Rotating flow control diverter

Abstract

The present invention is directed to rotating flow control diverter having sealed bearing assembly that does not require external hydraulic pumping to circulate and cool the lubricating fluid used to lubricated the bearings of the sealed bearing assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a wellhead apparatus for well control and more particularly to an apparatus used to control and divert drilling and wellbore fluids and gases, and produced gases and solids during drilling and other operations.BACKGROUND[0002]In the oil and gas industry it is conventional to mount a rotating blowout preventer or rotating flow control diverter at the top of a blowout preventer (BOP) stack beneath the drilling floor of a drilling rig while drilling for oil, gas or coal bed methane. The rotating flow control diverter serves multiple purposes including sealing pipe that is being moved in and out of the wellbore while allowing rotation of same. The rotating flow control diverter may also be used to contain or divert fluids such as drilling mud, produced fluids, and surface injected air or gas into a recovery line.[0003]Typically a rotating flow control diverter consists of rubber strippers or sealing elements and an associated hollow q...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a device that rotates a fan ring to circulate lubricating fluid. This helps to prevent wear and tear on the device. The technical effect of this device is to improve its efficiency and lifespan.

Problems solved by technology

If the ability to maintain adequate lubrication of the bearings of a rotating flow control diverter is compromised, the bearings will fail quickly.

A common source of premature bearings failure in rotating flow head technology is the failure of a seal or seal stack that isolates the wellbore environment from entering the bearing assembly housing.

Another major cause of bearing compromise in rotating flow control devices is heat.

The bearing assembly generates considerable heat due to thrust loads on the internal components, particularly when drilling under high well bore pressure.

However, such prior art cooling systems are frequently complex and prone to undesired failure.

Furthermore, the hydraulic system requires equipment and hoses that add to an already crowded work area, and which represent a safety risk to workers in the event of failure.

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