BR112012011354B1 - MINERAL EXTRACTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for METHOD AND MINERAL EXTRACTION SYSTEM.

Cross-reference to related order

This application claims priority to US Non-Provisional Order No. 12 / 622,394, entitled Wellhead Tubular Connector, filed on November 19, 2009, which claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 255,081, entitled Wellhead tubular connector, deposited on October 26, 2009, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background

This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technique that may be related to the various aspects of the present invention, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be useful in providing the reader with historical information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Certainly, it must be understood that these statements are read in these circumstances, and not as admissions to the prior art.

Natural resources, such as oil and gas, are used as fuel to power vehicles, heat homes, and generate electricity, in addition to many other uses. Since a desired resource is discovered below the earth's surface, drilling and production systems are generally employed to access and extract the resource. These systems can be located on land or on the platform depending on the location of the desired resource. In addition, such systems generally include a wellhead assembly through which the resource is extracted. These wellhead assemblies can include a wide variety of components and / or channels, such as boxes, trees, distributors, and so on, which facilitate drilling and / or extraction operations. A long pipe, like a box, can be reduced to the ground and / or plunged to allow access to the natural resource. Additional pipes and / or tubes can then be passed quickly through the box to facilitate resource extraction.

The components and / or channels of the wellhead assembly

2/20 are joined and sealed by the locking mechanisms to provide a flow passage to the fluids during extraction. However, because such locking mechanisms typically involve the use of additional parts and tools to lock or unlock different components of the 5 wellhead, installation, repair, and / or replacement of the components can be time-consuming and complicated, especially for assemblies of the underwater wellhead. In addition, typical locking mechanisms can sometimes be insufficient for the tension and pressure loads in the wellhead assembly.

Brief description of the drawings

Several characteristics, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the attached figures in which the equal characters represent equal parts in the figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a mineral extraction system according to a modality of the present techniques;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a part of a wellhead including a tubular connector system, according to an embodiment of the present techniques;

Figure 3 is a top view of the locking screws in a tubular connector system, according to a modality of the present techniques;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the components of a tubular connector system, according to a modality of the present techniques;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a lock segment, according to a modality of the present techniques;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a locking screw positioned on a locking segment and pipe reel according to an embodiment of the present techniques;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a lock segment and a lock screw in a first position (for example, position

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unlocked) on a pipe reel positioned on a box, according to a modality of the present techniques;

Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view from within the arcuate line 8-8 of Figure 7, which illustrates the first position (for example, 5 unlocked position) of the lock segment and the lock screw;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a lock segment and a lock screw in a second position (for example, locked position) on a pipe reel positioned on a box, according to an embodiment of the present techniques; and

Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view from within the arched line 10-10 of Figure 9, which illustrates the second position (e.g., locked position) of the lock segment and the lock screw.

Detailed description of the specific modalities

One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. These described embodiments are only exemplary of the present invention. In addition, in an effort to provide a concise description of these exemplary modalities, all features of a current implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be noted that in the development of any current implementation, 20 as in any engineering project or design, several implementation-specific decisions that must be made to achieve the specific objectives of the developers, such as according to the restrictions related to the system and business, which can vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be noted that such a development effort can be complex and time-consuming, but it would still be a routine that establishes the design, manufacture, and production for technicians in the area who will benefit from this description.

When introducing the elements of various embodiments of the present invention, articles one, one, o, a and said (a) mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms comprising, including, and having mean that they are inclusive and that there may be additional elements other than those listed. In addition, the use of upper, lower,

4/20 above, below, and variations of these terms are for convenience, but do not require any guidance from the components.

The modalities of the present techniques include systems and methods for connecting the tubular members in a mineral extraction system. In particular, in some embodiments, one or more locking screws and locking segments may interlock to hold a first tubular member (e.g., a pipe reel or box) with respect to a second tubular member. For example, each locking screw can have a shoulder member, which can be configured to contact a compartment of a respective locking segment. Each locking screw and locking segment can fit inside the first tubular member (for example, pipe reel) in the mineral extraction system. Due to the interface between the locking screw and the locking segment, the locking screw and the locking segment can be retained on the first tubular member in an unlocked position. For example, the lock screw can be rotated in a first rotational direction to move the lock screw along its axis in a first linear direction to drive the lock segment towards the unlocked position, where the lock segment is arranged in a radial recess in the first tubular member 20 in the unlocked position. Subsequently, the first tubular member can be positioned on the second tubular member while the lock segment is disposed in the radial recess in the unlocked position, so that the lock segment does not interfere with the movement of the second tubular member axially on the first tubular member. In turn, the para25 lock spindle can be rotated in a second rotational direction (for example, opposite the first rotational direction) to move the lock screw along its axis in a second linear direction (for example, opposite the first rotational direction) linear direction) to drive the lock segment away from the unlocked position towards the locked position, where the lock segment leaves the radial recess in the first tubular member in the locked position.

In the locked position, the locking segment radially compresses the second tubular member with respect to the first tubular member, thus securing

5/20 the first and the second tubular members together.

In certain embodiments, the first and second linear directions can be arranged at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the first and second tubular members. For example, the acute angle may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, for example, approximately 5 to 60, 10 to 50, 20 to 40, or approximately 30 degree. Thus, the linear angled movement of the lock screw along the first and second linear directions transmits the axial and radial movement of the lock segment. As discussed below, each 10-lock segment can include a concave surface arranged along the concave contact surface of the respective radial recess, thus allowing radial movement in and out of the lock segment in response to the angled linear movement of the screw lock along the first and second linear directions. In addition, in certain embodiments, the interface 15 between the lock screw and the lock segment can reduce the number of lock screws used, as only one lock screw can come in contact with each lock segment in the system.

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a modality of a mineral extraction system 10, which can use the single system of the segment connector by the segment screw as discussed in detail below. The illustrated mineral extraction system 10 can be configured to extract various minerals and natural resources, including hydrocarbons (e.g., oil and / or natural gas), from the earth, or to inject substances into the earth. In some embodiments, the mineral extraction system 10 25 is on land (for example, a surface system) or underground (for example, an underground system). As illustrated, system 10 includes a wellhead 12 coupled to a mineral deposit 14 through a well 16. The well 16 may include a wellhead wheel axis 18 and a wellhole 20. The wheel axis of the well wellhead 18 generally includes a large diameter wheel axle arranged at the end of wellhole 20 and designed to connect wellhead 12 to well 16.

The wellhead 12 can include several components that contain

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6/20 control and regulate the activities and conditions associated with well 16. For example, wellhead 12 generally includes bodies, valves, and seals that direct the minerals produced from mineral deposit 14, regulate pressure in well 16, and inject downhole chemicals into the 5 well 20 hole. In the illustrated embodiment, wellhead 12 includes what is colloquially referred to as Christmas tree 22 (here, a tree), a pipe reel 24, a box reel 26, and a hook 28 (e.g., a pipe hook and / or a box hook). System 10 can include other devices that are coupled to the wellhead 12, and devices 10 that are used to assemble and control various components of the wellhead 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, system 10 includes an application tool 30 suspended by a drilling column 32. In certain embodiments, the application tool 30 includes an application tool that is reduced (for example, to apply) from an onshore tank in well 15 and / or wellhead 12. In other ways embodiments, such as surface systems, the application tool 30 may include a device suspended over and / or lowered in the wellhead 12 by means of a crane or other support device.

Tree 22 generally includes a variety of 20 flow passages (eg, boreholes), valves, fittings, and controls for operating the well

16. For example, tree 22 may include a mold that is arranged on a tree body, a flow circuit, actuators, and valves. In addition, tree 22 can provide fluid communication with well 16. For example, tree 22 includes a hole in tree 34. The hole in tree 34 provides procedures for carrying out and overworking, such as inserting tools into well 16, injection of various chemicals into well 16, and so on. In addition, minerals extracted from well 16 (for example, oil and natural gas) can be regulated and directed through tree 22. For example, tree 22 can be coupled to a direct link or a flow line that is tied 30 behind other components, such as a distributor. Certainly, the flow of minerals produced from well 16 to the distributor through wellhead 12 and / or tree 22 before being directed to shipping or storage7 / 20. A safety valve (BOP), device that prevents the explosion, 36 can also be included, as part of the tree 22 or as a separate device. BOP 36 can consist of a variety of valves, fittings, and controls to prevent oil, gas, or other fluid from escaping from well 5 in the event of an unintended pressure release or overpressure condition.

The pipe reel 24 provides a base for the tree 22. Typically, the pipe reel 24 is one of many components in a modular underground system or mining10 surface extraction system 10 that is applied from an onshore tank or surface system . The pipe reel 24 includes a hole in the pipe reel 38. The hole in the pipe reel 38 connects (for example, allows fluid communication between) the hole in the tree 34 and the well 16. Thus, the hole in the pipe reel 38 can provide access to well bore 20 for the various procedures 15 for carrying out and overworking. For example, components can be applied to the wellhead 12 and arranged in the hole of the pipe reel 38 to seal the wellhole 20, to inject downhole chemicals, to suspend downhole tools, to retrieve the downhole tools. rock bottom, and so on.

