Abstract:
A high-pressure probe insertion and retraction apparatus that is self contained in that it does not require additional tools to complete the insertion and retraction process. A conveyance tube is used to convey the probe into a high-pressure vessel or flowline, thereby allowing transmission of chemicals, pneumatic signals, and electronic signals, in addition to conveyance of traditional probes that do not require this transmission capability. The design of the apparatus allows the insertion and retraction process to be completed without rotation of the conveyance tube or probe, and provides the added benefit of a positive upward force for retraction of the probe when the conveyance tube has been fouled or bent during exposure to fluids within the high-pressure vessel or flowline. The apparatus further provides a positive locking mechanism to allow insertion to a variety of insertion depths with the ability to lock the apparatus at each specific depth of insertion. The apparatus further provides dedicated probes designed specifically for the functionality of the apparatus and offering improved performance, which are interchangeable, and allow a single apparatus to be used sequentially through a variety of applications that would require several apparatus&#39;s using current technology.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The apparatus of the present invention relates to devices for inserting and removing probes to and from the interior of a high-pressure vessel or flowline while under pressure, utilizing an entry valve typically installed onto a perpendicular branch of said high-pressure vessel or flowline for this purpose. Said entry valve isolates pressure below the entry valve and within the high-pressure vessel or flowline, thereby eliminating interruption of the fluid flow. More particularly, the present invention relates to the independently operating design of the apparatus, and the ability of a single apparatus to utilize a variety of probes including probes requiring conveyance of chemicals, pneumatic signals, or electronic signals to the inserted probe, in addition to sacrificial probes only requiring conveyance of the probe itself.  
         [0003]     2. General Background of the Invention  
         [0004]     In the technology of the integrity of vessels and flowlines, there has developed a technique whereby a variety of sacrificial probes, chemical injection devices, pneumatic devices, and electronic devices are used to monitor and treat certain properties of the high-pressure fluids transported within said high-pressure vessels and flowlines. Said devices require intermittent removal from said high-pressure vessels and flowlines under pressure for replacement, maintenance, or inspection. Sacrificial probes are pre-weighed samples of metal similar to the metal used in the fabrication of the high-pressure vessel or flowline. Sacrificial probes are exposed to the high-pressure fluids within the high-pressure vessel or flowline for a predefined period, and then removed for processing. The weight loss of the probe experienced during exposure to the high-pressure fluids is then converted to a mills-per-year corrosion rate estimate that can be applied to the high-pressure vessel or flowline. This method of monitoring corrosion has been in use for decades, and although new techniques for monitoring corrosion are available, the practice continues to be very common. Newer methods of monitoring corrosion and many other aspects of the high-pressure fluids contained within the high-pressure vessel or flowline require means to convey an electronic or pneumatic signal to an external device to process the collected data. These devices also require periodic retraction from the high-pressure vessel or flowline for routine maintenance or calibration. In relation to either of the methods mentioned for monitoring the properties and condition of the high-pressure fluids, there is the need for application of chemical compounds to offset the effects of the high-pressure fluids on the high-pressure vessel or flowline. Examples of probes used for this purpose include chemical injection quills that prevent immediate contact with the inner surface of the high-pressure vessel or flowline before the chemical can be absorbed into the high-pressure fluids, and chemical atomizers that reduce the particle size of the chemical for improved contact with and absorption into the high-pressure fluids.  
         [0005]     In the current state of the art, sacrificial probes, chemical injection probes, and electronic devices require an individual apparatus to convey each of the different types of probes and devices, and are typically bulky and require additional tools to complete the insertion and retraction process. In such a device, in the current state of the art, an apparatus will utilize an externally attached drive mechanism to push the probe or device into the pressurized vessel or flowline. The drive mechanisms must either be stored, or carried with the operator, in cases where a single drive mechanism is utilized to operate several apparatuses. Said drive mechanisms typically apply force in only one direction to complete the insertion process, and rely on the pressure within the high-pressure vessel or flowline to push the probe or device to the extracted position. The rod or tube utilized in said devices to position the probe in the high-pressure vessel or flowline often accumulate a buildup of debris associated with the high-pressure fluids and are occasionally bent within the high-pressure vessel or flowline by larger debris passing through the high-pressure vessel or flowline. Examples of this debris would include accumulations of precipitated scales, paraffin waxes, and hydrates that form onto the walls of the high-pressure vessel or flowline and detach from the high-pressure vessel or flowline impacting the inserted probe. Under normal circumstances the pressure within the high-pressure vessel or flowline is sufficient to push the inserted probe out of the high-pressure vessel or flowline. The relatively common examples of complications to the extraction process caused by said debris often require a force in excess of the available pressure within the high-pressure vessel or flowline and render the apparatus inoperable. Currently available apparatuses would require the insertion tool to be removed for the application of additional force to complete the retraction of the probe, allowing for periods of non-control of the insertion rod. These periods of non-control can result in an unpredictable release of the insertion rod causing damage to the apparatus, the device, and posing a threat to the individual operating the apparatus.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The apparatus and method of the present invention solves the problem in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided is an insertion and retrieval tool capable of conveying each of the said types of sacrificial probes, chemical injection probes, pneumatic probes, and electronic probes. The apparatus includes a lower generally elongated body, with a fixture at the lower end of said body to threadably and sealingly attach an adapter defining a lower chamber. Said adapter further provides the means to threadably and sealingly secure the apparatus to a high-pressure vessel or flowline entry valve. There is further provided an upper generally elongated body having a lower threaded element, which threadably descends over an upper threaded portion of the lower generally elongated body, defining a specific length of travel. An upper cap portion of the upper generally elongated body is followed above and below by thrust bearing elements that convert a rotational downward or upward force to a non-rotational vertical force to a conveyance tube. The lower end of said conveyance tube is threadably and sealingly attached to the probe below the lower fixture of the lower generally elongated body within the space defined by the adapter for attachment to the high-pressure vessel or flowline. Said conveyance tube passes guidingly and sealingly through the lower fixture of the lower generally elongated body, guidingly through the upper threaded portion of the lower generally elongated body, and guidingly through said upper cap portion of the upper generally elongated body. Said lower thrust bearing located below the upper cap portion of the upper generally elongated body is followed below by a conveyance tube retaining device which compresses onto a ferrule crimped onto said conveyance tube, and defining a specific vertical position of the conveyance tube retaining device on the conveyance tube, and a specific length of travel of the conveyance tube. Said upper thrust bearing is followed above by a fixture with means to threadably and sealingly attach a cap for use in a sacrificial probe application, connection to a chemical injection source, or a means to convey an electronic or pneumatic signal. As the upper generally elongated body is rotated in a clockwise direction, the upper cap portion of the upper generally elongated body exerts a driving force to the thrust bearing below, and to the said conveyance tube retaining device. The clockwise rotation of the upper generally elongated body forces the said conveyance tube sealingly through the fixture at the lower end of the lower generally elongated body, through the adapter connecting said fixture to the entry valve and into the pressurized vessel or flowline. A counterclockwise rotation of the upper generally elongated body exerts a force against the upper thrust bearing assembly, above the upper cap portion of the upper generally elongated body, and to the conveyance tube upper fixture above, with means to attach a cap for use in a sacrificial probe application, connection to a chemical injection source, or a means to convey an electronic or pneumatic signal. Said force exerted against said conveyance tube upper fixture above is applied to the conveyance tube and retracts the conveyance tube and the attached probe into the retracted position. The Clockwise or Counterclockwise rotation of the upper generally elongated body does not require rotation of said tube or attached sacrificial probe, chemical injection device, electronic, or pneumatic probe. There is further provided a bleed valve threadably and sealingly attached to the fixture at the lower end of the lower generally elongated body to provide a sealed chamber during the insertion process, and the ability to bleed off the pressure after closing the entry valve to the pressurized vessel or flowline, in preparation to remove the apparatus from the entry valve.  
         [0007]     Therefore it is the principle object of the present invention to provide an improved single apparatus for inserting and retracting a wide range of sacrificial probes, chemical injection devices, pneumatic probes, or electronic probes.  
         [0008]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved single apparatus that does not require any additional devices to create the force necessary to complete the insertion and retraction process.  
         [0009]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the tube conveying the sacrificial probes, chemical injection probes, pneumatic probes, or electronic probes, and any necessary chemicals or wiring for electronic devices is retained and driven in the insertion and retraction process, and is not free to move during the insertion or retraction process without the support of the thrust bearings of the drive assembly.  
         [0010]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a chemical atomization probe designed specifically for the apparatus of the present invention, that supplies a substantially improved (reduced) particle size of the atomized chemical for contact with and absorption into the high-pressure fluids. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, references should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  comprises a side elevation in cross section and illustrates the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with the probe in the up or retracted position in ready to be mounted on to the vessel or flowline entry valve.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  comprises a side elevation in cross section and illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the assembly mounted to the vessel or flowline entry valve with the probe in the down or inserted position with the locking device engaged.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3A  comprises an enlarged side elevation of the lower portion of the lower generally elongated body in cross section and illustrates detail of the seal and retainer for passage of the conveyance tube, means to bleed pressure below the seal, and means to secure the upper portion of the lower generally elongated body.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3B  comprises a top elevation of the lower portion of the lower generally elongated body in cross section and illustrates wrench flats used to secure the preferred embodiment to a high-pressure vessel or flowline entry valve, and detail of the means to secure the upper portion of the lower generally elongated body to the lower fixture of the lower generally elongated body.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3C  comprises an enlarged side elevation in cross section of a fixture to threadably and sealably attach a probe to the lower portion of the conveyance tube.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4A  comprises an enlarged side elevation of the upper generally elongated body mounted on the upper portion of the lower generally elongated body wherein the probe is in the down or inserted position.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4B  comprises a further enlarged side elevation of a fixture with means to threadably and sealably attach a chemical injection source, transmission lines for an electronic device, or a cap for use with a destructive probe as shown in the figure.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4C  comprises a further enlarged side elevation in cross section of the conveyance tube retaining device and the crimped ferrule method of attaching said retaining device to the conveyance tube.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4D  comprises a further enlarged side elevation section of the upper portion of the lower generally elongated body giving detail to the vertical key slot wherein the locking device pin rests when in the locked position.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4E  comprises a side elevation in cross section of the locked and unlocked positions of the locking device followed by non cross sectional views of the locking device to give understanding of the method and movement that defines the locked and unlocked positions. The illustrations depicting the unlocked position in this figure have been rotated 90 degrees to give further detail to the method of holding the assembly in the unlocked position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5A  comprises a side elevation in cross section of the sacrificial probe holder with a sacrificial probe installed.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5B  comprises a side elevation in cross section of liquid atomizer device designed specifically for the preferred embodiment of the present invention and offering improved (reduced) particle size of the atomized chemical for contact with and absorption into the high-pressure fluids.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5C  comprises a side elevation in cross section of an injection quill designed specifically for the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5D  comprises a side elevation in cross section of an electronic device mounted in a holder designed specifically for the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]      FIGS. 1-5  illustrate the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention referenced by the numeral  10 . As illustrated initially in  FIG. 1 , the high-pressure probe insertion and retraction assembly  10  comprises a lower generally elongated body  12  comprising an externally threaded upper portion  14 , threadably attached to a lower fixture  16 , and having an adapter  18  threadably and sealingly attached at the lower end of lower fixture  16 . Said threadable attachment of the externally threaded upper portion  14  to lower fixture  16  is completed with the installation of setscrews  22 . The preferred embodiment  10  further comprises an upper generally elongated body  24  comprising a tubular element  26 , an upper circular cap  28 , and a lower internally threaded drive device  30 , which threadably descends over the externally threaded upper portion  14 , of lower generally elongated body  12 . Upper circular cap  28  is attached within the upper end of tubular element  26  utilizing snake eye driven countersunk screws  32 . Internally threaded drive device  30  is attached within the lower end of tubular element  26  with non-removable spiral pins  34 . Clockwise rotation of the upper generally elongated body  24  provides a downward vertical movement of the upper generally elongated body to a point determined by the end of the external threading of the externally threaded upper portion  14  and the bottom thread of internally threaded drive device  30 . A counter clockwise rotation of the upper generally elongated body provides an upward vertical movement of the upper generally elongated body to a point determined by contact of the upper wall of internally threaded drive device  30  with the lower wall of stop ring  36  which is retained to the top of externally threaded upper portion  14  with snap ring  38 . The preferred embodiment  10  further comprises a conveyance tube  40  that passes through the upper circular cap  28  and through inner space  42  defined by the inner wall  44  of tubular element  26 . The conveyance tube  40  continues downward and guidingly through a continuous inner bore of externally threaded upper portion  14 , defined by inner wall  46 . The conveyance tube  40  continues guidingly and sealingly through lower fixture  16  of the lower generally elongated body  14 . The sealable passage of conveyance tube  40  through lower fixture  16  is provided by a sealing gland  48 , located within a chamber  50 , and providing a seal between inner wall  52  of chamber  50 , and the outer wall  54  of conveyance tube  40 . Chamber  50  is further defined below by a seal-retaining element  56 , which is held in place by a snap ring  58 . The conveyance tube  40  is initially retained within the preferred embodiment  10  by a conveyance tube-retaining device  60 .  FIG. 4C  shows greater detail of said conveyance tube retaining device and should be referenced for the following numerical designations. Crimped ferrule  62  is retained in a specific vertical position on conveyance tube  40  by an externally threaded seat  64 , having the same taper as the ferrule and receiving compression force from an internally threaded cap element  66 , and forming a permanent indention and attachment to the conveyance tube  40  as shown in  FIG. 4C . Returning to  FIG. 1 , said conveyance tube retaining device  60  is separated from the lower wall  68  of upper circular cap portion  28  by a lower thrust bearing  70 . The upper wall  72  of upper circular cap  28  is separated from the lower wall of an upper conveyance tube fixture  74  by an upper thrust bearing  76 . Upper conveyance tube fixture  74  is permanently attached to conveyance tube  40  by a crimped ferrule.  FIG. 4B  shows greater detail of said upper conveyance tube fixture  74  and should be referenced for the following numerical designations. Internally threaded cap portion  78 , of upper conveyance tube fixture  74 , is retained in place by a crimped ferrule  80  which is permanently attached to the upper end of conveyance tube  40 . The plug element  82  as shown in  FIG. 4B  is for use with sacrificial probes that do not require conveyance of a chemical, pneumatic signals, or electronic signals, which will be discussed further. The threaded, sealable arrangement of the lower portion of plug element  82  are identical to ported elements capable of conveying chemical, pneumatic signals, or electronic signals, and will be discussed further. Returning to  FIG. 1 , and moving to the lower end of conveyance tube  40  below the seal-retaining element  56 , there is further provided a lower conveyance tube fixture  84 , permanently attached to said lower end of conveyance tube  40 . Greater detail to said lower conveyance tube fixture  84  is shown in  FIG. 3C  and should be referenced for the following numerical designations. Internally threaded cap portion  86  of lower conveyance tube fixture  84  differs from the upper conveyance tube fixture  74 , wherein said lower conveyance tube fixture  84  provides a tapered upper surface  88  to prevent said lower conveyance tube fixture  84  from “hanging” on a flat surface within the high-pressure vessel or flowline. The crimped ferrule  90  of said lower conveyance tube fixture  84  is similar to the upper conveyance tube fixture  74  wherein it is permanently attached to the conveyance tube  40 . Lower conveyance tube  84  is capable of attachment to a variety of probes intended for