Variable bore ram packer for tapered tubular members in a ram type blowout preventer

Abstract

A variable bore ram packer designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling operations is disclosed. The variable bore ram packer is molded of an elastomeric material having a central semi-circular opening sized to fit closely about a tubular member. The packer member includes a plurality of pillar inserts molded within the elastomeric material around the central semi-circular opening. The packer member and the plurality of pillar inserts are molded into a unitary structure allowing the plurality of pillar inserts to move and seat against different diameter tubular members to prevent extrusion of the elastomeric material between the pillar inserts and the tubular member. The pillar inserts include a top plate, a bottom plate and a spacer pin positioned therebetween. The top and bottom plates are a substantially triangular shape and in the preferred embodiment are free to rotate relative to the spacer pin independently of one another. The independent movement of the top and bottom plates allows the top and bottom plates to move and seat against different diameters.