Patent Abstract:
An apparatus for securing a tubular member under tension is provided, the member secured to and extending between a first and second fixed assembly. The apparatus comprises a first tubular assembly connectable at a first region to the tubular member to be tensioned and a second tubular assembly having a first and a second engageable portion, the second tubular assembly being arranged concentrically with respect to the first tubular assembly and movable longitudinally with respect to the first tubular assembly. A first engagement assembly is provided for engaging the first engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with the first fixed assembly, such that movement of the second tubular assembly toward the tubular member to be tensioned is prevented. A second engagement assembly is provided for engaging the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with the first tubular assembly upon longitudinal movement of the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with respect to the first tubular assembly toward the tubular member. In this way, the second tubular assembly can be placed under tension by moving its second engageable portion longitudinally relative to its first engageable portion, when the first engageable portion is engaged with the first fixed assembly. A method for securing a tubular member, together with a tool for installing the apparatus, is also enclosed.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying tension to a tubular member and to a method of using the same. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for tensioning tubular members used in offshore oil and gas drilling and production operations, for example the legs of tensions leg platforms, casing strings and risers, and a method for carrying out the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many situations require a tubular member to be placed under tension. Such situations arise in many different aspects of the operations for exploration, drilling and production of oil and gas, in particular in offshore locations. Examples of situations requiring tubular members to be tensioned include the setting of tension leg platforms for offshore drilling and production operations. Further examples arise in the drilling and production of oil and gas from wells accessed through wellheads located on the sea floor, and include the tensioning of risers and casing strings extending between a hanger located in a wellhead on the seabed and a wellhead mounted on a platform or vessel at the surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,794,988 discloses a surface wellhead apparatus for use in tying back casings extending to a subsea structure. The casing is held under tension by a lock member which engages on a shoulder within the surface wellhead. A similar arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,289. Both arrangements require the casing string to be first placed under tension, after which the casing may be held in tension using the arrangements disclosed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,464 describes an offshore well installation in which an adjustable assembly is employed to tension a casing string or other tubular member. The installation comprises a first tubular member and a second tubular member arranged concentrically with a sleeve disposed therebetween. The sleeve is formed with an inner and outer thread thereon, engaging with corresponding outer and inner threads on the first and second tubular members. A lug is disposed between the first and second tubular members to prevent relative rotation of one against the other. Rotation of the sleeve moves the first and second sleeves longitudinally with respect to one another, thus allowing a tension to be placed on the casing string. While the arrangement can be operated to apply tension to the casing string without requiring the string to be tensioned by other means, this is only possible by rotation of the sleeve. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,903 discloses an adjustable mandrel hanger system for maintaining tension in a string of casing extending between a subsea wellhead assembly and a surface wellhead housing. A mandrel is secured to the end of the casing string, to which is mounted a locking member. The locking member lands against a shoulder in the wellhead housing. Upon installation, the operator applies tension to the casing string. The mandrel moves upwards relative to the locking member as the tension is applied. Upon release of the tension applied by the operator, the locking member will retain the mandrel and the string under tension against the shoulder. It is to be noted that the hanger system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,903 simply holds a casing string under tension, once the tension has been applied by the operator. The hanger system cannot itself be used to apply tension to the casing string. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,289 discloses a casing tensioning system for applying tension to a string of casing between a subsea wellhead and a surface wellhead. A casing hanger is secured to the casing: string. The casing hanger has a first position, allowing downward movement of the casing string with respect to the hanger, and a second position, in which upward movement of the casing string is allowed, but in which downward movement of the string relative to the hanger is prevented. The hanger is landed on a shoulder within the surface wellhead. The operator applies tension to the casing string, after which the casing hanger acts to retain the casing string under tension. Again, while the apparatus disclosed is sufficient to hold the tensioned casing string, it cannot be operated to apply the required tension to the string or another tubular member. 
