US20120267116A1 - Flange overshot retrieval tool - Google Patents
Flange overshot retrieval tool Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120267116A1 US20120267116A1 US13/455,806 US201213455806A US2012267116A1 US 20120267116 A1 US20120267116 A1 US 20120267116A1 US 201213455806 A US201213455806 A US 201213455806A US 2012267116 A1 US2012267116 A1 US 2012267116A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- flange
- basket grapple
- tool
- grapple
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 33
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 10
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 10
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000246 remedial effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/16—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/04—Manipulators for underwater operations, e.g. temporarily connected to well heads
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
- E21B43/0122—Collecting oil or the like from a submerged leakage
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
- E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
- E21B33/035—Well heads; Setting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
- E21B33/038—Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to remedial devices and methods for hydrocarbon drilling and production operations. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods for removing a flange subsea.
- tubulars or pipes coupled together with mating flanges to form a flange joint.
- remedial operations may be relatively easy if the flange connection can be directly accessed and engaged at the surface with impact wrenches, tongs, or other suitable separation equipment.
- the flange connection is remote from the associated surface operations (e.g., disposed downhole or subsea), it may be more difficult to sufficiently grasp and remove one flange of a flange connection from its mating flange.
- the tool comprises a housing having a central axis, a first end, an open second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface.
- the housing also includes a first access port extending radially from the outer surface to the inner surface.
- the tool comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed within the second end of the housing and configured to coaxially receive and engage a first flange.
- the basket grapple has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface, and a cutout extending radially through the basket grapple from the outer surface to the inner surface.
- the outer surface of the basket grapple includes external threads that engage mating internal threads on the inner surface of the housing.
- the tool comprises a key releasably coupled to the housing.
- the key has a first position extending radially through the access port and the cutout, and a second position removed from the cutout. The key is configured to prevent relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing in the first position and allow relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing in the second position.
- the method comprises (a) positioning a flange overshot retrieval tool over the subsea flange joint.
- the tool comprises a housing having a central axis, a first end, an open second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface.
- the tool also comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially threaded into the second end of the housing.
- the basket grapple has a first end, and a second end opposite the first end.
- the method comprises (b) receiving the first flange into the basket grapple. Further, the method comprises (c) radially expanding the basket grapple during (b). Still further, the method comprises (d) removing the first flange from the flange joint after (b).
- the method comprises (a) lowering a flange overshot retrieval tool to a subsea flange joint including a first flange coupled to a second flange.
- the tool also comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed in the second end of the housing.
- the basket grapple has a first end, and a second end opposite the first end.
- the method comprises (b) lowering the tool onto the first flange.
- the method comprises (c) capturing the first flange with the basket grapple during (b).
- the method comprises releasing the first flange from the basket grapple subsea after (c).
- FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a flange overshot tool in accordance with the principles described herein;
- FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1 engaging an upper flange of a flange joint;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1 illustrating a first release mechanism for releasing a flange
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the basket grapple of FIG. 1 engaging the upper flange of FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic sequential views of the tool of FIG. 1 being deployed subsea to remove the upper flange from the flange joint of FIG. 2 .
- the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”
- the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections.
- the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a central axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the central axis.
- an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the central axis
- a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis.
- tool 100 is employed to separate and retrieve a flange from a flange joint or connection (e.g., subsea flange joint or downhole flange joint).
- a subsea flange joint 200 including a first or upper flange 201 and a second or lower flange 202 is shown.
- Tool 100 is used to engage, lift, and remove upper flange 201 from lower flange 202 for subsequent operations.
- tool 100 has a central or longitudinal axis 105 and includes a housing 110 , a connection sub 140 coupled to housing 110 , and a basket grapple 160 at least partially disposed within housing 110 .
- housing 110 has a central or longitudinal axis 115 coincident with axis 105 , a first or upper end 110 a , and a second or lower end 110 b opposite upper end 110 a .
- a plate 150 including a plurality of holes extends across upper end 110 a , however, lower end 110 b is open.
- housing 110 comprises a first or upper sub-housing 120 and a second or lower sub-housing 130 mounted to upper housing 120 .
- Upper sub-housing 120 and lower sub-housing 130 are coaxially aligned, each having a central or longitudinal axis coincident with axes 105 , 115 .
- Upper sub-housing 120 has a first or upper end 120 a , a second or lower end 120 b , a radially inner cylindrical surface 121 , and a radially outer cylindrical surface 122 .
- Upper end 120 a comprises an annular flange 123 extending radially inward from surface 121
- lower end 120 b comprises an annular flange 124 extending radially outward from outer surface 122 .
- Upper flange 123 defines an annular shoulder 123 a along inner surface 121 at upper end 120 a
- lower flange 124 defines an annular shoulder 124 a along outer surface 122 at lower end 120 b .
- sub-housing 120 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced through holes or apertures 126 axially positioned between flanges 123 , 124 .
- Each aperture 126 has a longitudinal axis 126 a and extends radially through sub-housing 120 from inner surface 121 to outer surface 122 .
- apertures 126 are generally rectangular and oriented with axes 126 a parallel to axes 105 , 115 .
- apertures 126 allow fluid to flow radially through sub-housing 120 .
- fluid within sub-housing 120 may flow through apertures 126 to the region outside sub-housing 120 and tool 100 .
- cylindrical plate 150 is coaxially disposed within upper sub-housing 120 .
- Plate 150 has a planar upper surface 151 oriented perpendicular to axis 105 and a planar lower surface 152 oriented parallel to upper surface 151 .
- Plate 150 engages annular shoulder 123 a and is attached to upper sub-housing 120 (e.g., plate 150 may be welded to sub-housing 120 ).
- plate 150 is fixed to upper sub-housing 120 such that plate 150 does not move translationally or rotationally relative to upper sub-housing 120 .
- plate 150 includes a central through bore 154 coaxially aligned with axes 105 , 115 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced through bores 155 disposed about bore 154 .
- Each bore 154 , 155 extends axially through plate 150 from upper surface 151 to lower surface 152 .
- Connection sub 140 extends coaxially through central bore 154 .
- radially outer bores 155 allow fluid to flow axially through plate 150 .
- fluid within sub-housing 120 may flow axially through bores 155 to the region outside sub-housing 120 and tool 100 .
- connection sub 140 is an elongate member having a central or longitudinal axis 145 coaxially aligned with axes 105 , 115 , a first or upper end 140 a distal (i.e., away from) upper sub-housing 120 , a second or lower end 140 b extending into upper sub-housing 120 , and a radially outer surface 141 extending between ends 140 a, b .
- Outer surface 141 includes an annular shoulder 143 proximal (i.e., at or near) lower end 140 b that engages lower surface 152 of plate 150 .
- upper end 140 a comprises a box end 142 adapted to receive a mating pin end at the lower end of a pipe string (e.g., drill string) for deploying tool 100 .
- a pipe string e.g., drill string
- Sub 140 is disposed within bore 154 and is rigidly attached to plate 150 (e.g., sub 140 may be welded to plate 150 ). In particular, sub 140 is fixed to plate 150 such that sub 140 does not move translationally or rotationally relative to plate 150 .
- lower sub-housing 130 has a first or upper end 130 a , a second or lower end 130 b , a radially inner surface 131 extending axially between ends 130 a, b , and a radially outer cylindrical surface 132 extending axially between ends 130 a, b .
- Upper end 130 a comprises an annular flange 133 extending radially inward from surface 131 .
- Flange 133 defines an annular shoulder 133 a along inner surface 131 at upper end 130 a.
- Inner surface 131 includes an upper cylindrical portion 131 a extending axially from upper flange 133 and a lower threaded portion 131 b extending axially from lower end 130 b .
- upper portion 131 a of inner surface 131 engages lower flange 124 of upper sub-housing 120 .
- lower portion 131 b includes internal threads 134 sized and configured to threadably engage basket grapple 160 .
- internal threads 134 defines a plurality of radially inner peaks 134 a and a plurality of radially outer roots 134 b axially positioned between peaks 134 a .
- a frustoconical surface 135 a extends from each peak 134 a to a root 134 b axially above the peak 134 a , and an annular planar surface 135 b oriented perpendicular to axes 105 , 115 extends radially outward from each peak 134 a to a root 134 b radially adjacent the peak 134 a.
- Lower sub-housing 130 is disposed about upper sub-housing 120 .
- flange 133 of lower sub-housing 130 engages outer surface 122 of upper sub-housing 120
- flange 124 of upper sub-housing 120 engages cylindrical portion 131 b of inner surface 131 .
- shoulders 124 , 133 a axially abut.
- Lower sub housing 130 is attached to upper sub-housing 120 (e.g., sub-housing 130 may be welded to sub-housing 120 ).
- sub-housing 130 is fixed to sub-housing 120 such that sub-housing 130 does not move translationally or rotationally relative to sub-housing 120 .
- an annular weight 170 is coupled to lower sub-housing 130 .
- weight 170 is disposed about sub-housing 130 and includes a radially inner annular shoulder 171 that axially abuts and engages upper end 130 a.
- each foot 180 may the same or different from one another. Specifically, each foot 180 has an upper end 180 a radially adjacent outer surface 132 , a lower end 180 b distal (i.e., away from) sub-housing 130 , and a radial extension or finger 181 axially positioned (relative to axes 105 , 115 ) between ends 180 a,b . Each finger 181 extends radially inward along lower end 130 b and into lower sub-housing 130 . As best shown in FIG.
- fingers 181 define a plurality of circumferentially spaced shoulders 182 that extend radially inward from inner surface 131 at lower end 130 b , thereby restricting and/or preventing basket grapple 160 from falling out of lower sub-housing 130 .
- Each foot 180 may be described as having a first or upper portion 183 extending between upper end 180 a and finger 181 and a second or lower portion 184 extending between finger 181 and lower end 180 b .
