Washpipe seal assembly

A washpipe assembly includes a seal stack including at least one packing ring adapted to seal between a washpipe and the seal housing; a packing spacer ring adapted to maintain spacing between the seal housing and the washpipe, and a guide bushing ring positioned between the packing spacer ring and the washpipe. The guide bushing ring is made from a softer material than the wash pipe such that any contact therebetween will avoid damage to the washpipe. Additionally, the inclusion of the guide bushing ring may allow the packing spacer ring to be offset further from the washpipe than otherwise allowable.

TECHNICAL FIELD/FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to seal assemblies for drilling rigs and specifically to washpipe assemblies for drilling rigs.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

During a drilling operation, fluids are circulated through the drill string from the surface to cool and lubricate the drill bit and flush out cuttings and other matter from the wellbore. The upper end of the rotating drill string is mechanically coupled to the rotating stem of a swivel or top drive. A washpipe assembly allows for a fluid seal between the stationary and nonrotating component of the swivel or top drive known as a gooseneck and the rotating upper end of the drill stem. Typically, the washpipe assembly includes lower and upper seal assemblies coupled by a washpipe which is held stationary by the upper seal assembly. The lower assembly rotates relative to the stationary washpipe and upper seal assembly. The upper and lower seal assemblies typically have one or more packing ring seals adapted to contact the outer surface of the wash pipe and provide sealing therebetween and prevent contact between the washpipe and spacing rings positioned to center the washpipe in the sealing assembly. However, as the packing ring seals are worn away, the wash pipe may contact one or more spacing rings causing damage to the washpipe or seal assembly and requiring repair of the washpipe assembly. Additionally, traditional washpipe assembly designs require components of the washpipe assembly to be coupled by threaded connections, which may require the use of tools such as sledge hammers to assemble. As washpipe assemblies are often suspended over a drill floor, difficulty in transportation and use of the tools may increase risk of injury to drill rig personnel.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides for a washpipe assembly. The washpipe assembly may include a washpipe. The washpipe assembly may include an upper seal assembly. The upper seal assembly may include an upper seal housing and an upper adapter ring. The upper adapter ring may be mechanically coupled to a gooseneck and the upper seal housing. The upper seal housing may include at least one upper packing ring forming a seal between the washpipe and the upper seal housing. The upper seal housing may include at least one upper packing spacer ring positioned between the upper seal housing and the washpipe. The washpipe assembly may include a lower seal assembly including a lower adapter ring and a lower seal housing. The lower adapter ring may be mechanically coupled to a drill stem and the lower seal housing. The lower seal housing may include at least one lower packing ring forming a seal between the washpipe and the lower seal housing. The lower seal housing may include at least one lower packing spacer ring, the lower packing spacer ring positioned between the lower seal housing and the washpipe. The lower seal housing may include at least one guide bushing ring positioned between each lower packing spacer ring and the washpipe.

The present disclosure also provides for a seal assembly for a washpipe assembly. The seal assembly may include a seal housing. The seal housing may include at least one packing ring forming a seal between a washpipe and the seal housing. The seal housing may include at least one packing spacer ring, the packing spacer ring positioned between the seal housing and the washpipe. The seal housing may include at least one guide bushing ring positioned between each packing spacer ring and the washpipe. The seal assembly may include an adapter ring mechanically coupleable to a tubular member and a seal housing.

The present disclosure also provides for a seal stack for a seal assembly of a washpipe assembly. The seal stack may include at least one packing ring forming a seal between a washpipe of the washpipe assembly and the seal housing. The seal stack may include at least one packing spacer ring positioned between the seal housing and the washpipe. The seal stack may include at least one guide bushing ring positioned between each packing spacer ring and the washpipe.