     A similar arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,812, in which a casing hanger is secured to a mandrel, the mandrel in turn being attached to a casing string to be tensioned. Again, the casing hanger allows upwards movement of the mandrel with respect to the hanger, but prevents relative downward movement of the mandrel. Hydraulic pressure is used to force the casing hanger to seat against a shoulder within the surface wellhead, after which the mandrel is raised, thereby placing the casing string under tension. As with the earlier designs discussed above, the casing hanger, while retaining the casing string under tension once sufficient tension has been applied, does not act itself to apply tension to the casing string. 
     An arrangement similar to that of U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,812 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,111, with the difference that a launch adaptor is used to force the casing hanger against the shoulder in the surface wellhead, after which tension is applied to the casing. The casing hanger acts to retain the string of casing under tension in a similar manner to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,812. 
     It can be seen that a variety of assemblies have been proposed to retain a tubular member, such as a casing string, under tension between two fixed assemblies. However, in such arrangements, it is necessary to provide additional means to place the tubular member under the required tension. U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,464 discloses an arrangement in which a single assembly is employed to both apply tension to a tubular member, in this instance a casing string, and retain the tubular member under tension, once applied. However, this arrangement only operates by the interaction of a plurality of separate threads formed on various of the tubular components. The machining of threads is time consuming and undesirable. 
     Accordingly, it can be seen that there is a need for an assembly which can be attached to a tubular member, such as a string of casing in an offshore well, and operated to both apply tension to the tubular member and retain the member under tension, once applied, by linear movement of the components of the assembly and without the need for components to be rotated or formed with threads. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for securing a tubular member under tension, the member secured to and extending between a first and second, fixed assembly, the apparatus comprising: 
     a first tubular assembly connectable at a first engageable portion to the tubular member to be tensioned; 
     a second tubular assembly having a first and a second engageable portion, the second tubular assembly being arranged concentrically with respect to the first tubular assembly and movable longitudinally with respect to the first tubular assembly; 
     a first engagement assembly for engaging the first engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with the first fixed assembly, such that movement of the second tubular assembly toward the tubular member to be tensioned is prevented; 
     a second engagement assembly for engaging the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with the first tubular assembly upon longitudinal movement of the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with respect to the first tubular assembly toward the first engageable portion of the first tubular assembly; 
     wherein the second tubular assembly can be placed under tension by moving its second engageable portion longitudinally relative to its first engageable portion, when the first engageable portion is engaged with the first fixed assembly. 
     When the first tubular assembly is attached to a tubular member, such as a casing string or riser, longitudinal movement of the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly toward the tubular member applies tension to the second tubular assembly, in turn tensioning the tubular member. The apparatus of the present invention may thus be installed to secure an end of the tubular member, for example a casing string or riser, to a first fixed assembly, for example a surface wellhead. Once the tubular member has been attached to the second fixed assembly, for example a subsea wellhead, the apparatus may also be used to tension the tubular member, without the need for additional tensioning equipment. The tension is applied by moving the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly in a longitudinal direction and, thus, does not require any of the components to be rotated or be formed with any additional threaded sections, other than those conventionally found in such systems. This is turn allows the apparatus to be manufactured in a simple manner. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly extends concentrically within the first tubular assembly. 
     The first engagement assembly comprises a locking collar, the locking collar for engaging a shoulder in the first fixed assembly. In this arrangement, the locking collar simply bears against the shoulder, in order to prevent the second tubular assembly from moving towards the tubular member to be secured and tensioned. The first engagement assembly may further comprise a locking ring, for engaging a groove in the first fixed assembly. The locking ring may be biased into engagement with the groove. In an alternative arrangement, the locking collar is movable longitudinally with respect to the second tubular assembly upon contact with the shoulder in the first fixed assembly, such movement urging the locking ring into engagement with the groove in the first fixed assembly. 
     Preferably, the second engagement assembly allows the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly, when engaged with the first tubular assembly, to move away from the first engageable portion of the second tubular assembly. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the second engagement assembly allows the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly to engage with the first tubular assembly in one of a plurality different positions. This arrangement allows the tension being applied to the tubular member to be varied, while still allowing the first and second tubular assemblies to engage, in turn securing the tubular member to the first fixed assembly. 
     Preferably, the second engagement assembly has a first operating mode, in which engagement between the first and second tubular assemblies is not possible, and a second operating mode, in which engagement between the first and second tubular assemblies is possible. In this way, the second engagement assembly may be held inoperative, until the necessary steps have been taken to secure the apparatus to the tubular member to be secured and tensioned and until the second tubular assembly has been engaged with the first fixed assembly by the first engagement assembly. Most preferably, the second engagement assembly is moved from the first operating mode to the second operating mode upon the application of a predetermined tension to the second tubular assembly. 
     In a specific embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention the second engagement assembly comprises a first groove in the first tubular assembly and a second groove in the second tubular assembly, the second engagement assembly further comprising a locking ring for engaging both the first groove and the second groove. Preferably, a plurality of first grooves are provided, thereby allowing the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly to engage the first tubular assembly in a plurality of different positions. The locking ring of the second engagement assembly may be held completely within the second groove in the second tubular assembly until a predetermined tension is applied to the second tubular assembly. 
     A tensioning collar may be provided in the second tubular assembly at its second engageable portion, the tensioning collar being engageable by a tool for tensioning the second tubular assembly. If present, the tensioning collar is preferably movable between a first position, in which the tensioning collar holds the locking ring completely within the second groove, and a second position, in which the locking ring is released to engage the first groove. The locking ring is preferably biased into engagement with the first groove, the tensioning collar holding the locking ring against its bias in the first position. The tensioning collar may be arranged to move from the first position into the second position at a predetermined tension applied to the second tubular assembly. 
     The apparatus of the present invention may be used to secure and tension tubular members in general. However, the apparatus finds particularly advantageous application in the securing and tensioning of casing string, risers, and the legs of a tension leg platforms. 
     In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for securing and tensioning a tubular member, the tubular member extending between a first fixed assembly and a second fixed assembly, the method comprising: 
     securing a first tubular assembly to the tubular member; 
     providing a second tubular assembly, having a first engageable portion and a second engageable portion; 
     securing the second tubular assembly at its first engageable portion to the first fixed assembly, such that the first tubular assembly is prevented from moving towards the tubular member; 
     applying tension to the second tubular assembly by moving the second engageable portion away from the first engageable portion by applying a force longitudinally to the second tubular assembly; 
     engaging the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with the first tubular assembly. 
     The second tubular assembly is preferably moved longitudinally from a disengaged position to an engaged position, in which the second tubular assembly is engaged with the first fixed assembly, the longitudinal movement of the second tubular assembly being continued to tension the second tubular assembly and engage the second tubular assembly with the first tubular assembly. 
     It is advantageous if the engagement of the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly is carried out selectively, when the second tubular assembly has been position appropriately with respect to the first tubular assembly, prior to which the engagement of the two assemblies not being possible. In a preferred embodiment, the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly is engaged with the first tubular assembly upon application of a predetermined tension to the second tubular assembly. 
     Preferably, an engagement assembly is provided to engage the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with the first tubular assembly, the engagement assembly being biased into an engaged position, the engagement assembly being held in a disengaged position until application of the predetermined tension to the second tubular assembly. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the second engageable portion of the second tubular assembly is engageable with first tubular member in a plurality of positions. In this way, the tension applied to the tubular member may be varied, as required by the prevailing circumstances. 
     In a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for use as a tool for securing and tensioning a tubular member, such as a casing string or riser. Accordingly, an apparatus for securing and tensioning a tubular member in a first fixed assembly, the apparatus comprising: 
     a first engagement assembly, for securing the apparatus with respect to the tubular member; 
     a second engagement assembly for engaging a tubular assembly and applying tension to the tubular assembly by longitudinal movement towards the tubular member. 
