Patent Publication Number: US-2022228455-A1

Title: System and method for actuating a locking assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     A blowout preventer (BOP) stack is installed on a wellhead to seal and control a wellbore during drilling operations. A drill string may be suspended from a rig through the BOP stack into the wellbore. During drilling operations, a drilling fluid is delivered through the drill string and returned up through an annulus between the drill string and a casing that lines the wellbore. In the event of a rapid invasion of formation fluid in the annulus, commonly known as a “kick,” a movable component within the BOP stack may be actuated to seal the annulus and to control fluid pressure in the wellbore, thereby protecting well equipment above the BOP stack. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     A locking assembly is disclosed. The locking assembly includes a first motor gear configured to be rotated in a first direction in response to a motor shaft rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second motor gear configured to be rotated in a second direction in response to the motor shaft rotating in the second direction. The motor shaft rotates in the first direction and the second direction at substantially a same pressure. The locking assembly also includes a first lock gear configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first motor gear rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second lock gear configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second motor gear rotating in the second direction. The locking assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first lock gear rotating in the first direction, and to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second lock gear rotating in the second direction. 
     A system is also disclosed. The system includes a motor having a motor shaft that is configured to rotate in a first direction in response to a first motor pressure, and to rotate in a second direction in response to a second motor pressure. The first and second directions are opposite to one another, and the first and second motor pressures are within 1 MPa of one another. The system also includes a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a smaller motor gear configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the motor shaft rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a larger motor gear configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the motor shaft rotating in the second direction. The locking assembly also includes a larger lock gear configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the smaller motor gear rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a smaller lock gear configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the larger motor gear rotating in the second direction. The locking assembly also includes a first belt wrapped at least partially around the smaller motor gear and the larger lock gear. The first belt is configured to transmit torque from the smaller motor gear to the larger lock gear. The locking assembly also includes a second belt wrapped at least partially around the larger motor gear and the smaller lock gear. The second belt is configured to transmit torque from the larger motor gear to the smaller lock gear. The locking assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the larger lock gear rotating in the first direction, which causes the locking mechanism to move in a first axial direction and to actuate from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. The locking mechanism is configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the smaller lock gear rotating in the second direction, which causes the locking mechanism to move in a second axial direction and to actuate from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. The system also includes a blowout preventer (BOP) configured to actuate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The locking mechanism allows the BOP to actuate between the open configuration and the closed configuration when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked configuration. The locking mechanism prevents the BOP from actuating between the open configuration and the closed configuration when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration. 
     A method for operating a blowout preventer (BOP) is also disclosed. The method includes actuating the BOP from an open configuration into a closed configuration. The method also includes actuating a locking assembly from an unlocked configuration into a locked configuration when the BOP is in the closed configuration. Actuating the locking assembly from the unlocked configuration into the locked configuration includes causing a motor shaft to rotate in a first direction, which causes a first motor gear to rotate in the first direction, which causes a first lock gear to rotate in the first direction, which causes a locking mechanism to rotate in the first direction, which causes the locking mechanism to move in a first axial direction, which actuates the locking assembly from the unlocked configuration into the locked configuration. The locking assembly prevents the BOP from actuating between the open configuration and the closed configuration when the locking assembly is in the locked configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present teachings and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present teachings. In the figures: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diagram of an offshore system that has a blowout preventer (BOP) and a remote locking system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates is a cross-sectional top view of a portion of the BOP and the remote locking system of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a bonnet and a remote locking assembly that may be part of the remote locking system of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment. The remote locking assembly is in an unlocked position. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the bonnet and the remote locking assembly of  FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment. The remote locking assembly is in a locked position. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of another bonnet and remote locking assembly that may be part of the remote locking system of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the bonnet and the remote locking assembly of  FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of the bonnet and the remote locking assembly of  FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an end view of the bonnet and the remote locking assembly of  FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a schematic side view of a gear assembly of the remote locking assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a schematic top view of the gear assembly shown in  FIG. 9 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating the BOP, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and figures. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. 
     It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first object or step could be termed a second object or step, and, similarly, a second object or step could be termed a first object or step, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first object or step, and the second object or step, are both, objects or steps, respectively, but they are not to be considered the same object or step. 
     The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Further, as used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to blowout preventers (BOPs). In particular, the present disclosure is generally directed to a remote locking system for a BOP and/or a method for remote locking of a locking mechanism (e.g., lock screw) for the BOP. The remote locking system may be configured to actuate between a first (e.g., unlocked) configuration and a second (e.g., locked) configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the remote locking system allows movement of rams of the BOP. In the locked configuration, the remote locking system prevents movement of the rams of the BOP. 
     While certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to an offshore system (e.g., subsea system), it should be understood that the BOP and the remote locking system may be used in an on-shore system (e.g., land-based system). Furthermore, while certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a drilling system that may be used to carry out drilling operations, it should be appreciated that the BOP and the remote locking system may be adapted for use in any of a variety of contexts and during any of a variety of operations. For example, the BOP and the remote locking system may be used in a production system and/or in a pressure control equipment (PCE) stack that is positioned vertically above a wellhead during various intervention operations (e.g., inspection or service operations), such as wireline operations in which a tool supported on a wireline is lowered through the PCE stack to enable inspection and/or maintenance of a well. In such cases, the BOP may be adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration (e.g., to seal about the wireline extending through the PCE stack) to isolate the environment, as well as other surface equipment, from pressurized fluid within the well. In the present disclosure, a conduit may be any of a variety of tubular or cylindrical structures, such as a drill string, wireline, Streamline™, slickline, coiled tubing, or other spoolable rod. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of an offshore system  10  (e.g., offshore drilling system), according to an embodiment. The offshore system  10  and its components may be described with reference to a vertical axis or direction  2 , an axial axis or direction  4 , a lateral axis or direction  6 , and a circumferential axis or direction  8 . The offshore system  10  includes a vessel or platform  12  at a sea surface  14 , and a wellhead  16  positioned at a sea floor  18 . The offshore system  10  also includes a BOP stack  20  positioned above the wellhead  16 , and a riser  22  that extends between the BOP stack  20  and the vessel or platform  12 . Downhole operations may be carried out by a conduit  24  that extends from the vessel or platform  12 , through the riser  22 , through the BOP stack  20 , through the wellhead  16 , and into a wellbore  26 . 
     The BOP stack  20  may include one or more BOPs (four are shown:  28 ) stacked along the vertical axis  2  relative to one another. As described in greater detail below, one or more of the BOPs  28  may include opposed rams that are configured to move along the axial axis  4  toward and away from one another to adjust the BOP  28  between a first (e.g., open) configuration and a second (e.g., closed) configuration. In the open configuration, the opposed rams may be retracted (e.g., withdrawn) from a central bore of the BOP  28 , and thus, the BOP  28  may enable fluid flow through the central bore. In the closed configuration, the opposed rams may be extended into (e.g., positioned in) the central bore of the BOP  28 , and thus, the BOP  28  may block fluid flow through the central bore. 
     The BOP stack  20  may include any of a variety of different types of BOPs  28  (e.g., having shear rams, blind rams, blind shear rams, pipe rams). For example, in one embodiment, the BOP stack  20  may include one or more BOPs  28  having opposed shear rams or blades configured to sever the conduit  24  to block fluid flow through the central bore. In another embodiment, the BOP stack  20  may include one or more BOPs  28  having opposed pipe rams configured to engage the conduit  24  to block fluid flow through the central bore (e.g., through an annulus about the conduit  24 ). 
     As shown, the BOP stack  20  may include one or more remote locking assemblies  30 . For example, one remote locking assembly  30  may be positioned at each end (e.g., along the axial axis  4 ) of the BOP  28 . The remote locking assembly  30  may be part of a remote locking system  32  that operates to adjust components of the remote locking assembly  30  between a first (e.g., unlocked) configuration and a second (e.g., locked) configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the remote locking assembly  30  allows movement of the rams of the BOP  28 . In the locked configuration, the remote locking assembly  30  prevents movement of the rams of the BOP  28 . 
     The remote locking assembly  30  may be in the locked configuration to maintain the BOP  28  in the open configuration, the closed configuration, and/or the position therebetween. However, the remote locking assembly  30  may be actuated to the unlocked configuration to allow the rams of the BOP  28  to move relative to the central bore between the open configuration and the closed configuration. For example, in response to an indication of an increased pressure within the wellbore  26  or another indication (e.g., operator input or test cycle) that the rams of the BOP  28  should be moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the rams of the BOP  28  may be moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration, and the remote locking system  32  may operate to actuate the remote locking assembly  30  from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration to maintain the rams of the BOP in the closed configuration, thereby facilitating maintenance of a seal across the central bore of the BOP  28 . 
     The remote locking system  32  may include a controller  34  (e.g., electronic controller) having a processor  36  and a memory device  38 . In some embodiments, the processor  36  may receive and process signals from a sensor that monitors the pressure within the wellbore  26  to determine that the BOP  28  should be adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration (or vice versa). In some embodiments, the processor  36  may receive other signals (e.g., operator input) that indicate that the BOP  28  should be adjusted from the open configuration to the closed configuration (or vice versa). Then, the processor  36  may provide control signals, such as to an actuator assembly to adjust the rams to move toward one another and into the central bore to reach the closed configuration. The processor  36  may also provide control signals, such as to one or more motors (e.g., hydraulic motors, pneumatic motors, electric motors) of the one or more remote locking assemblies  30  to drive adjustment of one or more locking mechanisms (e.g., lock screws) to lock the rams in the closed configuration. 
     The controller  34  may be part of or include a distributed controller or control system with one or more electronic controllers in communication with one another to carry out the various techniques disclosed herein. For example, the controller  34  may be part of a distributed controller with one controller (not shown) at the vessel or platform  12  and another controller  34  at the BOP  28  and/or at the remote locking assembly  30 . The processor  36  may also include one or more processors configured to execute software, such as software for processing signals and/or controlling other components associated with the BOP  28  and/or the remote locking system  32 . 
     The memory device  38  disclosed herein may include one or more memory devices (e.g., a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM)) that may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device  38  may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor  36  to execute, such as instructions for processing signals and/or controlling the other components associated with the BOP  28  and/or the remote locking system  32 . The controller  34  may include various other components, such as a communication device  40  that is capable of communicating data or other information to various other devices via a wired and/or a wireless connection. 
     The remote locking system  32  having the controller  34  enables the one or more remote locking assemblies  30  to be efficiently and remotely locked via electronic control (e.g., without a human operator, a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV), or an autonomously-operated vehicle (AUV) physically contacting and manipulating the BOP  28  or the remote locking assemblies  30 . The remote locking system  32  herein also enables smooth and/or continuous application of torque to a locking mechanism  70  (discussed below) during an unlocking operation and a locking operation, as opposed to some types of manual operation that may not enable smooth and/or continuous application of torque. Additionally, the remote locking system  32  may provide a visual indicator (e.g., visible to a human operator, a ROV, or an AUV) of a configuration of the one or more remote locking assemblies  30 , such as due to respective positions of each of the one or more locking assemblies  30  relative to components of the BOP  28  (e.g., because visible portions of the one or more locking assemblies  30  move relative to components of the BOP  28  during the unlocking operation and the locking operation). The remote locking system  32  may remain coupled to the BOP  28  during operations (e.g., drilling operations) and/or may be a stand-alone component that is supported by the BOP  28  (e.g., not part of an ROV or an AUV). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a portion of one BOP  28  with two opposing rams  50  in the open configuration, according to an embodiment. In the open configuration, the rams  50  are withdrawn from a central bore  56  of the BOP  28 , do not contact the conduit  24 , and/or do not contact the corresponding opposing ram  50 . As shown, the BOP  28  includes a housing (also referred to as a body)  58  that surrounds and defines the central bore  56 . As shown, bonnets  60  are mounted to the housing  58  (e.g., via threaded fasteners). Each bonnet  60  supports an actuator  62 , which includes a piston  64  and a connecting rod  66 . The actuators  62  may drive the rams  50  toward and away from one another along the axial axis  4  and through the central bore  56  to shear the conduit  24  and/or to seal the central bore  56  (e.g., the annular space around the conduit  24 ). 
     As shown, a respective remote locking assembly  30  is supported by and/or coupled to each bonnet  60 . Each remote locking assembly  30  is configured to actuate (e.g., via hydraulic actuation) between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the remote locking assembly  30  allows movement of the rams  50  of the BOP  28 . Thus, in the unlocked configuration, the BOP  28  may actuate between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In the locked configuration, the remote locking assembly  30  prevents movement of the rams  50  of the BOP  28 . Thus, in the locked configuration, the remote locking assembly  30  may secure/lock the BOP  28  in the closed configuration. 
     Each remote locking assembly  30  includes or is configured to drive a locking mechanism  70  (e.g., a lock screw) that is configured to move relative to the rams  50 , the central bore  56 , and/or the bonnet  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism  70  is threadably coupled to the bonnet  60  such that rotation of the locking mechanism  70  drives the locking mechanism  70  to move along the axial axis  4  relative to the bonnet  60  (e.g., to the right and left in  FIG. 2 ). For example, the locking mechanism  70  may be rotated in a first direction (e.g., along the circumferential axis  8 ) to drive the locking mechanism  70  toward the ram  50  and toward the central bore  56  while the ram  50  is in the closed configuration to thereby contact a tail rod of the piston  64  and to lock the ram  50  in the closed configuration. The locking mechanism  70  may be rotated in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction along the circumferential axis  8 ) to drive the locking mechanism  70  away the ram  50  and away the central bore  56  to thereby allow the ram  50  to be actuated from the closed configuration to the open configuration. As shown, a central or rotational axis of the locking mechanism  70  extends along the axial axis  4 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one of the bonnets  60  and one of the remote locking assemblies  30 , according to an embodiment. The remote locking assembly  30  is in the unlocked configuration in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 4  illustrates perspective view of the bonnet  60  and the remote locking assembly  30  of  FIG. 3  but with a gear housing  90  thereof omitted for the sake of illustration, according to an embodiment. The remote locking assembly  30  is in the locked configuration in  FIG. 4 . 
