Expandable solid load ring for casing hanger
US8833461B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/043
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A subsea wellhead assembly includes a housing with a bore. A hanger is lowered into the housing, the hanger having at least one downward facing load shoulder. An expandable load ring is carried on the hanger. When casing weight is applied to the hanger, the weight energizes the load ring, causing it to expand and thereby increase the contact area between a load shoulder on the load ring and a load shoulder on the housing. The shoulders create a path for the load to be transferred to the housing. The increase in contact area increases the load carrying capacity of the hanger. The load ring expansion is limited to elastic expansion to allow it to return to a retracted position when the casing weight is removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.