CA3062933A1 - Device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head, said device comprising a main body (1) which, in turn, comprises an isolation chamber (32) formed by an isolating wall (31), said isolation chamber (32) comprising, in its interior, an element (21) for uncoupling a plug (8) relative to a pulling head (9), and a coupling element (4) adapted to keep a terminal edge of the isolating wall (31) in contact with a surface of the pulling head (9) such as to keep the isolation chamber (32) isolated from the external environment.

Description

2 Device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary device for uncoupling a plug from a pipe pulling head, more specifically for uncoupling a plug from a pipe pulling head in cases in which the pipe is suspected to be under pressure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pulling heads are elements that are commonly used, for example, in lifting or transporting flexible lines on offshore oil rigs. These elements are connected to the upper end of a flexible line, also called a riser, in order to enable it to be lifted or transported and for the end thereof to be sealed.

[0003]
In addition, besides enabling the lifting and transporting of a riser, the pulling head also prevents leakage of the internal contents thereof, since the riser end is completely isolated from the outside.

[0004] However, at the moment at which the pulling head is disconnected from a riser, it is common for the riser to contain pressurized fluids inside, which may cause environmental accidents or operator mishaps when the pulling head is uncoupled from the riser, endangering the life of the operators responsible for this step.

[0005] In order to provide a form of depressurization of the riser prior to removal of the pulling head, the riser is provided with an element known as a plug. A
plug is a threadable element that is provided in the pulling head which, when disconnected from the pulling head, provides an opening that connects the inside of the riser to the outside.
Through this opening, it is possible to connect a drain hose in order to drain gases or liquids from inside the riser.

[0006] However, even with the adoption of a pulling head plug, risks to the operator still exist. In situations where the riser contains pressurized gases in its interior, the force exerted on the plug may be such that, when unscrewed, the plug may be expelled at high speeds, which can cause serious injury to the operators responsible for this service.

[0007] In addition, contact with these gases may cause operator intoxication, not to mention the risk of explosion or fire, given that these fluids are often flammable.

[0008] Similarly, environmental damage is not entirely remedied through the mere adoption of the plug, since unscrewing the plug causes a significant portion of the gases inside the riser to be expelled before the optional drain hose is connected to the hole into which the plug would be inserted.

[0009] However, nothing in the prior art is disclosed to circumvent such a problem, as becomes evident from the documents presented below.

[0010] EP2808608A1 discloses an end fitting for a tubular member 1, possibly a pulling head, comprising a threaded elongate member, described as a threaded pin, that connects to an expandable member.

[0011] When the threaded pin is screwed in, the expandable element is compressed, causing it to expand and thereby locking and sealing the pipe with the pulling head.
However, that document makes no reference to a device for removing the threaded element that is aimed at assisting in the circulation of fluids and/or pressure that may be contained within the pipe.

[0012] US7396060B2 discloses a pile pulling device that is secured to the end of a pipe through the action of a wedge. The device of that document comprises a shaft, a housing upon the shaft, one or more wedges, a cone, nuts, eye nuts, 0 rings, and a sleeve, all arranged coaxially.

[0013] Nevertheless, even though document US7396060B2 describes a pipe pulling device, it remains completely silent with respect to a device for removing the threaded element that is aimed at assisting in the circulation of fluids and/or pressure that may be contained within the pipe.

[0014] On the other hand, KR2007044886A discloses a pulling head device in which a pulling head unit and a strap element (band) are coupled by fastening members in such a way that the pulling head does not easily disengage from the pipe when the pulling head is pulled.

[0015] However, even though that document does describe a pipe pulling device, it remains completely silent with respect to a device for removing the threaded element (plug) that is aimed at assisting in the safe circulation of fluids and/or pressure that may be contained within the pipe.

[0016] As can be seen from the documents presented, the current state of art lacks a device for the safe removal of a plug from a pulling head so as to optionally assist in the circulation of fluid and/or pressure that may be contained in the interior of the pipe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a device for safely uncoupling a plug, as well as for optionally identifying and/or measuring the presence of pressure and flow within the pipe, directing this flow to a safe area.

[0018] In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head comprising a main body which, in turn, comprises an isolation chamber that is formed by an isolating wall, the isolation chamber comprising an element for uncoupling the plug from a pulling head, and a coupling element that is designed to keep an outer edge of the isolating wall in contact with a surface of the pulling head so as to maintain the isolation chamber isolated from the external environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The detailed description presented below makes reference to the enclosed figures and their respective reference numbers, representing the embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a view of an optional embodiment of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head while also showing a pulling head and a plug in an exploded view.

[0021] Fig. 2 shows a view of the assembly that is illustrated in Fig. 1 in an assembled configuration.

[0022] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0023] Fig. 4 shows detail 4A that is highlighted in Fig. 3, but in a perpendicular section.

[0024] Fig. 5 shows an isolated perspective view of a particular configuration of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head.

[0025] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0026] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a second optional embodiment of a device according to the present invention for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head.

[0027] Fig. 8 shows detail 7A that is highlighted in Fig. 7.

[0028] Fig. 9 shows an isolated perspective view of the particular configuration of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head.

[0029] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional front view of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0030] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head illustrated in Fig. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] First of all, it should be emphasized that the following description will commence from a preferred embodiment of the invention as applied to a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head. As will be clear to any person skilled in the art, however, the invention is not limited to that particular embodiment.

[0032] In order to remedy the abovementioned problems of the prior art, the invention provides a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head comprising a main body which, in turn, comprises an isolation chamber that is formed by an isolating wall, the isolation chamber comprising an element for uncoupling the plug from a pulling head, and a coupling element that is designed to keep an outer edge of the isolating wall in contact with a surface of the pulling head so as to maintain the isolation chamber isolated from the external environment. Optionally, the isolating wall has a cylindrical shape.

[0033] That way, the tool is positioned on a surface of a pulling head such that the plug is circumscribed at the outer edge of the isolating wall, thereby forming an isolation chamber in which the plug is positioned within the interior thereof. The plug uncoupling element is actuated only after positioning of the device, so if there are pressurized fluids inside the riser on which the pulling head is positioned, that fluid is contained inside the isolation chamber when the plug is uncoupled.

[0034] Likewise, the plug can be safely uncoupled even if there are pressurized flows within the riser on which the pulling head is positioned, since the isolation chamber also provides a physical barrier to prevent the plug from being thrown at high speeds when completely uncoupled.

[0035] Optionally, the isolating wall can comprise at least one fluidic communication pipe that is in communication with the interior of the isolation chamber. The fluidic communication pipe can be used to drain any fluids that may be present inside the riser and convey them to the isolation chamber upon uncoupling of the plug. In alternative embodiments, the pipe can be used to insert a pressurized fluid into the isolation chamber, thereby pressurizing the isolation chamber in order to prevent leakage of fluids from within the riser. The pressurization of the isolation chamber could thus serve as a tightness test. For this purpose, the pressure that is applied to the isolation chamber is optionally approximately 10% greater than the expected maximum pressure inside the riser.

[0036] It should be emphasized that the device described thus far can be configured to withstand different pressure levels. Testing has revealed that, for many applications, the tool must withstand pressures of up to 5000 psi (345 bar); however, the tool can be designed to withstand more or less pressure according to the requirements of the application.

[0037] In other alternative embodiments, the same fluidic communication pipe can be initially used to insert a pressurized fluid into the isolation chamber in order to prevent fluid leakage from the riser and, after uncoupling, to drain any fluids contained inside the riser into the isolation chamber.

[0038] Another alternative embodiment makes a provision that the isolating wall can comprise two fluidic communication pipes that are in communication with the interior of the isolation chamber. In this embodiment, a first fluidic communication pipe is designed to inject a pressurized fluid into the isolation chamber, and a second fluidic communication pipe is designed to drain a fluid out of the isolation chamber.

[0039] In any of the embodiments described above, fluid flowing out of the isolation chamber through the fluidic communication pipe may be intended for future storage and/or treatment in accordance with environmental rules and regulations at the site of application. In addition, a valve, or manifold, can be optionally used to perform flow control and fluid pressure measurements of the described system.

[0040] Thus, as has been described so far, it is clear that the device of the present invention has a number of advantages not found in the prior art, such as operator safety when performing plug uncoupling, as the plug will not be expelled at high speeds, as well as the guarantee of environmental safety, since the fluids contained in the riser are kept inside the isolation chamber and safely drained afterwards.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a view of an optional embodiment of a device for uncoupling a plug 8 from a pulling head while also showing a pulling head 9 and a plug 8 in an exploded view.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a view of the assembly that is illustrated in Fig. 1 in its assembled configuration. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment that is illustrated in Fig. 2 in which the operation of the invention can be observed as described above.

