SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTUATING A LOCKING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A locking assembly includes a first motor gear configured to be rotated in a first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second motor gear configured to be rotated in a second direction. The locking assembly also includes a first locking gear configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first motor gear rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second locking gear configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second motor gear rotating in the second direction.The locking assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first locking gear rotating in the first direction, and to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second locking gear rotating in the second direction. Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTUATING A LOCKING ASSEMBLY State of the art

[0001] A blowout preventer (BOP) stack is installed on a wellhead to seal and control a wellbore during drilling operations. A drill string may be suspended from a platform through the BOP stack into the wellbore. During drilling operations, drilling fluid is delivered through the drill string and up through an annulus between the drill string and a casing that lines the wellbore. In the event of rapid invasion of formation fluid into the annulus, commonly referred to as a "kick," a movable component within the BOP stack may be actuated to seal the annulus and control fluid pressure in the wellbore, thereby protecting well equipment above the BOP stack.

[0002] Summary

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are described in more detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] A locking assembly is provided. The locking assembly includes a first motor gear configured to be rotated in a first direction in response to a motor shaft rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second motor gear configured to be rotated in a second direction in response to the motor shaft rotating in the second direction. The motor shaft rotates in the first direction and the second direction at substantially the same pressure. The locking assembly also includes a first locking gear configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first motor gear rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second locking gear configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second motor gear rotating in the second direction.The locking assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first locking gear rotating in the first direction, and to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second locking gear rotating in the second direction.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the locking assembly further comprises a first belt wound at least partially around the first motor gear and the first locking gear, wherein the first belt is configured to transmit torque from the first motor gear to the first locking gear; and a second belt wound at least partially around the second motor gear and the second locking gear, wherein the second belt is configured to transmit torque from the second motor gear to the second locking gear. The first motor gear, the first locking gear and the first belt are substantially parallel to the second motor gear, the second locking gear and the second belt, respectively.According to one embodiment, the first motor gear is configured to be in a freewheeling state when the motor shaft and the second motor gear rotate in the second direction. The second motor gear is configured to be in a freewheeling state when the motor shaft and the first motor gear rotate in the first direction. According to one embodiment, the first locking gear is configured to be in a freewheeling state when the second locking gear and the locking mechanism rotate in the second direction. The second locking gear is configured to be in a freewheeling state when the first locking gear and the locking mechanism rotate in the first direction.In one embodiment, the motor shaft is configured to transfer torque to the first motor gear when the motor shaft rotates in the first direction, and the motor shaft is configured not to transfer torque to the first motor gear when the motor shaft rotates in the second direction. In one embodiment, the first locking gear is configured to transfer torque to the locking mechanism when the first locking gear rotates in the first direction, and the first locking gear is configured not to transfer torque to the locking mechanism when the first locking gear rotates in the second direction.

[0006] A system is also described. The system includes a motor having a motor shaft that is configured to rotate in a first direction in response to a first motor pressure, and to rotate in a second direction in response to a second motor pressure. The first and second directions are opposite each other, and the first and second motor pressures are within 1 MPa of each other. The system also includes a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a smaller motor gear configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the rotating motor shaft. in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a larger motor gear configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the motor shaft rotating in the second direction. The locking assembly also includes a larger locking gear configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the smaller motor gear rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a smaller locking gear configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the larger motor gear rotating in the second direction. The locking assembly also includes a first belt wrapped at least partially around the smaller motor gear and the larger locking gear. The first belt is configured to transmit torque from the smaller motor gear to the larger locking gear.The locking assembly also includes a second belt wrapped at least partially around the larger motor gear and the smaller locking gear. The second belt is configured to transmit torque from the larger motor gear to the smaller locking gear. The locking assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the larger locking gear rotating in the first direction, causing the locking mechanism to move in a first axial direction and actuate from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration.The locking mechanism is configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the smaller locking gear rotating in the second direction, causing the locking mechanism to move in a second axial direction and actuate from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. The system also includes a blowout preventer (BOP) configured to actuate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The locking mechanism allows the BOP to actuate between the open configuration and the closed configuration when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked configuration. The locking mechanism prevents the BOP from actuating between the open configuration and the closed configuration when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration.

[0007] A method of operating a blowout preventer (BOP) is also disclosed. The method includes actuating the BOP from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The method also includes actuating a locking assembly from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration when the BOP is in the closed configuration. Actuation of the locking assembly from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration includes causing a motor shaft to rotate in a first direction, which causes a first motor gear to rotate in the first direction, which causes a first locking gear to rotate in the first direction, which causes a locking mechanism to rotate in the first direction, which causes the locking mechanism to move in a first axial direction, which actuates the locking assembly from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The locking assembly prevents the BOP from actuating between the open configuration and the closed configuration when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration.

[0008] Brief description of the drawings

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present teachings, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present teachings. In the figures:

[0010] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] illustrates a schematic diagram of an offshore system which has a blowout preventer (BOP) and a remote locking system, according to one embodiment.

[0011] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a part of the BOP and the remote locking system of [Fig.l], according to one embodiment.

[0012] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates a perspective view of a hood and a set of remote locking which may be part of the remote locking system of [Fig.l], according to one embodiment. The remote locking assembly is in an unlocked position.

[0013] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a perspective view of the hood and the assembly of remote locking assembly of [Fig.3], according to one embodiment. The remote locking assembly is in a locked position.

[0014] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates a perspective view of another hood and assembly remote locking systems which may be part of the remote locking system of [Fig.l], according to one embodiment.

[0015] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a perspective view of the hood and the assembly of remote locking of [Fig.5], according to one embodiment.

[0016] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates a top view of the hood and locking assembly at a distance from [Fig.5], according to one embodiment.

[0017] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates an end view of the hood and remote locking assembly of [Fig.5], according to one embodiment.

[0018] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] illustrates a schematic side view of a gear assembly of the remote locking assembly, according to one embodiment.

[0019] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates a schematic top view of the gear assembly shown in [Fig.9], according to one embodiment.

[0020] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating the B OP, according to one embodiment. Detailed description

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and figures. In the detailed description below, numerous specific details are given in order to enable a thorough understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0022] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, such elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first object or step could be referred to as a second object or step, and, similarly, a second object or step could be referred to as a first object or step, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first object or step, and the second object or step, are both objects or steps, respectively, but they should not be considered the same object or step.

[0023] The present disclosure generally relates to blowout preventers (BOPs). In particular, the present disclosure generally relates to a remote locking system for a BOP and / or a method of remotely locking a locking mechanism (e.g., a locking screw) for the BOP. The remote locking system may be configured to be actuated between a first configuration (e.g., unlocked) and a second configuration (e.g., locked). In the unlocked configuration, the remote locking system allows movement of cylinders of the BOP. In the locked configuration, the remote locking system allows movement of cylinders of the BOP.

[0024] While some embodiments disclosed herein relate to an offshore system (e.g., a subsea system), it should be understood that the BOP and remote locking system may be used in an onshore system (e.g., a land-based system). Further, while some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a drilling system that may be used to perform drilling operations, it should be noted that the BOP and remote locking system may be adapted for use in any of a variety of contexts. and during any of a variety of operations. For example, the BOP and remote lockout system may be used in a production system and / or in a pressure control equipment (PCE) stack that is positioned vertically above a wellhead during various intervention operations (e.g., inspection or service operations), such as wireline operations in which a tool supported on a cable is lowered through the PCE stack to enable inspection and / or maintenance of a well. In such cases, the BOP may be adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration (e.g., to seal around the cable extending through the PCE stack) to isolate the environment, as well as other surface equipment, from the pressurized fluid within the well.In the present disclosure, a conduit may be any of a variety of tubular or cylindrical structures, such as a rod string, cable, Streamline™, smooth cable, coiled tubing, or other spoolable rod.

[0025] [Fig.l] illustrates a schematic view of an offshore system 10 (e.g., an offshore drilling system), according to one embodiment. The offshore system 10 and its components may be described with reference to a vertical axis or direction 2, an axial axis or direction 4, a lateral axis or direction 6, and a circumferential axis or direction 8. The offshore system 10 includes a vessel or platform 12 at the surface of the sea 14, and a wellhead 16 positioned at the seabed 18. The offshore system 10 also includes a BOP stack 20 positioned above the wellhead 16, and a riser 22 that extends between the BOP stack 20 and the vessel or platform 12. Downhole operations may be performed through a conduit 24 that extends from the vessel or platform 12, through the riser 22, through the BOP stack 20, through the wellhead 16, and into a well drilling 26.

[0026] The BOP stack 20 may include one or more BOPs (four are shown: 28) stacked along the vertical axis 2 relative to one another. As described in more detail below, one or more of the BOPs 28 may include opposing cylinders that are configured to move along the axial axis 4 toward and away from one another to adjust the BOP 28 between a first configuration (e.g., open) and a second configuration (e.g., closed). In the open configuration, the opposing cylinders may be retracted (e.g., withdrawn) from a central bore of the BOP 28, and thus, the BOP 28 may allow fluid flow through the central bore. In the closed configuration, the opposing cylinders may be extended into (e.g., positioned in) the central bore of the BOP 28, and thus, the BOP 28 may block fluid flow through the central bore.

[0027] The BOP stack 20 may comprise any of a variety of different types of BOPs 28 (e.g., having shear jacks, blind jacks, blind shear cylinders, tubular cylinders). For example, in one embodiment, the BOP stack 20 may include one or more BOPs 28 having opposing shear cylinders or blades configured to sever the conduit 24 to block fluid flow through the central bore. In another embodiment, the BOP stack 20 may include one or more BOPs 28 having opposing tubular cylinders configured to engage the conduit 24 to block fluid flow through the central bore (e.g., through an annular space around the conduit 24).

[0028] As illustrated, the BOP stack 20 may include one or more remote locking assemblies 30. For example, a remote locking assembly 30 may be positioned at each end (e.g., along the axial axis 4) of the BOP 28. The remote locking assembly 30 may be part of a remote locking system 32 that operates to adjust the components of the remote locking assembly 30 between a first configuration (e.g., unlocked) and a second configuration (e.g., locked). In the unlocked configuration, the remote locking assembly 30 allows movement of the actuators of the BOP 28. In the locked configuration, the remote locking assembly 30 prevents movement of the actuators of the BOP 28.

[0029] The remote locking assembly 30 may be in the locked configuration to maintain the BOP 28 in the open configuration, the closed configuration, and / or the position therebetween. However, the remote locking assembly 30 may be actuated in the unlocked configuration to allow the cylinders of the BOP 28 to move relative to the central bore between the open configuration and the closed configuration.For example, in response to an indication of increased pressure within the wellbore 26 or another indication (e.g., operator input or test cycle) that the BOP rams 28 should be moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the BOP rams 28 may be moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration, and the remote locking system 32 may operate to actuate the remote locking assembly 30 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration to maintain the BOP rams in the closed configuration, thereby facilitating maintenance of a seal across the central bore of the BOP 28.

