Rotating control device with integrated cooling for sealed bearings

AU2022439803B2Pending Publication Date: 2026-07-23WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
AU2022439803
Authority / Receiving Office
AU · AU
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-02-11
Filing Date
2022-12-13
Publication Date
2026-07-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing rotating control devices for subterranean wells face challenges in effectively sealing and lubricating bearings, leading to potential contamination and inefficiencies due to heat generation and lack of integrated cooling solutions.

Method used

A rotating control device with integrated cooling and lubrication system, featuring a bearing assembly with heat exchangers, fluid passages, and a pump driven by the inner barrel rotation, along with a latch assembly for securing the bearing assembly, which includes a heat exchanger to transfer heat externally.

Benefits of technology

The system maintains sealed bearings in a lubricated environment, effectively reducing temperature and preventing contamination by transferring heat externally, ensuring reliable operation under high pressure conditions.

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Abstract

A pressure control device can include an outer housing, a bearing assembly with bearings to rotatably support an inner barrel in the outer housing, a heat exchanger, and fluid passages that communicate between the bearings and the heat exchanger, and a latch assembly configured to releasably secure the bearing assembly in the outer housing. The latch assembly can include a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the bearing assembly heat exchanger. Another pressure control device can include a bearing assembly with bearings to rotatably support an inner barrel in the outer housing, fluid passages that communicate with space adjacent the bearings, a pump in communication with the fluid passages, and a gear train connected between the pump and a ring gear secured to the inner barrel.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Rotating head for air, gas and mud drilling

    US4383577A

  • Steering drill bit while drilling a bore hole

    US5485889A

  • Method for cooling a rotating control device

    US8714240B2

  • Bearing assembly cooling methods

    WO2015168429A2