Apparatus and method for joining tubulars
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A preferred joint restraint includes a dampening force and a restraining force to control relative movement between a pad and gland and between the gland and bolt, respectively. The preferred restraint includes a gland, pads, and bolts. Preferably, a flexible member disposed in the pad selectively provides the dampening and retaining force. A preferred joint restraint also includes a pad and a bolt that coact to provide a controlled wedging action. The wedging action supplies supplemental tooth penetration and/or enhanced clamping force that stabilizes a shifting tubular member (pipe). A preferred tooth arrangement for a restraint pad produces an intermittent penetration pattern in the pipe. A preferred spacing member for a restraint tunes a clamping force generated by the restraint to accommodate variations in pipe geometry and/or materials. A preferred restraint is arranged according to a method that uses pipe expansion to provide an enhanced gripping action.
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Citations
45 Claims
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1-26. -26. (Cancelled)
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27. A joint restraint for a tubular that expands diametrically when subjected to internal hydrostatic pressure, the tubular having an axial centerline, the joint restraint comprising:
(a) a plurality of pads adapted to provide a clamping force, at least one of the pads having a tooth projecting inward toward the tubular, the at least one pad having a selected radial distance relative to the axial centerline during a selected operating pressure, the tooth providing a selected amount of tooth penetration when the tubular is at the selected operating pressure, the selected radial distance and a length of the tooth being determined by determining an expanded radial distance of the tubular when at the selected operating pressure. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. An apparatus for restraining a flexible tubular that expands radially when subjected to an internal hydrostatic pressure, the tubular having a no pressure state and a rated working pressure state, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) a gland;
(b) a plurality of pads arrayed circumferentially within said gland, said pads having a retracted and extended radial position, said pads being substantially stationary when in said extended radial position; and
(c) at least one tooth formed on each of said pads;
said at least one tooth having a first predetermined percentage of penetration when the tubular is in the no pressure state and a second predetermined percentage of penetration when the tubular is in the rated working pressure state, wherein said second predetermined percentage of penetration is less than 100%. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A joint restraint for a tubular member, comprising:
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(a) a gland having an axial bore and a pocket;
(b) a pad disposed in said pocket;
(c) a bolt disposed in said axial bore of said gland, said bolt having a head adapted to seat on said gland, said bolt and said pad cooperating to provide a clamping force on a tubular member; and
(d) a spacer selectively interposed between said gland and said head of said bolt. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40)
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41. A joint restraint for coupling two tubular members, comprising:
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(a) a gland having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart pockets;
(b) a pad disposed in each said pocket, each said pad having;
(i) a clamping surface for engaging the surface of a tubular member; and
(ii) at least two teeth formed on said clamping surface, said teeth adapted to penetrate the surface of the tubular member, said teeth being substantially aligned along a first circumference; and
(c) a bolt for moving said paid at least from a retracted position to an extended position. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification