Abstract: A crown plug for a tree of an oil/gas well/wellhead has a securement arrangement for securing the crown plug within the tree. The main body of the crown plug comprises a solid body creating the barrier within the production bore. The solid body creates a robust, strong and reliable barrier. The crown plug is retained within the outer member through inward distortion which secures the crown plug. The securement arrangement arises from an inward radial force that distorts the outer member inwardly to grip a component located within the outer member. The outer member elastically deforms and the outer member returns to a released position once the clamping force is released. Two concentric oppositely arranged tapered surfaces move axially to create the inwardly directed force. The clamping force and the solid body together provide an improved crown plug which is easy and reliable to operate.

Abstract: A pressure energised seal for a wellhead, in particular, provides a seal of an annulus between an inner wellhead casing member and an outer wellhead casing member. The wellhead incorporates a clamping arrangement whereby the outer member is arranged to be deflected radially inwardly in order to grip and secure the inner member within the bore of the outer member. Also, a seal for use in such a clamping arrangement. In particular, the seal includes a sealing lip which locates within a groove provided in the outer clamping surface of the inner member. A seal is activated and created as the outer member is clamped inwardly since this causes the outer member to compress the inner member and to reduce the diameter of the inner member. Also, a well and a method of sealing an annulus in a well.

Abstract: A pressure energised seal for a wellhead, in particular, provides a seal of an annulus between an inner wellhead casing member and an outer wellhead casing member. The wellhead incorporates a clamping arrangement whereby the outer member is arranged to be deflected radially inwardly in order to grip and secure the inner member within the bore of the outer member. Also, a seal for use in such a clamping arrangement. In particular, the seal includes a sealing lip which locates within a groove provided in the outer clamping surface of the inner member. A seal is activated and created as the outer member is clamped inwardly since this causes the outer member to compress the inner member and to reduce the diameter of the inner member. Also, a well and a method of sealing an annulus in a well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a running tool 10 for a casing hanger 12 in which the casing hanger 12 is arranged to be clamped within a well bore. In the clamped position, the suspension weight of the casing hanger 12 (and suspended) casing string is supported by the wellhead and the running tool 10 is then releasable from the casing hanger 12. The release of the running tool 10 from the casing hanger 12 is performed by applying an axial pressure down the running tool 10 which then enables the securement means 30 of the running tool 10 to be moved into an unsecured position. In the secured position, the casing hanger 12 is suspendable from the running tool 10 and the running tool 10 supports the suspension weight of the casing hanger 12 (and the casing string located there below). The running tool 10 comprises activation means 40 in order to enable the securement means 30 to move from the secured position to the unsecured position.

Abstract: The present invention provides monitoring means for monitoring the space and volume within a lower annulus. In particular, the monitoring means monitors the space and volume within the lower annulus 52 located between the inner surface of the 22 intermediate casing string 22 and the outer surface of the inner casing string 32. Furthermore, the monitoring means provides the capability to retrieve and/or introduce fluid(s) into the annular space 52. The monitoring means provides a port, specifically a passageway 100, which extends upwardly from the annular space 52 to an outlet located above the hanger 36 for the intermediate casing string 22. The passageway 100 is provided in a sleeve 102. The monitoring means includes a sensor located above the hanger 36 which means that the fluid in the annular space 52 can be monitored without the need for penetrating a casing in the wellhead.

Abstract: A wellhead securement arrangement releasably clamps casing strings such that they cannot move in an upwards or downwards longitudinal direction. Prior to being clamped, the securement arrangement secures the casing strings in a first position whereby cement returns are able to flow around the hangers towards the surface. Once cemented, the casing strings are released and moved upwardly, where the securement arrangement clamps the hangers into position, thus creating an axial load on the casing strings while also preventing movement in the upward and downward longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A mudline connector including a compression adaptor which can be elastically deformed onto an internal tubular member. The compression adaptor deflects inwardly to grip upper and lower sealing mandrels, providing axial and bending load support and creating a seal to isolate bore pressure from an outer annulus. The clamping arrangement provides a sealed connection between two well casing sections extending in opposite axial directions. The well casings are gripped and held in an end to end configuration by a radial load applied internally by a compression ring. The connector is activated by introducing pressure to activate pistons which in turn provide an axial thrust to stroke the internally tapered compression ring along the externally tapered compression collar, effectively creating an interference fit therebetween. This deflects the inner surface of the compression collar inwardly, deflecting the compression adaptor inwardly to grip the outer surfaces of the upper and lower sealing mandrels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wellhead securement arrangement including a first inner casing string 32 which is held in axial loading and a second inner casing string 56 which is also held in axial loading. Both of the first and second inner casing strings 32, 56 are releasably clamped such that the casing strings 32, 56 cannot move in an upwards or a downwards longitudinal direction. Prior to being clamped in such a position, the wellhead securement arrangement provides first retaining means to retain the first and second casing strings in cementing position whereby “cement returns” are able to flow around the respective hangers 36, 58 and upward through a casing towards the surface. Once cemented, the upper hangers 36, 58 of the respective inner casing strings 32, 56 are moved upwardly where the hanger 36, 58 is then clamped in position to maintain the respective inner casing string 32, 56 under an axial load whilst being prevented from moving either upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: The present invention provides monitoring means for monitoring the space and volume within a lower annulus. In particular, the monitoring means monitors the space and volume within the lower annulus 52 located between the inner surface of the 22 intermediate casing string 22 and the outer surface of the inner casing string 32. Furthermore, the monitoring means provides the capability to retrieve and/or introduce fluid(s) into the annular space 52. The monitoring means provides a port, specifically a passageway 100, which extends upwardly from the annular space 52 to an outlet located above the hanger 36 for the intermediate casing string 22. The passageway 100 is provided in a sleeve 102. The monitoring means includes a sensor located above the hanger 36 which means that the fluid in the annular space 52 can be monitored without the need for penetrating a casing in the wellhead.

Abstract: A mudline connector including a compression adaptor which can be elastically deformed onto an internal tubular member. The compression adaptor deflects inwardly to grip upper and lower sealing mandrels, providing axial and bending load support and creating a seal to isolate bore pressure from an outer annulus. The clamping arrangement provides a sealed connection between two well casing sections extending in opposite axial directions. The well casings are gripped and held in an end to end configuration by a radial load applied internally by a compression ring. The connector is activated by introducing pressure to activate pistons which in turn provide an axial thrust to stroke the internally tapered compression ring along the externally tapered compression collar, effectively creating an interference fit therebetween. This deflects the inner surface of the compression collar inwardly, deflecting the compression adaptor inwardly to grip the outer surfaces of the upper and lower sealing mandrels.