The present disclosure also provides for a washpipe assembly. The washpipe assembly may include a washpipe. The washpipe assembly may include an upper seal assembly. The upper seal assembly may include an upper seal housing including an upper threaded coupler adapted to couple to a gooseneck coupler. The upper seal assembly may include at least one upper packing ring positioned within the upper seal housing forming a seal between the washpipe and the upper seal housing. The upper seal assembly may include at least one upper packing spacer ring positioned within the upper seal housing positioned between the upper seal housing and the washpipe. The washpipe assembly may include a lower seal assembly. The lower seal assembly may include a lower seal housing including a lower threaded coupler mechanically coupleable to a swivel stem. The lower seal assembly may include a packing nut. The lower seal assembly may include at least one lower packing ring positioned within the lower seal housing forming a seal between the washpipe and the lower seal housing. The lower seal assembly may include at least one lower packing spacer ring positioned within the lower seal housing positioned between the lower seal housing and the washpipe. The lower seal assembly may include at least one guide bushing ring positioned between each lower packing spacer ring and the washpipe, wherein the lower packing ring, lower packing spacing ring, and guide bushing ring are retained within the lower seal housing by the packing nut.

The present disclosure also provides for a method for assembling a washpipe assembly. The method may include positioning at least one packing ring, packing spacer ring, and guide bushing ring within a lower seal housing. The method may include threading a packing nut to the lower seal housing. The packing nut may retain the packing ring, packing spacer ring, and guide bushing ring within the lower seal housing. The lower seal housing, packing nut, packing ring, packing spacer ring, and guide bushing may define a lower seal assembly. The method may include inserting a washpipe into the lower seal assembly. The method may include installing an upper seal housing about the washpipe. The method may include coupling an upper packing spacer ring and upper packer ring to the washpipe. The method may include coupling the upper seal housing to a gooseneck coupler. The method may include coupling the lower seal housing to a swivel stem.

The present disclosure provides for a washpipe assembly. The washpipe assembly may include a washpipe. The washpipe assembly may include an upper seal assembly. The upper seal assembly may include an upper seal housing having an upper threaded coupler mechanically coupleable to a gooseneck coupler. The upper seal housing may include at least one upper packing ring positioned within the upper seal housing forming a seal between the washpipe and the upper seal housing. The upper seal housing may include at least one upper packing spacer ring positioned within the upper seal housing positioned between the upper seal housing and the washpipe. The washpipe assembly may include a lower seal assembly. The lower seal assembly may include a lower seal housing, the lower seal housing including a lower threaded coupler mechanically coupleable to a swivel stem. The lower seal assembly may include at least one lower packing ring positioned within the lower seal housing forming a seal between the washpipe and the lower seal housing. The lower seal assembly may include at least one lower packing spacer ring positioned within the lower seal housing positioned between the lower seal housing and the washpipe. The lower seal assembly may include at least one guide bushing ring positioned between each lower packing spacer ring and the washpipe. The lower seal assembly may include a retaining plate positioned within the lower seal housing. The lower seal assembly may include one or more jacking bolts extending through the lower seal housing and abutting the lower packing spacing ring.

The present disclosure also provides for a method for assembling a washpipe assembly. The method may include positioning at least one packing ring, packing spacer ring, and guide bushing ring within a lower seal housing. The lower seal housing may include one or more jacking bolts. The method may include positioning a retaining plate within the lower seal housing. The method may include engaging the retaining plate with a retaining screw. The retaining screw may retain the packing ring, packing spacer ring, guide bushing ring, and retaining plate within the lower seal housing. The lower seal housing, packing nut, packing ring, packing spacer ring, guide bushing, retaining plate, and retaining screw may define a lower seal assembly. The method may include tightening the one or more jacking bolts to compress the packing ring, packing spacer ring, and guide bushing ring against the retaining plate. The method may include inserting a washpipe into the lower seal assembly. The method may include installing an upper seal housing about the washpipe. The method may include coupling an upper packing spacer ring and upper packer ring to the washpipe. The method may include coupling the upper seal housing to a gooseneck coupler. The method may include coupling the lower seal housing to a swivel stem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1depicts an overview of drilling rig10. Drilling rig10may include derrick15. Derrick15may serve to support crown block20which is used to hoist drill string25. Drill string25may be hoisted by, for example and without limitation, drawworks30by line35. Drilling rig10may further include mud processing equipment40which may include, for example and without limitation, a mud pump. Mud processing equipment40may pump drilling fluid through gooseneck45which is fluidly coupled to drill string25by washpipe assembly100. Drill string25may be rotated by a top drive (not shown) or may be rotated by rotary table50. The upper end of drill string25may include a kelly, may be the upper end of the topmost pipe stand of drill string25, or may be a transfer pipe extending from a top drive. For the purposes of this disclosure, the uppermost rotating portion mechanically coupled to drill string25is referred to herein as drill stem101.

