GB2580600A

GB2580600A - A cover

Info

Publication number: GB2580600A
Application number: GB1900496.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Ellwood Russell; Charles Bromby Guy; Alexander Ure Robert; Webster Turnbull Robert
Original assignee: Thinjack Ltd
Current assignee: Thinjack Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-14
Filing date: 2019-01-14
Publication date: 2020-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2039-01-14
Also published as: GB2580600B; GB201900496D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a cover for an oil well component 102, the cover comprising of a substantially circular top panel 218 and a substantially cylindrical sidewall 220. The side wall 220 is attached to the top panel and a shock absorbing component (326, fig 3). The shock absorbing component 326 is attached to a second end of the side wall and the shock absorbing component 326 is operable to engage with a sealing feature of the oil well component (102, fig 1). The shock absorbing component may be a ring gasket component

Description

A COVER

Field of the invention

This invention relates to components used in petrochemical systems and particularly, but not exclusively, covers for oil wells.

Background to the invention

During construction, service and decommissioning of oil wells, work is carried out near or on the wellhead, as well as any components connected thereto or forming part thereof (e.g., the so-called 'Christmas tree'). During such work, the well bore and/or related components will be exposed at certain periods, during which there is a risk that items may be dropped into the well bore.

At present, this problem is typically solved by use of "ad hoc covers" (e.g., fabric or plastic sheets). Alternatively, a number of flexible rubber or plastic based covers are known. Whilst such covers may prevent personnel from inadvertently dropping small objects into a well bore, such covers lack the mechanical strength and/or rigidity to prevent larger or heavier objects from falling into the well bore. With an ineffective cover, it is possible that foreign objects may be dropped into the well bore. Such foreign objects are difficult to locate, see and recover. Accordingly, the entry of a foreign object may remain unseen for an extended period and may cause reduced hydrocarbon flow through the bore. Multiple wireline and tool interventions to recover a foreign object, often late in the viable life of an oil well, is likely to add cost that could have been prevented with an effective cover.

Additionally, during such work there is a risk that parts of the well bore and/or related components may be damaged. Certain parts of the oil well components are typically manufactured to high tolerances. For example, sealing components (e.g., ring gasket grooves located on component flanges) have to be precisely manufactured in order to be able to withstand the high operating pressures of oil wells. Even minor damage to any such components may result in leaks and/or incidents.

Moreover, as a purpose-designed cover rarely exists, even a properly thought through "ad hoc" construction uses fabrication and welding resources which should be prioritised elsewhere. Often, the poorly selected "ad hoc cover" will need to be found or constructed on a busy industrial site, where the materials are either unavailable, the wrong shape or the wrong size.

The inventors have appreciated the shortcomings of current covers.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover for an oil well component, the cover comprising: a substantially circular top panel; a substantially cylindrical side wall, the side wall being attached to the top panel at a first end thereof; a shock absorbing component, the shock absorbing component being attached to a second end of the side wall, wherein the shock absorbing component is operable to engage with a sealing feature of the oil well component.

The shock absorbing component may be formed, adapted or arranged in a suitable fashion. The shock absorbing component may be operable to engage with any suitable sealing feature of the oil well component. The shock absorbing component may be operable to engage with a ring gasket groove of the oil well component. The shock absorbing component may comprise a ring gasket component adapted to engage with the ring gasket groove of the oil well component. The ring gasket component may be operable to engage with a sealing face of the ring gasket groove of the oil well component.

The shock absorbing component may comprise additional or alternative features or elements.

The ring gasket component may be comprised of an impact absorbent material.

The ring gasket component may be comprised of a resilient material. The ring gasket component may be comprised of a rubber material. The ring gasket component may be comprised of an elastomer material. The ring gasket component may be comprised of a plurality of materials, one or more of which may be an impact absorbent material. The plurality of materials may comprise (without limitation): a rubber material; an elastomer; a plastic material; a fibrous material; a metal; an alloy or a foam material.

The plurality of materials of the ring gasket component may be arranged in any suitable physical or geometrical configuration. The plurality of materials may be arranged as a plurality of layers oriented along a first direction. The plurality of materials may comprise (without limitation) one or more of the following: a rubber material; an elastomer; a plastic material; a fibrous material; a metal; an alloy or a foam material.

The ring gasket component may have any suitable shape or configuration. The ring gasket component may be formed as a ring shape, the ring having a suitable cross section. The ring gasket component may have a substantially toroidal shape. The gasket cross section may have any suitable geometric shape or configuration, including (but not limited to): substantially circular; ellipsoidal; polygonal; or substantially rectangular.

