US20250320787A1

US20250320787A1 - Tree cap with no-bolt connection

Info

Publication number: US20250320787A1
Application number: US18/636,045
Authority: US
Inventors: Mahesha Udipi; Keith Adams; Lloyd Cheatham; Javier Garcia; Segfrid Becerril
Original assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
Current assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
Priority date: 2024-04-15
Filing date: 2024-04-15
Publication date: 2025-10-16
Also published as: WO2025221486A1

Abstract

A tree cap includes a tree cap body, a blanking plug positioned adjacent the tree cap body and at least partially received within the tree cap body, a hold down cap nut in axial alignment with the blanking plug and the tree cap body along a tree cap body axis, the hold down cap nut engaged with the tree cap body and the blanking plug to limit axial movement of the blanking plug, and a quick connection system. The quick connection system includes tree cap body lugs extending radially outward from the tree cap body and cap nut lugs extending radially inward from the hold down cap nut. When the tree cap body lugs are circumferentially aligned with the cap nut lugs, interference between the tree cap body lugs and the cap nut lugs limits axial movement of the hold down cap nut.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to connection systems in tree cap arrangements, and in particular, no bolt connections used within tree caps.

2. Description of Related Art

Tree caps are pressure-containing barriers installed in oil and gas drilling equipment. Tree caps are part of a Christmas tree (XT) that is installed at above an oil and gas well, and can be installed in surface level or subsea environments. Tree caps are often located at the top of an XT in order to provide access to the well bore and prevent pressure from escaping out of the XT. This can pose many challenges, because it is beneficial to have quick and easy access to the well bore while also having a secure enough seal to contain the pressure therein. Typically, tree caps are secured in place using threaded connections, which increase removal time and assembly time. There is a need in the industry for a tree cap that provides quicker access to the well bore, thereby reducing operation costs.

SUMMARY

Applicant recognized the problems noted above herein and conceived and developed embodiments of systems and methods, according to the present disclosure, for tree cap systems.
In an embodiment, a tree cap may include a tree cap body having an open end, a blanking plug positioned adjacent the tree cap body and at least partially received within the open end of the tree cap body, a hold down cap nut in axial alignment with the blanking plug and the tree cap body along a tree cap body axis, the hold down cap nut engaged with the tree cap body and the blanking plug to limit axial movement of the blanking plug relative to the tree cap body, and a quick connection system. The quick connection system may include one or more tree cap body lugs extending radially outward from the tree cap body, the one or more tree cap body lugs arranged in one or more tree cap body lug rows, and one or more cap nut lugs extending radially inward from the hold down cap nut, the one or more cap nut lugs arranged in one or more cap nut lug rows, so that when the one or more tree cap body lugs are circumferentially aligned with the one or more cap nut lugs, interference between the one or more tree cap body lugs and the one or more cap nut lugs limits relative axial movement between the tree cap body and the hold down cap nut.
In another embodiment, a tree cap may include a tree cap body having an open end, a blanking plug, a hold down cap nut in axial alignment with the blanking plug and the tree cap body, the hold down cap nut engaged with the tree cap body and the blanking plug to limit axial movement of the blanking plug relative to the tree cap body, and a quick connection system configured to secure the blanking plug to the tree cap body. The quick connection system may include a tree cap body lug extending radially outward from the tree cap body, a cap nut lug extending radially inward from the hold down cap nut, the cap nut lug at least partially axially aligned with and configured to engage the tree cap body lug to limit relative axial movement between the tree cap body and the hold down cap, and a latch configured to prevent rotational movement of the hold down cap nut relative to the tree cap body.
In another embodiment, an assembly may include a composite block and a tree cap. The tree cap may include a tree cap body having an open end, a blanking plug positioned adjacent the tree cap body and at least partially received within the open end of the tree cap body, a hold down cap nut in axial alignment with the blanking plug and the tree cap body along a tree cap body axis, the hold down cap nut engaged with the tree cap body and the blanking plug to limit axial movement of the blanking plug relative to the tree cap body, and a quick connection system. The quick connection system may include one or more tree cap body lugs extending radially outward from the tree cap body, the one or more tree cap body lugs arranged in one or more tree cap body lug rows, and one or more cap nut lugs extending radially inward from the hold down cap nut, the one or more cap nut lugs arranged in one or more cap nut lug rows, so that when the one or more tree cap body lugs are circumferentially aligned with the one or more cap nut lugs, interference between the one or more tree cap body lugs and the one or more cap nut lugs limited relative axial movement between the tree cap body and the hold down cap nut.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present technology will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a tree cap, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a tree cap, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a quick connection system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a tree cap, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a top plan cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the tree cap in a disengaged configuration, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a top plan cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the tree cap in an engaged configuration, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional internal side view of an embodiment of a tree cap, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a tree cap integrated into a composite block, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a quick connection system in an open configuration, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is schematic side view of an embodiment of a tree cap with more than one row of tree cap body lugs, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be further appreciated when considered with reference to the following description of embodiments and accompanying drawings. In describing the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the appended drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, like reference numerals may be used for like components, but such use should not be interpreted as limiting the disclosure.
When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Any examples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are not exclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, or “other embodiments” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, reference to terms such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “front”, “back”, or other terms regarding orientation or direction are made with reference to the illustrated embodiments and are not intended to be limiting or exclude other orientations or directions. Like numbers may be used to refer to like elements throughout, but it should be appreciated that using like numbers is for convenience and clarity and not intended to limit embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, references to “substantially” or “approximately” or “about” may refer to differences within ranges of +/−10 percent.
Tree caps are typically located at the top of a Christmas tree (XT) in oil and gas applications in order to provide access to the well bore. As typically used in the industry, the lower section of a tree cap usually includes a flanged connection, and the upper section of the tree cap usually includes a threaded connection between the body of the tree cap and the hold down cap nut, in order to keep the blanking plug in place. The threaded connection between the body of the tree cap and the hold down cap nut can cause leaks, be difficult and time consuming to replace, and result in higher operation costs. The threaded connection also may increase assembly time during installation on the XT.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may replace the threaded connection on a tree cap by using a No-bolt connection (e.g. a “quick connection system”). The No-bolt connection may be implemented to secure the hold down cap nut to the body of the tree cap in order to hold the blanking plug in place in the tree cap of an XT. Elimination of the threaded connections and instead employing a No-bolt connection may reduce the time it takes to install the tree cap on an XT, which reduces operation costs during installation. The elimination of the threaded connection may also reduce leaks out of the tree cap. Further, instead of the lower portions of the tree cap having a flange connection, the tree cap with the No-bolt connection may be installed as part of a composite block, thus eliminating a potential leak path. Lastly, since the No-bolt connection is quicker to secure and unsecure than a threaded connection, which has to be screwed in and out, the installation or replacement of a tree cap with a No-bolt may also be faster, which may decrease operation costs.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a tree cap 100. Various components have been removed for simplicity with the present discussion, but additional components may be used with the tree cap 100. The illustrated tree cap 100 includes a tree cap body 102. The tree cap 100 also includes a hold down cap nut 104, the hold down cap nut 104 aligned substantially parallel with the tree cap body 102 along the tree cap body axis 106. The hold down cap nut 104 holds down a blanking plug 108, the blanking plug 108 aligned substantially parallel with the hold down cap nut 104 and tree cap body 102 along the tree cap body axis 106. The hold down cap nut 104 holds down the blanking plug 108 using internal interfaces, which are shown in more detail in FIG. 2 .
Additionally, the tree cap 100 of FIG. 1 includes a flange 110 connected to the tree cap body 102. It should be appreciated that while the illustrated tree cap 100 includes a flange 110, it may also include other portions for various type of connections to other equipment. For example, the tree cap 100 may a part of a composite block (not depicted in FIG. 1 ), instead of having a flange connection 110. The tree cap 100 as part of a composite block is shown in more detail in FIG. 7 . In the illustrated tree cap 100, the flange 110 contains one or more flange apertures 112 designed to receive fasteners (not depicted). The flange 110 may be connected with fasteners, through the flange apertures 112, to other compatible equipment. It should be appreciated that the flange 110 of the tree cap 100 may be an API top flange as well. Also, the flange 110 may connect through means other than fasteners, such as via a threaded connection.
The illustrated tree cap 100 also includes lifting eyes 114, which can be attached to or formed integrally with the blanking plug 108. The lifting eyes 114 allow the tree cap 100 to be lifted and/or moved using external equipment, and serve as a contact point of the tree cap 100 for this external lifting means. It should be appreciated that although there are two lifting eyes illustrated in FIG. 1 , there may be any number of lifting eyes 114, depending on the embodiment. When the hold down cap nut 104 is engaged with the blanking plug 108, lifting the lifting eyes 114 may lift the entire tree cap 100. It should be appreciated that in the illustrated tree cap 100, the lifting eyes 114 are secured to the blanking plug 108, which may also offer the benefit of allowing only the blanking plug 108 (and not the other components of the tree cap 100) to be removed from the tree cap 100 when the hold down cap nut 104 is not engaged. The internal components of the tree cap 100 and the interaction between the hold down cap nut 104 and blanking plug 108 are shown in more detail in FIG. 2 .
Additionally, the tree cap 100 includes a quick connection system, such as the system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/728,213, titled “No-Bolt Valve Assembly System,” filed Dec. 27, 2019 by Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The tree cap 100 can include a latch 116 on the external surface of the hold down cap nut 104. The latch 116 may be in an open or a closed position, which may correspond with the quick connection system being engaged or not engaged, respectively. The latch 116 as depicted in FIG. 1 is in the closed position, which is characterized by the external surface of the latch 116 being substantially flush with the external surface of the hold down cap nut 104. In other words, when the latch 116 is in a closed position, the latch 116 is not substantially protruding from the side of the hold down cap nut 104. In the closed position, internal components of the latch 116 of the hold down cap nut 104 engage with internal components of the blanking plug 108 (such internal components are not depicted in FIG. 1 , but are shown in detail in FIG. 2 ). On the other hand, when the latch 116 is in an open position, the external surface of the latch 116 is at an angle oblique to the external surface of the hold down cap nut 104. In this open position, the latch 116 is protruding from the side of the hold down cap nut 104. In the open position, internal components of the latch 116 of the hold down cap nut 104 are not engaged with internal components of the blanking plug 108 (such internal components are not depicted in FIG. 1 , but are shown in detail in FIG. 2 ).
Furthermore, the latch 116 may be connected to the hold down cap nut 104 and secured to the hold down cap nut 104 via the roll pin 118. The latch 116 may be able to open and close by pivoting about the roll pin 118. The roll pin 118 may be housed in a roll pin aperture 120. The roll pin 118 extends through the roll pin aperture 120 and through apertures in the latch 116 (not depicted in FIG. 1 ). The latch 116 is also connectable to the hold down cap nut 104 via a spring plunger 122. In some embodiments, the spring plunger 122 may be connected to, and extend out of, the latch 116. When the latch 116 is in a closed position, the spring plunger 122 lines up with the spring plunger apertures 124, a spring mechanism of the spring plunger 122 extends the spring plunger 122 outwards from the latch 116 into the spring plunger aperture 124, and locking the latch 116 in place in the side of the hold down cap nut 104.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a tree cap 200, which shares several similar features with the tree cap 100 of FIG. 1 , such as the tree cap body 102, hold down cap nut 104, latch 116, and others, which will be identified with like reference numerals for convenience purposes only and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 , the tree cap body 102, the hold down cap nut 104, the blanking plug 108, and the flange 110 are aligned substantially parallel along the tree cap body axis 106. It should be appreciated that although there are two lifting eyes illustrated in FIG. 2 , there may be any number of lifting eyes 114, depending on the embodiment.
Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the latch 116 and embodiments of its features, including the roll pin 118, roll pin aperture 120, spring plunger 122, and spring plunger aperture 124. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 also shows the internal features of the interaction and interfaces between the tree cap body 102 and the hold down cap nut 104, among other interfaces. Namely, the tree cap body 102 has one or more tree cap body lugs 202, and the hold down cap nut 104 has one or more cap nut lugs 204. Inside of the hold down cap nut 104, when the hold down cap nut 104 is secured to the tree cap body 102, the tree cap body lugs 202 of the tree cap body 102 and the cap nut lugs 204 of the hold down cap nut 104 form one or more lug interfaces 206. The lug interfaces 206 are a contact point between the hold down cap nut 104 and the tree cap body 102. When the hold down cap nut 104 is secured to the tree cap body 102, meaning the lug interfaces 206 are engaged, it keeps the hold down cap nut 104 secured to the tree cap body 102 and retains downward force on the blanking plug 108, keeping blanking plug 108 in place.
It should be appreciated that although only one row of tree cap body lugs 202 (a row of tree cap body lugs here defined as tree cap body lugs 202 substantially circumferentially surrounding the tree cap body axis 106 on the tree cap body 102) is depicted in FIG. 2 , there may be any number of tree cap body lugs 202 in the tree cap 200. Similarly, it should be appreciated that although only one row of cap nut lugs 204 (a row of cap nut lugs here defined as cap nut lugs 204 substantially circumferentially surrounding the tree cap body axis 106 on the hold down cap nut 104) is depicted in FIG. 2 , there may be any number of cap nut lugs 204 in the tree cap 200. In an embodiment, there is one row of tree cap body lugs 202 and two or more rows of cap nut lugs 204. In another embodiment, there is one row of cap nut lugs 204 and two or more rows of tree cap body lugs 202. In another embodiment, there is an equal number of rows of tree cap body lugs 202 as there are rows of cap nut lugs 204. For example, there may be one row of tree cap body lugs 202 and one row of cap nut lugs 204 (as depicted in FIG. 2 ), there may be two rows of tree cap body lugs 202 and two rows of cap nut lugs 204, there may be three rows of tree cap body lugs 202 and three rows of cap nut lugs 204, etc. Rows of tree cap body lugs 202 may be arranged on planes perpendicular to the axis 106 on the tree cap body 102. Similarly, rows of cap nut lugs 204 may be arranged on planes perpendicular to the axis 106 on the hold down cap nut 104. More rows of lugs 202, 204 may be utilized based on the required yield strength of the lugs 202, 204. When there are multiple rows of lugs 202, 204, there also may be multiple rows of lug interfaces 206. When there are multiple rows of tree cap body lugs 202 and cap nut lugs 204, the spacing between the rows may be dependent on the height of the tree cap body lugs 202 and cap nut lugs 204 themselves such that the lugs 202, 204 must be able to rotate around the tree cap body axis 106 upon the engagement and disengagement of the quick connection system. An example embodiment of a tree cap body 102 with more than one row of tree cap body lugs 202 is shown in more detail in FIG. 9 .
Furthermore, the rows of lugs 202, 204 may be positioned such that the lugs 202, 204 are axially aligned or are not axially aligned. For example, the tree cap body lugs 202 in a first row of tree cap body lugs 202 may be offset or staggered (e.g. not axially aligned) from the tree cap body lugs 202 in a second row of tree cap body lugs 202. The offset may be beneficial by allowing the hold down cap nut 104 to be better secured to the tree cap body 102 due to the staggering of the lugs 202, 204 in the arrangement. However, offsetting the lugs 202, 204 between the rows of tree cap body lugs 202 and cap nut lugs 204 may increase install and replacement time, due to having to twist down the lugs 202, 204 between each row of lugs 202, 204, sequentially. It should also be appreciated that FIG. 2 depicts a tree cap 200 with internal lugs 202, 204, however, the arrangement of the lugs 202, 204 may be such that the tree cap body lugs 202 and cap nut lugs 204 are on the external surfaces of the tree cap body 102 and hold down cap nut 104, respectively.
The latch 116 also includes a latch member 208. In FIG. 2 , the member 208 of the latch 116 is in an engaged position, since FIG. 2 depicts the latch 116 in a closed position. The member 208 of the latch 116 being in a closed position creates a recess 210. When the latch 116 is moved to an open position, the recess 210 provides the physical space for the latch 116 to rotate about the roll pin 118 and protrude outward from the hold down cap nut 104. One or more hold down interfaces 212, are created when the hold down cap nut 104 is engaged with the tree cap body 102 so that the hold down cap nut 104 holds the blanking plug 108 in place. The hold down interfaces 212 are a contact point between the hold down cap nut 104 and the blanking plug 108, retaining the blanking plug 108 and ensuring the blanking plug 108 does not disengage from the tree cap 200. Furthermore, the blanking plug 108 may include a seal 214 circumscribing the blanking plug 108 in a seal recess 215. The seal 214 may be made of rubber, or another suitable material for restricting fluid (e.g. liquid, gas, solid, or a combination thereof) leakage. When the blanking plug 108 and tree cap body 102 are joined, the seal 214 engages and seals the interface therebetween. The tree cap body 102 defines the tree cap cavity 216 that is contained internally within the tree cap 200.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a quick connection system 300. The quick connection system 300 is integrated into a hold down cap nut 104, as in FIG. 2 . Similar to FIG. 2 , the quick connection system 300 includes a latch 116, roll pin 118, roll pin aperture 120, spring plunger 122, spring plunger aperture 124, and latch member 208. The latch 118 illustrated in FIG. 3 is in an open position, whereas the latch 118 in FIG. 2 is in a closed position. The open position of the latch 118 may be defined as the latch 118 protruding outwards from the hold down cap nut 104 and the latch member 208 becoming disengaged.
The spring plunger 122 of the quick connection system 300 is biased outward, but is depressible. When the latch 118 is in a closed position, the spring plunger 122 extends into the spring plunger aperture 124 to retain the latch 118 in a closed position. When the spring plunger 122 is depressed, the spring plunger 122 disengages the spring plunger aperture 124, thereby allowing the latch 118 to move to an open position by rotating about the roll pin 118.
FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a tree cap 400, which shares several similar features with the tree cap 100 of FIG. 1 and tree cap 200 of FIG. 2 , such as the hold down cap nut 104, blanking plug 108, flange 110, and others, which will be identified with like reference numerals for convenience purposes only and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the blanking plug 108, hold down cap nut 104, and flange 110 are concentric at the tree cap axis 106. In order to engage or disengage the hold down cap nut 104 on the tree cap body 102 (not depicted in FIG. 4 ), the hold down cap nut 104 may be rotated about the tree cap body axis 106 clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the tree cap body 102 and flange connection 110. The rotation of the internal components, not illustrated in FIG. 4 , is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In embodiments in which the hold down cap nut 104 is removed from the tree cap 400, the blanking plug 108 may be rotated in a similar manner. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that although eight flange apertures 112 are depicted in the flange connection 110 of FIG. 4 , there may be any reasonable number of flange apertures 112 depending on the configuration of the external equipment that the tree cap 400 is to be connected to.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are top plan cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the tree cap 400, showing the tree cap body 102 interfacing with the hold down cap nut 104 via the tree cap body lugs 202 and cap nut lugs 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the tree cap body 102 is arranged circumferentially within at least a portion of the hold down cap nut 104. However, other portions of the tree cap body 102 may be outside of the hold down cap nut 104 or substantially aligned with the tree cap body 102. It should also be appreciated that various components have been removed for clarity with the following discussion.
In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cap nut lugs 204 extend radially inward toward the tree cap body axis 106. The illustrated cap nut lugs 204 are arranged within the gaps 502 positioned between adjacent tree cap body lugs 202. The tree cap body lugs 202 extend radially outward from the tree cap body axis 106 and are positioned within spaces 504 between the cap nut lugs 204. The arrangement illustrated in FIG. 5A enables the axial movement of the tree cap body 102 and/or the hold down cap nut 104 along the tree cap body axis 106. For example, the tree cap body 102 may be moved through the spaces 504 when the tree cap body lugs 202 pass through the spaces 504.
In operation, at least one of the hold down cap nut 104 and the tree cap body 102 may be rotated to align, at least partially, the tree cap body lugs 202 with the cap nut lugs 204, as illustrated in FIG. 5B. As a result, axial movement between the hold down cap nut 104 and the tree cap body 102 may be blocked due to the interference between the tree cap body lugs 202 and the cap nut lugs 204. In various embodiments, the rotation is less than one full rotation of the hold down cap nut 104 and/or the tree cap body 102. For example, the rotation can be approximately 10 degrees, approximately 20 degrees, approximately 30 degrees, approximately 40 degrees, approximately 50 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, approximately 70 degrees, approximately 80 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, approximately 100 degrees, approximately 110 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, approximately 130 degrees, approximately 140 degrees, approximately 150 degrees, approximately 160 degrees, approximately 170 degrees, approximately 180 degrees, approximately 190 degrees, approximately 200 degrees, approximately 210 degrees, approximately 220 degrees, approximately 230 degrees, approximately 240 degrees, approximately 250 degrees, approximately 260 degrees, approximately 270 degrees, approximately 280 degrees, approximately 290 degrees, approximately 300 degrees, approximately 310 degrees, approximately 320 degrees, approximately 330 degrees, approximately 340 degrees, approximately 350 degrees, or any other reasonable rotational amount. Moreover, the tree cap body gaps 502 and the hold down cap nut spaces 504 are substantially aligned.
It should be appreciated that while the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B include an equal number of tree cap body lugs 202 and cap nut lugs 204, that in other embodiments that may not be an equal number. For example, there may be more tree cap body lugs 202 than cap nut lugs 204, or vice versa. Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiments include eight tree cap body lugs 202 and eight cap nut lugs 204, it should be appreciated that there may be any reasonable number of tree cap lugs 202 arranged radially around the tree cap body axis 106 on the tree cap body 102. Similarly, it should be appreciated that there may be any number of cap nut lugs 204 arranged radially around the tree cap body axis 106 on the hold down cap nut 104. Additionally, as is depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the tree cap body lugs 202 may be arranged with equal spacing between each tree cap body lug 202, and the cap nut lugs 204 may be arranged with equal spacing between each cap nut lug 204.
In an embodiment, a method of assembling the tree cap 400 may first include positioning the hold down cap nut 104 in alignment with the tree cap body 102 along the tree cap body axis 106. The method may include aligning the tree cap body lugs 202 with the hold down cap nut spaces 504, and/or aligning the hold down cap nut lugs 204 with the tree cap body gaps 502. Once the lugs 202, 204 are aligned with the spaces 504 and/or gaps 502, as applicable, the tree cap body 102 may be moved towards the hold down cap nut 104 such that the hold down cap nut 104 may at least partially surround the tree cap body 102. Once the tree cap body lugs 202 pass through the hold down cap nut spaces 504 and/or the hold down cap nut lugs 204 pass through the tree cap body gaps 502, the method may include the hold down cap nut 104 being rotated, at least partially, relative to the tree cap body 102, to an engaged position. The engaged position, an example embodiment of which is depicted in FIG. 5B, is defined as the tree cap body lugs 202 having passed through the hold down cap nut spaces 502 and/or the hold down cap nut lugs 204 having passed through the tree cap body gaps 504, with tree cap body lugs 202 being at least partially vertically aligned with the hold down cap nut lugs 204, along the valve body axis 106. In an embodiment, a method of disassembling the tree cap 400 may begin with the engaged position, and positioning the tree cap body lugs 202 to align with the hold down cap nut spaces 502 and/or the hold down cap nut lugs 204 to align with the tree cap body gaps 504, then moving the hold down cap nut 104 apart from the tree cap body 102 along the valve body axis 106.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional internal side view of an embodiment of a tree cap 600, which shares several similar features with the tree cap 100 of FIG. 1 , the tree cap 200 of FIG. 2 , the tree cap 400 of FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, such as the tree cap body 102, hold down cap nut 104, flange connection 110, tree cap body lugs 202, and others, which will be identified with like reference numerals for convenience purposes only and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6 , the tree cap body lugs 202 are arranged in a single row of tree cap body lugs 202, with gaps 502 between each of the tree cap body lugs 202. There is a partial cutaway in the hold down cap nut 104 depicted in FIG. 6 , but one cap nut lug 204 is shown. In FIG. 7 , the tree cap body lug 202 is partially engaged with an associated cap nut lug 204. In this configuration, axial movement of the hold down cap nut 104 relative to the tree cap body 102, along the tree cap body axis 106, is inhibited because the lugs 202, 204 block upwards and downwards axial movement due to the engagement of the lugs 202, 204.
FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a tree cap integrated into a composite block assembly 700. The composite block assembly 700 includes a tree cap 602, which shares several similar features with the tree cap 100 of FIG. 1 , tree cap 200 of FIG. 2 , the tree cap 400 of FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, and the tree cap 600 of FIG. 6 , such as the tree cap body 102, hold down cap nut 104, latch 116, and others, which will be identified with like reference numerals for convenience purposes only and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The tree cap 602, instead of having a flange connection 110 (not depicted in FIG. 7 ), is part of the composite block assembly 700, which includes a composite block 604. The composite block 604 may be integrated into an XT assembly (not depicted). One benefit of the tree cap 602 integrated into the composite block assembly 700 is that it eliminates a potential leak path through the flange connection 110.
The composite block 604 of FIG. 7 includes one or more XT valve connections 606 that may be used when the composite block 604 is integrated into an XT. It should be appreciated that four XT valve connections 606 are depicted in the composite block assembly 700, however, there may be any reasonable number of XT valve connections 606 based on the design of the composite block 604 and any external XT equipment. Additionally, the composite block 604 may be different sizes relative to the tree cap 602, and FIG. 7 may not be drawn to scale. Furthermore, the composite block 604 itself may have one or more block flange connections 608 for connection to other external equipment, such as equipment integrated into an XT. Similarly, FIG. 7 depicts one block flange connection 608, however, there may be any reasonable number of block flange connections 608 based on the design of the composite block 604 and any external XT equipment.
FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a quick connection system 800 that is in an open position. The quick connection system 800 is integrated into a hold down cap nut 104, as in FIGS. 2 and 3 . Similar to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the quick connection system 800 includes a latch 116, roll pin 118, roll pin aperture 120, spring plunger aperture 124, and latch member 208. The view of FIG. 8 shows the interaction between the latch member 208 and one or more tree cap body lugs 202, within the quick connection system 800. When moving the latch 116 into a closed position, the latch member 208 may fit between tree cap body lugs 202, which may prevent rotational movement of the hold down cap nut 104 relative to the tree cap body 102. When rotational movement is applied to the hold down cap nut 104 relative to the tree cap body 102, the latch member 208 may engage one or more tree cap body lugs 202 to prevent the rotational movement.
FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a tree cap 900. The illustrated tree cap 900 includes a tree cap body 102, but a hold down cap nut 104 is not depicted. The tree cap 900 also includes the tree cap body axis 106 and the flange connection 110. Notably, FIG. 9 is an example embodiment of multiple rows of tree cap body lugs 202. One or more first tree cap body lugs 902 are arranged into a first row of tree cap body lugs 904, the one or more first tree cap body lugs 902 aligned in a plane around the circumference of the tree cap body 102 defining the first row 904. One or more second tree cap body lugs 906 are arranged into a second row of tree cap body lugs 908, the one or more second tree cap body lugs 906 aligned in a plane around the circumference of the tree cap body 102 defining the second row 908. As can be seen, the first tree cap body lugs 902 are not circumferentially aligned with the second tree cap body lugs 906, thus creating an “offset” configuration between the first row 904 and second row 908 of lugs 902, 906. However, it should be appreciated that the first and second tree cap body lugs 902, 906 do not need to be in an offset configuration, and may instead be circumferentially aligned with each other. Additionally, although cap nut lugs 204 on a hold down cap nut 104 are not depicted in FIG. 9 , a similar configuration may be possible with first and second cap nut lugs on a first and second row on the hold down cap nut 104, both in an offset configuration and a configuration where the first and second cap nut lugs are aligned circumferentially.
Although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tree cap, comprising:

a tree cap body having an open end;

a blanking plug positioned adjacent the tree cap body and at least partially received within the open end of the tree cap body;

a hold down cap nut in axial alignment with the blanking plug and the tree cap body along a tree cap body axis, the hold down cap nut engaged with the tree cap body and the blanking plug to limit axial movement of the blanking plug relative to the tree cap body; and

a quick connection system, comprising:

one or more tree cap body lugs extending radially outward from the tree cap body, the one or more tree cap body lugs arranged in one or more tree cap body lug rows; and

one or more cap nut lugs extending radially inward from the hold down cap nut, the one or more cap nut lugs arranged in one or more cap nut lug rows, so that when the one or more tree cap body lugs are circumferentially aligned with the one or more cap nut lugs, interference between the one or more tree cap body lugs and the one or more cap nut lugs limits relative axial movement between the tree cap body and the hold down cap nut.

2. The tree cap of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more lifting eyes secured to the blanking plug.

3. The tree cap of claim 1, wherein the quick connection system is integrated into the hold down cap nut.

4. The tree cap of claim 3, wherein the quick connection system is positioned on an external surface of the hold down cap nut.

5. The tree cap of claim 1, wherein the quick connection system further comprises:

a roll pin;

one or more spring plungers; and

one or more spring plunger apertures.

6. The tree cap of claim 5, wherein the quick connection system is in a closed position, the closed position defined as the one or more spring plungers engaging one or more spring plunger apertures.

7. The tree cap of claim 1, wherein the one or more tree cap body lugs engage the one or more cap nut lugs, causing the hold down cap nut to retain force on the blanking plug and securing the blanking plug in place in the tree cap.

8. The tree cap of claim 1, wherein the one or more tree cap body lug rows of the quick connection system comprises:

a first row of tree cap body lugs; and

a second row of tree cap body lugs, wherein the first row of tree cap body lugs is aligned substantially oblique to the second row of tree cap body lugs.

9. The tree cap of claim 1, wherein the one or more cap nut lug rows of the quick connection system comprises:

a first row of cap nut lugs; and

a second row of cap nut lugs, wherein the first row of cap nut lugs is aligned substantially oblique to the second row of cap nut lugs.

10. The tree cap of claim 1, wherein the one or more tree cap body lug rows of the quick connection system comprises; and

a second row of tree cap body lugs, wherein the first row of tree cap body lugs is aligned substantially parallel to the second row of tree cap body lugs.

11. The tree cap of claim 1, wherein the one or more cap nut lug rows of the quick connection system comprises:

a first row of cap nut lugs; and

a second row of cap nut lugs, wherein the first row of cap nut lugs is aligned substantially parallel to the second row of cap nut lugs.

12. A tree cap, comprising:

a tree cap body having an open end;

a blanking plug;

a hold down cap nut in axial alignment with the blanking plug and the tree cap body, the hold down cap nut engaged with the tree cap body and the blanking plug to limit axial movement of the blanking plug relative to the tree cap body; and

a quick connection system configured to secure the blanking plug to the tree cap body, comprising:

a tree cap body lug extending radially outward from the tree cap body;

a cap nut lug extending radially inward from the hold down cap nut, the cap nut lug at least partially axially aligned with and configured to engage the tree cap body lug to limit relative axial movement between the tree cap body and the hold down cap; and

a latch configured to prevent rotational movement of the hold down cap nut relative to the tree cap body.

13. The tree cap of claim 12, wherein the tree cap body lug engages the cap nut lug, causing the hold down cap nut to retain force on the blanking plug and securing the blanking plug in place in the open end of the tree cap body.

14. The tree cap of claim 12, wherein the latch comprises a latch member, the latch member causing the hold down cap nut to retain force on the blanking plug and securing the blanking plug in place in the open end of the tree cap body.

15. The tree cap of claim 12, wherein the quick connection system further comprises:

a roll pin;

one or more spring plungers; and

one or more spring plunger apertures.

16. An assembly, comprising:

a composite block; and

a tree cap, comprising:

a tree cap body having an open end;

a quick connection system, comprising:

one or more cap nut lugs extending radially inward from the hold down cap nut, the one or more cap nut lugs arranged in one or more cap nut lug rows, so that when the one or more tree cap body lugs are circumferentially aligned with the one or more cap nut lugs, interference between the one or more tree cap body lugs and the one or more cap nut lugs limited relative axial movement between the tree cap body and the hold down cap nut.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the composite block comprises:

one or more XT valve connections.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the composite block further comprises:

one or more block flange connections.

19. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the quick connection system of the tree cap further comprises:

a roll pin;

one or more spring plungers; and

one or more spring plunger apertures.

20. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the tree cap further comprises:

one or more lifting eyes secured to the blanking plug.