Rotatable flange adapter

Abstract

Rotatable flange adaptor or rotatable flange is provided, such that bolt holes may be aligned for joining of flanges. A sealing device may be added to the hub of the adaptor, such that the sealing surfaces are not rotated. Keys are placed in races to provide for transmittal of force along the axis of the device while allowing rotary motion of a flange or flange adaptor.

1 . A rotatable flange adaptor having an axis, comprising: 
 a hub, the hub having an upper face, a lower face having bolt holes, and a first convex race between the upper face and the lower face;    a ring adapted to rotate on the hub, the ring having bolt holes, and a second concave race matched to the first race; and    at least one key, the key being adapted to fit in the first convex race and the second concave race so as to transmit force between the hub and the ring.    
   
   
       2 . The rotatable flange adaptor of  claim 1  further comprising a first pressure-sealing device on the upper face and a second pressure-sealing device on the lower face.  
   
   
       3 . The rotatable flange adaptor of  claim 1  wherein the ring further comprises a port and the key is comprised of a cylinder.  
   
   
       4 . The rotatable flange adaptor of  claim 1  wherein the ring further comprises a port and the key is comprised of a ball.  
   
   
       5 . The rotatable flange adaptor of  claim 1  wherein the ring further comprises adjustable screws and the key is comprised of a split ring.  
   
   
       6 . The rotatable flange adaptor of  claim 2  wherein at least one of the first pressure-sealing device or the second pressure-sealing device is comprised of a ring groove and ring gasket.  
   
   
       7 . The rotatable flange adaptor of  claim 1  wherein the ring further comprises holes adapted to receive a device for turning the ring.  
   
   
       8 . A blowout preventer having a rotatable flange connector, comprising: 
 a blowout preventer having a bore therethrough;    a hub pressure-connected to the bore, the hub having an axis, a lower face having a pressure-sealing device and a first convex race between the blowout preventer and the lower face;    a ring adapted to rotate on the hub, the ring having bolt holes and a second concave race matched to the first race; and    a key, the key being adapted to fit in the first convex race and the second concave race so as to transmit force between the hub and the ring along the axis of the hub.    
   
   
       9 . The rotatable flange connector of  claim 8  wherein the ring further comprises a port and the key is comprised of a cylinder.  
   
   
       10 . The rotatable flange connector of  claim 8  wherein the ring further comprises a port and the key is comprised of a ball.  
   
   
       11 . The rotatable flange connector of  claim 8  wherein the ring further comprises adjustable screws and the key is comprised of a split ring.  
   
   
       12 . The rotatable flange connector of  claim 8  wherein at least one of the first pressure-sealing device or the second pressure-sealing device is comprised of a ring groove and ring gasket.  
   
   
       13 . The rotatable flange adaptor of  claim 8  wherein bolt holes of the hub are adapted to match the bolt holes of an 11-inch flange.  
   
   
       14 . The rotatable flange adaptor of  claim 8  wherein the ring further comprises holes adapted to receive a device for turning the ring.  
   
   
       15 . A method for placing a blowout preventer on a well, comprising: 
 providing the rotatable flange adaptor of  claim 2;     bolting the hub side of the adaptor to the bottom flange of a BOP with the first sealing device in place;    moving the BOP over the wellhead mating flange;    rotating the ring of the adapter flange to mate the bolt holes or align the BOP in a preferred direction; and    placing the second sealing device, lowering the BOP and installing bolts.