Locking system for a blowout preventer function

Abstract

A hydraulic locking system for a blowout preventer function is provide. The locking system enables implementation and practical engagement as part of the routine functioning of the blowout preventer. The locking system may be adapted to fluidly interconnect a control system port and a function port so as to trap and release hydraulic actuation pressure against the function port and any blowout preventer function fluidly communicating thereto.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for locking actuation pressure in a BOP function, comprising:
 a control system configured to control a hydraulic pressure therein;   a control line fluidly communicating the BOP function to the control system; and   a hydraulic locking apparatus disposed along the control line, wherein the hydraulic locking apparatus comprises:
 a function port adapted to fluidly communicate to a portion of the control line connected to the BOP function; 
 a control system port adapted to fluidly communicate to a portion of the control line connected to the control system; and 
 a locking mechanism movable from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, locking the actuation pressure against the function port. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuation fluid flowing through the control system under said hydraulic pressure. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic locking apparatus further comprises a check valve. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the check valve further comprises a ball check and stem assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the check valve further comprises a poppet and stem assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an accumulator fluidly interconnecting the locking mechanism and the function port. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising a two-way valve connected in parallel with the check valve. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the control system is configured to operatively move the locking mechanism to the locked configuration at a predetermined maximum actuation pressure. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the control system is configured to operatively move the locking mechanism to the unlocked configuration if the hydraulic pressure at the control system port exceeds the hydraulic pressure at the function port. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the accumulator is configured to store actuation pressure to help sustain actuation pressure when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration.