Abstract:
A well pipe hanger is run and landed within a subsea wellhead assembly using a latching mechanism with an adjustable preload. The well pipe hanger has a latch ring having upward and downward facing shoulders secured to the outer diameter of the tubing hanger so that the latch ring may expand radially into a groove of the landing sub. The outer and inner diameters of the latch ring are larger at a center of the latch ring than at the upper and lower ends. The latch ring is configured to contract radially from a latched to an unlatched position in response to a predetermined overpull force. The predetermined overpull force is adjustable by adjusting the radial distance between an axial center of the latch ring and the outer diameter of the well pipe hanger.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates in general to well pipe hangers and, in particular, to a casing hanger having a latching mechanism with an adjustable preload. 
         [0003]    2. Brief Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    A typical subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead housing that supports one or more casing hangers. One type of wellhead housing has a conical load shoulder machined within its bore. The casing hanger lands on and is supported by the load shoulder. In this type, the diameter of the housing bore below the shoulder is less than the diameter of the housing above the shoulder by a dimension equal to a radial width of the load shoulder. 
         [0005]    In another type, referred to as “full bore”, the wellhead housing has an annular groove within the bore with substantially the same diameter above and below the groove. The load shoulder may be an annular member on the casing hanger designed to expand into the groove. The casing hanger is supported by the load shoulder. This procedure allows a larger diameter bore to be employed during drilling operations. In these embodiments, the load shoulder may be installed on a special running tool or it may be run with the casing hanger. 
         [0006]    Active casing hangers may be used to transfer the casing load to the wellhead housing via a loading mechanism that includes an activation ring, shear pins that prevent premature movement of the activation ring, and a load ring on the casing hanger. This mechanism is typically designed to be activated by the weight of the string when a reaction point, such as a shoulder, formed on the interior of the wellhead housing is reached during lowering of the hanger. At this point, the shear pins on the activation ring break to allow the activation ring to slide relative to the downward movement of the hanger, thereby allowing the load ring on the hanger to align with the housing to transfer the casing load to the housing. This also increases the bearing area of the casing hanger. However, if the hanger snags or the pins load up unevenly and break prematurely, the activation ring may be activated prematurely. This is costly and time consuming as the hanger and casing would have to be pulled out and re-tripped. 
         [0007]    Wellheads may include multiple landing grooves for multiple casing strings or other equipment. When running a particular casing string, it is important to ensure that the casing hanger lands in the appropriate load shoulder. Some systems rely on an operator&#39;s knowledge of the depth of the well and the length of the running string supporting the casing hanger. These systems require the operator to land the casing hanger and, based on the operator&#39;s estimation, estimate that the length of the landing string was sufficient to place the casing hanger on the correct shoulder. Other systems employ mechanical or electrical systems that provide positive confirmation of correct landing of the casing hanger within the correct wellhead shoulder. These systems may employ complicated equipment that requires sufficient capital expenditures to modify the casing hanger, run additional lines or umbilicals to the wellhead, and provide an interfacing means for the operator to receive the positive indication of landing. As a consequence, they are not widely used. Thus, there is a need for a cost effective method to ensure that a casing hanger and casing string have landed on the appropriate shoulder within a wellhead. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    These and other problems are generally solved or circumvented, and technical advantages are generally achieved, by preferred embodiments of the present invention that provide a casing hanger having a latching mechanism with an adjustable preload, and a method for using the same. 
         [0009]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a subsea wellhead assembly is disclosed. The subsea wellhead assembly includes a subsea wellhead member having a central bore defining an annular landing shoulder and an annular groove formed within an inner diameter of the bore and spaced below the landing shoulder. The subsea wellhead assembly also includes a well pipe hanger having an inner and outer diameter, a central axis, and a load shoulder for landing on the landing shoulder of the well member. A latch ring having upward and downward facing shoulders is carried on the outer diameter of the well pipe hanger. The latch ring is radially resilient so that the latch ring snaps radially into the groove of the wellhead member when the load shoulder lands on the landing shoulder. The latch ring is configured to contract radially from a latched to an unlatched position in response to a predetermined overpull force, allowing the load shoulder of the well pipe hanger to rise above the landing shoulder. The latch ring is free to snap back into the groove when the well pipe hanger is lowered back onto the landing shoulder. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a subsea wellhead assembly is disclosed. The subsea wellhead assembly includes a subsea wellhead member having a central bore defining an annular landing shoulder and an annular landing groove formed within an inner diameter of the bore and spaced below the landing shoulder. The subsea wellhead assembly includes a casing hanger having an inner and outer diameter, a central axis, and a load shoulder for landing in a load shoulder of the landing sub. A latch ring having upward and downward facing shoulders is secured to the outer diameter of the casing hanger so that the latch ring may expand radially into a latched position in the groove of the subsea wellhead. The latch ring is configured to contract radially from a latched to an unlatched position in response to a predetermined overpull force. The predetermined overpull force is adjustable by adjusting a radial distance between an axial center of the latch ring and the outer diameter of the casing hanger. An outer diameter of the latch ring is larger at a center of the latch ring than at the upper and lower ends. Similarly, an inner diameter of the latch ring is larger at the center of the latch ring than at the upper and lower ends. The latch ring defines a plurality of slots spaced equidistantly around the latch ring so that the latch ring may expand and contract radially. 
         [0011]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for confirming landing of a well pipe hanger in a subsea wellhead member is disclosed. The method provides, in a bore of the wellhead member, a landing shoulder and an annular groove spaced below the landing shoulder and provides a well pipe hanger having a radially moveable latch ring. The method runs the well pipe hanger into the wellhead member and lands the well pipe hanger on the landing shoulder. The method allows the latch ring to contact an inner diameter wall of the bore and radially contract as the well pipe hanger enters the bore, then radially expand to latch within the groove. The method then applies an upward axial force to the well pipe hanger, causing the latch ring to contract and release from the groove, thereby lifting the well pipe hanger from the landing shoulder. Then, the method lowers the well pipe hanger back onto the load shoulder and allows the latch ring to radially expand back into engagement with the groove. 
         [0012]    An advantage of a preferred embodiment is that it provides a casing hanger landing confirmation system using overpull. The casing hanger includes an adjustable mechanism that allows the overpull load required to test the casing hanger to be adjusted to accommodate the conditions of any one particular wellhead load shoulder. In addition, the disclosed embodiments provide a casing hanger with a latching mechanism that is reusable that does not require refurbishing of the casing hanger with subsequently perishable components such as shear elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    So that the manner in which the features, advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others which will become apparent, are attained, and can be understood in more detail, more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings that form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only a preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a casing hanger latched within a landing sub in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view of a portion of the casing hanger and latching mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a latch ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the portion of the casing hanger and latching mechanism of  FIG. 2  latched within the landing sub of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a sectional view of the portion of the casing hanger and latching mechanism of  FIG. 2  latched during an overpull test of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a sectional view of the portion of the casing hanger and latching mechanism of  FIG. 2  within the landing sub of  FIG. 1  following an overpull test. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of a portion of the casing hanger and latching mechanism of  FIG. 2  with the latching mechanism in a free state. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and the prime notation, if used, indicates similar elements in alternative embodiments. 