     The remote locking assembly  30  includes a motor  84  (e.g., hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, electric motor) that is coupled to and drives the rotation of the locking mechanism  70  (e.g., via a gear assembly having one or more gears). In particular, the motor  84  may be coupled (e.g., directly and/or non-rotatably) to a first gear  86  (e.g., spur gear) of the gear assembly. For example, the motor  84  may be coupled to the first gear  86  via an interface between an output shaft of the motor  84  and the first gear  86 . The interface may include teeth on the output shaft of the motor  84  and corresponding teeth on the first gear  86 , as described below. 
     The first gear  86  may engage a second gear  88  (e.g., spur gear) of the gear assembly. As shown, the first gear  86  and the second gear  88  are engaged via contact between respective teeth of the first gear  86  and the second gear  88 . In another embodiment, the first gear  86  and the second gear  88  may not be in direct contact with one another, and a belt may be wrapped at least partially around the gears  86 ,  88  to transfer the torque from the first gear  86  to the second gear  88 . The first and second gears  86 ,  88  may be positioned at least partially within a gear housing  90 . 
     The locking mechanism  70  may be coupled to the second gear  88  of the gear assembly. Thus, activation of the motor  84  (e.g., via application of hydraulic pressure in the case of a hydraulic motor) drives rotation of the output shaft of the motor  84 , which drives rotation of the first gear  86 , which drives rotation of the second gear  88 , which drives rotation of the locking mechanism  70 . The first gear  86  may have a first diameter, the second gear  88  may have a second diameter, and the first diameter may be different (e.g., less) than the second diameter. This may increase torque applied to the locking mechanism  70 . It should be appreciated that any of a variety of combinations of gears or similar components may be utilized to transfer torque from the motor  84  to the locking mechanism  70 . 
     As noted above, the rotation of the locking mechanism  70  drives the locking mechanism  70  to move along the axial axis  4  relative to the bonnet  60 . For example, the rotation of the locking mechanism  70  in a first direction along the circumferential axis  8  may drive the locking mechanism  70  along the axial axis  4  toward the central bore  56 , which actuates the locking mechanism  70  from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Similarly, the rotation of the locking mechanism  70  in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction) along the circumferential axis  8  may drive the locking mechanism  70  along the axial axis  4  away from the central bore  56 , which actuates the locking mechanism  70  from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. As shown, the remote locking assembly  30  (e.g., the motor  84 , the gear assembly) may move with the locking mechanism  70  along the axial axis  4  relative to the bonnet  60 . A central or rotational axis of the output shaft of the motor  84  may be parallel to a central or rotational axis of the locking mechanism  70 . 
       FIGS. 5-8  illustrate a different embodiment of the bonnet  60  and the remote locking assembly  30 . More particularly,  FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the bonnet  60  and the remote locking assembly  30 , according to an embodiment.  FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the bonnet and the remote locking assembly of  FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. A portion of a gear housing  96  is removed to illustrate a portion of a gear assembly  98  of the remote locking assembly  30  in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of the bonnet  60  and the remote locking assembly  30  of  FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment.  FIG. 8  illustrates an end view of the bonnet  60  and the remote locking assembly  30  of  FIG. 5 , according to an embodiment. 
     As shown, the remote locking assembly  30  includes the motor  84  (e.g., hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, electric motor) that is coupled to and drives the rotation of the locking mechanism  70  (e.g., via the gear assembly  98 ). The gear assembly  98  may include one or more gears (two are shown:  100 ,  102 ) and one or more belts (one is shown:  104 ). In particular, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the motor  84  may be coupled (e.g., indirectly, non-rotatably via one or more gears) to a first gear  100  (e.g., spur gear) of the gear assembly  98 . The first gear  100  may drive a second gear  102  (e.g., spur gear) of the gear assembly  98  via the belt  104 , which contacts and engages respective teeth of the first gear  100  and the second gear  102 . 
     The locking mechanism  70  may be coupled to the second gear  102  of the gear assembly. Thus, activation of the motor  84  (e.g., via application of hydraulic pressure in the case of a hydraulic motor) drives rotation of the output shaft of the motor  84 , which drives rotation of the first gear  100 , which drives rotation of the second gear  102 , which drives rotation of the locking mechanism  70 . The first gear  100  may have a first diameter, the second gear  102  may have a second diameter, and the first diameter may be different (e.g., less) than the second diameter. This may increase torque applied to the locking mechanism  70 . It should be appreciated that any of a variety of combinations of gears or similar components may be utilized to transfer torque from the motor  84  to the locking mechanism  70 . 
