Hydraulically metered travel joint
US6367552B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B23/02
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Initially, a set of locking lugs lock an inner mandrel is locked in position with respect to an outer mandrel. Unlocking the travel joint is accomplished by applying a constant vertical or downward force on the tubing string. That vertical force is transmitted through the tubing string to the outer mandrel, which causes hydraulic pressure with a hydraulic chamber to increase. When the hydraulic pressure exceeds a pressure threshold, a pressure sensitive valve opens, and the hydraulic fluid gradually flows into a reserve hydraulic chamber, allowing the outer mandrel to move with respect to the inner mandrel. A viscosity independent flow restrictor limits the transfer of hydraulic fluid to a preset flow rate. After sufficient hydraulic fluid has been received into the reserve chamber, the outer mandrel aligns with the locking lugs, which then move from the locked position to the unlocked position. The travel joint then releases, allowing the outer mandrel to telescope inward and outward.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.