US1942366A - Casing head equipment - Google Patents

Description

Jaun.` 2, i934. L. M. c. sEAMARK v1,942,361

cAsING HEAD EQUIPMENT Filed sept. 20, 1950 4 sheets-sheet 1 Figi.

Inventor Attorney.

Jan. 2, 1934. L. M. c. SEAMAR'K 1,942,366-

CAS ING HEAD `EQUIPMENT Attorney.

Jan. 2, 1934. L.. M. c SEAMARK CASING HEAD EQUIPMENT Filed sept. 20', 195o 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig.2.

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A\\\\\\\\\\\\\ lr mlmg 4 Shevets-Sheet 4 l.. M. c. sEAMARK CASING `HEAD EQUIPMENT se /Q Jan. 2, 1934.

' Filed sept.' 2o, 1930 Patented Jan. 2, 1934 UNITED STATES kPATE:

NT ori-lcs i cAsING HEAD EQUIPMENT Lewis Mervyn Cecil Seamark, St. Just', England Application September 20, 1930, Serial No. 483,290

and in Great Britain March 29, 1930 44 claims.

This invention relates to casing head equipment for bore holes.

The invention has among its objects to provide simple and effective means by which casing or tools of varying size or form used in sinking bore holes may be passed into and be withdrawn from the bore hole, and the tools rotated, without escape of oil or gas, and by which boring may be continued before and after high pressures have been encountered and without loss at the surface of oil or gas under the', pressures prevailing.

According to the invention the casing head equipment for bore holes or wells comprises a casing, a massive elastic sleeve within the casing through which the connected lengths of the4 and gas tight joints are maintained under varying conditions of operation.

According to the invention, moreover, the sleeve is reinforced to prevent excessive deformation on its internal contraction; the housing ,or casing of the sleeve also is adapted to permit of rotation; the rotatable housing or casing of the sleeve is adapted also to permit of a slight gyratory movement during the rotation of the boring tool and the rotatable housing or casing is mounted or suspended between anti-friction bearings adapted to resist upward and downward stresses.

The invention also comprises the features here-- inafter described. p The invention is diagrammatically illustra by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which l Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of a rotary blow-out Ypreventer constructed according to the invention; l

. Figures 1a and 1b are respectively elevation and plan of a suitable reinforcement that may be provided for the elastic sleeve employed;

Figure 1c is an enlarged sectional view showing thevmanner in which a joint is made at the upper and lower ends of the rotating casing;

Figure ld is a sectional elevation of a rotary blow-out preventer similar to that illustrated in (Cl. 16S-14) Figure 1, in which the fastening ring is moulded in the elastic sleeve;

Figure le is a detail view of the fastening illustrated in Figure 1d; l t

Figure 2 is a so-calledi sleeve packer con-v structed according to the invention, and

Figure 3 is a sectional elevation of a modication of rotary blow-out preventer constructed according to the invention.

Incarrying the invention into effect according to the construction illustrated in Fig-ure 1, an outer cylindrical casing a is provided which is secured to the well head flange a1 by means of a l bayonet flange r in known manner, and upon the casing a a cover g is applied having a cylindrical part g1 adapted to be mounted upon the ex-1 ternally screw-threaded upper part of the casing. The elastic sleeve d is mounted between end rings e1, e4 having oppositely disposed annular cavities within which the respective ends of the sleeve are held.

The end ring e1 (Figure 1) is made integral with the lower end of the trunnion tube e. The

flange thus formed engages beneath a massive shoulder u1 at the upper end of 'the rotating casing u. A number of pins e5 are providedon the upper face of the end ring e1, parallel with the axis of the tube e in determined position coincident with corresponding holes in the shoulder u1. tube e withV the rotating casing u, by which axial displacement of the end ring e1 and trunnion tube e is permitted in relation to the casing u. The casing u encloses the sleeve d and has transversely disposed holes u2 through which a fluid pressure medium may find access to the external surface of the sleeve d. Thus pressure may be ap plied to cause the contraction of the sleeve d to maintain a fluid tight joint between the sleeve and the boring tool or the like. The end ring e4 extends within the lower screw-threaded end of the casing u and serves firmly to hold the lower end of the sleeve d; and similar means are provided to secure the upper end of the sleeve d within the end ring e1.

The end ring e4 (Figure 1) has cavity on its under face for the upper reduced screw-threaded part of a bottom ring e6, the lower part of which extends completelyacross the end ring and is screw-threaded in position, and thus forms a contact face by which a horizontal joint is provided between the lower end of the casing u and the base part a2 of the casing.