- Upper portion 183 of each foot 180 extends axially along outer surface 132 of lower sub-housing 130
- lower portion 184 of each foot 180 extends axially downward and radially outward from lower end 130 b .
- lower portion of each foot 180 has a radially inner surface 185 that tapers axially downward and radially outward relative to sub-housing 130 and axes 105 , 115 .
- each foot 180 is oriented at an angle ⁇ measured from axes 105 , 115 to surface 185 in side view ( FIG. 2 ).
- Angle ⁇ is preferably between 30° and 60°.
- angle ⁇ of each inner surface 185 is 45°.
- inner surfaces 185 may also be referred to as guide surfaces.
- each foot 180 is coupled to lower sub-housing 130 with a bolt 187 .
- sub-housing 130 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced threaded bores 136 extending radially inward from outer surface 132 proximal (i.e., at or near) lower end 130 b
- each foot 180 includes a through bore 186 extending radially through upper portion 183 .
- Each bore 186 is circumferentially aligned with one bore 136 , and a bolt 187 is passed through bore 136 and threaded into bore 186 , thereby securing the corresponding foot 180 to lower sub-housing 130 .
- each bolt 187 includes a T-handle 188 that extends radially outward from sub-housing 130 and its corresponding foot 180 .
- T-handles 188 enable rotation of bolts 187 with subsea remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and enable subsea manipulation of tool 100 with subsea ROVs.
- ROVs remotely operated vehicles
- lower sub-housing 130 includes an access port 138 axially positioned between weight 170 and feet 180 .
- Port 138 extends radially through sub-housing 130 from inner surface 131 to outer surface 132 .
- a rectangular access panel or door 190 is removably coupled to sub-housing 130 and is sized and configured to close port 138 .
- door 190 is coupled to sub-housing 130 with two bolts 187 as previously described.
- sub-housing 130 includes a pair of threaded bores 137 extending radially from outer surface 132 above and below port 138 , and each door 190 includes a pair of through bores 191 extending radially therethrough.
- Bores 191 in each door 190 are aligned with bores 137 corresponding to port 138 , and one bolt 187 is passed through each bore 191 and threaded into corresponding bore 137 , thereby securing door 190 to lower sub-housing 130 over port 138 .
- door 190 is a rectangular plate having a first surface 190 a that faces and engages outer surface 132 , and a second surface 190 b parallel to inner surface 190 a and facing away from sub-housing 130 .
- a U-shaped handle 192 extends perpendicularly from second surface 190 b of door 190 .
- Handle 192 allows manipulation of door 190 with subsea ROVs during installation and removal of door 190 .
- door 190 includes a rectangular prismatic grapple key 193 extending perpendicularly from first surface 190 a .
- Grapple key 193 is sized and configured to slidingly engage access port 138 .
- key 193 extends radially inward through access port 138 and basket grapple 160 disposed within sub-housing 130 .
- handle 192 and key 193 are each integral with door 190 .
- basket grapple 160 is coaxially disposed within lower sub-housing 130 and has a first or upper end 160 a , a second or lower end 160 b , a radially inner surface 161 extending axially between ends 160 a, b , and a radially outer surface 162 extending axially between ends 160 a, b .
- Outer surface 162 includes external threads 163 sized and configured to mate with internal threads 134 of lower sub-housing 130 .
- external threads 163 define a plurality of radially outer peaks 163 a and a plurality of radially inner roots 163 b axially positioned between peaks 163 a .
- a frustoconical surface 164 a extends from each peak 163 a to a root 163 b axially below the peak 163 a
- an annular planar surface 164 b oriented perpendicular to axes 105 , 115 extends radially inward from each peak 163 a to a root 163 b radially adjacent the peak 163 a .
- Surfaces 164 a are radially opposed and generally parallel to surfaces 135 a
- surfaces 164 b are axially opposed and generally parallel to surfaces 135 b
- Planar surfaces 135 b , 164 b radially overlap (i.e., peaks 134 a extend to an innermost radius that is less than the outermost radius of peaks 163 a ).
- inner surface 161 of basket grapple 160 includes an annular recess 165 extending axially from lower end 160 b .
- Recess 165 defines an annular shoulder 166 on inner surface 161 axially positioned between ends 160 a, b .
- inner surface 161 comprises internal threads 167 defining a plurality of teeth 167 a configured to engage and “bite” the radially outer surface of flange 201 of joint 200 .
- basket grapple 160 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel through slots 168 and a cutout 169 .
- Each slot 168 extends axially from lower end 160 b to a terminus 168 b axially positioned between shoulder 166 and end 160 a , and extends radially through basket 160 from inner surface 161 to outer surface 162 .
- slots 168 define a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers 168 c extending axially from terminus 168 b to lower end 160 b .
- Fingers 168 c can be flexed radially inward and radially outward at lower end 160 b by applying radial forces to fingers 168 c .
- Threads 167 previously described extend across fingers 168 c , and thus, teeth 167 a are disposed on fingers 168 c.
- lower sub-housing 130 may be moved axially upward and downward relative to basket grapple 160 .
- sub-housing 130 may be moved axially downward relative to basket grapple 160 until planar surfaces 135 b , 164 b engage, and sub-housing 130 may be moved axially upward relative to basket grapple 160 until surfaces 135 a , 164 a engage.
- Cutout 169 extends axially from upper end 160 a , is circumferentially aligned with access port 138 , and slidingly receives key 193 previously described.
- key 193 restricts and/or prevents basket grapple 160 from rotating relative to lower sub-housing 130 about axes 105 , 115 .
- basket grapple 160 is allowed to rotate relative to housing 110 about axes 105 , 115 .
- one slot 168 extends axially from lower end 160 b to cutout 169 .
- basket grapple 160 includes one cut extending completely therethrough and defining circumferentially adjacent ends 160 c, d . This cut allows basket grapple 160 to radially expand until surfaces 135 a , 164 a contact, and allows basket grapple 160 to radially contract until ends 160 c, d circumferentially abut.
- basket grapple 160 may be described as having an “unexpanded” or “relaxed” state or position in which fingers 168 c are not flexed radially outward and basket grapple 160 is not radially expanded, and an “expanded” or “flexed” state or position in which fingers 168 c are flexed radially outward and/or basket grapple 160 is radially expanded via circumferential displacement of ends 160 c, d .
- Basket grapple 160 is biased to the unexpanded position. Thus, when basket grapple 160 is in the expanded position, it seeks to return to the unexpanded position. In this sense, basket grapple 160 functions similar to a spring.
- the components of tool 100 may comprise any suitable material(s). These components preferably comprise strong, durable materials suitable for subsea use such as stainless steel.
- flange joint 200 forms the connection between a subsea flex joint 343 and the lower end of a riser 315 .
- a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) 320 is mounted to a wellhead 330 at the sea floor 303
- a lower marine riser package (LMRP) 340 is secured to BOP 320 .
- Riser 315 typically extends from LMRP 340 to a floating platform at the sea surface.
- BOP subsea blowout preventer
- LMRP lower marine riser package
- riser 315 has been severed proximal (i.e., at or near) joint 200 .
- BOP 320 and LMRP 340 are configured to controllably seal wellbore 301 and contain hydrocarbon fluids therein.
- the upper end of LMRP 340 comprises riser flex joint 343 that allows riser 315 to deflect angularly relative to BOP 320 and LMRP 340 while hydrocarbon fluids flow from wellbore 301 , BOP 320 and LMRP 340 into riser 315 .
- BOP 320 and/or LMRP 340 are normally actuated to seal in wellbore 301 and protect personnel and hardware upstream of BOP 320 and LMRP 340 .
- BOP 320 and/or LMRP 340 may not contain wellbore 301 , which may result in the discharge of such hydrocarbon fluids subsea.
- the emitted hydrocarbons fluids form a subsea hydrocarbon plume 360 .
- ROVs remote operated vehicles
- three ROVs 350 are employed to position and monitor tool 100 .
- Each ROV 350 includes an arm 351 having a claw 352 , a subsea camera 353 for viewing the subsea operations (e.g., the relative positions of tool 100 and joint 200 , the positions and movement of arms 350 and claws 352 , etc.), and an umbilical 354 .
- Streaming video and/or images from cameras 353 are communicated to the surface or other remote location via umbilical 354 for viewing on a live or periodic basis.
- Arms 351 and claws 352 are controlled via commands sent from the surface or other remote location to ROV 350 through umbilical 354 .
- a tubular pipe string 370 is removably secured to connection sub 140 , thereby coupling tool 100 to string 370 .
- Tool 100 is controllably lowered subsea with string 370 , which extends from tool 100 to a surface vessel.
- a derrick or other suitable device mounted to the surface vessel is preferably employed to support, axially move tool 100 on string 370 , and to rotate tool 100 with string 370 .
- string 370 is employed to lower tool 100 in this embodiment, in other embodiments, tool 100 may be deployed subsea on wireline or cables.
- tool 100 is lowered subsea under its own weight from a location generally above and laterally offset from joint 200 and outside of plume 360 .
- Lowering tool 100 laterally offset from joint 200 and outside plume 360 offers the potential to reduce the likelihood of damage to joint 200 if tool 100 is inadvertently dropped, improve visibility of tool 200 , and reduce the potential for hydrate formation within tool 100 .
- tool 100 is lowered laterally offset from joint 200 and outside of plume 360 until lower end 110 b and guide feet 180 are slightly above joint 200 .
- ROVs 350 monitor the position of tool 100 relative to joint 200 .
- tool 100 is moved laterally into position immediately above joint 200 with housing 110 substantially coaxially aligned with joint 200 .
- One or more ROVs 350 may utilize claws 352 and handles 188 on tool 100 to guide and position tool 100 relative to joint 200 .
