TOMMUNO DI UN TO ANOTHER TO
`
`US010030461B2
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Johansen et al .
`
`( 54 ) CONSTRICTING WEDGE DESIGN FOR
`PRESSURE - RETAINING SEAL
`( 71 ) Applicant : FHE USA LLC , Fruita , CO ( US )
`( 72 ) Inventors : Keith C . Johansen , Fruita , CO ( US ) ;
`Nicolas G . Snoke , Grand Junction , CO
`( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : FHE USA LLC , Fruita , CO ( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`( * ) Notice :
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis
`claimer .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 15 / 902 , 203
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Feb . 22 , 2018
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2018 / 0179846 A1
`Jun . 28 , 2018
`
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 63 ) Continuation of application No . 15 / 826 , 371 , filed on
`Nov . 29 , 2017 , which is a continuation of application
`No . 15 / 615 , 549 , filed on Jun . 6 , 2017 , now Pat . No .
`9 , 879 , 496 , which is a continuation of application No .
`15 / 371 , 141 , filed on Dec . 6 , 2016 , now Pat . No .
`9 , 670 , 745 , and a continuation - in - part of application
`No . 15 / 341 , 864 , filed on Nov . 2 , 2016 , now Pat . No .
`9 , 644 , 443 .
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 62 / 263 , 889 , filed on Dec .
`7 , 2015 .
`Int . Cl .
`E21B 33 / 03
`E21B 34 / 02
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 56 )
`
`( 58 )
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . : US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`* Jul . 24 , 2018
`( 52 ) U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E21B 33 / 03 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; E21B 34 / 02
`( 2013 . 01 )
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . . . . E21B 33 / 038 ; E21B 43 / 013 ; E21B 17 / 02 ;
`E21B 23 / 00 ; E21B 33 / 03 ; F16L 37 / 002 ;
`F16L 37162
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`7 / 1969 Watkins
`3 , 452 , 815 A
`3 , 486 , 556 A
`12 / 1969 Burgess
`4 / 1975 Arnold
`3 , 874 , 706 A
`4 , 153 , 278 A
`5 / 1979 Ahlstone
`4 , 441 , 742 A
`4 / 1984 Owens , III
`4 , 526 , 406 A
`7 / 1985 Nelson
`4 , 646 , 827 A
`3 / 1987 Cobb
`4 , 651 , 830 A
`3 / 1987 Crotwell
`5 , 282 , 655 A
`2 / 1994 Marietta
`6 , 125 , 939 A
`10 / 2000 Abreo , Jr .
`6 , 129 , 149 A
`10 / 2000 Beall
`8 / 2003 Baugh
`6 , 609 , 734 B1 .
`8 , 474 , 537 B2
`7 / 2013 Voss et al .
`8 , 511 , 387 B2
`8 / 2013 Fraser et al .
`( Continued )
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Forum Energy Technologies Brochure , “ 5 - 1 / 8 IDx10KSI Hydralic
`Latch Assembly - Installation / Operation / Maintenance ” , 24 pages .
`Primary Examiner — Daniel P Stephenson
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Zeman Mullen & Ford ,
`LLP
`ABSTRACT
`( 57 )
`High pressure seals for pressure control fittings are dis
`closed , where such pressure control fittings are located at a
`wellhead , for example . Embodiments of cam lock seals , a
`spring - driven ball race seal and wedge seals are disclosed .
`10 Claims , 28 Drawing Sheets
`
`800
`
`V
`
`TT
`
`OOOOOOO 826
`833 E TUTTI
`
`O - 827
`
`2843
`
`861
`
`845B
`832
`831
`804
`
`00000OON W + 8461
`
`805 - WANE
`
`860
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 1 of 45
`
`

`

`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`9 , 644 , 443 B15 / 2017 Johansen et al .
`9 , 670 , 745 B1 . 6 / 2017 Johansen et al .
`9 , 879 , 496 B2
`1 / 2018 Johansen et al .
`2003 / 0168857 Al 9 / 2003 Jennings
`2010 / 0139925 Al 6 / 2010 McKay
`2011 / 0025044 A1
`2 / 2011 McKay
`2011 / 0095526 Al
`4 / 2011 Vanderford et al .
`2012 / 0222865 Al
`9 / 2012 Larson et al .
`2013 / 0093179 Al 4 / 2013 Jenkins et al .
`2013 / 0341539 Al 12 / 2013 Hughes et al .
`2014 / 0144648 Al 5 / 2014 McKay
`2014 / 0352944 Al 12 / 2014 Devarajan et al .
`2015 / 0083430 AL
`3 / 2015 Jahnke et al .
`2015 / 0114667 AL
`4 / 2015 Mansukh et al .
`2016 / 0138352 A15 / 2016 Leba et al .
`2016 / 0376863 AL 12 / 2016 Older et al .
`2017 / 0089162 A1 *
`3 / 2017 Barnhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E21B 33 / 04
`* cited by examiner
`
`LSI-1001
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`

`

`atent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 1 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`1014
`
`103
`
`105
`
`107
`107
`109
`
`111 Lower pressure control equipment into pressure control assembly and engage adapter
`
`100
`
`Secure pressure control assembly to wellhead with night cap
`
`Activate control valve 1 to release locking ring
`
`Activate control valve 2 to release cam locks
`
`Remove night cap
`
`Remove night cap
`Attach adapter onto pressure control equipment
`
`Activate cam locks via control valve 2
`
`Activate lock ring via control valve 1
`Activate lock ring via control valve 1
`Perform wellhead operations
`
`Release lock ring and release cam locks
`
`Remove pressure control equipment from wellhead
`
`Secure night cap
`FIG . 1
`
`se 3 za ?????? ?????
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`
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`
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`117
`
`119
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`de z
`1234
`123
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 3 of 45
`
`

`

`
`
`U . S . Patent | Jul . 24 , 2018 1 2010
`
`Sheet 2 of 28
`
`| US 10 . 030 . 461 B2
`
`FIG _ 2
`
`FIG . 2
`
`"
`
`Hand
`Pump
`
`2000 ,
`Hand
`CCCCC
`
`VW
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 4 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 3 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`2007
`
`250
`
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`
`201
`
`- 240
`
`FIG . 3 be 220
`Bros
`
`ho )
`
`Hand
`Pump
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 5 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 4 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`200
`
`20
`
`He 11
`
`et 220
`
`ppletop
`A
`Leo U11 - 242
`DAD DE
`by 0
`0
`
`FIG . 4
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 6 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 5 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`00
`
`201
`
`V 240
`
`220
`2001
`
`: WILLID
`
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`
`FIG . 5
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 7 of 45
`
`

`

`U , S , Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 6 0f 28
`
`_ Us 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`250
`
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`
`2222
`
`252
`
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`
`220
`
`200 ??
`
`FIG . 6
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 8 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 7 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`- 250
`
`rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
`
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`
`FIG . 7
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 9 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 8 of 28
`
`? US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`&
`
`? HHH
`
`?
`224
`254 & ×226
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`
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`
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`
`FIG . 8
`
`237
`222
`
`L
`
`LSI-1001
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`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 9 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`250
`x
`
`4
`
`241
`
`224 236
`
`17 5
`
`254
`
`- 256
`
`www
`
`226
`- 235
`
`260
`
`FIG . 9
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 11 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 10 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`5 < 227 - 240
`F241
`4236
`224
`225
`224
`1235
`226
`
`V
`
`254
`256
`252
`
`- 255
`
`261
`
`252
`FIG . 10
`
`LSI-1001
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 11 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`- 250
`
`TITITIILID
`
`240
`y 220
`
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`
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`
`FIG . 11
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 13 of 45
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 12 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`??
`
`FIG . 12
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`
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 14 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 13 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`- 270
`
`Hand The
`Pump
`C520
`
`4 200
`
`200
`
`FIG . 13
`
`:
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 15 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 14 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`OHO 510
`173CI
`
`? ?
`?
`
`©©o°
`
`0
`
`FIG . 14
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 16 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 15 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`5121
`
`512 to DET
`
`A
`
`UN 4511 11
`
`FIG . 15
`
`FIG . 15
`
`510 510
`
`LSI-1001
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`

`

`atent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 16 of 28
`
`_ US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`600
`
`654
`
`FIG . 16
`
`?????????????
`
`. 640
`
`691
`
`1690
`
`LSI-1001
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul , 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 17 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`600
`
`650
`
`654
`655 /
`656
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`FIG . 17
`
`- 660
`
`LSI-1001
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 18 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`700
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`FIG . 18
`
`LSI-1001
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`

`

`atent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 19 0f 28
`
`_ US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
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`FIG . 194
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`FIG . 198
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 21 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 20 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
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`LSI-1001
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`

`

`atent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 21 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`801
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`21 / 28
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`LSI-1001
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 22 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
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`FIG . 22A
`
`LSI-1001
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`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 23 of 28
`
`| US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
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`FIG . 23B
`
`LSI-1001
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`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 24 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`850 to 851
`
`827
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`LSI-1001
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`U . S . Patent
`
`atent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 25 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`901
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`LSI-1001
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`US . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 26 of 28
`
`_ US 10 , 030 , 461 P2
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`FIC . 26A
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`LSI-1001
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`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 27 of 28
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`900 900 . ur 1948 gas 943 043
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`- 965
`944
`
`1961
`
`| 961
`965 !
`
`940 TISK
`949 949 -
`
`1956
`
`900
`
`906
`
`93074 W
`
`904
`
`ATT
`
`940 945
`VIP
`9
`
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`
`4
`
`949
`
`9761
`
`— ?
`
`OOOOOOO
`
`????? 7
`
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`
`976
`
`200 0 0
`
`947? 7
`
`1947B
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`opt947B
`+ 947B
`
`9757
`905K
`
`975
`
`905 -
`
`907
`
`960
`
`FIG . 27A
`
`9601
`FIG . 27B
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 29 of 45
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Jul . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 28 of 28 . [
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`FIG . 28
`
`900
`
`949
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`( Typ .
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`
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`( Typ }
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`( Typ )
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`( Typ ) |
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`945
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`945
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 30 of 45
`
`

`

`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`CONSTRICTING WEDGE DESIGN FOR
`PRESSURE - RETAINING SEAL
`
`There is therefore a need in the well services industry to
`have a way to safely connect and disconnect pressure control
`equipment from the wellhead while minimizing the physical
`danger to human resources in the vicinity . The disclosed
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`5 embodiments of high pressure seals for wellhead pressure
`control fittings are all hydraulically - actuated and - deactu
`This application is a continuation of co - pending , com
`ated systems that lock pressure control equipment to the
`monly - invented , commonly - assigned U . S . non - provisional
`wellhead via a remote control station .
`patent application Ser . No . 15 / 826 , 371 filed Nov . 29 , 2017 ,
`which in
`turn is a continuation of commonly - invented ,
`SUMMARY AND TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
`commonly - assigned U . S . non - provisional patent application 10
`Ser . No . 15 / 615 , 549 filed Jun . 6 , 2017 ( now U . S . Pat . No .
`These and other drawbacks in the prior art are addressed
`9 , 879 , 496 ) , which in turn is a continuation of commonly
`by the disclosed embodiments of high pressure seals for
`invented , commonly - assigned U . S . non - provisional patent
`wellhead pressure control fittings . Disclosed embodiments
`application Ser . No . 15 / 371 , 141 filed Dec . 6 . 2016 ( now U . S .
`Pat . No . 9 , 670 , 745 ) , which in turn claims the benefit of , and 15 include a cam lock design with a secondary lock , in which
`priority to , commonly - invented and commonly - assigned
`the cam lock pressure control apparatus replaces connec
`U . S . provisional patent application Ser . No . 62 / 263 , 889 filed
`tions done conventionally either by hammering , torqueing ,
`Dec . 7 , 2015 . Application Ser . No . 15 / 371 , 141 is also a
`or with a quick union nut , all of which require the interaction
`continuation - in - part of commonly - invented and commonly
`of an operator to perform these operations . This disclosure
`assigned U . S . non - provisional application Ser . No . 15 / 341 , 20 describes exemplary cam lock embodiments in both larger
`864 filed Nov . 2 , 2016 ( now U . S . Pat . No . 9 , 644 , 443 ) , which
`and smaller diameter configurations to suit corresponding
`also claims priority to 62 / 263 , 889 . The entire disclosures of
`size ranges of wellheads . In such embodiments , a crane
`62 / 263 , 889 , Ser . Nos . 15 / 341 , 864 , 15 / 371 , 141 , 15 / 615 , 549
`operator may place pressure control equipment ( PCE )
`directly onto the wellhead via the apparatus ' s highly visible
`and 15 / 826 , 371 are incorporated herein by reference .
`25 entry guide ( “ tulip ” ) . The crane operator may then proceed
`FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
`to actuate the cam lock control apparatus and secure the
`pressure control equipment in embodiments where the crane
`This disclosure is directed generally to pressure control
`is equipped with the apparatus ' s remote controls . In alter
`equipment at the wellhead , and more specifically to
`a
`native embodiments , a second operator may operate the cam
`remotely - operated wellhead pressure control apparatus . 30 lock control apparatus remotely while the crane holds the
`Broadly , and without limiting the scope of this disclosure ,
`pressure control equipment in the tulip . In currently pre
`one embodiment of the disclosed pressure control apparatus
`ferred embodiments , the disclosed cam lock pressure control
`is a cam - locking wellhead attachment that can secure a
`apparatus allows the pressure control equipment to be
`connection to a pressurized wellhead connection remotely ,
`secured in the wellhead from up to 100 feet away from the
`without manual interaction at the wellhead . Additional 35 wellhead , although the scope of this disclosure is not limited
`embodiments of other innovative high pressure seals for
`in this regard .
`As noted , disclosed embodiments of the disclosed cam
`wellhead pressure control fittings are also disclosed .
`lock pressure control apparatus provide a secondary
`BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED
`mechanical lock feature that holds the locked pressure
`TECHNOLOGY
`40 connection secure without total loss in hydraulic pressure .
`Preferably , the apparatus may be adapted to fit any conven
`Conventionally , wellhead connections to pressure control
`tional wellhead , and may be available in several sizes , such
`equipment are typically made by either a hand union or
`as ( without limitation ) for 3 - inch to 7 - inch pipe . As noted ,
`hammer union . Wellhead operators engaging or disengaging
`this disclosure describes exemplary cam lock embodiments
`these conventional types of wellhead connections place 45 in both larger and smaller diameter configurations to suit
`themselves in danger of injury . The pressure control equip -
`corresponding size ranges of wellheads . Although not lim
`ment to be connected to the wellhead is typically heavy , and
`ited to any particular pressure rating , the disclosed cam lock
`remains suspended above the wellhead operator via use of a
`pressure control apparatus is preferably rated up to about
`crane . Interacting with the crane operator , a technician at the
`15 , 000 psi MAWP ( maximum allowable working pressure ) .
`wellhead below must struggle with the suspended load as it 50 Although the embodiments described in this disclosure are
`is lowered in order to achieve the proper entry angle into the
`described for applications in the oilfield industry , the dis
`wellhead to make a secure connection . The wellhead opera -
`closed cam lock pressure control apparatus is not limited to
`tor must then connect the wellhead to the pressure control
`such applications . It will be appreciated that the apparatus
`equipment to the wellhead , typically via a bolted flanged
`also has applications wherever highly pressurized joint
`connection . The bolts must be tightened manually by a 55 connections can be made more safely by remote actuation
`person at the wellhead , typically via a “ knock wrench ”
`and deactuation .
`struck with a sledgehammer in order to get the bolts suffi -
`Embodiments of the disclosed pressure control apparatus
`ciently tight to withstand the internal operating pressure .
`preferably also provide a “ nightcap " option to cap the well
`During this whole process , as noted , the operator is in
`if there will be multiple operations . Consistent with con
`physical danger of injuries , such as collision with the 60 ventional practice in the field , the apparatus includes a
`suspended pressure control equipment load , or pinched or
`nightcap option , available separately , for sealing off the
`crushed fingers and hands when securing the connection .
`wellhead while the PCE has been temporarily removed , such
`Wellhead operators are exposed to similar risks of injury
`as at the end of the day . Embodiments including the nightcap
`during conventional removal of the pressure control equip -
`enable the apparatus to remain connected to the wellhead ,
`ment from the wellhead . The removal process is substan - 65 and wellhead pressure to be retained , in periods when PCE
`tially the reverse of the engagement process described in the
`is temporarily removed . In such embodiments , the disclosed
`previous paragraph .
`pressure control apparatus does not have to be removed and
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 31 of 45
`
`

