Insert for a variable aperture damper

Abstract

A blowout preventer (BOP) assembly includes a body portion, a bore extending through the body portion, and a ram block assembly. The ram block assembly includes a first ram block movable into the bore and a second ram block movable into the bore. The ram block assembly further includes an insert disposed within each of the first ram block and the second ram block, the insert movable to change a sealing diameter of the ram block assembly, wherein each insert includes a plurality of lips extending into a void formed between an adjacent insert, the respective lips positioned along an intersection region of the adjacent inserts.

Description

Background Technology 1. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates in general to oil and gas tools, and more particularly to gates for blowout preventers (BOPs) used in oil and gas wells.

[0003] 2. Description of existing technology

[0004] Blowout preventers (BOPs) are commonly used in surface and subsea drilling operations to protect wells from pressure fluctuations. Generally, a BOP consists of a series of gates aligned with a center bore. The drill pipe extends through the center bore and into the well below the BOP. Each set of gates typically has one gate positioned on either side of the center bore. Some gates are designed to seal against the drill string when closed, but do not cut the drill string. Other gates include blades and are designed to shear the drill string (and any other objects in the center bore) when the gate is closed to completely seal the top of the well.

[0005] A typical BOP (Body Operating System) consists of a borehole that passes through the BOP and connects to the shaft. Piping and tools are introduced into the shaft through the borehole in the BOP. Typically, variable orifice gates include an insert that allows the gate's inner diameter to change in response to different diameters of pipe extending through the borehole. The gate also includes a filler material, such as an elastomer, to facilitate a seal against the pipe. This elastomer material can be specifically selected based on the expected operating conditions, and therefore, the gate can have limited operational functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The applicant recognizes the problems mentioned above and has conceived and developed implementation schemes for systems and methods for various orifice gates according to this disclosure.

[0007] In one embodiment, the blowout preventer (BOP) assembly includes a body portion, an aperture extending through the body portion, and a brake plate assembly. The brake plate assembly includes a first brake plate movable into the aperture and a second brake plate movable into the aperture. The brake plate assembly also includes inserts disposed within each of the first and second brake plates, the inserts being movable to change the sealing diameter of the brake plate assembly, wherein each insert includes a plurality of lips extending into a gap formed between adjacent inserts, the respective lips being positioned along an intersection area of ​​the adjacent inserts.

[0008] In one embodiment, the insert for a variable orifice gate plate includes a top portion. The top portion includes an upper overlapping portion having a first lip extending in an axially downward direction, an upper overlapped portion having a second lip extending in an axially downward direction, and a first step between the upper overlapping portion and the upper overlapped portion, the step having a first axial height variation between the upper overlapping portion and the upper overlapped portion. The insert also includes a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes a lower overlapping portion having a third lip extending in an axially upward direction, a lower overlapped portion having a fourth lip extending in an axially upward direction, and a second step between the lower overlapping portion and the lower overlapped portion, the second step having a second axial height variation between the lower overlapping portion and the lower overlapped portion. The insert also includes a body portion located between the top portion and the bottom portion, the body portion connecting the top portion to the bottom portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the gate plate assembly includes a first gate plate, a second gate plate, and a first sealing assembly coupled to the first gate plate. The first sealing assembly includes a first body, a first packer mounted within a first cavity of the first body, and a first plurality of inserts disposed within the first body, the first plurality of inserts being movable to change a first sealing diameter of the first gate plate, wherein each of the first plurality of inserts includes a first plurality of lips extending into a first gap formed in the first cavity, the first plurality of lips blocking a first extrusion path for the first packer. The gate plate assembly also includes a second sealing assembly coupled to the second gate plate. The second sealing assembly includes a second body, a second packer mounted within a second cavity of the second body, and a second plurality of inserts disposed within the second body, the second plurality of inserts being movable to change a second sealing diameter of the second gate plate, wherein each of the second plurality of inserts includes a second plurality of lips extending into a second gap formed in the second cavity, the second plurality of lips blocking a second extrusion path for the second packer. Attached Figure Description

[0010] This technology will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments and by viewing the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a BOP stack assembly attached to the wellhead according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a top plan view of an embodiment of the gate plate assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a side view of the implementation scheme of the gate plate according to the implementation scheme of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a sealing assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the insert arrangement according to the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the insert according to the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert according to the embodiments of this disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the insert according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of this technology will be further understood when considered with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements. In describing preferred embodiments of the technology shown in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for clarity. However, this technology is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used, and it should be understood that each specific term includes equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes.

[0020] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Any examples of operating parameters and / or environmental conditions do not exclude other parameters / conditions of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” of this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the referenced features. Additionally, references to terms relating to orientation, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front,” “rear,” or other terms, are made with reference to the illustrated embodiments and are not intended to limit or exclude other orientations. Furthermore, similar reference numerals may be used for similar items throughout the specification; however, such use is for convenience and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention include inserts that can be used with variable orifice gates. These inserts allow the sealing diameter of the gate to be varied to accommodate a variety of different pipe diameters throughout the service life of the gate plate assembly. In various embodiments, the insert includes one or more flow-blocking features, such as a lip, that block or otherwise distort the extrusion path of a packer used with the gate. For example, among other options, the packer may be formed of an elastomeric material that can be extruded or otherwise flowed when subjected to certain pressures and / or temperatures. Excessive extrusion or flow can damage the gate plate assembly, which can lead to sealing problems, rendering the gate plate assembly unsuitable for its intended purpose and potentially requiring repair or replacement. Embodiments may include specially selected lips with specially selected dimensions to block certain flow paths of the elastomeric material, thereby accommodating the elastomeric material and increasing the service life of the gate plate assembly. In some embodiments, the insert may be a metal insert (at least partially) formed using an additive manufacturing process, among other options. When using additive manufacturing, a variety of different geometries can be developed that would otherwise be unsuitable for other manufacturing methods. Furthermore, the design can be easily modified without incurring costly processing expenses. The implementation scheme improves the service life of the gate plate assembly and overcomes existing problems associated with elastomer flow. Therefore, the gate plate assembly can be used under a wide range of temperature and / or pressure variations.

[0022] Figure 1A typical subsea BOP assembly 100 (including a lower stack assembly 102) and an upper stack assembly 104 or lower marine riser package (LMRP) are shown. The upper stack assembly 104 may include, for example, a riser adapter 106, an annular blowout preventer 108, an annular blowout preventer 110, a control box 112, and choke and kill lines 114. The lower stack assembly 102 may include a frame 116 and a hydraulic accumulator 120, the frame 116 having a wellhead connector 118 at its lower end for connection to a subsea wellhead assembly (not shown). Typically, a borehole passes through the BOP assembly, including through the upper stack assembly 104 and the lower stack assembly 102. This borehole can accommodate piping, such as elongated fittings. A shear gate housing 122 is typically located above pipe gate housings 124, 126, and 128 on the lower stack assembly. The shear gate housing 122 accommodates an upper gate shearing block and a lower gate shearing block attached to the upper and lower blades, respectively. Pipe gate housings 124, 126, and 128 each include a pipe gate plate with grooves (e.g., semi-circular grooves) on a mating surface for closure around pipes of varying sizes. It should be understood that one or more pipe gate housings 124, 126, and 128 may include a variable-orifice gate to facilitate closure around pipes of different diameters. When open, the shear gate plate and the pipe gate plate are positioned on either side of the orifice. When closed, the shear gate blades seal the orifice. If a pipe is present in the orifice, the shear gate blades will shear the pipe.

[0023] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a top view of the implementation scheme of the gate plate assembly 200. Figure 2A A gate plate assembly 200 in the open position is shown, with a tube 202 positioned between opposing gates 204 and 206. As described above, the gate plate assembly 200 may be part of a BOP and is configured to seal around the tube 202 without puncturing it. The illustrated gates 204 and 206 each include an insert 208 extending radially inward toward an axis 210 of the bore (this insert may be part of a removable sealing assembly). As shown, the gates 204 and 206 are radially movable to increase or decrease the sealing diameter 212 of the gate plate assembly 200.

[0024] Figure 2B The gates 204 and 206 are shown in the closed position, such that the insert 208 seals around the outer diameter 214 of the fitting 202. In other words, the sealing diameter 212 has been changed to be approximately equal to the outer diameter 214 of the fitting 202. For example, the insert 208 can be driven radially inward to adjust the sealing diameter 212, as with... Figure 2A The relative positions of the gates 204 and 206 are shown in the comparison diagram. Although in Figure 2A and Figure 2B Not shown, but packers may be arranged within gates 204, 206 to drive movement of insert 208 and / or facilitate sealing around tube 202.

[0025] In various applications, conventional variable gate plates can be combined with packings specifically selected for certain applications. For example, packers can be selected based on anticipated pressure and / or temperature conditions. Thus, some packers can be selected for high-temperature applications, while others are used for low-temperature applications. It should be understood that "high" and "low" temperature applications can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. In some embodiments, the operating range can be between approximately 48 degrees Fahrenheit and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Low-temperature applications can be between approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. High-temperature applications can be above approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Different packers can operate in different temperature ranges, for example, due to elastomer flow during closure. Embodiments of this disclosure relate to improved inserts that reduce or eliminate elastomer flow beyond a designated area, thereby achieving improved operation.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a side front view of an embodiment of a gate 300 (such as gates 204, 206). The gate 300 shown is a variable orifice gate and includes an insert 208. As shown, the insert 208 is arranged in a partially overlapping manner, as will be described in detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 208 includes a surface 302 that extends at least partially beyond the illustrated sealing diameter 212 of the gate 300, which is in... Figure 3 The corresponding hole is formed in the gate 300. As mentioned above, the sealing diameter 212 is variable and can be adjusted based on the position of the insert 208, and therefore, the sealing diameter 212 can correspond to the hole and / or a diameter smaller than the hole formed by the insert 208. The gate 300 shown includes a plurality of inserts 208. It should be understood that any number of inserts 208 can be used, as various sizes can be specifically selected based on the expected operating conditions. Therefore, different sizes can be optimized for stress characteristics among other factors, and thus some gates may include more or fewer inserts 208. In response to the operation of the BOP, the insert 208 can be driven radially inward to contact the fitting installed through the BOP hole.

[0027] The gate 300 includes a cavity 304 for receiving a packer 306, which in this embodiment is an elastomer. The packer 306 extends throughout the cavity 304 and contacts an insert 208, which in various embodiments forms at least a portion of the cavity 304. Furthermore, a top seal 308 is positioned to prevent the packer 306 from being extruded or flowing out of the cavity. During operation, the packer 306 seals against the fitting in response to movement of the insert 208. However, as mentioned above, certain operating conditions, such as temperature, can affect the performance of the packer 306. Consequently, the service life of the packer 306 is reduced. One problem may be flow into the packer 306, where the packer 306 flows out and beyond the insert 208. This not only reduces the service life of the gate 300 but can also negatively impact the seal. Embodiments of this disclosure relate to the insert 208 to reduce the flow into the packer 306.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sealing assembly 400 that can be mounted on a gate plate. It should be understood that features have been omitted in the following discussion for clarity. For example, a packer 306 (which may be an elastomer as described above) has been removed from the cavity 304. The illustrated embodiment includes an insert 208 arranged circumferentially around the body 402 of the sealing assembly 400 to surround a central opening 404. It should be understood that a cover (not shown) may also be included to specify a maximum sealing diameter 212 of the sealing assembly 400. However, in other embodiments, the gate plate body may include this cover to specify the maximum sealing diameter 212.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the inserts 208 are arranged in an overlapping manner such that an arm or extension of one insert 208 may overlap with an adjacent insert 208, for example, at the top, but may be below a second lower extension of the same adjacent insert 208, as will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, each insert 208 may include one or more lips or ridges to block movement or flow of the packer 306. For example, a lip may be arranged close to face 302 to block radially inward flow of the packer 306. Additionally, in various embodiments, a lip may be arranged at the mating edge between adjacent inserts 208 to block circumferential and / or lateral flow of the packer 306.

[0030] In various embodiments, as will be described below, the lip may extend into the void 406 formed between adjacent inserts 208. During operation, the void 406 can provide a flow path for the elastomer. By restricting or otherwise blocking at least a portion of this flow path, extrusion of the packer 306 can be reduced. Various features described below can be incorporated to reduce the flow path, such as ridges or spines, lips, various ramps, and elevation changes. Therefore, service life can be increased due to reduced packer extrusion. Furthermore, the packer can be used over a wide range of temperature ranges due to reduced extrusion.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a detailed perspective view of an insert arrangement 500, comprising a plurality of inserts 208 arranged in an interlocking and / or overlapping manner to facilitate movement and / or adjustment of the inserts relative to each other. For clarity, some inserts 208 may be designated by letters, such as "A," to distinguish different inserts 208 among the plurality of inserts 208. Furthermore, when discussing adjacent inserts 208, a particular insert 208 is adjacent to another insert 208 when at least a portion of each insert 208 is in contact with another insert 208.

[0032] The inserts 208 shown each include a top portion 502, a bottom portion 504, and a body portion 506. As shown, the body portion 506 spans between the top portion 502 and the bottom portion 504 to connect the top portion 502 to the bottom portion 504 and form the insert 208. This body portion 506, which may also be referred to as a rib or column, provides additional rigidity and support to impede the flow of the packer 306. That is, as described above, the body portion 506 may occupy at least a portion of the gap 406 to reduce the flow area of ​​the packer.

[0033] Each top portion 502 includes an upper overlapping portion 508 and an upper overlapped portion 510. As shown, adjacent overlapping portions 508A are arranged higher in the axial direction to overlap adjacent upper overlapped portions 510B. Each insert 208 includes both an upper overlapping portion 508 and an upper overlapped portion 510, and thus each insert 208 overlaps and is superseded by a portion of a corresponding adjacent insert 208. For example, insert 208A includes an upper overlapping portion 508A positioned to overlap the adjacent upper overlapped portion 510B of insert 208B. Additionally, insert 208A includes an upper overlapped portion 510A positioned to overlap the adjacent upper overlapping portion 510C of insert 208C. This can also be referred to as a shoulder / ceiling configuration, in which a portion of each insert 208 acts as a ceiling (508) for the component of the adjacent insert 208 and also rests on a shoulder (510) formed by the adjacent inserts 208. This arrangement impedes axial movement of the inserts 208 because the adjacent inserts will block upward and downward movement. However, it should be understood that, among other factors, the arrangement within the body 402 may also impede or hinder movement of the respective inserts 208 in various directions.

[0034] Each top portion 502 includes a step 512 between the upper overlapping portion 508 and the upper overlapped portion 510, which shows a change in elevation (e.g., a change in axial height). Furthermore, along this step 512, there is a cut or recessed area 514 along the surface 302 of the insert 208. At least a portion of the cut 514 is arranged at a lower axial height than the platform 516 formed by the step 512. Additionally, the cut 514 includes a cut surface 518 that is radially recessed relative to the surface 302 (as viewed from axis 210). That is, the cut surface 518 is radially further away from axis 210. As will be described, the cut 514 may form an area capable of interacting with a lip formed on a mating component (such as the mating upper overlapping portion 508). In various embodiments, the lip extends at least partially into the gap 406 and rests at least partially on the cut 514.

[0035] The upper overlapping portion 508 shown is typically wedge-shaped (e.g., a triangle with its apex cut off) and has a variable circumferential length 520 from face 302 to rear portion 522 (shown relative to bottom portion 504). Furthermore, the upper overlapping portion 508 has an axial height 524 and a radial depth 526. In various embodiments, these dimensions are specifically selected based on the anticipated operating conditions. It should be understood that the upper overlapping portion 510 similarly has a wedge shape and includes a variable circumferential length 528 from face 302 to rear portion 522, as well as an axial height 530 and a radial depth 532. In various embodiments, the dimensions of the upper overlapping portion 508 and the upper overlapping portion 510 are substantially similar. However, it should be understood that they can be different, and their dimensions can be selected based on anticipated operating conditions and other options.

[0036] In operation, the upper overlapping portion 508A is positioned on the upper overlapping portion 510B such that at least a portion of the upper overlapping portion 508A is disposed within a cut 514B, which may extend at least a portion of the radial depth 532B. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, at least a portion of the upper overlapping portion 508A may be disposed along the platform 516B. For example, in an embodiment, the cut 514B may not extend the entire radial depth 532B. That is, a lip (described below) may be disposed within the cut 514B, while a generally flat lower surface is disposed along the platform 516.

[0037] A suspension lip 534 is further shown regarding the top portion 502, extending axially downward from the upper overlapping portion 510 at a height of 536. The suspension lip 534 may extend a circumferential length 528, but in embodiments, it may be shorter or longer than the circumferential length 528. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the suspension lip 534 corresponds to a cutout 514. In other words, the size of the suspension lip 534 is chosen to correspond to the cutout 514. As will be described, the suspension lip 534 can impede the flow of the elastomer during operation.

[0038] Turning to the bottom portion 504, the lower overlapping portion 538 and the lower overlapped portion 540 are shown at different axial heights, with the lower overlapping portion 538 being axially higher than the lower overlapped portion 540. The lower overlapping portion 538 includes a beveled edge 542, which can be shaped to engage with the edge associated with the lower overlapped portion 540. In various embodiments, the edge engagement can occur when the insert arrangement 500 is compressed to its minimum size.

[0039] The lower overlapping portion 538 includes a lip 544 (e.g., a first lip) that extends axially upward to a lip height 546. The lip 544 can be used to block or otherwise prevent packer flow during operation in a manner similar to that of a hanging lip 534.

[0040] The lower overlapping portion 538 is arranged along the platform 548 formed by the lower overlapping portion 540. In various embodiments, the platform 548 is substantially flat, but it should be understood that the platform 548 may include elevation variations, etc. Furthermore, the surface 302 of the lower overlapping portion 540 includes a second lip 550 extending a second lip height 552. As described above, the second lip 550 can impede the flow of the elastomer during operation. In various embodiments, the first lip height 546 is equal to the second lip height 552. However, it should be understood that the first lip height 546 may be greater than or equal to the second lip height 552. Furthermore, different inserts 208 may have different lip heights 546, 552.

[0041] The lower overlapping portion 538 shown is typically wedge-shaped (e.g., a triangle with its tip cut off) and has a variable circumferential length 554 from face 302 to rear portion 522. Furthermore, the lower overlapping portion 540 has an axial height 556 and a radial depth 558. In various embodiments, these dimensions are specifically selected based on the anticipated operating conditions. It should be understood that the lower overlapping portion 540 similarly has a wedge shape and includes a variable circumferential length 560 from face 302 to rear portion 522, as well as an axial height 562 and a radial depth 564. In various embodiments, the dimensions of the lower overlapping portion 538 and the lower overlapping portion 540 are substantially similar. However, it should be understood that they can be different, and their dimensions can be selected based on the anticipated operating conditions and other options.

[0042] In operation, the lower overlapping portion 538 is driven to move along the lower overlapped portion 540 to increase or decrease the sealing diameter. In various embodiments, the range of travel may be blocked or otherwise limited. For example, radial movement may be blocked by the second lip 550 to prevent internal radial movement. Furthermore, in embodiments, contact between adjacent portions (such as the beveled edge 542 contacting the lower overlapping portion 538) may block further movement.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of insert 208. As described above, insert 208 includes a top portion 502 connected to a bottom portion 506 via a body portion 504. Each of the top portion 502 and the bottom portion 504 includes corresponding overlapping portions 508, 538 and overlapping portions 510, 540, wherein adjacent inserts 208 may interact with each other.

[0044] The top portion 502 includes a step 512 between the upper overlapping portion 508 and the lower overlapping portion 510 to form a platform 516. (As shown) Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the platform 516 does not extend the entire radial depth 532, but instead forms a recess 600 to receive the adjacent upper overlapping portion 508. The recess 600 includes a rear wall 602 that blocks further external radial movement of the adjacent upper overlapping portion 508. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a cutout 514 is arranged at the surface 302 to form a cutout surface 518, but does not extend along the recess 600. However, in various embodiments, the size of the hanging lip 534 can be set to substantially fit within the cutout 514 of the adjacent insert 208, thereby allowing complete overlap between the corresponding overlapping portion and the overlapped portion.

[0045] The lip 544 and the second lip 550 are further shown relative to the bottom portion 504. Each of these lips can be used to block or distort the extrusion path of the elastomer, thereby maintaining integrity even within operating ranges that may exceed the ideal or expected conditions of the elastomer.

[0046] As described above, the upper overlapping portion 510 includes a rear wall 602. A similar lower rear wall 604 is also shown relative to the lower overlapping portion 538. Each of these walls 602, 604 can be shaped to engage a groove 706 formed in the adjacent insert 208. That is, the profile of the rear wall 602 can substantially resemble the profile of the groove 706. For example, the groove 706 shown is formed in the upper overlapping portion 508. Therefore, when the upper overlapping portion 508 fully engages the adjacent upper overlapping portion 508, the upper overlapping portion 508 can be fitted within the recess 600. Although in Figure 6 The middle is obscured, but a similar groove 706 can be formed relative to the overlapping portion 540 at the bottom.

[0047] It should be understood that Figure 6 Edges with various bevels and curves can be specifically selected based on expected operating conditions, etc. Therefore, including beveled edges as an example is very similar to including straight edges as an example only.

[0048] Figure 7 A detailed perspective view of the embodiment of insert 208. Figure 7Specific references to the opposite 302 are included to illustrate the cut 514 and the hanging lip 534. As shown, the hanging lip 534 extends to a lip height 536, which, as described above, can correspond to a cut formed in the adjacent insert 208. The cut 514 shown is L-shaped, extending along the step 512 and removing portions of both the upper overlapping portion 508 and the lower overlapping portion 510. The cut 514 shown includes a beveled edge; however, as described above, this bevel is for illustrative purposes only and in various embodiments, it can be straight, curved, etc.

[0049] As shown in the figure, the suspension lip 534 extends by a circumferential distance 700, which, as mentioned above, is less than the circumferential length 528. However, it should be understood that the circumferential distance 700 can be equal to or less than the circumferential length 528. Additionally, the radial depth 702 of the suspension lip is shown as less than the radial depth 532. As mentioned above, the dimensions can be specifically chosen to take into account operating conditions, etc.

[0050] The upper overlapping portion 510 includes an inclined lower surface 704, which may be formed to contact or otherwise engage one or more portions of the adjacent insert 208. Furthermore, the inclined shape may be specifically chosen to control the flow and extrusion path of the packer. However, it should be understood that other shapes may be used, and various different configurations may be employed for a variety of reasons, such as controlling stiffness, reducing material usage, and reducing weight.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a detailed perspective view of insert 208, showing a rear view of both the suspension lip 534 and the second suspension lip 800 extending from the upper overlapping portion 508. The second suspension lip 800 includes a suspension lip circumferential distance 802 that is less than the circumferential length 520; however, as mentioned above, in various embodiments, certain proportions and dimensions can be adjusted based on anticipated operating conditions. The second suspension lip 800 also has a suspension lip radial depth 804. In various embodiments, the lip radial depth 804 corresponds to the size of adjacent cutouts 514 to facilitate interaction between components.

[0052] As described herein, in various embodiments, the insert 208 may be formed from metallic and / or composite materials, and in various embodiments, it may be formed using additive manufacturing processes. Therefore, different configurations can be produced for the intended operating conditions without incurring costly rework.

[0053] Although the technology described herein has been illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. Therefore, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments and other arrangements can be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A blowout preventer assembly, the blowout preventer assembly comprising: Main body; A hole, the hole extending through the body portion; Gate plate assembly, the gate plate assembly comprising: A first gate plate, which is movable into the hole; A second gate plate, the second gate plate being movable into the hole; and A plurality of inserts are arranged within each of the first and second gate plates, the inserts being movable to change the sealing diameter of the gate plate assembly. Each of the plurality of inserts includes: Multiple lips extend into the gap formed between adjacent inserts, with the corresponding lips positioned along the intersection area of ​​the adjacent inserts; The upper overlapping portion includes a platform formed by a recess, the recess being at least partially defined by a rear wall, wherein the rear wall forms at least a portion of the outer periphery of the insert, and the upper overlapping portion has a cutout; and The upper overlapping portion includes a groove having a profile corresponding to the profile of the rear wall, and the surface of the upper overlapping portion has a lip that extends in an axially downward direction among the plurality of lip margins. In the plurality of inserts, the first upper overlapping portion of the first insert engages with the second upper overlapping portion of the second insert, and the lip edge of the plurality of lip edges of the first upper overlapping portion aligns and engages with the cutout of the second upper overlapping portion.

2. The component of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of inserts comprises: Top section; Bottom section; and The main body portion is located between the top portion and the bottom portion, the main body portion connecting the top portion to the bottom portion, wherein at least one first lip edge of the plurality of lip edges extends axially downward from the top portion, and at least one second lip edge of the plurality of lip edges extends axially upward from the bottom portion.

3. The component of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of inserts comprises: The lower overlapping portion, wherein the surface of the lower overlapping portion has one of the plurality of lips extending in an axially upward direction; and The lower overlapping portion has a cutout; In the plurality of inserts, the first lower overlapping portion of the first insert engages with the second lower overlapping portion of the second insert, and the lip of the plurality of lip edges of the first lower overlapping portion aligns and engages with the cut of the second lower overlapping portion.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inserts at least partially contact the packer mounted within the first gate plate and the second gate plate.

5. The component of claim 4, wherein the extrusion of the packer is at least partially blocked by the plurality of lips.

6. The component of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inserts are metal parts formed via an additive manufacturing process.

7. An insert for a variable orifice gate plate, the insert comprising: The top portion includes: The upper overlapping portion has a first lip extending in a downward axial direction; The upper overlapping portion has a second lip extending downward along the axial direction, the upper overlapping portion includes a cut formed on its surface, the cut being radially recessed from the surface, and wherein the cut corresponds in size to the first lip; and A first step, the first step being between the upper overlapping portion and the upper overlapped portion, the step having a first axial height variation between the upper overlapping portion and the upper overlapped portion; The bottom portion includes: The lower overlapping portion has a third lip extending in an axially upward direction; The lower overlapping portion has a fourth lip extending upward along the axial direction; and A second step, situated between the lower overlapping portion and the lower overlapped portion, has a second axial height variation between the lower overlapping portion and the lower overlapped portion; and A main body portion, located between the top portion and the bottom portion, connecting the top portion to the bottom portion; The upper overlapping portion includes a platform formed by a recess, which is at least partially defined by a rear wall; Wherein, the rear wall forms at least a portion of the outer periphery of the insert, and The upper overlapping portion includes a groove having a profile corresponding to the profile of the rear wall.

8. The insert of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the first lip and a portion of the fourth lip are at least partially disposed on a first side of the body portion, and at least a portion of the second lip and a portion of the third lip are at least partially disposed on a second side of the body portion.

9. The insert of claim 7, wherein each of the first lip, the second lip, the third lip, and the fourth lip extends into a gap formed between the top portion and the bottom portion, the gap forming a flow path for a packer associated with the insert.

10. The insert of claim 7, wherein the circumferential length of at least one of the upper overlapping portion, the upper overlapped portion, the lower overlapping portion, or the lower overlapped portion is variable between the face and the rear portion.

11. The insert according to claim 7, wherein the insert is a metal part formed by an additive manufacturing process.

12. A gate plate assembly, the gate plate assembly comprising: First gate section; Second gate section; A first sealing assembly, connected to the first gate plate, the first sealing assembly comprising: First subject; A first packer, the first packer being installed within a first cavity of the first body; and A plurality of inserts, disposed within the first body, movable to change a first sealing diameter of the first gate plate, wherein each of the plurality of inserts includes a plurality of lips extending into a first gap formed in the first cavity, the plurality of lips blocking a first extrusion path for the first packer; and A second sealing assembly, connected to the second gate plate, includes: Second subject; A second packer, the second packer being installed within the second cavity of the second body; and A second plurality of inserts, disposed within the second body, are movable to change the second sealing diameter of the second gate plate. Each of the second plurality of inserts includes a second plurality of lips extending into a second gap formed in the second cavity, the second plurality of lips blocking a second extrusion path for the second packer. Each of the first plurality of inserts and the second plurality of inserts includes: An upper overlapping portion, the upper overlapping portion including a platform formed by a recess, the recess being at least partially defined by a rear wall, wherein the rear wall forms at least a portion of the outer periphery of the insert, the upper overlapping portion having a cutout; and The upper overlapping portion includes a groove having a profile corresponding to the profile of the rear wall, and the surface of the upper overlapping portion has a lip that extends in an axially downward direction among the first plurality of lip edges or the second plurality of lip edges. The first upper overlapping portion of the first insert or the second insert of the plurality of inserts engages with the second upper overlapping portion of the second insert or the first insert or the second insert of the plurality of inserts, wherein the lip edge of the first plural or the second plural lip edge of the first upper overlapping portion is aligned with and engages with the cutout of the second upper overlapping portion.

13. The gate plate assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the first plurality of inserts and the second plurality of inserts comprises: Top section; Bottom section; and The main body portion is located between the top portion and the main body portion, and the main body portion connects the top portion to the main body portion, wherein at least one of the first plurality of lip edges or the second plurality of lip edges extends axially downward from the top portion, and at least one of the first plurality of lip edges or the second plurality of lip edges extends axially upward from the bottom portion.

14. The gate plate assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the first plurality of inserts and the second plurality of inserts comprises: The lower overlapping portion, wherein the surface of the lower overlapping portion has one of the first plurality of lip edges or the second plurality of lip edges extending in an axially downward direction; and The lower overlapping portion has a cutout; The first lower overlapping portion of the first insert or the second insert of the plurality of inserts engages with the second lower overlapping portion of the second insert or the first insert or the second insert of the plurality of inserts, wherein the lip edge of the first plural or the second plural lip edge of the first lower overlapping portion is aligned with and engages with the cutout of the second lower overlapping portion.

15. The gate plate assembly of claim 12, wherein the first plurality of inserts and the second plurality of inserts are metal parts formed by an additive manufacturing process.

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