[0030] The remote locking system 32 may include a controller 34 (e.g., an electronic controller) having a processor 36 and a memory device 38. In some embodiments, the processor 36 may receive and process signals from a sensor that monitors the pressure within the wellbore 26 to determine that the BOP 28 should be adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration (or vice versa). In some embodiments embodiment, the processor 36 may receive other signals (e.g., an operator input) that indicate that the BOP 28 is to be adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration (or vice versa). Then, the processor 36 may provide control signals, such as to an actuator assembly to adjust the cylinders so that they move toward each other and into the central bore to achieve the closed configuration. The processor 36 may also provide control signals, such as to one or more motors (e.g., hydraulic motors, pneumatic motors, electric motors) of the one or more remote locking assemblies 30 to drive the adjustment of one or more locking mechanisms (e.g., locking screws) to lock the cylinders in the closed configuration.

[0031] The controller 34 may be part of or include a distributed controller or control system with one or more electronic controllers in communication with each other to perform the various techniques described herein. For example, the controller 34 may be part of a distributed controller with a controller (not shown) on the vessel or platform 12 and another controller 34 on the BOP 28 and / or the remote locking assembly 30. The processor 36 may also include one or more processors configured to execute software, such as software for processing signals and / or controlling other components associated with the BOP 28 and / or the remote locking system 32.

[0032] The memory device 38 described herein may include one or more memory devices (e.g., volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM)) that may store a variety of information and may be used for a variety of purposes. For example, the memory device 38 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor 36 to execute, such as instructions for processing signals and / or controlling the other components associated with the BOP 28 and / or the remote locking system 32. The control device 34 may include various other components, such as a communication device 40 that is capable of communicating data or other information to various other devices via a wired and / or wireless connection.

[0033] The remote locking system 32 having the controller 34 allows the one or more remote locking assemblies 30 to be locked efficiently and remotely via electronic control (e.g., without a human operator, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or an autonomous vehicle (AUV) physically contacting and manipulating the BOP 28 or the remote locking assemblies 30. The remote locking system 32 herein also allows a smooth and / or continuous application of torque to a locking mechanism 70 (discussed below) during an unlocking operation and a locking operation, as opposed to certain types of manual operation which may not allow for smooth and / or continuous application of torque. In addition, the remote locking system 32 may provide a visual indicator (e.g., visible to a human operator, ROV, or AUV) of a configuration of the one or more remote locking assemblies 30, e.g., due to the respective positions of each of the one or more locking assemblies 30 relative to the components of the BOP 28 (e.g., because visible portions of the one or more locking assemblies 30 move relative to the components of the BOP 28 during the unlocking operation and the locking operation).The remote locking system 32 may remain coupled to the BOP 28 during operations (e.g., drilling operations) and / or may be a stand-alone component that is supported by the BOP 28 (e.g., not part of an ROV or AUV).

[0034] [Fig. 2] illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a portion of a BOP 28 with two opposing cylinders 50 in the open configuration, according to one embodiment. In the open configuration, the cylinders 50 are removed from a central bore 56 of the BOP 28, do not contact the conduit 24, and / or do not contact the corresponding opposing cylinder 50. As illustrated, the BOP 28 includes a housing (also referred to as a body) 58 that surrounds and defines the central bore 56. As illustrated, the covers 60 are mounted to the housing 58 (e.g., via threaded fasteners). Each cover 60 supports an actuator 62, which includes a piston 64 and a connecting rod 66. The actuators 62 can move the cylinders 50 toward or away from each other along the axial axis 4 and through the central bore 56 to shear the conduit 24 and / or to seal the central bore 56 (e.g., the annular space around the conduit 24).

[0035] As illustrated, a respective remote locking assembly 30 is supported by and / or coupled to each cover 60. Each remote locking assembly 30 is configured to be actuated (e.g., via hydraulic actuation) between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the remote locking assembly 30 allows movement of the cylinders 50 of the BOP 28. Thus, in the unlocked configuration, the BOP 28 can be actuated between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In the locked configuration, the remote locking assembly 30 prevents movement of the cylinders 50 of the BOP 28. Thus, in the locked configuration, the remote locking assembly 30 can secure / lock the BOP 28 in the closed configuration.

[0036] Each remote locking assembly 30 includes or is configured to drive a locking mechanism 70 (e.g., a locking screw) that is configured to move relative to the cylinders 50, the central bore 56, and / or the hood 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 70 is threadedly coupled to the hood 60 such that rotation of the locking mechanism 70 causes the locking mechanism 70 to move along the axial axis 4 relative to the hood 60 (e.g., right and left in [Fig. 2]). For example, the locking mechanism 70 may be rotated in a first direction (e.g., along the circumferential axis 8) to drive the locking mechanism 70 toward the cylinder 50 and toward the central bore 56 while the cylinder 50 is in the closed configuration to thereby contact a tail rod of the piston 64 and lock the cylinder 50 in the closed configuration.The locking mechanism 70 may be rotated in a second direction (e.g., away from the first direction along the circumferential axis 8) to move the locking mechanism 70 away from the cylinder 50 and the central bore 56 to thereby allow the cylinder 50 to actuate from the closed configuration to the open configuration. As illustrated, a central or rotational axis of the locking mechanism 70 extends along the axial axis 4.

[0037] [Fig. 3] illustrates a perspective view of one of the covers 60 and one of the remote locking assemblies 30, according to one embodiment. The remote locking assembly 30 is in the unlocked configuration in [Fig. 3]. [Fig. 4] illustrates a perspective view of the cover 60 and the remote locking assembly 30 of [Fig. 3] but with a gear case 90 thereof omitted for illustration purposes, according to one embodiment. The remote locking assembly 30 is in the locked configuration in [Fig. 4].

[0038] The remote locking assembly 30 includes a motor 84 (e.g., hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, electric motor) that is coupled to and drives rotation of the locking mechanism 70 (e.g., via a gear assembly having one or more gears). In particular, the motor 84 may be coupled (e.g., directly and / or non-rotatably) to a first gear 86 (e.g., a spur gear) of the gear assembly. For example, the motor 84 may be coupled to the first gear 86 via an interface between an output shaft of the motor 84 and the first gear 86. The interface may include teeth on the output shaft of the motor 84 and corresponding teeth on the first gear 86, as described below.

[0039] The first gear 86 may engage a second gear 88 (e.g., a spur gear) of the gear assembly. As illustrated, the first gear 86 and the second gear 88 are engaged by tooth contact. respective first gear 86 and second gear 88. In another embodiment, first gear 86 and second gear 88 may not be in direct contact with each other, and a belt may be wrapped at least partially around gears 86, 88 to transfer torque from first gear 86 to second gear 88. First and second gears 86, 88 may be positioned at least partially within a gear housing 90.

[0040] The locking mechanism 70 may be coupled to the second gear 88 of the gear assembly. Thus, activation of the motor 84 (e.g., via the application of hydraulic pressure in the case of a hydraulic motor) causes the output shaft of the motor 84 to rotate, which causes the first gear 86 to rotate, which causes the second gear 88 to rotate, which causes the locking mechanism 70 to rotate. The first gear 86 may have a first diameter, the second gear 88 may have a second diameter, and the first diameter may be different (e.g., smaller) than the second diameter. This may increase the torque applied to the locking mechanism 70. It should be noted that any of a variety of combinations of gears or similar components may be used to transfer torque from the motor 84 to the locking mechanism 70.

[0041] As noted above, rotation of the locking mechanism 70 causes the locking mechanism 70 to move along the axial axis 4 relative to the cover 60. For example, rotation of the locking mechanism 70 in a first direction along the circumferential axis 8 may move the locking mechanism 70 along the axial axis 4 closer to the central bore 56, thereby actuating the locking mechanism 70 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Similarly, rotation of the locking mechanism 70 in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction) along the circumferential axis 8 may move the locking mechanism 70 along the axial axis 4 away from the central bore 56, thereby actuating the locking mechanism 70 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.As illustrated, the remote locking assembly 30 (e.g., the motor 84, the gear assembly) may move with the locking mechanism 70 along the axial axis 4 relative to the cover 60. A central or rotational axis of the output shaft of the motor 84 may be parallel to a central or rotational axis of the locking mechanism 70.

[0042] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate a different embodiment of the cover 60 and the remote locking assembly 30. More particularly, [Fig. 5] illustrates a perspective view of the cover 60 and the remote locking assembly 30, according to one embodiment. [Fig. 6] illustrates a perspective view of the cover and the remote locking assembly of [Fig. 5], according to one embodiment. A portion of a gear housing 96 is removed to illustrate a portion of a gear assembly 98 of the remote locking assembly 30 in [Fig. 6]. [Fig. 7] illustrates a top view of the cover 60 and the remote locking assembly 30 of [Fig. 5], according to one embodiment. [Fig. 8] illustrates an end view of the cover 60 and the remote locking assembly 30 of [Fig. 5], according to one embodiment.

[0043] As illustrated, the remote locking assembly 30 includes the motor 84 (e.g., hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, electric motor) which is coupled to and drives rotation of the locking mechanism 70 (e.g., via the gear assembly 98). The gear assembly 98 may include one or more gears (two are illustrated: 100, 102) and one or more belts (one is illustrated: 104). In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the motor 84 may be coupled (e.g., indirectly, non-rotatably via one or more gears) to a first gear 100 (e.g., a spur gear) of the gear assembly 98. The first gear 100 may drive a second gear 102 (e.g., a spur gear) of the gear assembly 98 via the belt 104, which contacts and engages the respective teeth of the first gear 100 and the second gear 102.

[0044] The locking mechanism 70 may be coupled to the second gear 102 of the gear assembly. Thus, activation of the motor 84 (e.g., via the application of hydraulic pressure in the case of a hydraulic motor) causes the output shaft of the motor 84 to rotate, which causes the first gear 100 to rotate, which causes the second gear 102 to rotate, which causes the locking mechanism 70 to rotate. The first gear 100 may have a first diameter, the second gear 102 may have a second diameter, and the first diameter may be different (e.g., smaller) than the second diameter. This may increase the torque applied to the locking mechanism 70. It should be noted that any of a variety of combinations of gears or similar components may be used to transfer torque from the motor 84 to the locking mechanism 70.

[0045] As noted above, rotation of the locking mechanism 70 causes the locking mechanism 70 to move along the axial axis 4 relative to the cover 60. For example, rotation of the locking mechanism 70 in a first direction along the circumferential axis 8 may move the locking mechanism 70 along the axial axis 4 closer to the central bore 56, thereby actuating the locking mechanism 70 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Similarly, rotation of the locking mechanism 70 in a second direction along the circumferential axis 8 can move the locking mechanism 70 along the axial axis 4 away from the central bore 56, thereby actuating the locking mechanism 70 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

[0046] In the embodiments described above, the output shaft of the motor 84 may rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) to cause the locking mechanism 70 to actuate from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. This may be in response to a first pressure in the motor 84 (e.g., in the case of a hydraulic motor). The output shaft of the motor 84 may rotate in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to cause the locking mechanism 70 to actuate from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. This may be in response to a second pressure in the motor 84 (e.g., in the case of a hydraulic motor). The first and second pressures may be different. In one example, the first pressure may be 10 MPa and the second pressure may be 14 MPa.

[0047] The embodiments described below are capable of actuating the locking mechanism 70 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration using substantially the same pressure. For example, the embodiments described below may generate different torques (e.g., by rotating the locking mechanism 70 in different directions) using substantially the same pressure.

[0048] [Fig.9] illustrates a schematic side view of another gear assembly 900 comprising a first gear set 910A, 920A and a second gear set 910B, 920B, according to one embodiment. [Fig. 10] illustrates a schematic top view of the gear set 900 shown in [Fig. 9], according to one embodiment. The gear 920B is shown in dotted lines in [Fig. 9], because it is located behind the larger gear 920A.

[0049] The gear assembly 900 may be used as an alternative to the gears 86, 88 in the gear assembly of [Fig. 3], or as an alternative to the gears 100, 102 in the gear assembly 98 of [Fig. 6]. For example, the first gear assembly 910A, 920A and the second gear assembly 910B, 920B may both be positioned at least partially within the gear housing 90 (see [Fig. 3]), the gear housing 96 (see Figures 5-8), or another gear housing.

[0050] As described in more detail below, gears 910A, 910B may be coupled and / or engaged with a shaft 940 of motor 84 (i.e., the motor shaft), and gears 920A, 920B may be coupled and / or engaged with locking mechanism 70. Gears 910A, 910B may be coaxial with each other. others (and the motor shaft 940) and axially offset from each other along the motor shaft 940. The gears 920A, 920B may be coaxial with each other (and the locking mechanism 70) and axially offset from each other along the locking mechanism 70. The motor shaft 940 may be parallel to the locking mechanism 70.

[0051] As illustrated, gear 910A has a different (e.g., smaller) diameter than gear 910B. Thus, gear 910A may be referred to as a smaller motor gear, and gear 910B may be referred to as a larger motor gear. Similarly, gear 920A may have a different (e.g., larger) diameter than gear 920B. Thus, gear 920A may be referred to as a larger lock gear, and gear 920B may be referred to as a smaller lock gear.

[0052] The motor gears 910A, 910B may each have teeth 912A and 912B, respectively. The teeth 912A may extend radially inward from an outer ring 914A of the smaller motor gear 910A, and the teeth 912B may extend radially inward from an outer ring 914B of the larger motor gear 910B. The teeth 912A may be axially offset from the teeth 912B relative to the motor shaft 940. In one embodiment, the teeth 912A, 912B may be or have splines.

[0053] The motor shaft 940 may include teeth 932 that are aligned with and configured to engage the teeth 912A on the smaller motor gear 910A. The motor shaft 940 may also include teeth 934 that are aligned with and configured to engage the teeth 912B on the larger motor gear 910B. The teeth 932, 934 may extend radially outward from the motor shaft 940. The teeth 932 may be axially offset from the teeth 934 along the motor shaft 940. In one embodiment, the teeth 932, 934 may be or include splines.

[0054] The teeth 932 may be positioned radially inward from the teeth 934. Similarly, the teeth 912A may be positioned radially inward from the teeth 912B. The number of teeth 912A on the smaller motor gear 910A may be less than the number of teeth 912B on the larger motor gear 910B. In one example, the smaller motor gear 910A may have nineteen teeth 912A, and the larger motor gear 910B may have twenty-four teeth 912B.

[0055] The teeth 912A and / or the teeth 932 may be configured to engage each other to transfer torque from the motor shaft 940 to the smaller motor gear 910A when the motor shaft 940 rotates in a first direction (e.g., clockwise). For example, when motor 84 rotates motor shaft 940 clockwise, teeth 912A, 932 engage with each other and also rotate smaller motor gear 910A clockwise.

[0056] The teeth 912A and / or the teeth 932 may be configured to not engage each other when the motor shaft 940 rotates in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) such that no torque is transferred from the motor shaft 940 to the smaller motor gear 910A. For example, when the motor 84 rotates the motor shaft 940 counterclockwise, the teeth 912A of the smaller motor gear 910A may become disengaged (e.g., axially and / or radially misaligned) with the teeth 932 of the motor shaft 940. As a result, the smaller motor gear 910A may be in a freewheeling state when the motor shaft 940 rotates counterclockwise.Thus, when the motor shaft 940 rotates counterclockwise, the smaller motor gear 910A may either not rotate, or the smaller motor gear 910A may rotate clockwise.

[0057] The teeth 912B and / or the teeth 934 may be configured to engage each other to transfer torque from the motor shaft 940 to the larger motor gear 910B when the motor shaft 940 rotates in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). For example, when the motor 84 rotates the motor shaft 940 counterclockwise, the teeth 912B, 934 engage each other and also rotate the larger motor gear 910B counterclockwise.

[0058] The teeth 912B and / or the teeth 934 may be configured not to engage each other when the motor shaft 940 rotates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise) such that no torque is transferred from the motor shaft 940 to the larger motor gear 910B. For example, when the motor 84 rotates the motor shaft 940 clockwise, the teeth 912B of the larger motor gear 910B may become axially and / or radially misaligned with the teeth 934 of the motor shaft 940. As a result, the larger motor gear 910B may be in a freewheeling state when the motor shaft 940 rotates clockwise.Thus, when the motor shaft 940 rotates clockwise, the larger motor gear 910B may either not rotate, or the larger motor gear 910B may rotate counterclockwise.

[0059] The motor gears 910A, 910B may be configured to transfer their rotational motion / torque to the locking gears 920A, 920B, respectively. Although not shown, in one embodiment, the motor gears 910A, 910B may be configured to transfer their rotational motion / torque to the locking gears 920A, 920B, respectively, via direct contact, as is done between the gears 86, 88 in [Fig. 4]. However, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, a first belt 930A may be wrapped at least partially around the first set of gears 910A, 920A and configured to transfer rotational motion / torque from the smaller motor gear 910A to the larger locking gear 920A.Similarly, a second belt 930B may be wrapped at least partially around the second set of gears 910B, 920B and configured to transfer rotational motion / torque from the larger motor gear 910B to the smaller interlock gear 920B.

[0060] As discussed above, the locking gears 920A, 920B may be coupled and / or engaged with the locking mechanism 70. The locking gears 920A, 920B may each have teeth 922A and 922B, respectively. The teeth 922A may extend radially inward from an outer ring 924A of the larger locking gear 920A, and the teeth 922B may extend radially inward from an outer ring 924B of the smaller locking gear 920B. The teeth 922A may be axially offset from the teeth 922B relative to the locking mechanism 70. In one embodiment, the teeth 922A, 922B may be or have splines.

[0061] The locking mechanism 70 may include teeth 74 that are aligned with and configured to engage teeth 922A on the larger locking gear 920A. The locking mechanism 70 may also include teeth 72 that are aligned with and configured to engage teeth 922B on the smaller locking gear 920B. The teeth 72, 74 may extend radially outward from the locking mechanism 70. The teeth 72 may be axially offset from the teeth 74 along the locking mechanism 70. In one embodiment, the teeth 72, 74 may be or include splines.

[0062] The teeth 72 may be positioned radially inward from the teeth 74. Similarly, the teeth 922B may be positioned radially inward from the teeth 922A. The number of teeth 922A on the larger locking gear 920A may be greater than the number of teeth 922B on the smaller locking gear 920B. In one example, the larger locking gear 920A can have thirty-nine teeth 922A, and the smaller locking gear 920B can have thirty-six teeth 922 B.

[0063] The teeth 922A and / or the teeth 74 may be configured to engage each other to transfer torque from the larger locking gear 920A to the locking mechanism 70 when the larger locking gear 920A rotates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). For example, when the larger locking gear 920A rotates clockwise, the teeth 922A, 74 engage each other and cause the locking mechanism 70 to also rotate clockwise. As discussed above, this may cause the locking mechanism 70 to actuate from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

[0064] The teeth 922A and / or the teeth 74 may be configured not to engage each other when the larger locking gear 920A rotates in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) so that no torque is transferred from the larger locking gear 920A to the locking mechanism 70. For example, when the larger locking gear 920A rotates counterclockwise, the teeth 922A of the larger locking gear 920A may become axially and / or radially misaligned with the teeth 74 of the locking mechanism 70. As a result, the larger locking gear 920A may be in a freewheeling state when rotating counterclockwise.Thus, when the larger locking gear 920 rotates counterclockwise, the locking mechanism 70 may either not rotate or the locking mechanism 70 may rotate clockwise.

[0065] The teeth 922B and / or the teeth 72 may be configured to engage each other to transfer torque from the smaller locking gear 920B to the locking mechanism 70 when the smaller locking gear 920B rotates in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). For example, when the smaller locking gear 920B rotates counterclockwise, the teeth 922B, 72 engage each other and cause the locking mechanism 70 to also rotate counterclockwise. As discussed above, this may cause the locking mechanism 70 to actuate from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

[0066] The teeth 922B and / or the teeth 72 may be configured not to engage each other when the smaller locking gear 920B rotates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise) such that no torque is transferred from the smaller locking gear 920b to the locking mechanism 70. For example, when the smaller locking gear 920B rotates clockwise, the teeth 922B of the smaller locking gear 920B may become axially and / or radially misaligned with the teeth 72 of the locking mechanism 70. As a result, the smaller locking gear 920B may be in a freewheeling state when rotating clockwise. Thus, when the smaller locking gear 920B rotates clockwise, the locking mechanism 70 may either not rotate, or the locking mechanism 70 may rotate counterclockwise.

[0067] In the embodiments of Figures 9 and 10, the output shaft 940 of the motor 84 may rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) to cause the locking mechanism 70 to actuate from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The output shaft 940 of the motor 84 may rotate in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to cause the locking mechanism 70 to actuate from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. Both actuations may be in response to substantially the same pressure in the motor 84 (e.g., in the case of a hydraulic motor).

[0068] Performing both actuations at substantially the same pressure may be achieved using the gear assembly 900 having the two sets of gears 910A, 920A and 910B, 920B. More particularly, performing both actuations at substantially the same pressure may be based at least partially on the sizes (e.g., diameters) of the gears 910A, 910B, 920A, 920B (i.e., gear ratios), the number of teeth 912A, 912B, 922A, 922B on the gears 910A, 910B, 920A, 920B, the speed / torque relationship between the gears 910A, 910B, 920A, 920B, or a combination thereof.

[0069] In one example, the pressure to effect both actuations may be substantially the same (e.g., about 10 MPa). As used herein, “substantially the same pressure” refers to about 2 MPa, 1 MPa, 500 kPa, or 100 kPa. Actuation of the locking mechanism 70 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, and from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, using substantially the same pressure may provide the benefit of simplifying / reducing the equipment used to operate and / or monitor the engine 84. More particularly, the engine 84 has many components and operations that work together to generate a predetermined pressure. If one or more of these components or operations malfunction, the pressure predetermined pressure may not be generated. The systems (e.g., mechanical systems) and methods described herein simplify the components and operations so that the predetermined pressure can be generated.

[0070] [Fig. 11] illustrates a flowchart of a method 1100 of operating the BOP 28, according to one embodiment. An illustrative order of the method 1100 is provided below. However, it will be understood that one or more parts of the method 1100 may be performed in a different order, performed concurrently, repeated, or omitted. In addition, although the method 1100 is described as operating the BOP 28 from a first configuration (e.g., open) to a second configuration (e.g., closed), and / or operating the remote locking assembly 30 from a first configuration (e.g., unlocked) to a second configuration (e.g., locked), the method 1100 may also or instead be used to operate any device from a first configuration to a second configuration.

[0071] The method 1100 may include measuring the pressure within the wellbore 26, as in 1102. In response to the measured pressure being greater than a pressure threshold, the method 1100 may also include actuating the BOP 28 from the first configuration (e.g., open) to the second configuration (e.g., closed), as in 1104.

[0072] The method 1100 may also include actuating the remote locking assembly 30 (e.g., the locking mechanism 70) from a first configuration (e.g., unlocked) to a second configuration (e.g., locked), as in 1106. This may secure the BOP 28 in the closed configuration. Actuation of the remote locking assembly 30 may include causing the motor 84 to rotate the motor shaft 940 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise). When the motor 84 is a hydraulic motor, this may include increasing the pressure in the motor to a predetermined pressure (e.g., 10 MPa).As described above, in response to the motor shaft 940 rotating clockwise, the teeth 932 of the motor shaft 940 may engage with the teeth 912A of the smaller motor gear 910A, causing the smaller motor gear 910A to rotate clockwise. This may cause the first belt 930A to rotate clockwise, which may cause the larger locking gear 920A to rotate clockwise. In response to the larger locking gear 920A rotating clockwise, the teeth 922A of the larger locking gear 920A may engage with the teeth 74 of the locking mechanism 70, causing the locking mechanism 70 to rotate clockwise. clockwise. This causes the locking mechanism 70 to move axially in the first direction, which actuates the locking mechanism 70 into the locked configuration.

[0073] As discussed above, when the motor shaft 940, the smaller motor gear 910A, the first belt 930A, the larger locking gear 920A, the locking mechanism 70, or a combination thereof are rotating clockwise, the larger motor gear 910B and / or the smaller locking gear 920B may be in a freewheeling state in which they may not rotate, or they may rotate counterclockwise.

[0074] The method 1100 may also include performing a wellbore operation to reduce the pressure in the wellbore 26, such as in 1108. In one example, the wellbore operation may include reducing the flow rate of fluid pumped into the wellbore 26, reducing the weight on bit (WOB), or the like.

[0075] The method 1100 may also include measuring the pressure within the wellbore 26, as in 1110. In one embodiment, the pressure may be measured after the wellbore operation.

[0076] In response to the measured pressure being (now) below the pressure threshold (e.g., after the wellbore operation), the method 1100 may include actuating the remote locking assembly 30 (e.g., locking mechanism 70) from the second (e.g., locked) configuration to the second (e.g., unlocked) configuration, as in 1112. This may allow the BOP 28 to be actuated in the open configuration, as discussed below. Actuation of the remote locking assembly 30 may include causing the motor 84 to rotate the motor shaft 940 in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). When the motor 84 is a hydraulic motor, this may include increasing the pressure in the motor to the predetermined pressure (e.g., 10 MPa).As described above, in response to the motor shaft 940 rotating counterclockwise, the teeth 934 of the motor shaft 940 may engage the teeth 912B of the larger motor gear 910A, causing the larger motor gear 910B to rotate counterclockwise. This may cause the second belt 930B to rotate counterclockwise, which may cause the smaller lock gear 920B to rotate counterclockwise. In response to the smaller lock gear 920B rotating counterclockwise, the teeth 922B of the smaller lock gear 920B . may engage the teeth 72 of the locking mechanism 70, causing the locking mechanism to rotate counterclockwise. This causes the locking mechanism 70 to move axially in the second direction, which actuates the locking mechanism 70 into the unlocked configuration.

[0077] As discussed above, when the motor shaft 940, the larger motor gear 910B, the second belt 930B, the smaller locking gear 920B, the locking mechanism 70, or a combination thereof rotates counterclockwise, the smaller motor gear 910A and / or the larger locking gear 920A may be in a freewheeling state in which they may not rotate, or they may rotate clockwise.

[0078] The method 1100 may also include actuating the BOP 28 from the second configuration (e.g., closed) to the first configuration (e.g., open), as in 1114.

[0079] Advantageously, the remote locking system described herein may be used with a BOP, such as a BOP of an offshore system or a land-based system. Thus, the remote locking system may be configured for use in an underwater environment and / or may have features that allow the remote locking system to be effectively used in an underwater or other remote environment even when the remote locking system is not physically accessible by an operator (e.g., manually by an operator, an ROV, and / or an AUV). For example, the remote locking assembly may be controlled via a controller in response to inputs at a remote base station (e.g., on a platform at the sea surface) that is physically separate from the remote locking assembly of the remote locking system.It should be noted that the remote locking system described herein may be used with any of a variety of BOP types, including BOPs that have a single cylinder (e.g., that seal the center bore only with the single cylinder; without an opposing cylinder). It should also be appreciated that any of the features described above with respect to Figures 1 to 11 may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0080] As used herein, the terms "inner" and "outer"; "top" and "bottom"; "upper" and "lower"; "upward" and "downward"; "upstream"; "downstream"; "above" and "below"; "inward" and "outward"; and other similar terms as used herein refer to positions relative to one another and are not intended to denote a direction or particular spatial orientation. The terms "couple," "coupled," "connect," "connection," "connected," "in connection with," and "connecting" refer to "in direct connection with" or "in connection with via one or more intermediate elements or members."

[0081] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the above illustrative discussions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms described. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. In addition, the order in which the elements of the methods are illustrated and described may be rearranged, and / or two or more elements may appear simultaneously. The embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, and thereby to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular use contemplated.

Claims

Claims

1. A locking assembly (30), comprising: a first motor gear (910A) configured to be rotated in a first direction in response to a motor shaft (940) rotating in the first direction; a second motor gear (910B) configured to be rotated in a second direction in response to the motor shaft (940) rotating in the second direction, wherein the motor shaft (940) rotates in the first direction and the second direction at substantially the same pressure; a first locking gear (920A) configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first motor gear (910A) rotating in the first direction; a second locking gear (920B) configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second motor gear (910B) rotating in the second direction;and a locking mechanism (70) configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first locking gear (920A) rotating in the first direction, and to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second locking gear (920B) rotating in the second direction; the locking assembly (30) being characterized in that the first motor gear (910A), the second motor gear (910B) and the motor shaft (940) are coaxial with each other, in that the first locking gear (920A), the second locking gear (920B) and the locking mechanism (70) are coaxial with each other, and in that the motor shaft (940) is substantially parallel to the locking mechanism (70).;

2. The locking assembly (30) of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (70) moves in a first axial direction in response to rotation in the first direction, and wherein the locking mechanism (70) moves in a second axial direction in response to rotation in the second direction, and wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

3. The locking assembly (30) of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism (70) moving in the first axial direction actuates the locking mechanism (70) from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the locking mechanism (70) moving in the second axial direction actuates the locking mechanism (70) from the second configuration to the first configuration, wherein the locking mechanism (70) in the first configuration allows a blowout preventer (BOP) to actuate between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein the locking mechanism (70) in the second configuration prevents the BOP from actuating between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

4. The locking assembly (30) of claim 1, wherein the first motor gear (910A) has a smaller diameter than the second motor gear (910B), and wherein the first locking gear (920A) has a larger diameter than the second locking gear (920B).

5. The locking assembly (30) of claim 1, further comprising: a first belt (930A) wound at least partially around the first motor gear (910A) and the first locking gear (920A), wherein the first belt (930A) is configured to transmit torque from the first motor gear (910A) to the first locking gear (920A);and a second belt (930B) wound at least partially around the second motor gear (910B) and the second locking gear (920B), wherein the second belt (930B) is configured to transmit torque from the second motor gear (910B) to the second locking gear (920B), and wherein the first motor gear (910A), the first locking gear (920A), and the first belt (930A) are substantially parallel to the second motor gear (910B), the second locking gear (920B), and the second belt, respectively (930B).;

6. The locking assembly (30) of claim 1, wherein the first motor gear (910A) is configured to be in a freewheeling state when the motor shaft (940) and the second motor gear (910B) rotate in the second direction, and wherein the second motor gear (910B) is configured to be in a freewheeling state when the motor shaft (940) and the first motor gear (910A) rotate in the first direction.

7. The locking assembly (30) of claim 1, wherein the first locking gear (920A) is configured to be in a freewheeling state when the second locking gear (920B) and the locking mechanism (70) rotate in the second direction, and wherein the second locking gear (920B) is configured to be in a freewheeling state when the first locking gear (920A) and the locking mechanism (70) rotate in the first direction.

8. The locking assembly (30) of claim 1, wherein the motor shaft (940) is configured to transfer torque to the first motor gear (910A) when the motor shaft (940) rotates in the first direction, and wherein the motor shaft (940) is configured not to transfer torque to the first motor gear (910A) when the motor shaft (940) rotates in the second direction.

9. The locking assembly (30) of claim 1, wherein the first locking gear (920A) is configured to transfer torque to the locking mechanism (70) when the first locking gear (920A) rotates in the first direction, and wherein the first locking gear (920A) is configured not to transfer torque to the locking mechanism (70) when the first locking gear (920A) rotates in the second direction.

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