- tool 100 Due to its own weight, tool 100 is substantially vertical, whereas joint 200 may be oriented at an angle relative to vertical.
- string 370 sets tool 100 axially downward, thereby receiving upper flange 201 into lower sub-housing 130 and basket grapple 160 .
- the bolts securing flanges 201 , 202 Prior to lowering tool 100 onto flange 201 , the bolts securing flanges 201 , 202 are removed such that flange 201 can be axially lifted and removed from flange 202 with tool 100 as will be described in more detail below.
- the bolts securing flanges 201 , 202 may be removed by any suitable means including, without limitation, by an ROV operated torque tool.
- feet 180 help to guide and funnel upper flange 201 into lower end 110 b of housing 110 and basket grapple 160 .
- This may be particularly beneficial in cases where housing 110 is not perfectly coaxially aligned with joint 200 as tool 100 is lowered over upper flange 201 .
- apertures 126 in upper sub-housing 120 and bores 155 in plate 150 allow hydrocarbon fluids flowing from joint 200 to flow unrestricted through tool 100 , thereby relieving well pressure and offering the potential to reduce the resistance to the coupling of tool 100 to flange 201 .
- tool 100 provides sufficient flow through area within tool 100 offers the potential to reduce the likelihood of hydrate formation within tool 100 and enhance visibility of tool 100 .
- embodiments of tool 100 and the methods of using same described herein offer the potential to reduce hydrate formations and enhance visibility when employed to remove flange 201 from flange joint 200 that is emitting hydrocarbons, it should be appreciated that embodiments described herein may also be employed to remove a flange from a flange joint that is not emitting hydrocarbons.
- basket grapple 160 is sized and configured such that the inner diameter of basket grapple 160 within recess 165 is about the same or slightly less than the outer diameter of upper flange 201 when basket grapple 160 is in its relaxed and unexpanded state.
- internal threads 167 and associated teeth 167 a along the inner surface 161 of basket grapple 160 slidingly engage the radially outer surface of flange 201 as flange 201 is axially inserted into lower end 160 b .
- basket grapple 160 is preferably sized and configured such that the axial height of recess 165 is the same as the axial height of upper flange 201 .
- Upper flange 201 is preferably coaxially advanced into basket grapple 160 until flange 201 axially abuts and engages annular shoulder 166 on inner surface 161 . Due to the relative sizes of upper flange 201 and basket grapple 160 in its relaxed state, basket grapple 160 may need to be urged axially downward to sufficiently seat flange 201 in basket grapple 160 . Accordingly, housing 110 may be pushed axially downward and/or axially lifted and dropped one or more times after the initial engagement of basket grapple 160 and flange 201 to allow axial engagement of surfaces 135 b , 164 b to urge basket grapple 160 axially downward onto flange 201 .
- basket grapple 160 As basket grapple 160 is tapped and/or urged axially downward by housing 110 onto flange 201 , basket grapple 160 is transitioned to an expanded state in which fingers 168 c are flexed radially outward and/or basket grapple 160 is radially expanded via circumferential displacement of ends 160 c, d . Since basket grapple 160 is biased to the unexpanded position, internal threads 167 and associated teeth 167 a are urged radially inward into engagement with flange 201 as flange 201 is seated in basket grapple 160 .
- housing 110 is lifted axially upward with string 370 relative to flange 201 and basket grapple 160 coupled thereto.
- surfaces 135 a , 164 a come into contact.
- the continued application of axial lifting forces to housing 110 causes surfaces 135 a to cam fingers 168 c radially inward, thereby causing teeth 167 a “bite” into and firmly grip the radially outer surface of flange 201 and allowing flange 201 to be lifted with tool 100 and removed from flange 202 as shown in FIG. 6D .
- tool 100 is lifted to the surface, where flange 201 may be removed from tool 100 with a spreader tool.
- tool 100 may not be able to remove upper flange 201 subsea once it is seated within basket grapple 160 and an axial lifting force is applied to housing 110 .
- upper flange 201 may be firmly seized or corroded onto lower flange 202 .
- several options are provided to remove tool 100 from upper flange 201 once it has been seated within basket grapple 160 .
- one option for disengaging upper flange 201 subsea involves the rotation of housing 110 and basket grapple 160 with pipe string 370 relative to flange 201 to unthread or back off tool 100 from flange 201 .
- connection sub 140 , plate 150 , upper sub-housing 120 , and lower sub-housing 140 are fixably coupled such that they do not move translationally or rotationally relative to each other.
- rotation of string 370 causes housing 110 to rotate in the same direction about axes 105 , 115 .
- Basket grapple 160 is threaded into lower sub-housing 130 , however, key 193 extending radially from door 190 into cutout 169 of basket grapple 160 prevents housing 110 from rotating relative to basket grapple 160 .
- basket grapple 160 rotates along with housing 110 about axes 105 , 115 .
- teeth 167 a engaging flange 201 are defined by internal threads 167 .
- rotation of housing 110 and basket grapple 160 relative to flange 201 enables teeth 167 a to be unthreaded and backed off flange 201 .
- housing 110 and basket grapple 160 disposed therein may be lifted to the surface.
- FIGS. 1 and 6D another option for disengaging upper flange 201 subsea involves the rotation of housing 110 with pipe string 370 relative to basket grapple 160 to unthread or back off housing 110 from basket grapple 160 .
- rotation of string 370 causes housing 110 to rotate in the same direction about axes 105 , 115 .
- Basket grapple 160 is threaded into lower sub-housing 130 via mating threads 134 , 163 , however, key 193 extending radially through port 138 and cutout 169 of basket grapple 160 prevents housing 110 from rotating relative to basket grapple 160 .
- ROVs 350 withdraw key 193 from cutout 169 by first unthread bolts 187 coupling door 190 to lower sub-housing 130 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188 , and then pulling door 190 and key 193 from sub-housing 130 with handle 192 .
- circumferentially spaced shoulders 182 defined by fingers 181 function to retain basket grapple 160 within sub-housing 130 . Accordingly, guide feet 180 are also removed from sub-housing 130 to allow housing 110 to be completely unthreaded from basket grapple 160 .
- ROVs 350 remove guide feet 180 by unthreading bolts 187 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188 .
- housing 110 is simultaneously moved axially downward relative to basket grapple 160 by string 370 or under its own weight, and rotated from the surface with string 370 .
- surfaces 135 b , 164 b move together and surfaces 135 a , 164 a move apart, thereby removing the camming forces applied to fingers 168 c by surfaces 135 a and creating radial clearance between surfaces 135 a , 164 b .
- basket grapple 160 Since basket grapple 160 is secured to upper flange 201 via engagement of teeth 167 a and flange 201 , housing 110 is allowed to rotate relative to basket grapple 160 . As a result, housing 110 is unthreaded and backed off basket grapple 160 and may be removed to the surface leaving basket grapple 160 behind. With housing 110 removed from basket grapple 160 and upper flange 201 , basket grapple 160 can be directly accessed by ROVs 350 and removed from upper flange 201 (e.g., by cutting basket grapple 160 off flange 201 ).
- yet another option for disengaging upper flange 201 subsea involves the cutting of basket grapple 160 into multiple pieces.
- basket grapple 160 is deployed with one through cut between ends 160 c, d , thereby enabling basket grapple 160 to transition between an unexpanded state and an expanded state.
- As basket grapple 160 is urged onto upper flange 201 it is transitioned to its expanded state. Since basket grapple 160 is biased to its unexpanded or relaxed state, when it is expanded about flange 201 , teeth 167 a are biased radially inward into engagement with flange 201 .
- ROVs 350 withdraw key 193 from cutout 169 by first unthreading bolts 187 coupling door 190 to lower sub-housing 130 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188 , and then pulling door 190 and key 193 from sub-housing 130 with handle 192 .
- housing 110 is simultaneously moved axially downward relative to basket grapple 160 by string 370 or under its own weight, and rotated about 180° with string 370 .
- housing 110 Since basket grapple 160 is secured to upper flange 201 via engagement of teeth 167 a and flange 201 , housing 110 is allowed to rotate relative to basket grapple 160 , thereby rotating a slot 168 that is positioned about 180° from cutout 169 and ends 160 c, d into circumferential alignment with access port 138 .
- ROVs 350 access the slot 168 through port 135 and cut basket grapple 160 axially from upper end 160 a to that slot 168 , thereby dividing basket grapple 160 into two separate pieces, each extending about 180° about axes 105 , 115 .
- housing 110 is slowly lifted axially upward with string 370 .
- basket grapple 160 Since basket grapple 160 is cut into multiple pieces, it is loosely disposed about flange 201 and teeth 167 a are not biased into positive engagement with flange 201 . As a result, basket grapple 160 is lifted upward along with housing 110 from flange 201 .
- FIGS. 4 and 6D still yet another option for disengaging upper flange 201 subsea involves lifting housing 110 from basket grapple 160 and flange 201 .
- circumferentially spaced shoulders 182 defined by fingers 181 function to retain basket grapple 160 within sub-housing 130 .
- guide feet 180 are removed from sub-housing 130 to allow housing 110 to be completely pulled upward from basket grapple 160 .
- ROVs 350 remove guide feet 180 by unthreading bolts 187 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188 .
- key 193 need not be removed from cutout 169 and port 138 since it can be moved axially upward through cutout 169 .
- tool 100 may also be deployed on wireline or cable.
- wireline deployment may limit the ability to rotate housing 110 subsea, and thus, the options for releasing basket grapple 160 subsea that require rotation of housing 110 may not be available.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
A tool for removing a first flange from a second flange comprises a housing having a central axis, a first end, and an open second end opposite the first end. The housing also includes a first access port extending radially therethrough. In addition, the tool comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed within the second end of the housing and configured to coaxially receive and engage a first flange. The basket grapple has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a cutout extending radially therethrough. The outer surface of the basket grapple includes external threads that engage mating internal threads on the inner surface of the housing. Further, the tool comprises a key releasably coupled to the housing. The key is configured to selectively prevent relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing.
