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US 10,590,744 B2Granted
Modular connection system for top drive
AssigneeWeatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
InventorMartin Liess
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present disclosure generally relates to a modular connection system for a top drive. The modular connection system may include two tubular components, each having a bore, a seal profile, and two or more load transfer features. The first tubular component may be inserted to the second tubular component to make a connection to transfer fluid, axial loads, and torsional loads. Each of the two tubular components may also include a coupler configured to transfer pressured fluid, data, or other signals.
Claims7
A modular connection system, comprising:
- a first tubular configured to connect to a top drive, wherein the first tubular has a first bore therethrough and a load transfer feature formed on an outer surface;
- a second tubular configured to connect to a tool, wherein the second tubular has a second bore and a cavity for receiving the first tubular, and the second tubular comprises:
- a locking element movably disposed in the cavity between a first position and a second position, wherein when the locking element is in the first position, the first tubular is insertable into the cavity so that the first bore is connected to the second bore, and when the locking element is in the second position, the load transfer feature engages the second tubular to transfer axial loads between the first and second tubulars;
- and
- an actuator coupled to the locking element to move the locking element between the first position and the second position,
- wherein:
- the first tubular includes a first coupler for transferring at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, pneumatic signal, data, and electrical signal;
- the second tubular includes a second coupler for transferring at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, pneumatic signal, data, and electrical signal;
- and
- wherein when the locking element is in the first position, the first tubular is insertable into the cavity so that the first coupler is coupled to the second coupler.
7 more elements
A modular connection system, comprising:
- a first tubular configured to connect to a top drive, wherein the first tubular has a first bore therethrough and a load transfer feature formed on an outer surface;
- a second tubular configured to connect to a tool, wherein the second tubular has a second bore and a cavity for receiving the first tubular, and the second tubular comprises:
- a locking element movably disposed in the cavity between a first position and a second position, wherein when the locking element is in the first position, the first tubular is insertable into the cavity so that the first bore is connected to the second bore, and when the locking element is in the second position, the load transfer feature engages the second tubular to transfer axial loads between the first and second tubulars;
- and
- wherein the load transfer feature of the first tubular includes two or more tapered load shoulders, wherein the two or more tapered load shoulders are spaced apart and form a bayonet profile, and the cavity of the second tubular having a bayonet profile and two or more tapered load shoulders matching the two or more load shoulders of the first tubular.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.