Bolt-free sealing assembly fixing method

Abstract

A rotation control device for pressure controlled drilling, the rotation control device comprising:-a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, where the housing comprises a recess located near a top edge thereof; the groove defines an upper edge, a lower edge and a side wall located between the upper edge and the lower edge; -a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and detachably inserted within the opening of the housing and defining a bore sized for insertion of a drill string therethrough wherein the sealing assembly is configured to seal around the drill string and isolate an annulus of the drilling riser; -a boltless seal assembly securing system comprising: o at least one boltless sector adapted to be inserted into a groove located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless sector comprising a shape adapted to fit within the groove and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; the outer surface is suitable for abutting against the side wall of the groove, the lower surface is suitable for abutting against the lower edge of the groove, and the top surface is suitable for abutting against the upper edge of the groove; o a boltless segment holder comprising a top surface adapted to be fixed on the top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted into the housing opening and abut against an inner surface of the at least one boltless segment; wherein the at least one boltless segment is inserted into the groove and then the boltless segment holder is secured to the at least one boltless segment, sufficient to secure the seal assembly within the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rotation control device and a method for holding the sealing assembly thereto, and more specifically, to a method for holding the sealing assembly without using bolts. Background Technology

[0002] In oil and gas drilling, geological formations with narrow tolerance to changes in bottom hole pressure are encountered. Continuous improvements are sought to reduce equipment downtime and expedite any necessary maintenance. One widely adopted solution to this problem is so-called "controlled pressure drilling" (MPD). In this drilling method, the annulus is isolated from the atmosphere via a rotary control device (RCD). Rotary devices require maintenance because the drilling environment generates forces, high temperatures, and abrasive drill cuttings that are detrimental to the lifespan of seals, bearings, and packing elements. An RCD is a pressure control device used to create a seal around the drill string during drilling and / or when it is being run in and out of the well. The RCD is designed to contain or divert hydrocarbons or other well fluids and pressures and prevent their release into the atmosphere. The RCD diverts fluids to a manifold equipped with a dedicated choke valve that allows control of the bottom hole pressure. Just before disconnecting to add a new stand, the pump speed is reduced. Simultaneously, the dynamic component of the bottom hole pressure decreases and needs to be compensated for to maintain a near-constant bottom hole pressure.

[0003] In the oil and gas industry, ensuring employee safety is paramount, and one issue that can endanger employee safety on a drilling platform is known as a "blowout." If a high-pressure area is encountered during drilling operations, and the pressure exceeds the hydrostatic pressure applied by the drilling mud, and the formation has sufficient permeability to allow fluid flow, then formation fluids will enter the wellbore and displace the drilling mud. This is called a "sucking"; if left uncontrolled, it will result in a "blowout," the uncontrolled release of crude oil and / or natural gas from the well. Sucking can be safely controlled using MPD systems, including RCD. During drilling operations, the drill pipe or tubing moves axially and slidably through the rotary control head. The axial movement of the drill pipe, along with other forces experienced during drilling operations (some of which will be discussed below), can cause wear on bearing and sealing assemblies, which subsequently require repair. Typically, the drill pipe, or a portion thereof, is pulled out of the well, and the bearings and sealing assemblies in the rotary control head are then released.

[0004] Internal sealing elements can be passive or active. Passive sealing elements, such as stripper rubber seals, can be manufactured with the required tension fit. Active sealing elements, on the other hand, typically require remote-to-the-tool hydraulic or other energy to open or close the seal around the outer diameter of the tubing. Active sealing elements can be deactivated to reduce or eliminate the sealing force between the seal and the tubing. Several types of RCDs have been proposed that incorporate a combination of active and passive seals or sealing elements, often combining stripper rubber seals and active sealing elements. The tubing typically comprises sections with different outer surface diameters. The aforementioned passive and active sealing elements must be designed to accommodate sealing all rough and irregular surfaces surrounding the tubing, drill pipe, tool joints, and drill collars. The tubing continuously moves through the sealing element under pressure, causing wear on the internal sealing surfaces. When drilling with a dual-ring sealing RCD, the lower sealing element of the two sealing elements is typically exposed to most of the pressurized fluid and drill cuttings returning from the wellbore, which communicate with the lower surface of the lower sealing element body. The upper sealing element is exposed to the fluid not blocked by the lower sealing element. When the lower sealing element blocks all pressurized fluid, it experiences a significant pressure differential across its body because its upper surface is essentially at atmospheric pressure when used on land or atop a riser. The highest demands on RCD sealing elements occur when the tubing is pulled from the wellbore under high pressure. Several components are used to control fluid pressure. Typically, one or more blowout preventers (BOPs) are mounted on the well, forming a BOP assembly to seal the well. In particular, annular BOPs are used to selectively seal the lower portion of the well to the tubing that allows mud to drain. In many cases, a conventional rotary control head is mounted above the BOP assembly. The internal portions or components of the conventional rotary control head are designed to seal and rotate with the drill pipe. The internal portions or components typically include at least one internal sealing element mounted in the rotary control head along with multiple bearings. The thrust generated by the wellbore fluid pressure, radial forces on the bearing assemblies, and other forces cause a significant amount of heat to build up in the conventional rotary control head. This heat causes wear on the seals and bearings, subsequently requiring maintenance.

[0005] Rotary control device (RCD) sealing elements are made of a solid body, typically constructed from a dense, flexible material such as an elastomer, and are usually configured as a single or dual element within a housing. A typical RCD includes an elastomer or rubber-filled / sealing element and a bearing assembly that allows the sealing element to rotate with the drill string. There is no rotational movement between the drill string and the sealing element—only the bearing assembly exhibits rotational movement during drilling.

[0006] When the sealing element fails or needs replacement, release the sealing assembly and lift the rotating sealing assembly from the RCD. Replacing the sealing assembly or its associated parts is a production-limiting and time-consuming step.

[0007] To the inventor's knowledge, all commercially available RCD sealing assemblies are bolted to the housing. Despite the existence of existing technology, there is still a need for easier replacement of the sealing elements of rotary control devices, which would allow operators to replace them more quickly and reduce downtime. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for securing a sealing assembly in a suitable position inside an RCD housing by means of an insertion fit, thereby simplifying the assembly and disassembly process without compromising retention / fixation integrity.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a rotary control device for controlled pressure drilling is provided, the rotary control device comprising:

[0010] - A housing, comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein the housing includes a recess located near its top edge; the recess defines an upper edge, a lower edge, and a sidewall located therebetween;

[0011] - A sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted into the opening of the housing and defining a hole sized for the drill string to pass through, wherein the sealing assembly is configured to seal and isolate the annulus of the drill riser around the drill string;

[0012] - Boltless sealing assembly fixing system, including:

[0013] At least one boltless sector block is adapted to be inserted into a groove located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless sector block comprising a preferred curved shape adapted to fit within the groove and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; the outer surface is adapted to abut against the sidewall of the groove, the bottom surface is adapted to abut against the lower edge of the groove, and the top surface is adapted to abut against the upper edge of the groove;

[0014] A boltless sector block retainer includes a top surface adapted to be fixed on the top edge of a housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted into an opening in the housing and abut against the inner surface of the at least one boltless sector block;

[0015] The insertion of at least one boltless sector block into the groove and the subsequent securing of the boltless sector block retainer to the at least one boltless sector block are sufficient to secure the sealing assembly correctly inserted into the housing. Those skilled in the art will understand how the sealing assembly is intended to be inserted into the housing and will understand the meaning of correct insertion.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a sealing assembly retaining and fixing member is provided for use on a rotary control device for controlled pressure drilling, wherein the rotary control device comprises:

[0017] - A housing, comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein the housing includes a recess located near its top edge; the recess defines an upper edge, a lower edge, and a sidewall located therebetween;

[0018] - A sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted into the opening of the housing and defining a hole sized for the drill string to pass through, wherein the sealing assembly is configured to seal and isolate the annulus of the drill riser around the drill string;

[0019] And the sealing assembly retaining and fixing components include:

[0020] - Boltless sealing assembly fixing system, including:

[0021] At least one boltless sector block is adapted to be inserted into a groove located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless sector block including a shape adapted to fit within the groove and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; the outer surface is adapted to abut against the sidewall of the groove, the lower surface is adapted to abut against the lower edge of the groove, and the top surface is adapted to abut against the upper edge of the groove;

[0022] A boltless sector block retainer includes a top surface adapted to be fixed on the top edge of a housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted into an opening in the housing and abut against the inner surface of the at least one boltless sector block;

[0023] The insertion of at least one boltless sector block into the groove and the subsequent fixing of the boltless sector block retainer onto the at least one boltless sector block are sufficient to secure the sealing assembly inserted into the housing.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a sealing assembly retaining and fixing member in a rotary control device for controlled pressure drilling, wherein the rotary control device comprises:

[0025] - A housing, comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein the housing includes a recess located near its top edge; the recess defines an upper edge, a lower edge, and a sidewall located therebetween;

[0026] - A sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted into the opening of the housing and defining a hole sized for the drill string to pass through, wherein the sealing assembly is configured to seal and isolate the annulus of the drill riser around the drill string;

[0027] And the sealing assembly retaining and fixing components include:

[0028] - Boltless sealing assembly fixing system, including:

[0029] At least one boltless sector block is adapted to be inserted into a groove located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless sector block including a shape adapted to fit within the groove and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; the outer surface is adapted to abut against the sidewall of the groove, the lower surface is adapted to abut against the lower edge of the groove, and the top surface is adapted to abut against the upper edge of the groove;

[0030] A boltless sector block retainer includes a top surface adapted to be fixed on the top edge of a housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted into an opening in the housing and abut against the inner surface of the at least one boltless sector block;

[0031] The insertion of at least one boltless sector block into the groove and the subsequent fixing of the boltless sector block retainer onto the at least one boltless sector block are sufficient to secure the sealing assembly inserted into the housing.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a sealing element is fixed to an adapter that abuts against the bottom surface of the at least one boltless sector block during operation.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing element is incorporated into the direct design of the elastomeric component.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one boltless sector block has sufficient thickness such that when placed in the groove, it protrudes therefrom and retains the sealing assembly within the housing.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastomeric component, its adapter, and / or housing allow for a tapered seal without the aid of threaded or axial forces that would reduce the force required to install the sealing assembly into and remove it from the housing.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one boltless sector block is a bent metal piece adapted to be inserted into the groove with a thickness not exceeding half its own thickness, wherein the thickness is defined as the width of the metal piece from its inner surface to its outer surface. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one boltless sector block is a bent metal piece.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one boltless sector block has a geometry selected from the group consisting of:

[0038] - A geometry in which a groove is located between the base of the sealing assembly and the retaining wall;

[0039] - A geometry wherein the geometry of the retaining wall helps prevent the geometry of the sector block from collapsing or shifting out of its desired retaining position; and

[0040] - A geometry in which the system allows for reliable securing of the sealing assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners that pass through the sealing assembly or housing into any other component.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one boltless sector has a hole located near its inner surface, adapted to receive a tool for disassembling the at least one boltless sector during a replacement operation. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one boltless sector includes a curvature defining an outer diameter greater than the diameter at the top edge of the sealing assembly. When positioned in a recess, this allows the at least one boltless sector to span the top edge of the sealing member and prevents the latter from dislodging from the housing.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one boltless sector block includes a hinged connection between a first member and a second member, wherein the hinged connection allows the first and second members to compress toward each other to facilitate insertion into the groove located on the housing.

[0043] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for fixing and retaining a sealing element in a rotary control device for pressure-controlled drilling within a housing, the method comprising the steps of:

[0044] - Insert a sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted into the opening of the housing and defining a hole sized for a drill string to pass through and be inserted therein;

[0045] - Position the sealing assembly within the housing to form a seal from the lower portion located below a groove on the inner surface of the housing;

[0046] - Insert at least one boltless sector block with a different potential geometry into the groove located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless sector block including a curved shape adapted to fit within the groove located within the circular housing; and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface;

[0047] - Insert a boltless sector block retainer onto or into the top edge of the housing. The boltless sector block retainer includes a flat top surface adapted to be fixed on the top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted into an opening in the housing and abut against the inner surface of the at least one boltless sector block. The boltless sector block retainer also includes a plurality of holes adapted to be aligned with screw receiving holes located on the top edge of the housing.

[0048] - Secure the boltless sector block retainer to the top edge of the housing using a fastening device (e.g., but not limited to screws, bolts, or the like).

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, a kit is provided for use with a rotary control device for controlled pressure drilling, the kit comprising:

[0050] - A housing, comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein the housing includes a recess located near its top edge; the recess defines an upper edge, a lower edge, and a sidewall located therebetween;

[0051] - A sealing assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted into the opening of the housing and defining a hole sized for the drill string to pass through, wherein the sealing assembly is configured to seal and isolate the annulus of the drill riser around the drill string;

[0052] - Boltless sealing assembly fixing system, including:

[0053] o At least one boltless sector block having a specific geometry adapted to be inserted into a recess located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless sector block including a curved shape adapted to fit within the recess and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; the outer surface is adapted to abut against the sidewall of the recess, the lower surface is adapted to abut against the lower edge of the recess, and the top surface is adapted to abut against the upper edge of the recess;

[0054] A boltless sector block retainer includes a flat top surface adapted to be fixed on the top edge of a housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted into an opening in the housing and abut against the inner surface of the at least one boltless sector block;

[0055] The specific geometry mentioned is selected from the following group:

[0056] - A geometry in which a groove is located between the base of the sealing assembly and the retaining wall;

[0057] - A geometry wherein the geometry of the retaining wall helps prevent the geometry of the sector block from collapsing or shifting out of its desired retaining position; and

[0058] - A geometry in which the system allows for reliable securing of the sealing assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners that penetrate through the sealing assembly or housing into any other component; and

[0059] The insertion of at least one boltless sector block into the groove and the subsequent fixing of the boltless sector block retainer onto the at least one boltless sector block are sufficient to secure the sealing element within the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of example only, with reference to the following figures:

[0061] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotation control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 3 This is a side view of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotation control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0065] Figure 5 This is a top exploded perspective view of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 6a and 6b These are exploded anatomical views and top exploded perspective views of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with particular attention to the boltless sector block;

[0067] Figure 7a and 7b These are exploded anatomical views and top exploded perspective views of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with particular attention to the boltless sector block retainer;

[0068] Figure 8a and 8b These are, respectively, an exploded view and a top perspective view of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with particular attention to the elastomer component and the element adapter;

[0069] Figure 9a and 9bThese are, respectively, an anatomical view and a top perspective view of the sealing assembly and the housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with particular attention to the area of ​​the sealing assembly abutting against the housing wall. Detailed Implementation

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing assembly retaining and fixing member according to claim 1, wherein at least one boltless sector block has a geometry selected from the group consisting of:

[0071] - A geometry in which a groove is located between the base of the sealing assembly and the retaining wall;

[0072] - A geometry wherein the geometry of the retaining wall helps prevent the geometry of the sector block from collapsing or shifting out of its desired retaining position; and

[0073] - A geometry in which the system allows for reliable securing of the sealing assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners that pass through the sealing assembly or housing into any other component.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing assembly and rotation control device are used to seal around a tubular body in any wellbore conveying liquids and / or gases. Preferably, the rotation control device is mounted on a submersible BOP riser configuration on a facility or vessel, or on a land-based BOP.

[0075] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a top perspective view of the sealing assembly and housing of a rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The sealing assembly (10) is fixed to the housing (20) by means of fastening devices such as screws (21).

[0076] Figure 2A side sectional view of a sealing assembly (10) and a housing (20) of a rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The housing (20) includes a central circular hole (23) defining a cavity (29) extending therethrough, wherein the housing includes a recess (25) located near the top edge (22) of the housing, the recess (25) defining an upper edge (26), a lower edge (27) and a sidewall (28) therebetween. The sealing assembly (10) includes a sealing element (12), an element adapter (18), an elastomer component (30) and bolts (19) for holding the sealing element (12), the element adapter (18) and the elastomer component (30) together. The sealing assembly (10) is adapted to be securely and removably inserted into an opening in the housing and defines a hole sized for a drill string to be inserted therethrough, wherein the sealing assembly is configured to seal and isolate the annulus of the drill riser around the drill string. The boltless sealing assembly fixing system (40) includes: at least one boltless sector block (42) adapted to be inserted into a groove (25) on the housing (20), each of the at least one boltless sector block including a preferred curved shape adapted to fit within the groove and having an outer surface (43), an inner surface (44), a top surface (45) and a lower surface (46); the outer surface (43) is adapted to abut against the sidewall (28) of the groove (25), the lower surface (46) is adapted to abut against the lower edge (27) of the groove (25), and the top surface (45) is adapted to abut against the upper edge (26) of the groove (25).

[0077] The boltless sector block retainer (42) includes a preferably flat top surface (51) adapted to be fixed on the top edge (22) of the housing (20), and a lower (annular) edge (52) adapted to be inserted into the housing hole (23) and abut against the inner surface (44) of at least one boltless sector block (42).

[0078] Figure 3 An exploded side view of the sealing assembly (10) and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0079] Figure 4a is a side sectional view of the sealing assembly and housing (20) of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The boltless sector block retainer (50) includes a flat top surface adapted to be fixed on the top edge (22) of the housing (20) and a lower (annular) edge (52) adapted to be inserted into the housing bore (23) and abut against the inner surface (44) of at least one boltless sector block (42). The sealing assembly (10) includes a sealing element (12) fixed to the elastomeric component (30) by a fixing device (e.g., bolts or screws), the fixing device preferably being mounted (or passing through) in an element adapter (18) connecting the sealing element (12) and the elastomeric component (30). The elastomeric component (30) has an outward-facing surface (31) comprising a lower portion (32) defined by an inwardly angled face (33) and a shoulder (36) at the top edge (35) of the upper portion (34), the shoulder being adapted to abut against a notch (24) in a housing (20) located below a recess (25) accommodating at least one boltless sealing sector (42). Once the sealing assembly (10) is positioned within the housing, the shoulder (36) of the elastomeric component (30) is preferably flush with the lower edge (27) of the recess (25). When at least one boltless sealing sector (42) is inserted into the recess (25), they are designed to extend beyond the recess (25) and provide an overlap directly above (and preferably abutting against) the top edge of the elastomeric component (30) where the shoulder (36) is located. This abutment of at least one boltless sealing sector (42) against the top edge of the elastomeric component (30) provides a first part of the retention system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The second part of the retaining system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes an insert boltless sector block retainer (50) that retains at least one boltless sealing sector block (42) in a groove (25) when inserted into a cavity of the housing (20), and completes the retention when the retainer (52) is secured to the top edge of the housing (22) using a fixing device such as a screw (21).

[0080] Figure 5 This is a top exploded perspective view of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing two adjacent boltless sector blocks (42 and 42') that can be removably inserted into corresponding grooves located on the housing. Preferably, the boltless sealing members can interlock with adjacent boltless sealing members to be held together more securely.

[0081] Figure 6a and 6b These are exploded anatomical views and top exploded perspective views (respectively) of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with particular attention to the boltless sector block. Figure 7a and 7bThese are exploded anatomical views and top exploded perspective views (respectively) of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with particular attention to the boltless sector block retainer. Figure 8a and 8b These are exploded anatomical views and top perspective views (respectively) of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with particular attention to the elastomeric components and element adapters. When observing... Figure 6a , 6b In cases 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b, it is clear that, preferably, the boltless sector block (42) is adapted to both fit into a groove (25) located on the housing (20) and cover the top edge (35) of the elastomeric component (30). Meanwhile, the boltless sector block retainer (42) is designed to insert directly downwards such that its top surface directly abuts against the top edge of the housing (20), and both are secured together using a fastening device such as a screw (21). Figure 8 illustrates how the elastomeric component and the component adapter mate with each other to provide a sealing assembly (10) that can be secured to the housing (20) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0082] Figure 9a and 9b These are exploded and top perspective views (respectively) of the sealing assembly and housing of the rotary control device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with particular focus on the region of the sealing assembly abutting against the inwardly facing and angled wall segment (37) of the housing (20). According to the embodiment shown, the sealing assembly (10) including the sealing element (12) is secured to the elastomer component (30) by a fastening device (e.g., bolts or screws) connected to an element adapter (18) that connects the sealing element (12) to the elastomer component (30). The elastomer component (30) has an outwardly facing surface (31) including a lower portion (32) defined by an annularly angled inwardly facing surface (33), and an upper portion defining a shoulder (36) at a top edge adapted to abut against a notch (24) on the housing (20) located below the groove (25). Once the elastomeric component is securely positioned in the housing and the shoulder (36) is positioned within the notch (24) on the housing (20), the boltless sector block can be inserted into the groove (25) directly above the notch (24), and once this is done, the sealing assembly is secured within the housing (20). The lower edge (52) of the boltless sector block holder is inserted into the housing bore (23), abutting against the inner surface (44) of the plurality of boltless sector blocks (42) now located within the groove (25). The boltless sector block holder (50) is then secured to the top edge (22) of the housing, completing the installation of the sealing assembly (10) into the housing (20). The sealing assembly is now usable.

[0083] When used in this specification and claims, the term "comprises" and its variations mean to include the specified features, steps, or integers. These terms should not be construed as excluding the presence of other features, steps, or components. Features disclosed in the foregoing description or the appended claims or drawings, expressed in their particular form or as means for performing the disclosed function or as a method or process for obtaining the disclosed result, may, as appropriate, be used alone or in any combination of these features to implement various forms of the invention.

Claims

1. A rotary control device for managed pressure drilling, characterized by, The rotary control device comprises: - a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein the housing comprises a recess located near its top edge; the recess defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a sidewall therebetween; - a seal assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within the opening of the housing and defining a bore sized for the insertion of a drill string therethrough, wherein the seal assembly is configured to seal around the drill string and isolate the annulus of a drilling riser; - a boltless seal assembly fixation system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted to be inserted in the recess located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless segment comprising a shape adapted to fit within the recess and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; the outer surface being adapted to abut against the sidewall of the recess, the lower surface being adapted to abut against the lower edge of the recess, the top surface being adapted to abut against the upper edge of the recess; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted to be fixed on the top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted within the opening of the housing and to abut against the inner surface of the at least one boltless segment; wherein the insertion of the at least one boltless segment in the recess and the subsequent fixation of the boltless segment retainer on the at least one boltless segment are sufficient to fix the seal assembly inserted within the housing.

2. A seal assembly retention and securing member for use on a rotary control device for managed pressure drilling, characterized by, The rotary control device comprises: - a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein the housing comprises a recess located near its top edge; the recess defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a sidewall therebetween; - a seal assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within the opening of the housing and defining a bore sized for the insertion of a drill string therethrough, wherein the seal assembly is configured to seal around the drill string and isolate the annulus of a drilling riser; and wherein the seal assembly retention and fixation means comprise: - a boltless seal assembly fixation system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted to be inserted in the recess located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless segment comprising a shape adapted to fit within the recess and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; the outer surface being adapted to abut against the sidewall of the recess, the lower surface being adapted to abut against the lower edge of the recess, the top surface being adapted to abut against the upper edge of the recess; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted to be fixed on the top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted within the opening of the housing and to abut against the inner surface of the at least one boltless segment; wherein the insertion of the at least one boltless segment in the recess and the subsequent fixation of the boltless segment retainer on the at least one boltless segment are sufficient to fix the seal assembly inserted within the housing.

3. The seal assembly retaining and securing member of claim 2, wherein, wherein the sealing element is fixed to an adapter that abuts against the bottom surface of the at least one boltless segment during operation.

4. The seal assembly retaining and securing member of claim 2 or 3, wherein, wherein the sealing element is incorporated into the direct design of the seal assembly retention and fixation means.

5. The seal assembly retention and securement member of any of claims 2-4, wherein, wherein the at least one boltless segment has a sufficient thickness such that, when placed in the recess, it protrudes therefrom and maintains a seal assembly within the housing.

6. The seal assembly retention and securement member of any of claims 2-5, wherein, wherein the elastomeric component, its adapter and / or the housing allow for a conical seal without the aid of threads or axial forces that would reduce the force needed to install and uninstall the seal assembly to and from the housing.

7. The boltless seal assembly retaining and securing member of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, wherein the at least one boltless segment has a geometry selected from the group consisting of: a geometry wherein a recess is located between the base of the seal assembly and the retaining wall; a geometry wherein the geometry of the retaining wall can help prevent the geometry of the segment from collapsing or moving out of its intended retaining position; and a geometry wherein the system allows for the secure fixing of the seal assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners that pass through the seal assembly or housing into any other component.

8. The seal assembly retention and securement member of any of claims 2-7, wherein, wherein the at least one boltless segment has a hole located near the inner surface adapted to receive a tool used to uninstall the at least one boltless segment during a replacement operation.

9. The seal assembly retaining and securing member of any of claims 2-8, wherein, wherein the at least one boltless segment comprises a hinged connection between a first member and a second member, wherein the hinged connection allows the first and second members to compress towards each other to facilitate insertion into the recess located on the housing.

10. Use of a seal assembly retaining and securing member on a rotary control device for managed pressure drilling, characterized in that, wherein the rotation control device comprises: - a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein the housing comprises a recess located near its top edge; the recess defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a sidewall therebetween; - a seal assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted into the opening of the housing and defining a bore sized for the insertion of a drill string therethrough, wherein the seal assembly is configured to seal around the drill string and isolate the annulus of the drilling riser; and wherein the seal assembly retaining and securing member comprises: - a boltless seal assembly securing system comprising: o at least one boltless segment adapted to be inserted into the recess located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless segment comprising a shape adapted to fit within the recess and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; the outer surface adapted to abut against the sidewall of the recess, the lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of the recess, the top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of the recess; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a top surface adapted to be secured on the top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted into the opening of the housing and abut against the inner surface of the at least one boltless segment; wherein the insertion of the at least one boltless segment into the recess and the subsequent securing of the boltless segment retainer on the at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure the seal assembly inserted within the housing.

11. A method of securing and retaining a sealing element in a rotating control device for managed pressure drilling within a housing, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: - inserting a seal assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted into the opening of the housing and defining a bore sized for the insertion of a drill string therethrough; - positioning the seal assembly within the housing to form a seal from a lower portion located below the recess on the inner surface of the housing; - inserting at least one boltless segment into the groove located on the housing, wherein the at least one boltless segment comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; wherein each of the at least one boltless segment comprises a curved shape adapted to fit within and against the outer surface of the groove located within the circular housing; - inserting a boltless segment retainer onto or into the top edge of the housing; and - securing the boltless segment retainer to the top edge of the housing with a securing device.

12. A kit for use with a rotary control device for managed pressure drilling, the kit comprising: The kit comprises: - a housing comprising a central circular portion having an opening extending therethrough, wherein the housing comprises a groove located near its top edge; the groove defining an upper edge, a lower edge and a sidewall therebetween; - a seal assembly adapted to be securely and removably inserted within the opening of the housing and defining a bore sized for the insertion of a drill string therethrough, wherein the seal assembly is configured to seal around the drill string and isolate the annulus of a drilling riser; - a boltless seal assembly securing system comprising: o at least one boltless segment having a specific geometry adapted to be inserted into the groove located on the housing, each of the at least one boltless segment comprising a curved shape adapted to fit within the groove and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; the outer surface adapted to abut against the sidewall of the groove, the lower surface adapted to abut against the lower edge of the groove, the top surface adapted to abut against the upper edge of the groove; o a boltless segment retainer comprising a flat top surface adapted to be secured on the top edge of the housing and a lower edge adapted to be inserted within the opening of the housing and to abut against the inner surface of the at least one boltless segment; wherein the specific geometry is selected from the group consisting of: - a geometry wherein the groove is located between the base of the seal assembly and the retaining wall; - a geometry wherein the geometry of the retaining wall is able to help prevent the geometry of the segment from collapsing or moving out of its desired retaining position; and - a geometry wherein the system allows for the securement of the seal assembly without the direct use of bolts or fasteners passing through the seal assembly or the housing into any other component; and wherein the insertion of the at least one boltless segment into the groove and the subsequent securing of the boltless segment retainer onto the at least one boltless segment is sufficient to secure the seal assembly within the housing.

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