowout preventer stack 19 and into the casing hanger body 11 and casing hanger 12b, until the landing ring 41 engages the companion seat 36 in the casing hanger. The running string of drill pipe 93 and running tool 90 are then rotated, which will effect rotation of the actuator sleeve 69, because of the engagement of the clutch elements 135, 136 with one another, and also rotation of the cam actuator sleeve 62 in view of the abutting of the upper end of the sleeve with the shoulder 82 on the actuator sleeve 69, the rotation being in a right-hand direction. Accordingly, the entire tubing hanger 10 is rotated as a unit, this rotary motion being transmitted through the orienting key 65 to the orienting sleeve 137, which turns the spring pressed dog 146 with it until the latter is opposite the connector orienting groove 28; whereupon the spring 147 will shift the orienting key into the groove 28, preventing further rotary motion from occurring. However, in view of the know relationship between the orienting dog 65 and the passages 29-31 through the tubing hanger body 39, and of such orienting dog with the spring pressed orienting dog 146, the engagement of the spring pressed key 146 in the connector groove 28 places the tubing hanger body 39 in a known angular relationship with respect to the connector 22, and, therefore, with respect to the guidance system 15 along which the connector has been placed, the connector groove 28 bearing a known relationship to the guide posts 17 of the guidance structure.

Following landing of the landing ring 41 against its companion casing hanger seat 36, and the positioning of the orienting key 146 in the connector groove 28, the running string 93, top sub 91 and clutch member 128 are rotated in a left-hand direction, which will rotate the actuator sleeve 69 in a left-hand direction. Since the cam actuator sleeve 62 cannot rotate, being fixed to the tubing hanger body 39 by the orienting key 65, and to the connector 22 through the key 65, orienting sleeve 137, key 146 and groove 28, the cam actuator sleeve 62 is shifted downwardly along the hanger body 39, its lower expander portion 63 moving behind the dogs or latches 55 and shifting them laterally outwardly into the casing hanger lock groove 37 with which they are aligned, bringing the tapered cam surfaces 57 of the dogs into engagement with the companion cam face 38 defining the upper side of the casing hanger groove. As more left-hand torque is applied to the running string 93, top sub 91, clutch member 128 and actuator sleeve 69, the cam actuator sleeve 62 is shifted downwardly to a further extent, the dogs being shifted radially outwardly to a further extent. In view of their tapered engagement with the upper side 38 of the casing hanger groove 37, the lower body member 47 and the tubing hanger body 39 are urged downwardly, forcing the landing ring 41 downwardly and insuring firm leakproof sealing engagement between the seal rings 44 and the casing hanger seat 36. The cam actuator sleeve 62 remains behind the dogs 55 and insures the retention of the tubing hanger body 39 in its downward position locked to and sealed against the casing hanger 11.

The running tool 90 can now be released from the set tubing hanger 10. A suitable dart 170 is lowered through the running string, coming to rest within the inner body 94. This dart has a central passage 171 opening through its upper end communicating with a side port 172 that, in turn, communicates with the lower port 120 in the inner body member 94, intermediate and lower seal rings 173 on the dart sealing against the inner wall of the inner body member on opposite sides of the body port 120. The dart has a longitudinal bleeder passage 174 therein opening through its lower end and communicating with another side port 175 that communicates with the upper port 116 of the inner body member, there being an upper side seal ring 173 on the dart engaging the inner wall of the inner body member 94 above the port 116, the intermediate seal 173 engaging the body member below the port to prevent leakage of fluid longitudinally along the dart. Pressure is then applied to the fluid in the pipe string 93 which will pass into the lower cylinder space 121 and shift the cylinder 105 upwardly along the body 94 from its position behind the split lock ring, thereby releasing the running tool from the tubing hanger body 100 (FIG. 4). This allows the running string 93 to be elevated, elevating the running tool 90 therewith, the upper side of the lock ring 100 engaging the upper side 99 of the tubing hanger body groove 97 to shift the ring inwardly from the groove, the clutch teeth 135 on the clutch member becoming disconnected from the companion clutch teeth 136 on the actuator ring 70, and the outer orienting sleeve 137 sliding upwardly along the cam actuator sleeve 62 and completely off the fixed orienting dog or key 65. The upper inclined surface 152 on the spring pressed dog or key 146 will engage any obstructions thereabove, such as the upper end of the groove 28, and be cammed thereby inwardly completely from the connector 22 to move upwardly with the remainder of the running tool 90 through the blowout preventer stack 19 and marine conductor or riser 20 to the drilling vessel.

Following elevation of the running tool 90 to the drilling vessel, the tubing strings 180 can be lowered for seating, supporting and locking in the tubing hanger body 39, in a known manner (FIGS. 5, 6). One example of a tubing string arrangement is illustrated and described in the United States patent application of Bobby H. Nelson and Benton F. Baugh, for "Tubing Hanging Method and Apparatus", Ser. No. 868,319, filed Oct. 22, 1969, in which tubing 180 is locked in sealed relation to the body 39 by a ring 181 in a body groove 182.

Following appropriate landing of the strings of tubing in the tubing hanger 10, the marine riser 20 and blowout preventer stack 19 can be removed and a suitable Christmas tree assembly (not shown) lowered along the guide lines 18 and appropriately secured to the casing hanger body 39, with the passages in the Christmas tree placed in proper sealed relation with respect to the individual tubing strings 180. The Christmas tree is lowered along the guide lines and onto the guide posts 17 and will be oriented properly relative to the guidance structure 15 and, therefore, with respect to the passages 29-31 in the tubing hanger 10 and the tubing strings 180 depending therefrom into the well bore 14.

In the vent it is desired to release and retrieve the tubing hanger 10, the running tool 90 is secured to the running string 93 with the cylinder 105 in its upper position, this combination being lowered toward the tubing hanger. The lower portion of the inner body 94 will shift into the counterbore 95 of the tubing hanger body 39, with the split lock ring 100 disposed opposite the lock groove 97 in the tubing hanger body. As appropriate dart (not shown) is then lowered through the running string and into the inner body member 94, which will direct fluid from the running string through the upper port 116 into the upper cylinder space 117 and allow fluid to bleed from the lower cylinder space 121 through the lower port 120, the pressure of the fluid in the running string being increased to effect downward shifting of the cylinder 105 along the body 94 to engage the lock ring 100 and expand it fully within the groove 97, the lower cylinder sleeve 107 coming to rest behind the lock ring, thereby coupling the tubing hanger body 39 to the inner body member 94 and to the running tool 90. At this time, the clutch teeth 135 on the upper clutch member 128 will mesh with the companion clutch teeth 136 at the upper end of the upper actuator ring 71. The running string 93 can then be rotated to the right, which will effect rotation of the actuator sleeve 69 to the right, and, because of the threaded interconnection 78 between it and the cam actuator sleeve 62, produce upward shifting of the cam sleeve 62 along the tubing hanger body 39, its lower expander portion 63 being shifted upwardly from its position behind the lock dogs 55. When the cam actuator sleeve 62 has been shifted upwardly into engagement with the shoulder 82 on the actuator sleeve 69, the dogs 55 are fully released and the running string 93 can be elevated, which will elevate the running tool 90 and the tubing hanger 10 coupled thereto with respect to the casing hanger 11, the dogs engaging the upper cam face 38 on the casing hanger groove 37 and being shifted inwardly completely from such groove, the entire apparatus then being elevated to the drilling vessel.

In the event that the actuator sleeve 69 cannot be rotated within the cam actuator sleeve 62 to effect elevation and retraction of the latter from its position behind the latch dogs 55, the running tool 90 is released from the tubing hanger 10 through use of the dart 170 and the application of hydraulic pressure to the lower cylinder space 128, to elevate the cylinder 105 from its position behind the split latch ring 100 and the running tool removed to the drilling vessel.

A spacer plate 200 (FIG. 8) is then secured to the lower end of the inner body member 94, which has a diameter conforming to the diameter of the counterbore 95 in the hanger body 39. This spacer plate has a thickness equal to the longitudinal center-to-center distance between the hanger lock groove 97 and a similar lock groove 97a provided in the flange 71 of the upper actuator ring, which is adapted to receive the split lock ring 100.

The running tool 90, with the spacer plate 200 attached, is relowered on the running string 93, the spacer plate and inner body 94 being moved into the counterbore region 95 of the tubing hanger body 39, at which time the split lock ring 100 will be opposite the actuator ring lock groove 97a, the cylinder 105 having previously been shifted to its upper position. A dart (not shown) is then lowered through the running string and landed in the inner body 94, pressure being applied to the fluid in the running string and running tool to shift the cylinder 105 downwardly along the inner body 94 and expand the lock ring 100 into the actuator ring groove 97a, the lower cylinder sleeve portion 107 then moving behind the lock ring 100 to retain it in such groove. An upward pull is now taken on the running string 93 which is transmitted through the running tool 90 and the lock ring 100 to the upper actuator ring 70, actuator sleeve 69 and cam actuator sleeve 62 threadedly secured thereto. The upward pull must be sufficiently great to overcome the shear strength of the pins 75 securing the shear ring 74 to the tubing hanger body 39, these pins being disrupted and permitting the actuator sleeve 69 and cam actuator sleeve 62 connected thereto to shift upwardly to an extent at which the shear ring 74 engages the flange 77 on the upper end of the tubing hanger body 39, at which time the lower expander portion 63 of the cam actuator sleeve will be shifted from its expanding and holding position behind the dogs 55. Continued upward movement of the running string 93 and running tool 90 will then elevate the tubing hanger 10 , the dogs 55, if still disposed in the casing hanger groove 37, being cammed inwardly by the upper tapered cam face 38 of the groove to a position in which the tubing hanger 10 is completely released from the casing hanger 11. The running string, running tool and tubing hanger can then be elevated to the drilling vessel.

Claims

I claim:

1. In apparatus to be disposed in a hanger located above a well bore and to be oriented in a predetermined angular position relative to a reference member above the well bore: hanger body means adapted to be seated in the hanger; a running tool adapted to be secured to a running string, said running tool having an orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said running tool in a predetermined angular position relative to the reference member; means securing said running tool to said hanger body means for lowering said hanger body means into the hanger; means interconnecting said hanger body means and running tool for retaining said hanger body means in a predetermined angular position relative to said running tool, whereby to locate said hanger body means in a predetermined angular position relative to the reference member when said orienting member is engaged therewith; lock means for securing said hanger body means to the hanger; and means responsive to rotation of said running tool for shifting said lock means into locking engagement with the hanger.

2. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger.

3. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said hanger body means comprising a landing member to seat in the hanger, a hanger body, and a swivel between said hanger body and landing member to permit said hanger body to rotate relative to said landing member with said landing member seated in said hanger.

4. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said hanger body means comprising a landing member to seat in the hanger, a hanger body, and a swivel between said hanger body and landing member to permit said hanger body to rotate relative to said landing member with said landing member seated in said hanger; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger.

5. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger; said interconnecting means extending through said sleeve to prevent rotation of said sleeve relative to said hanger body means.

6. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converging rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger; said securing means comprising instrumentalities on a first portion of said running tool releasably coupled to said hanger body means; said running tool comprising a second portion to be secured to the running string and rotatable relative to said first portion and connected to said actuator to rotate the same.

7. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger; said securing means comprising instrumentalities on a first portion of said running tool releasably coupled to said hanger body means; said running tool comprising a second portion to be secured to the running string and rotatable relative to said first portion and connected to said actuator to rotate the same; said running tool further comprising a third portion carrying said orienting member, said second portion being rotatable relative to said third portion, said interconnecting means including instrumentalities on said third portion preventing relative rotation between said third portion and hanger body means.

8. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger; said securing means comprising instrumentalities on a first portion of said running tool releasably coupled to said hanger body means; said running tool comprising a second portion to be secured to the running string and rotatable relative to said first portion and connected to said actuator to rotate the same, said second portion being connected to said actuator by a clutch.

9. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said hanger body means comprising a landing member to seat in the hanger, a hanger body, and a swivel between said hanger body and landing member to permit said hanger body to rotate relative to said landing member with said landing member seated in said hanger; and seal means on said landing member adapted to sealingly engage the hanger.

10. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said interconnecting means comprising a keyway and key received therein, one of said keyway and key being on said running tool and the other of said keyway and key being on said hanger body means.

11. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said interconnecting means comprising a keyway and key received therein, one of said keyway and key being on said running tool and the other of said keyway and key being on said hanger body means; said orienting member comprising a spring pressed key; the reference member having a groove adapted to receive said spring pressed key.

12. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger; said interconnecting means comprising a keyway and key received therein, one of said keyway and key being on said running tool and the other of said keyway and key being on said hanger body means; said orienting member comprising a spring pressed key; the reference member having a groove adapted to receive said spring pressed key.

13. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger; said securing means comprising instrumentalities on a first portion of said running tool releasably coupled to said hanger body means; said running tool comprising a second portion to be secured to the running string and rotatable relative to said first portion and connected to said actuator to rotate the same; said running tool further comprising a third portion carrying said orienting member, said second portion being rotatable relative to said third portion, said interconnecting means including instrumentalities on said third portion preventing relative rotation between said third portion and hanger body means; said interconnecting means comprising a keyway and key received therein, one of said keyway and key being on said running tool and the other of said keyway and key being on said hanger body means; said orienting member comprising a spring pressed key; the reference member having a groove adapted to receive said spring pressed key.

14. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator ans sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger; said securing means comprising instrumentalities on a first portion of said running tool releasably coupled to said hanger body means; said running tool comprising a second portion to be secured to the running string and rotatable relative to said first portion and connected to said actuator to rotate the same; said running tool further comprising a third portion carrying said orienting member, said second portion being rotatable relative to said third portion, said interconnecting means including instrumentalities on said third portion preventing relative rotation between said third portion and hanger body means; said interconnecting means comprising a keyway and key received therein, one of said keyway and key being on said running tool and the other of said keyway and key being on said hanger body means; said orienting member comprising a spring pressed key; the reference member having a groove adapted to receive said spring pressed key; said second portion being connected to said actuator by a clutch.

15. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said hanger body means comprising a landing member to seat in the hanger, a hanger body, and a swivel between said hanger body and landing member to permit said hanger body to rotate relative to said landing member with said landing member seated in said hanger; and seal means on said landing member adapted to sealingly engage the hanger; said securing means comprising instrumentalities on a first portion of said running tool releaseably coupled to said hanger body means; said running tool comprising a second portion to be secured to the running string and rotatable relative to said first portion and connected to said actuator to rotate the same; said running tool further comprising a third portion carrying said orienting member; said second portion being rotatable relative to said third portion, said interconnecting means including instrumentalities on said third portion preventing relative rotation between said third portion and hanger body means; said interconnecting means comprising a keyway and key received therein, one of said keyway and key being on said third portion and the other of said keyway and key being on said hanger body means; said orienting member comprising a spring pressed key; the reference member having a groove adapted to receive said spring pressed key; said second portion being connected to said actuator by a clutch.

16. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger; said securing means comprising instrumentalities on a first portion of said running tool releasably coupled to said hanger body means; said running tool comprising a second portion to be secured to the running string and rotatable relative to said first portion and connected to said actuator to rotate the same; said actuator having means connectible with said instrumentalities for transmitting longitudinal movement of said first portion to said actuator and sleeve to release said sleeve from said lock means and permit said lock means to disengage from the hanger.

17. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said shifting means comprising a sleeve movable longitudinally along said hanger body means and engageable with said lock means, an actuator rotatably mounted on said hanger body means and operatively connected to said running tool, means providing a connection between said actuator and sleeve for converting rotary motion of said actuator by said running tool to longitudinal movement of said sleeve to shift said lock means into engagement with the hanger; said securing means comprising instrumentalities on a first portion of said running tool releasably coupled to said hanger body means; said running tool comprising a second portion to be secured to the running string and rotatable relative to said first portion and connected to said actuator to rotate the same; said running tool further comprising a third portion carrying said orienting member, said second portion being rotatable relative to said third portion, said interconnecting means including instrumentalities on said third portion preventing relative rotation between said third portion and hanger body means; said second portion being connected to said actuator by a clutch; said actuator having means connectible with said instrumentalities for transmitting longitudinal movement of said second portion to said actuator and sleeve to release said sleeve from said lock means and permit said lock means to disengage from the hanger.

18. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said hanger body means comprising a landing member to seat in the hanger, a hanger body, and a swivel between said hanger body and landing member to permit said hanger body to rotate relative to said landing member with said landing member seated in said hanger; and seal means on said landing member adapted to sealingly engage the hanger; said lock means having cam means thereon engageable with the hanger to shift said landing member axially and force said seal means against the hanger.

19. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said hanger body means comprising a landing member to seat in the hanger, a hanger body, and a swivel between said hanger body and landing member to permit said hanger body to rotate relative to said landing member with said landing member seated in said hanger; and seal means on said landing member adapted to sealingly engage the hanger; said securing means comprising instrumentalities on a first portion of said running tool releasably coupled to said hanger body means; said running tool comprising a second portion to be secured to the running string and rotatable relative to said first portion and connected to said actuator to rotate the same; said running tool further comprising a third portion carrying said orienting member; said second portion being rotatable relative to said third portion, said interconnecting means including instrumentalities on said third portion preventing relative rotation between said third portion and hanger body means; said interconnecting means comprising a keyway and key received therein, one of said keyway and key being on said third portion and the other of said keyway and key being on said hanger body means; said orienting member comprising a spring pressed key; the reference member having a groove adapted to receive said spring pressed key; said second portion being connected to said actuator by a clutch; said lock means having cam means thereon engageable with the hanger to shift said landing member axially and force said seal means against the hanger.

20. In apparatus to be disposed in a hanger located above a well bore and to be oriented in a predetermined angular position relative to a reference member above the well bore: hanger body means adapted to be seated in the hanger; a running tool adapted to be secured to a running string, said running tool having an orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said running tool in a predetermined angular position relative to the reference member; means securing said running tool to said hanger body means for lowering said hanger body means into the hanger; means interconnecting said hanger body means and running tool for retaining said hanger body means in a predetermined angular position relative to said running tool, whereby to locate said hanger body means in a predetermined angular position relative to the reference member when said orienting member is engaged therewith; and means engageable with the hanger and responsive to rotation of said running tool for forcing said hanger body means axially against the hanger.

21. In apparatus as defined in claim 20; seal means on said hanger body means engaging the hanger when said hanger body means is seated in the hanger, said seal means being forced into sealing engagement with the hanger in response to axial movement of said hanger body means against the hanger.

22. In apparatus as defined in claim 20; said hanger body means comprising a landing member to seat in the hanger, a hanger body, and a swivel between said hanger body and landing member to permit said hanger body to rotate relative to said landing member with said landing member seated in said hanger.

23. In apparatus as defined in claim 20; said hanger body means comprising a landing member to seat in the hanger, a hanger body, and a swivel between said hanger body and landing member to permit said hanger body to rotate relative to said landing member with said landing member seated in said hanger; seal means on said landing member forced into sealing engagement with the hanger upon axial movement of said landing member in response to rotation of said running tool.