     As noted above, the rotation of the locking mechanism  70  drives the locking mechanism  70  to move along the axial axis  4  relative to the bonnet  60 . For example, the rotation of the locking mechanism  70  in a first direction along the circumferential axis  8  may drive the locking mechanism  70  along the axial axis  4  toward the central bore  56 , which actuates the locking mechanism  70  from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Similarly, the rotation of the locking mechanism  70  in a second direction along the circumferential axis  8  may drive the locking mechanism  70  along the axial axis  4  away from the central bore  56 , which actuates the locking mechanism  70  from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. 
     In the embodiments described above, the output shaft of the motor  84  may rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) to cause the locking mechanism  70  to actuate from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. This may be in response to a first pressure in the motor  84  (e.g., in the case of a hydraulic motor). The output shaft of the motor  84  may rotate in a second direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) to cause the locking mechanism  70  to actuate from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. This may be in response to a second pressure in the motor  84  (e.g., in the case of a hydraulic motor). The first and second pressures may be different. In one example, the first pressure may be 10 MPa, and the second pressure may be 14 MPa. 
     The embodiments described below are able to actuate the locking mechanism  70  between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration using substantially the same pressure. For example, the embodiments described below may generate different torques (e.g., by causing the locking mechanism  70  to rotate in different directions) using substantially the same pressure. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a schematic side view of another gear assembly  900  including a first set of gears  910 A,  920 A and a second set of gears  910 B,  920 B, according to an embodiment.  FIG. 10  illustrates a schematic top view of the gear assembly  900  shown in  FIG. 9 , according to an embodiment. The gear  920 B is shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 9 , as it is behind the larger gear  920 A. 
     The gear assembly  900  may be used as an alternative to the gears  86 ,  88  in the gear assembly of  FIG. 3 , or as an alternative to the gears  100 ,  102  in the gear assembly  98  of  FIG. 6 . For example, the first set of gears  910 A,  920 A and the second set of gears  910 B,  920 B may both be positioned at least partially within the gear housing  90  (see  FIG. 3 ), the gear housing  96  (see  FIG. 5-8 ), or another gear housing. 
     As described in greater detail below, the gears  910 A,  910 B may be coupled to and/or engaged with a shaft  940  of the motor  84  (i.e., the motor shaft), and the gears  920 A,  920 B may be coupled to and/or engaged with the locking mechanism  70 . The gears  910 A,  910 B may be coaxial with one another (and the motor shaft  940 ), and axially offset from one another along the motor shaft  940 . The gears  920 A,  920 B may be coaxial with one another (and the locking mechanism  70 ), and axially offset from one another along the locking mechanism  70 . The motor shaft  940  may be parallel with the locking mechanism  70 . 
     As shown, the gear  910 A has a different (e.g., smaller) diameter than the gear  910 B. Thus, the gear  910 A may be referred to as the smaller motor gear, and the gear  910 B may be referred to as the larger motor gear. Similarly, the gear  920 A may have a different (e.g., larger) diameter than the gear  920 B. Thus, the gear  920 A may be referred to as the larger lock gear, and the gear  920 B may be referred to as the smaller lock gear. 
     The motor gears  910 A,  910 B may each include teeth  912 A and  912 B, respectively. The teeth  912 A may extend radially inward from an outer ring  914 A of the smaller motor gear  910 A, and the teeth  912 B may extend radially inward from an outer ring  914 B of the larger motor gear  910 B. The teeth  912 A may be axially offset from the teeth  912 B with respect to the motor shaft  940 . In one embodiment, the teeth  912 A,  912 B may be or include splines. 
     The motor shaft  940  may include teeth  932  that are aligned with and configured to engage the teeth  912 A on the smaller motor gear  910 A. The motor shaft  940  may also include teeth  934  that are aligned with and configured to engage the teeth  912 B on the larger motor gear  910 B. The teeth  932 ,  934  may extend radially outward from the motor shaft  940 . The teeth  932  may be axially offset from the teeth  934  along the motor shaft  940 . In one embodiment, the teeth  932 ,  934  may be or include splines. 
     The teeth  932  may be positioned radially inward from the teeth  934 . Similarly, the teeth  912 A may be positioned radially inward from the teeth  912 B. The number of teeth  912 A on the smaller motor gear  910 A may be less than the number of the teeth  912 B on the larger motor gear  910 B. In one example, the smaller motor gear  910 A may have nineteen teeth  912 A, and the larger motor gear  910 B may have twenty-four teeth  912 B. 
     The teeth  912 A and/or the teeth  932  may be configured to engage with one another to transfer torque from the motor shaft  940  to the smaller motor gear  910 A when the motor shaft  940  rotates in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction. For example, when the motor  84  rotates the motor shaft  940  in the clockwise direction, the teeth  912 A,  932  engage one another and cause the smaller motor gear  910 A to also rotate in the clockwise direction. 