Description
- This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/478,667 filed Apr. 25, 2011, and entitled “Flange Overshot Retrieval Tool,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- Not applicable.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates generally to remedial devices and methods for hydrocarbon drilling and production operations. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods for removing a flange subsea.
- 2. Background of the Technology
- In hydrocarbon drilling and production operations, it is common to have tubulars or pipes coupled together with mating flanges to form a flange joint. During maintenance and/or remedial operations, it may be necessary to separate the connected flanges to access passages or bores in the equipment, to advance other tools or devices through the equipment, to break down or remove the equipment, or to prepare one flange for connection to a different piece of equipment. For example, in the event of a subsea blowout, it may be necessary to separate a flanged connection between a riser and a riser flex joint so that a different piece of equipment can then be connected to the riser flex joint.
- On land, such remedial operations may be relatively easy if the flange connection can be directly accessed and engaged at the surface with impact wrenches, tongs, or other suitable separation equipment. However, if the flange connection is remote from the associated surface operations (e.g., disposed downhole or subsea), it may be more difficult to sufficiently grasp and remove one flange of a flange connection from its mating flange.
- Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for devices and methods to separate and remove a flange of a flange joint from its mating flange. Such devices and methods would be particularly well-received if they were suitable for remote, subsea remedial operations.
- These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by a tool for removing a first flange from a second flange. In an embodiment, the tool comprises a housing having a central axis, a first end, an open second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface. The housing also includes a first access port extending radially from the outer surface to the inner surface. In addition, the tool comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed within the second end of the housing and configured to coaxially receive and engage a first flange. The basket grapple has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface, and a cutout extending radially through the basket grapple from the outer surface to the inner surface. The outer surface of the basket grapple includes external threads that engage mating internal threads on the inner surface of the housing. Further, the tool comprises a key releasably coupled to the housing. The key has a first position extending radially through the access port and the cutout, and a second position removed from the cutout. The key is configured to prevent relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing in the first position and allow relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing in the second position.
- These and other needs in the art are addressed in another embodiment by a method for removing a first flange of a subsea flange joint from a second flange of the subsea flange joint. In an embodiment, the method comprises (a) positioning a flange overshot retrieval tool over the subsea flange joint. The tool comprises a housing having a central axis, a first end, an open second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface. The tool also comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially threaded into the second end of the housing. The basket grapple has a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the method comprises (b) receiving the first flange into the basket grapple. Further, the method comprises (c) radially expanding the basket grapple during (b). Still further, the method comprises (d) removing the first flange from the flange joint after (b).
- These and other needs in the art are addressed in another embodiment by a method. In an embodiment, the method comprises (a) lowering a flange overshot retrieval tool to a subsea flange joint including a first flange coupled to a second flange. The tool also comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed in the second end of the housing. The basket grapple has a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the method comprises (b) lowering the tool onto the first flange. Further, the method comprises (c) capturing the first flange with the basket grapple during (b). Still further, the method comprises releasing the first flange from the basket grapple subsea after (c).
- Thus, embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and advantages intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.
- For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a flange overshot tool in accordance with the principles described herein; -
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool ofFIG. 1 engaging an upper flange of a flange joint; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tool ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tool ofFIG. 1 illustrating a first release mechanism for releasing a flange; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the basket grapple ofFIG. 1 engaging the upper flange ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic sequential views of the tool ofFIG. 1 being deployed subsea to remove the upper flange from the flange joint ofFIG. 2 . - The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the invention. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.
- Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not function. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.
- In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a central axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the central axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the central axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1-4 , an embodiment of a flange overshottool 100 is shown. In general,tool 100 is employed to separate and retrieve a flange from a flange joint or connection (e.g., subsea flange joint or downhole flange joint). For example, inFIGS. 2 and 3 , a subsea flange joint 200 including a first orupper flange 201 and a second orlower flange 202 is shown.Tool 100 is used to engage, lift, and removeupper flange 201 fromlower flange 202 for subsequent operations. In this embodiment,tool 100 has a central or longitudinal axis 105 and includes ahousing 110, aconnection sub 140 coupled tohousing 110, and a basket grapple 160 at least partially disposed withinhousing 110. - Referring still to
FIGS. 1-4 ,housing 110 has a central or longitudinal axis 115 coincident with axis 105, a first orupper end 110 a, and a second orlower end 110 b oppositeupper end 110 a. Aplate 150 including a plurality of holes extends acrossupper end 110 a, however,lower end 110 b is open. In this embodiment,housing 110 comprises a first orupper sub-housing 120 and a second orlower sub-housing 130 mounted toupper housing 120.Upper sub-housing 120 andlower sub-housing 130 are coaxially aligned, each having a central or longitudinal axis coincident with axes 105, 115. -
Upper sub-housing 120 has a first orupper end 120 a, a second orlower end 120 b, a radially innercylindrical surface 121, and a radially outercylindrical surface 122.Upper end 120 a comprises anannular flange 123 extending radially inward fromsurface 121, andlower end 120 b comprises anannular flange 124 extending radially outward fromouter surface 122.Upper flange 123 defines anannular shoulder 123 a alonginner surface 121 atupper end 120 a, andlower flange 124 defines anannular shoulder 124 a alongouter surface 122 atlower end 120 b. In addition, sub-housing 120 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced through holes orapertures 126 axially positioned betweenflanges aperture 126 has alongitudinal axis 126 a and extends radially throughsub-housing 120 frominner surface 121 toouter surface 122. In this embodiment,apertures 126 are generally rectangular and oriented withaxes 126 a parallel to axes 105, 115. As will be described in more detail below,apertures 126 allow fluid to flow radially throughsub-housing 120. Thus, for example, fluid withinsub-housing 120 may flow throughapertures 126 to the region outsidesub-housing 120 andtool 100. - Referring still to
FIGS. 1-4 ,cylindrical plate 150 is coaxially disposed withinupper sub-housing 120.Plate 150 has a planarupper surface 151 oriented perpendicular to axis 105 and a planarlower surface 152 oriented parallel toupper surface 151.Plate 150 engagesannular shoulder 123 a and is attached to upper sub-housing 120 (e.g.,plate 150 may be welded to sub-housing 120). In particular,plate 150 is fixed toupper sub-housing 120 such thatplate 150 does not move translationally or rotationally relative toupper sub-housing 120. - In this embodiment,
plate 150 includes a central throughbore 154 coaxially aligned with axes 105, 115 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced throughbores 155 disposed aboutbore 154. Eachbore plate 150 fromupper surface 151 tolower surface 152.Connection sub 140 extends coaxially throughcentral bore 154. As will be described in more detail below, radiallyouter bores 155 allow fluid to flow axially throughplate 150. Thus, for example, fluid withinsub-housing 120 may flow axially throughbores 155 to the region outsidesub-housing 120 andtool 100. - As best shown in
FIG. 3 ,connection sub 140 is an elongate member having a central or longitudinal axis 145 coaxially aligned with axes 105, 115, a first orupper end 140 a distal (i.e., away from)upper sub-housing 120, a second orlower end 140 b extending intoupper sub-housing 120, and a radiallyouter surface 141 extending betweenends 140 a, b.Outer surface 141 includes anannular shoulder 143 proximal (i.e., at or near)lower end 140 b that engageslower surface 152 ofplate 150. In this embodiment,upper end 140 a comprises a box end 142 adapted to receive a mating pin end at the lower end of a pipe string (e.g., drill string) for deployingtool 100. -
Sub 140 is disposed withinbore 154 and is rigidly attached to plate 150 (e.g., sub 140 may be welded to plate 150). In particular,sub 140 is fixed to plate 150 such thatsub 140 does not move translationally or rotationally relative toplate 150. - Referring again to
FIGS. 1 and 3 ,lower sub-housing 130 has a first orupper end 130 a, a second orlower end 130 b, a radiallyinner surface 131 extending axially between ends 130 a, b, and a radially outercylindrical surface 132 extending axially between ends 130 a, b.Upper end 130 a comprises anannular flange 133 extending radially inward fromsurface 131.Flange 133 defines anannular shoulder 133 a alonginner surface 131 atupper end 130 a. -
Inner surface 131 includes an uppercylindrical portion 131 a extending axially fromupper flange 133 and a lower threadedportion 131 b extending axially fromlower end 130 b. As seen more clearly inFIG. 3 ,upper portion 131 a ofinner surface 131 engageslower flange 124 ofupper sub-housing 120. As best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ,lower portion 131 b includesinternal threads 134 sized and configured to threadably engage basket grapple 160. As best shown inFIG. 3 , in this embodiment,internal threads 134 defines a plurality of radiallyinner peaks 134 a and a plurality of radiallyouter roots 134 b axially positioned betweenpeaks 134 a. Afrustoconical surface 135 a extends from each peak 134 a to aroot 134 b axially above the peak 134 a, and an annularplanar surface 135 b oriented perpendicular to axes 105, 115 extends radially outward from each peak 134 a to aroot 134 b radially adjacent the peak 134 a. -
