US4003434A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for running, operating, and retrieving subsea well equipment
Assignee: FMC Corp
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Filing: 1975-07-25
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Granted: 1977-01-18
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Expires: 1995-07-25
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for running, operating, and retrieving packoffs, bowl protectors, casing heads, casing hangers, and other well tools employed in drilling and completing subsea wells. Broadly considered, the method involves running the well tool and a special running and retrieving tool to which it is releasably connected into the well by means of a drill or other pipe string and then pressurizing the wellhead through the choke and kill lines to actuate the running and retrieving tool and release it from the well tool for subsequent retrieval and re-use. Various embodiments of the running and retrieving tool are described.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael R. Garrett
- 👤 Michael J. Krenek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:29
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B33/00; E21B33/02; E21B33/03; E21B33/04; E21B33/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of releasing a running and retrieving tool connected to a pipe string from a well tool located in a well below a blowout preventer system, said well having a wellhead and at least one choke and kill line extending from said wellhead to a control station, comprising a. closing the blowout preventer system around the pipe string, b. conducting hydraulic pressure through the choke and kill line into the well to pressurize the well annulus below the blowout preventer system, and c. exerting the choke and kill line hydraulic pressure in the well annulus against pressure-responsive means on the running and retrieving tool to disengage said means from said well tool, thereby releasing said running and retrieving tool from said well tool for withdrawal by said pipe string from said well.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of releasing a running and retrieving tool connected to a pipe string from a well tool located in a well below a blowout preventer system, said well having a wellhead and at least one choke and kill line extending from said wellhead to a control station, comprising a. closing the blowout preventer system around the pipe string, b. conducting hydraulic pressure through the choke and kill line into the well to pressurize the well annulus below the blowout preventer system, and c. exerting the choke and kill line hydraulic pressure in the well annulus against pressure-responsive means on the running and retrieving tool to disengage said means from said well tool, thereby releasing said running and retrieving tool from said well tool for withdrawal by said pipe string from said well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the running and retrieving tool is located in the wellhead.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure-responsive means includes hydraulic piston means responsive to externally applied pressure for actuation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
115 words
A hydraulically actuated running and retrieving tool for use in running and retrieving well tools into and from a remotely located wellhead, said running and retrieving tool comprising a. a body, b. means on the body for attaching the tool to a drill pipe string, and c. means on the body for releasably connecting the running and retrieving tool to a well tool, said connecting means comprising external piston means mounted on the exterior of said body and linearly movable with respect thereto in response to external exertion of hydraulic pressure thereon, whereby exertion of said external hydraulic pressure actuates said external piston means and releases said running and retrieving tool from said well tool.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
115 words
A hydraulically actuated running and retrieving tool for use in running and retrieving well tools into and from a remotely located wellhead, said running and retrieving tool comprising a. a body, b. means on the body for attaching the tool to a drill pipe string, and c. means on the body for releasably connecting the running and retrieving tool to a well tool, said connecting means comprising external piston means mounted on the exterior of said body and linearly movable with respect thereto in response to external exertion of hydraulic pressure thereon, whereby exertion of said external hydraulic pressure actuates said external piston means and releases said running and retrieving tool from said well tool.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A running and retrieving tool according to claim 4, wherein the releasably connecting means comprises a split contractible lock ring.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A running and retrieving tool according to claim 4, wherein the releasably connecting means comprises at least one lock piston.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
A running and retrieving tool according to claim 7, wherein the piston means comprises an annular external hydraulic piston sealed in fluid-tight manner to the body, and wherein the releasably connecting means comprises a split contractible lock ring, said lock ring contracting in response to application of said external hydraulic pressure to said external hydraulic piston.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A running and retrieving tool according to claim 4, wherein the releasably connecting means facilitates interconnecting said running and retrieving tool with a well tool in the absence of hydraulic pressure.
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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) | 1980-01-18 | 1980-07-19 | 1981-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-01-18 | 1984-07-19 | 1985-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-01-18 | 1988-07-19 | 1989-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |