The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 16, 2012
Filed:
Oct. 23, 2007
Don M. Hannegan, Fort Smith, AR (US);
Thomas F. Bailey, Houston, TX (US);
James W. Chambers, Hackett, AR (US);
David R. Woodruff, Fort Smith, AR (US);
Simon J. Harrall, Houston, TX (US);
Don M. Hannegan, Fort Smith, AR (US);
Thomas F. Bailey, Houston, TX (US);
James W. Chambers, Hackett, AR (US);
David R. Woodruff, Fort Smith, AR (US);
Simon J. Harrall, Houston, TX (US);
Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
A system and method are provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The outer diameter of the lateral outlet flange may be substantially the same as the height of the LP-RCD housing and bearing assembly after the bearing assembly is positioned with the LP-RCD housing. The sealing element may be aligned with the lateral outlet, and may be replaced from above. Different embodiments of attachment members for attaching the LP-RCD housing with a lower housing allow the LP-RCD housing to be rotated to align the lateral outlet with the drilling rig's existing line to mud pits or other locations. In one embodiment, the LP-RCD bearings are positioned radially inside the LP-RCD housing. In another embodiment, the LP-RCD bearings are positioned radially outside the LP-RCD housing. One embodiment allows rotation of the inserted tubular about multiple planes. In still another embodiment, an annular BOP seal is integral with a RCD housing.