Well hole 20 may contain high pressures. For example, well 20 can include pressures that exceed 68.94 MPa, 103.42 MPa or even 137.89 MPa (10,000, 15,000, or even 20,000 pounds per square inch (psi)). Certainly, the mineral extraction system 10 can employ several mechanisms, such as seals, plugs, and valves, 25 to control and regulate the well 16. For example, plugs and valves are used to regulate the flow and pressure of fluids in various holes and channels throughout the mineral extraction system 10. For example, the illustrated hook 28 (for example, pipe hook or box hook) is typically arranged within wellhead 12 to secure the suspended box to wellhole 20, and to provide a passage for hydraulic control fluid, chemical injections, and so on. Hook 28 includes a hole in hook 40 that extends to the center of hook 28, and that is in common.

8/20 fluid connection with pipe reel hole 38 and well hole 20. One or more seal assemblies and / or ground assemblies can be arranged between hook 28 and pipe reel 24 and / or the reel of the box 26.

One or more tubular connectors (ie connectors that couple tubular members) can also be used to join and seal the tubular members in the wellhead 12. For example, screws, pins, or other locking mechanisms can be used to join and seal pipe reel 24 to hook 28 and / or hook 28 to box reel 10 26, etc. Additional parts or tools can sometimes be used to lock or unlock certain connector systems. However, such connector systems can be complex, and can increase the installation time of the wellhead and / or pipe, especially in an underground mineral extraction system 10. In addition, some tubular connectors are positioned on the axis of the members tubular in the wellhead 12. While such perpendicularly positioned connectors can provide radial support along the shaft of the wellhead 12, connectors providing radial support alone may be insufficient to maintain the connection of the tubular members when the wellhead 12 undergoes pressure and tension 20 against its axis, such as strong environmental conditions. In this way, a tubular connector system that provides additional support (for example, axial support in addition to the radial support), and which can be locked or unlocked without additional parts, can be useful for a variety of mineral extraction applications.

Figure 2 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a wellhead modality 12 having a connector system 50 including an angled locking screw 52 designed to contact a locking segment 54 (e.g., concave locking segment, segment substantially wedge-shaped lock) through a seal 56.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lock segment 54 is arranged in a recess 55 (for example, concave recess), the seal 56 is arranged in an angled passage 57, and the lock screw 52 is arranged in the seal 56.

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As discussed below, lock screw 52 is configured to move lock segment 54 into and out of recess 55 in response to the angular movement of lock screw 52, thereby causing radial expansion and contraction of lock segment 54. 5 In the following discussion, reference can be made to a longitudinal or axial direction of axis 42, an axial or radial direction 44, and a circumferential axis or direction 46. As previously discussed with reference to figure 1, wellhead 12 can include tubular members, such as the pipe reel 24 and the box reel 26, arranged on top of each other » ¹⁰ along a longitudinal axis 48. One or more seal assemblies, such as seals 58, encompassed by the metal ring 59, can seal the pipe reel 24 and / or the box reel 26 on a tubular member. The screws 60 can be inserted perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 48 of the wellhead 12 (that is, along the radial axis 44) to join the 15 tubular members of the wellhead 12, and screws 61 can be inserted parallel to the wellhead 12 (i.e., along the axial axis 42) to join the pipe reel 24 and the box reel 26, for example. However, connector methods such as screws 60 and screws 61 can provide support in only one direction. 20 In one embodiment, the connector 50 system includes the segment > latch 54 and latch 52 configured to join the tubular members in the wellhead 12 with support in the axial direction 42 and in the radial direction 44. In particular, the lock screw 52 is oriented at an acute angle 51 with respect to to the longitudinal axis 48 of the wellhead 12. As- 25 yes, lock screw 52 moves along an angular axis 53 inward and outward with respect to longitudinal axis 48. For example, angle 51 of angular axis 53 can be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees , for example, approximately 5 to 60, 10 to 50, 20 to 40, or approximately 30 degrees. As discussed below, the angular movement of the screw 30 locking process 52 along the angular axis 53 transmits the axial and radial movement of the locking segment 54. In certain embodiments, each locking segment 54 may include a concave surface 62 arranged along the surface.

10/20 concave contact surface 64 of the respective recess 55, thus allowing axial downward and upward movement and radial movement in and out of the lock segment 54 in response to the linear angled movement of the lock screw 52 to the along the angular axis 53. Thus, as the lock segment 54 is moving axially and radially in the recess 55, it exerts axial force and radial force against a tubular member.

As will be explained further, lock screw 52 may have a shoulder member 70 at an end formed to contact a compartment 72 in lock segment 54. 10 lock screw 52, lock segment 54, and the seal 56 may first be positioned within a first tubular member (e.g., tube reel 24 or box reel 26) in an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the locking segment 54 can be moved by the locking screw 52 in a radially recessed position within the recess 57, so that the locking segment 54 does not come out radially in the space within the first tubular member so that interfere with the movement of a second tubular member in the first tubular member. After positioning the second tubular member within the first tubular member (for example, tubing reel 24 or box reel 26), lock screw 52 can be rotated to drive lock screw 52 radially inward along the angular axis 53 towards lock segment 54, thus driving lock segment 54 radially against the second tubular member. In particular, the movement radially inward of the lock screw 52 causes the axial downward movement of the lock segment 54 so that the concave surface 62 of the lock segment 54 moves along the concave contact surface 64 of the recess 55 In turn, the angular interface assigned to the concave surfaces 62 and 64 causes movement radially into the lock segment 54, thereby causing the lock segment 54 to engage the second tubular member. During this movement, the shoulder member 70 of the lock screw 52 can rotate and / or partially slide along the compartment 72 in the lock segment 54, while also rotating inside the seal 56. The lock segment 54

11/20 can be released in a similar manner, for example, by turning lock screw 52 in a reverse rotational direction to drive lock screw 52 radially outwardly along angular axis 53, thus attracting lock segment 54 radially away of the second tubular member.

Figure 3 is a top view of the connector 50 system of figure 2 with the tubular members removed for clarification. The connector system 50 is arranged in a circular or annular arrangement, as employed between the first and second tubular members (not shown). As noted, the connector system 50 can be employed between a variety of first and second tubular members. For example, the connector system 50 may be arranged on the pipe reel 24 and / or on the housing reel 26 on the wellhead 12, so that the connector system 50 locks a tubular member in place. In addition, while this particular connector 50 system may have four lock screws 15 52a-52d, lock segments 54a-54d, and seals 56a-56d, the number of lock screws 52 and lock segments 54 may depend on the dimensions of the wellhead 12, such as the diameter of the tubular member supported by the connector system 50. For example, a tubular member having a diameter of approximately 10% inches can be supported by six 20 lock segments 54, lock screws 52, and seals 56. A tubular member having a smaller diameter can be supported by fewer lock segments 54, lock screws 52, and seals 56. However, any number of lock segments 54, lock screws 52, and seals 56 can be used in various modalities, for example, 1 to 50, 2 to 10, 25 or 10 to 20.

In some embodiments, the dimensions of the lock segments 54 and lock screws 52 may also depend on the dimensions of the tubular members to be joined. For example, wider tubular members can be supported by wider lock segments 54 and / or 30 longer or wider lock screws 52. Some modalities involve fitting only one lock screw 52 for each lock segment 54, as illustrated in figure 3. However, in other modalities

12/20 de, each lock segment 56 can have more than one compartment 72 to contact more than one lock screw 52. The fitting of more than one lock screw 52 for a lock segment 54 can also depend on the dimensions of the tubular member.

Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a system modality of connector 50 and pipe reel 24, which illustrates a process for assembling the lock screw 52, the lock segment 54, and the seal 56 with respect to the passage 57 and recess 55. For example, seal 56 can be coupled to passage 57 on the outside of pipe reel 10, for example, by screwing the threads of seal 77 into the threads of passage 78. In addition, a spacer 79 (for example, example, annular metallic spacer) and a seal 80 (e.g., annular elastomeric seal) can be arranged between passage 57 and seal 56 to provide seal between pipe reel 24, lock screw 52, and 15 seal 56 As an example, the lock screw 52 and the lock segment 56 can be coupled together, and then inserted from an inner part of the pipe reel 24. The lock screw 52 can be inserted in the passage 57, and then the screws housings 74 of the lock screw 52 can be threaded by contacting the threads 73 inside the seal 56. As the lock screw 52 threads into the seal 56, the lock segment can be attracted to the recess 57. When the connector system tubular 50 is engaged (that is, when the components are driven so that the system is in a locked position), the locking screw 52 can exert force along its axis 53. According to the axis 53 of the locking screw 25 52 is arranged at angle 51 with respect to the longitudinal axis 48 of the pipe reel 24, the locking screw 52 can exert radial and axial forces (ie, in directions 44 and 44) inside the pipe reel 24 to push the lock segment 54 against the tubular member (not shown) surrounded by the pipe reel 24.

Lock screw 52 may come into contact with lock segment 54 through an interconnection between shoulder member 70 of lock screw 52 and housing 12. of lock segment 56. The

13/20 shoulder member 70 of lock screw 52 may be an end part that is similar to a shape of the disc, and wider in diameter than the part of lock screw 52 immediately adjacent to shoulder member 70. For example , as described, the lock screw 52 in some 5 embodiments may have a recess (e.g., an annular groove) 68 adjacent the larger shoulder member 70.

