Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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PRESSURE RELEASE ASSEMBLY FOR CASING OF DRILLING RIG
[001] TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] Some aspects generally relate to (and are not limited to) an
apparatus including a
casing pressure relief assembly configured to actuatably release internal
pressure from a
casing system of a drilling rig platform (and method therefor).
[003] BACKGROUND
[004] A drilling rig platform is a machine configured to drill (create) a
bore hole in the
ground. The drilling rig platform houses equipment used to drill water wells,
oil wells
and/or natural gas extraction wells. The drilling rig platform may be deployed
on a
mobile platform or in a permanent land or marine-based structure (offshore oil
rigs).
[005] A mud pump circulates a drilling mud (slurry) through a drill bit and
along a
casing system. The casing system is also called a casing annulus or a pipe.
The casing
system is used for supporting the shape of the bore hole, and for cooling and
removing
the cuttings while drilling the well (bore hole). Hoists in the rig can lift
hundreds of tons
of pipe. The casing system is an outer (hollow) piping structure. The casing
system is
inserted into the bore hole (drilled by the drilling platform). The casing
system holds
back soil materials and stabilizes the bore hole.
[006] By using a float collar on the top of a shoe joint and a guide or
float shoe on the
bottom, trapped internal pressure may occur in the casing system. The shoe
joint is also
called a casing joint and is a part of the casing system. Once the drill is
activated, the
fluid pump adds more internal pressure to the casing system. Once plugged,
trapped
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internal casing pressure increases in the casing system. Removal of the
unwanted plug
from the casing system may be accomplished with finesse (operator skill and
luck).
Sometimes finessing the solution leads to more internal pressure trapped in
the casing
system. For instance, the internal pressure may reach up to 1,500 pounds per
square inch
(PSI) or higher. It is a dangerous task to relieve internal pressure from the
casing system.
This task endangers workers, wrecks equipment and creates unwanted
environmental
spillage.
[007] SUMMARY
[008] It will be appreciated there exists a need to mitigate (at least in
part) problems
associated with drilling rig platforms. After much study of the known systems
and
methods along with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its
solution
has been identified and is articulated as follows:
[009] To mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified with
existing systems and/or
methods for drilling rig platforms, there is provided (in accordance with a
major aspect)
an apparatus for a drilling rig platfolin configured to be operative with a
casing system
having a check valve fixedly positioned in the casing system. The apparatus
includes (and
is not limited to) a casing pressure relief assembly fixedly positionable
relative to the
check valve. The casing pressure relief assembly is configured to actuate the
check valve
in such a way that the check valve actuatably releases internal pressure from
the casing
system. This is done in such a way that the internal fluid pressure of the
pressurized fluid
trapped in the casing system is released once the casing pressure relief
assembly actuates
the check valve.
[0010] To mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified above, in
accordance with
another major aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes
(and is not
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limited to) a combination of a casing system, a drilling rig platform, and a
casing pressure
relief assembly. The casing system has a check valve fixedly positioned in the
casing
system. The drilling rig platform is configured to be operative with the
casing system.
The casing pressure relief assembly is fixedly positionable relative to the
check valve.
The casing pressure relief assembly is configured to actuate the check valve
in such a
way that the check valve actuatably releases internal pressure from the casing
system.
This is done in such a way that the internal fluid pressure of the pressurized
fluid trapped
in the casing system is released once the casing pressure relief assembly
actuates the
check valve.
[0011] To mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified above, in
accordance with
yet another major aspect, there is provided a method of operating a drilling
rig platform
configured to be operative with a casing system having a check valve fixedly
positioned
in the casing system. The method includes (and is not limited to) an operation
(A) and an
operation (B). The operation (A) includes fixedly positioning a casing
pressure relief
assembly relative to the check valve. The operation (B) includes using the
casing pressure
relief assembly to actuate the check valve in such a way that the check valve
actuatably
releases internal pressure from the casing system. This is done in such a way
that the
internal fluid pressure of the pressurized fluid trapped in the casing system
is released
once the casing pressure relief assembly actuates the check valve.
[0012] To mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified above, in
accordance with
other aspects, there are provided aspects as identified in the claims.
[0013] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now
become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed
description of
the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.
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[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by
reference to the
following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken with
the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. la depicts a view of an embodiment of a drill rig platform;
[0017] FIGS. lb, lc and ld depict views of embodiments of a casing system
usable with
the drill rig platform of FIG. la;
[0018] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e depict views of embodiments of an
apparatus
including a casing pressure relief assembly for use with the drill rig
platform of FIG. 1 a
and/or with the casing system of FIGS. lb, lc and Id;
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a view of an embodiment of a hydraulic pump of the
apparatus of
FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e;
[0020] FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f and 4g depict views of embodiments of a
lock
assembly of the apparatus of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e;
[0021] FIGS. 5a, 5b, Sc, 5d, 5e and 5f depict views of embodiments of a
lock-connector
assembly of the apparatus of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e;
[0022] FIGS. 6a and 6b depict views of embodiments of a container assembly
of the
apparatus of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e; and
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[0023] FIG. 7 depicts a view of embodiments of the apparatus (in use) of
FIGS. 2a, 2b,
2c, 2d and 2e.
[0024] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by
phantom lines,
diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances,
details
unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that
render other
details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
[0025] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components
throughout the several figures of the Drawings. Elements in the several
figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The
dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other
elements for
facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In
addition, common,
but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially
feasible
embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the
embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0026] LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS
100 apparatus
102 casing pressure relief assembly
104 hydraulic pump
106 lock assembly
108 lock-connector assembly
110 container assembly
200 body member
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202 casing-engagement member
204 lock-engagement member
206 hydraulically-operable actuator assembly
208 hydraulically-movable member
210 hydraulic fluid portal
300 collar portion
302 hinge assembly
304 lock-coupling assembly
306 pin assembly
308 pin lock
400 extension member
402 extension coupler
404 pin device
406 pin coupler device
408 connection device
900 drill rig platform
901 casing system
902 casing joint
904 casing collar
906 float collar
907 check valve
908 ground
910 casing shoe
911 fluid flow direction
912 exit flow direction
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[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
[0028] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not
intended to
limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described
embodiments. As used, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as
an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described as
"exemplary" or
"illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other
implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary
implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use
the
embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure.
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For the description, the
terms
"upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal,"
and derivatives
thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no
intention to
be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field,
Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be
understood
that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and
described in the
following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or
concepts
defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical
characteristics
relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting,
unless the
claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase "at least
one" is
equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options,
variations,
embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings.
It should
be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by
the claims,
and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and
described.
[0029] FIG. la depicts a view of an embodiment of a drill rig platform 900.
FIG. la
depicts a side view.
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[0030] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. la, the drill rig
platform 900 is
configured for drilling bore holes in the ground 908 (also called earth) in
such a way that
a resource fluid (such as, crude oil) may be extracted from the bore hole. The
drill rig
platform 900 may be configured for extracting other items (fluids) from the
ground 908.
The drill rig platform 900 includes a casing system 901 having a casing joint
902. The
casing system 901 includes a hollow piping structure configured to extend into
the
ground 908. The casing system 901 is configured to be inserted into a bore
hole drilled by
the drill rig platform 900. The casing system 901 is inserted into the bore
hole to hold
back soil and stabilize the bore hole (to prevent unwanted collapse of the
bore hole).
[0031] FIGS. lb, lc and Id depict views of embodiments of a casing system
901 usable
with the drill rig platform 900 of FIG. la. FIG. lb depicts a side view. FIG.
lc depicts a
perspective view. FIG. Id depicts a side view.
[0032] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. lb, the casing system
901 extends
(at least in part) into the ground 908. A casing shoe 910 is positioned at a
distal end of the
casing system 901. The casing shoe 910 terminates the casing system 901. The
casing
shoe 910 forms an exit portal configured to permit a flow of fluid (such as, a
drilling
fluid) along a fluid flow direction 911 that flows along the interior of the
casing system
901 toward the distal end of the casing system 901. This is done in such a way
that the
pressurized fluid is permitted to flow from the interior of the casing system
901 to an
exterior of the casing system 901 (via the exit portal of the casing shoe 910)
between the
casing system 901 and the ground 908 (in the bore hole that receives the
casing system
901).
