Reinforced variable ram packer using fabric

Abstract

A variable ram assembly for use in a blowout preventer (BOP) stack includes a packer element. The packer element includes an elastomeric body having a contact surface configured with a curved recess for sealing engaging a tubular. Fibers are included in the body adjacent the contact surface that exert a restraining force to prevent extrusion of the elastomeric body when it is forced against the tubular. The fibers are integrally formed in the body and may be woven into a fabric, which is disposed into a packer element mold along with uncured elastomer before forming the body. The fabric can be coated with an elastomer to bond with the body during the forming process.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A variable ram comprising:
 a ram block selectively moveable within a blowout preventer (BOP); and   a ram packer disposed in the ram block comprising an elastomer body, a contact surface along a lateral side of the body, a recess portion on a mid-portion of the contact surface that projects radially into the body and that is in selective sealing engagement with a tubular in the BOP, and fibers in the body adjacent the contact surface, so that when the ram block is moved radially inward into sealing contact with the tubular, the fibers exert a force that oppose extrusion of the body.   
     
     
         2 . The variable ram of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyamide, a cellulose fiber, cotton, para-aramid synthetic fiber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The variable ram of  claim 1 , wherein the contact surface adjacent an end of the recess portion is at an angle with respect to the recessed portion to define an edge on the contact surface, and wherein the fibers extend adjacent the edge. 
     
     
         4 . The variable ram of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers comprise lateral fibers that extend laterally along the body. 
     
     
         5 . The variable ram of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers comprise axial fibers that extend axially in the body. 
     
     
         6 . The variable ram of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers comprise lateral fibers that extend laterally along the body and axial fibers in the body adjacent the contact surface that are generally coplanar with the lateral fibers and oriented at an angle with the lateral fibers. 
     
     
         7 . The variable ram of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers are woven into a planar fabric and rubber coated to define a rubberized fabric. 
     
     
         8 . The variable ram of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the fibers extend adjacent to one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the body that respectively adjoin opposing upper and lower ends of the contact surface. 
     
     
         9 . The variable ram of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer body is more elastic than the fibers. 
     
     
         10 . The variable ram of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer body is substantially solid. 
     
     
         11 . A ram packer assembly for use in a blowout preventer (BOP) comprising:
 a body comprising an elastomeric material and selectively disposed in a ram block;   a contact surface on the body having a curved recess that selectively seals against a tubular in the BOP; and   a fabric integral in the body and disposed adjacent the contact surface, so that when the body is forced against the tubular, the fabric exerts a force on that opposes extrusion of the body.   
     
     
         12 . The ram packer assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising a series of interlocking plates that selectively slide with respect to one another on a radial surface of the body when the body is radially compressed. 
     
     
         13 . The ram packer assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the fabric comprises fibers made of a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyamide, a cellulose fiber, cotton, para-aramid synthetic fiber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The ram packer assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the fabric is provided along an interface between an end of the curved recess and an adjacent planar portion of the contact surface. 
     
     
         15 . The ram packer assembly of  claim 11 , wherein a portion of the body adjacent the fabric is stiffer than a portion of the body distal from the fabric. 
     
     
         16 . A method of forming a ram packer assembly having a contact surface and that is for use in a blowout preventer (BOP), the method comprising:
 a. providing an uncured elastomer;   b. disposing the uncured elastomer into a ram packer assembly mold;   c. inserting the uncured elastomer into the mold;   d. strategically disposing fibers in the mold to be adjacent the contact surface; and   e. curing the uncured elastomer to form a body with the fibers integrally set in the body.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising providing sliding plates in the mold that mount on opposing surfaces of the body. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the fibers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyamide, a cellulose fiber, cotton, para-aramid synthetic fiber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the fibers are woven into a fabric and coated with an elastomer that adheres with the body.