     In the apparatus, longitudinal movement of the second engagement assembly preferably secures the tubular assembly in the first fixed assembly, after which continued longitudinal movement applies tension to the tubular assembly. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a piston, the second engagement assembly being attached to the piston, the piston being moveable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the tubular assembly. The piston is most conveniently moved by means of a hydraulic fluid. 
     Specific embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention will now be described in detail having reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description of these embodiments and the referenced drawings are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  comprises a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in position within a surface wellhead and secured to a casing string, the portion of the figure to the left of the center line showing the apparatus in the disengaged, untensioned position, and the portion of the figure to the right of the center line showing the apparatus in the engaged, tensioned position; and 
     FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  comprise the longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, with a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention in place. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A surface wellhead assembly is shown in FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  and generally referred to as  2 . The wellhead assembly  2  comprises a surface wellhead  4 . A casing string  6  extends between the surface wellhead  4  and a subsea wellhead (not shown). The surface wellhead  4  and casing string  6  are conventional design and well known in the art. The surface wellhead  4  is formed with an internal shoulder  8  on its inner surface. A landing groove  9  is formed in the inner surface of the surface wellhead  4  above the internal shoulder  8 . 
     A casing securing and tensioning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b , generally indicated by the reference  10 . The apparatus  10  comprises a first tubular assembly  12 , in turn comprising an outer sleeve  14 . The outer sleeve  14  is secured at its lower end  16  to the upper end of the casing string  6  by means of a threaded connection  18 . Other means for connecting a tubular member to a casing string such as are known in the art may also be employed for this purpose. The lower end  16  of the outer sleeve  14  comprises a portion of increased wall thickness  20 , having a circumferential groove  22  formed in its inner surface. The function of the groove  22  will be described further hereinbelow. 
     The outer sleeve  14  has a middle portion, having a plurality of circumferential locking grooves  24  formed into its inner surface. The lands between the grooves are each formed with a lower surface extending perpendicular to the inner surface of the outer sleeve, and an upper surface sloped at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve  14  downwards and inwards from the inner surface of the outer sleeve  14 , as viewed in FIG. 1 b . As described hereinafter, this arrangement allows the grooves  24  on the inner surface of the outer sleeve to be engaged in such as manner as to allow movement of the engaging means longitudinally towards the casing string  6 , but to prevent movement of the engaging means longitudinally away from the casing string  6 . 
     A support ring  30  is mounted on the upper end of the outer sleeve  14 , by means of bolts  32 . A ring seal  34  sits in a groove in the inner surface of the support ring  30 . 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a second tubular assembly  40 , comprising an inner sleeve  42 , extending concentrically into and movable longitudinally within the outer sleeve  14 . The inner sleeve  42  is guided in its movement within the outer sleeve  14  by the support ring  30  on the upper end of the outer sleeve  14 . The seal  34  bears against the outer surface of the inner sleeve  42 . Further guidance for the inner sleeve  42  in its movement within the outer sleeve  14  is provided by a circumferential seal ring  44  disposed between the inner sleeve  42  and the outer sleeve  14  and moveable with the inner sleeve  42 . The seal ring  44  is restrained in its movement by a shoulder  46 , formed in the outer surface of the inner sleeve,  42  below the seal ring  44 , and a ring  48  located in a groove in the outer surface of the inner sleeve  42  above the seal ring  44 . 
     The second tubular assembly  40  further comprises a hanger  50  of a generally cylindrical form, mounted on the upper end of the inner sleeve  42  by means of a threaded connection  52 . The hanger  56  comprises an engagement assembly, generally indicated as  54 , on its outer surface. The engagement assembly  54  comprises a tapered load shoulder  58  formed in the outer surface of the hanger  50  and having a surface angled to extend downwards and inwards, as viewed in FIG. 1 a . A tapered locking ring  60  is disposed around the hanger  50 . The tapered locking ring  60  has an inner surface with a corresponding, but opposite angle to that of the angled surface of the tapered load shoulder  58 . The tapered locking ring  60  is moveable longitudinally against the tapered load shoulder  58 . A load ring  62  is disposed about the hanger  50  below the tapered locking ring  60 , as viewed in FIG. 1 a . The load ring  62  is moveable longitudinally along the outer surface of the hanger, restrained between the tapered load shoulder  58  and a retaining ring  64  seated in a groove in the outer surface of the hanger  50 . 
     At its lower end, an engagement assembly, generally indicated as  70 , is provided for engaging with the locking grooves  24  in the inner surface of the outer sleeve  14 . The engagement assembly  70  comprises a locking ring  72  seated in a groove  74  in the outer surface of the inner sleeve  42 . The groove  74  is of a sufficient size and depth so as to be able to accommodate the locking ring  72  such that the locking ring  72  does not extend beyond the surface of the inner sleeve  42 . The locking ring  72  is sized, so as to be naturally biased into an engagement position, in which a portion of the locking ring  72  extends out of the groove  74  beyond the surface of the inner sleeve  42 . As shown in the right hand portion of FIG. 1 b , when the inner sleeve  42  is in the appropriate position, the locking ring  72  will engage with a locking groove  24  on the inner surface of the outer sleeve  14 . 
     The engagement assembly  70  further comprises a tensioning collar  78  extending around and below the lower end of the inner sleeve  42 . The tensioning collar  78  comprises a first sleeve portion  80  extending longitudinally towards the locking ring  72  from the lower end of the inner sleeve  42 . The tensioning collar  78  further comprises an engagement portion  82  extending below the lower end of the inner sleeve  42 , having a tensioning groove  84  formed in its inner surface. The tensioning collar  78  is moveable longitudinally between a first position, as shown in the left hand portion of FIG. 1 b , and a second position, as shown in the right hand portion of FIG. 1 b . In the first position, the tensioning collar  78  is in a raised position, in which the first sleeve portion  80  extends to the locking ring  72  and the groove  74 , and holds the locking ring  72  fully within the groove  74 . In the second position, the tensioning collar  78  is in a lowered position, in which the first sleeve portion  80  does not extend to the locking ring  72  and the groove  74 . In this position, the bias of the locking ring  72  allows it to protrude from the groove  74 . A shear pin  86  holds the tensioning collar  78  in the first position, until sheared, as described hereinafter. As an alternative to the shear pin  86 , a shear ring may be employed. A retaining ring  87  retains the tensioning collar  78  on the lower end of the inner sleeve  42  and limits its movement. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b , there is shown the apparatus of FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  in place in a surface wellhead with a tool inserted for placing and tensioning the apparatus and the casing string. The tool as shown in FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  is generally indicated as  100 . The tool  100  is suspended from a tubular string  102  by a conventional threaded connection  104 . The tool  100  further comprises a generally cylindrical tool body  106  connected at its upper end to the tubular string  102  as described. A connector sleeve  108  is secured to the lower end of the tool body  106 , again in a conventional manner using a threaded connection  110 . A tubular piston sleeve  112  extends around the upper portion of the tool body  106  to provide an annular piston cavity  114  between the piston sleeve  112  and the tool body  106 . A tubular piston  116  is slideable longitudinally within the piston cavity  114  along the outer surface of the tool body  106 . A first conduit  120  is provided in the tool body  106  and connects with the upper portion of the piston cavity  114 , through which hydraulic fluid may be provided to move the piston  116  in a downwards direction, as seen in FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b . A second conduit  122  is provided in the tool body, opening into the lower portion of the piston cavity  114 , through which hydraulic fluid may be provided in order to raise the piston  116  within the piston cavity  114 , as seen in FIG. 2 a  and  2   b.    
     A first locking assembly, generally indicated as  124 , is mounted on the lower end portion of the piston  116 . The first locking assembly  124  comprises upper and lower housing portions  126  and  128 . A chamber  130  is formed between the lower housing portion  128  and the piston  116 , which is sealed at its lower end by a sealing ring  132 . Locking segments  134  extends between the upper and lower housing portions  126  and  128 , and are moveable radially when acted upon by a hydraulic ring  136 , which is moveable within the chamber  130 . A piston conduit  138  is provided in the piston  116 , through which hydraulic fluid can be supplied, in order to move the hydraulic ring  136 . As shown in FIG. 2 b , the hydraulic ring  136  is in its uppermost position, bearing against the locking segments  134 , which are in turn held in engagement with the tensioning groove  84  in the inner surface of the tensioning collar  78 . The locking segments  134  may be employed in conjunction with a locking ring to provide a higher load capacity for situations where needed. 
     The tool  100  further comprises a second locking assembly, generally indicated as  140  secured to its lower end. The second locking assembly  140  is similar in design and operation to the first locking assembly  124 . The second locking assembly  140  comprises a locking assembly body  142 , secured by a threaded connection  144  to the connector sleeve  108 . The second locking assembly  140  further comprises upper and lower housing portions  146  and  148 , which together define an annular chamber  150  with the locking assembly body  142 . Locking segments  152  are moveable radially between the upper and lower housing portions  146  and  148 , when acted upon by a piston  154  moveable longitudinally within the chamber  150 . A first locking conduit  156  is provided in the locking assembly body  142 , through which hydraulic fluid may be provided to the chamber  150  in order raise the piston  154 . A second locking conduit  158  is provided in the locking assembly body  142 , through which hydraulic fluid may be provided to the chamber  150  in order to lower the piston  154 . As shown in FIG. 2 b , the piston  154  is in the raised position and the locking segments  152  are engaged with the groove  22  in the end portion of the outer sleeve  14 . Again, the locking segments  152  may be employed in conjunction with a locking ring to provide a higher load capacity when needed. 
     A shoulder  180  is formed in the inner surface of the lower end  16  of the outer sleeve  14  of the apparatus  10 . As shown in FIG. 2 b , a corresponding shoulder  182  on the outer surface of the lower housing portion  148  of the tool  100  seats against the shoulder  180  when the tool  100  is inserted. In this way, the shoulders  180  and  182  ensure that the tool  100  is correctly positioned within the apparatus. 
     To install the casing securing and tensioning apparatus and secure and tension the casing string  6  the followed procedure is applied. As a first step, the apparatus is connected by means of the outer sleeve  14  to the casing string  6  using the conventional threaded connection  18 . At this point, the inner sleeve  42  is in the raised, unengaged position shown in the left hand portion of FIG. 1 a . In this position, the tensioning collar  78  is in the raised position, such that the locking ring  72  is held fully within the groove  74 . Thus, the inner sleeve  42  and the second tubular assembly  40  are free to move longitudinally within the outer sleeve  14 . 
     To secure and tension the casing string  6 , the tool  100  is inserted into the securing and tensioning apparatus  10 , to extend within the inner sleeve  42  and the outer sleeve  14  toward the casing string  6 . Hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure through the first locking conduit  156  in the locking assembly body  142  into the chamber  150 , thereby raising the piston  154  to bear against the locking segments  152 , forcing it radially outwards into engagement with the groove  22  in the end portion of the outer sleeve  14 . The hydraulic fluid is maintained under pressure in the chamber  150 , in order to keep the locking segments  152  in the engaged position. 
     Thereafter, hydraulic fluid is supplied through the piston conduit  138  to the chamber  130  in the first locking assembly  132 , thereby raising the hydraulic ring  136  to bear against the locking segments  134 , forcing it radially outwards into engagement with the tensioning groove  84  in the tensioning collar  78 . The hydraulic fluid is maintained under pressure in the chamber  130 , in order to keep the locking segments  134  engaged with the tensioning groove  84 . 
     The position of the entire assembly after the aforementioned locking operations have been completed is shown in the left hand portion of FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b . In this position, the tool  100  is fully engaged with both the first and second tubular assemblies  12  and  40 , with the second tubular assembly  40  in the raised position. 
     Once the two aforementioned locking operations have been completed, the steps may be taken in order to secure and tension the casing string  6 . Hydraulic fluid is fed under pressure through the conduit  120  in the tool body  106  into the piston cavity  114 , thereby urging the piston  116  longitudinally downwards towards the casing string  6 . The action of the piston  116  causes the inner sleeve  42  and the second tubular assembly  40  to move longitudinally into the surface wellhead  4 . The first result of this movement of the second tubular assembly  40  is that the load ring  62  of the engagement assembly  54  lands on the internal shoulder  8  within the surface wellhead  4 . The second tubular assembly  40  continues its longitudinal movement, bringing the tapered locking ring  60  down to bear against the load ring  62 . Continued movement of the second tubular assembly  40  urges the tapered locking ring outwards against the tapered load shoulder  58  on the hanger  50  and into engagement with the landing groove  9  in the surface wellhead  4 . At this point, further longitudinal movement of the second tubular assembly  40  is prevented. The engagement of the engagement assembly  54  with the shoulder  8  and groove  9  in the surface wellhead is shown in the right hand portion of FIGS. 1 a  and  2   a.    
     The supply of hydraulic fluid to the piston cavity  114  is maintained, causing the piston  116  to continue its longitudinal movement towards the casing string  6 . With the engagement assembly  54  restraining further movement of the second tubular assembly  40 , further movement of the piston  116  applies tension to the inner sleeve  42 . At a given applied tension, the shear pin  86  retaining the tensioning collar  78  shears, allowing the tensioning collar  78  to move longitudinally with respect to the inner sleeve  42 . This in turn releases the locking ring  72  from the groove  74 . The bias of the locking ring  72  urges it into engagement with the corresponding groove  24  in the inner surface of the outer sleeve  14 . This position is shown in the right hand portion of FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b.    
     At this point, the casing string  6  is secured and held under tension. Further tension may be applied by increasing the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the piston cavity  114 , forcing the piston further towards the casing string  6 . As noted above, the grooves  24  and the corresponding lands in the inner surface of the outer sleeve  14  are formed to allow the locking ring  72  to move longitudinally towards the casing string  6 . As further tension is applied to the outer sleeve  42 , the locking ring  72  engages with successive grooves  24  as it moves towards the casing string  6 . 
     Once the requisite tension has been applied to the casing string  6 , the supply of hydraulic fluid to the piston cavity  114  is shut off. Thereafter, the supply of hydraulic fluid to the chamber  130  of the first locking assembly  124  is shut off, thus releasing the locking segments  134  from their engagement with the groove  84  in the tensioning collar  78 . Finally, the supply of hydraulic fluid to the chamber  150  of the second locking assembly  140  is removed. Hydraulic fluid is supplied through the second conduit  158  in the locking assembly body  142 , to lower the piston  154 , in turn releasing the locking segments  152  from engagement with the groove  22  in the outer sleeve  14 . The tool  100  may then be removed. 
     The aforementioned procedure may be used in reverse to remove the securing and tensioning apparatus  10  and release the casing string  6 . 
     The method and apparatus of the present invention have been described with respect to the installation and tensioning of a casing string in a surface wellhead. However, it is to be understood that the method and apparatus may be employed to secure and tension any suitable tubular member, including the legs and other tensioned members of a tension leg platform, as well as other tubular members employed in offshore drilling and production operations and other applications. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown in the accompanying figures and described above, it is not intended that these be taken to limit the scope of the present invention and modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4