[0043] Accordingly, the plug uncoupling device is positioned so as to be in contact with a pulling head 9, so that the outermost edge of the isolating wall 31 is in contact with the surface of the pulling head 9, so that the plug 8 is circumscribed at this outer edge of the isolating wall 31. The isolation chamber 32 is thus completely isolated from the external environment, so that when the plug 8 is uncoupled from the pulling head 9, the fluids contained within the riser and drained through a channel 92 of the pulling head 9 are contained in the isolation chamber 32 without leaking into the environment.

[0044] The description given in the previous paragraph is made even clearer with the aid of Fig. 4, which shows the detail 4A that is highlighted in Fig. 3, but in a perpendicular section. In that figure, it can be seen that a sealing element 5 is optionally used to seal the contact between the outermost edge of the isolating wall 31 and the surface of the pulling head 9.

[0045] In the section shown, it can also be seen more clearly that the isolating wall 31 optionally comprises two fluidic communication pipes 33 that are in communication with the interior of the isolation chamber 32. These fluidic communication pipes 33 are used to drain any fluids that may be present inside the riser and convey them to the isolation chamber 32 upon uncoupling of the plug 8, as described previously. Preferably, a first fluidic communication pipe 33 is designed to inject a pressurized fluid into the isolation chamber 32, and a second fluidic communication pipe 33 is designed to drain a fluid out of the isolation chamber 32.

[0046] Fig. 5 shows an isolated perspective view of a particular configuration of a device 1 for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head. Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head illustrated in Fig. 5, in which the uncoupling element 21 is connected to a plug 8. In these figures, it can be seen that the optional configuration of the device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head is such that the main body 1 is formed by an inner cylindrical body 2 and an outer cylindrical body 3 that are concentric with one another, the inner and outer cylindrical bodies 2 and , . CA 03062933 2019-10-28 3, respectively, being designed to rotate relative to each other. In this embodiment, the inner cylindrical body 2 comprises the uncoupling element 21 of the plug 8 at a first end, and the outer cylindrical body 3 comprises the isolating wall 31 at a first end.

[0047] In this configuration, in order for the seal of the isolation chamber 32 to be maintained, at least one seal ring 51 is also provided between the inner cylindrical body 2 and the outer cylindrical body 3. Preferably, a plurality of seal rings 51 are provided in order to ensure proper functioning of the isolation chamber 32.

[0048] In addition, in order to enable better positioning and removal of the plug uncoupling element 21 from the plug 8 itself, at least a portion of the inner cylindrical body 2 comprises means for moving longitudinally with respect to its axis of rotation.

[0049] Also optionally, the coupling element 4 is a cylindrical element that is concentric with the main body 1 and designed to rotate relative thereto.
According to the illustrated embodiment, the device of the present invention thus comprises three cylindrical and concentric elements: coupling element 4; inner cylindrical body 2; and outer cylindrical body 3, with the coupling element 4 being designed to rotate relative to the outer cylindrical body 3, and with the outer cylindrical body 3 being designed to rotate relative to the inner cylindrical body 2.

[0050] Also optionally, the coupling element 4 is connected to the main body 1 by means of a screw thread, the coupling element 4 comprising a stop 40 that is designed to abut against a pin 11 that is attached to an eye 91 of the pulling head 9.
Thus, rotation of the coupling element 4 produces a longitudinal displacement between it and the outer cylindrical body 3, so that the isolation chamber 32 of the outer cylindrical body 3 approaches the surface of the pulling head 9 until its outermost edge (or sealing element 5) is pressed against the surface of the pulling head 9, effecting the coupling of the tool.

[0051] The coupling element 4 can optionally comprise an actuating lever 42 to facilitate rotation and consequent coupling thereof with the pulling head 9.
The actuating lever 42 can be attached to the coupling element 4 itself, or it can be temporarily connected for use only during coupling and removal for ease of handling. To this end, the actuating lever 42 and the coupling element 4 can have a tight fit in any geometric shape that does not allow sliding between the elements when the tool is turned.

[0052] After the described coupling, the inner cylindrical body 2 is moved vertically so that the plug uncoupling element 21 contacts the plug 8, thus enabling it to be uncoupled.

