US1918810A

US1918810A - Casing head with blowout preventer

Info

Publication number: US1918810A
Application number: US601950A
Authority: US
Inventors: Frank J Hinderliter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1932-03-30
Filing date: 1932-03-30
Publication date: 1933-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 1950-07-18

Description

July 18, 1933.

F. J. HINDERLITER CASING HEAD WITH BLOW-OUT PREVENTER Filed March 50, 1932 2 Shets-Sheet 1 n o a Z 1 I ma z .a 1k 4 ANN. V J l v A z 7 W 7 J 7 Z i w Q z a W m 7 1 J 3 7 7 m T 4 z H 0 7 7 7 9 a a 7 H m K M 5% z 1 j 1 w WW fl fl July 18, 1933.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 r Fr 76% J; Handel/1X61:

F. J. HINDERLITER CASING HEAD WITH BLOW-OUT PREVENTER Filed March 30 1932 4 A A I A 4 1 Patented July 18, 1933 UNITED STATES FRANK J. HINDERLTTER, OF TULSA OKLAHOMA CASING HEAD WITH BLOWOUT PBEVENTEB Application filed March 90, 1932. Serial No. 601,950.

This invention relates to a casing head and will be described as a casing head incorporating high pressure sealin means therein for preventing the escape of uid upwardly along 6 the well casing and/or drill pipe which normally extends vertically through the casing head.

An object of this invention is the provision of such a casing head designed to reduce the friction of fluid passing therethrough and to facilitate the positioning of the casing head at a relatively low point.

Another object is the provision of a casing head with an improved packing assembly associated therewith, so designed and arranged that greatly increased pressures will be sustained thereby.

Another object of this invention is the provision of such a casing head with an improved packing assembly and means associated therewith for supporting the weight of a well casing or drill pipe passing through the packing assembly, and means associated therewith for transferring the weight of the well casing or drill pipe to the packing assembly for depressing the packing assembly and causing lateral displacement ofa portion of the material thereof to 'efi'e'ct a fluid tight high pressure seal throughwhich the drill pipe may be moved vertically in either direction.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the fol lowing description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is avertical section of a casing head incorporating my invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical section of a fragment of that shown in Figure 1 showing the packing element somewhat distorted as the collar on the pipe passes therethrough.

Figure 3 isa vertical elevation of the globe portion of the casing head and illustrating the bail ears and fragments of a lifting bail.

Figure 4 is a horizontal section taken on the line IV-IV 'of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a greatly enlarged view of a to fragment of that shown in Figure 1 illusvertically tierethroug globular interior anda takeoff 12' on one 'side of relatively large diameter which forms a Y with the casing. Both of these features cooperate to' very materially reduce the friction of fluids in passing through the head and as a result reducing the wear on the parts. The portion 12 is adapted at its outer end for threaded engagement withian inclined pipe 13 for delivering fluid from the head 11 to any desired point. The opposite side of the head member 11 is adapted for threaded engagement with a horizontally extending pipe 14 through which fluid may also be delivered to any desired point. The lower end of the head 11 is adapted for threaded engagement with a casing 15 which extends into a well not shown. The exterior of the boss 16' is provided with casing threads 17 by which the head may be threaded into a casing of larger diameter than that shown in the drawings. The upper side of the head 11 is provided with a boss 18 having threaded engagement with the lower end portion 19 of the vertically disposed extension or bowl member 21 which extension is provided for surroundin the drill pipe 22 which extends 35 and for supporting. the packing assembly. For sealing the boss 19 to the head 11 there is provided a relatively soft ring 23 such as lead seated in a groove 24 in the face of the shoulder 25.. A

, tween the ring 23 and the lower edge of the boss 19, to form a fluid tight seal therewith and prevent leakage of fluid and loss of pressure at this point. On the outside of the vertically extending'boss 18 I have provided threads 28 by which it is possible to make connection with a large pipe when the bowl 21 is not used. I i

j In order to facilitate the movement of the 1040 packin mem casing head particularly for moving it to or from its position on a well casing, I have provided the same with oppositely disposed aterally extending ears or hook members 31 which extend downwardly to a point at 32 and have upwardl curved portions 33 into which suitable lifting means such as elevator bails 27 may be ositioned for lifting the head. The tops of the ears 31 are preferably flat at 34 having depressions 35. This specific shape on the top makes it convenient to clamp the head down into position by suitable clamping means engaging over the ears 31 if desired. As such clamping or lifting means per se constitutes no art of this invention, the same have not een illustrated in the drawings but it is believed that the utility of the liftin ears as herein described will be readily un erstood.

The vertical extension or casing head bowl 21 is provided with an annular shoulder 37 on which is seated the packing assembly consisting of a metal ring 38 having a channel 39 in 1ts upper surface in which is seated the inner and outer rubber annular

sealing mem bers

41 and 42 respectively. An uppermetal ring 43 having a downwardly disposed channel 44 is fitted on the upper edges of the

packing members

41 and 42.

Seated upon the metal ring 43 is a bushin 45 having a ta ered or frusto-conical shape inner cam sur ace 46 being larger in diameter adjacent the top. On the cam surface 46 may be positioned the slips or wed es 47 which engage the pi e 22 and are a apted to hold the weight t ereof.- The weight of the pipe 22 bein supported by the wedges 47 is transferre to the bushing 45 and to the metal rin 43 which depresses the

rubber fiers

41 and 42, displacing portions 0 the rubber thereof laterally to form a fluid tight-seal between the pipe 22 and the inner surface of the extension or bowl 21.

rin

.The lower portion of the inner surface of the extension 21 is slightly tapered downwardly and inwardly to the shoulder 37 such that when the outer rubber sealing member 42 is pressed into position from above, the lower edge of the sealin member 42 is crowded a ainst the tapere inner surface 51 which faci itates the forming of a tight seal at this point. The sealing

members

41 and 42 have

annular rid cs

52 and 53 thereon which fit within the c annel ortions of the 38 and 43. The lower e ge of the outer pac 'ng member 42 is provided with a groove 54, preferably of V shape adjacent the outer ge in a position to provide a relativel sharp downwardlyextending flange 55 whic extends slightly be 0nd the outer edge of the tin 38 and into rm engagement with the sur ace 51 of the extension 21 to. form therewith a fluid tight and relatively high pressure seal. The packing assemb y is preferably held together by suitablepms 29 pass- 1,91e,e1o

The inner packing element 41 is provided with a beveled upper corner 61 to facilitate the downward movement of the drill pipe therethrough. The lower surface of the packing member 41 is provided with a pocket 62 into which fluid under high pressure may pass to firmly press'the depending flange 63 on the inner lower edge of the member 41 into firm engagement with-the pipe 22. The lower edge of the flange 63 has a beveled edge 64 forming in effect an outward flaring of the flange 63 at the lower edge to. facilitate the upward movement of the pipe 22- therethrough together with the collar 22' thereon. Above the loose bushin 45 and resting on the same is an adjustable bushing 67 having threaded engagement at 68 with interior threads on the upper end ofthe extension or bowl 21. The upper end of extension 21 is provided with external threads having engagement at 69 with internal threads on the packinggland casing 71; The casing 71 is provided with a shoulder 72 on which is seated a ring 73 for holding a packing gland seal 74. On the top of the seal 74 is seated a ring v7 5 on which is seated adjustable packing gland. nut 77 having threaded engagement at 78 with internal threads on the upper end of the casing 71. The nut 77 may be split if desired so that it may be readily placed in position without passing it over the end of the pi e.

In igure 2 is more particularly illustrated the method of raising and lowering a pipe in a well by passing it longitudinally through the casing head and simultaneously maintaining a radial force of the packing member 41 against the pipe 22 so that a fluid-tight seal is maintained even when the collar 22 is passing through the packing. This result is accomplished articularly because of the opposed grooves 5 and 58 in the packing element permitting the displacement therein of material of the packing element as the collar 22' passes through the assembly as shown in Figure 2. This result is also aided by the depending flange 63 on the acking ele ment .41, which flange is adapted to expand and contract by reason of its inherent resiliency and by reason of the specific form thereof which provides a pocket 62 around the flange 63 for receiving fluid under pressure to rmly. hold the flange 63 against the ipe 22 and the collar -22' as it passes thererough.

In the modification of my invention shown in Figure 6, the casing head 80 is of substantially cylindrical form havin radial openings 85 on opposite sides in w ich are threaded radially extending pipes 86 for delivering fluid from the interior of the head to any suitable point of delivery. In this form of my invention, the vertically extending bowl 87 has threaded enga ement with the upper end of the casing hea at 88. The inner packing member 41 is provided with a pocket 62 and the depending flange on the lower inner edge is adapted for engagement with the pipe 22 to form a seal therewith as described with reference to Figure 5. The upper corner of the member 41 is beveled at 84 to facilitate the downward movement of a pipe therethrough. Upon the upper beveled corner 61 ofthe packin 41 is seated an auxiliary packing ring 76 w ich engages the lowerends of the wedges 47 to hold the auxiliary packing in place.

It is thought that my novel method of raising and lowerin pipe in a well whereby a seal is continuous y maintained about the pipe at the upper extremity of the well during such process of raising and/or lowering pipe will be fully understood from the above description of an apparatus by which the method may be. practiced.

The advantages of my invention have already become well known in the oil field. In the first place the invention has proven to be a deci edly important one in that it affords a solution to the problem of oil well operators with regard to the holding of the fluid pressures in the well so that sudden outbursts of fluid, such as gas, salt water, oil, etc., will not result in damage to the surrounding property and land. For example if in the drillingpf the well a salt water formation should be reached and salt water should suddenly be forcibly moved upwardly through the drill pipe such salt water might be discharged onto the propert surrounding the well and thus result in itigation for any damage ensuing as a result of the spraying of that land with the salt water.

.. Such salt water is not only detrimental to the crops but quite frequently results in the death of livestock WhlCh may have drank such water. Much the same conditions would ensue as the result of the discharge of other fluids into the atmosphere and territory surrounding the well being operated.

Heretofore it has been exceedingly difli cult to harness such sudden outbursts of den as to occur before the operator could introduce into the head any means for sealing off such fluid pressures. Then, too, once the fluid is being discharged from the well it is very difiicult to introduce into the path of the fluid a sealing medium for arresting or controlling its discharge from the well.

The present invention not only affords a solution to that problem but has already met with a great deal of success in the oil field. Through the use of this invention it is possible to at all times have the well under control so that should a'sudden outburstof fluid occur the same may be controlled and delivered to suitable receptacles for accommodating the same or discharged in such a manner that it will not in any way injure the surrounding property. 1

Although I have herein described only two preferred forms of my invention, I am aware that many changes may be made and numerous details of construction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principle of this invention, and I therefore do not desire that the patent to be granted hereon shall be limited otherwise than necessitated by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough supporting means in said extension, a packing'assembly on said supporting means, said packing assembly comprising an annular resilient packing element disposed for engagement with the pipe and including a depending skirt portion on its inner edge, and means for urging downwardly on said packing assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension.

2. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough supportin means in said extension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, said packing assembly comprising an'annular packing element disposed to surround the pipe, and including a flexible depending flange on the inner edge for engagement with the pipe, and means for urging downwardly on said packing assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension.

3. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereof for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, said packin assembly comprising an annular packing e ement disposed to surround the pipe, said element havmg a groove in its lower edge providing an annular pocket spaced from the inner edge, and a depending flange on the inner edge of said packin element to increase the pressure resistance 0% the packing, and means for urging downwardly on .said packing assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension..

4. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough supporting means in said extension, a pac 'ng assembly on said supporting means, said packing assembly comprising an annular-packing element disposed to surround the pipe, said element having a groove in its lower edge providing an annular pocket spaced from the inner edge and a de ending flange on the inner ed e 0 said packing element to increase the %ressure resistance of the packing, and means for urging downwardly on said acking assembly to depress the same and orm a high pressure seal between the pi e and said extension, said packing assem ly including a second packing element disposed between the first said packing element and said extension.-

5. 'In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe.

passing therethrough, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, said packing assembly comprising an annular resilient packing element disposed for engagement with the pipe and including a depending skirt portion on its inner edge, and means for urging downwardly on said packing assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension, said packing assembly including a second packing element disposed between the first said packing element and said extension.

6. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extensionthereon for surrounding a pipe paming therethrough, supporting means in said extension, a packing assemblyon said supporting means, said packing assembly compris ng an annular packing element disposed to surround the drill pipe, and including a flexible depending flange on the inner edge for engagement with the pipe, and means for urging downwardly on said packing assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension, said packing assembly including a second packing element disposed between the first said packing element and said extension.

7. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, said packing assembly comprising a packing element with its outer edge engaging the inner surface of said extension, said extension having its inner surface tapered upwardly and outwardly away from by said packing element, and means for urging downwardly on said packing element to depress the same and to form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension.

8. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and means for urging downwardly on said packing assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension, said packing assembly comprising a packing element with the lower edge of its outer surface engaging the inner surface of said extension, said packing element having a groove in its lower surface providing a flange at the outer edge engaging said extension.

9. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means on said extension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and means supported by said packing assembly, adapted to hold the weight of the pipe for compressing the packing and forming a high pressure seal, said packing assembly comprising a packing element with the lower edge of its outer surface engagin the inner surface of said extension, said packing element having a groove in its lower surface providing a flange at the outer edge engaging said extension.

10. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means on sa'd extension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and means supported by said packing assembly, adapted to hold the Weight of the pipe for compressing the packing and forming a high pressure seal, said packing assembly comprising an annular resilient packing element disposed for engagement with the pipe and including a depending skirt portion on its lower edge.

11. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means on said extension, a packing assembly oh said supporting means, and means supported by said packing assembly, adapted to hold the weight of the pipe for compressing the packing and forming a high pressure seal, said packing assembly comprising an annular packing element disposed to surround the ipe, and including a flexible depending ange on the inner edge for engagement with the pipe.

12. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and means for urging downwardy on said packing assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure seal etween the pipe and said extension, said packing assembly comprising a packing element with the lower edge of its outer surface engaging the inner surface of said extension, said packing element having an annular V shaped groove in its lower edge near the outer edge, providing a depending flange at the outer edge, engaging said extension, said extenson havin its inner surface tapered inwardly and ownwardly where engaged by said packing element.

13. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon for surrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and means for urging downwardly on said packing assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension, said packing assembl comprising an annular packing element isposed about the pipe, and including a flexible depending flange on the inner edge for engagement with the pipe, the lower extremity of said flange being flared outwardly to permit the withdrawal therethrough of a pipe having a collar. thereon.

14. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through said head and into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly seated on said supporting means and including a.

lower packing ring, an inner rubber packing element on said ring for engagement with the pipe comprising a depending flange on the inner edge flared outwardly at the bottom, a second rubber packing element interposed between and engaging the first said packing element, and said extension, the second said packing element including an annular-packing flange on its lower outer edge engaging the inner surface of said extension, and means for urging downwardly on said packing element to cause a lateral displacement of the rubber to form a high pressure fluid tight seal between the pipe and said extension.

15. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through, said head and into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly seated on said supporting means and including a lower packing ring, an inner rubber packing element on said ring for engagement with the pipe, comprising a depending flange on the inner edge flared outwardly at the bottom, a second rubber packing element interposed between and engaging'the first said packing element, and said ektension, the second said packing element including an annular packing flange on its lower outer edge engaging the inner surfaceof said extension, and means for urging downwardly on said packing element to cause a lateral displacement of the rubber to form a high pressure fluid tight seal between the pipe and said.

extension, said head having a large internal diameter and including a slanting lateral takeoff of large diameter to reduce friction in the head, and permit relatively low positioning of said head on a well casing.

16. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through said head and into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly seated on said supporting means and including a lower packing ring, an inner rubber packing element on said ring for engagement with the pipe, comprising a depending flange on the inner edge flared outwardly at the bottom, a second rubber packing element interposed between and engaging the first said packing element, and said extension, the second said packing element including an annular packing flangeon its lower outer edge engaglng. the inner surface of said extension, the first said packing element having its upper inner edge beveled to facilitate downward movement of a pipe therethrough, an upper packing ring seated on and embracing portions of the upper edge of said packing element, and means supported by said upper ring adapted to hold the weight ofthe pipe to depress the packing element and form a 'igh pressure seal between the pipe and said extension.

17. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through said head and into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembly seated on said supporting means arid including a lower packing ring, an inner ubber packing element on said ring forengagement with the pipe, comprising a depending flan e on the inner edge flared outwardly at the' ottom, a second rubber packing element interposed between and engaging the first said packing element, and said extension, the second-sai packing element including an annular packing flange on its lower outer ed engaging the inner surface of said extension, the first said packing element having its upper inner edge beveled to facilitate downward'movement of a pipe therethrough, an upper packing ring seated on and embracing portions 0 the upper edge of said packing element, and means supported by said upper ring adapted to hold the weight of the pipe to depress the packing element and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension, an auxiliary resilient sealing ring disposed between said upper ring and the pipe, and

engaging the first said sealing member on its .beveled edge.

18. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through said head and into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packing assembl on said supporting means and inc uding a lower packing ring, an inner rubber packin' element on said ring for engagement wit the pipe, comprising a depending flange on the inner edge flared outwardly at the botseatedv ring adapted to hold the weight of the pipe to depress the packing element and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension, said packing element having opposed grooves on their co-engaging surfaces to provide space for the displacement of rubber when a collar on a pipe is passed through the packing assembly. I

19. As an article of manufacture, a casing head having a hollow globular body op? positely disposed fluid discharge openings and lateral lifting ears connected to said body between and at an angle to said open-' ingls and formed for connection to elevating an s..

20. Sealing means for use in well drilling apparatus including a pair of complementary and concentric flexible rings defining a ring like pocket between them to-provide for internal displacement of the material of said rings when they are subjected to pressure,

21. Sealing means for use with a casing head and the like including a pair of complementary and concentric flexible rings defining a ring like pocket between them to provi e for internal dis lacement of the material of said rings w en they are subjected to pressure, and a lateral de ending skirt portion on each of said rings or enhancing the real effect of said rings when they are in use.

22. In a casing head, sealing means for disposition around pipe extending through said head and comprising a ring having its internal surface radially urged into'engagement with said pipe and formed to yield radially from and toward the ipe as the pipe and its couplings are passed t rough the casin head so as to continuously maintain a flui tight seal about the pipe said ring having an'outer marginal portion formed to be distorted laterally and outwardly when subjected to pressure, into sealing engagement with the adjoining wall of the casing head and means for exerting a downward pressure on said sealing means to force it into effective sealing posi-- tion.

23. In a casing head, sealing means for disposition around pipe extending through said head and comprising a ring having its internal surface radially urged into engagement with said pipe and formed with an enclosed internal cavlty so as to yieldradially from and toward the pipe as the pipe and its couplings are passed through the casing head so as to continuously maintain a fluid tight seal about the pipe, and means for suspending the weight of said pipe on said ring.

24. Sealing means for use in well drilling apparatus including a pair of complementary and concentric flexible rings defining a ring like pocket between them to provide for in-- ternal displacement of the material of said rings when they are subjected to pressure, and a downwardly depending skirt portion on the inner ring for enhancing the sealing efl'ect of said rings when they are in use. a

25. Sealing means for use with a casing head including a pair of complementary and concentric flexible rings defining a ring like pocket between them to provide for internal displacement of the material of said rings when they. are subjected to pressure, the outer of said rings having a circular groove in its lower end positioned to .be exposed to fluid pressure so as to aid forming a seal between said outer ring and the casing head.

26. In a casing head, sealing means for disposition around pipe extending through said casing headand comprising a ring having its internal surface radially urgedlnto engagement with said pipe and formed hollow to yield internally and radially from and toward the ipe as the pipe and its couplings are passe through thecasing head so as to continuously maintain a fluid-tight seal about the pipe and means for exerting a downward