         [0024]    In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning rig operations, wellbore drilling, wellhead placement, and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the skills of persons skilled in the relevant art. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a landing sub  11 , such as a wellhead, high pressure housing, tubing hanger spool, or the like. Landing sub  11  may include a bypass channel  13 , as shown. Bypass channel  13  may allow fluid to flow through an annulus between landing sub  11  and a casing hanger  15  disposed within landing sub  11 . After the casing string is cemented in the well, a pack-off or seal seals between casing hanger  15  and landing sub  11 , closing off bypass channel  13 . In the illustrated embodiment, casing hanger  15  defines a central bore  17  having an axis  19 . Casing hanger  15  may include an overpull latching assembly  21  secured to an outer diameter of casing hanger  15 . Overpull latching assembly  21  will latch within a landing sub annular groove  23  formed in an inner diameter of landing sub  11 . In the illustrated embodiment, casing hanger  15  includes an annular protrusion  31  formed on the outer diameter of casing hanger  15  axially above overpull latching assembly  21 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , overpull latching assembly  21  is shown secured to casing hanger  15 . Overpull latching assembly  21  may include a retainer ring  25 , a latch ring  27 , and a preload ring  29 . Annular protrusion  31  may define a downward facing shoulder  33 . Casing hanger  15  may also include a thread  35  formed on an lower exterior diameter of casing hanger  15 . Retainer ring  25  includes an upper end  37  having a surface adapted to abut downward facing shoulder  33 . Retainer ring  25  further includes an annular portion  39  extending axially downward from an outer diameter of retainer ring  25 . The lower end of casing hanger  15  will be inserted through retainer ring  25  so that upper end  37  of retainer ring  25  will abut downward facing shoulder  33 . Once assembled, annular portion  39  of retainer ring  25  will define an upper annular cavity  41  between annular portion  39  and casing hanger  15 . Retainer ring  25  further defines a downwardly facing load shoulder  26  on an outer diameter portion of retainer ring  25  adapted to land on a landing shoulder  30  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0027]    Latch ring  27  includes an upper end  43  and a lower end  45 . Upper end  43  may insert into upper annular cavity  41  between annular portion  39  and casing hanger  15 . Retainer ring  25  may secure upper end  43  of latch ring  27  to casing hanger  15  while allowing latch ring  27  to expand axially within upper annular cavity  41 . In addition, upper end  43  may abut against an end of upper annular cavity  41 , limiting the total upward axial expansion of latch ring  27  and the total axial movement of latch ring  27  relative to casing hanger  15 . Latch ring  27  also includes a latching protrusion  47 . Preferably, latching protrusion  47  extends from an outer diameter center portion of latch ring  27  approximately equidistant from upper end  43  and lower end  45 . Latching protrusion  47  may define an upwardly facing shoulder  49  and a downwardly facing shoulder  51 . Preferably, upwardly and downwardly facing shoulder  49 ,  51  may insert into landing sub annular groove  23  ( FIG. 1 ) of landing sub  11 . Upwardly and downwardly facing shoulders  49 ,  51  may also be tapered as illustrated so that latching protrusion  47  may slide out of landing sub annular groove  23  under appropriate conditions. 
         [0028]    As illustrated, the inner and outer diameters of latch ring  27  at latching protrusion  47  are greater than the inner and outer diameters of latch ring  27  at upper end  43  and lower end  45 . Thus, the inner and outer diameters of latch ring  27  slope radially outward from upper end  43  to latching protrusion  47  and from lower end  45  to latching protrusion  47 . Preferably, the slope between upper end  43  and latching protrusion  47  is substantially equivalent to the slope between lower end  45  and latching protrusion  47 , although a person skilled in the art will understand that these slopes may be different or vary between the points. 
         [0029]    Preload ring  29  defines a preload thread  53  on an inner diameter lower end of preload ring  29 . Preload thread  53  may match thread  35  on the outer diameter of the lower end of casing hanger  15  so that preload ring  29  may secure to casing hanger  15  through matching threads  35 ,  53 . Preload ring  29  further includes an annular portion  55  extending axially upward from an outer diameter of preload ring  29 . Preload ring  29  will be threaded onto casing hanger  15  so that annular portion  55  of preload ring  29  will define a lower annular cavity  57  between annular portion  55  and casing hanger  15 . 
