US5803170A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Well line protective apparatus
Assignee: Expro Americas LLC
•
Filing: 1997-02-14
•
Granted: 1998-09-08
•
Expires: 2017-02-14
Abstract
Abstract Installed in the tubing string portion of an offshore well rig are a vertically spaced pair of tubular well line protective devices. The upper device extends vertically through the openings in the rig floor and the rotary table thereon, and the lower device is positioned between a pair of sealing rams within an open upper end portion of the riser through which the tubing downwardly extends. Each protective device has a main body portion which is radially enlarged relative to the balance of the tubing string, and a removable side insert portion. Well lines, such as control, chemical and balancing lines, are extended through axial openings combinatively defined by each body and associated insert, with the insert shielding the lines from damage at the protective device location. The removable insert is illustrated in an all metal construction, used in the upper device, and an all elastomeric material construction or an elastomer-faced metal construction used in the lower device. The lower protective device is positioned between a pair of sealing rams. When the sealing rams close, the elastomeric portion of the insert portion of the lower device protects its associated well line portions from damage, and automatically creates seals around them, to block off the tubing/riser annulus and prevent leaking gas flow upwardly therethrough past the closed sealing rams. A bypass pipe structure disposed below the sealing rams diverts gas leakage outwardly past the rig when the rams are closed.
Inventors
- 👤 Virgilio Garcia-Soule
- 👤 Kenneth L. Schwendemann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:02
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B17/00; E21B17/10; E21B17/1035
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connectable in the tubing string and having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned to extend laterally outwardly beyond the exterior side surface of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess configured to laterally receive the longitudinal well line member portion; and a second member removably receivable in the recess and operative, when received therein, to laterally outwardly shield the longitudinal well line member portion within the recess, the recess having a laterally inner side surface with an indentation formed therein and configured to complementarily receive a first lateral portion of the longitudinal well line member portion, and the second member having a laterally inner side surface positionable in a parallel, closely contiguous relationship with the laterally inner side surface of he recess and having an indentation configured to complementarily receive a second lateral portion of the longitudinal well line member portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connectable in the tubing string and having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned to extend laterally outwardly beyond the exterior side surface of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess configured to laterally receive the longitudinal well line member portion; and a second member removably receivable in the recess and operative, when received therein, to laterally outwardly shield the longitudinal well line member portion within the recess, the recess having a laterally inner side surface with an indentation formed therein and configured to complementarily receive a first lateral portion of the longitudinal well line member portion, and the second member having a laterally inner side surface positionable in a parallel, closely contiguous relationship with the laterally inner side surface of he recess and having an indentation configured to complementarily receive a second lateral portion of the longitudinal well line member portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first member has a generally tubular configuration with a longitudinal portion, in which the recess is formed, having an external diameter larger than that of the tubing string.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first member has reduced diameter opposite end portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the well line member, along its length, has a generally circular outer side, and the indentations in the inner side surfaces of the recess and the second member are generally semicircular.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of the laterally inner side surfaces of the recess and the second member has an additional generally semicircular indentation positioned and configured to complementarily receive opposite semicircular lateral portions of a longitudinal portion of an additional well line member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the laterally inner side surfaces of the recess and the second member are each substantially planar.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second member is formed entirely from an essentially rigid material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a holding structure for releasably holding the second member in the recess.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein: the second member is axially slidably insertable into the recess, and the holding structure includes cooperatively engageable surface portions on the recess and the second member configured to preclude lateral removal of the second member from the recess.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the holding structure further includes at least one fastening member extendable through the first and second members and operative to preclude axial removal of the second member from the recess.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
128 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connectable in the tubing string and having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned to extend laterally outwardly beyond the exterior side surface of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess configured to laterally receive the longitudinal well line member portion; and a second member removably receivable in the recess and operative, when received therein, to laterally outwardly shield the longitudinal well line member portion within the recess, the second member being formed entirely from a resilient material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
128 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connectable in the tubing string and having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned to extend laterally outwardly beyond the exterior side surface of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess configured to laterally receive the longitudinal well line member portion; and a second member removably receivable in the recess and operative, when received therein, to laterally outwardly shield the longitudinal well line member portion within the recess, the second member being formed entirely from a resilient material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connectable in the tubing string and having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned to extend laterally outwardly beyond the exterior side surface of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess configured to laterally receive the longitudinal well line member portion; and a second member removably receivable in the recess and operative, when received therein, to laterally outwardly shield the longitudinal well line member portion within the recess, the second member having a main body portion formed from an essentially rigid material, and an inner side portion formed from a resilient material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connectable in the tubing string and having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned to extend laterally outwardly beyond the exterior side surface of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess configured to laterally receive the longitudinal well line member portion; and a second member removably receivable in the recess and operative, when received therein, to laterally outwardly shield the longitudinal well line member portion within the recess, the second member having a main body portion formed from an essentially rigid material, and an inner side portion formed from a resilient material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connectable in the tubing string and having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned to extend laterally outwardly beyond the exterior side surface of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess configured to laterally receive the longitudinal well line member portion; and a second member removably receivable in the recess and operative, when received therein, to laterally outwardly shield the longitudinal well line member portion within the recess, the second member, when operatively disposed in the recess, being configured to essentially fill the recess area unoccupied by the longitudinal portion of the well line member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connectable in the tubing string and having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned to extend laterally outwardly beyond the exterior side surface of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess configured to laterally receive the longitudinal well line member portion; and a second member removably receivable in the recess and operative, when received therein, to laterally outwardly shield the longitudinal well line member portion within the recess, the second member, when operatively disposed in the recess, being configured to essentially fill the recess area unoccupied by the longitudinal portion of the well line member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the second member has an arcuate outer side surface which, with the second member operatively disposed in the recess, forms with the outer side surface of the longitudinal portion of the first member a generally circular outer surface area circumscribing the axis of the first member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
189 words
Well apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to the tubing string; and a well line member protective device including: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connected in and forming an axial portion of the tubing string, the first member having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned laterally outwardly of adjacent outer side surface portions of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess receiving a longitudinal portion of the well line member, and a second member removably received in the recess and laterally outwardly shielding the longitudinal well line member portion, the recess having a laterally inner side surface with an indentation formed therein and complementarily receiving a first lateral portion of the longitudinal well line member portion, and the second member having a laterally inner side surface positioned in a parallel, closely contiguous relationship with the laterally inner side surface of the recess and having an indentation complementarily receiving a second lateral portion of the longitudinal well line member portion.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
189 words
Well apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to the tubing string; and a well line member protective device including: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connected in and forming an axial portion of the tubing string, the first member having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned laterally outwardly of adjacent outer side surface portions of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess receiving a longitudinal portion of the well line member, and a second member removably received in the recess and laterally outwardly shielding the longitudinal well line member portion, the recess having a laterally inner side surface with an indentation formed therein and complementarily receiving a first lateral portion of the longitudinal well line member portion, and the second member having a laterally inner side surface positioned in a parallel, closely contiguous relationship with the laterally inner side surface of the recess and having an indentation complementarily receiving a second lateral portion of the longitudinal well line member portion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
44 words
The well apparatus of claim 15 wherein the first member has a generally tubular configuration with a longitudinal portion, in which the recess is formed, having an external diameter larger than that of the tubing string portions to which the protective device is connected.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The well apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first member has reduced diameter opposite end portions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
The well apparatus of claim 15 wherein: the well line member, along its length has a generally circular outer side, and the indentations in the inner side surfaces of the recess and the second member are generally semicircular.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
54 words
The well apparatus of claim 18 wherein: the well apparatus further comprises an additional well line member, and each of the laterally inner side surfaces of the recess and the second member has an additional generally semicircular indentation complementarily receiving opposite semicircular lateral portions of a longitudinal portion of the additional well line member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The well apparatus of claim 15 wherein the laterally inner side surfaces of the recess and the second member are each substantially planar.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The well apparatus of claim 14 wherein the second member is formed entirely from an essentially rigid material.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The well apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a holding structure for releasably holding the second member in the recess.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
43 words
The well apparatus of claim 22 wherein: the second member is axially slidably received in the recess, and the holding structure includes cooperatively engaged surface portions on the recess and the second member precluding lateral removal of the second member from the recess.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
35 words
The well apparatus of claim 23 wherein the holding structure further includes at least one fastening member extending through the first and second members and precluding axial removal of the second member from the recess.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The well apparatus of claim 15 wherein the second member essentially fills the recess area unoccupied by the longitudinal portion of the well line member.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
40 words
The well apparatus of claim 25 wherein the second member has an arcuate outer side surface which forms with the outer side surface of the longitudinal portion of the first member a generally circular outer surface area of the device.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
55 words
The well apparatus of claim 15 wherein: the well apparatus further comprises a generally horizontal floating offshore well rig portion with an opening extending vertically therethrough and receiving the protective device, and the protective device functions to laterally shield the longitudinal well line member portion from impact damage by the peripheral surface of the opening.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The well apparatus of claim 27 wherein: the second member is formed from an essentially rigid material and substantially fills the portion of the recess unoccupied by the longitudinal well line member portion.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
129 words
Well apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to the tubing string; and a well line member protective device including: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connected in and forming an axial portion of the tubing string, the first member having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned laterally outwardly of adjacent outer side surface portions of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess receiving a longitudinal portion of the well line member, and a second member removably received in the recess and laterally outwardly shielding the longitudinal well line member portion, the second member being formed entirely from a resilient material.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
129 words
Well apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to the tubing string; and a well line member protective device including: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connected in and forming an axial portion of the tubing string, the first member having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned laterally outwardly of adjacent outer side surface portions of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess receiving a longitudinal portion of the well line member, and a second member removably received in the recess and laterally outwardly shielding the longitudinal well line member portion, the second member being formed entirely from a resilient material.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
143 words
