Patent ID: 10689920

Abstract:
A wellhead internal latch ring apparatus, system and method is described. An internal latch ring includes a running tool brace portion, a load retention portion below the brace portion and extending outward from the brace portion, a plurality of slots dispersed around the load retention portion, each slot extending axially through at least a portion of the load retention portion, and a circumferential groove extending around an inner diameter of the load retention portion. A wellhead latch ring method includes compressing an array of elasticizing slots dispersed around a latch ring during lowering of the latch ring into position within a wellhead, aligning the compressed slots with an internal wellhead groove, removing the compression on the slots to engage the latch ring into the internal wellhead groove, and guiding debris out of the internal wellhead groove through the array of elasticizing slots as the latch ring is engaged.