     The teeth  912 A and/or the teeth  932  may be configured to not engage one another when the motor shaft  940  rotates in a second (e.g., counter-clockwise) direction such that no torque is transferred from the motor shaft  940  to the smaller motor gear  910 A. For example, when the motor  84  rotates the motor shaft  940  in the counter-clockwise direction, the teeth  912 A of the smaller motor gear  910 A may become disengaged (e.g., axially and/or radially misaligned) with teeth  932  of the motor shaft  940 . As a result, the smaller motor gear  910 A may be in a freewheel state when the motor shaft  940  rotates in the counter-clockwise direction. Thus, when the motor shaft  940  rotates in the counter-clockwise direction, the smaller motor gear  910 A may either not be rotating, or the smaller motor gear  910 A may rotate in the clockwise direction. 
     The teeth  912 B and/or the teeth  934  may be configured to engage with one another to transfer torque from the motor shaft  940  to the larger motor gear  910 B when the motor shaft  940  rotates in the second (e.g., counter-clockwise) direction. For example, when the motor  84  rotates the motor shaft  940  in the counter-clockwise direction, the teeth  912 B,  934  engage one another and cause the larger motor gear  910 B to also rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. 
     The teeth  912 B and/or the teeth  934  may be configured to not engage one another when the motor shaft  940  rotates in the first (e.g., clockwise) direction such that no torque is transferred from the motor shaft  940  to the larger motor gear  910 B. For example, when the motor  84  rotates the motor shaft  940  in the clockwise direction, the teeth  912 B of the larger motor gear  910 B may become axially and/or radially misaligned with the teeth  934  of the motor shaft  940 . As a result, the larger motor gear  910 B may be in a freewheel state when the motor shaft  940  rotates in the clockwise direction. Thus, when the motor shaft  940  rotates in the clockwise direction, the larger motor gear  910 B may either not be rotating, or the larger motor gear  910 B may rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. 
     The motor gears  910 A,  910 B may be configured to transfer their rotary motion/torque to the lock gears  920 A,  920 B, respectively. Although not shown, in one embodiment, the motor gears  910 A,  910 B may be configured to transfer their rotary motion/torque to the lock gears  920 A,  920 B, respectively, via direct contact, as is done between the gears  86 ,  88  in  FIG. 4 . However, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a first belt  930 A may be wrapped at least partially around the first set of gears  910 A,  920 A and configured to transfer the rotary motion/torque from the smaller motor gear  910 A to the larger lock gear  920 A. Similarly, a second belt  930 B may be wrapped at least partially around the second set of gears  910 B,  920 B and configured to transfer the rotary motion/torque from the larger motor gear  910 B to the smaller lock gear  920 B. 
     As discussed above, the lock gears  920 A,  920 B may be coupled to and/or engaged with the locking mechanism  70 . The lock gears  920 A,  920 B may each include teeth  922 A and  922 B, respectively. The teeth  922 A may extend radially inward from an outer ring  924 A of the larger lock gear  920 A, and the teeth  922 B may extend radially inward from an outer ring  924 B of the smaller lock gear  920 B. The teeth  922 A may be axially offset from the teeth  922 B with respect to the locking mechanism  70 . In one embodiment, the teeth  922 A,  922 B may be or include splines. 
     The locking mechanism  70  may include teeth  74  that are aligned with and configured to engage the teeth  922 A on the larger lock gear  920 A. The locking mechanism  70  may also include teeth  72  that are aligned with and configured to engage the teeth  922 B on the smaller lock gear  920 B. The teeth  72 ,  74  may extend radially outward from the locking mechanism  70 . The teeth  72  may be axially offset from the teeth  74  along the locking mechanism  70 . In one embodiment, the teeth  72 ,  74  may be or include splines. 
     The teeth  72  may be positioned radially inward from the teeth  74 . Similarly, the teeth  922 B may be positioned radially inward from the teeth  922 A. The number of teeth  922 A on the larger lock gear  920 A may be greater than the number of the teeth  922 B on the smaller lock gear  920 B. In one example, the larger lock gear  920 A may have thirty-nine teeth  922 A, and the smaller lock gear  920 B may have thirty-six teeth  922 B. 
     The teeth  922 A and/or the teeth  74  may be configured to engage with one another to transfer torque from the larger lock gear  920 A to the locking mechanism  70  when the larger lock gear  920 A rotates in the first (e.g., clockwise) direction. For example, when the larger lock gear  920 A rotates in the clockwise direction, the teeth  922 A,  74  engage one another and cause the locking mechanism  70  to also rotate in the clockwise direction. As discussed above, this may cause the locking mechanism  70  to actuate from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. 
     The teeth  922 A and/or the teeth  74  may be configured to not engage one another when the larger lock gear  920 A rotates in the second (e.g., counter-clockwise) direction such that no torque is transferred from the larger lock gear  920 A to the locking mechanism  70 . For example, when the larger lock gear  920 A rotates in the counter-clockwise direction, the teeth  922 A of the larger lock gear  920 A may become axially and/or radially misaligned with the teeth  74  of the locking mechanism  70 . As a result, the larger lock gear  920 A may be in a freewheel state when rotating in the counter-clockwise direction. Thus, when the larger lock gear  920  rotates in the counter-clockwise direction, the locking mechanism  70  may either not be rotating, or the locking mechanism  70  may rotate in the clockwise direction. 
     The teeth  922 B and/or the teeth  72  may be configured to engage with one another to transfer torque from the smaller lock gear  920 B to the locking mechanism  70  when the smaller lock gear  920 B rotates in the second (e.g., counter-clockwise) direction. For example, when the smaller lock gear  920 B rotates in the counter-clockwise direction, the teeth  922 B,  72  engage one another and cause the locking mechanism  70  to also rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. As discussed above, this may cause the locking mechanism  70  to actuate from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. 
     The teeth  922 B and/or the teeth  72  may be configured to not engage one another when the smaller lock gear  920 B rotates in the first (e.g., clockwise) direction such that no torque is transferred from the smaller lock gear  920   b  to the locking mechanism  70 . For example, when the smaller lock gear  920 B rotates in the clockwise direction, the teeth  922 B of the smaller lock gear  920 B may become axially and/or radially misaligned with the teeth  72  of the locking mechanism  70 . As a result, the smaller lock gear  920 B may be in a freewheel state when rotating in the clockwise direction. Thus, when the smaller lock gear  920 B rotates in the clockwise direction, the locking mechanism  70  may either not be rotating, or the locking mechanism  70  may rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. 
     In the embodiments in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the output shaft  940  of the motor  84  may rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) to cause the locking mechanism  70  to actuate from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The output shaft  940  of the motor  84  may rotate in a second direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) to cause the locking mechanism  70  to actuate from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. Both actuations may be in response to substantially the same pressure in the motor  84  (e.g., in the case of a hydraulic motor). 
     Performing both actuations at substantially the same pressure may be achieved by using the gear assembly  900  including the two sets of gears  910 A,  920 A and  910 B,  920 B. More particularly, performing both actuations at substantially the same pressure may be based at least partially upon the sizes (e.g., diameters) of the gears  910 A,  910 B,  920 A,  920 B (i.e., the gear ratios), the number of teeth  912 A,  912 B,  922 A,  922 B on the gears  910 A,  910 B,  920 A,  920 B, the speed/torque relationship between the gears  910 A,  910 B,  920 A,  920 B, or a combination thereof. 
     In one example, the pressure to perform both actuations may be substantially the same (e.g., about 10 MPa). As used herein, “substantially the same pressure” refers to within about 2 MPa, within 1 MPa, within 500 kPa, or within 100 kPa. Actuating the locking mechanism  70  from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, and from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, using substantially the same pressure may provide the benefit of simplifying/reducing the equipment used to run and/or monitor the motor  84 . More particularly, the motor  84  has many components and operations that work together to generate a predetermined pressure. If one or more of these components or operations malfunctions, the predetermine pressure may not be generated. The systems (e.g., mechanical systems) and methods disclosed herein simplify the components and operations so that the predetermined pressure can be generated. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart of a method  1100  for operating the BOP  28 , according to an embodiment. An illustrative order of the method  1100  is provided below. However, it will be appreciated that one or more portions of the method  1100  may be performed in a different order, performed simultaneously, repeated, or omitted. In addition, although the method  1100  is described as actuating the BOP  28  from a first (e.g., open) configuration to a second (e.g., closed) configuration, and/or actuating the remote locking assembly  30  from a first (e.g., unlocked) configuration to a second (e.g., locked) configuration, the method  1100  may also or instead be used to actuate any device from a first configuration to a second configuration. 
     The method  1100  may include measuring the pressure within the wellbore  26 , as at  1102 . In response to the measured pressure being greater than a pressure threshold, the method  1100  may also include actuating the BOP  28  from the first (e.g., open) configuration to the second (e.g., closed) configuration, as at  1104 . 
     The method  1100  may also include actuating the remote locking assembly  30  (e.g., the locking mechanism  70 ) from a first (e.g., unlocked) configuration to a second (e.g., locked configuration), as at  1106 . This may secure the BOP  28  in the closed configuration. Actuating the remote locking assembly  30  may include causing the motor  84  to rotate the motor shaft  940  in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction. When the motor  84  is a hydraulic motor, this may include increasing the pressure in the motor to a predetermined pressure (e.g., 10 MPa). As described above, in response to the motor shaft  940  rotating in the clockwise direction, the teeth  932  of the motor shaft  940  may engage the teeth  912 A of the smaller motor gear  910 A, causing the smaller motor gear  910 A to rotate in the clockwise direction. This may cause the first belt  930 A to rotate in the clockwise direction, which may cause the larger lock gear  920 A to rotate in the clockwise direction. In response to the larger lock gear  920 A rotating in the clockwise direction, the teeth  922 A of the larger lock gear  920 A may engage the teeth  74  of the locking mechanism  70 , causing the locking mechanism  70  to rotate in the clockwise direction. This causes the locking mechanism  70  to move axially in the first direction, which actuates the locking mechanism  70  into the locked configuration. 
     As discussed above, when the motor shaft  940 , the smaller motor gear  910 A, the first belt  930 A, the larger lock gear  920 A, the locking mechanism  70 , or a combination thereof is/are rotating in the clockwise direction, the larger motor gear  910 B and/or the smaller lock gear  920 B may be in a freewheel state in which they may not be rotating, or they may be rotating in the counter-clockwise direction. 
     The method  1100  may also include performing a wellbore operation to reduce the pressure in the wellbore  26 , as at  1108 . In one example, the wellbore operation may include reducing the flow rate of the fluid being pumped into the wellbore  26 , reducing the weight-on-bit (WOB), or the like. 
     The method  1100  may also include measuring the pressure within the wellbore  26 , as at  1110 . In one embodiment, the pressure may be measured after the wellbore operation. 
     In response to the measured pressure (now) being less than the pressure threshold (e.g., after the wellbore operation), the method  1100  may include actuating the remote locking assembly  30  (e.g., the locking mechanism  70 ) from the second (e.g., locked) configuration to the second (e.g., unlocked configuration), as at  1112 . This may allow the BOP  28  to be actuated into the open configuration, as discussed below. Actuating the remote locking assembly  30  may include causing the motor  84  to rotate the motor shaft  940  in the second (e.g., counter-clockwise) direction. When the motor  84  is a hydraulic motor, this may include increasing the pressure in the motor to the predetermined pressure (e.g., 10 MPa). As described above, in response to the motor shaft  940  rotating in the counter-clockwise direction, the teeth  934  of the motor shaft  940  may engage the teeth  912 B of the larger motor gear  910 A, causing the larger motor gear  910 B to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. This may cause the second belt  930 B to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction, which may cause the smaller lock gear  920 B to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. In response to the smaller lock gear  920 B rotating in the counter-clockwise direction, the teeth  922 B of the smaller lock gear  920 B may engage the teeth  72  of the locking mechanism  70 , causing the locking mechanism to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. This causes the locking mechanism  70  to move axially in the second direction, which actuates the locking mechanism  70  into the unlocked configuration. 
     As discussed above, when the motor shaft  940 , the larger motor gear  910 B, the second belt  930 B, the smaller lock gear  920 B, the locking mechanism  70 , or a combination thereof is/are rotating in the counter-clockwise direction, the smaller motor gear  910 A and/or the larger lock gear  920 A may be in a freewheel state in which they may not be rotating, or they may be rotating in the clockwise direction. 
     The method  1100  may also include actuating the BOP  28  from the second (e.g., closed) configuration to the first (e.g., open) configuration, as at  1114 . 
     Advantageously, the remote locking system disclosed herein may be utilized with a BOP, such as a BOP of an offshore system or an on-shore system. Thus, the remote locking system may be configured for use in a subsea environment and/or may have features that enable the remote locking system to be efficiently operated in a subsea environment or another remote environment even while the remote locking system is not physically accessible by an operator (e.g., manually by an operator, an ROV, and/or an AUV). For example, the remote locking assembly may be controlled via a controller in response to inputs at a remote base station (e.g., at a platform at a sea surface) that is physically separate from the remote locking assembly of the remote locking system. It should be appreciated that the remote locking system disclosed herein may be used with any of a variety of types of BOP&#39;s, including BOP&#39;s that have only a single ram (e.g., that seal the central bore with only the single ram; without an opposed ram). It should also be appreciated that any of the features disclosed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-11  may be combined in any suitable manner. 
     As used herein, the terms “inner” and “outer”; “up” and “down”; “upper” and “lower”; “upward” and “downward”; “upstream” and “downstream”; “above” and “below”; “inward” and “outward”; and other like terms as used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular direction or spatial orientation. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and “connecting” refer to “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more intermediate elements or members.” 
     The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Moreover, the order in which the elements of the methods are illustrated and described may be re-arranged, and/or two or more elements may occur simultaneously. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.