that purpose. Returning to  FIG. 1 , there is further provided a sacrificial probe receptacle  92 , with sacrificial probe  94  threadably inserted into an electrically insulated socket of said sacrificial probe receptacle, which will be discussed further. Said sacrificial probe  94  is positioned within inner space  96  defined by inner wall  98  of adapter  18 . Said space  96  can be further defined in regards to the retention of pressure supplied by the high-pressure vessel or flowline where in it is retained at the upper end of space  96  by sealing gland  48 , inner side walls formed by the threadable and sealable attachment of adapter  18  to lower fixture  16 , and at the lower end by a high-pressure vessel or flowline entry valve  100  as shown in  FIG. 2 . There is further provided in  FIG. 1 , a bleed valve  102  threadably and sealingly mounted to a threaded port  104  for that purpose, and in direct communication with said inner space  96  as defined. Said bleed valve  102  allows for the retention and evacuation of pressure during sequences of the retraction and retrieval process which will be discussed further. As provided, the upper generally elongated body  24  of the preferred embodiment  10 , is rotated in a clockwise fashion to achieve a downward movement as depicted in  FIG. 1  by arrow  106 . Clockwise rotation of the upper generally elongated body  24  is transmitted to the conveyance tube retaining device  60 , by the lower wall  68  of the upper circular cap  28  and absorbed by thrust bearing  70 , delivering a non-rotational downward vertical thrust to the conveyance tube retaining device  60  and the permanently attached conveyance tube  40 . The vertical position of upper generally elongated body  24  in reference to threaded upper portion  14  of the lower generally elongated body  12  can be locked in said vertical position with locking device  108 . Detailed reference to the said locking device  108  can be had in  FIG. 4E  and should be referenced for the following numerical designations. The two positions of locking device  108  are pictured in  FIG. 4E  as follows. Side elevation in cross section  110  and side elevation  112  of locking device  108 , are in the same unlocked position as depicted in  FIG. 4A  locking device  108 , with the embodiment of said locking device  108  rotated 90 degrees to give detail to the mechanisms ability to remain indefinitely in the unlocked position. Side elevation in cross section  114  and side elevation  116  depict the locking device  108  in the locked position with detail to provide understanding of the mechanisms ability to remain indefinitely in the locked position without manual manipulation of said locking device  108 . Enlarged figures provided in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4D  also provide greater detail to vertical key slot  118 , and should be referenced for the remainder of the current discussion. A side elevation of an enlarged section of upper threaded portion  14  is provided in  FIG. 4D  with the vertical key slot  118  rotated 90 degrees, and a side elevation in cross section of locking pin  120  engaged in said vertical key slot  118 . Vertical key slot  118  of threaded upper portion  14  is provided to accept the spring loaded pin  120  throughout the vertical movement of upper generally elongated body  24  on threaded upper portion  14  of lower generally elongated body  12 , limited to increments defined by one full rotation of said upper generally elongated body  24 . Upper and lower limits of said vertical key slot  118  can be had in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  respectively.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2  provides a side elevation in cross section of the preferred embodiment  10  in the down or inserted position as referenced by arrow  122  of the figure. High-pressure vessel or flowline entry valve  100  is fully open, and sacrificial probe  94  is fully inserted into the inner space  124 , within the high-pressure vessel or flowline  126 . The preferred embodiment  10  is pictured in  FIG. 2  with an insulated sacrificial probe holder  92  attached to the lower conveyance tube fixture  84 , with a sacrificial probe  94  installed. The upper conveyance tube fixture is shown with a plug element  82  installed. For future reference, and to give further meaning to  FIG. 2 , reference should be had to  FIG. 5A-5D  for the purpose of visualizing each of the probes in said figures installed onto lower conveyance tube fixture  84 , and inserted to the extent of sacrificial probe  94  of the figure.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3A  provides an enlarged side elevation in cross section, of lower fixture  16  of the lower generally elongated body  12 , with adapter  18  threadably and sealingly attached thereto.  FIG. 3A  is provided for reference of items listed in the detailed description of  FIG. 1 , wherein the elements were compressed to enable a complete view of the preferred embodiment  10 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 3B  provides a top elevation in cross section at setscrews  22  of the lower fixture  16 , of the lower generally elongated body  12 .  FIG. 3B  gives further detail to the arrangement of the setscrews  22 , and their position in reference to wrench flats  128  that are not apparent in side elevations.  
