Apparatus for Fluidically Coupling Tubular Sections on a Well Platform

Abstract

An apparatus for connecting an outer tubular ( 236 ) and an inner tubular ( 218 ) on a well platform by applying a crimping force to the outer tubular ( 236 ) when the outer tubular ( 236 ) is disposed about the inner tubular ( 218 ) and the inner tubular ( 218 ) is suspending from the well platform. The apparatus includes a support assembly ( 244 ) operably associated with the well platform and a crimping assembly ( 242 ) operably associated with the support assembly ( 244 ). The crimping assembly ( 242 ) is operable to mechanically deform the outer tubular ( 236 ) into contact with the inner tubular ( 218 ).

1 . An apparatus for connecting an outer tubular and an inner tubular on a well platform by applying a crimping force to the outer tubular when the outer tubular is disposed about the inner tubular and the inner and outer tubulars are suspended from the well platform, the apparatus comprising:
 a support assembly operably associated with the well platform; and   a crimping assembly operably associated with the support assembly, the crimping assembly operable to crimp the outer tubular into contact with the inner tubular.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the crimping assembly further comprises an enclosure including a pipe receiving region, the enclosure comprising a rear assembly and a pair of oppositely disposed arm assemblies, the arm assemblies rotatable relative to the rear assembly between an open position wherein the enclosure is operable to receive and release the outer tubular member and a closed position wherein the enclosure is operable to crimp the outer tubular into contact with the inner tubular. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 2  wherein the crimping assembly further comprises a locking assembly for maintaining the crimping assembly the closed position during crimping. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the crimping assembly further comprises a plurality of radially actuated piston members operable to engage the outer tubular member and crimp the outer tubular member into contact with the inner tubular member. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the crimping assembly further comprises a pneumatic motor. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the crimping assembly further comprises a hydraulic motor. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the support assembly further comprises a support wire. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 7  wherein the crimping assembly is slidable on the support wire. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the support assembly further comprises a derrick of the well platform. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the support assembly further comprises a hoisting apparatus of the well platform. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the crimping assembly is operable to mechanically deform the outer tubular into contact with the inner tubular. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the crimping assembly is operable to create a close fitting relationship between the outer tubular and the inner tubular. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the crimping assembly is operable to create a sand tight relationship between the outer tubular and the inner tubular. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the crimping assembly is operable to create a fluid tight relationship between the outer tubular and the inner tubular.