The top panel and the side wall may be formed in any suitable manner.

Specifically, the top panel may be formed to have a substantially circular first top surface and a substantially circular second top surface. The first top surface may be referred to as an 'outside' top surface and the second top surface may be referred to as an 'inside' top surface. The first top surface may be substantially parallel with the second top surface. Either or both of the first top surface and the second top surface may have any surface geometry, including (but not limited to): substantially planar, substantially partially spherical; polygonal; substantially conical; or substantially frustro-conical.

The top panel may be formed, constructed or assembled in any suitable manner. 30 The top panel may be cut from a sheet of material.

The side wall may be formed substantially as a right cylinder. The side wall may be formed as a substantially oblique cylinder. The side wall may have a first cylinder radius and a first cylinder length. The first cylinder radius may be substantially identical to the radius of a ring gasket groove of an oil well component. The side wall may be formed so as to have a first wall surface and a second wall surface, wherein the first surface faces substantially away from the central axis of the side wall and wherein the second wall surface faces substantially towards the central axis of the side wall. The first wall surface and the second wall surface may respectively be referred to as the 'outside' wall surface and the 'inside' wall surface of the side wall. The first wall surface may be substantially concentric with the second wall surface.

The side wall may be formed, constructed or assembled in any suitable manner. The side wall may be cut from a sheet of material. The side wall may be cut to a rectangular shape from a sheet of material and may be formed into a substantially cylindrical or conical shape.

The top panel and the side wall may be mutually attached in a suitable manner using a suitable attachment means. The top panel and the side wall may be permanently attached to each other in a suitable manner. The side wall may be attached to the top panel by way of a suitable attachment means, including (but not limited to): welding; riveting or bolts. The top panel and the side wall may be integrally formed. The top panel and the side wall may be formed from a single sheet of material.

When in mutual attachment, the top panel and the side wall may define a volume. The inside top surface and the inside wall surface may define an interior cover volume. The interior cover volume may have a suitable geometric configuration and/or a suitable set of interior volume dimensions. The interior volume dimensions may have at least a set of threshold values. The interior volume dimensions may be chosen to have a predetermined clearance with a portion of an oil well component.

The top panel may comprise one or more additional layers of material on at least a portion of the first top surface or the second top surface thereof. The side wall may comprise one or more additional layers of material on the first side wall surface or the second side wall surface thereof. The top panel may comprise one or more additional layers on the outside top surface. The side wall may comprise one or more additional layers on at least a portion of the outside side wall surface. The one or more additional layers may comprise (without limitation): a protective film; a shock absorbing layer; a stiffening layer; or an impact deadening layer. The shock absorbing layer may comprise (without limitation) one or more of: a rubber material; an elastomer; a plastic material; a fibrous material; a metal; an alloy; a foam material; or a rubberised paint material. The shock absorbing layer may be attached in any suitable fashion using a suitable means, including (but not limited to): adhesive; magnetism; mechanical retention features (e.g., locking wedges); rivets; bolts; clamps or pins.

The shock absorbing component may be attached to a second end of the side wall in any suitable manner and using any suitable attachment means. The shock absorbing component may be removably attached to the second end of the side wall. The shock absorbing component may be permanently attached to the second on the side wall. The shock absorbing component may be attached to the side wall by way of a suitable attachment means, including (but not limited to): adhesive; welding; rivets; bolts; clamps or pins.

Each of the top panel and the side wall may be comprised of one or more suitable materials. The top panel may be comprised of the same material (or materials) as the side wall. The top wall may be comprised of different material (or materials) than the side wall. Either or both of the top panel or the side wall may comprise a metal-based material, e.g., (but not limited to) iron, steel, aluminium or an alloy.

Either or both of the top panel or the side wall may comprise a plastic-based material. Either or both of the top panel or the side wall may comprise a wood-based material. Either or both of the top panel or the side wall may comprise a plurality of materials, including (but not limited to) one or more metal-based materials, wood-based materials and/or one or more plastics-based materials.

The cover may comprise additional surface features. The additional surface features may be positioned on any suitable portion of the cover. The additional surface features may be positioned on a surface of the top panel. The additional surface features may be arranged on the surface of the top panel so as to be substantially entirely located within the radius of the top panel. The additional surface features may include (without limitation): structural features (e.g., strengthening features); handles; hooks; eyelets; or other attachment means.

The cover may be distinctly shaped, marked, coloured or otherwise be decorated so as to draw attention to it. This minimises the likelihood of an attempted connection or re-connection of the (well) components without first removing the cover. Handles, or other attachment means, may have a distinctive marking or colour thereby to draw attention to their function In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover, the cover comprising: a substantially circular top panel; a substantially cylindrical side wall, the side wall being attached to the top panel at a first end thereof; a shock absorbing component, the shock absorbing component being attached to a second end of the side wall, wherein the shock absorbing component is operable to engage with a sealing feature. The sealing feature may be provided on a tube or flange component of a pipe component used in a fluid transmission system. The fluid transmission system may be: a petrochemical upstream system; a petrochemical midstream system; a petrochemical downstream system; a nuclear system or other fluid-handling system.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary environment in which the invention may be implemented; Figure 2 shows an exemplary cover in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary cover in accordance with a second 30 embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 is an illustration of an exemplary cover in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

Description of the preferred embodiments

It may be illustrative to describe an exemplary environment in which the exemplary embodiments of the invention may be used or implemented. It will, of course, be appreciated that the following environment is exemplary only, and not intended to be limiting. Other environments, comprising alternative or additional features, elements or components, may easily be envisaged.

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary wellhead part 102 (or other oil well component) comprising a flange 104 for attaching one or more further components thereto, the flange having a plurality of bores 106 for accepting studs, locking screws or bolts drilled therethrough in a common manner. The wellhead part further comprises a central bore 108 and a circumferential groove 110 for accepting a gasket (not shown) or other sealing element.

The circumferential groove is typically referred to as a "ring gasket groove" or "ring groove". In the following, these terms will be used interchangeably. The ring gasket groove comprises two opposing groove side walls 112 (commonly referred to as "sealing face" or "sealing faces") and a bottom face 114. When in attachment with another component, the sealing face engages with the ring gasket so as to ensure a seal between the well bore and the outside environment. Given the high fluid pressures involved in oil well operations, the seal must be able to withstand such high pressures as well as other extreme operating parameters. As such, the sealing face is typically manufactured to very high tolerances.

During maintenance, assembly or disassembly operations, the wellhead (or other components) may at times be partially dismantled such that the wellbore is exposed. During such operations, the ring gasket groove, and by extension the sealing face, is exposed. This increases the risk that the ring gasket groove or the sealing face is damaged, for example by small debris, environmental damage or falling objects. Additionally, as previously described, when the wellbore is open, there is a risk that objects are dropped into the oil well. Dropped objects may be time-consuming, costly and/or difficult to retrieve or may cause damage to the oil well or parts thereof It will be appreciated that, whilst described with respect to a wellhead part (or parts), the above environment is, in principle, substantially identical to that found in respect of other parts of an oil well installation.

A first exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 2. It will, of course, be appreciated that this embodiment is exemplary only, and that modifications and alternative implementations of the exemplary embodiment may be envisaged within the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with the present example, there is provided a cover 216 for an oil well, the cover comprising: a substantially circular top panel 218; a substantially cylindrical side wall 220, the side wall being attached to the top panel at a first end thereof; and a shock absorbing component 222, the shock absorbing component being attached to a second end of the side wall, wherein the shock absorbing component is operable to engage with a sealing feature of the oil well component. In some examples the shock absorbing component is operable to engage with a ring gasket groove of the oil well component. In an example, the shock absorbing component comprises a ring gasket component 224 formed to engage with the ring gasket groove of the oil well. In some examples, the shock absorbing component comprises additional components or elements.

When the cover is correctly positioned on an oil well (or oil well component, such as the exemplary wellhead described with reference to Figure 1), the ring gasket component is operable to engage with the ring gasket groove of the oil well (or oil well component). This prevents objects from being dropped into the well bore. Additionally, when the cover is in position, the shock absorbing component is operable to at least reduce the effect of any objects impacting the cover on the ring gasket groove and/or a sealing face thereof. This reduces the risk of the ring gasket groove being damaged by any falling objects. Furthermore, it obviates the need to use the ring gasket itself to protect the sealing faces of the ring gasket groove.

As will be appreciated, ring gasket grooves are used in numerous components used in connection with oil wells. Examples of such components include (without limitation): interfaces to objects connecting to the 'Christmas tree' (whether "built up" or "solid block"); tubing spools; casing spools; starting heads; annulus valves; valve covers or bonnets; valve actuators; flow lines' well control equipment (e.g., blow out preventers); or choke or kill manifolds. Accordingly, whilst described exclusively in relation to an oil well, it will be appreciated that the present exemplary cover could equally well be used with any other component comprising a ring gasket groove. It will further be appreciated that, whilst disclosed as a being in used with a substantially horizontal ring gasket groove, the exemplary cover could equally well be used with a ring gasket groove in a non-horizontal orientation (e.g., a vertical orientation or at an angle in between horizontal and vertical).

The ring gasket component may be comprised of any suitable material. In some examples, the ring gasket component is comprised of an impact absorbent material. In the present example, the shock absorbing component comprises a ring gasket component comprised of a rubber material. In other examples, the ring gasket component may (without limitation) be comprised one of the following materials: an elastomer; a plastic material; a fibrous material; a metal; an alloy or a foam material. The ring gasket component is adapted to engage with at least the sealing face of the ring gasket groove. When correctly positioned, the ring gasket component additionally engages with the groove side walls. This increases friction between the ring gasket component and the ring gasket groove, thereby improving retention of the cover when fitted to the oil well. This minimises the likelihood of a fall or drop of the cover itself.

When in mutual attachment, the top panel and the side wall define an interior cover volume. The interior cover volume is adapted to maintain a predetermined clearance with a predetermined oil well component for positioning at least partially within a well bore. In the present example, the interior cover volume is substantially cylindrical. The interior cover volume may have any suitable set of dimensions. In some examples, wherein the interior cover volume is substantially cylindrical, the interior cover volume has a height of at least 3 cm, optionally at least 5 cm, optionally at least 10 cm, optionally at least 15 cm, optionally at least 20 cm, optionally at least 25 cm, or optionally at least 30 cm. The height of the interior volume may be chosen or set in dependence on a height of a connecting neck (or other element) above a flange face of the well or well component.

In the present example, the top panel has a first top surface, the first top surface being substantially on the 'outside' of the cover. The first top surface has a substantially planar surface geometry. Further, the side wall is formed as a substantially right cylinder and is, in the present example, integrally formed with the top panel. Alternatively, the top panel is, in some examples, permanently attached to a first end of the side well, e.g., by welding or riveting.

A second exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 3. Elements of Figure 3 that are similar to elements shown in Figure 2, will be denoted by identical reference numerals, albeit with prefix '3' instead of prefix '2'. Further, for purposes of conciseness, only features that differ substantially from those discussed with reference to Figure 2 will be discussed in detail in the following.

In the present example, the cover 316 is substantially similar to that described with reference to Figure 2 above. Further, the top panel 318 comprises a shock absorbing layer 326 on the outside surface thereof. The shock absorbing layer may (without limitation) be comprised of one or more of: a rubber material; an elastomer; a plastic material; a fibrous material; a metal; an alloy; a foam material; or a rubberised paint material.

The shock absorbing layer is operable to absorb impacts of objects falling onto the top panel. Additionally, the shock absorbing layer is operable to reduce the rebound or "bounce" of any such falling objects, thereby to reduce or prevent 30 damage to people, components or elements surrounding the cover.

Whilst described in the present example as a single layer it will be appreciated that the shock absorbing layer could, in principle, equally well be comprised of a plurality of individual sub-layers. In some examples, each sub-layer is comprised of a different material, wherein each of said different materials each have a unique set of properties.

Furthermore, whilst described as covering substantially the entirety of the surface of the top panel, it will be appreciated that the shock absorbing layer could cover only a portion of the surface of the top panel. For example, the shock absorbing layer, in some examples, covers substantially the central portion of the top panel. In some examples, the surface of the top panel may comprise a plurality of shock absorbing layers, each of which being arranged to cover a particular portion of the surface of the top panel. In instances where the cover protects a vertical or angled bore, the shock absorbing layer may additionally cover at least a portion of an outside surface of the side wall.

A third exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 4. Elements of Figure 4 that are similar to elements shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, will be denoted by identical reference numerals, albeit with prefix '4'. Further, for purposes of conciseness, only features that differ substantially from those discussed with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 will be discussed in detail in the following.

The top panel 418 of the cover 416 comprises a number of attachment elements 428. In the present example, the attachment elements comprise handles that allow an operator to move or otherwise handle the cover. The handles may be formed in any suitable fashion. In the present example, the handles are formed from substantially cylindrical elements that have been shaped so as to comprise two curved sections and three substantially straight sections. It will, however, be appreciated that this is purely for exemplary purposes only, and that a number of specific handles may be envisaged within the scope of the present example.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that, whilst exclusively described as handles in the present example, the attachment elements could, in principle, equally well comprise additional or alternative elements, including (but not limited to): fishtail hooks; metal bars; eyelets; or apertures. Such additional elements may, for example, be used in conjunction with additional fastening or anchoring means, such as (but not limited to): tie-down straps; chain; rope; or wires. The additional fastening means (e.g., tie-down straps) may for example be inserted into or attached to one or more of the bores 106 as a secondary method of securing the cover. Alternatively the additional fastening means may be attached or secured to an object inserted into one or more of the bores (e.g., be tied around a nut of a stud screwed into a particular bore).

The attachment elements may be arranged in any suitable configuration or arrangement on the surface of the top panel. In the present example, the attachment elements are arranged on substantially opposing sides of the top panel. This renders an operator or worker able to lift the cover by way of the handles. Alternatively, in particular for large covers, the cover may be lifted by inserting an object (e.g., a metal bar) through the handles and using the object to lift the cover. Furthermore, the attachment elements are, in the present example, arranged so as to be entirely located within the radius of the top panel. By ensuring that the attachment elements do not extend beyond the top panel radius, it is avoided that the attachment elements prevent the cover from being deployed or positioned. This may be important in circumstances where space is severely restricted, or under which the working environment is dangerous (e.g., if located substantially beneath a suspended object) or in which time for carrying out operations is limited.

In the foregoing examples, the covers have been described in isolation. However, it will be appreciated that, in some examples, a plurality of covers having different radii may be supplied. In such circumstances, it is advantageous if the plurality of covers are adapted to be supplied in a "nested" configuration. This reduces the size required for storing and shipping the covers. In an example, a plurality of covers are provided, wherein each of the plurality of covers has one of a plurality of unique radii, and wherein each of said unique radii has a value such that each cover having a first radius is able to fit into an interior cover volume of another cover having a second radius, wherein the first radius is smaller than the second radius.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cover for an oil well component, the cover comprising: a substantially circular top panel; a substantially cylindrical side wall, the side wall being attached to the top panel at a first end thereof; a shock absorbing component, the shock absorbing component being attached to a second end of the side wall, wherein the shock absorbing component is operable to engage with a sealing feature of the oil well component.
A cover according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing component is operable to engage with a ring gasket groove of the oil well component.
A cover according to claim 2, wherein the shock absorbing component comprises a ring gasket component formed to engage with the ring gasket groove.
A cover according to claim 3, wherein the ring gasket component is operable to engage with at least one sealing face of the ring gasket groove.
A cover according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the ring gasket component is comprised of an impact absorbent material.
A cover according to claim 5, wherein the ring gasket component is comprised of a rubber material or an elastomer material.
A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the top panel is permanently attached to the side wall.
A cover according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the top panel is integrally formed with the side wall. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. A cover according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the top panel and the side wall define an interior cover volume having a first set of interior volume dimensions.
10. A cover according to claim 9, wherein the interior volume dimensions are chosen to have a predetermined clearance with a portion of an oil well component.
11. A cover according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the interior cover volume is substantially cylindrical.
12. A cover according to claim 11, wherein the interior cover volume has a height of at least 3 cm, optionally at least 5 cm, optionally at least 10 cm, optionally at least 15 cm, optionally at least 20 cm, optionally at least 25 cm, or optionally at least 30 cm.
13. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the top panel comprises an additional layer of material on at least a portion of a surface thereof.
14. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the side wall comprises an additional layer of material on at least a portion of a surface thereof.
15. A cover according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the additional layer of material comprises a shock absorbing layer.
16. A cover according to claim 15, wherein the shock absorbing layer comprises at least one of: a rubber material; an elastomer; a plastic material; a fibrous material; a metal; an alloy; a foam material; or a rubberised paint material.
17. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein either or both of the top layer or the side wall is comprised of one or more of: plastic-based materials; a wood-based materials; or a metal-based materials.
18. A cover according to claim 17, wherein the top panel and the side wall are comprised of the same one or more materials.
19. A cover according to claim 17, wherein the top panel and side wall are comprised of different materials.
20. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the top panel comprises at least one attachment element.
21. A cover according to claim 20, wherein the at least one attachment element comprises a handle, operable to allow an operator to handle the cover.
22. A cover according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the at least one attachment element comprises a fishtail hook.
23. A cover according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the at least one attachment element is arranged so as to be substantially entirely located within the radius of the top panel.
24. A plurality of covers according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein each of the plurality of covers has one of a plurality of unique radii, and wherein each of said unique radii has a value such that each cover having a first radius is able to fit into an interior cover volume of another cover having a second radius, wherein the first radius is smaller than the second radius.