[0053] As is known from the prior art, the vast majority of plugs 8 are coupled with the pulling head 9 by means of a screw thread, making it possible for the plug uncoupling element 21 of the present invention to unscrew the plug 8. For this purpose, the uncoupling element 21 must comprise means for connecting to the plug 8, so that when it is turned it will execute the removal of the plug 8. Preferably, the uncoupling element 21 has a hexagonal shape that fits into a hexagonal hole in the plug 8.
However, it should be emphasized that the shape of the uncoupling element 21 is any shape that fits the shape of the plug hole 8.

[0054] To this end, the present invention provides for adoption of any of the following configurations: only the uncoupling element 21 is rotated relative to the isolating wall 31;
a portion of the inner cylindrical body 2 is rotated relative to the isolating wall 31; and/or the entire inner cylindrical body 2 is rotated relative to the isolating wall 31. As illustrated, an actuator 23 that is designed to actuate the uncoupling element 21 is optionally provided, in which case the actuator 23 is an Allen key that is connected to one end of the inner cylindrical body 2, that end being situated opposite the end comprising the uncoupling element 21.

[0055] Optionally, the inner cylindrical body 2 can be manufactured in two parts that are joined by a coupling 22, so that the coupling is fixed to each part by fastening elements 221, preferably screws. This configuration can be adopted in cases in which there are length limits for the manufacture of the shaft. Optionally, the shaft is manufactured by electrical discharge machining.

[0056] Also optionally, the invention provides for the use of at least one locking element 7 for use after the final coupling of the device. The locking element 7 has the function of preventing relative turns between at least one of: the main body 1 and the coupling element 4; and the inner cylindrical element 2 and the outer cylindrical element 3. Thus, once the device is secured, the at least one locking element prevents it from disconnecting, which could cause accidents and/or leaks. Optionally, the locking element is a screw.

[0057] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a second optional embodiment of a device according to the present invention for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head. Fig.
8 shows detail 7A that is highlighted in Fig. 7.

[0058] As can be seen from Figs. 8 and 9, the pulling head 9 to which the plug uncoupling device is being applied has smaller dimensions than the one previously presented, for which reason the device comprises an adapter element 24 that is connected in a sealing manner to the outer edge of the isolating wall 31. In this specific embodiment, the adapter element 24 has a curvilinear shape in order to fit more closely against the surface of the pulling head 9. This makes it possible for the same device to be used on pulling heads of different sizes, which demonstrates the versatility of the disclosed device.

[0059] The adapter element 24 can be made of metal or of any polymeric material such as rubber or silicone. In addition, a sealant can be provided between the adapter element 24 and the isolating wall 31 in order to ensure that no fluid leaks from the isolation chamber 32.

[0060] Fig. 9 shows an isolated perspective view of the particular configuration of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head illustrated in Fig. 8. Fig.
10 shows a cross-sectional front view of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head illustrated in Fig. 9, and Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0061]
In the optional configuration illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, and 11, the adapter element 24 comprises at least one sealing element 5, 5' at the contact between the adapter 24 and the surface of the pulling head 9. In a preferred embodiment, two sealing elements are used, with a more rigid first sealing element 5 being attached to the adapter 24, and with a more flexible second sealing element 5' being positioned between the first sealing element 5 and the surface of the pulling head 9.

[0062] It should be noted that, although a convex-shaped adapter element 24 is described, such an element can have various shapes, including a concave shape.
As will readily be understood by any person skilled in the art, the shape of the adapter element 24 will vary according to the surface profile of the pulling head 9 to which the device of the present invention is to be applied.

[0063] It should be emphasized that the embodiment presented in Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 11 also optionally comprises a number of the features described above, according to which the isolation chamber 32 is completely isolated from the external environment: so that when the plug 8 is uncoupled from the pulling head 9, the fluids contained within the riser and drained through a channel 92 of the pulling head 9 are contained in the isolation chamber 32 without leaking into the environment.

[0064] In the embodiment presented here, it can also be seen that the isolating wall 31 optionally comprises two fluidic communication pipes 33 that are in communication with the interior of the isolation chamber 32. As described previously, these fluidic communication pipes 33 are used to drain any fluids that may be present inside the riser and convey them to the isolation chamber 32 upon uncoupling of the plug 8.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 11, it can also be seen that the main body 1 is optionally formed by an inner cylindrical body 2 and an outer cylindrical body 3 that are concentric with one another, with the inner and outer cylindrical bodies being designed to rotate with each other, the inner cylindrical body 2 comprising the uncoupling element 21 of the plug at a first end, and the outer cylindrical body 3 comprising the isolating wall 31 at a first end, with at least one sealing ring 51 being provided between the inner cylindrical body 2 and the outer cylindrical body 3.

[0066] Also optionally, the coupling element 4 is a cylindrical element that is concentric with the main body 1 and designed to rotate relative thereto.
According to the illustrated embodiment, the device of the present invention thus comprises three cylindrical and concentric elements: coupling element 4; inner cylindrical body; and outer cylindrical body 3, with the coupling element 4 being designed to rotate relative to the outer cylindrical body 3, and with the outer cylindrical body 3 being designed to rotate relative to the inner cylindrical body 2.

[0067] Optionally, the coupling element 4 is connected to the main body 1 by means of a screw thread, the coupling element 4 comprising a stop 40 that is designed to abut against a pin 11 that is attached to an eye 91 of the pulling head 9. Thus, rotation of the coupling element 4 produces a longitudinal displacement between it and the outer cylindrical body 3, so that the isolation chamber 32 of the outer cylindrical body 3 approaches the surface of the pulling head 9 until the adapter element 24 is pressed against the surface of the pulling head 9, effecting the coupling of the tool.

[0068] Although not shown, the present invention also provides a configuration in which the outermost edge of the isolating wall 31 has a curvilinear shape in order to fit the pulling head 9 as illustrated in Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 11. However, the use of an adapter element 2, as described above is preferred, since it is thus possible to use the same device to remove the plug 8 from different pulling heads, with the adapter element 24 being used when necessary.

[0069] After the described coupling, the inner cylindrical body 2 is moved vertically so that the plug decoupling element 21 contacts the plug 8, thus enabling it to be uncoupled.

Claims (16)

15

1. A device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head, characterized in that it comprises a main body (1) comprising an isolation chamber (32) formed by an isolating wall (31), the isolation chamber (32) comprising within it an element (21) for uncoupling the plug (8) from the pulling head (9); and a coupling element (4) that is designed to maintain an outer edge of the isolating wall (31) in contact with a surface of the pulling head (9) so as to keep the isolation chamber (32) isolated from the external environment.

2. The device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the isolating wall (31) comprises at least one fluidic communication pipe (33) that is in communication with the interior of the isolation chamber (32).

3. The device as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that the isolating wall (31) comprises two fluidic communication pipes (33) that are in communication with the interior of the isolation chamber (32), a first fluidic communication pipe (33) being designed to inject a pressurized fluid into the isolation chamber (32), and a second fluidic communication pipe (33) being designed to drain a fluid out of the isolation chamber (32).

4. The device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main body (1) is formed by an inner cylindrical body (2) and an outer cylindrical body (3) that are concentric with one another, wherein the inner and outer cylindrical bodies are designed to rotate relative to each other, wherein the inner cylindrical body (2) comprises the uncoupling element (21) of the plug (8) at a first end and the outer cylindrical body (3) comprises the isolating wall (31) at a first end, and wherein at least one sealing ring (51) is provided between the inner cylindrical body (2) and the outer cylindrical body (3).

5. The device as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that at least one inner cylindrical body portion (2) comprises means for moving longitudinally relative to its axis of rotation.

6. The device as set forth in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the coupling element (4) is a cylindrical element that is concentric with the main body (1) and designed to rotate relative thereto.

7. The device as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that the coupling element (4) is connected to the main body (1) by means of a screw thread, the coupling element (4) comprising a stop (40) that is designed to abut against a pin (11) that is attached to an eye (91) of the pulling head (9).

8. The device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a sealing element (5) between the surface of the pulling head (9) and the outer edge of the isolating wall (31).

9. The device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises an adapter element (24) that is connected in a sealing manner to the outer edge of the isolating wall (31).

10. The device as set forth in claim 9, characterized in that it comprises two sealing elements, with a more rigid first sealing element (5) being attached to the adapter and with a more flexible second sealing element (5') being positioned between the first sealing element (5) and the surface of the pulling head (9).

11. The device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the coupling element (4) comprises an actuating lever (42).

12. The device as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that the actuating lever (42) and the coupling element have a tight fit that does not allow sliding between them.

13. The device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the isolating wall (31) has a cylindrical shape.

14. The device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises an actuator (23) that is designed to actuate the uncoupling element (21).

15. The device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the coupling element (4) comprises an actuating lever (42).

16. The device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises at least one locking element (7) that is designed to prevent relative rotations between at least one of: the main body (1) and the coupling element (4); and the inner cylindrical element (2) and the outer cylindrical element (3).