Method and apparatus of hot tapping multiple coaxial or nested strings of underwater piping and/or tubing for overturned wells or platforms
AssigneeTetra Applied Technologies, LLC
InventorsHarry McGraw, Leslie M. Bland, Daniel S. Bangert, Mark F. Gravouia, Rizal Masingkan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for tapping into a pressurized multiple strings of coaxially situated tubulars for wells and/or platforms which have overturned wherein the tapping occurs underwater via a diver or remotely operated vehicle. The assembly includes a tapping tool connectable to the tubular via a saddle connection and an adjustable tapping clamp with adjustable support/locking feet, compression plate with view ports, and angularly adjustable hot tapping system, along with a drill/saw system.
Claims20
A system for hot tapping a plurality of nested pipes including an exterior pipe having a bore and at least one interior pipe contained within the bore comprising:
- (a) a hot tap tool guide assembly detachably connected to the exterior pipe, the assembly including at least one plate having a plate opening:
- (b) a hot tapping tool capable of penetrating a selected one or more of the pipes, the tool including a hot tapping tip;
- (c) a seal member on the hot tapping tool that enables a seal to be perfected between the hot tapping tool and a selected one of the pipes;
- and
- (d) the hot tap tool guide assembly including a swiveling connection opening for supporting the hot tapping tip wherein the tip can be articulated angularly relative to the plate from a line that is generally perpendicular to the plate and wherein the tip is longitudinally extendable through the plate opening.
A method of tapping hot tapping a plurality of nested pipes having an exterior pipe and at least one interior pipe comprising the steps of:
- (a) connecting a hot tapping tool to the exterior pipe;
- (b) angularly adjusting the hot tapping tool in relation to at least one of the plurality of nested pipes;
- (c) providing a seal member on the hot tapping tool that creates a sealing connection with an exterior surface of a selected one of the plurality of nested pipes;
- and
- (d) hot tapping to the selected one of the plurality of the nested pipes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.