Thecasing u (Figure 1) has at its upper end an annular y, and by which the upward thrust is taken wheny pressures are encountered in the operation of boring. Ball bearings k1, k2 are provided'above and beneath the flange n3, which permit the v casing u a slight eccentric or gyratory movement during the rotation of the boring tool. For

A fibre jointing ring g of a V or other similarA sectional shape is fitted beneath the second ring g4' and between the upper outer peripheral bevelled edge of the casing a and the cover g.Y

The casing u has a gland ring 11,4 screw-threaded within an annular cavity of the casing u and the ange of the gland ring comes to lie over the ring y* and serves as a horizontal jointing face. An annular cavity g is formed on the under face o f the cover g for the packing g".

The top part of the cover g extends short of the trunnion tube e to accommodate the slightly gyratory movement referred to and to permit of access to a packing ring u5 of conical cross-section .80v

between the ring u# and the tube, and a screwthreaded retaining ring u6 is applied upon the packing ring u.

The base part a2 of the casing a (Figure 1) is provided with an annular cavity a3 for the reception of packing g". .Surrounding this cavity s a3 on theface of the base part a2, another cavity is provided for thereception of a jointing ring a4, the top face of which extends slightly above the normal face of the base part a2.

An annular space v (Figure 1) is provided between the casing `u and the casing a, by which I the slight gyratory movement of the casing u is accommodated and means are provided for; the admission of a fluid pressure medium such as that derived from the well or such as water from a hydraulic accumulator, under regulation,

`so that thus the required pressure may be applied within the annular space v upon the sleeve d, so that it may be contracted to maintain an effective liquid and gas tight joint between the sleeve d and the parts of the boring tool or the like held in or passing through the sleeve. The packing/,9'1 consists of 'rings or'turns of packing of aJ kind commonly employed for hydraulic work; they are applied upon an annular indiarubber sheet g8 whose edges are retained in position by metal rings g9. Channels or passages a5 and 91 through the outer parts of the casing and the cover g respectively are provided for conveying the uid pressure medium to the inner faces of the packing in order tov make a tight joint. An upwardly extending ange g11 on the casing y is screw-threaded externally and a cap i is screw-threaded thereon. A ring i1 is screw-threaded on the trunnion tube e, and this ring has packing rings i2 and i3 on its upper and lower faces respectively and one of the packing rings is adapted to contact with the under*- side of the cap while the other packing ring is adapted to contact with the top face of the cover g depending upon the position of the ring i1. The ring i1 has a spring arm i4 which is adapted to be engaged in one of a number of vertical grooves on the tube e whereby the ring may be retained in tube e. l

A drive bush tting e11 (Figure 1)` is mounted upon the tube e, having a hole cl2 for the reception of 4the Kelly or grief stem of the same section; and the lower part of the tting eul and the upper part of the trunniontube e are provided with interengaging parts. The fitting e11 is held in position by means such as a number of spring arms e13 that engage a ring-e14 threaded upon the -upper end of the tube e.

To fasten the ends of the elastic sleeve d (Fig- -ure l) Within the end rings e1, e4, a fastening ring erl of tubular form isemployed for insertion within an annular recess in -each of the end rings, the annular recesses opening into the annular cavities in the end rings concentric therewith. The cross-section of the rings e7 is reduced near the outer end, and is enlarged at the outer ends where they have faces inclined inwards towards the reduced part of the'crosssection. An annular cavity generallycorresponding in cross-section to that of the fastening ring is provided at the ends ofthe sleeve d, the depth of which is substantially less than that of the respective fastening rings, so that thus on the latter being inserted into the cavities in the sleeve, the outer ends of the rings protrude beyond the sleeve. A number of screw-threaded' pins e8 disposed equidistant are inserted ini the end rings 105 el; e4, so' that their stems `pass into the respective annular recesses in the end rings, and engage within screw-threaded holes in the fastening rings set therein, recesses e9 being provided on the outer face of the end rings for the accommodation of the heads of the pins es. On the rotation of the pins eB the ring e7 is drawn into the annular recess in the corresponding end ring, andthe outer enlargedirim of the fastening ring is thus caused to mo'ye towards'the-end ring, and thus the inclined faces of the enlarged rim cause pressure to be applied upon the substance of the sleeve d in positions between the enlarged rim and the circumferential'edges el, whereby the ends of the sleeve d are very se- 120 curely held. The pins e8 are set apart intermediate of the pins e5.

With a view to prevent excessive inward movement of the sleeve d under the pressure externally applied the sleeve may be reinforced. The 125 reinforcement mayas in Figures 1, la and 1b consist of two or more rings such as w w of wire, formed of twisted strands. Two coincident rings w w may be set near the respective ends of the sleeve d, so as to lie in position onthe inner side 130 of the annular cavities provided at the ends of the sleeve d for the rings e". The rings w w' are connected together by wire w1 formed of twistedvstrands, and arranged zig-zag, thev wire any adjusted position on the w1 being disposed obliquely, and the whole hav- 135 ing externally applied near the ends of the fralme thus formed, a covering of wire netting w2 to extend inwards to a small extent to form a cylindricalv band of netting at the respective ends. Thus a reinforcement is provided which when 14n used in the moulding of the elastic sleeve d from indiarubber, oiers a resistance to abnormal deformation of the sleeve under the stresses imposed externally upon it in the use of the equipment.

The fastening ring e'I may as shown in Figures 1d and le, be moulded in the sleeve, being formed with a number such as six, .parallel integral bolts e15 by which the ends of the sleeve d are secured within the cavities in the end 15C rings e1, e4, the bolts having screw-threaded ends which in' the case of the end ring e1 exvtend through the ring into recesses e9 for the reception of nuts e8.- In the case of the end ring e4 which, in the assembly of the parts requires to be rotated relatively to the casing u for the engagement therewith of its screw-thread, the bolts e15 are caused to engage in corresponding holes e in a slip ring e1s adaptedto be seated in a corresponding annular recess formed in the upper face of the end ring. The depth ot the slip ring is such thati the bolts e15 do not project completely through it, and the holes e are enlarged in diameter in the lower face of the slip ring for the reception of suitable socket nuts e, which when the end ring ehas been adjusted in position are passed from the under side through corresponding holes e19 to engage the bolts elf. The holes e19 are formed withv a shoulder upon which the part of the nuts em of larger diameter may seat and thus on the rotation of the nuts the bolts e15 are drawn Iirrnly to seat the sleeve d in the end ring. The latter may be provided with the same number of holes e" as there are boltse15 or with a multiple of such number so that the possible adjusted positions of the end ring are increased in number.

This means of engagement of the bolts e15 with the end ring may also b e applied to the upper end ring e1.

The reinforcement w (Figure 1d) may consist of strands of wire passed over the retaining rings e" and suitably secured to the rings as for example by welding or otherwise. The construction illustrated in Figure 1d may be otherwise the same as that illustrated in Figure l.A

The downward movement of the trunnion tube e (Figures 1 and ld) may be produced by causing the weight of the tools to be taken upon the trunnion tube. By such means the sleeve d will be compressed and thus the application of fluid pressure around the sleeve d may be dispensed with as in the construction of a packer as in Figure 2 when rotation of the sleeve is not required.

The stationary casing a (Figure 2) may be supported upon a base fitting aa secured to the well head flange. The base fitting may have its cylindrical upper part externally screw-threaded for insertion within the lower end of the casing a,

an internal screw-thread being provided at the lower end of the casing a for the purpose. The elastic sleeve d is secured at its respective ends within end rings e1 and e4, one of which e4 may be formed integral with the base tting a6, while the end ring e1 flts within the casing a and has an external annular recess 615 adapted for the packing :r1 on which a gland ring :r may be applied. Pressure may be applied axially upon the gland ring by means of a screw-threaded ring x2. The sleeve d may be contracted as in the construction hereinbefore described to make a tight joint with the sections of boring tool or other parts on the external application of hydraulic or other iluid pressure, under regulation; Athe fluid pressure medium being passed through the inlet c1 into the Vjacket c in the casing, passing through holes c2 around the elastic sleeve; or the sleeve may be contracted by allowing the weight of the casing or tools to be passed through it to act on the gland ring In carrying the invention into effect as illustrated in Figure 3 the elastic sleeve d is mounted at each-end within tubular trunnion ttings e e, whereby an integral unit e d e may be mounted within the casing a to bev rotatable therein on anti-friction bearings k. The trunnion ttings e e are enlarged in diameter at' the parts e1 so that a shoulder is formed between which and the inner ends of the rings g and h, the bearings lc are interposed, and annular cavities e2 provided for thereception of the ends of the elastic sleeve d. For the purpose anchoring bolts l are adapted 'at their screw-threaded ends to be engaged by nuts l1 within obliquely disposed cavities e3. The bolts l are embedded in the substance of the sleeve d and provided with enlarged parts or heads Z3 and so disposed at an angle for example of 30 to the vertical, that they pass through the respective cavities e2 and through the parts ofthe sleeve therein.

The supporting rings g h (Figure 3) serve as stuing box housings for the parts e e. The ring g is provided with an annular space for the gland packing m, and a gland ring i which encloses the louter end of the ring g. The outer iiange of An internal screw-thread is formed upon the y part g1 to engage an external screw-thread at the upper end of the casing a; the internal screwthread is however discontinued short of the end thereof, and near the end an external screwthread is provided for engagement with an external jointing ring having at its lower end an inwardly extending flange :il between which and the end of the part g1, packing :i2 is provided. The ring h extends into the lower part of the' casing, and is formed with an extension provided with bayonet projections h2 adapted to engage in corresponding parts of the surrounding base fitting 1 which is secured to the Well head iitting b. An external jointing ring n is engaged between a conical end face of the casing a and a conical face formed upon a shoulder of the ring hat the enlarged lower part extending beneath the casing.

Similar means to those immediately hereinbebe provided between the lower supporting ringh and the lower tubular trunnion tting e, as illustrated in Figure 3, that. is to say an elastic sleeve o' of indiarubber may be subjected to fluid pressure by which its inner face may be pressed into contact with a part of the lowerxtrunnion fitting e in such mannerA however as to permit rotation. One or more passages h1 parallel with its axis may be provided in the ring h, to extend from the upper. face of the ring to a position beside a narrow annular cavity formed on the inner face of the ring, in which the sleeve o may be mounted. Surrounding this cavity a perforated cylindrical ring p may be mounted within the ring h, and behind this, a narrow cavity may be formed with which the' passage or passages hl communicate, and by which the pressure prevailing between the casing a and the main sleeve d may be transmitfed to the sleeve o. The sleeve o has a substantially dovetail vertical cross-section, and is heldby means of bearing or retaining rings (I. q1 secured in position upon the supporting ringV h. The lower ring q1 may be held in position by means of an externally screw-threaded ring q2 applied within the lower end of the supporting .ring h; a retaining nut (a4-may be applied in an sleeves d and o under such conditions that the4 rotationof the unit e d ek (Figure 3) is substan- V tially freely permitted; or again a pin or other inlet valve s may be provided by which the pressure fluid may be cut off from access to the sleeve o. Such a valve s may be mounted so as to be conveniently operable by a handle or spanner. Furthermore relief valves such as t may be provided.- Thatfor the pressure fluid supplied 'for the elastic sleeve o may be provided as a ball valve.

I'he manner of operation is similar in the respective constructionsof Figures 1, 1d and 3 and any fluid pressure medium such as liquid, air or steam may be employed, or a hydraulic accumulator may be employed loaded by weights or by pressure ,in the bore hole or elsewhere to exert pressure upon the fluid medium employed. In operation of the equipment of Figure 3 the fluid pressure medium is admitted at a determined pressure through the inlet piping c1, jacket c and holes c2 into the annular space f to compress-the sleeved, and the pressure medium is confined by vthe packed joints, adjustments being made for ensuring tight joints as for example between the supporting rings g and h and the trunnion ttlngs e.

Boring tools and other parts ol.' circular'cylindrical or other form or of varying diameter, are adapted to pass through an elastic sleeve d (Figures l, 1d, 2 and 3) in the casing without leakage of .oil or gas under the pressure that may at the time prevail in the bore hole. Should it be reprovide thea-reinforcement land to connect the einforcement to the respective end rings. Thus so any other packing on the horizontal jointing faces provided in the construction illustrated in Figures 1 and ldmiay be employed by which gas 80 and liquid tight joints may be provided, and by which the gyratory movement of the rotating parts may be accommodated. The elastic sleeve is provided massive, and when provided to rotate as for example in constructions such as illustrated l in Figuresl, 1d and 3, the sleeve is provided relatively long.

I claimz- 1. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationary' casing, a massive elastic sleeve within 90 the* casing, annular elements having annular cavities respectively provided therein, adapted for the reception of the respective ends of the said sleeve and not being adapted for relative rotation, one of said annular elements being axially movable and the other being axially immovable, means for securing the respective ends of the said f sleeve within the saidannular cavities, comprising `fastening-rings concentrically held within the respective ends of the sleeve, and means by whichthe said fastening rings may be, respectively drawn towards the respective annular elements to secure the ends of the said sleeve in the respective annular cavities therein.

2. A'casingl head equipment, comprising a sta- 105 tionary casing, connected parts within. the stationary casing adapted to rotate together therein to constitute a rotor, the rotor comprising a quired to leave in the bore hole without further massive elastic sleeve through which the sections movement, part of Ithe drill stem or other part within the casing or sleeve, and still maintain the pressure in the bore hole, then by vertical movement of the upper trunnion tube or tting e (Figures 1, 1d, 3) which can be eiected under the weight of the parts being passed through the sleeve, the latter` may be compressed axially, and thus pressure from the hydraulic accumulator may be dispensed with. Should the weight be insuiiicient to compress the sleeve for example in the construction of Figure 3 for the purpose of forming a seal between itself and the casingand between itself and the parts being passed through the sleeve, the upper supporting ring g may be moved downwards to .effect the seal; and the 'gland ring i at the upper end of the upper supporting ring g, and the j'ointing ring i externally mounted upon it, may be adjusted to effect permanent seals against vleakage from between the sleeve and the casing or bore hole, and the upper protruding end of the upper 'tubular trunnion fitting e may .be provided with means adapted for the operation by a spanner or other tool; and the gland ring i, the upper supporting ring g and the external jointing ring 7' may also be adapted for operation by similar means.

The invention is adapted for use without provision for rotation of the elastic sleeve d (Figure 3) inA which case the tubular end ttings e are not necessarily provided as trunnions nor are -they adapted to rotate, but the uppermost supportingring may be supported for axial movement for the axial compression of the elastic sleeve if and when required'. Furthermore the provision of the sleeve o (Figure 3) may be dir pensed withand the lower trunnion tting e may be mounted Within the supporting ring in a manner similar to the upper trunnion tting,

The reinforcement of the elastic sleeve may take any other form than thosel specifically described. Itis however'in general preferred to and couplings of the pass, means upon the said stationary casing forl the suspension thereinof the rotor, the rotor being free for limited gyratory movement, means for the application of pressure external to the said sleeve for causing `its internal contraction', 115 and packing between the rotor and the said sta.- tionary casing.

drilling tool or casing may 3. A casing head equipment comprising a sta- I tionary casing, connected parts Awithin the stationary casing adapted to rotate together there'- 120 in to constitute a rotor, thel rotor comprising a massive elastic sleeve'through which the sections and couplings oi.' the drilling tool o r casing may pass, means upon the said stationary casing for the suspension of the rotor therein, comprising supporting surfaces respectively upon .I the stationary casing and upon the rotor, the rotor havingV clearance within the stationary casing to permit of gyratory movement thereof, anti-friction bearings disposed between the said surfaces byk which the rotor is supported against upward and downward stresses and is permitted rotary and gyratory movements, means for the application of pressure external to the sleeve for -causing itsv internal contraction, and packing between the rotor andthe stationary casing.

4. A casing head equipment comprising a mas- 5. A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a rotating casing within the stationary`r casing, a massive elastic sleeve Within the rotating casingv and anti-friction bearings between which the rotating casing is suspended to resist upward and downward stresses, means on the stationary casing for the admission therein of a fluid pressure medium, and means on the rotating casing to render the fluid pressure medium accessible to the external surface of the sleeve.

6. A casing head equipment comprising a staftionary casing, a rotating casing within the stationary casing;A a massive elastic sleeve within the rotating casing, anti-friction bearings between which the rotating casing is suspended to resist upward and downward stresses, means on the stationary casing for the admission therein of a fluid pressure medium, means on the rotating casing to render the fluid pressure medium' ac, cessible to the external surface of the sleeve, a cap for the closure of the upper open end of the stationary casing, and. means to maintain fluid tight joints between the parts of the rotating casing and the parts of the stationarycasing and the cap.

'7'. A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a massive elastic sleve, a housing for the sleeve within the stationary casing, anti-friction bearings upon which the housing is supported to' resist upward and downward stresses, means upon the stationary casing by which a iiuid pressure medium may be admitted therein, means to render the fluid pressure medium accessible to the external surface of the sleeve. and means to maintain fluid tight joints between the parts of the housing and the parts of the stationary casing.

8. A casing head equipment comprising a sta, tionary casing, a rotating casing adapted to have a gyratory movement within the stationary casing, a massive elastic sleeve within the rotating casing, anti-friction bearings upon which the rotating casing is vsupported to resist upward and downward stresses, horizontal jointing faces at the upper and lower ends of the stationary and rotating casings, expandible packing between the horizontal jointing faces and means by which a fluid pressure medium is admitted Within the packing.

stationary casing and behind the expandible 9. A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a rotating casing adapted to have a gyratory movement within the stationary casing, a massive elastic sleeve within the rotating casing, the sleeve having an internal reinforcement adapted to resist the excessive internal contraction of the sleeve on the application of fluid pressure external to the sleeve, means by which the rotating casing is supported to resist upward and downward stresses, annular elements within which the ends of the sleeve are held within the rotating casing, means upon the stationary casing by which a fluid pressure medium may be admitted therein, means to render theuid pressure medium accessible to the externalsurface of the sleeve, and means to maintain fluid tight joints between the parts of the rotating casing and the parts of the stationary casing.

. 10. A casing head equipment comprising a sta-- tionarycasing, a massive elastic sleeve, ,a housing for the sleeve within the stationary casing, anti-friction bearings upon which the housing is supported to resist upward andfdownward stresses, av gland ringapplied at the upper end of the housing, a cap for the openl end of the stationary casing, expandible packing between the top of the said gland ring and the cap and between the lower end of the housing and the lower part of the stationary casing, means upon the stationary casing bywhich a uid pressure mediumL may be admitted therein, and means to render the fluid pres- Lsure medium accessible to the external surface of the sleeve.

11. A casing head equipment comprising a sta-l tionary casing, a massive elastic sleeve, a housing for the said massive elastic sleeve within the lstationary casing, annular elements adapted for connection of the respective ends of the sleeve within the housing, one of said annular elements being axially movable while being not adapted Vfor relative rotation with respect to the other annular element, reinforcement for the sleeve adapted to resistv excessive inward contraction thereof. fastening rings respectively at opposite ends of the sleeve to which the respective ends of the reinforcement are connected, means for securing the respective ends of the sleeve and the respective fastening rings to the respective annular elements, anti-friction bearings for supporting the said housing, means upon the stationary casing by which a fluid pressure medium may be admitted therein, means to render the fluid pressure medium accessible to the external surface of the sleeve, and means to maintain fluid tight joints between the parts of the housing andthe parts of the stationary casing..

12. A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a massive elastic sleeve, a housing for the sleeve within the stationary casing, anti-friction bearings upon which the housing is supported to resist upward and downward stresses,

A a gland ring applied at the upper end of the Ihousing, a cap for the open end of the stationary casing, expandible packing between the top of the said gland ring and the cap and between the lower end ofthe housing and the lower part of the stationary casing, means upon the stationary casing bywhich a uid pressure medium may be admitted therein, means to render the fluid pressure medium .accessible to the external surface of the sleeve, and a jointing ring upon the lowei` part of the stationarycasing, the topface of 12()A a reinforcement Aembedded within the sleeve, the

internal contraction of` which is permitted at a position between its ends, means by which the respective ends of the reinforcement are held in opposition4 to the uid pressure externally applied to the sleeve and means for the application of fluid pressure external to the sleeve.

14. A'y casing head equipmentcomprising a casing, a massive elastic internal-jointing sleeve within the casing through which the connected sections and couplings of the drilling tool or casing may pass under substantially pressure tight conditions, annular elements adapted for ,the connection of the respective ends of the sleeve, means for resisting excessive internal contraction of the sleeve on the application of fluid pressure ex ternal to thel sleeve, comprising a reinforcement embedded within the sleeve, the internal cntraction of which reinforcement is permitted at a position between its ends, means for' securing the ends of the sleeve and of the reinforcement to the annular elements, and means for the appllcation of fluid pressure external to the sleeve.

15. 'A .casing head equipment comprising a massive elasticinternal-jointing sleeve, a casing Within which the sleeve is contained, means for mounting the upper end of the sleeve to be axially movable and the lower end to be axially immovable, said means omprising fastening rings engaging the respective ends of the sleeve, and means for the applicationof uid pressure-external to the sleeve.

16.` A casing head equipment comprising a casing, a massive elastic sleeve within the casing, means by which the massive elastic sleeve is mounted with its respective ends held, the said ends being capable of relative axial movement under pressure external to the sleeve, and means for the application of pressure external io the sleeve.

' 17. A casing head equipmentcomprising a casing, a massive elastic sleeve within the casing,

annular elements in which the respective ends of the sleeve are mounted within, the casing, one of the annular elements being adapted to have axial movement withinthe casing under pressure externally applied to the sleeve, and means for 'the application of pressure external to the sleeve.

18. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, -a massive elastic sleeve within the casing,

a housing for the said sleeve within the casing adapted to permit of rotation of the sleeve within the casing, and means by which the massive elastic sleeve is mounted within the housing with its respective ends held the upper end of the said sleeve being capable of relative axial movement under pressure externally applied to the sleeve, and means ,for the application of pressure external to the sleeve.

19. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, `a massive elastic sleeve, a housing for the said sleeve adapted to rotate within the casing,

a cap applied to the upper' open end of the cas-v ing from which the housing is suspended, means by which the massive elastic sleeve is mounted with its respective ends held within the housing, the upper end of the said sleeve being capable of relative axial movement under pressure applied external to the sleeveand means for the application of pressure external to the' sleeve.

20. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, a 'massive elastic sleeve within the casing, means by which the sleeve is' mounted with its respective Vends held, the upper end of the said sleeve being capable of relativeaxialmovement under pressure external to the sleeve,

` means for resisting excessive internal contraction of the sleeve on the application of pressure external to the sleeve, comprising a reinforcement embedded within the sleeve, the internal contraction of which reinforcement is permitted at a position between its ends, and means lfor the application` of fluid -pressure external-to the sleeve.l

21. Acasing -head equipment comprising-a casing, a massive elastic sleeve within the casing,

Iannular elements in which the respective ends of the sleeve are mounted within the casing, the

comprising a reinforcement 'embedded within the vpressure externally applied to the sleeve, and

sleeve, the internal contraction of which reinforcement is permitted at a "position between its ends, and means for the application of uid pressure external to the sleeve.

'. incapable of relative rotation with respect to the other, while the other is axially immovable.

23. A` casing head equipment comprising a massive elastic sleeve, a stationary casing within which the sleeve is mounted, means for mounting the sleeve within the stationary casing comprising a rotating casing and annular elements within the rotating casing, one of which is axially movable but is incapable of relative rotation with respect to the other, while the other annular `element is axially immovable.

24. A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a massive elastic sleeve, a housing for the sleeve adapted to rotate within the stationary casing, axially immovable antifriction bearings at each end of the housing upon which the housing is supported to resist upward and downward stresses, means big-which the respective ends of the sleeve are-held, the upper end vof the sleeve. being capable of'relative axial movement under pressure externally applied to the sleeve, and means for the application of pressure external 4to the sleeve.`

25, A casing head equipment comprising a stationary casing, a'massive elastic sleeve, means for mounting the sleeve to rotate within the stationary casing, axially immovable anti-friction bearings upon which the means for mounting the sleeve are supported to nesist upward and downward stresses, means by which the respective ends of the sleeve are held, the upper end of the sleeve being capable of relative axial movementunder iis means for` the application of pressure external to the sleeve.

26. A Acasing head equipmenty comprising a packer, a rotor within which the said packer is mounted, a stationary casing for the reception of the rotor, means to permit a free gyratory. movement of the rotor within the casing, comprising a cavity within the stationary casing having a diameter substantially larger than the ex. ternal diameter of the rotor .to yield a free annular space within the cavity and surrounding the vrotor within Ywhich the rotor is rotatable eccentrically of the normal axis or centre line of the casing head. 7

27. A casing head equipment comprising a packer, a rotor withinv whichthe said packer is mounted, a stationary casing for the reception of the rotor, means to permit a free gyratory movement of the rotor within` the stationary casing, comprising a cavity within the stationary casing, the partsof which are of a larger diameter than the corresponding peripheral parts lof the rotor to yieldcommunicating spaces in the vrespective parts of the cavity and surrounding the'rv rotor within. which the peripneraifpts 4of the i rotor rotate eccentrically of the normal axis or centre line of the-casing head.

28. A'casing head equipment comprising a massive elastic sleeve, a, rotatable housing for the sleeve, and a stationary vcasing for the reception of the said housing, the saidv stationary casing 1 50 larger diameter than the said housing, the said housing comprising an axially movable tubular member. whose upper end extends beyond the stationary casing, and means at the upper end of the tubular member for bearing the weight of tubing depending in the well.

29. A casing head equipment comprising a packer, a rotor within which the said packer is mounted, a stationary casing for the reception of the rotor, means to permit a free gyratcry movement of the rotor within the casing, comprising a cavity within the stationary casing having a diameter substantially larger than the external diameter of the rotor to yield a free annular space within the cavity and surrounding the rotor within which the rotor is rotatable eccentrically f the normal axis or centre line of the casing head, and means for mounting the rotor within the casing, comprising anti-friction bearings adapted to resist upward and downward stresses.

30.V A casing head equipment comprising astationary casing, a massive elastic sleeve, a housing for-the sleeve within the said casing and adapted to rotate therein, the said housing being mounted to permit of free gyratory movement of the housing within the stationary casing, bearing surfaces for the said housing, packers for the said bearing surfaces, and means for the application of pressure externally to the said housing and massive elastic sleeve.

31. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, a massive elastic sleeve within the casing, means by which the massive elastic sleeve is mounted with its respective ends held and its upper end capable of relative axial movement under pressure external to the sleeve, and means for the application of pressure external to 'the sleeve.

32. A casing head equipment comprising a casing, a massive elastic sleeve within the casing, means by which the massive elastic sleeve is mounted with its respective ends held and its upper end capable of axial movement.

33. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a massive elastic sleeve and a housing for the said sleeve within the said casing and adapted to rotate therein, said housing comprising a trunnion tube adapted for relative axial movement against the resistance of the sleeve.

34. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a massive elastic sleeve and a housing for the said sleeve within the said casing and adapted to rotate therein, -said housing comprising trunnion tubes, the uppermost of which is adapted for axial movement with reference to the sleeve, the other being immovable axially.

35. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing,v a massive elastic sleeve and a housing for the said sleeve within the said casing and adapted to rotate therein, said housing comprising trunnion tubes, the uppermost of which' is adapted for axial movement with reference to.

the sleeve, the other being immovable axially,

stresses.

36. A ,casing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a massive elastic sleeve and a housing for the said sleeve within the said casing `and adapted to rotate therein, said housing comprising trimnion tubes, the uppermost of which is adapted for axial movement with reference to the sleeve, the other being immovable axially, and

' means to render the trunnion tube incapable of relative rotation with respect to the housing.

37. A casing head equipment, consisting of a casing, a massive elastic internal jointing sleeve within the casing through which the connected sections and couplings of the drilling tool or casing may pass under substantially pressure tight conditions, annular elements, for the reception of the respective ends of the sleeve, and means for resisting excessive internal contraction of the Vsleeve on the application ofpressure external to the sleeve, comprising a reinforcement embedded Within the sleeve and means for securing the ends of the said reinforcement within the said annular elements, and means for the application of pressure external to the sleeve.

38. A casing head equipment, consisting of a casing, a massive elastic internal jointing sleeve within the casing through which the connected sections and couplings of the drilling tool or casing may pass under substantially pressure tight conditions, annular elements for the reception of the respective ends of the sleeve, means for resisting excessive internal contraction-of the sleeve on the application of pressure external to the sleeve, comprising reinforcement embedded Within the sleeve permitting the internal contraction of the sleeve at a position between its ends under theresistance of the reinforcement and of the sleeve in compression, means for securing the ends of the reinforcement Within the annular elements, comprising fastening rings embedded'in thel respective ends of the sleeve to which the ends of the reinforcement are respectively connected, and means for the application of pressure external to the sleeve.

39. A casing head equipment consisting of a casing, a massive elastic internal jointing sleeve Within the casing through which the connected sections and couplingsv of the drilling tool or casing may pass under substantially pressure tight conditions, annular elements for the reception of .the respective end sof the sleeve, means for resisting internal contraction of the sleeve on Athe application of pressure external to the sleeve,

comprising reinforcement embedded within theA sleeve and held at its respective ends against the for securing the ends of the reinforcement Within the respective annular elements comprising,

lll

.pressure externally applied to the sleeve, means fastening rings embedded in the respective ends connecting the respective fastening rings to the respective annular elements. m

40. Acasing head equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a rotor within the said casing, a packing device within the rotor and adapted to be contracted under pressure externally applied, means for the application of pressure externally to the packing device, bearing surfaces for the said rotor, packers for the said bearing surfaces within annular cavities in parts of the said stationary casing adjacent the said bearings.

41. A casing head equipment, comprising a massive elastic internal jointing' sleeve through which the connected sections and couplings of the drilling tool or casing may passyunder substantially pressure tight conditions, a casing for the sleeve, an annular elementdisposed above the sleeve, the said annular element being adapted for axial movement dfor the compression of the said sleeve under the weight of the connected sections and couplings of the drilling tool or casing. 42.'.A casing heard. equipment, comprising a stationary casing, a rotor within the said casing. a packing device within the rotorv adapted to be contracted under axial pressure, an annular element disposed within the said rotor labove the said sleeve,y the said annular element being adapted to have an axial movement ywith reference to the rotor;

43'. A casing head equipment, comprising a stationarycasing, a rotor within the casing, a packing device within the rotor and adapted to be contracted, means for the application of pressure external to the packing device, bearing s urfaces for the said rotor, packers for the said bearing surfaces, means for supporting the rotor within the stationary casing, comprising anti.- friction bearings, the rotor comprising a: tubular element disposed above the packing device adapted on downward axial movement for the compression o! the packing device. j

44. A casing head equipment, comprising a packer, a rotor within .which the said packer is mounted, a stationary casing for the reception of the rotor, means to permit of three gyratory movement of the rotor within the casing comprising a cavity within the casing having a. diameter substantially. larger .than the external 'diameter of the rotor to yield a free annular space within the cavity and surrounding the rotor within which the rotor is rotatable eccentrically of the normal axis or centre linevo! the casing head and horizontal fluid-tight joints between the rotor and the casing.

MERVYN cEcn. SEAMARK.

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