`

`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`
`bearings in the ball race and receiving grooves in the
`re - installed on the well head every time PCE is removed
`adapter . Similar to the cam lock design , the wedge seal
`Such embodiments obviate the need to suspend wellhead
`design and spring - driven ball race seal design are both also
`operations unnecessarily just to remove and re - install the
`apparatus every time PCE is removed .
`remotely actuated and deactuated via hydraulic control , and
`It is therefore a technical advantage of the disclosed 5 therefore provide many of the same technical advantages
`pressure control apparatus to reduce substantially the pos -
`described above .
`sibility of personal injury to wellhead operators during
`According to a first cam lock aspect , therefore , this
`engagement and disengagement of pressure control equip -
`disclosure describes embodiments of a wellhead pressure
`ment from wellheads . In addition to the paramount impor -
`control fitting comprising a generally tubular Pressure Con
`tance of providing a safe workplace , there are further 10 trol Equipment ( PCE ) adapter having first and second
`ancillary advantages provided by the disclosed pressure
`adapter ends , the first adapter end contoured to mate with
`control apparatus , such as improved personnel morale and
`pressure control equipment , the second adapter end provid
`economic advantages through reduction of lost time acci -
`ing a shaped end including an adapter end curvature ; a
`dents and increased efficiency gains of more rapid rig ups .
`generally tubular pressure control assembly having first and
`Another technical advantage of the disclosed pressure 15 second assembly ends , the first assembly end providing a
`control apparatus is that it provides a hands - free , secure ,
`first assembly end interior and a first assembly end exterior ,
`predictable connection between pressure control equipment
`the second assembly end configured to mate with a well
`and the wellhead . The disclosed primary cam - lock , in com
`head ; the first assembly end exterior having an exterior
`bination with the secondary lock feature , provides a pre
`periphery , the exterior periphery providing a plurality of cam
`dictable serviceably - tight connection every time . This is 20 locks , each cam lock disposed to rotate about a correspond
`distinction to possible variances in the tightness provided by
`ing cam lock pin , each cam lock pin anchored to the first
`conventional hand - and knock wrench - tightening of the
`assembly end exterior , each cam lock further providing a
`connection , whose degree of tightness may vary according
`cam perimeter curvature ; the first assembly end exterior
`to the technique and physical strength of the manual opera
`further providing a plurality of cam lock pistons , one cam
`25 lock piston for each cam lock , wherein extension and
`tor .
`A further technical advantage of the disclosed pressure
`retraction of the cam lock pistons causes rotation of the cam
`locks in opposing directions about their corresponding cam
`control apparatus is that , in embodiments in which a quick
`test port is provided , a conventional hand pump can conve -
`lock pins ; the first assembly end exterior further providing a
`niently deliver high pressure fluid to a portion of the pressure
`plurality of locking ring pistons , a locking ring connected to
`connection sealed between two sets of o - rings . It will be 30 the locking ring pistons at a distal end thereof ; the locking
`appreciated that the o - rings will limit or impede high pres -
`ring encircling the first assembly end proximate the cam
`sure fluid flow into or out of the portion of the pressure
`locks , wherein extension of the locking ring pistons causes
`connection between the two sets of o - rings . Embodiments of
`the locking ring to move to a position free of contact with the
`this disclosure provide a quick test port though the pressure
`cam locks as the cam locks rotate about the cam lock pins ,
`control assembly into the flow - limited portion of the pres - 35 and wherein retraction of the locking ring pistons causes the
`sure connection . A hand pump may then be used to deliver
`locking ring to move so as to restrain the cam locks from
`fluid through the quick test port to the flow - limited portion .
`rotation about the cam lock pins ; the first assembly end
`This allows the pressure integrity of the seals provided by
`interior providing a receptacle for receiving the second
`the o - rings to be tested prior to applying high fluid pressures
`adapter end , the second adapter end and the receptacle
`from the wellhead onto the pressure control apparatus ' s 40 further each providing cooperating abutment surfaces , the
`pressure connection . In other applications , the quick test port
`cooperating abutment surfaces forming a high pressure seal
`may be used to equalize pressure in the flow - limited portion
`between the second adapter end and the receptacle when the
`of the pressure connection during service engagement and
`second adapter end is compressively received into the recep
`disengagement of the pressure control apparatus from the
`tacle ; wherein , as the second adapter end enters the recep
`wellhead .
`45 tacle and engages the cooperating abutment surfaces , exten
`Disclosed additional embodiments of high pressure seals
`s ion of the cam lock pistons causes the cam locks to rotate
`for wellhead pressure control fittings describe a wedge seal
`about the cam lock pins , which in turn causes the cam
`design and a spring - driven ball race seal design that substi -
`perimeter curvatures on the cam locks to cooperatively bear
`tute for the cam lock design . The wedge seal design and
`down on the adapter end curvature , which in turn com
`spring - driven ball race seal design differentiate functionally 50 presses the second adapter end into the receptacle to form
`over the cam lock design primarily in the mechanism by
`the high pressure seal ; and wherein , once the high pressure
`which a high pressure seal is provided . The cam design
`seal is formed , retraction of the locking ring pistons causes
`provides piston - actuated rotating cams whose perimeter
`the locking ring to move so as to restrain the cam locks from
`curvatures bear down on a shaped shoulder formed in the
`rotation about the cam lock pins .
`exterior surface of a PCE adapter . The adapter is received 55
`In a second cam lock aspect , embodiments of the well
`into a receptacle assembly connected to the wellhead , so that
`head pressure control fitting include that each cam lock
`the cams compress the adapter into the receptacle to form a
`further provides a cam perimeter notch , each cam perimeter
`high pressure seal . By contrast , the wedge seal design
`notch configured to engage the second adapter end as the
`provides opposing sliding wedges . Opposing sloped sides on
`second adapter end approaches entry into the receptacle .
`the wedges slide together in reciprocating motion responsive 60
`In a third cam lock aspect , embodiments of the wellhead
`to hydraulic pressure , causing the PCE adapter to be com -
`pressure control fitting include that the second assembly end
`pressed into the wellhead assembly to form a high pressure
`further provides a vent line .
`seal . By contrast again , the spring - driven ball race seal
`In a fourth cam lock aspect , embodiments of the wellhead
`design compresses the PCE adapter into the wellhead assem -
`pressure control fitting include that the second adapter end
`bly by forcing , again responsive to hydraulic pressure , an 65 provides at least one o - ring seal configured to mate with the
`annular member over a cylindrical ball race and into a tight
`receptacle when the second adapter end is received into the
`fit ( 1 ) inside an annular receptacle , and ( 2 ) between ball
`receptacle .
`
`LSI-1001
`Lee Specialties v. FHE USA / Page 32 of 45
`
`

