AU2024290266A1 - Boltless sealing assembly securement method - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling, said rotating control device comprising: - a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprising a channel located proximate a top edge thereof; said channel defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located therebetween; - a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; - a boltless sealing assembly securement system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted for insertion into a channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; said outer surface adapted to abut against the side wall of said channel and said lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of said channel and said top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of said channel; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the inner surface of said at least one boltless segment; wherein said insertion of said at least one boltless segment into said channel and subsequent securement of the boltless segment retainer onto said at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure said sealing assembly within said housing.

Description

BOLTLESS SEALING ASSEMBLY SECUREMENT METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to Rotating Control Devices and the methods of retention for sealing assemblies, more specifically, to a method of retention of sealing assemblies with do not use bolts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When drilling for oil and gas, one encounters geological formations that have a narrower tolerance for changes in bottom hole pressure. Constant improvements are being sought to reduce any downtime of equipment and expedite any repairs that become necessary. A widely adopted solution to this problem is the so called 'Managed Pressure Drilling' (MPD). In this method of drilling, the annular space is closed to the atmosphere by means of a Rotating Control Device (RCD). Rotating equipment requires maintenance as the drilling environment produces forces, elevated temperatures and abrasive cuttings detrimental to the longevity of seals, bearings, and packing elements. An RCD is a pressure- control device used during drilling for the purpose of making a seal around the drillstring during its rotation and/or tripping in and out of a well. The RCD is designed to contain or divert hydrocarbons or other wellbore fluids and pressure and prevent their release to the atmosphere. The RCD diverts the fluid into a manifold equipped with a specialized choke that allows manipulation of the well's bottom hole pressure. Right before breaking a connection to add a new stand, the pumps are ramped down. At the same time, the dynamic component of the bottom hole pressure drops and needs to be compensated for, in order to maintain a near-constant bottom hole pressure.

In the oil and gas industry, it is paramount to ensure the safety of employees, a problem that may jeopardize employees' safety on a drilling rig is known as a "blowout". When a zone of high geopressure is encountered during a drilling operation and the pressure exceeds the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the drilling mud, and the formation has sufficient permeability to allow fluid flow, then the formation fluid will move into the wellbore and displace the drilling mud. This is referred to as a "kick"; and if unchecked it will result in a "blowout" which is an uncontrolled release of crude oil and/or natural gas from an oil well Through the use of an MPD system which includes an RCD a kick can be safely controlled. During drilling operations, the drill pipe or tubular is axially and slidably moved through the rotating control head. The axial movement of the drill pipe along with other forces experienced in the drilling operation, some of which are discussed below, causes wear and tear on the bearing and seal assembly and the assembly subsequently requires repair. Typically, the drill pipe or a portion thereof is pulled from the well and the bearing and seal assembly in the rotating control head is then released. The internal sealing elements may be either passive or active. Passive sealing elements, such as stripper rubber sealing elements, can be fabricated with a desired stretch-fit. On the other hand, an active sealing element typically requires a remote -to-the -tool source of hydraulic or other energy to open or close the sealing element around the outside diameter of the tubular. An active sealing element can be deactivated to reduce or eliminate the sealing forces of the sealing element with the tubular. Several types of RCDs have been proposed with combinations of active and passive seals or sealing element, usually combining a stripper rubber sealing element and an active sealing element. A tubular typically comprises sections with varying outer surface diameters. The passive and active sealing elements mentioned above must be designed to adapt to seal around all of the rough and irregular surfaces of the components of the tubular, drill pipe, tool joints, and drill collars. The continuous movement of the tubular through the sealing element while the sealing element is under pressure causes wear of the interior sealing surface of the sealing element. When drilling with a dual annular sealing element RCD, the lower of the two sealing elements is typically exposed to the majority of the pressurized fluid and cuttings returning from the wellbore, which communicate with the lower surface of the lower sealing element body. The upper sealing element is exposed to the fluid that is not blocked by the lower sealing element. When the lower sealing element blocks all of the pressurized fluid, the lower sealing element is exposed to a significant pressure differential across its body since its upper surface is essentially at atmospheric pressure when used on land or atop a riser. The highest demand on the RCD sealing elements occurs when tripping the tubular out of the wellbore under high pressure. Several components are used to control the fluid pressure. Typically, one or more blowout preventers (BOP) are mounted with the well forming a BOP stack to seal the well. In particular, an annular BOP is used to selectively seal the lower portions of the well from a tubular that allows the discharge of mud. In many instances, a conventional rotating control head is mounted above the BOP stack. An inner portion or member of the conventional rotating control head is designed to seal and rotate with the drill pipe. The inner portion or member typically includes at least one internal sealing element mounted with a plurality of bearings in the rotating control head. The thrust generated by the wellbore fluid pressure, the radial forces on the bearing assembly and other forces cause a substantial amount of heat to build in the conventional rotating control head. The heat causes the seals and bearings to wear and subsequently require repair.