         [0030]      FIG. 3C  referenced earlier in the detailed description provides greater detail of the lower conveyance tube fixture  84 , and its permanent attachment to the lower end of the conveyance tube  40 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 4A-4D  provide an enlarged side elevation in cross section of the upper generally elongated body  24 , threadably descended over the externally threaded upper portion  14 , and further enlarged side elevations in cross section of components and angles of components required to give understanding to the component and its purpose within the preferred embodiment  10 . Each of  FIG. 4A-4D  are referenced earlier in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment  10  of  FIG. 1-2 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 5A  provides an enlarged side elevation in cross section of a sacrificial probe  94  installed into an insulated socket  130 , and pinned in place with a spring pin  132 , within sacrificial probe holder  92 , and installed onto lower conveyance tube fixture  84 , by means of upper fixture  142 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 5B  provides an enlarged side elevation in cross section, of a chemical atomizer assembly  134  that was designed specifically for use in the preferred embodiment  10 . Chemical atomizer assembly  134  comprises a generally elongated body portion  136 , having a continuous outer wall  138  and a continuous inner wall  140 . There is further provided an upper fixture  142  for threadable and sealable attachment to the lower conveyance tube fixture  84  of the preferred embodiment  10 . An inner threaded portion  144  at the lower end of generally elongated body  136  provides the means to attach the chemical atomization device  146 . Chemical atomization device  146  comprises a valve-seating element  148 , with means to threadably and sealingly engage inner threaded portion  144 . An o-ring element  162  within a space defined by a groove on the valve-seating element  148 , and the threadable attachment to inner threaded portion  144  provide the seal between valve seating element  148  and generally elongated body  136 . Valve seating element  148  is further defined by an outer wall  150  at the lower end, equal in diameter to the continuous outer wall  138 , of generally elongated body portion  136 . Valve seating element  148  further comprises an inner wall  152  defining an inner space  154  from the upper end to the lower end of valve seating element  148 . There is further provided a valve element  156  comprising a larger tapered portion  158  at the lower end, to contact a tapered seat  160  at the lower end of inner wall  152  of valve seating element  148  with a intentional difference of the tapered angles of both to optimize chemical atomization. An upper externally threaded portion  164  of valve element  156  passes upward through inner space  154  of valve seating element  148 , and through a compression spring  166 . A nut  168  is threadably applied to the upper externally threaded portion  164  and adjusted to a pre-determined compression of the compression spring  166  to facilitate optimum atomization of the chemical in use. An additional nut  168  is utilized to lock the adjusted position of the first. The preferred embodiment  10  and the design elements of the chemical atomizer assembly  134  compliment the application and versatility of each other.  
         [0034]      FIG. 5C  provides a generic depiction of a chemical injection quill  170  with upper fixture  142  providing means to attach said chemical injection quill  170  to the conveyance tube lower fixture  84 . The general purpose of this type of probe is to protect the injection site against chemicals that have corrosive properties.  
         [0035]      FIG. 5D  provides a generic depiction of an electronic device requiring the conveyance of an electronic signal to an external device for processing of the data collected. The electronic probes upper fixture  142  is specific to the preferred embodiment  10 , however individual types of electronic monitoring devices are of too wide a range to list individually in the specification.