Lower sub-housing 130 is disposed aboutupper sub-housing 120. In particular,flange 133 oflower sub-housing 130 engagesouter surface 122 ofupper sub-housing 120, andflange 124 ofupper sub-housing 120 engagescylindrical portion 131 b ofinner surface 131. Further, shoulders 124, 133 a axially abut.Lower sub housing 130 is attached to upper sub-housing 120 (e.g., sub-housing 130 may be welded to sub-housing 120). In particular, sub-housing 130 is fixed to sub-housing 120 such thatsub-housing 130 does not move translationally or rotationally relative tosub-housing 120. - In this embodiment, an
annular weight 170 is coupled tolower sub-housing 130. Specifically,weight 170 is disposed aboutsub-housing 130 and includes a radially innerannular shoulder 171 that axially abuts and engagesupper end 130 a. - Referring again to
FIGS. 1-4 , a plurality of circumferentially spacedguide feet 180 are removably coupled tolower end 130 b ofsub-housing 130. Eachfoot 180 may the same or different from one another. Specifically, eachfoot 180 has anupper end 180 a radially adjacentouter surface 132, alower end 180 b distal (i.e., away from) sub-housing 130, and a radial extension orfinger 181 axially positioned (relative to axes 105, 115) between ends 180 a,b. Eachfinger 181 extends radially inward alonglower end 130 b and intolower sub-housing 130. As best shown inFIG. 2 ,fingers 181 define a plurality of circumferentially spacedshoulders 182 that extend radially inward frominner surface 131 atlower end 130 b, thereby restricting and/or preventing basket grapple 160 from falling out oflower sub-housing 130. - Each
foot 180 may be described as having a first orupper portion 183 extending betweenupper end 180 a andfinger 181 and a second orlower portion 184 extending betweenfinger 181 andlower end 180 b.Upper portion 183 of eachfoot 180 extends axially alongouter surface 132 oflower sub-housing 130, andlower portion 184 of eachfoot 180 extends axially downward and radially outward fromlower end 130 b. As a result, lower portion of eachfoot 180 has a radiallyinner surface 185 that tapers axially downward and radially outward relative to sub-housing 130 and axes 105, 115. In particular,surface 185 of eachfoot 180 is oriented at an angle α measured from axes 105, 115 tosurface 185 in side view (FIG. 2 ). Angle α is preferably between 30° and 60°. In this embodiment, angle α of eachinner surface 185 is 45°. As will be described in more detail below, whentool 100 is lowered onto flange joint 200,feet 180, and more specifically surfaces 185,guide tool 100 into coaxial alignment with joint 200 for subsequent separation offlanges inner surfaces 185 may also be referred to as guide surfaces. - As best shown in
FIGS. 2-4 , in this embodiment, eachfoot 180 is coupled tolower sub-housing 130 with abolt 187. In particular, sub-housing 130 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced threadedbores 136 extending radially inward fromouter surface 132 proximal (i.e., at or near)lower end 130 b, and eachfoot 180 includes a throughbore 186 extending radially throughupper portion 183. Eachbore 186 is circumferentially aligned with onebore 136, and abolt 187 is passed throughbore 136 and threaded intobore 186, thereby securing thecorresponding foot 180 tolower sub-housing 130. In this embodiment, eachbolt 187 includes a T-handle 188 that extends radially outward fromsub-housing 130 and itscorresponding foot 180. T-handles 188 enable rotation ofbolts 187 with subsea remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and enable subsea manipulation oftool 100 with subsea ROVs. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 4 ,lower sub-housing 130 includes anaccess port 138 axially positioned betweenweight 170 andfeet 180.Port 138 extends radially throughsub-housing 130 frominner surface 131 toouter surface 132. A rectangular access panel ordoor 190 is removably coupled tosub-housing 130 and is sized and configured to closeport 138. In this embodiment,door 190 is coupled tosub-housing 130 with twobolts 187 as previously described. In particular, sub-housing 130 includes a pair of threadedbores 137 extending radially fromouter surface 132 above and belowport 138, and eachdoor 190 includes a pair of throughbores 191 extending radially therethrough.Bores 191 in eachdoor 190 are aligned withbores 137 corresponding to port 138, and onebolt 187 is passed through eachbore 191 and threaded intocorresponding bore 137, thereby securingdoor 190 tolower sub-housing 130 overport 138. - As best shown in
FIG. 4 , in this embodiment,door 190 is a rectangular plate having afirst surface 190 a that faces and engagesouter surface 132, and asecond surface 190 b parallel toinner surface 190 a and facing away fromsub-housing 130. AU-shaped handle 192 extends perpendicularly fromsecond surface 190 b ofdoor 190. Handle 192 allows manipulation ofdoor 190 with subsea ROVs during installation and removal ofdoor 190. In addition, in this embodiment,door 190 includes a rectangular prismatic grapple key 193 extending perpendicularly fromfirst surface 190 a. Grapple key 193 is sized and configured to slidingly engageaccess port 138. With the associateddoor 190 secured to sub-housing 130, key 193 extends radially inward throughaccess port 138 and basket grapple 160 disposed withinsub-housing 130. In this embodiment, handle 192 and key 193 are each integral withdoor 190. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 , 3, and 5, basket grapple 160 is coaxially disposed withinlower sub-housing 130 and has a first orupper end 160 a, a second orlower end 160 b, a radiallyinner surface 161 extending axially between ends 160 a, b, and a radiallyouter surface 162 extending axially between ends 160 a, b.Outer surface 162 includesexternal threads 163 sized and configured to mate withinternal threads 134 oflower sub-housing 130. Specifically,external threads 163 define a plurality of radiallyouter peaks 163 a and a plurality of radiallyinner roots 163 b axially positioned betweenpeaks 163 a. Afrustoconical surface 164 a extends from each peak 163 a to aroot 163 b axially below the peak 163 a, and an annularplanar surface 164 b oriented perpendicular to axes 105, 115 extends radially inward from each peak 163 a to aroot 163 b radially adjacent the peak 163 a.Surfaces 164 a are radially opposed and generally parallel tosurfaces 135 a, and surfaces 164 b are axially opposed and generally parallel tosurfaces 135 b. Planar surfaces 135 b, 164 b radially overlap (i.e., peaks 134 a extend to an innermost radius that is less than the outermost radius ofpeaks 163 a). - Referring still to
FIGS. 1 , 3, and 5,inner surface 161 of basket grapple 160 includes anannular recess 165 extending axially fromlower end 160 b.Recess 165 defines anannular shoulder 166 oninner surface 161 axially positioned between ends 160 a, b. As best shown inFIG. 1 , withinrecess 165,inner surface 161 comprises internal threads 167 defining a plurality of teeth 167 a configured to engage and “bite” the radially outer surface offlange 201 of joint 200. - As best shown in
FIG. 5 , basket grapple 160 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel throughslots 168 and acutout 169. Eachslot 168 extends axially fromlower end 160 b to aterminus 168 b axially positioned betweenshoulder 166 and end 160 a, and extends radially throughbasket 160 frominner surface 161 toouter surface 162. Accordingly,slots 168 define a plurality of circumferentially spacedfingers 168 c extending axially fromterminus 168 b tolower end 160 b.Fingers 168 c can be flexed radially inward and radially outward atlower end 160 b by applying radial forces tofingers 168 c. Threads 167 previously described extend acrossfingers 168 c, and thus, teeth 167 a are disposed onfingers 168 c. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 , 3, and 5, depending on the relative positions ofsurfaces lower sub-housing 130 may be moved axially upward and downward relative to basket grapple 160. In particular, sub-housing 130 may be moved axially downward relative to basket grapple 160 untilplanar surfaces sub-housing 130 may be moved axially upward relative to basket grapple 160 untilsurfaces surfaces sub-housing 130 axially upward relative to basket grapple 160causes surfaces 135 a to slidingly engagesurfaces 164 a, thereby flexing orcamming fingers 168 c radially inward atlower end 160 b. Whenplanar surfaces frustoconical surfaces -
Cutout 169 extends axially fromupper end 160 a, is circumferentially aligned withaccess port 138, and slidingly receives key 193 previously described. By positively engagingcutout 169, key 193 restricts and/or prevents basket grapple 160 from rotating relative to lower sub-housing 130 about axes 105, 115. However, when key 193 is radially withdrawn fromcutout 169, basket grapple 160 is allowed to rotate relative tohousing 110 about axes 105, 115. As best shown inFIG. 5 , oneslot 168 extends axially fromlower end 160 b tocutout 169. Thus, basket grapple 160 includes one cut extending completely therethrough and defining circumferentially adjacent ends 160 c, d. This cut allows basket grapple 160 to radially expand untilsurfaces fingers 168 c to radially flex and basket grapple 160 to radially expand, basket grapple 160 may be described as having an “unexpanded” or “relaxed” state or position in whichfingers 168 c are not flexed radially outward and basket grapple 160 is not radially expanded, and an “expanded” or “flexed” state or position in whichfingers 168 c are flexed radially outward and/or basket grapple 160 is radially expanded via circumferential displacement ofends 160 c, d. Basket grapple 160 is biased to the unexpanded position. Thus, when basket grapple 160 is in the expanded position, it seeks to return to the unexpanded position. In this sense, basket grapple 160 functions similar to a spring. - In general, the components of tool 100 (e.g., sub-housings 120, 130,
connection sub 140,plate 150, basket grapple 160, etc.) may comprise any suitable material(s). These components preferably comprise strong, durable materials suitable for subsea use such as stainless steel. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6A-6D ,tool 100 is shown being deployed and operated subsea to engage, grip, and retrieveupper flange 201 of flange joint 200. In this embodiment, flange joint 200 forms the connection between a subsea flex joint 343 and the lower end of ariser 315. In particular, a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) 320 is mounted to awellhead 330 at thesea floor 303, and a lower marine riser package (LMRP) 340 is secured toBOP 320.Riser 315 typically extends fromLMRP 340 to a floating platform at the sea surface. However, as shown inFIG. 6 ,riser 315 has been severed proximal (i.e., at or near)joint 200.BOP 320 andLMRP 340 are configured to controllably sealwellbore 301 and contain hydrocarbon fluids therein. The upper end ofLMRP 340 comprises riser flex joint 343 that allowsriser 315 to deflect angularly relative toBOP 320 andLMRP 340 while hydrocarbon fluids flow fromwellbore 301,BOP 320 andLMRP 340 intoriser 315. - During a “kick” or surge of formation fluid pressure in
wellbore 301, one or more rams ofBOP 320 and/orLMRP 340 are normally actuated to seal inwellbore 301 and protect personnel and hardware upstream ofBOP 320 andLMRP 340. However, in some cases,BOP 320 and/orLMRP 340 may not containwellbore 301, which may result in the discharge of such hydrocarbon fluids subsea. The emitted hydrocarbons fluids form asubsea hydrocarbon plume 360. - For subsea deployment and operation, one or more remote operated vehicles (ROVs) are preferably employed to position and monitor
