Tubing hanger landing string with blowout preventer operated release mechanism
AssigneeFMC Technologies, Inc.
InventorsScott M. Hamilton, Richard Kent
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A coupling is incorporated in the landing string which is non-destructively unlatched by the closure of BOP pipe rams. The coupling is simple and reliable to operate in emergencies. When the pipe rams are closed, the radial force releases a mechanism comprising captive pins and an outwardly biased split ring. The split ring is compressed inwardly, releasing shoulders on collet fingers from beneath an undercut in a bore of the coupling. Reconnection is simply achieved by re-engaging the collet fingers in the undercut. Other BOP closure element non-destructively operated landing string couplings are also disclosed.
Claims16
A coupling comprising a first part connected in use to a tubing hanger landing string and a second part connected in use to a tubing hanger, the first and second parts being disengageable from and re-connectable to each other, the coupling comprising a disconnection mechanism whereby, with the tubing hanger landed, the disconnection mechanism may be positioned within a BOP so as to be non-destructively engageable by closure elements of the BOP;
- such non-destructive engagement causing the mechanism to disengage the connector parts and thereby separate the landing string from the tubing hanger.
A coupling for releasably connecting a tubing hanger landing string to a tubing hanger, the coupling comprising:
- a first part which is connected to the landing string;
- a second part which is connected to the tubing hanger;
- and
- means for releasably connecting the first part to the second part, the connecting means being positioned opposite a closure member of a BOP when the tubing hanger is landed within a wellhead component;
- wherein upon closing, the BOP closure member will actuate the connecting means to disconnect the first part from the second part;
- and
- wherein following disconnection of the first part from the second part, the connecting means is operable to reconnect the first part to the second part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.