         [0030]    Lower end  45  of latch ring  27  may be inserted into lower annular cavity  57  as preload ring  29  is threaded onto casing hanger  15 . Inner diameter distal surfaces of annular portions  39 ,  55  of retainer ring  25  and preload ring  29 , respectively, are tapered to match the slope between upper and lower ends  43 ,  45  and latching protrusion  47  of latch ring  27 . As preload ring  29  is threaded through matching threads  35 ,  53 , the tapered inner surfaces of annular portions  39 ,  55  may contact the exterior diameter of latch ring  27 . Further threading of preload ring  29  through matching threads  35 ,  53  will move upper and lower ends  43 ,  45  of latch ring  27  into upper annular cavity  41  and lower annular cavity  57 , respectively. During initial assembly of latching mechanism  21  to casing hanger  15 , a gap  28  will be formed between the inner diameter of latch ring  27  at latching protrusion  47  and the outer diameter of casing hanger  15 . Preferably, latching protrusion  47  will extend past the outer diameters of casing hanger  15 , retainer ring  25 , and preload ring  29 , allowing latching protrusion  47  to insert into landing sub annular groove  23  of landing sub  11 . As upper and lower ends  43 ,  45  of latch ring  27  move further into upper and lower annular cavities  41 ,  57 , the tapered surfaces will cause a resilient deflection of latch ring  27  radially inward toward the outer diameter of casing hanger  15  while expanding latch ring  27  axially. Adjustment of preload ring  29  by threading preload ring  29  more or less through matching threads  35 ,  53  will adjust the amount of inward radial deflection of latch ring  27 , increasing or decreasing the size of gap  28 . In this manner, a desired overpull may be selected for latch ring  27 , as described in more detail below. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , latch ring  27  defines a plurality of slots  59 . Slots  59  may pass radially through latch ring  27  and may extend between lower end  45  and upper end  43  such that latch ring  27  defines a continuous ring at upper and lower ends  43 ,  45 , respectively. Preferably, slots  59  may be spaced equidistantly around latch ring  27  so that each slot is equidistant from the adjacent slots  59 . Similarly, each slot  59  will have a similar size and shape so that slots  59  are generally uniform. In this manner, slots  59  will define a plurality of latching members  61  similarly spaced around latch ring  27 . Preferably, each latching member  61  extends from lower end  45  to upper end  43 , is of a similar size and shape, and includes a latching protrusion  47 . As described above, each latching member  61  has an inner diameter at upper and lower ends  43 ,  45  that is smaller than the inner diameter at latching protrusion  47 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter at upper and lower ends  43 ,  45  is approximately equal to the outer diameter of casing hanger  15  ( FIG. 2 ), allowing for latch ring  27  to circumscribe casing hanger  15 . 
         [0032]    Prior to run in of casing hanger  15 , preload ring  29  is adjusted so that latch ring  27  will deflect radially inward to release latching protrusion  47  from landing sub annular groove  23  at the desired predetermined overpull load. The preload amount is determined by the amount of overpull desired to release casing hanger  15  from landing sub  11 . This is based in part on the necessary force required to deflect latch ring  27  radially inward. This, in turn, is based on the material properties of latch ring  27 , the size and number of latching members  61 , the amount of deflection imparted to latch ring  27  by preload ring  29  prior to run in of casing hanger  15 , and the angle of the abutting shoulders  49 ,  61 . To set a desired overpull load, preload ring  29  is threaded through matching threads  35 ,  53  to cause either more or less preload deflection of latch ring  27 . In turn, this causes the size of gap  28  to vary so that latching protrusion  47  may displace more or less into landing sub annular groove  23 . In addition, by varying the number and size of slots  59 , latch ring  57  may provide varying resistance to deflection, in turn, varying the needed overpull load. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , overpull latching assembly  21  is assembled to casing hanger  15 . Latch ring  27  has been preloaded a predetermined amount by threading of preload ring  29  to casing hanger  15  to cause a radial inward deflection of latch ring  27 . Casing hanger  15  may then be run to landing sub  11  in a manner known to those skilled in the art so that load shoulder  26  lands on landing shoulder  30 , transferring the weight of casing hanger  15  and the attached casing string to landing sub  11 . 
         [0034]    During run in of casing hanger  15 , the inner diameter of landing sub  11  may cause further radially inward displacement of latch ring  27 . Preferably, the angle of shoulder  51  will allow a rim or shoulder of landing sub  11  to easily deflect latch ring  27  for run in of casing hanger  15 . When casing hanger  15  reaches the appropriate location within landing sub  11 , so that load shoulder  26  lands on landing shoulder  30 , latching protrusion  47  of latch ring  27  will be proximate to landing sub annular groove  23  of landing sub  11 . Latch ring  27  may then displace radially outward to expand into landing sub annular groove  23 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , when load shoulder  26  of retainer ring  25  lands on landing shoulder  30 , upwardly facing shoulder  49  may not be in contact with downwardly facing shoulder  61  of landing sub annular groove  23 . 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 5A , when an operator receives an indication that load shoulder  26  has landed on landing shoulder  30 , an overpull test may be conducted. Casing hanger  15  will be pulled upwards axially so that shoulder  26  of retainer ring  25  and landing shoulder  30  are no longer in contact. Continued upwards axial movement will bring upwardly facing shoulder  49  of latching protrusion  47  into contact with downwardly facing shoulder  61  of landing sub annular groove  23 . This will stop upward axial movement of casing hanger  15 . Application of increasing upwards axial force to casing hanger  15  will continue until the upwards axial force reaches the predetermined overpull load. When the predetermined overpull load is reached, latch ring  27  will deflect radially inward so that latching protrusion  47 , and consequently upwardly facing shoulder  49 , is pulled from landing sub annular groove  23 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . Casing hanger  15  may then be moved upwards axially without additional resistance. An operator conducting the overpull test will understand that the lack of resistance indicates that latch ring  27  has been displaced and no longer resides within landing sub annular groove  23 . When latch ring  27  displaces at the designed overpull load, this provides confirmation to the operator that casing hanger  15  has landed in the appropriate position within landing sub  11 . Where latch ring  27  displaces at an overpull load other than the designed overpull load, this provides confirmation to the operator that casing hanger  15  did not land at the desired position within landing sub  11 . The operator may then remove casing hanger  15  or run casing hanger  15  further axially downward through landing sub  11  to land at the desired location. Preferably, each landing shoulder  30  within landing sub  11  will cause latch ring  27  to deflect at a different overpull load. 
         [0036]    Preferably, preload ring  29  will maintain the desired preload amount once reached. As shown in  FIG. 6 , preload ring  29  may be secured at the desired preload amount through use of set screws  67 . Preload ring  29  may include threaded bores  65  placed at desired locations around preload ring  29 . Preload ring  29  may then be assembled to casing hanger  15  as shown in  FIG. 6  and described above. Once the desired preload amount is reached, set screws  67  may be threaded into threaded bores  65 . Preferably, an end of each set screw  67  will contact and grip thread  35  of casing hanger  15 . In this manner, undesired rotation of preload ring  29  during operational use of casing hanger  15  may be limited. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an alternative latching assembly  69  is shown. Latching assembly  69  includes a latch ring  71  and a preload bolt  73 . Latch ring  71  includes an upper end  75  and a lower end  77 . Latch ring  71  also includes a latching protrusion  79 . Preferably, latching protrusion  79  extends from an outer diameter center portion of latch ring  71  approximately equidistant from upper end  75  and lower end  77 . Latching protrusion  79  may define an upwardly facing shoulder  81  and a downwardly facing shoulder  83 . Preferably, upwardly and downwardly facing shoulder  81 ,  83  may insert into landing sub annular groove  23  of landing sub  11 . Upwardly and downwardly facing shoulders  81 ,  83  may also be tapered as illustrated so that latching protrusion  79  may slide out of landing sub annular groove  23  under appropriate conditions. 
         [0038]    As illustrated, the inner and outer diameter of latch ring  71  at latching protrusion  79  is greater than the inner and outer diameter of latch ring  71  at upper end  75  and lower end  77 . Thus, the inner and outer diameters of latch ring  71  slope from upper end  75  to latching protrusion  79  and from latching protrusion  79  to lower end  77 . Preferably, the slope between upper end  75  and latching protrusion  79  is substantially equivalent to the slope between latching protrusion  79  and lower end  77 , although a person skilled in the art will understand that these slopes may be different or vary between the points. A bore  85  is formed near a center of latching protrusion  79  extending through a radial width of latch ring  71 . Preload bolt  73  may be inserted into bore  85  and threaded into a corresponding threaded bore  87  formed in an outer diameter portion of casing hanger  15 . Preload bolt  73  may be threaded into threaded bore  87  by varying amounts to adjust the radial distance from an outer diameter of casing hanger  15  to an outer diameter of latching protrusion  79 . In this manner, the desired overpull amount is adjusted by varying the height of latching protrusion  79 . In the illustrated embodiment, latch ring  71  includes a preload limiter  89 . Preload limiter  89  may be an annular boss formed on an inner diameter portion of latch ring  71  near bore  83  and opposite latching protrusion  79 . Preload limiter  89  may contact an outer diameter of casing hanger  15  when preload bolt  73  is threaded into threaded bore  87  a predetermined amount. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , in another alternative embodiment, latch ring  71  may be fitted into a latch ring housing  91 . Latch ring  71  will include all of the components of latch ring  71  of  FIG. 7 . Latch ring housing  91  may be a ring having an inner diameter thread  93  corresponding to the inner diameter thread  35  of casing hanger  15 , allowing latch ring housing  91  to be threaded onto a lower end of casing hanger  15  in a manner similar to preload ring  29  of  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , latch ring housing  91  will define a latch ring cavity  95 . Latch ring cavity  95  will have an annular channel opening  97  on an outer diameter portion of latch ring housing  91 . In this manner, latch ring  71  may be inserted into latch ring cavity  95  so that latching protrusion  79  may pass from latch ring cavity  95  to an exterior of latch ring housing  91  through channel opening  97 . Similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the embodiment of  FIG. 8  may include preload bolt  73  (not shown) passing through a bore  85  of latch ring  71 . Preload bolt  73  will thread into a threaded bore (not shown) of latch ring housing  91 . Preload bolt  73  may be threaded into threaded bore in varying amounts to adjust the radial distance from a surface of latch ring cavity  95  to an outer diameter of latching protrusion  79 . In this manner, the desired overpull amount is adjusted by varying the height of latching protrusion  79 . In the illustrated embodiment, latch ring  71  includes a preload limiter  89 . Preload limiter  89  may be a boss formed on an inner diameter portion of latch ring  71  near bore  83  and opposite latching protrusion  79 . Preload limiter  89  may contact the surface of latch ring cavity  95  when preload bolt  73  is threaded into threaded bore  87  a predetermined amount. 
         [0040]    Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments provide numerous advantages over the prior art. For example, the disclosed embodiments provide a latching mechanism that allows an operator to preselect the overpull load necessary to test each particular load shoulder or groove. In addition, the disclosed embodiments allow the operator to vary this overpull amount as needed based on the conditions of the well, rather than forcing the operator to rely on an apparatus ordered and delivered prior to the operator&#39;s experience with that particular well and operating conditions. Still further, the disclosed embodiments, provide a latching mechanism that provides a separate overpull check mechanism that avoids the risk of activation of a load ring before desired as in prior art embodiments. Still further, the disclosed embodiments are assembled and operated without any sacrificial parts such as shear elements or the like. This allows the disclosed embodiments to be reused on both a single well and multiple wells with only minor adjustments to the assembly, namely the adjustment of the preload amount by rotation of the preload ring or preload bolt. 
         [0041]    It is understood that the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.