Hoop for dismounting residual flange of out-of-control wellhead

Abstract

The utility model provides a hoop for removing a residual flange of an out-of-control wellhead, the hoop comprises a hoop body, a hoop fixing mechanism and a handle, the hoop body comprises a plurality of hoop petals forming a circular ring shape, and the hoop petals are fixed through the hoop fixing mechanism; an annular groove is formed in the inner side of the hoop body. The handles are evenly distributed on the outer side of the hoop body in the circumferential direction at intervals. The utility model has the beneficial effects that the structure is simple, the installation is convenient, and the operation safety can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of emergency rescue technology for runaway oil and gas well blowouts, specifically, to a clamp for removing residual flanges at the wellhead of a runaway well. Background Technology

[0002] After an oil and gas well blowout and subsequent fire, it is usually accompanied by derrick collapse and wellhead burns. Emergency rescue often requires clearing obstacles around the wellhead, cutting the wellhead, and resetting it to regain control. After cutting the wellhead, a flange may remain on it. Due to the high temperature, the flange may stick to the connecting bolts, making removal difficult. Currently, the common method is to use a spiked pin for prying it open. This method carries the risk of the flange flying out and injuring people or damaging equipment, and it is difficult to operate when the flange clearance is small.

[0003] Chinese invention patent CN105257933A, entitled "Sealing Clamp," discloses a sealing clamp for spiral wound pipe connectors. This clamp has an annular groove on its inner side, filled with sealant. The inner wall of the clamp is covered with a friction layer, and this friction layer has piercing protrusions on its inner wall corresponding to the annular groove. The sealant is sealed in the annular groove before installation. During installation, the piercing protrusions puncture the friction layer, allowing the sealant to flow out and strengthen the connection between the clamp and the spiral wound pipe. This differs significantly from the application environment and target of this patent. Therefore, it is necessary to design a clamp device capable of lifting residual flanges that have experienced adhesion or other issues. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address at least one of the aforementioned shortcomings of the existing technology. For example, one objective of this invention is to provide a clamp with a simple structure for removing residual flanges from runaway wellheads.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads. The clamp may include a clamp body, a clamp fixing mechanism, and a handle.

[0006] The clamp body may include several clamp segments forming a ring, which are fixed together by a clamp fixing mechanism; the inner side of the clamp body is provided with an annular groove; and handles are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the clamp body at intervals.

[0007] According to one or more exemplary embodiments provided in one aspect of the present invention, the clamp fixing mechanism may include a clamp connecting bolt, an adjusting fixing block, and a fixing block; the fixing block is disposed at the two tail ends of the clamp; the fixing block is provided with an internal thread; the clamp connecting bolt passes through the fixing block; and the adjusting fixing block is disposed at one end of the clamp connecting bolt.

[0008] According to one or more exemplary embodiments provided in one aspect of the present invention, the handles may be distributed at 90° on the radial section of the clamp.

[0009] According to one or more exemplary embodiments provided in one aspect of this utility model, the diameter of the handle may be 8 to 12 mm.

[0010] According to one or more exemplary embodiments provided in one aspect of the present invention, the clamp may further include a lifting lug disposed on the circumferential outer side of the clamp.

[0011] According to one or more exemplary embodiments provided in one aspect of the present invention, the lower end of the clamp body may be provided with a shoulder.

[0012] According to one or more exemplary embodiments provided in one aspect of the present invention, the thickness of the shoulder may be 2.5 to 3.5 mm; the width of the shoulder may be 8 to 12 mm.

[0013] According to one or more exemplary embodiments provided in one aspect of this utility model, the clamp may further include a chain double-ring buckle, which is connected to the lifting lug.

[0014] According to one or more exemplary embodiments provided in one aspect of the present invention, the clamp may further include a lifting lock, which is connected to the chain double ring buckle.

[0015] According to one or more exemplary embodiments provided in one aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the clamp body is 813-817 mm; the height of the clamp body is 98-102 mm; and the thickness of the clamp body is 20-40 mm.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model include at least one of the following:

[0017] (1) The clamp structure provided by this utility model is simple and easy to install, and can ensure the safety of operation.

[0018] (2) The lower end of the clamp provided by this utility model is provided with a limiting step, which can prevent the clamp from slipping and failing. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and other objects and / or features of this utility model will become clearer from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 A top view of the structure of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2A structural side view of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0023] 1-Clamp body, 2-Handle, 3-Lifting lug, 4-Clamp connecting bolt, 5-Adjusting fixing block, 6-Fixing block, 7-Chain double ring buckle. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following description, an embodiment of the present invention will be used to illustrate a clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" or "several" means two or more.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] First exemplary embodiment

[0028] This exemplary embodiment provides a clamp for removing residual flanges from runaway wellheads.