As depicted inFIGS. 2-3, washpipe assembly100may include washpipe103, upper seal assembly111, and lower seal assembly141. In some embodiments, washpipe103may serve to fluidly couple upper seal assembly111and lower seal assembly141. In some embodiments, washpipe103and upper seal assembly111are adapted to remain nonrotating as lower seal assembly141rotates with drill stem101(not shown). In other embodiments, washpipe103may rotate with lower seal assembly141relative to upper seal assembly111.

In some embodiments, upper seal assembly111may include gooseneck coupler113, upper adapter ring115, and upper seal housing117. Gooseneck coupler113may mechanically couple gooseneck45to upper adapter ring115. Gooseneck coupler113may be mechanically coupled to gooseneck45by, for example and without limitation, a threaded connection, compression or flanged coupler, clip, or mechanical or chemical welding. Although described with respect to a gooseneck, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that upper seal assembly111may be utilized with any tubular member.

Upper adapter ring115may mechanically couple to upper seal housing117such that a fluid seal is formed therebetween as further discussed below. In some embodiments, upper seal housing117may mechanically couple to and seal against washpipe103. In some embodiments, upper adapter ring115may mechanically couple to upper seal housing117using one or more upper coupler bolts119. Upper coupler bolts119may, in some embodiments, be adapted to extend between slots121formed in upper adapter ring115and corresponding slots123formed in upper seal housing117. In some embodiments, coupler nuts125may be tightened onto coupler bolts119(as depicted inFIG. 2) to mechanically couple the faces of upper adapter ring115and upper seal housing117. In some embodiments, lock washers127may be positioned between coupler nuts125and one or more of upper adapter ring115and upper seal housing117. In some embodiments, upper coupler bolts119may be pivotably coupled to upper adapter ring115or upper seal housing117such that when coupler nuts125are loosened, upper coupler bolts119may be pivoted out of slots123(as depicted inFIG. 3), allowing the separation of upper adapter ring115and upper seal housing117. In some embodiments, one or more nut retention features such as, for example and without limitation, cotter pins129may be utilized to restrict complete removal of coupler nuts125from upper coupler bolts119. In some embodiments, upper coupler bolts119may be sprung such that when coupler nuts125are loosened, upper coupler bolts119remain in the extended position depicted inFIG. 3.

In some embodiments, lower seal assembly141may include swivel stem143, lower adapter ring145, and lower seal housing147. Swivel stem143may mechanically couple drill stem101to lower adapter ring145. Swivel stem143may mechanically couple to drill stem101by, for example and without limitation, a threaded connection, compression or flanged coupler, clip, or mechanical or chemical welding. Although described with respect to a drill stem, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that lower seal assembly141may be utilized with any tubular member.

Lower adapter ring145may mechanically couple to lower seal housing147such that a fluid seal is formed therebetween as further discussed below. In some embodiments, lower seal housing147may mechanically couple to and seal against washpipe103. In some embodiments, lower adapter ring145may mechanically couple to lower seal housing147using one or more lower coupler bolts149. Lower coupler bolts149may, in some embodiments, be adapted to extend between slots151formed in lower adapter ring145and corresponding slots153formed in lower seal housing147. In some embodiments, coupler nuts155may be tightened onto coupler bolts149(as depicted inFIG. 2) in order to mechanically couple the faces of lower adapter ring145and lower seal housing147. In some embodiments, lock washers157may be positioned between coupler nuts155and one or more of lower adapter ring145and lower seal housing147. In some embodiments, lower coupler bolts149may be pivotably coupled to lower adapter ring145or lower seal housing147such that when coupler nuts155are loosened, lower coupler bolts149may be pivoted out of slots153(as depicted inFIG. 3), allowing the separation of lower adapter ring145and lower seal housing147. In some embodiments, one or more nut retention features such as, for example and without limitation, cotter pins159may be utilized to prevent the full removal of coupler nuts155from lower coupler bolts149. In some embodiments, lower coupler bolts149may be sprung such that when coupler nuts155are loosened, lower coupler bolts149remain in the extended position depicted inFIG. 3.

FIG. 4depicts a cross section of the washpipe assembly ofFIGS. 2 and 3with upper adapter ring115, gooseneck coupler113, lower adapter ring145, and swivel stem143removed from upper seal assembly111and lower seal assembly141. In some embodiments, upper seal assembly111may mechanically couple to washpipe103by snap ring131, although one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that washpipe103may be mechanically coupled to upper seal assembly111by any suitable coupler.

As depicted inFIGS. 4-6, upper seal assembly111, in some embodiments, may include seal stack132including at least one upper packing spacer ring133and at least one upper packing ring135positioned within upper seal housing117. Upper packing ring135may, in some embodiments, form a fluid seal between the outer surface of washpipe103and upper seal housing117. In some embodiments, upper packing ring135and upper packing spacer ring133may be generally annular in shape. In some embodiments, upper packing ring135may be generally chevron-shaped to, for example and without limitation, in response to fluid pressure thereon from the interior of upper seal housing117, compress against the outer surface of washpipe103. In some embodiments, upper seal housing117may include a corresponding seal surface137adapted to retain the shape of upper packing ring135. In some embodiments, although not depicted, upper seal assembly111may include a guide bushing ring between upper seal housing117and upper packing ring135as discussed herein below. In some embodiments, upper packing spacer ring133may mechanically couple between upper seal housing117and washpipe103to, for example and without limitation, center washpipe103within upper seal housing117. In some embodiments, upper packing spacer ring133may mechanically couple to upper seal housing117to retain upper packing ring135within upper seal housing117. As depicted inFIG. 6, upper packing spacer ring133and upper packing ring135may be removed from upper seal housing117. By disassembling upper seal assembly111, upper packing spacer ring133, upper packing ring135, and any guide bushing (not shown) may be repaired or replaced.

As depicted inFIGS. 4, 7A, 7B, and 8, lower seal assembly141, may include a seal stack including one or more lower packing spacer rings163a-cand one or more lower packing rings165a-cpositioned within lower seal housing147. Although described as including three lower packing rings165a-c,one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that any number of lower packing rings165a-cmay be utilized without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. Lower packing rings165a-cmay, in some embodiments, form a fluid seal between the outer surface of washpipe103and lower seal housing147. In some embodiments, lower packing rings165a-cand lower packing spacer rings163a-cmay be generally annular in shape. In some embodiments, lower packing rings165a-cmay be generally chevron-shaped to compress against the outer surface of washpipe103, for example and without limitation, in response to fluid pressure thereon from the interior of lower seal housing147. In some embodiments, multiple lower packing rings165a-cmay be utilized such that as a lower packing ring (e.g.165a) fails, fluid pressure from within lower seal housing147is retained by the next lower packing ring (e.g.165b).