Well apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to the tubing string; and a well line member protective device including: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connected in and forming an axial portion of the tubing string, the first member having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned laterally outwardly of adjacent outer side surface portions of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess receiving a longitudinal portion of the well line member, and, a second member removably received in the recess and laterally outwardly shielding the longitudinal well line member portion, the second member having a main body portion formed from an essentially rigid material, and an inner side portion formed from a resilient material.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
143 words
Well apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to the tubing string; and a well line member protective device including: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connected in and forming an axial portion of the tubing string, the first member having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned laterally outwardly of adjacent outer side surface portions of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess receiving a longitudinal portion of the well line member, and, a second member removably received in the recess and laterally outwardly shielding the longitudinal well line member portion, the second member having a main body portion formed from an essentially rigid material, and an inner side portion formed from a resilient material.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
238 words
Well apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to the tubing string; a well line member protective device including: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connected in and forming an axial portion of the tubing string, the first member having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned laterally outwardly of adjacent outer side surface portions of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess receiving a longitudinal portion of the well line member, and a second member removably received in the recess and laterally outwardly shielding the longitudinal well line member portion: a vertical tubular subsea riser structure, the tubing string and the well line member extending downwardly through the riser structure, the tubing string forming in the riser structure an annulus circumscribing the tubing string, the protective device being disposed within the riser structure; and a sealing ram structure carried on the riser structure and operative to be forcibly driven through a closure stroke into sealing engagement with opposite exterior side surface portions of the protective device and block the annulus in a manner preventing appreciable fluid flow upwardly therethrough past the closed ram structure, the second member, in response to closure of the ram structure, operating to create a substantially fluid tight seal around the longitudinal well line member portion.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
238 words
Well apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to the tubing string; a well line member protective device including: a first member having a passage extending therethrough along an axis, the first member being coaxially connected in and forming an axial portion of the tubing string, the first member having an axial portion with an exterior side surface positioned laterally outwardly of adjacent outer side surface portions of the tubing string, the exterior side surface of the first member having a recess receiving a longitudinal portion of the well line member, and a second member removably received in the recess and laterally outwardly shielding the longitudinal well line member portion: a vertical tubular subsea riser structure, the tubing string and the well line member extending downwardly through the riser structure, the tubing string forming in the riser structure an annulus circumscribing the tubing string, the protective device being disposed within the riser structure; and a sealing ram structure carried on the riser structure and operative to be forcibly driven through a closure stroke into sealing engagement with opposite exterior side surface portions of the protective device and block the annulus in a manner preventing appreciable fluid flow upwardly therethrough past the closed ram structure, the second member, in response to closure of the ram structure, operating to create a substantially fluid tight seal around the longitudinal well line member portion.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The well apparatus of claim 31 wherein the second member is formed entirely from a resilient material.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
39 words
The well apparatus of claim 31 wherein the second member has a main body portion formed from an essentially rigid material, and an inner side portion proximate the longitudinal well line member portion and formed from a resilient material.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
The well apparatus of claim 31 further comprising a conduit structure communicating with the annulus below the sealing ram structure and defining a fluid bypass passage extending outwardly from the riser structure.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
The well apparatus of claim 34 wherein; the riser structure has an open upper end, and the protective device is positioned below the open upper end.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
122 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member connectable to the tubing string and having an exterior side surface with a recess disposed therein, the recess having a first portion through which the well line portion may longitudinally pass, and a second portion unoccupied by the well line portion received in the recess; and a second member removably insertable into the recess in a direction parallel to the length of the well line member portion received therein and being configured to cooperate with the first member to form therebetween a passage having a side surface that contiguously circumscribes the well line portion.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
122 words
Apparatus for protecting a longitudinal portion of a well line member extending externally along and generally parallel to a well tubing string, said apparatus comprising: a first member connectable to the tubing string and having an exterior side surface with a recess disposed therein, the recess having a first portion through which the well line portion may longitudinally pass, and a second portion unoccupied by the well line portion received in the recess; and a second member removably insertable into the recess in a direction parallel to the length of the well line member portion received therein and being configured to cooperate with the first member to form therebetween a passage having a side surface that contiguously circumscribes the well line portion.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 36 further comprising a holding structure for releasably holding the second member within the recess.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the holding structure includes cooperating portions on the first and second members which are operative to prevent the inserted second member from being removed from the recess in a direction transverse to the length of the received well line member portion.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 38 wherein: the first member has a generally tubular configuration and is coaxially connectable in the well tubing string, and the cooperating portions on the first and second members include spaced apart opposing recess side surfaces that slope toward one another in a radially outward direction.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the holding structure includes a fastening member extendable through the first and second members and operative to preclude removal of the second member from the recess in a direction parallel to the length of the well line portion.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the second member is formed entirely from an essentially rigid material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the second member is formed entirely from a resilient material.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the second member has a main body portion formed from an essentially rigid material, and an inner side portion formed from a resilient material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3844345A
Cited
US4042023A
Cited
US3933203A
Cited
US4262703A
Cited
US4616704A
Cited
US5379836A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-09-07 | 2002-03-09 | 2002-09-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-09-07 | 2006-03-09 | 2006-09-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-09-07 | 2010-03-09 | 2010-09-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |