Detachable Electrical Actuator
AssigneeVetco Gray Inc.
InventorRobert K. Voss
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A removable module for actuating elements, such as valves, within a subsea production tree. The module can include a motor, a drive shaft, and a ball screw. Embodiments exist where only the motor is removable, optionally the motor and drive shaft and/or all module elements are removable. A fail safe system is included that moves the production tree element into a pre-designated fail safe position.
Claims21
A subsea system for producing hydrocarbons comprising:
- a subsea production member in fluid communication with a wellbore;
- an element in the production member linearly moveable between at least a first position and a second position;
- a selectively removable actuation module having,
- an electrically powered rotary drive member having a rotatable output, and
- a motion translator having a rotatable end linked with the drive member rotatable output and a linearly moveable opposite end connected with the element in the production member;
- and
- a fail safe system in a first configuration coupled to the element in its first position and a second configuration coupled to the element in its second position.
A subsea wellhead assembly for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea wellbore comprising:
- a wellhead housing in fluid communication with the wellbore;
- a production tree affixed to the wellhead housing;
- a valve linearly moveable in the production tree;
- and
- an actuator having,
- housing,
- an electric motor having a rotatable shaft and a frame selectively attachable with the housing;
- a linkage with an end rotatingly coupled with the rotatable shaft from the electric motor and a linearly moveable end connected to the valve;
- a reaction plate connected to the linearly moveable end, and
- a compressible member in contact with the reaction plate having a compressed configuration when the valve is in an open position and an expanded configuration when the valve is in a closed position.
A method of operating a subsea production member having a selectively moveable element therein, the method comprising:
- providing a selectively removable actuating device in mechanical cooperation with the moveable element;
- energizing the actuating device to rotate a shaft;
- converting the shaft rotary motion to linear motion;
- linearly moving the moveable element with the converted linear motion;
- removing the actuating device;
- and
- selectively moving the moveable element into a fail safe position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.