Force balanced rotating pressure control device
US7743823B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S277/926
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Force balancing adjusts hydraulic fluid pressure in an upper piston area of a Rotating Pressure Control Device (RPCD) that has an inner housing rotatably engaged within an outer housing by an upper bearing and a lower bearing. The hydraulic fluid pressure is adjusted to balance net force in a upper piston area and a lower piston area. The fluid pressure adjustment creates a force differential that balances the total load transmitted through the upper bearing and the lower bearing and thereby extends the life of the sealing element and bearings. Additionally, a wear indicator signals the end of the useful life of the drill pipe sealing element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.