US3052300A - Well head for air drilling apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 4, 1962 D. M. HAMPTON 3,052,300

WELL HEAD FOR AIR DRILLING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 6. 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet l Donald M. Hampton Fig.2 BY

ATTORNEY Sept. 4, 1962 D. M. HAMPTON 3,052,300

WELL HEAD FOR AIR DRILLING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 6. 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Donald M. Humpfon BY Z K {gt/A ATTORNEY see This invention relates to a well head for air drilling apparatus, and it concerns more particularly a closure device for closing an oil well at the surface during rotary drilling operations in which compressed air is employed as the drilling fluid.

An object of the invention is to provide a casing head adapted to close an oil well casing at the surface while at the same time permitting free rotative and longitudinal movement of a drill pipe relative thereto.

Another object of the invention is to provide a casing head having means capable of providing a seal between an oil well casing and a drill pipe movable rotatively and longitudinally relative to the casing, to thereby permit cuttings to be effectively displaced from a well bore, during a drilling operation, by means of compressed air introduced into the well bore at the bottom thereof through the kelly and drill pipe.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for the purpose described which is of simple, rugged construction, may be manufactured inexpensively, and is efficient in operation and durable in use.

The invention will be readily understood by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view, partly in section taken on a median line, of apparatus embodying the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view on an enlarged scale, taken on a median line, showing a portion of the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view taken on the line 33 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional plan view taken on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary sectional plan view taken on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 1, the internal bore of a drill pipe being shown in a circular dotted line, and

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary sectional plan view taken on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 1.

Referring to the drawing, the numeral 1 designates a well casing, which is shown fragmentarily. A short casing section or collar 2 is connected to the well casing 1 and extends upwardly therefrom. The well casing 1 and the casing section 2 have flanges 3 and 4, respectively, welded to their adjacent ends and extending radially outwardly therefrom. The flanges 3 and 4 are connected in mutually opposed relation to each other by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts 5, which are passed through aligned openings provided therefor in the flanges 3 and 4 and have nuts 6 applied thereto.

The casing section 2 has a side opening 7. A nipple 8, which is inserted in the side opening 7, is welded at one end to the casing section 2 and is threaded externally at its opposite end for engagement by an internally threaded coupling 9 whereby the casing section 2 may be connected to a conduit adapted to receive fluids discharged from a well in which the casing 1 is disposed, along with a drilling fluid introduced into the well at the bottom thereof.

An annular cover plate 10 has an annular groove 11 in its under side for engagement with the upper edge of the casing section 2. A plurality of circumferentially spaced notches 12 are formed in the peripheral edge of the cover plate 10 for engagement, respectively, by a plurality of bolts 13. The bolts 13 each have an eye 14 on one of its ends, through which a pin 15 is passed. The pins 15 are each secured at its ends to a pair of lugs 16, which are connected to the casing section 2 and extend radially outwardly therefrom. The bolts 13 are movable pivotally about the pins 15, which are disposed horizontallyv The free ends of the bolts 13 have nuts 17 and washers 13 applied thereto, for engagement with the upper surface of the cover plate 16 on opposite sides of the notches 12, in the uppermost positions of the bolts 13, whereby the cover plate 10 is secured to the casing section 2.

A vertically disposed cylindrical member 29 is surrounded by the annular cover plate 141, and is welded thereto intermediate its ends. The inside diameter of the cylindrical member Ztl is reduced by stages near its lower end to form a pair of upwardly facing internal shoulders 21 and 22;, which are spaced vertically relative to each other. An annular closure member 23, which is received in the upper end of the cylindrical member 211, has a radially outwardly extending flange 2 which is connected by screws 25 to the upper edge of the cylindrical member 20.

A vertically disposed sleeve 26 is arranged concentrically within the cylindrical member 20, and is rotatably supported therein as hereinafter described. The upper end of the sleeve 26 is surrounded by the annular closure member 23, and the lower end of the sleeve 26 extends downwardly below the cylindrical member Zll.

A flange 27 is formed on the sleeve 26 intermediate its ends, and extends radially outwardly therefrom. A pair of thrust bearings, each of which consists of an inner race ring 28, an outer race ring 239, and a plurality of tapered roller bearings 30, support the sleeve 26 for rotative movement relative to the cylindrical member 2th while preventing longitudinal movement of the sleeve 26 relative to the cylindrical member 25). The inner race rings 23 surround the sleeve 26 and are positioned on opposite sides of the flange 27. The outer race rings 29 are received within the cylindrical member 26 and are positioned immediately above the uppermost internal shoulder 21, and immediately below the annular closure member 23, respectively.

A sealing ring 31, which is received in an annular recess provided therefor in the upper surface of the annular closure member 23, provides a seal between the annular closure member 23 and the sleeve 26. A pair of sealing rings 32., which are positioned one above the other within the cylindrical member 20, between the internal shoulders 21 and 22, provide a seal between the cylindrical member 20 and the sleeve 26 to confine the lubricants introduced to the bearings 3t A lubricating fitting 33, which is attached to the top side of the annular closure member 23, communicates with a fluid passage 34 extending through the annular closure member 23, whereby the bearings 30 may be lubricated. A lubricating fitting 35, which is attached to the top side of the annular cover plate 11 communicates with a tube 36 which is connected at its ends to annular cover plate 10 and the cylindrical member Ztl and is adapted to supply a lubricant to the interior of the cylindrical member 26, between the sealing rings 32.

The sleeve 26 has a pair of arcuate projections 37 extending radially inwardly from two opposite sides thereof, adjacent its upper end. A plug 38, which is received within the sleeve 26, has a flange 39 extending radially outwardly therefrom, adjacent its upper end, for abutment against the upper end of the sleeve 26 whereby the plug 38 is supported on the sleeve 26. The

plug 38 has a pair of arcuate projections 44 extending radially outwardly from two opposite sides thereof, for abutment against the arcuate projections 37 to limit rotative movement of the plug 38 relative to the sleeve 26. The plug 38 has a square opening 41 in the center thereof adapted to receive a section of square drill pipe 42, commonly referred to as a kelly, whereby the sleeve 26 is rotated with the kelly 42.

The sleeve 26 is threaded externally adjacent its lower end for engagement by a ring 43, which is threaded internally and externally and is received thereon. The ring 43 is flanged internally adjacent its lower end to form an upwardly facing internal shoulder 44 for abutment against the lower end of the sleeve 26 to limit the upward movement of the ring 43 relative to the sleeve 26.

A pair of circular diaphragms 45 and 46, which are formed of flexible, elastic material and have central openings 47 and '48 therein through which the kelly 42 is passed, are secured at their edges, in juxtaposed relation to each other, between the ring 43 and a ring 49, which is threaded internally for engagement with the ring 43, and is received thereon. The ring 49 is flanged internally adjacent its lower end to form an upwardly facing internal shoulder 50 for abutment against the under side of the lowermost diaphragm 46, whereby the diaphragms 45 and 46 are clamped between the rings 43 and 49.

The diaphragms 45 and 46 are secured in concentric relation to the rings S3 and t9 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced threaded pins 51, which are secured in threaded openings provided therefor in the under side of the ring 43 and are received in aligned openings pro vided therefor in the diaphragms 45 and 46.

The lowermost diaphragm 46 has a depressed central portion 52 surrounding the central opening 48, which is square and conforms substantially to the shape of the kelly 42. The opening 48 preferably is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the kelly 42, so that the material of the diaphragm 46 surrounding the opening 48 is stretched upon passing the kelly 42 through it. Thus the diaphragm -46 frictionally engages the kelly 42 and provides an effective seal between the kelly 42 and the sleeve 26.

The central opening 47 of the uppermost diaphragm 45 is round, and conforms substantially to the shape of a round section of drill pipe 53, shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 5, which is interchangeable with the kelly 42. The opening 47 preferably is slightly smaller than the cross sectional area of the pipe 53, so that the material of the diaphragm 45 surrounding the opening 47 is stretched upon passing the pipe 53 through it. Thus the diaphragm 45 frictionally engages the pipe 53 and provides an effective seal between the pipe 53 and the sleeve 26.

In operation, the plug 38 positively insures rotation of the sleeve 26 with the kelly 42, and thus avoids the possibility of rupturing the lowermost diaphragm 46, due to torque applied thereto, When employing the square drill pipe or kelly 42. While the uppermost diaphragm 45' frictionally engages the round pipe 53, so that the sleeve 26 normally rotates with the pipe 53, the diaphragm 45 would not be damaged if for any reason the sleeve 26 is prevented from being rotated with the pipe 53. Thus the plug 38 is not required when using the pipe 53.

An annular plate 54 is threaded internally for engage ment with the externally threaded lower end of the sleeve 26, and is received thereon. The annular plate 54. is positioned above the ring 43, in spaced apart relation thereto.

The annular plate 54 is enclosed in an annular housing 55, and is rotatable relative thereto. The annular housing 55 has a peripheral wall 56 having a diameter conforming substantially to the inside diameter of the casing section 2 and top and bottom portions 57 and 58 which are closely spaced relative to the annular plate 54 and loosely surround the sleeve 26. The bottom portion 58 of the annular housing 55 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 56. The top portion 57 is received in an annular recess 59 provided therefor in the peripheral wall 56, and is welded thereto.

The annular plate 54 is spaced apart from the top and bottom portions 57 and 58 of the annular housing 55 by a plurality of short vertically disposed, circumferentially spaced pins 60, which are attached to opposite sides of the annular plate 54- and slidably engage the top and bottom portions 57 and 58 of the annular housing 55 upon rotation of the annular plate 54 relative to the annular housing 55.

The annular housing 55 is supported on a ring 61, which is welded to the inner wall of the casing section 2. A plurality of circum'ferentially spaced, radially extending lugs 62, which are attached to the under side of the annular housing 55, are received in corresponding slots 63 provided therefor in the upper surface of the ring 61, whereby the annular housing 55 is prevented from being rotated relative to the casing section 2.

A pair of resilient 0 rings 64 are received in peripheral grooves 65 provided therefor in the exterior surface of the peripheral wall 56 of the annular housing 55, in spaced apart relation to each other. The 0 rings 64 provide a seal between the annular housing 55 and the casing section 2 and effectively prevents the passage of drilling fluid therethrough and about the housing 55.

A lubricating fitting 66, which is attached to the exterior surface of the casing section 2, communicates with a fluid passage 67 formed in the peripheral wall 56 of the annular housing 55, between the peripheral grooves 65, whereby a lubricant may be introduced into the interior of the annular housing 55. The lubricant so introduced lubricates the pins 60, and in addition, provides a seal between the annular plate 54 and the annular housing 55, which in turn seal the annular space between the sleeve 26 and the casing section 2. The plate 54, as stated, is threadedly secured to the sleeve 26 and rotates therewith, thus providing a barrier, with the lubricant in the housing 55, against the passage of drilling fluid to the area above the housing 55.

The invention may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. In a well head for air drilling apparatus for wells, in combination with a well casing and a drill pipe in said casing, a drilling head comprising, in combination, a cylindrical collar adapted to be attached to said casing and having a fluid outlet on one side thereof, a flanged cylinder rigidly supported by and concentrically of said collar, a sleeve rotatively supported on bearings in said cylinder and a drill pipe adapter plug seated thereon and rotatable therewith, an annular housing secured in said collar about said sleeve above said fluid outlet and adapted to retain a sealing lubricant and a ring fixed to the inner wall of said collar for supporting said annular housing, a plurality of sealing rings arranged peripherally of said annular housing in said collar, an annular plate threadedly secured to said sleeve and enclosed in said annular housing and rotatable between the top and bottom thereof whereby to provide a fluid-tight seal above said fluid outlet, and a diaphragm secured to the lower end of said sleeve embracing the said drill pipe and providing a seal thereabout.

2. In a drilling head for use with compressed air as a drilling fluid, in combination with a Well casing and a drilling pipe, a collar having connection with the well casing and having a fluid outlet on one side, a flanged cylinder supported by said collar concentrically thereof, a sleeve rotatively mounted in said cylinder above said fluid outlet, a drill pipe adapter plug rigidly seated in the top of said sleeve whereby to rotate the same when said drill pipe is rotated, an annular plate threadedly attached to the lower end of said sleeve above said fluid outlet, a relatively fiat stationary annular housing for said annular plate attached to said collar and adapted to retain a sealing lubricant about said annular plate as the latter is rotated therein, a ring in said collar for supporting said an nular housing therein, a plurality of sealing rings arranged peripherally of said annular housing and engaging the inner wall of said collar, and means comprising a diaphragm secured to the lower end of said sleeve and embracing said drill providing a seal thereabout above said fluid outlet.

3. In a drilling head as described in claim 2, wherein the said sleeve is rotatably mounted concentrically of said cylinder, and said annular plate is spaced above and below the bottom and top annular Walls of said annular housing.

4. In a drilling head for drilling well bores with compressed air as a drilling fluid, in combination with a Well casing and a drilling pipe, a collar attached to the top of said well casing and having a fluid outlet on one side, a flanged cylindrical member rigidly supported by and concentrically of said collar and having a cover secured thereto, a sleeve rotatably supported on a plurality of bearings in said cylindrical member above said fluid outlet, a drill pipe adapter seated in the upper end of said sleeve, a diaphragm secured about the lower end of said sleeve above said fluid outlet and engaging said drill pipe and providing a seal therearound, an annular housing secured on a ring arranged internally of said collar and embracing said sleeve, sealing means arranged peripherally of said annular housing, an annular plate secured about said sleeve and extending laterally into said annular housing, and means for injecting a sealing lubricant into said housing and about said annular plate to lubricate and seal the same.

5. 'In a drilling head for oil Wells as described in claim 4, a cylindrical member supported in said collar and a bearing support arranged internally thereof, and a hearing in said cylindrical member rotatably supporting said sleeve.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,708,316 MacClatchie Apr. 9, 1929 2,126,007 Guiberson Aug. 9, 1938 2,170,916 Schweitzer Aug. 29, 1939 2,222,082 Leman Nov. 19, 1940 2,243,340 Hild May 27, 1941 2,646,999 Barske July 28, 1953

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