[0029] Figure 1 A top view of the structure of the clamp is shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A structural side view of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model is shown below. Figures 1-2 This exemplary embodiment describes a clamp for removing residual flanges from an uncontrolled wellhead.

[0030] In this exemplary embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the clamp mainly includes a clamp body 1, a clamp fixing mechanism, and a handle 2. The clamp body 1 may include several clamp segments forming a ring, such as two clamp segments (i.e., a two-segment clamp). The clamp segments are fixed together by the clamp fixing mechanism; the inner side of the clamp body 1 may have an annular groove; the handle 2 may be evenly distributed on the circumferential outer side of the clamp body 1 at intervals. Here, the two-segment clamp is more convenient to install. When installing the clamp, it is only necessary to align the two clamp segments and tighten them with bolts to complete the installation. The operation is simple and quick, especially suitable for high-altitude or confined space operations. Compared with chain clamps, chain structures require connecting each chain link one by one, and the adjustment and fixing takes longer. Compared with multi-segment clamps, multi-segment clamps require coordinating the alignment of multiple segments, making the installation more complex. Furthermore, compared to chain clamps or multi-lobed clamps, two-lobed clamps offer better structural strength and stability. Two-lobed clamps have a simpler structure, fewer connection points (typically only 2-4 bolts), higher overall rigidity, more even stress distribution, and superior resistance to vibration and deformation. Chain clamps, on the other hand, have multiple hinge points between chain links, which may lead to a decrease in strength due to loosening or wear over long-term use. Multi-lobed clamps, with their numerous segments and seams, may cause stress concentration or localized deformation risks. Moreover, two-lobed clamps offer superior sealing and pressure distribution. Their large and continuous contact area allows for a tighter wrapping of cylindrical objects (such as pipes, towers, or standard flanges), resulting in better sealing, more even pressure distribution, and reduced risk of localized damage. However, while multi-lobed clamps are more adaptable to irregular surfaces, when fixed to residual flanges, excessive segments can lead to uneven pressure, requiring more adjustments to achieve uniform stress distribution. Furthermore, two-lobed clamps are more suitable for fixing to standard cylindrical objects (such as utility poles, circular pipes, or standard flanges) and are a common choice for most scenarios. Chain clamps are suitable for scenarios requiring flexible adjustment of circumference or non-closed installations (such as temporary fixation), but their versatility is poor. Multi-lobed clamps are more suitable for irregular cross-sections or extra-large diameter objects, but their cost-effectiveness is not as good as two-lobed clamps in conventional scenarios. Here, multi-lobed clamps refer to clamps with two or more lobes.

[0031] In this exemplary embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the clamp fixing mechanism may include a clamp connecting bolt 4, an adjusting fixing block 5, and a fixing block 6; the fixing block 6 is located at both ends of the clamp segments; the fixing block 6 has internal threads; the clamp connecting bolt 4 is screwed into the fixing block 6 through the internal threads, thereby tightening the clamp connecting bolt 4. Simultaneously, rotating the clamp connecting bolt 4 adjusts the distance between the ends of the two clamp segments, thus flexibly adjusting the inner diameter of the clamp body 1 to ensure that the clamp can fit tightly against the outside of the residual flange. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, rotating the clamp connecting bolt 4 can adjust the spacing between the tail ends of one clamp flap to 8mm and the spacing between the tail ends of the other clamp flap to 20mm to accommodate the size of the residual flange.

[0032] In this exemplary embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the handles 2 can be distributed at 90° angles on the radial section of the clamp. That is, four handles 2 can be provided on the outer circumference of the clamp, and the angle between the handles 2 on the radial section of the clamp is 90°. The handles 2 can be fixed handles, for example, welded to the outside of the clamp, allowing the clamp's fixed position to be adjusted during installation. The handle diameter can be 8–12 mm, for example, 9.2 mm, 10 mm, or 11.3 mm. The handle material can be Q235 steel.

[0033] In this exemplary embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the clamp may also include a lifting lug 3, which is located on the outer circumference of the clamp and can be used to connect the lifting lock and the clamp. The handle and the lifting lug 3 can be spaced apart, with a gap of 6-10mm, such as 7.3mm, 8mm, or 9.1mm. This gap allows for sufficient space for handle movement. Furthermore, the clamp's lifting lug can be made of 45# steel.