Rotating control device (RCD) sealing elements are made of a solid body typically comprised of dense flexible materials, such as elastomers, and are normally a single or dual element configuration within the housing. A typical RCD includes an elastomer or rubber packing/sealing element and a bearing assembly that allows the sealing element to rotate along with the drillstring. There is no rotational movement between the drillstring and the sealing element - only the bearing assembly exhibits the rotational movement during drilling.

When the sealing element fails or requires replacement, the sealing assembly is released and the rotating seal assembly is lifted from the RCD. The replacement of a sealing assembly or parts related thereto is a production-limiting step and is time intensive.

To the best of the inventor’s knowledge all commercially available sealing assemblies for RCD are bolted to secure them to a housing. Despite the existing prior art, there still exists a need for easier replacement of a sealing element for a rotating control device which will allow for a faster replacement and less down time for the operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method which relies on an insertion fit to secure a sealing assembly in place inside a RCD housing to simplify the assembly and disassembly process without compromising the retention/securement integrity.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling, said rotating control device comprising: a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprising a channel located proximate a top edge thereof; said channel defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located therebetween; a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; a boltless sealing assembly securement system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted for insertion into a channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a preferably curved shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; said outer surface adapted to abut against the side wall of said channel and said lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of said channel and said top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of said channel; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the inner surface of said at least one boltless segment; wherein said insertion of said at least one boltless segment into said channel and subsequent securement of the boltless segment retainer onto said at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure said sealing assembly properly inserted within said housing. The person skilled in the art will understand how a sealing assembly is intended on being inserted into said housing and will understand what is meant by properly inserted.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sealing assembly retention and securement member for use on a rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling, where said rotating control device comprises: a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprising a channel located proximate a top edge thereof; said channel defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located therebetween; a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; and wherein said sealing assembly retention and securement member comprises: a boltless sealing assembly securement system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted for insertion into a channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; said outer surface adapted to abut against the side wall of said channel and said lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of said channel and said top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of said channel; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the inner surface of said at least one boltless segment; wherein said insertion of said at least one boltless segment into said channel and subsequent securement of the boltless segment retainer onto said at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure said sealing assembly inserted within said housing. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a sealing assembly retention and securement member on a rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling, where said rotating control device comprises: a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprising a channel located proximate a top edge thereof; said channel defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located therebetween; a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; and wherein said sealing assembly retention and securement member comprises: a boltless sealing assembly securement system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted for insertion into a channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; said outer surface adapted to abut against the side wall of said channel and said lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of said channel and said top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of said channel; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the inner surface of said at least one boltless segment; wherein said insertion of said at least one boltless segment into said channel and subsequent securement of the boltless segment retainer onto said at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure said sealing assembly inserted within said housing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element is secured to an adapter which, during operation, abuts against said bottom surface of said at least one boltless segment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element is incorporated into the direct design of an elastomeric component.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said at least one boltless segment has a thickness sufficient that while placed in said channel, it protrudes therefrom and maintains the sealing assembly within said housing. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastomeric component, its adapter, and/or housing allows for a tapered seal without the use of threads or axial forces that reduce the force necessary to install and remove the sealing assembly from the housing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said at least one boltless segment is a curved piece adapted to be inserted into said channel at no more than half of its thickness, wherein said thickness is defined as the width of the metallic piece from the inner surface to the outer surface. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one boltless segment is a curved metallic piece.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said at least one boltless segment has a geometry selected from the group consisting of: a geometry where the groove is between the base of the sealing assembly and a retaining wall; a geometry where the retaining wall’s geometry can help prevent the geometry of the segments from collapsing or moving out of their required retention position; and a geometry where the system allows for the confident securement of the sealing assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners through the sealing assembly or housing into any other component.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said at least one boltless segment has an aperture located proximate the inner surface adapted to receive a tool used in the removal of said at least one boltless segment during a replacement operation. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one boltless segment comprises a curvature which defines an outer diameter which is larger than the diameter at a top edge of the sealing assembly. When positioned in the channel, this allows the at least one boltless segment to straddle the top edge of the sealing member and prevents the latter from moving out of the housing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said at least one boltless segment comprises a hinge connection between a first and a second member, wherein said hinge connection allowing the first and second member to be compressed towards one another to facilitate insertion into said channel located on said housing. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing a retaining a sealing element used in a rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling within a housing, said method comprising the steps:

Inserting a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough; positioning the sealing assembly within the housing to form a seal from the lower portion situated below a channel located on an inner surface of said housing; inserting said at least one boltless segment of varying potential geometries into said channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a curved shape adapted to fit within a channel located within a circular housing; and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; inserting a boltless segment retainer onto or into a top edge of said housing, boltless segment retainer comprising a top flat surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the internal surface of the at least one boltless segment, said boltless segment retainer further comprising a plurality of apertures adapted to be aligned with screw-receiving apertures located on the top edge of said housing; securing said boltless segment retainer onto said top edge of said housing with securing means (such as, but not limited to screws, bolts, or the like).

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for use with a rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling, said kit comprising: a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprising a channel located proximate a top edge thereof; said channel defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located therebetween; a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; a boltless sealing assembly securement system comprising: o at least one boltless segment having a specific geometry adapted for insertion into a channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a curved shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; said outer surface adapted to abut against the side wall of said channel and said lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of said channel and said top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of said channel; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top flat surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the inner surface of said at least one boltless segment; wherein said specific geometry is selected from the group consisting of: a geometry where the groove is between the base of the sealing assembly and a retaining wall; a geometry where the retaining wall’s geometry can help prevent the geometry of the segments from collapsing or moving out of their required retention position; and a geometry where the system allows for the confident securement of the sealing assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners through the sealing assembly or housing into any other component; and wherein said insertion of said at least one boltless segment into said channel and subsequent securement of the boltless segment retainer onto said at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure said sealing element within said housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a side view of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and FIGURE 5 is an exploded top perspective view of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 6a and 6b are a cross-sectional exploded view and exploded top perspective view (respectively) of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a particular focus on the boltless segments;

FIGURE 7a and 7b are a cross-sectional exploded view and an exploded top perspective view (respectively) of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a particular focus on the boltless segment retainer;

FIGURE 8a and 8b are a cross-sectional exploded view and a top perspective view (respectively) of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a particular focus on the elastomeric component and element adapter;

FIGURE 9a and 9b are a cross-sectional exploded view and a top perspective view (respectively) of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a particular focus on the area where the sealing assembly abuts against the wall of the housing.

DETAIEED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing assembly retention and securement member according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one boltless segment has a geometry selected from the group consisting of: a geometry where the groove is between the base of the sealing assembly and a retaining wall; a geometry where the retaining wall’s geometry can help prevent the geometry of the segments from collapsing or moving out of their required retention position; and a geometry where the system allows for the confident securement of the sealing assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners through the sealing assembly or housing into any other component.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing assembly, the rotating control device is used to seal around tubular bodies in any liquid and/or gas carrying wellbore. Preferably, the rotating control device is installed on a subsea BOP riser configuration or land-based BOP on an installation, or a vessel.

As seen in FIGURE 1 which represents a top perspective view of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sealing assembly (10) is secured onto the housing (20) with securing means such as screws (21)

FIGURE 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the sealing assembly (10) of a rotating control device and the housing (20) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The housing (20) comprises a central circular aperture (23) defining a cavity (29) extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprises a channel (25) located proximate atop edge (22) of the housing, the channel (25) defines an upper edge (26), a lower edge (27) and a side wall (28) located therebetween. The sealing assembly (10) comprises a sealing element (12), an element adapter (18), an elastomeric component (30) and a bolt (19) to hold the sealing element (12), element adapter (18), and elastomeric component (30) together. The sealing assembly (10) is adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser. A boltless sealing assembly securement system (40) comprises: at least one boltless segment (42) adapted for insertion into a channel (25) located on the housing (20), each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a preferably curved shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface (43), an inner surface (44), a top surface (45) and a lower surface (46); said outer surface (43) adapted to abut against the side wall (28) of said channel (25) and said lower surface (46) adapted to abut against the lower edge (27) of said channel (25) and said top surface (45) adapted to abut against the upper edge (26) of said channel (25). The boltless segment retainer (42) comprises a, preferably, flat top surface (51) adapted for securing on a top edge (22) of the housing (20) and a lower (annular) edge (52) adapted for insertion within the housing aperture (23) and abutment against the inner surface (44) of said at least one boltless segment (42).

FIGURE 3 shows an exploded side view of the sealing assembly (10) of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGURE 4a is a cross-sectional side view of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing (20) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The boltless segment retainer (50) comprising a top flat surface adapted for securing on a top edge (22) of the housing (20) and a lower (annular) edge (52) adapted for insertion within the housing aperture (23) and abutment against the inner surface (44) of said at least one boltless segment (42). The sealing assembly (10) comprising a sealing element (12) secured to an elastomeric component (30) by way of a securing means (such as a bolt or a screw) preferably mounted in (or through) an element adapter (18) which connects both sealing element (12) to the elastomeric component (30). The elastomeric component (30) has an exterior facing surface (31) comprising a lower section (32) defined by an annular inwardly-angled face (33) and an upper section (34) having at a top edge (35) a shoulder (36) adapted for abutment into an indentation (24) located on the housing (20) underneath the channel (25) which receives the at least one boltless sealing segment (42). Once the sealing assembly (10) is positioned within the housing, the shoulder (36) of the elastomeric component (30) is preferably flush with the lower edge (27) of the channel (25). When the at least one boltless sealing segment (42) is inserted in the channel (25), they are designed to extend beyond the channel (25) and provide an overlap directly above (and preferably abutting the top edge of the elastomeric component (30) where the shoulder (36) is located. This abutment of the at least one boltless sealing segment (42) with the top edge of the elastomeric component (30) provides the first portion of the retention system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The second portion of the retention system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the insertion of the boltless segment retainer (50) which, upon insertion into the cavity of the housing (20) will be retaining the at least one boltless sealing segment (42) within the channel (25) and upon securing the retainer (52) onto the top edge of the housing (22) using securing means such as screws (21).

FIGURE 5 is a top exploded perspective view of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention which shows two adjacent boltless segment (42 and 42’) which are capable of being removably inserted into the corresponding channel located on the housing. Preferably, the boltless sealing members can interlock with adjacent boltless sealing members to hold together more securely.

FIGURES 6a and 6b are a cross-sectional exploded view and exploded top perspective view (respectively) of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention which provides a particular focus on the boltless segments. FIGURES 7a and 7b are a cross-sectional exploded view and an exploded top perspective view (respectively) of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a particular focus on the boltless segment retainer. FIGURES 8a and 8b are a cross- sectional exploded view and a top perspective view (respectively) of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a particular focus on the elastomeric component and element adapter. When looking at FIGURES 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b, it becomes clear that the boltless segment (42) are, preferably, adapted to both fit into the channel (25) located on the housing (20) but also to overlap the top edge (35) of the elastomeric component (30). Meanwhile, the boltless segment retainer (42) is designed to be inserted directly downwards so that its top surface abuts directly on the top edge of the housing (20) where both are secured together through the use of a securing means such as screws (21). Figure 8 shows how the elastomeric component and element adapter cooperatively fit with one another in order to provide a sealing assembly (10) which can be secured into the housing (20) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGURE 9a and 9b are a cross-sectional exploded view and a top perspective view (respectively) of the sealing assembly of a rotating control device and the housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a particular focus on the area where the sealing assembly abuts against an inwardly facing and inwardly angled wall section (37) of the housing (20). According to the embodiment illustrated, the sealing assembly (10) comprising a sealing element (12) is secured to an elastomeric component (30) by way of a securing means (such as a bolt or a screw) which is connected to an element adapter (18) which connects both sealing element (12) to the elastomeric component (30). The elastomeric component (30) has an exterior facing surface (31) comprising a lower section (32) defined by an annular inwardly-angled face (33) and an upper section having at top edge defining a shoulder (36) adapted for abutment into an indentation (24) located on the housing (20) underneath the channel (25). Once the elastomeric component is securely positioned into the housing and the shoulder (36) is positioned within the indentation (24) located on the housing (20) the boltless segments may then be inserted into the channel (25) located right above the indentation (24) and upon doing so, the sealing assembly is secured within the housing (20). The insertion of the boltless segment retainer’s lower edge (52) within the housing aperture (23) abuts against the inner surface (44) of the multiple boltless segments (42) now positioned within the channel (25). Subsequent securing of the boltless segment retainer (50) to the top edge (22) of the housing completes the installation of the sealing assembly (10) into the housing (20). The sealing assembly is now ready for use.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling, said rotating control device comprising: a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprising a channel located proximate a top edge thereof; said channel defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located therebetween; a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; a boltless sealing assembly securement system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted for insertion into a channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; said outer surface adapted to abut against the side wall of said channel and said lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of said channel and said top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of said channel; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the inner surface of said at least one boltless segment; wherein said insertion of said at least one boltless segment into said channel and subsequent securement of the boltless segment retainer onto said at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure said sealing assembly inserted within said housing.

