Thomas M Bailey

US Patent:

20110036638, Feb 17, 2011

Filed:

Sep 29, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/893391

Inventors:

Jonathan P. Sokol - New York NY, US
Danny W. Wagoner - Cypress TX, US
Thomas F. Bailey - Houston TX, US
Aristeo Rios, III - Houston TX, US
James W. Chambers - Hackett AR, US
Don M. Hannegan - Fort Smith AR, US

Assignee:

Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 17/10
B23P 11/00

US Classification:

1753253, 29428

Abstract:

A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.