[0033] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. lc and ld, the casing
system 901
includes (and is not limited to): a casing joint 902, a float collar 906, and
a casing collar
904. The casing joint 902 is also called a shoe joint. The float collar 906
has a check
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valve 907 that is positioned (fixedly positioned) in the float collar 906. In
this way, the
check valve 907 is positioned in the interior of the casing system 901. The
casing collar is
also called a casing connector. The casing collar 904 is configured to connect
the casing
joint 902 to the float collar 906. For instance, the casing collar 904
threadably, securely
and sealably couples (connects) the casing joint 902 with the float collar
906. The casing
joint 902 passes through, at least in part, the drill rig platform 900. The
check valve 907
normally operates in a directional flow-checked state (fluid flows one way).
The
pressurized fluid is permitted to flow into the float collar 906 through the
check valve
907 and then toward the casing joint 902. The check valve 907 is configured to
prevent
reversed flow of fluid from the casing joint 902 toward the float collar 906.
It will be
appreciated that the check valve 907 is configured to permit the reverse flow
of the
pressurized fluid (once actuated to do just so). This is a desired state of
operation of the
check valve 907 when the drill rig platform 900 operates in a normal drilling
mode (in
which the drilling fluid is to be forced into the casing system 901 toward the
ground 908,
as depicted in FIGS. la and 1 b, along the fluid flow direction 911).
[0034] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e depict views of embodiments of an
apparatus 100
including a casing pressure relief assembly 102 for use with the drill rig
platform 900 of
FIG. la and/or with the casing system 901 of FIGS. lb, lc and ld. FIG. 2a
depicts a top
view. FIGS. 2b and 2c depict side views. FIG. 2d depicts a perspective view.
FIG. 2e
depicts a side view.
[0035] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and
2e, the casing
pressure relief assembly 102 includes a hydraulically-operable actuator (and
any
equivalent thereof). It will be appreciated that any actuator may be deployed
in the casing
pressure relief assembly 102 (such as an electrically-based actuator). It will
be
appreciated that the actuator is configured to urge (force) the check valve
907 to open and
permit flow of fluid from the interior of the casing system 901 to the
exterior of the
casing system 901, preferably, at the float collar 906.
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[0036] For instance, the casing pressure relief assembly 102 includes a
body member
200, a casing-engagement member 202, a lock-engagement member 204, and a
hydraulically-operable actuator assembly 206. The casing-engagement member 202
is
positioned relative to the body member 200. The lock-engagement member 204 is
positioned relative to the body member 200. The hydraulically-operable
actuator
assembly 206 is positioned relative to the body member 200. The hydraulically-
operable
actuator assembly 206 has a hydraulically-movable member 208, and a hydraulic
fluid
portal 210. The hydraulically-movable member 208 is also called a hydraulic
piston. The
casing-engagement member 202 is configured to operatively position the casing
pressure
relief assembly 102 relative to the casing system 901. The lock-engagement
member 204
is configured to lockably engage the casing pressure relief assembly 102
relative to the
casing system 901. The hydraulically-operable actuator assembly 206 is
configured to
hydraulically move the hydraulically-movable member 208 in such a way as to
actuate
the check valve 907 to release an internal pressure from the casing system 901
in
response to receiving a hydraulic fluid via the hydraulic fluid portal 210.
[0037] Specifically, four instances of the casing-engagement member 202 are
depicted.
There are two instances of the lock-engagement member 204 depicted. The
hydraulically-
movable member 208 is configured to open the check valve 907 (once the casing
pressure
relief assembly 102 is fixedly positioned relative to the check valve 907).
The body
member 200 is configured to be positioned at the open end of the float collar
906 (and to
abut the float collar 906). The instances of the casing-engagement member 202
are
spaced apart from each other, and extend from the body member 200 (in the same
direction). The instances of the casing-engagement member 202 are spaced apart
from
each other; this is done in such a way that the casing pressure relief
assembly 102 is
mountable to the float collar 906 of the casing system 901 (as depicted in
FIG. 2e). The
instances of the casing-engagement member 202 stay (remain) exterior to the
casing
system 901 while the hydraulically-operable actuator assembly 206 extends (at
least in
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part) into the interior of the float collar 906. The instances of the lock-
engagement
member 204 are positioned on opposite sides of the body member 200. The
instances of
the lock-engagement member 204 are configured to fixedly lock the casing
pressure relief
assembly 102 relative to the float collar 906 (once the casing pressure relief
assembly 102
is mounted to the opening defined by the float collar 906). The hydraulically-
operable
actuator assembly 206 is attached to the body member 200, and extends in the
same
direction as the instances of the casing-engagement member 202. The
hydraulically-
movable member 208 is configured to move from an unactuated position (depicted
in
FIG. 2b) to an actuation position (depicted in FIG. 2c). This is done in
response to the
hydraulic fluid portal 210 receiving a hydraulic fluid (from a hydraulic fluid
source). The
body member 200 is configured to be positioned at the open end of the float
collar 906
(and to abut the float collar 906) in such a way that the hydraulically-
movable member
208 extends into the float collar 906 of the casing system 901, and the
hydraulically-
movable member 208 is interactable with the check valve 907 positioned in the
interior of
the float collar 906. The hydraulically-operable actuator assembly 206 is
configured to
move the hydraulically-movable member 208 in such a way as to activate the
check valve
907; once the check valve 907 is activated, the pressurized fluid in the
casing system 901
may flow in a direction such that the pressurized fluid flows out from within
the casing
system 901 to externally of the casing system 901 via the check valve 907 (in
the
opposite sense of the fluid flow direction 911 depicted in FIG. 1d).
[0038] FIG. 3 depicts a view of an embodiment of a hydraulic pump 104 of
the apparatus
100 of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. FIG. 3 depicts a side view.
[0039] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the casing pressure
relief
assembly 102 is installed (fixedly positioned) to the float collar 906 of the
casing system
901. The hydraulic pump 104 is configured to be fluidly connected to the
hydraulic fluid
portal 210 of the casing pressure relief assembly 102. This is done in such a
way that the
hydraulic pump 104 moves hydraulic fluid into the casing pressure relief
assembly 102 so
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the hydraulically-movable member 208 may operatively interact with the check
valve
907 positioned in the float collar 906. The hydraulic pump 104 may be manually
operable
(as depicted) or may be power operated. As depicted in FIG. 3, it will be
appreciated that
the casing pressure relief assembly 102 is not yet fixedly connected to the
float collar 906
(or the casing system 901). The hydraulic pump 104 is used (actuated) after
the casing
pressure relief assembly 102 is fixedly connected to the float collar 906 (as
depicted in
FIG. 7).
[0040] FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f and 4g depict views of embodiments of a
lock
assembly 106 of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. FIGS. 4a, 4b
and 4c
depict side views. FIGS. 4d and 4e depict side views. FIG. 4f depicts a
perspective view.
FIG. 4g depicts a side view.
[0041] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4a, the lock assembly
106 (also
called a clamping assembly) is configured to securely lock (or clamp) to the
casing
system 901 (such as, the float collar 906 as depicted in FIG. 5f and FIG. 7).
It will be
appreciated that the lock assembly 106 may include any lock system (having
suitable
configuration). For example, the lock assembly 106 includes (and is not
limited to) a
collar portion 300, a hinge assembly 302, a lock-coupling assembly 304, a pin
assembly
306, and a pin lock 308. The hinge assembly 302 is positioned relative to the
collar
portion 300. The lock-coupling assembly 304 is positioned relative to the
collar portion
300. The pin assembly 306 is positioned relative to the collar portion 300.
The pin lock
308 is positioned relative to the collar portion 300. The collar portion 300
is configured to
securely connect to the casing system 901. The hinge assembly 302 is
configured to
fixedly connect with the collar portion 300, and to permit pivotal movement of
the collar
portion 300. The lock-coupling assembly 304 is configured to couple the collar
portion
300 to a lock-connector assembly 108. The pin assembly 306 is configured to
couple the
hinge assembly 302 in such a way as to prevent pivotal movement of the collar
portion
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300. The pin lock 308 is configured to prevent the pin assembly 306 from
inadvertently
releasing movement of the collar portion 300.
[0042] As depicted, two instances of the collar portion 300 face each
other. The collar
portion 300 is configured to be contoured to the outer diameter of the float
collar 906 as
depicted in FIG. 4g. Instances of the hinge assembly 302 are positioned on end
portions
of each instance of the collar portion 300. The hinge assembly 302 is
configured to
pivotally attach the end portions of the collar portion 300 together.
Instances of the lock-
coupling assembly 304 are positioned on each instance of the collar portion
300. The
lock-coupling assembly 304 is configured to couple the collar portion 300 to
the casing
pressure relief assembly 102, as depicted in FIG. 5f, via a connection
structure depicted
in FIG. 5a. Instances of the pin assembly 306 are configured to couple the
hinge
assembly 302 mounted to the collar portion 300. The pin lock 308 (also called
a cotter
pin) is configured to fixedly lock the pin assembly 306 in a stationary
position; this is
done in such a way as to secure the hinge assembly 302 together.
[0043] FIGS. 5a, 5b, Sc, 5d, 5e and 5f depict views of embodiments of a
lock-connector
assembly 108 of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. FIGS. 5a and
5b depict
top views. FIG. Sc depicts a perspective view. FIGS. 5d, 5e and 5f depict side
views.
[0044] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e
and 5f, the
lock-connector assembly 108 is also called a leg assembly. It will be
appreciated that the
lock-connector assembly 108 may include many types of configurations. The lock-
connector assembly 108 is configured to securely connect the casing pressure
relief
assembly 102 to the lock assembly 106. This is done in such a way that once
the casing
pressure relief assembly 102 is actuated, the casing pressure relief assembly
102 remains
stationary while the check valve 907 is forced into a reverse flow condition
(an open
condition, as depicted in FIG. 7). For instance, the lock-connector assembly
108 includes
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(and is not limited to) an extension member 400, an extension coupler 402, a
pin device
404, a pin coupler device 406, and a connection device 408 positioned relative
to the
extension member 400. The extension coupler 402 is positioned relative to the
extension
member 400. The pin device 404 is positioned relative to the extension member
400. The
pin coupler device 406 is positioned relative to the extension member 400. The
connection device 408 is positioned relative to the extension member 400. The
pin
coupler device 406 is also called a cotter pin. The connection device 408 is
also called a
chain. The extension member 400 is configured to extend between the casing
pressure
relief assembly 102 and the lock assembly 106. The extension coupler 402 and
the pin
device 404 are configured to couple the casing pressure relief assembly 102 to
the lock
assembly 106. The pin coupler device 406 is configured to securely prevent the
pin
device 404 from decoupling from the extension coupler 402. The connection
device 408
(a chain) is configured to securely link the pin coupler device 406 to the
casing pressure
relief assembly 102 (so as to avoid accidental loss of the pin coupler device
406).
[0045]
Specifically, the extension member 400 includes an elongated member. Instances
of the extension coupler 402 are positioned at the opposite distal ends of the
extension
member 400. At one end of the extension member 400, the extension coupler 402
is
configured to be aligned with the lock-engagement member 204 of the casing
pressure
relief assembly 102. At an opposite end of the extension member 400, the
extension
coupler 402 is configured to be aligned with the lock-coupling assembly 304 of
the lock
assembly 106. The pin device 404 is configured to slidably connect the
extension coupler
402 to the lock-engagement member 204. The pin device 404 is configured to
slidably
connect the extension coupler 402 with the lock-coupling assembly 304. The pin
coupler
device 406 is configured to securely and fixedly connect the pin device 404 to
the
extension coupler 402 (so as to avoid inadvertent separation). The connection
device 408
is configured to securely and flexibly connect the pin device 404 to the
casing pressure
relief assembly 102. The connection device 408 is configured to securely and
flexibly
connect the pin device 404 to the lock assembly 106.
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[0046] FIGS. 6a and 6b depict views of embodiments of a container assembly
110 of the
apparatus 100 of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. FIG. 6a depicts a perspective
view. FIG. 6b
depicts a side view.
[0047] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the
container
assembly 110 defines a hollow interior. The container assembly 110 is
operatively
mounted relative to the casing pressure relief assembly 102 in such a way that
the
container assembly 110 covers (shields) the casing pressure relief assembly
102 (and
deflects pressurized fluid ejected from the casing system 901 to be directed
toward a safe
direction away from the operator). The container assembly 110 may be made from
any
suitable shape or form, and may have any suitable material (steel, etc.).
[0048] The casing pressure relief assembly 102 is positioned or placed on
the float collar
906. Once positioned and securely installed as depicted in FIG. 6, the
operator stands at a
safe distance from the casing pressure relief assembly 102. The operator may
keep a
visual check on the casing pressure relief assembly 102 and the float collar
906 while the
operator is positioned at a remote and safe place. Once the operator is
positioned in a safe
place, the casing pressure relief assembly 102 may be operated to release
pressure from
the float collar 906 (or other components, such as the casing joint 902).
Advantageously,
the casing pressure relief assembly 102 is configured to relieve the internal
fluid pressure
of the pressurized fluid trapped in the float collar 906 in a safe manner (for
the case
where the casing joint 902 has become inadvertently plugged resulting in no
flow of fluid
along the casing system 901).
[0049] The casing pressure relief assembly 102 reduces, at least in part,
the danger that
arises when the casing joint 902 becomes inadvertently plugged. The casing
pressure
relief assembly 102 permits the operator to remotely release fluid pressure
from the float
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collar 906 (the operator may be positioned remotely from the check valve 907).
This
configuration reduces (at least in part) the possibility of loss of life,
unwanted equipment
damage, and occurrences of unwanted environmental spills from the casing
system 901.
The casing pressure relief assembly 102 is fixedly (securely) installed on the
float collar
906 (proximate to the check valve 907). The casing pressure relief assembly
102 is
configured to (remotely) relieve trapped fluid pressure between the float
collar 906 and
the casing joint 902. The casing pressure relief assembly 102 is placed on top
of the float
collar 906 when the casing joint 902 becomes plugged. The casing pressure
relief
assembly 102 is remotely actuated by the operator positioned at a safe
distance from the
check valve 907, and allows the check valve 907 to actuate and release
internal pressure
from the interior of the float collar 906. The casing pressure relief assembly
102 is
configured to be installed to a casing system 901 of a drill rig platform 900
used in the oil
and gas industry.
[0050] FIG. 7 depicts a view of the embodiments of the apparatus 100 (in
use) of FIGS.
2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. FIG. 7 depicts a side view.
[0051] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the casing pressure
relief
assembly 102 is actuated (by the hydraulic pump 104). This is done in such a
way that the
check valve 907 is forced to an open condition in which fluid may flow from
the interior
of the casing system 901 to the exterior of the casing system 901 (from the
opening
defined by the float collar 906). The flow of the pressurized fluid leaves the
casing
system 901 along the exit flow direction 912 (as depicted).
[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, the apparatus 100 includes a casing pressure
relief assembly
102. The apparatus 100 is for the drill rig platform 900 configured to be
operative with a
casing system 901. The casing system 901 has a check valve 907 fixedly
positioned there
in (such as, in a casing joint 902 of the casing system 901). The casing
pressure relief
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assembly 102 is fixedly positionable relative to a check valve 907. The check
valve 907
is fixedly positioned in a casing joint 902 of a casing system 901.
Specifically, the check
valve 907 is fixedly positioned in a float collar 906 extending from the
casing joint 902.
The casing pressure relief assembly 102 is configured to actuate the check
valve 907 in
such a way that the check valve 907 actuatably releases internal pressure from
the casing
joint 902. In this manner, the internal fluid pressure of fluid trapped in the
casing joint
902 is released once the casing pressure relief assembly 102 is actuated. The
casing joint
902 is also called a shoe joint. In this manner, the pressurized fluid in the
casing joint 902
is released before the casing system 901 or the casing joint 902 is inspected
by an
operator (before service is rendered to the casing system 901).
[0053] The check valve 907 is also called a clack valve, a non-return
valve, or a one way
valve. The check valve 907 is configured to normally permit (allow) fluid
(liquid or gas)
to flow through the check valve 907 in only one direction (from an entrance
portal to an
exit portal). The check valve 907 also includes a pressure relief device
configured to
permit the pressurized fluid to flow through the check valve 907 from the exit
portal to
the entrance portal once the pressure relief device is enabled to do just so.
The check
valve 907 is a two-port valve, meaning the check valve 907 has two openings in
a valve
body: one opening (the entrance portal) for fluid to enter and the other
opening (the exit
portal) for fluid to leave. The check valve 907 operates under a cracking
pressure that is
the minimum upstream pressure (from entrance portal to exit portal) at which
the check
valve 907 operates to permit normal flow of fluid.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, in accordance with a first major
embodiment, the
apparatus 100 is for the drill rig platform 900 (depicted in FIG. 1)
configured to be
operative with the casing system 901 having the check valve 907 fixedly
positioned in the
casing system 901. The apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a casing
pressure
relief assembly 102 fixedly positionable relative to the check valve 907. The
casing
pressure relief assembly 102 is configured to actuate the check valve 907 in
such a way
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that the check valve 907 actuatably releases internal pressure from the casing
system 901.
This is done in such a way that the internal fluid pressure of the pressurized
fluid trapped
in the casing system 901 is released once the casing pressure relief assembly
102 actuates
the check valve 907. It will be appreciated that in accordance with a specific
choice, the
casing system 901 includes the float collar 906 extending from the casing
joint 902, and
the check valve 907 is fixedly positioned in the float collar 906.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, in accordance with a second major
embodiment, the
apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) the combination of: the casing
system 901,
the drill rig platform 900, and the casing pressure relief assembly 102. The
casing system
901 has the check valve 907 fixedly positioned in the casing system 901. The
drill rig
platform 900 is configured to be operative with the casing system 901. The
casing
pressure relief assembly 102 is fixedly positionable relative to the check
valve 907. The
casing pressure relief assembly 102 is configured to actuate the check valve
907 in such a
way that the check valve 907 actuatably releases internal pressure from the
casing system
901. This is done in such a way that the internal fluid pressure of the
pressurized fluid
trapped in the casing system 901 is released once the casing pressure relief
assembly 102
actuates the check valve 907. It will be appreciated that, in accordance with
a specific
choice (option), the casing system 901 includes the float collar 906 extending
from the
casing joint 902, and the check valve 907 is fixedly positioned in the float
collar 906.
[0056] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 7, and in view
of the
foregoing, it will be appreciated that, in accordance with a third major
embodiment, there
is provided a method of operating the drill rig platform 900 configured to be
operative
with the casing system 901 having the check valve 907 fixedly positioned in
the casing
system 901. The method includes (and is not limited to) an operation (A) and
an
operation (B). The operation (A) includes fixedly positioning a casing
pressure relief
assembly 102 relative to the check valve 907. The operation (B) includes using
the casing
pressure relief assembly 102 to actuate the check valve 907 in such a way that
the check
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valve 907 actuatably releases internal pressure from the casing system 901.
This is done
in such a way that the internal fluid pressure of the pressurized fluid
trapped in the casing
system 901 is released once the casing pressure relief assembly 102 actuates
the check
valve 907. It will be appreciated that in accordance with a specific option,
the casing
system 901 includes the float collar 906 extending from the casing joint 902,
and the
check valve 907 is fixedly positioned in the float collar 906.
[0057] It will be appreciated there are many ways in which the casing joint
902 may
become plugged. For instance, sand, gravel, lost circulation materials, mud
rings,
dropped materials, tools and/or rags may become inadvertently positioned
inside casing
joint 902, etc.
[0058] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, by using the casing
pressure
relief assembly 102, an operator may remain advantageously at a safe distance
away from
the casing joint 902 while the check valve 907 is released (to release the
internal pressure
in the casing joint 902). The casing pressure relief assembly 102 is actuated
by slowly
inserting hydraulic fluid into the casing pressure relief assembly 102 to the
point where
the check valve 907 is actuated to release internal pressure held in the
casing joint 902.
The pressurized fluid (such as mud and/or water) will strike the top section
of the
container assembly 110 and direct fluid down hole, saving an environmental
spill. Once
the pressure has been relieved, the operator may clean out the casing joint
902 and reuse
the casing joint 902 with all its components saving on equipment damage to the
casing
joint 902 and/or the casing system 901.
[0059] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the
best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use
the invention.
The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may
include other
examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are
within the scope
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of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the
literal language
of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with
insubstantial
differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0060] It may
be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be
connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks
within the
scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and
permutations without
having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no
particular assembly,
or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the
person
skilled in art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed
subject matter that is
superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed
that all the
crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this
document. It is
understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope
provided by the
independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present
invention is
not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the
non-limiting
embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description
provided
outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as
filed, as prosecuted,
and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase
"includes" is
equivalent to the word "comprising." The foregoing has outlined the non-
limiting
embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting
embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are
merely
illustrative as examples.