[0034] In this exemplary embodiment, a shoulder may be provided at the lower end of the clamp body. The shoulder can be integrally formed with the clamp body to ensure construction strength. The shoulder prevents flange slippage when the annular groove clamping fails. For example, if the gap between the residual flange and the undamaged flange is too large, such as greater than 5mm, a shoulder can be provided to prevent flange slippage when the annular groove clamping fails. However, if there is no gap or the gap between the well wall and the residual flange is too small, the shoulder can be ground off before removing the residual clamp.

[0035] In this exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the shoulder can be 2.5 to 3.5 mm, such as 2.7 mm, 3 mm or 3.3 mm; the width of the shoulder can be 8 to 12 mm, such as 9 mm, 10 mm or 107 mm.

[0036] In this exemplary embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the clamp may also include a chain double-ring buckle 7, which may be a detachable shackle. One end of the chain double-ring buckle 7 may be connected to the lifting lug; the other end may be directly connected to the lifting lock.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment, the clamp may further include a lifting lock, which may be disposed between the lifting lug and the handle. The lifting lock may include a chain. A chain double-ring buckle may be used to connect the lifting lock and the lifting lug of the clamp; the lifting lock may be used to pull the chain double-ring buckle to lift the clamp.

[0038] In this exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the hoop body can be 813 to 817 mm, for example 813 mm, 815 mm or 816 mm; the height of the hoop body is 98 to 102 mm, for example 99.5 mm, 100 mm or 101 mm; and the thickness of the hoop body can be 20 to 40 mm, for example 23 mm, 36 mm or 38 mm.

[0039] The working process of removing residual flanges using clamps according to this utility model may include:

[0040] Taking the 35-70 residual flange as an example, after performing the pre-operation before removal, the upper end face of the shoulder is tightly fitted with the lower end face of the 35-70 residual flange, the clamp connecting bolt is screwed into the fixing block to connect the two clamp segments, and the fixing block is tightened and adjusted so that the inner annular groove of the clamp (clamp segment) is tightly fitted with the outer surface of the 35-70 residual flange.

[0041] During operation, four sets of lifting locks are connected to the ignition tube, the lifting locks are connected to the chain double-ring buckle, and the chain double-ring buckle is connected to the clamp. The clamp holds the residual flange tightly. At this time, the operator lifts the ignition tube, which drives the lifting locks to lift the clamp, lifting and removing the residual flange, thus separating the residual flange from the wellhead flange, and then removing the residual flange.

[0042] In this exemplary embodiment, the pre-removal operation includes cutting the remaining flange and connecting bolts. The remaining flange is then removed after cutting.

[0043] In summary, the advantages of this utility model may include at least one of the following:

[0044] (1) The clamp provided by this utility model has an inner groove, which makes the clamping more reliable.

[0045] (2) The clamp provided by this utility model can be tightened by adjusting the inner diameter size, ensuring that the clamp can fit tightly against the outside of the residual flange.

[0046] (3) The clamp provided by this utility model can operate normally even when the flange gap is small.

[0047] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads, characterized in that, The clamp includes a clamp body, a clamp fixing mechanism, and a handle, wherein... The clamp body comprises several clamp segments forming a ring, which are fixed together by a clamp fixing mechanism; the inner side of the clamp body is provided with an annular groove. The handles are evenly spaced on the outer circumference of the clamp body.

2. The clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp fixing mechanism includes a clamp connecting bolt, an adjusting fixing block, and a fixing block; the fixing block is located at both ends of the clamp; the fixing block has an internal thread; the clamp connecting bolt passes through the fixing block; and the adjusting fixing block is located at one end of the clamp connecting bolt.

3. The clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handles are distributed at 90° on the radial section of the clamp.

4. The clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the handle is 8-12 mm.

5. The clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp also includes a lifting lug, which is located on the outer circumferential side of the clamp.

6. The clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the clamp body is provided with a shoulder.

7. The clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thickness of the shoulder is 2.5–3.5 mm; the width of the shoulder is 8–12 mm.

8. The clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamp also includes a chain double-ring buckle, which is connected to the lifting lug.

9. The clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads according to claim 8, characterized in that, The clamp also includes a lifting lock, which is connected to the chain double-ring buckle.

10. The clamp for removing residual flanges at runaway wellheads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the clamp body is 813-817mm; the height of the clamp body is 98-102mm; and the thickness of the clamp body is 20-40mm.

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