In some embodiments, lower seal housing147and lower packing spacer rings163a-cmay include a corresponding seal surface167a-cadapted to retain the shape of adjacent lower packing rings165a-c.In some embodiments, lower packing spacer rings163a-cmay be adapted to mechanically couple between lower seal housing147and washpipe103to, for example and without limitation, center washpipe103within lower seal housing147. In some embodiments, lower seal assembly141may include guide bushing rings169a-cpositioned between lower seal housing147or lower packing spacer rings163a-cand adjacent lower packing rings165a-c.Guide bushing rings169a-cmay be formed from a softer material than washpipe103to avoid damage to washpipe103in the case of any contact between washpipe103and lower seal assembly141. Guide bushing rings169a-cmay also be positioned closer to the outer surface of washpipe103than a metal spacing ring as any contact between washpipe141and guide bushing rings169a-cmay result in less damage to washpipe103and lower seal assembly141than the metal-on-metal contact that would otherwise occur. Thus, tighter tolerances than traditional washpipes may be used. Furthermore, lower packing spacer rings163a-c,when formed from a metal, may have a larger inner diameter, further preventing metal-on-metal contact because guide bushing rings169a-cmay fill in the space between lower packing spacer rings163a-cand washpipe103. Thus, wear on lower packing spacer rings163a-cand washpipe103may be reduced compared to traditional washpipes. Additionally, because lower packing spacer rings163a-chave a larger inner diameter, the cross section thereof may remain larger and bending moments reduced such that lower packing spacer rings163a-cdeflect less under pressure than a traditional bushingless design.

In some embodiments, lower packing spacer rings163a-cmay mechanically couple to lower seal housing147to retain lower packing ring165within lower seal housing147. As depicted inFIG. 8, lower packing spacer rings163a-c,lower packing rings165a-c,and guide bushing rings169a-cmay be removed from lower seal housing147. By disassembling lower seal assembly141, lower packing spacer rings163a-c,lower packing rings165a-c,and guide bushing rings169a-cmay be repaired or replaced. In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 7A, retaining bolt171may be positioned to, when tightened into lower seal housing147, retain lower packing spacer rings163a-c,lower packing rings165a-c,and guide bushing rings169a-cwithin lower seal housing147. In some embodiments, when lower adapter ring145is mechanically coupled to lower seal housing147by lower coupler bolts139as depicted inFIG. 7B, lower packing spacer rings163a-c,lower packing rings165a-c,and guide bushing rings169a-cmay be retained within lower seal housing147, allowing retaining bolt171to be loosened or removed. In some embodiments, when lower coupler bolts139are tightened, lower packing spacer rings163a-c,lower packing rings165a-c,and guide bushing rings169a-cmay be compressed such that lower packing rings165a-ccontact more tightly against washpipe103.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 7A, one or more lubrication ports173may be formed in lower seal housing147to allow lubricating fluid such as oil or grease to be pumped into the interior of lower seal housing147between lower packing rings165a-c.

In some embodiments, by loosening coupler nuts125,155as depicted inFIG. 3, washpipe assembly100may be disassembled utilizing hand tools such as a wrench. By loosening coupler nuts125,155, upper seal housing117, lower seal housing147, and washpipe103may be removed from gooseneck45and drill stem101for, replacement or service. Once removed from upper adapter ring113and lower adapter ring143, upper packing spacer ring133, upper packing ring135, lower packing spacer rings163a-c,lower packing rings165a-c,and guide bushing rings169a-cmay be removed for repair or replacement. Once complete, upper seal housing117, lower seal housing147, and washpipe103may be reinstalled to gooseneck45and drill stem101by retightening coupler nuts125,155to coupler bolts119,149respectively while pivoting coupler bolts119,149into slots123,153respectively utilizing, for example and without limitation, a wrench. Tightening coupler nuts125,155may compress upper packing spacer ring133, upper packing ring135, lower packing spacer rings163a-c,lower packing rings165a-c,and guide bushing rings169a-cwithin the respective upper or lower seal housing117,147as previously described.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 9, washpipe assembly200may include washpipe203, upper seal assembly211, and lower seal assembly241. In some embodiments, washpipe203may fluidly couple upper seal assembly211and lower seal assembly241. In some embodiments, washpipe203and upper seal assembly211may remain nonrotating as lower seal assembly241rotates with drill stem101. In other embodiments, washpipe203may rotate with lower seal assembly241relative to upper seal assembly211.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 10, upper seal assembly211may include gooseneck coupler213, and upper seal housing217. Gooseneck coupler213may mechanically couple gooseneck45to upper seal assembly211. Gooseneck coupler213may mechanically couple to gooseneck45, for example and without limitation, a threaded connection, compression or flanged coupler, clip, or mechanical or chemical welding. Although described with respect to a gooseneck, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that upper seal assembly211may be utilized with any tubular member.

In some embodiments, upper seal housing217may mechanically couple to and seal against washpipe203. In some embodiments, upper seal housing217may mechanically couple to gooseneck coupler213by a threaded connection such as upper threaded coupler219. In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 9, one or more upper tightening holes221may be formed in the outer surface of upper seal housing217to allow upper seal housing217to be tightened onto gooseneck coupler213by, for example and without limitation, the use of a bar or spanner (not shown) to turn upper seal housing217and engage gooseneck coupler213in upper threaded coupler219.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 10, upper seal assembly211may mechanically couple to washpipe203by snap ring231, although one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that washpipe203may be mechanically coupled to upper seal assembly211by any suitable coupler.

In some embodiments, upper seal assembly211may include at least one upper packing spacer ring133and at least one upper packing ring135positioned within upper seal housing217as described herein above with respect to upper seal assembly111. In some embodiments, upper packing spacer ring133and upper packing ring135may be retained within upper seal housing217by gooseneck coupler213as gooseneck coupler213is installed to upper threaded coupler219. In some embodiments, upper packing spacer ring133may be pressed therebetween such that gooseneck coupler213, upper packing spacer ring133, and upper seal housing217are in metal-to-metal contact when gooseneck coupler213is mechanically coupled to upper seal housing217. In some embodiments, one or more seals such as0-ring227may be positioned between upper packing spacer ring133and gooseneck coupler213to, for example and without limitation, form a fluid seal therebetween. In some embodiments,0-ring227may be square in cross-section.

In some embodiments, lower seal assembly241may include swivel stem243, packing nut245, and lower seal housing247. Swivel stem243may be adapted to mechanically couple drill stem101to lower seal housing247. Swivel stem243may mechanically couple to drill stem101by, for example and without limitation, a threaded connection, compression or flanged coupler, clip, or mechanical or chemical welding. Although described with respect to a drill stem, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that lower seal assembly241may be utilized with any tubular member.

In some embodiments, lower seal housing247may mechanically couple to and seal against washpipe203. In some embodiments, lower seal housing247may mechanically couple to swivel stem243by a threaded connection such as lower threaded coupler249. In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 9, one or more swivel stem tightening holes251may be formed in the outer surface of lower seal housing247to allow lower seal housing247to be tightened onto swivel stem243by, for example and without limitation, the use of a bar or spanner (not shown) to turn lower seal housing247and engage swivel stem243in lower threaded coupler249.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 10, lower seal housing247may mechanically couple to packing nut245by a threaded connection such as nut threaded coupler250. In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 9, one or more nut tightening holes252may be formed in the outer surface of packing nut245to allow packing nut245to be tightened onto lower seal housing247by, for example and without limitation, the use of a bar or spanner (not shown) to turn packing nut245and engage packing nut245in nut threaded coupler250.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 10, lower seal assembly241may include a seal stack including one or more lower packing spacer rings163a-d,one or more lower packing rings165a-d,and one or more guide bushing rings169a-dpositioned within lower seal housing247as described herein above with respect to the lower packing spacer rings163a-c,lower packing rings165a-c,and guide bushing rings169a-cof lower seal assembly141. In some embodiments, and as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure, any number of lower packing rings, lower packing spacer rings, and guide bushing rings may be utilized without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, lower packing spacer rings163a-d,lower packing rings165a-d,and guide bushing rings169a-dmay be retained within lower seal housing247by packing nut245as packing nut245is installed to lower seal housing247. In some embodiments, lower packing spacer rings163a-d,lower packing rings165a-d,and guide bushing rings169a-dmay be pressed therebetween such that packing nut245, lower packing spacer rings163a-d,and lower seal housing247are in metal-to-metal contact when packing nut245is mechanically coupled to lower seal housing247. In some embodiments, the lowermost lower packing ring165amay fit into a recess formed as a part of lower seal housing247, referred to herein as packing ring seat271.

In some embodiments, when installing washpipe assembly200, washpipe assembly200may be partially assembled before it is mechanically coupled to gooseneck coupler213and swivel stem243.FIGS. 11A-Fdepict an exemplary assembly procedure consistent with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Certain reference numbers are omitted or grouped for clarity. The exemplary assembly procedure depicted inFIGS. 11A-Fis not intending to be limiting. As depicted inFIG. 11A, lower seal assembly241may be assembled by installing any lower packing spacer rings163a-d,lower packing rings165a-d,and guide bushing rings169a-dinto lower seal housing247. In some embodiments, one or more lower packing spacer rings163a-d,lower packing rings165a-d,and guide bushing rings169a-dmay be mechanically coupled to each other before installation into lower seal housing247.

Packing nut245may then be installed to lower seal housing247as depicted inFIG. 11B. In some embodiments, packing nut245may be installed loosely to avoid or minimize compression of lower packing rings165a-dto, for example and without limitation, make further assembly and installation of washpipe assembly200more easy.

In some embodiments, washpipe203may then be inserted into lower seal assembly241as depicted inFIG. 11C.

In some embodiments, upper seal housing217may be installed about washpipe203as depicted inFIG. 11D. Upper packing spacer ring133and upper packing ring135may be installed about washpipe203as depicted inFIG. 11E, and may be retained thereto by snap ring231. In some embodiments, upper packing spacer ring133and upper packing ring135may be mechanically coupled to each other before installation onto washpipe203.

Washpipe assembly200may be stored or transported in a partially assembled configuration. In some embodiments, washpipe assembly200may be moved to derrick15(not shown) and positioned in alignment with gooseneck coupler213and swivel stem243as depicted inFIG. 11F. Upper seal housing217may be mechanically coupled to gooseneck coupler213, and lower seal housing247may be mechanically coupled to swivel stem243as described herein above as depicted inFIG. 10. In some embodiments, upper seal housing217and lower seal housing247may be tightened to gooseneck coupler213and swivel stem243respectively by utilizing a bar or spanner (not shown) positioned in upper tightening holes221and swivel stem tightening holes251respectively. In some embodiments, once washpipe assembly200is mechanically coupled to gooseneck coupler213and swivel stem243, packing nut245may be tightened to lower seal housing247as discussed herein above. In some embodiments, packing nut245may be tightened to lower seal housing247by utilizing a bar or spanner (not shown) positioned in nut tightening holes252.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 12, washpipe assembly300may include washpipe303, upper seal assembly311, and lower seal assembly341. In some embodiments, washpipe303may serve to fluidly couple between upper seal assembly311and lower seal assembly341. In some embodiments, washpipe303and upper seal assembly311may be adapted to remain nonrotating as lower seal assembly341rotates with drill stem101(not shown). Although described herein with this arrangement, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that in some embodiments, washpipe303may rotate with lower seal assembly341relative to upper seal assembly311.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 13, upper seal assembly311may include gooseneck coupler113as discussed herein above with respect to other embodiments, and upper seal housing317. Gooseneck coupler113may be adapted to couple gooseneck45to upper seal assembly311. Gooseneck coupler113may mechanically couple to gooseneck45by, for example and without limitation, a threaded connection, compression or flanged coupler, clip, or mechanical or chemical welding. Although described with respect to a gooseneck, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that upper seal assembly311may be utilized with any tubular member.

In some embodiments, upper seal housing317may mechanically couple to and seal against washpipe303. In some embodiments, upper seal housing317may mechanically couple to the gooseneck coupler by a threaded connection such as upper threaded coupler319. In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 12, one or more upper tightening holes321may be formed in the outer surface of upper seal housing317to allow upper seal housing317to be tightened onto the gooseneck coupler by, for example and without limitation, the use of a bar or spanner (not shown) to turn upper seal housing317and engage the gooseneck coupler in upper threaded coupler319.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 13, upper seal assembly311may mechanically couple to washpipe303by snap ring331, although one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that washpipe303may be mechanically coupled to upper seal assembly311by any suitable coupler.

In some embodiments, upper seal assembly311may include at least one upper packing spacer ring133and at least one upper packing ring135positioned within upper seal housing317as described herein above with respect to upper seal assembly111. In some embodiments, upper packing spacer ring133and upper packing ring135may be retained within upper seal housing317by gooseneck coupler113as gooseneck coupler113is installed to upper threaded coupler319. In some embodiments, upper packing spacer ring133may be pressed therebetween such that gooseneck coupler113, upper packing spacer ring133, and upper seal housing317are in metal-to-metal contact when gooseneck coupler113is mechanically coupled to upper seal housing317. In some embodiments, one or more seals such as O-ring327may be positioned between upper packing spacer ring133and gooseneck coupler113to, for example and without limitation, form a fluid seal therebetween. In some embodiments, O-ring327may be square in cross-section.

In some embodiments, lower seal assembly341may include swivel stem243as discussed herein above with respect to other embodiments. Lower seal assembly341may include lower seal housing347. Swivel stem may mechanically couple drill stem101as previously discussed to lower seal housing347. Swivel stem243may mechanically couple to drill stem101by, for example and without limitation, a threaded connection, compression or flanged coupler, clip, or mechanical or chemical welding. Although described with respect to a drill stem, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that lower seal assembly341may be utilized with any tubular member.

In some embodiments, lower seal housing347may mechanically couple to and seal against washpipe303. In some embodiments, lower seal housing347may mechanically couple to swivel stem243by a threaded connection such as lower threaded coupler349. In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 12, one or more swivel stem tightening holes351may be formed in the outer surface of lower seal housing347to allow lower seal housing347to be tightened onto the swivel stem by, for example and without limitation, the use of a bar or spanner (not shown) to turn lower seal housing347and engage swivel stem243in lower threaded coupler349.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 13, lower seal assembly341may include a seal stack including one or more lower packing spacer rings163a-d,one or more lower packing rings165a-d,and one or more guide bushing rings169a-dpositioned within lower seal housing347as described herein above with respect to the lower packing spacer rings163a-c,lower packing rings165a-c,and guide bushing rings169a-cof lower seal assembly141. In some embodiments, and as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure, any number of lower packing rings, lower packing spacer rings, and guide bushing rings may be utilized without deviating from the scope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, lower packing spacer rings163a-d,lower packing rings165a-d,and guide bushing rings169a-dmay be retained within lower seal housing347by retaining plate371. Retaining plate371may be an annular body and may engage one or both of a lower surface of the lowermost of the lower packing spacer rings, here spacer ring163a,and the lowermost of the lower packing rings, here lower packing ring165a.Retaining screw373may, in some embodiments, extend through lower seal housing347to engage retaining plate371and retain retaining plate371within lower seal housing347. In some embodiments, retaining plate371may include lip375against which retaining screw373engages. In some embodiments, the lowermost lower packing ring165amay fit into a recess formed as a part of retaining plate371.

In some embodiments, lower seal assembly341may include one or more jacking bolts377. Jacking bolts377may extend through holes formed in lower seal housing347. Jacking bolts377may abut the uppermost lower packing spacer ring, here lower packing spacer ring163d.Jacking bolts377may, as they are tightened into lower seal housing347, press downward on lower packing spacer ring163dto compress lower packing spacer rings163a-d,lower packing rings165a-d,and guide bushing rings169a-dbetween jacking bolts377and retaining plate371.

In some embodiments, two or more jacking bolts377may be utilized. In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 12, six jacking bolts377may be utilized. In some embodiments, jacking bolts377may be tightened substantially evenly such that, for example and without limitation, the compression of lower packing spacer rings163a-d,lower packing rings165a-d,and guide bushing rings169a-dbetween jacking bolts377and retaining plate371is substantially balanced.