`

`10
`
`20
`
`US 10 , 030 , 461 B2
`In a fifth cam lock aspect , embodiments of the wellhead
`lower wedge receptacle recess for each lower wedge , the
`pressure control fitting include that the second adapter end
`lower wedge receptacle further having first and second
`provides at least first and second o - ring seals , and in which
`opposing lower wedge receptacle sides in which the lower
`the first assembly end further provides a quick test port , the
`wedge receptacle recesses define the first lower wedge
`quick test port comprising a fluid passageway from the first 5 receptacle side , and wherein each lower wedge is received
`assembly end exterior through to the first assembly end
`into a corresponding lower wedge receptacle recess so that
`interior , wherein the quick test port is open to the first
`the first lower wedge receptacle side and the second lower
`assembly end interior at a location selected to lie between
`wedge sides provide opposing sloped lower wedge surfaces ,
`the first and second o - ring seals when the second end adapter
`wherein axial displacement of the lower wedge receptacle
`and the receptacle form the high pressure seal .
`relative to the lower wedges causes corresponding radial
`In a sixth cam lock aspect , embodiments of the wellhead
`displacement of the lower wedges , and wherein , as the
`pressure control fitting include that the locking ring is in an
`second adapter end enters the PCE receptacle and engages
`interference fit with the cam locks when retraction of the
`the cooperating abutment surfaces , axial displacement of the
`locking ring pistons causes the locking ring to move so as to
`restrain the cam locks from rotation about the cam lock pins . 15 lower wedge receptacle relative to the lower wedges causes
`corresponding radial constriction of the top and bottom
`In a seventh cam lock aspect , embodiments of the well
`lower wedge ribs around the first adapter rib and the PCE
`head pressure control fitting include that each cam lock
`receptacle , which in turn compresses the second adapter end
`piston is connected to its corresponding cam lock via a
`pinned cam linkage , each pinned cam linkage including a
`into the PCE receptacle to form the pressure seal .
`link arm interposed between the cam lock piston and cam
`In a second aspect of additional seals , embodiments of the
`lock , each link arm connected to the cam lock via a first
`wellhead pressure control fitting include that axial displace
`linkage pin , each link arm connected to the cam lock piston
`ment of the lower wedge receptacle relative to the lower
`wedges is enabled by hydraulically - actuated forces exerted
`by a second linkage pin .
`In an eighth cam lock aspect , embodiments of the well -
`against the second lower wedge receptacle side by a hydrau
`head pressure control fitting include that the cooperating 25 lic mechanism selected from the group consisting of ( a ) a
`abutment surfaces include a machined shoulder surface and
`plurality of cooperating hydraulically - pressurized lower
`a machined slope surface provided on the second adapter
`chambers acting on the lower wedge receptacle , and ( b ) at
`end , the receptacle further providing machined surfaces to
`least one extensible and retractable hydraulic lower piston
`mate with the shoulder surface and slope surface in forming
`acting on the lower wedge receptacle .
`In a third aspect of additional seals , embodiments of the
`the high pressure seal .
`In a ninth cam lock aspect , embodiments of the wellhead
`wellhead pressure control fitting include that the adapter
`provides an annular second adapter rib distal from the first
`pressure control fitting include that the PCE adapter is
`interchangeable with a generally tubular night cap adapter ,
`adapter rib towards the first adapter end , and in which the
`the night cap adapter having first and second night cap ends ,
`first assembly end interior further provides an upper wedge
`w