초록 ▼

A wellhead union and associated methods provide enhanced safety in operations involving access to, and/or fluid communication with, a wellhead. In a described embodiment, a wellhead union has a housing structure which includes a fluid conduit and a plug. A safety interlock prevents removal of the pl

A wellhead union and associated methods provide enhanced safety in operations involving access to, and/or fluid communication with, a wellhead. In a described embodiment, a wellhead union has a housing structure which includes a fluid conduit and a plug. A safety interlock prevents removal of the plug from the fluid conduit when fluid pressure is present within the wellhead. As a warning that such fluid pressure is present within the wellhead, the safety interlock additionally provides an externally visible indication when the fluid pressure is present.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus operatively insertable into a fluid conduit associated with a subterranean well, the apparatus comprising:a housing having the fluid conduit formed therein, the housing being externally attachable to a wellhead of the well;a plug sealingly engageable with the in

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus operatively insertable into a fluid conduit associated with a subterranean well, the apparatus comprising:a housing having the fluid conduit formed therein, the housing being externally attachable to a wellhead of the well;a plug sealingly engageable with the interior of the fluid conduit to thereby block fluid flow therethrough;an engagement member attached to the plug and displaceable relative thereto, the engagement member being capable of engaging the fluid conduit to thereby prevent displacement of the plug relative to the fluid conduit; andan activation member disposed adjacent the engagement member, the activation member displacing the engagement member to engage the fluid conduit in response to a difference between fluid pressure within the fluid conduit and pressure external to the housing.