US3872713A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Casing seal tester for subsea completions
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1973-01-31
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Granted: 1975-03-25
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Expires: 1993-01-31
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus are disclosed for testing annular seal assemblies of the type positioned between the upper exterior of a tubular member and a subsea wellhead or similar assembly from which the tubular member is suspended. The inner bore of the tubular member is isolated from the space directly above the seal. Then pressure is applied above the seal to create a differential pressure across it. A physical property of the tubular member is monitored as pressure is increased to detect any change in the monitored property indicative of a change in external pressure on the portion of the tubular member situated below the seal.
Inventors
- 👤 William T Ilfrey
- 👤 John D Mclain
- 👤 William W Todd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:09
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B33/00; E21B33/02; E21B33/03; E21B33/04; E21B33/043; E21B47/00; E21B47/10; E21B47/117; G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for testing an annular seal disposed between the exterior of a tubular member and a subsea wellhead or similar assembly from which the tubular member is suspended which comprises: a. means for isolating the bore of the inner tubular member from the space directly above the annular seal; b. means for applying pressure to the top of the annular seal to increase the differential pressure acting across the seal without pressurizing the bore of the inner tubular member; and c. means extending within the inner tubular member for monitoring a physical property of that portion of the inner tubular member situated below the annular seal to detect any changes in the monitored property indicative of a chanGe in external pressure acting on the inner tubular member in response to increasing the differential pressure across the seal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for testing an annular seal disposed between the exterior of a tubular member and a subsea wellhead or similar assembly from which the tubular member is suspended which comprises: a. means for isolating the bore of the inner tubular member from the space directly above the annular seal; b. means for applying pressure to the top of the annular seal to increase the differential pressure acting across the seal without pressurizing the bore of the inner tubular member; and c. means extending within the inner tubular member for monitoring a physical property of that portion of the inner tubular member situated below the annular seal to detect any changes in the monitored property indicative of a chanGe in external pressure acting on the inner tubular member in response to increasing the differential pressure across the seal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the monitoring means includes a plurality of extensible and retractable arms for contacting the inner wall of the tubular member in combination with at least one strain gage transducer to permit detection of changes in the inner diameter of the tubular member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the isolating means includes a substantially cylindrical body member provided with an annular seal about its outer perimeter and sized to be sealably supported within the upper end of the tubular member.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of testing an annular seal of the type positioned between the upper exterior of a tubular member and a subsea wellhead or similar assembly from which said tubular member is suspended comprising: a. isolating the bore of said tubular member from the space directly above the seal to prevent flow therebetween; b. applying pressure to the top of said annular seal to create a differential pressure across said seal; and c. monitoring a physical property of the portion of said tubular member situated beneath said annular seal to detect any change indicative of a change in external pressure acting on said portion of said tubular member in response to a change in the differential pressure.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of testing an annular seal of the type positioned between the upper exterior of a tubular member and a subsea wellhead or similar assembly from which said tubular member is suspended comprising: a. isolating the bore of said tubular member from the space directly above the seal to prevent flow therebetween; b. applying pressure to the top of said annular seal to create a differential pressure across said seal; and c. monitoring a physical property of the portion of said tubular member situated beneath said annular seal to detect any change indicative of a change in external pressure acting on said portion of said tubular member in response to a change in the differential pressure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the inner diameter of the tubular member is monitored to detect any changes resulting from a change in external pressure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-24 | 1978-09-23 | 1979-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-24 | 1982-09-23 | 1983-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-24 | 1986-09-23 | 1987-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |