Tools and methods for refacing tubular ends forming a threaded connection
AssigneeNational Oilwell Varco, L.P.
InventorsFloyd Martin, Andrei Muradov, Edgar Stokley, Dan Morgan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A refacing tool includes a feed assembly that holds a first set of cutters positioned for refacing the inner shoulder of a pin or box end of a tubular and a second set of cutters positioned for refacing the outer shoulder of the pin or box end. The axial spacing between the first set of cutters and the second set of cutters is fixed and determined by the geometry of the feed assembly. The refacing tool can simultaneously reface the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder, as well as chamfers.
Claims20
A tool for refacing a tubular end having an inner shoulder, an outer shoulder, and threads for forming a connection, the refacing tool comprising:
- a feed assembly;
- cutters coupled to the feed assembly so as to move in unison with the feed assembly, the cutters being positioned so as to reface the inner shoulder or the outer shoulder of the tubular end;
- a rotating assembly, the rotating assembly passing through the feed assembly, and the feed assembly being capable of sliding relative to the rotating assembly;
- a mandrel assembly coupled to the rotating assembly, the mandrel assembly including threads configured to directly complement and engage the threads of the tubular end;
- a locking pin coupled to the rotating assembly so as to slide between a first position, wherein the locking pin does not engage the mandrel assembly, and a second position wherein the locking pin engages the mandrel assembly and prevents rotation of the mandrel assembly relative to the rotating assembly;
- and
- a cam coupled to the rotating assembly so as to slide between an unlock position, wherein the cam allows a spring to urge the locking pin in the first position, and a lock position, wherein the cam retains the locking pin in the second position;
- wherein the feed assembly comprises at least a window located such that the cam is accessible through the at least one window, wherein the at least one window includes a transparent shield that covers the at least one window.
A method of refacing a tubular end having an inner shoulder, an outer shoulder, and threads for forming a connection, the method comprising:
- providing a refacing tool including:
- a feed assembly;
- cutters coupled to the feed assembly so as to move in unison with the feed assembly, the cutter being positioned so as to reface the inner shoulder or the outer shoulder of the tubular end;
- a rotating assembly, the rotating assembly passing through the feed assembly, and the feed assembly being capable of sliding relative to the rotating assembly;
- a mandrel assembly coupled to the rotating assembly, the mandrel assembly including threads configured to directly complement and engage the threads of the tubular end;
- a locking pin coupled to the rotating assembly so as to slide between a first position, wherein the locking pin does not engage the mandrel assembly, and a second position wherein the locking pin engages the mandrel assembly;
- and prevents rotation of the mandrel assembly relative to the rotating assembly;
- and
- a cam coupled to the rotating assembly so as to slide between an unlock position, wherein the cam allows a spring to urge the locking pin in the first position, and a lock position, wherein the cam retains the locking pin in the second position;
- wherein the feed assembly comprises at least a window located such that the cam is accessible through the at least one window, wherein the at least one window includes a transparent shield that covers the at least one window;
- coupling the threads of the tubular end to the threads of the mandrel assembly;
- applying a torque to the feed assembly;
- and
- refacing the inner shoulder or the outer shoulder of the tubular end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.