The compartment 72 of the lock segment 54 can be better explained in the more detailed illustration of the perspective view of the lock segment 54 in figure 5. In one embodiment, the compartment 72 can have a narrow part 82 and a wide part 84. According to observed, the shoulder member 70 fits into the wide part 84, while the annular groove 68 fits into the narrow part 82. In this way, compartment 72 blocks the movement of the shoulder member 70 (and thus the locking screw 52) to the along the angular axis 53 of the locking screw 52. Thus, as the locking screw 52 moves along the angular axis 53, the interlocking between the shoulder member 70 and the compartment 72 causes the locking segment 54 to move to up and down. As noted, the movement of the lock screw 52 includes axial and rotational movement, so that the lock screw 52 can rotate and slide the shoulder member 70 20 along the housing 72. The illustrated length 72 has an angled bottom surface 89 , which can be approximately 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular) to the angular axis 53 of the locking screw 52. Thus, the shoulder member 70 can slide in a radially downward direction along the angle of the angled bottom surface, and approximately 25 perpendicular to the angular axis 53 of the lock screw 52.

As further illustrated in figure 5, the lock segment 54 can have teeth 86 along an internal circumference of the lock segment 54. The teeth 86 can be suitable for safely coming into contact with a tubular member disposed within the tubing spool 24 , 30 so that latch segment 54 can be held firmly against the tubular member when the connector system 50 (including latch screw 52, latch segment 54, and seal 56) is engaged (i.e., latch)

14/20 vado). In some embodiments, the lock segment 54 may also have teeth along an outer circumference of the lock segment 54, which can assist in retaining the lock segment 54 within the space in the pipe reel 24.

Referring again to the enlarged view of the tubular connector system and the pipe reel 24 in figure 4, the connector system 50 may also include the seal 56 which can work to tighten against the lock screw 52. As discussed below, the tightening of the seal (for example, by mechanical force) can exert pressure 10 on the lock screw 52, which can cause the lock screw to be pushed along the axis 53 of the lock screw 52. The extension of the lock screw lock 52 can cause lock segment 54 to be pushed against the tubular member, as discussed. Seal 56 can fit over an outer end 76 of lock screw 52, and 15 can be sealed to lock screw 52 by seal 80. Spacer 79 can provide relief to lock screw 52 within lock screw space 78 when the seal 56 tightens to switch lock screw 52 to a locked position.

A sequence that drives the tubular connector system from the first position (eg, unlocked position) to a second position (eg, locked position) is described in figures 6-10. In particular, figures 6-10 illustrate the lock screw 52, the lock segment 54, and the seal 56 positioned on the pipe reel 24, as well as the detailed illustrations of the interface between the lock screw 52 and 25 o lock segment 54, and the movement of the lock segment 54 with respect to a tubular member. While figures 6-10 describe the connector system on the pipe reel 24, the tubular connector system 50 can be implemented to connect any tubular members in a mineral extraction system 10 according to the modalities of the present techniques 30.

The cross-sectional side view of the pipe reel 24 and a modality of the tubular connector system 50 is illustrated in figure 6. The system

15/20 of the connector 50 is not yet engaged, and the pipe reel 24 has not yet been installed on a tubular member in the wellhead 12 (as in figure 1). In particular, the locking screw 52 can be rotated in a first rotational direction 81 about the angular axis 53 to cause movement of the locking screw 52 in a first linear direction 83 radially out of the pipe reel 24 and the longitudinal axis 48 In turn, the movement of the locking screw 52 in the first linear direction 83 causes the locking segment 54 to move in a first axial direction 85 (for example, axial direction upwards), thus making the concave surface 62 of the latch segment 54 slide along the concave surface 64 of the recess

55. The upward movement of the lock segment 54 in the first axial direction 85 and the sliding movement between these concave surfaces 62 and 64 causes the lock segment 54 to move in a first radial direction (for example, an outward radial direction) ) still lowering the lock segment 54 in the recess 55. In this way, the lock segment 54 is moved in the recess 55 while it is still retained in the lock screw 52, so that the lock segment 54 does not interfere with the installation of a member tubular on the pipe reel 24. In some embodiments, the lock screw 52, the lock segment 54, and the seal 56 can be installed on a tubular member, such as the pipe reel 24, in advance. For example, the pipe reel 24 can be manufactured to have the connector system 50 according to the present techniques, and the connector system can be used for connections or installations between the pipe reel and the various boxes or piping.

In other embodiments, the locking screw 52, the locking segment 54, and / or the seal 56 can be separate components, and can be installed on the pipe reel 24 or any other tubular member when a connection should become possible. Due to the system design of the tubular connector 50, installation or connection between the tubing members does not require additional tools or parts, such as additional screws or pins. For example, and as discussed with reference to figure 5, the shoulder member 70 of the lock screw 52 can be positioned on the

16/20 compartment 72 to axially secure the lock segment 54 with respect to the lock screw 52 in the locked and unlocked positions of the connector system 50 with respect to the tubular member.

Installation of the connector 50 system on the pipe reel

24 can also be simplified due to the configuration of the lock segment 54 and the lock screw 52. In particular, the interconnection between the lock screw 52 and the lock segment 54 can allow the preload of the connector system. For example, the lock screw 52 can be fitted with the lock segment 54 and the seal 56 to be preloaded on the 10 pipe reel 24, according to the interconnection between the shoulder member 70 and the compartment 72 can retain the lock segment 54 on the pipe reel 24. In addition, in some embodiments, only one lock screw 52 contacts each lock segment 54. Using a lock screw 52 for a lock segment 54 you can simply install the reel piping 24 over a box or tubular member, and can reduce installation time, which can be useful for underground installations. In use at depths, a simplified installation process can also allow for installations using a remotely operated underground vehicle. Thus, installations involving the connector system 20 50 of the present techniques can be carried out underground with great flexibility.

Since the tubular connector system components 50 are in position on the tubing reel 24, the tubing reel 24 can be installed on a tubular member or box 88, as shown in Figure 25. As shown, the tubular connector system 50 can still be unlocked (for example, lock segment 54 is axially raised and radially lowered in recess 55), and seal 56 cannot yet be tightened on lock screw 52. Also, teeth 86 of lock segment 54 they are radially retracted away from the tubular member 88, so that the teeth 86 do not trap the tubular member 88 with respect to the pipe reel 24.

A detailed illustration of the lock screw 52 positions

17/20 φ 10 and the lock segment 54 in an unlocked position since the pipe reel 24 is installed on a box or tubular member 88 is provided in figure 8. The cross-sectional side view of figure 8 is taken within the arcuate line 8-8 of figure 7. As discussed above, the annular groove 68 of the lock screw 52 is fitted in the narrow part 82 of the compartment 72 in the lock segment 54, while the shoulder member 70 is engaged in the wide part 84 of the compartment 72 in the lock segment 54. Due to the larger diameter of the shoulder member 70 in relation to the annular groove 68, the lock screw 52 is retained to the lock segment 54 when the lock screw 52 is moved in the first linear direction 83, or axially upwards and radially out of the pipe reel 24. The movement of the lock screw 52 also moves the lock segment 54 in the first direction axially upwards 85 and in the radially outward direction 87. This moves This causes the concave surface 62 of the lock segment 54 to slide up and out along the concave surface 64 of the recess 55. Thus, the lock segment 54 is moved in the recess 55 when in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the lock segment 54 does not exert force against a tubular member (such as tubular member 88) on which the tubing reel 24 is installed. As illustrated by the gap between the teeth 86 of the lock segment 54 and the tubular member 88, the lock segment 54 may not be in contact with the tubular member 88 in the unlocked position.

The lateral cross-sectional view of a final locked position of the tubular connector system 50 implemented in the pipe reel 24 and the tubular member 88 is illustrated in figure 9. The locked position of the system 50 may have been activated by tightening the lock screw 52 and the seal 56. In one embodiment, lock screw 52 and seal 56 can be mechanically tightened. However, in other embodiments, tightening the seal, and thus activating the tubular connector 50 system in a locked position, may use hydraulic energy, air, or electrical energy, or some combination of these energies.

In particular, locking screw 52 can be turned in one

18/20 second rotational direction 90 on the angular axis 53 to cause movement of the locking screw 52 in a second linear direction 92 radially into the pipe reel 24 towards the longitudinal axis 48. In turn, the movement of the locking screw lock 52 in the second linear direction 92 causes the lock segment 54 to move in a second axial direction 94 (for example, axial direction down), thus making the concave surface 62 of the lock segment 54 slide along the surface concave 64 of recess 55. The downward movement of lock segment 54 in the second axial direction 94 and the sliding movement between these 10 concave surfaces 62 and 64 causes the lock segment 54 to move in a second radial direction 96 (for example , a radial inward direction) causing the lock segment 54 to project away from the recess 55 against the tubular member 88. In this way, the lock segment 54 creates a radial force against the member t ubular 88, along with the retention provided by the 15 teeth 86, while it is retained in the lock screw 52.

A detailed illustration of lock screw 52 and lock segment 54 in a locked position is provided in figure 10, which is a partial cross-sectional side view from within the arched line 10-10 of the figure

9. As the lock screw 52 rotates and moves in a radially direction 20 downwards towards the longitudinal axis 48, the shoulder member 70 of the lock screw 52 moves along the compartment 72 of the lock segment 54 to transmit a force radially downward and inward against lock segment 54. As a result of this interface between the shoulder member 70 of lock screw 52 and housing 72 of lock segment 54, the movement of lock screw 52 also moves the lock segment 54 in the second direction axially downwards 94 and radially downward direction 96. This movement can cause the concave surface 62 of the lock segment 54 to slide downwards and inwards along the concave surface 64 of the recess 55. Thus , the latch 30 segment 54 is moved down into recess 55 when in the locked position.

As indicated by the contact between the teeth 86 of the lock segment 54 and the tubular member 88, the lock segment 54 exerts a radial force19 / 20 *

inwardly against tubular member 88, thus locking tubular member 88 with respect to tubing reel 24 when in the locked position.

After the locking screw 52 pushes the locking segment 54 against the tubular member 88, the seal 56 can be rotated in a rotational direction 98 to cause linear movement in a linear direction 100 (for example, radially inward) towards the axis longitudinal 48. In this way, the movement inside the seal 56 can cause the axial compression of the seal 80 and the spacer 79 between the seal 56 and the passage 57. The axial compression of the seal 80 causes the seal to expand radially against the passage 57 and the lock screw 52, thus providing a tight seal between the pipe reel 24, the lock screw 52, and the seal 56.

Again, the angle 51 of the locking screw 52 can also affect the connection of the tubular member 88. As discussed above, the angle 51 of the locking screw 52 with respect to the axis 48 of the pipe reel 24 and / or any other tubular members of the mineral extraction system 10 can lock tubular member 88 with radial force and axial force. For example, a typical screw that is positioned perpendicular to the axis 48 of the pipe reel 24 can apply only radial force (i.e., force perpendicular to the axis 48 of the pipe reel 24). In contrast, the angular locking screw 52 provides axial and radial forces, while also simplifying connection to tools in an underground environment.

In one embodiment, the lock screw 52 can have an angle 51 of approximately 30 degrees with respect to the axis 48 of the tubular member 88. In some embodiments, the angle 51 of the lock screw 52 can vary from 20 to 40 degrees with respect to axis 48 of tubular member 88. In other embodiments, the angle 51 of lock screw 52 with respect to tubular member 88 is small enough for lock screw 52 to move lock segment 54 without substantial resistance between an unlocked position and a locked position (for example, up and down), while angle 51 is also large enough so that the seal

20/20 tion 56 and / or the outer end 76 of the lock screw 52 is accessible to drive the tubular connector system between the locked and unlocked positions.

While the invention may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms, the specific modalities have been shown as an example in the drawings and have been described in detail here. However, it should be understood that the invention should not be limited to the particular forms disclosed. In addition, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims below.

Claims (20)

1. Mineral extraction system (10), comprising: a lock segment (54); the mineral extraction system (10) characterized by the fact that the lock segment (54) has a compartment (72) that is sharply angled in relation to an axis of a tubular member in the mineral extraction system (10); and the mineral extraction system (10) further comprising: a lock screw (52) having a final part attached to the compartment (72) of the lock segment (54), where the lock screw (52) is rotatable with respect to the lock segment (54), the lock screw (52) has a rotational axis that is sharply angled with respect to the axis of the tubular member to allow the locking screw (52) to exert a radial force and an axial force on the locking segment (54) in relation to the axis of the tubular member in response to the rotation of the lock screw (52), and the end part is configured to move along the housing (72) in a transverse direction with respect to the rotational axis of the lock screw (52) in response to the rotation of the lock screw lock (52) causing movement of the lock segment (54). 2. Mineral extraction system, according to the claim 1, characterized by the fact that the locking screw (52) is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction on the rotational axis to cause movement of the locking screw (52) in a first linear direction radially outward from the axis of the tubular member , and the lock screw (52) is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction about the rotational axis to cause movement of the lock screw (52) in a second linear direction radially inward toward the axis of the tubular member. 3. Mineral extraction system, according to the claim 2, characterized by the fact that the movement of the lock screw (52) in the first linear direction causes the lock segment (54) to move in a Petition 870190040159, of 29/04/2019, p. 9/14 2/6 first axial direction and first radial direction with respect to the axis of the tubular member, and the movement of the lock screw (52) in the second linear direction causes the lock segment (54) to move in a second axial direction and a second radial direction with respect to the axis of the tubular member. 4. Mineral extraction system, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the lock segment (54) comprises a concave surface configured to move along a concave contact surface with respect to the axis of the tubular member, the lock segment (54) is configured to move the concave surface along the concave contact surface in the first axial direction to cause movement of the lock segment (54) in the first radial direction, and the lock segment (54) is configured to moving the concave surface along the concave contact surface in the second axial direction to cause movement of the lock segment (54) in the second radial direction. 5. Mineral extraction system according to claim 1, characterized in that the compartment (72) of the latch segment (54) comprises a narrow part (82) of the compartment (72) adjacent to a wide part (84 ) of the compartment (72) both extending in the transverse direction, the end part of the locking screw (52) comprises a part of the protruding member adjacent to a recess part, the part of the protruding member is arranged in the wide part (84) of the compartment (72), and the recess part is arranged in the narrow part (82) of the compartment (72). 6. Mineral extraction system, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the compartment extends in the transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the locking screw (52). 7. Mineral extraction system, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the lock segment (54) is substantially in the form of shim. 8. Mineral extraction system, according to claim Petition 870190040159, of 29/04/2019, p. 10/14 3/6 1, characterized by the fact that a surface radially into the lock segment (54) comprises teeth, and the housing (72) is sharply angled with respect to the surface radially inward. 9. Mineral extraction system, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of lock segments and a plurality of lock screws, in which each lock segment (54) is coupled to only one locking screw. lock (52). 10. Mineral extraction system, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the rotational axis of the lock screw (52) is approximately 20 to 40 degrees with respect to the axis of the tubular member. 11. System, characterized by comprising: a first tubular component comprising a plurality of first passages extending from an external part to an internal part of the first tubular component, wherein each first pass is sharply angled with respect to an axis of the first tubular component; a plurality of lock segments arranged along the inside of the first tubular component; a plurality of locking screws, wherein each locking screw (52) extends through one of the plurality of first passages to one of the plurality of locking segments, each locking screw (52) has a final part coupled to a housing (72) of one of the plurality of lock segments, each compartment extends in a transverse direction with respect to a rotational axis of the respective lock screw (52), and the end part of each lock screw (52) is configured to moving along the compartment (72) in the transverse direction while the locking screw (52) rotates about the rotational axis causing movement of one of the plurality of locking segments; and a plurality of seals (56) coupled to the first tubular component, each seal (56) comprising a second passage that supports one of the plurality of locking screws. 12. System according to claim 11, characterized Petition 870190040159, of 29/04/2019, p. 11/14 4/6 by the fact that each lock screw (52) is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction to cause movement of the lock screw (52) in a first linear direction radially outwardly from the axis of the first tubular component, the movement of each lock screw (52) in the first linear direction causes the lock segment (54) coupled to the lock screw (52) to move in a first axial direction and a first radial direction with respect to the axis of the first tubular component , each lock segment (54) comprises a concave surface configured to move along a concave contact surface along the inner part of the first tubular component, each lock segment (54) is configured to move the concave surface along of the concave contact surface in the first axial direction to cause movement of the lock segment (54) in the first radial direction. 13. System according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that each locking screw (52) is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction to cause movement of the locking screw (52) in a second linear direction radially to towards the axis of the first tubular component, the movement of the lock screw (52) in the second linear direction causes the lock segment (54) coupled to the lock screw (52) to move in a second axial direction and a second radial direction with respect to the axis of the first tubular component, and each lock segment is configured to move the concave surface along the concave contact surface in the second axial direction to cause movement of the lock segment (54) in the second radial direction. 25 14. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the compartment of each lock segment (54) comprises a narrow part of the compartment adjacent to a wide part of the compartment both extending in the transverse direction, the final part of each locking screw (52) comprises a shoulder member part 30 adjacent to a recess part, the shoulder member part is arranged in the wide part of the compartment, the recess part is arranged in the narrow part of the compartment. Petition 870190040159, of 29/04/2019, p. 12/14 5/6 15. System according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that each seal (56) comprises external threads coupled to the internal contact threads in one of the plurality of first passages, and each seal (56) comprises internal threads coupled to the threads contact points in one of the plurality of locking screws. 16. System according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that each first pass is sharply angled between approximately 20 to 40 degrees in relation to the axis of the first of the first tubular component. 17. Method characterized by understanding: rotating a lock screw (52) in a first rotational direction to cause movement of the lock screw (52) in a first linear direction radially outwardly at an acute angle to an axis of a first tubular component of a mineral extraction system; and moving a lock segment (54) in a first axial direction and a first radial direction away from the axis of the first tubular component in response to the movement of the lock screw (52) in the first linear direction, in which a lock segment compartment (54) is coupled to an end part of the lock screw (52), the compartment is sharply angled in relation to the axis of the first tubular member, the compartment extends in a transverse direction with respect to a rotational axis of the lock screw (52 ), and the end part of the lock screw (52) is configured to move along the compartment in the transverse direction while the lock screw (52) rotates about the rotational axis causing movement of the lock segment (54). 18. Method, according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that it comprises: inserting a second tubular component into the first tubular component; rotating the locking screw (52) in a second rotational direction to cause movement of the locking screw (52) in a second linear direction radially inward at the acute angle towards the axis; and Petition 870190040159, of 29/04/2019, p. 13/14 6/6 move the lock segment (54) in a second axial direction and a second radial direction towards the axis and against the second tubular member in response to the movement of the lock screw (52) in the first linear direction. 19. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that turning the locking screw (52) comprises rotating and moving a part of the shoulder member of the locking screw (52) in the transverse direction along a wide part of compartment adjacent to a narrow compartment portion of the compartment in the lock segment (54), and the wide and narrow compartment parts both extend in the transverse direction. 20. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that moving the lock segment (54) comprises moving a concave surface of the lock segment (54) along a concave contact surface along an internal part of the first tubular component.