2. A sealing assembly retention and securement member for use on a rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling, where said rotating control device comprises: a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprising a channel located proximate a top edge thereof; said channel defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located therebetween; a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; and wherein said sealing assembly retention and securement member comprises: a boltless sealing assembly securement system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted for insertion into a channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; said outer surface adapted to abut against the side wall of said channel and said lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of said channel and said top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of said channel; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the inner surface of said at least one boltless segment; wherein said insertion of said at least one boltless segment into said channel and subsequent securement of the boltless segment retainer onto said at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure said sealing assembly inserted within said housing.

3. The sealing assembly retention and securement member according to claim 2, wherein the sealing element is secured to an adapter which, during operation, abuts against said bottom surface of said at least one boltless segment.

4. The sealing assembly retention and securement member according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sealing element is incorporated into the direct design of the sealing assembly retention and securement member.

5. The sealing assembly retention and securement member according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said at least one boltless segment has a thickness sufficient that when placed in said channel, it protrudes therefrom and maintains the sealing assembly within said housing.

6. The sealing assembly retention and securement member according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the elastomeric component, its adapter, and/or housing allows for a tapered seal without the use of threads or axial forces that reduce the force necessary to install and remove the sealing assembly from the housing.

7. The boltless sealing assembly retention and securement member according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said at least one boltless segment has a geometry selected from the group consisting of: a geometry where the groove is between the base of the sealing assembly and a retaining wall; a geometry where the retaining wall’s geometry can help prevent the geometry of the segments from collapsing or moving out of their required retention position; and a geometry where the system allows for the confident securement of the sealing assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners through the sealing assembly or housing into any other component.

8. The sealing assembly retention and securement member according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said at least one boltless segment has an aperture located proximate the inner surface adapted to receive a tool used in the removal of said at least one boltless segment during a replacement operation.

9. The sealing assembly retention and securement member according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said at least one boltless segment comprises a hinge connection between a first and a second member, wherein said hinge connection allowing the first and second member to be compressed towards one another to facilitate insertion into said channel located on said housing.

10. A use of a sealing assembly retention and securement member on a rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling, where said rotating control device comprises: a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprising a channel located proximate a top edge thereof; said channel defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located therebetween; a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; and wherein said sealing assembly retention and securement member comprises: a boltless sealing assembly securement system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted for insertion into a channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; said outer surface adapted to abut against the side wall of said channel and said lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of said channel and said top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of said channel; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the inner surface of said at least one boltless segment; wherein said insertion of said at least one boltless segment into said channel and subsequent securement of the boltless segment retainer onto said at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure said sealing assembly inserted within said housing.

11. A method of securing a retaining a sealing element used in a rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling within a housing, said method comprising the steps: inserting a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough; positioning the sealing assembly within the housing to form a seal from a lower portion situated below a channel located on an inner surface of said housing; inserting at least one boltless segment into said channel located on said housing, wherein at least one boltless segment comprising an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; wherein each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a curved shape adapted to fit within a channel located within a circular housing and abut against an outer surface of said channel; inserting a boltless segment retainer onto or into a top edge of said housing; and securing said boltless segment retainer onto said top edge of said housing with securing means.

12. A kit for use with a rotating control device used in managed pressure drilling, said kit comprising: a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein said housing comprising a channel located proximate a top edge thereof; said channel defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located therebetween; a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within said opening of said housing and defining an aperture sized for the insertion of a drillstring therethrough, wherein said sealing assembly is configured to seal around said drillstring and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; a boltless sealing assembly securement system comprising: o at least one boltless segment having a specific geometry adapted for insertion into a channel located on said housing, each one of said at least one boltless segment comprising a curved shape adapted to fit within said channel and having an outer surface, an inner surface and a top surface and a bottom surface; said outer surface adapted to abut against the side wall of said channel and said lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of said channel and said top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of said channel; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top flat surface adapted for securing on a top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted for insertion within the housing aperture and abutment against the inner surface of said at least one boltless segment; wherein said specific geometry is selected from the group consisting of: a geometry where the groove is between the base of the sealing assembly and a retaining wall; a geometry where the retaining wall’s geometry can help prevent the geometry of the segments from collapsing or moving out of their required retention position; and a geometry where the system allows for the confident securement of the sealing assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners through the sealing assembly or housing into any other component; and wherein said insertion of said at least one boltless segment into said channel and subsequent securement of the boltless segment retainer onto said at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure said sealing element within said housing.