Isolation sleeve locking mechanism

Abstract

The present invention discloses an isolation sleeve locking mechanism for use in shallow water underwater Christmas trees. The isolation locking mechanism comprises: an isolation sleeve, which is inserted into a receiving hole in a Christmas tree body, wherein the wall surface of the receiving hole and the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve form an installation space, one end of the installation space extending to the end face of the Christmas tree body, the wall surface of the receiving hole forming a first connection position at one end of the installation space away from the end face of the Christmas tree body, and the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve forming a second connection position connected to the first connection position; a locking member, which abuts one side of the first connection position and the second connection position near the end face of the Christmas tree body; and a support sleeve, which is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve, wherein one end of the support sleeve abuts the locking member, and the locking member is fixed by one end of the support sleeve and the wall surface of the receiving hole. The present invention strengthens the connection between the first connection position and the second connection position through the locking member and the support sleeve, thereby enhancing the bearing capacity of the connection between the isolation sleeve and the Christmas tree.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of underwater wellhead Christmas trees, and in particular to an isolation sleeve locking mechanism. Background Art

[0002] The isolation sleeve is an important device on the underwater wellhead Christmas tree. It is mainly used as a second barrier to seal the pressure in the well between the underwater Christmas tree and the underwater wellhead. The upper end of the isolation sleeve is sealed with the Christmas tree body, and the lower end is sealed with the wellhead body. At present, the locking of the isolation sleeve is mostly achieved by fixing the isolation sleeve in the inner hole of the Christmas tree body with screws or locking rings. However, this connection method requires more screws to ensure that the connection between the isolation sleeve and the Christmas tree has good support. At the same time, more screws will make the installation steps and process cumbersome, resulting in inconvenient installation and slow speed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a spacer sleeve locking mechanism, which aims to ensure that the connection between the spacer sleeve and the Christmas tree has good supporting force, and simplify the installation steps to facilitate the installation of the spacer sleeve.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] 18. The oil tree as claimed in claim 17, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spacer sleeve, wherein the spacer sleeve has a first end and a second end, and wherein the spacer sleeve has a first end and a second end. The spacer sleeve has a first end and a second end, and wherein the spacer sleeve has a second end and a second end. The spacer sleeve has a second end and a second end.

[0006] In some embodiments, one of the first connection position and the second connection position is configured as a boss, and the other is configured as an avoidance position for the boss to be embedded, the boss is provided with a fixing through hole, and the avoidance position is provided with an internal threaded hole corresponding to the fixing through hole, and a screw is sequentially passed through the fixing through hole and the internal threaded hole to connect the first connection position with the second connection position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first connection position is configured as an avoidance position, and the second connection position is configured as a boss.

[0008] In some embodiments, the boss has a first plane and a second plane that are parallel to each other, and curved surfaces connecting the first plane and the second plane at both ends, respectively, and the fixing through hole extends from the first plane to the second plane; the avoidance position has a first abutment surface for matching the first plane, and the internal threaded hole is located at a position corresponding to the first abutment surface and the fixing through hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the internal threaded hole is configured as a stepped hole, and the stepped hole has a receiving space for receiving a nut.

[0010] In some embodiments, the screw passing through the internal threaded hole is configured as a hexagon socket screw.

[0011] In some embodiments, the locking member is configured as a locking ring, and the wall surface of the accommodating through hole is formed with a groove for setting the locking ring adjacent to the first connection position and the second connection position, and the outer wall surface of the locking ring is adapted to the profile of the groove for close contact.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the locking ring includes at least two parts that are separable in a circumferential direction.

[0013] In certain embodiments, one end of the support sleeve abuts against the locking ring, and one end of the support sleeve is embedded between the locking ring and the outer circumferential surface of the isolation sleeve.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support sleeve is connected to the outer circumference of the isolation sleeve by screw locking. In some embodiments, the screw passing through the support sleeve is configured as a hexagon socket screw.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the support sleeve comprises at least two parts that are separable in the circumferential direction.

[0016] The present invention has at least the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solution:

[0017] The isolation sleeve locking mechanism provided by the present invention features a locking member and a support sleeve that further support and secure the connection between the first and second connection points after the first and second connection points are connected. This ensures the bearing capacity of the connection between the isolation sleeve and the Christmas tree, thereby reducing the number of screws used to secure the two, simplifying the installation process and facilitating the installation of the isolation sleeve. Furthermore, the locking member, upon contacting the first or second connection point on a side near the end face of the Christmas tree body, provides initial support. The support sleeve then abuts and secures the locking member, further strengthening the support. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a partial structure of a spacer sleeve locking mechanism and a Christmas tree in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation sleeve locking mechanism of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] In the accompanying drawings:

[0021] 1. Isolation sleeve;

[0022] 2. Locking ring;

[0023] 3. Support sleeve;

[0024] 4. Screws inserted into the boss;

[0025] 5. Christmas tree body;

[0026] 6. Screws inserted into the support sleeve;

[0027] 7. Sealing ring groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the system or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "assembly," "disposition," and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral connection; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] The present invention discloses a spacer sleeve locking mechanism for use in shallow-water underwater Christmas trees. After a first connection point is connected to a second connection point, a locking member and a support sleeve further support and secure the connection between the first and second connection points. This ensures the bearing capacity of the connection between the spacer sleeve and the Christmas tree, thereby reducing the number of screws used to secure the two, simplifying the installation process and facilitating installation of the spacer sleeve. Furthermore, the locking member, upon contacting the first or second connection point on a side near the end face of the Christmas tree body, provides initial support. Further support is provided by abutting and securing the locking member against the support sleeve.

[0032] The locking mechanism of the isolation sleeve provided by the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the locking mechanism of the isolation sleeve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for a shallow water underwater Christmas tree. The Christmas tree includes a Christmas tree body 5, and an accommodating through-hole is formed in the Christmas tree body 5. The locking mechanism of the isolation sleeve 1 includes: an isolation sleeve 1, which is penetrated through the accommodating through-hole, and an installation space is formed between the hole wall surface of the accommodating through-hole and the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve 1, one end of the installation space extends to the end surface of the Christmas tree body 5, and the hole wall surface of the accommodating through-hole forms a first connecting position at an end of the installation space away from the end surface of the Christmas tree body 5, and the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve 1 forms a second connecting position connected to the first connecting position; a locking member abuts against a side of the first connecting position or the second connecting position close to the end surface of the Christmas tree body 5; and a supporting sleeve 3, which is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve 1, and one end of the supporting sleeve 3 abuts against the locking member, and the locking member is limited and fixed by one end of the supporting sleeve 3 and the wall surface of the accommodating through-hole.

[0034] Specifically, the shape and size of the isolation sleeve 1 are adapted to the shape and size of the Christmas tree body 5. After the isolation sleeve 1 is inserted into the receiving hole of the Christmas tree body 5, a portion of the outer circumference of the isolation sleeve 1 contacts the wall of the receiving hole, while another portion of the outer circumference forms an installation space with the wall of the receiving hole. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the installation space extends to the end surface of the Christmas tree body 5, so that the installation space has an opening communicating with the outside space. Through this opening, operations such as connecting the first connection point and the second connection point and installing the locking member can be performed.

[0035] The connection between the first connection position and the second connection position is used to achieve a preliminary connection between the Christmas tree body 5 and the isolation sleeve 1. The connection method between the two is not particularly limited.

[0036] At one end of the installation space away from the end face of the Christmas tree body 5, a mounting position for a locking member is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve 1 and the wall surface of the accommodating through hole. After the locking member is abutted by one end of the support sleeve 3, its outer wall surface is limited and fixed by the wall surface of the accommodating through hole at the mounting position and the outer wall surface of the support sleeve 3. At this time, a portion of the surface of the locking member abuts the first connection position or the second connection position, thereby strengthening the connection bearing capacity of the first and second connection positions.

[0037] In some embodiments, one of the first connection position and the second connection position is configured as a boss, and the other is configured as an avoidance position for the boss to be embedded. The boss is provided with a fixing through hole, and the avoidance position is provided with an internal threaded hole corresponding to the fixing through hole. The screw 4 passes through the fixing through hole and the internal threaded hole in sequence to connect the first connection position with the second connection position.

[0038] In this way, it can be used as an optional implementation method to connect the first connection bit and the second connection bit.

[0039] It is understood that after the screw 4 passes through the fixing through hole and is screwed into the internal threaded hole until it is tightened, the nut of the screw 4 presses against the surface of the boss to lock the boss and the avoidance position together. It should be noted that the screw locking connection method can also be replaced by other connection methods, including but not limited to snap connection.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first connection position is configured as an avoidance position, and the second connection position is configured as a boss. However, the present design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first connection position can be configured as a boss, and the second connection position can be configured as an avoidance position.

[0041] In some embodiments, the boss has a first plane and a second plane that are parallel, and curved surfaces at both ends connecting the first and second planes, respectively. The fixing hole extends from the first plane to the second plane. The relief position has a first abutment surface that mates with the first plane, and the internal threaded hole is located at a position corresponding to the first abutment surface and the fixing hole. This configuration can be an optional arrangement for the boss and relief position.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the internally threaded hole extends in the same direction as the fixing through-hole. The first abutment surface, the first plane, and the second plane extend perpendicularly to the axial direction of the internally threaded hole and perpendicularly to the opening of the installation space, allowing the screw 4 to be easily inserted into the internally threaded hole through the installation space. Furthermore, the relief portion includes a second abutment surface that mates with the curved surface of the boss. This second abutment surface contacts the curved surface of the boss to maintain a tight connection between the boss and the relief portion.

[0043] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the boss and the avoidance position may also have other structural types. For example, the extension direction of the first abutting surface, the first plane and the second plane may be approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the internal threaded hole; the curved surface of the boss may also be replaced by multiple connected planes.

[0044] In some embodiments, the internal threaded hole is configured as a stepped hole, which has a space for accommodating a nut. This prevents the nut of the screw 4 from occupying the space for the locking member, making the locking mechanism of the isolation sleeve 1 of the present invention more compact, and prevents the nut from obstructing the locking member from contacting the boss.

[0045] Specifically, the stepped hole includes two parts distributed along the axial direction, wherein the aperture of the part close to the locking member is larger than the aperture of the part away from the locking member, and the part with the larger aperture can accommodate the nut.

[0046] In some embodiments, the screw 4 inserted into the internally threaded hole is configured as a hexagon socket screw. This reduces the diameter of the portion of the stepped hole that receives the nut. It is understood that, compared to an external hexagon socket screw, the outer periphery of the nut of a hexagon socket screw contacts the wall of the stepped hole, eliminating the need for space to rotate the nut. Therefore, the diameter of the portion of the stepped hole that receives the nut can be reduced. When the maximum diameter of the stepped hole is reduced, the volume of the boss can also be reduced accordingly.

[0047] However, the present design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the hexagon socket screws may be replaced with other types of screws.

[0048] In some embodiments, the locking member is configured as a locking ring 2. A recess for receiving the locking ring 2 is formed on the wall of the receiving hole adjacent to the first and second connection locations. The outer wall of the locking ring 2 is adapted to closely contact the recess. This allows the locking ring 2 to be positioned and secured by the wall of the receiving hole.

[0049] Specifically, the locking ring 2 is at least partially located in the embedding groove, and the profile of the embedding groove limits the locking ring 2 in the axial direction of the locking ring 2. In particular, after one end of the support sleeve 3 abuts against the locking ring 2, the outer wall of the locking ring 2 and the profile of the embedding groove press against each other. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the cross-section of the locking ring 2 is circular, and the cross-section of the profile of the embedding groove is also arc-shaped accordingly. However, the present design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the locking ring 2 and the cross-section of the profile of the embedding groove can also be other shapes, such as square.

[0050] In some embodiments, the locking ring 2 comprises at least two circumferentially separable parts. This facilitates the installation of the locking ring 2. As will be appreciated, if the locking ring 2 were an integral, ring-shaped unit, it would be difficult to position it around the outer circumference of the spacer sleeve 1, especially if the locking ring 2 has poor deformation properties, the spacer sleeve 1 is bulky, or the installation space is limited. In this embodiment, however, the locking ring 2 is separated into at least two parts, which can then be installed one by one.

[0051] Preferably, the locking ring 2 includes four parts that are separable in the circumferential direction, that is, the locking ring 2 can be divided into four pieces in the circumferential direction.

[0052] In some embodiments, one end of the support sleeve 3 abuts against the locking ring 2, and one end of the support sleeve 3 is embedded between the locking ring 2 and the outer circumference of the isolation sleeve 1. In this way, the support sleeve 3 abuts against the locking ring 2, so that the locking ring 2 and the embedded groove on the accommodating through hole abut against each other and limit each other, thereby fixing the locking ring 2 and supporting the first connection position and the second connection position. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the end face of the support sleeve 3 abuts against the boss, the outer edge close to the end face abuts against the locking ring 2 , and the inner edge close to the end face abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the isolation sleeve 1 .

[0053] In some embodiments, the support sleeve 3 is connected to the outer circumference of the isolation sleeve 1 by screw locking. This can be used as an optional embodiment for connecting the support sleeve 3 to the isolation sleeve 1. It can be understood that the screw locking connection method has the beneficial effect of a stable connection.

[0054] In some embodiments, the screw 6 passing through the support sleeve 3 is configured as a hexagon socket screw. It is understandable that when the screw 4 passing through the boss is a hexagon socket screw, if the screw 6 passing through the support sleeve 3 is also configured as a hexagon socket screw, all screws can be removed and installed using the same set of removal tools.

[0055] In some embodiments, the support sleeve 3 includes at least two parts that are separable in the circumferential direction, so that the support sleeve 3 can be easily arranged in place on the outer circumferential surface of the isolation sleeve 1.

[0056] As can be understood, the support sleeve 3 is annular in shape. If it were an inseparable unit, it would be difficult to position it on the outer circumference of the isolation sleeve 1, especially when the isolation sleeve 1 is large and the installation space is limited. In this embodiment, the support sleeve 3 is separated into at least two parts, which can then be installed one by one.

[0057] Preferably, the supporting sleeve 3 includes two parts that are separable in the circumferential direction, that is, the locking ring 2 can be divided into two pieces in the circumferential direction.

[0058] Without loss of generality, sealing ring grooves 7 are provided on the upper and lower outer circumferential surfaces of the isolation sleeve 1 .

[0059] It's worth noting that the locking mechanism for the isolation sleeve 1 of the present invention, on the one hand, further supports and secures the connection between the first and second connection points using the locking member and support sleeve 3. This ensures the bearing capacity of the connection between the isolation sleeve 1 and the Christmas tree, reducing the number of screws used to secure the two. Furthermore, by configuring the locking ring 2 and support sleeve 3 as at least two circumferentially separable parts, installation of the locking ring 2 and support sleeve 3 is facilitated. In other words, the locking mechanism for the isolation sleeve 1 of the present invention offers the benefit of convenient installation.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spacer sleeve locking mechanism for a shallow water underwater Christmas tree, wherein the Christmas tree comprises a Christmas tree body, wherein the Christmas tree body is formed with an accommodating through hole, characterized in that: include: an isolation sleeve, which is inserted into the accommodating through hole, and an installation space is formed between the hole wall surface of the accommodating through hole and the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve, one end of the installation space extends to the end surface of the Christmas tree body, the hole wall surface of the accommodating through hole forms a first connection position at an end of the installation space away from the end surface of the Christmas tree body, and the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve forms a second connection position connected to the first connection position; a locking member abutting against a side of one of the first connection position and the second connection position close to the end surface of the Christmas tree body; as well as A support sleeve is provided on the outer circumference of the isolation sleeve, and one end of the support sleeve abuts against the locking member, and the locking member is limited and fixed by the one end of the support sleeve and the wall of the accommodating through hole; One of the first connection position and the second connection position is configured as a boss, and the other is configured as an avoidance position for the boss to be embedded in. The boss is provided with a fixing through-hole, and the avoidance position is provided with an internal threaded hole corresponding to the fixing through-hole. A screw is sequentially passed through the fixing through-hole and the internal threaded hole to connect the first connection position with the second connection position. The locking member is configured as a locking ring, and a wall surface of the accommodating through hole is formed with an embedding groove for arranging the locking ring at a position adjacent to the first connection position and the second connection position, and an outer wall surface of the locking ring is adapted to a profile of the embedding groove for close contact; One end of the support sleeve abuts against the locking ring, and one end of the support sleeve is embedded between the locking ring and the outer peripheral surface of the isolation sleeve; The support sleeve is connected to the outer circumference of the isolation sleeve by screw locking; and / or The screw passing through the supporting sleeve is configured as a hexagon socket screw.

2. The spacer sleeve locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connection position is configured as an avoidance position, and the second connection position is configured as a boss.

3. The spacer sleeve locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The boss has a first plane and a second plane that are parallel to each other, and curved surfaces at both ends connecting the first plane and the second plane respectively, and the fixing through hole extends from the first plane to the second plane; The avoidance position has a first abutting surface adapted to the first plane, and the internal threaded hole is located at a position corresponding to the first abutting surface and the fixing through hole.

4. The spacer sleeve locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The internal threaded hole is configured as a stepped hole, and the stepped hole has a receiving space for receiving a nut; and / or The screw passing through the internal threaded hole is configured as a hexagon socket screw.

5. The spacer sleeve locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking ring includes at least two parts that are separable in the circumferential direction.

6. The spacer sleeve locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting sleeve includes at least two parts that are separable in the circumferential direction.

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