tool 100. In this embodiment, threeROVs 350 are employed to position and monitortool 100. EachROV 350 includes anarm 351 having aclaw 352, asubsea camera 353 for viewing the subsea operations (e.g., the relative positions oftool 100 and joint 200, the positions and movement ofarms 350 andclaws 352, etc.), and an umbilical 354. Streaming video and/or images fromcameras 353 are communicated to the surface or other remote location via umbilical 354 for viewing on a live or periodic basis.Arms 351 andclaws 352 are controlled via commands sent from the surface or other remote location toROV 350 through umbilical 354. - Referring first to
FIG. 6A , in this embodiment, atubular pipe string 370 is removably secured toconnection sub 140, thereby couplingtool 100 tostring 370.Tool 100 is controllably lowered subsea withstring 370, which extends fromtool 100 to a surface vessel. A derrick or other suitable device mounted to the surface vessel is preferably employed to support,axially move tool 100 onstring 370, and to rotatetool 100 withstring 370. Althoughstring 370 is employed tolower tool 100 in this embodiment, in other embodiments,tool 100 may be deployed subsea on wireline or cables. Usingstring 370,tool 100 is lowered subsea under its own weight from a location generally above and laterally offset from joint 200 and outside ofplume 360. Loweringtool 100 laterally offset from joint 200 andoutside plume 360 offers the potential to reduce the likelihood of damage to joint 200 iftool 100 is inadvertently dropped, improve visibility oftool 200, and reduce the potential for hydrate formation withintool 100. - Moving now to
FIG. 6B ,tool 100 is lowered laterally offset from joint 200 and outside ofplume 360 untillower end 110 b and guidefeet 180 are slightly abovejoint 200. Astool 100 descends and approaches joint 200,ROVs 350 monitor the position oftool 100 relative to joint 200. - Next, referring to
FIG. 3 andFIG. 6C ,tool 100 is moved laterally into position immediately above joint 200 withhousing 110 substantially coaxially aligned with joint 200. One ormore ROVs 350 may utilizeclaws 352 and handles 188 ontool 100 to guide andposition tool 100 relative to joint 200. Due to its own weight,tool 100 is substantially vertical, whereas joint 200 may be oriented at an angle relative to vertical. Thus, it is to be understood that perfect coaxial alignment ofhousing 110 and joint 200 may be difficult. Withtool 100 positioned immediately above joint 200, andhousing 110 and joint 200 generally coaxially aligned,string 370sets tool 100 axially downward, thereby receivingupper flange 201 intolower sub-housing 130 and basket grapple 160. Prior to loweringtool 100 ontoflange 201, thebolts securing flanges flange 201 can be axially lifted and removed fromflange 202 withtool 100 as will be described in more detail below. Thebolts securing flanges - As
tool 100 is set down ontoflange 201,feet 180, and in particular guide surfaces 185, help to guide and funnelupper flange 201 intolower end 110 b ofhousing 110 and basket grapple 160. This may be particularly beneficial in cases wherehousing 110 is not perfectly coaxially aligned with joint 200 astool 100 is lowered overupper flange 201. Astool 100 is positioned over joint 200 and lowered ontoupper flange 201,apertures 126 inupper sub-housing 120 and bores 155 inplate 150 allow hydrocarbon fluids flowing from joint 200 to flow unrestricted throughtool 100, thereby relieving well pressure and offering the potential to reduce the resistance to the coupling oftool 100 toflange 201. In addition, providing sufficient flow through area withintool 100 offers the potential to reduce the likelihood of hydrate formation withintool 100 and enhance visibility oftool 100. Although embodiments oftool 100 and the methods of using same described herein offer the potential to reduce hydrate formations and enhance visibility when employed to removeflange 201 from flange joint 200 that is emitting hydrocarbons, it should be appreciated that embodiments described herein may also be employed to remove a flange from a flange joint that is not emitting hydrocarbons. - As best shown in
FIG. 5 , basket grapple 160 is sized and configured such that the inner diameter of basket grapple 160 withinrecess 165 is about the same or slightly less than the outer diameter ofupper flange 201 when basket grapple 160 is in its relaxed and unexpanded state. As a result, internal threads 167 and associated teeth 167 a along theinner surface 161 of basket grapple 160 slidingly engage the radially outer surface offlange 201 asflange 201 is axially inserted intolower end 160 b. In addition, basket grapple 160 is preferably sized and configured such that the axial height ofrecess 165 is the same as the axial height ofupper flange 201.Upper flange 201 is preferably coaxially advanced into basket grapple 160 untilflange 201 axially abuts and engagesannular shoulder 166 oninner surface 161. Due to the relative sizes ofupper flange 201 and basket grapple 160 in its relaxed state, basket grapple 160 may need to be urged axially downward to sufficiently seatflange 201 in basket grapple 160. Accordingly,housing 110 may be pushed axially downward and/or axially lifted and dropped one or more times after the initial engagement of basket grapple 160 andflange 201 to allow axial engagement ofsurfaces flange 201. As basket grapple 160 is tapped and/or urged axially downward byhousing 110 ontoflange 201, basket grapple 160 is transitioned to an expanded state in whichfingers 168 c are flexed radially outward and/or basket grapple 160 is radially expanded via circumferential displacement ofends 160 c, d. Since basket grapple 160 is biased to the unexpanded position, internal threads 167 and associated teeth 167 a are urged radially inward into engagement withflange 201 asflange 201 is seated in basket grapple 160. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6C , 5, and 2, onceflange 201 is sufficiently seated in basket grapple 160,housing 110 is lifted axially upward withstring 370 relative to flange 201 and basket grapple 160 coupled thereto. Ashousing 110 is axially lifted,surfaces housing 110 causessurfaces 135 a tocam fingers 168 c radially inward, thereby causing teeth 167 a “bite” into and firmly grip the radially outer surface offlange 201 and allowingflange 201 to be lifted withtool 100 and removed fromflange 202 as shown inFIG. 6D . Withflange 201 removed fromflange 202 and captive within basket grapple 160,tool 100 is lifted to the surface, whereflange 201 may be removed fromtool 100 with a spreader tool. - In some cases,
tool 100 may not be able to removeupper flange 201 subsea once it is seated within basket grapple 160 and an axial lifting force is applied tohousing 110. For example,upper flange 201 may be firmly seized or corroded ontolower flange 202. In such cases, it is generally desirable to removetool 100 fromupper flange 201 so that another tool or procedure may be employed to removeflange 201. Accordingly, in this embodiment, several options are provided to removetool 100 fromupper flange 201 once it has been seated within basket grapple 160. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 , 2 and 6C, one option for disengagingupper flange 201 subsea involves the rotation ofhousing 110 and basket grapple 160 withpipe string 370 relative to flange 201 to unthread or back offtool 100 fromflange 201. As previously described,connection sub 140,plate 150,upper sub-housing 120, andlower sub-housing 140 are fixably coupled such that they do not move translationally or rotationally relative to each other. Thus, rotation ofstring 370 causeshousing 110 to rotate in the same direction about axes 105, 115. Basket grapple 160 is threaded intolower sub-housing 130, however, key 193 extending radially fromdoor 190 intocutout 169 of basket grapple 160 preventshousing 110 from rotating relative to basket grapple 160. Thus, withkey 193 extending throughaccess port 138 andcutout 169, basket grapple 160 rotates along withhousing 110 about axes 105, 115. Further, as previously described, teeth 167 a engagingflange 201 are defined by internal threads 167. Thus, rotation ofhousing 110 and basket grapple 160 relative to flange 201 enables teeth 167 a to be unthreaded and backed offflange 201. With basket grapple 160 unthreaded fromflange 201,housing 110 and basket grapple 160 disposed therein may be lifted to the surface. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 6D , another option for disengagingupper flange 201 subsea involves the rotation ofhousing 110 withpipe string 370 relative to basket grapple 160 to unthread or back offhousing 110 from basket grapple 160. As previously described, rotation ofstring 370 causeshousing 110 to rotate in the same direction about axes 105, 115. Basket grapple 160 is threaded intolower sub-housing 130 viamating threads port 138 andcutout 169 of basket grapple 160 preventshousing 110 from rotating relative to basket grapple 160. Thus, to rotatehousing 110 relative to basket grapple 160,ROVs 350 withdraw key 193 fromcutout 169 by firstunthread bolts 187coupling door 190 tolower sub-housing 130 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188, and then pullingdoor 190 and key 193 from sub-housing 130 withhandle 192. - As previously described, circumferentially spaced
shoulders 182 defined byfingers 181 function to retain basket grapple 160 withinsub-housing 130. Accordingly, guidefeet 180 are also removed from sub-housing 130 to allowhousing 110 to be completely unthreaded from basket grapple 160.ROVs 350remove guide feet 180 by unthreadingbolts 187 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188. - Once
key 193 is removed fromcutout 169 and guidefeet 180 have been removed fromsub-housing 130,housing 110 is simultaneously moved axially downward relative to basket grapple 160 bystring 370 or under its own weight, and rotated from the surface withstring 370. Assub-housing 130 moves axially downward relative to basket grapple 160,surfaces fingers 168 c bysurfaces 135 a and creating radial clearance betweensurfaces upper flange 201 via engagement of teeth 167 a andflange 201,housing 110 is allowed to rotate relative to basket grapple 160. As a result,housing 110 is unthreaded and backed off basket grapple 160 and may be removed to the surface leaving basket grapple 160 behind. Withhousing 110 removed from basket grapple 160 andupper flange 201, basket grapple 160 can be directly accessed byROVs 350 and removed from upper flange 201 (e.g., by cutting basket grapple 160 off flange 201). - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 5 , yet another option for disengagingupper flange 201 subsea involves the cutting of basket grapple 160 into multiple pieces. As previously described, basket grapple 160 is deployed with one through cut betweenends 160 c, d, thereby enabling basket grapple 160 to transition between an unexpanded state and an expanded state. As basket grapple 160 is urged ontoupper flange 201, it is transitioned to its expanded state. Since basket grapple 160 is biased to its unexpanded or relaxed state, when it is expanded aboutflange 201, teeth 167 a are biased radially inward into engagement withflange 201. However, by making a second through cut in basket grapple 160 opposite cutout 169 (i.e., ˜180° from the original through cut), this biasing effect due to radial expansion of basket grapple 160 is removed and teeth 167 a are not inherently urged radially inward intoupper flange 201. - To access basket grapple 160 within
housing 110 to create the second cut in basket grapple 160,ROVs 350 withdraw key 193 fromcutout 169 by first unthreadingbolts 187coupling door 190 tolower sub-housing 130 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188, and then pullingdoor 190 and key 193 from sub-housing 130 withhandle 192. Withkey 193 removed fromcutout 169,housing 110 is simultaneously moved axially downward relative to basket grapple 160 bystring 370 or under its own weight, and rotated about 180° withstring 370. Since basket grapple 160 is secured toupper flange 201 via engagement of teeth 167 a andflange 201,housing 110 is allowed to rotate relative to basket grapple 160, thereby rotating aslot 168 that is positioned about 180° fromcutout 169 and ends 160 c, d into circumferential alignment withaccess port 138. Next,ROVs 350 access theslot 168 through port 135 and cut basket grapple 160 axially fromupper end 160 a to thatslot 168, thereby dividing basket grapple 160 into two separate pieces, each extending about 180° about axes 105, 115. Next,housing 110 is slowly lifted axially upward withstring 370. Since basket grapple 160 is cut into multiple pieces, it is loosely disposed aboutflange 201 and teeth 167 a are not biased into positive engagement withflange 201. As a result, basket grapple 160 is lifted upward along withhousing 110 fromflange 201. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 and 6D , still yet another option for disengagingupper flange 201 subsea involves liftinghousing 110 from basket grapple 160 andflange 201. As previously described, circumferentially spacedshoulders 182 defined byfingers 181 function to retain basket grapple 160 withinsub-housing 130. Accordingly, guidefeet 180 are removed from sub-housing 130 to allowhousing 110 to be completely pulled upward from basket grapple 160.ROVs 350remove guide feet 180 by unthreadingbolts 187 via rotation of corresponding T-handles 188. It should be appreciated that key 193 need not be removed fromcutout 169 andport 138 since it can be moved axially upward throughcutout 169. - With
feet 180 removed fromhousing 110, an axial lifting force is applied tohousing 110 withstring 140. Initially, the upward movement ofhousing 110 relative to basket grapple 160cams fingers 168 c radially inward, thereby causing teeth 167 to bite intoflange 201. In general, the camming force applied tofingers 168 c increases as the lifting force is increased. However, due to the relatively small radial overlap ofthreads threads housing 110 to be forcefully lifted from basket grapple 160. Withhousing 110 removed from basket grapple 160 andupper flange 201, basket grapple 160 can be directly accessed byROVs 350 and removed from upper flange 201 (e.g., by cutting basket grapple 160 off flange 201). - Although
tool 100 has been shown and described as being deployed onstring 370,tool 100 may also be deployed on wireline or cable. However, it should be appreciated that wireline deployment may limit the ability to rotatehousing 110 subsea, and thus, the options for releasing basket grapple 160 subsea that require rotation ofhousing 110 may not be available. - While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be performed in any order. The recitation of identifiers such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2), (3) before steps in a method claim are not intended to and do not specify a particular order to the steps, but rather are used to simplify subsequent reference to such steps.
Claims (22)
1. A tool for removing a first flange from a second flange, the tool comprising:
a housing having a central axis, a first end, an open second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface, wherein the housing includes a first access port extending radially from the outer surface to the inner surface;
an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed within the second end of the housing and configured to coaxially receive and engage a first flange, wherein the basket grapple has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface, and a cutout extending radially through the basket grapple from the outer surface to the inner surface;
wherein the outer surface of the basket grapple includes external threads that engage mating internal threads on the inner surface of the housing; and
a key releasably coupled to the housing, wherein the key has a first position extending radially through the first access port and the cutout, and a second position removed from the cutout, wherein the key is configured to prevent relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing in the first position and allow relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing in the second position.
2. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the basket grapple includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots, wherein a each slot extends axially from the second end of the basket grapple and extends radially through the basket grapple from the outer surface of the basket grapple to the inner surface of the basket grapple;
wherein the plurality of slots define a plurality of circumferentially adjacent fingers configured to flex radially outward.
3. The tool of claim 2 , wherein the cutout extends axially from the first end of the basket grapple and one of the plurality of slots extends axially from the second end of the basket grapple to the cutout.
4. The tool of claim 2 , wherein the inner surface of the basket grapple includes a plurality of teeth positioned on each finger, wherein the teeth are configured to engage a first flange.
5. The tool of claim 1 , further comprising a door releasably coupled to the housing and covering the first access port, wherein the key extends from the door.
6. The tool of claim 5 , wherein the door is coupled to the housing with a bolt, wherein the bolt includes a handle extending radially from the housing, wherein the handle is configured to allow a remotely operated vehicle to remove the bolt and manipulate the position of the housing subsea.
7. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced through slots axially positioned between the first end of the housing and the basket grapple, wherein each through slot in the housing extends radially through the housing from the inner surface of the housing to the outer surface of the housing;
wherein a plate is mounted to the first end of the housing, the plate including a plurality of circumferentially spaced through bores;
wherein the through slots in the housing and the through bores in the plate are configured to allow fluid flow from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing.
8. The tool of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced guide feet coupled to the second end of the housing, wherein each foot has a first end engaging the housing, a second end extending from the second end of the housing, and a guide surface extending from the second end of the foot.
9. The tool of claim 8 , wherein each foot is removably coupled to the housing and includes a finger extending radially inward along the second end of the housing, wherein the fingers of the plurality of guide feet are configured to prevent the basket grapple from moving axially through the second end of the housing.
10. The tool of claim 9 , wherein each guide foot is removably coupled to the housing with a bolt, wherein the bolt includes a handle extending radially from the housing, and wherein the handle is configured to allow a remotely operated vehicle to remove the bolt subsea.
11. A method for removing a first flange of a subsea flange joint from a second flange of the subsea flange joint, the method comprising:
(a) positioning a flange overshot retrieval tool over the subsea flange joint, wherein the tool comprises:
a housing having a central axis, a first end, an open second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface;
an annular basket grapple coaxially threaded into the second end of the housing, wherein the basket grapple has a first end, and a second end opposite the first end;
(b) receiving the first flange into the basket grapple;
(c) radially expanding the basket grapple during (b); and
(d) removing the first flange from the flange joint after (b).
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
(e) preventing the rotation of the housing relative to the basket grapple with a key extending radially through the housing and the basket grapple.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein (b) further comprises guiding the first flange into the second end of the housing with a plurality of circumferentially spaced guide feet coupled to the second end of the housing;
wherein each foot has a first end engaging the housing, a second end extending from the second end of the housing, and a guide surface extending axially downward and radially outward from the second end of the housing;
wherein each guide foot includes a finger extending radially inward along the second end of the housing, wherein the fingers of the plurality of guide feet are configured to prevent the basket grapple from moving axially through the second end of the housing.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the tool is positioned with a pipe string.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the basket grapple further comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots extending axially from the second end of the basket grapple;
wherein the plurality of slots define a plurality of fingers at the second end of the basket grapple, each finger including a plurality of teeth disposed on the inner surface of the basket grapple;
wherein (c) further comprises flexing the plurality of fingers radially outward during (b).
16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising biasing the teeth radially inward into engagement with the first flange during (b).
17. A method comprising:
(a) lowering a flange overshot retrieval tool to a subsea flange joint including a first flange coupled to a second flange, wherein the tool comprises:
a housing having a central axis, a first end, an open second end opposite the first end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface;
an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed in the second end of the housing, wherein the basket grapple has a first end, and a second end opposite the first end;
(b) lowering the tool onto the first flange;
(c) capturing the first flange with the basket grapple during (b); and
(d) releasing the first flange from the basket grapple subsea after (c).
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein (a) comprises lowering the tool with a pipe string; and
wherein (d) further comprises:
rotating the housing and the basket grapple relative to the first flange with the pipe string; and
unthreading the basket grapple from the first flange.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein (a) comprises lowering the tool with a pipe string; and
wherein (d) further comprises:
rotating the housing relative to the basket grapple and the first flange with the pipe string; and
unthreading the housing from the basket grapple.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein (d) further comprises:
removing a plurality of guide feet coupled to the second end of the housing with one or more subsea remotely operated vehicles;
allowing the housing to rotate relative to the basket grapple by removing a key extending radially through the housing and the basket grapple with the one or more subsea remotely operated vehicles.
21. The method of claim 20 , further comprising:
(e) lifting the housing from the basket grapple and the first flange.
22. The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
rotating the housing relative to the basket grapple and the first flange with a pipe string;
accessing the basket grapple subsea through a port extending radially through the housing; and
cutting the basket grapple subsea through the port with a subsea remotely operated vehicles.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/455,806 US20120267116A1 (en) | 2011-04-25 | 2012-04-25 | Flange overshot retrieval tool |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161478667P | 2011-04-25 | 2011-04-25 | |
US13/455,806 US20120267116A1 (en) | 2011-04-25 | 2012-04-25 | Flange overshot retrieval tool |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120267116A1 true US20120267116A1 (en) | 2012-10-25 |
Family
ID=46028209
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/455,806 Abandoned US20120267116A1 (en) | 2011-04-25 | 2012-04-25 | Flange overshot retrieval tool |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120267116A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012148956A2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104563939A (en) * | 2015-01-26 | 2015-04-29 | 中国石油大学(华东) | Hydraulic-drive releasing fishing spear |
US9140091B1 (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2015-09-22 | Trendsetter Engineering, Inc. | Apparatus and method for adjusting an angular orientation of a subsea structure |
US20160090807A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-31 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Lockdown Mechanism and Lockdown System for Wellhead Connector |
US11015400B2 (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2021-05-25 | Deltatek Oil Tools, Ltd. | Apparatus for transmitting torque through a work string |
Citations (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1516764A (en) * | 1923-07-09 | 1924-11-25 | George W Dickinson | Hub puller |
US2874436A (en) * | 1955-03-21 | 1959-02-24 | Cameron Iron Works Inc | Slip assembly |
US3720260A (en) * | 1971-01-28 | 1973-03-13 | J Duck | Method and apparatus for controlling an offshore well |
US3748702A (en) * | 1972-06-15 | 1973-07-31 | C Brown | Automated pipe handling apparatus |
US4564068A (en) * | 1983-11-22 | 1986-01-14 | Smith International, Inc. | Emergency release for subsea tool |
US4825953A (en) * | 1988-02-01 | 1989-05-02 | Otis Engineering Corporation | Well servicing system |
US4907914A (en) * | 1987-05-11 | 1990-03-13 | Exxon Production Research Company | Tether connector for a tension leg platform |
US4941691A (en) * | 1988-06-08 | 1990-07-17 | Dril-Quip, Inc. | Subsea wellhead equipment |
US5947642A (en) * | 1996-11-22 | 1999-09-07 | Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras | Method and apparatus for connecting an underwater flexible riser to a structure on the surface |
US6095242A (en) * | 1998-08-28 | 2000-08-01 | Fmc Corporation | Casing hanger |
US6511099B2 (en) * | 2000-07-12 | 2003-01-28 | Anton Hummel Verwaltungs Gmbh | Connection fitting with clamping collet for elongated bodies |
US6805382B2 (en) * | 2002-03-06 | 2004-10-19 | Abb Vetco Gray Inc. | One stroke soft-land flowline connector |
US6962205B1 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2005-11-08 | Lay Jr Milford | Subsea wellhead landing clamp and slip bowl assembly |
US7040407B2 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2006-05-09 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Collet load shoulder |
US7090019B2 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2006-08-15 | Oceaneering International, Inc. | Casing cutter |
US7540692B2 (en) * | 2006-06-16 | 2009-06-02 | Vetco Gray Inc. | System, method, and apparatus for locking down tendon or riser moorings |
US7621698B2 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2009-11-24 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Rotating lock ring bottom tendon connector |
US8307903B2 (en) * | 2009-06-24 | 2012-11-13 | Weatherford / Lamb, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for subsea well intervention and subsea wellhead retrieval |
US8479824B2 (en) * | 2008-10-02 | 2013-07-09 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Power slip assembly for wellhead casing and wellbore tubing |
US8757269B2 (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2014-06-24 | Oceaneering International, Inc. | Clamp for a well tubular |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2793700A (en) * | 1955-03-24 | 1957-05-28 | Exxon Research Engineering Co | Overshot for controlling wild wells |
US5299644A (en) * | 1990-12-27 | 1994-04-05 | Abb Vetco Gray Inc. | Well starter head |
CA2301963C (en) * | 2000-03-22 | 2004-03-09 | Noetic Engineering Inc. | Method and apparatus for handling tubular goods |
US7779917B2 (en) * | 2002-11-26 | 2010-08-24 | Cameron International Corporation | Subsea connection apparatus for a surface blowout preventer stack |
US20080010801A1 (en) * | 2006-03-03 | 2008-01-17 | Car-Ber Investments, Inc. | Method for separating flanges |
-
2012
- 2012-04-25 US US13/455,806 patent/US20120267116A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-04-25 WO PCT/US2012/034888 patent/WO2012148956A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1516764A (en) * | 1923-07-09 | 1924-11-25 | George W Dickinson | Hub puller |
US2874436A (en) * | 1955-03-21 | 1959-02-24 | Cameron Iron Works Inc | Slip assembly |
US3720260A (en) * | 1971-01-28 | 1973-03-13 | J Duck | Method and apparatus for controlling an offshore well |
US3748702A (en) * | 1972-06-15 | 1973-07-31 | C Brown | Automated pipe handling apparatus |
US4564068A (en) * | 1983-11-22 | 1986-01-14 | Smith International, Inc. | Emergency release for subsea tool |
US4907914A (en) * | 1987-05-11 | 1990-03-13 | Exxon Production Research Company | Tether connector for a tension leg platform |
US4825953A (en) * | 1988-02-01 | 1989-05-02 | Otis Engineering Corporation | Well servicing system |
US4941691A (en) * | 1988-06-08 | 1990-07-17 | Dril-Quip, Inc. | Subsea wellhead equipment |
US5947642A (en) * | 1996-11-22 | 1999-09-07 | Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras | Method and apparatus for connecting an underwater flexible riser to a structure on the surface |
US6095242A (en) * | 1998-08-28 | 2000-08-01 | Fmc Corporation | Casing hanger |
US6511099B2 (en) * | 2000-07-12 | 2003-01-28 | Anton Hummel Verwaltungs Gmbh | Connection fitting with clamping collet for elongated bodies |
US6805382B2 (en) * | 2002-03-06 | 2004-10-19 | Abb Vetco Gray Inc. | One stroke soft-land flowline connector |
US6962205B1 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2005-11-08 | Lay Jr Milford | Subsea wellhead landing clamp and slip bowl assembly |
US7090019B2 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2006-08-15 | Oceaneering International, Inc. | Casing cutter |
US7040407B2 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2006-05-09 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Collet load shoulder |
US7540692B2 (en) * | 2006-06-16 | 2009-06-02 | Vetco Gray Inc. | System, method, and apparatus for locking down tendon or riser moorings |
US7621698B2 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2009-11-24 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Rotating lock ring bottom tendon connector |
US8479824B2 (en) * | 2008-10-02 | 2013-07-09 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Power slip assembly for wellhead casing and wellbore tubing |
US8307903B2 (en) * | 2009-06-24 | 2012-11-13 | Weatherford / Lamb, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for subsea well intervention and subsea wellhead retrieval |
US8757269B2 (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2014-06-24 | Oceaneering International, Inc. | Clamp for a well tubular |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9140091B1 (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2015-09-22 | Trendsetter Engineering, Inc. | Apparatus and method for adjusting an angular orientation of a subsea structure |
US20160090807A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-31 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Lockdown Mechanism and Lockdown System for Wellhead Connector |
WO2016049466A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-31 | Vetco Gray Inc | Lockdown mechanism and lockdown system for wellhead connector |
US9803446B2 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2017-10-31 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Lockdown mechanism and lockdown system for wellhead connector |
CN104563939A (en) * | 2015-01-26 | 2015-04-29 | 中国石油大学(华东) | Hydraulic-drive releasing fishing spear |
US11015400B2 (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2021-05-25 | Deltatek Oil Tools, Ltd. | Apparatus for transmitting torque through a work string |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012148956A2 (en) | 2012-11-01 |
WO2012148956A3 (en) | 2013-04-25 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8863846B2 (en) | Method and apparatus to perform subsea or surface jacking | |
US9260931B2 (en) | Riser breakaway connection and intervention coupling device | |
US6349770B1 (en) | Telescoping tool | |
US9482061B2 (en) | Subsea connector assembly | |
US20130020086A1 (en) | Systems and methods for capping a subsea well | |
US20160153254A1 (en) | Methods of Gripping a Tubular with a Slip Device | |
US20130032351A1 (en) | Releasable connections for subsea flexible joints and service lines | |
US20120318516A1 (en) | Subsea connector with a latching assembly | |
BR0110939B1 (en) | subsea riser disconnect set and process of connecting and disconnecting a subsea riser disconnect set. | |
NO20130705A1 (en) | Pipe string with locking system | |
NO339961B1 (en) | Connector and method for connecting components of an underwater system | |
US20130048295A1 (en) | Apparatus and methods for establishing and/or maintaining controlled flow of hydrocarbons during subsea operations | |
US20120267116A1 (en) | Flange overshot retrieval tool | |
US20110005777A1 (en) | Tool storage assembly | |
US9771771B2 (en) | Blowout preventer test joint assembly for testing variable bore rams, shear rams and annulars | |
US20120273212A1 (en) | Flange separation and retrieval tool | |
US20130140035A1 (en) | Systems And Methods For Collecting Hydrocarbons Vented From A Subsea Discharge Site | |
US20130014954A1 (en) | Subsea Connector with a Split Clamp Latch Assembly | |
US20180148301A1 (en) | Connector System | |
US8657530B2 (en) | Subsea pipe stub pulling devices and methods | |
US10648262B2 (en) | Running tool for use with bearing assembly | |
WO2012177713A2 (en) | Subsea connector with an actuated latch cap assembly | |
EP3662134B1 (en) | Large bore open water lubricator | |
US20220290524A1 (en) | Through bop lubrication system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ANDERSON, PAUL EDWARD;REEL/FRAME:028793/0709 Effective date: 20120605 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |