Torque transmitting expansion joint and a hanger assembly incorporating same

摘要

A hanger assembly for use in a subterranean well incorporates a torque transmitting expansion joint providing a selectively adjustable extent of axial contraction. The expansion joint essentially comprises a telescopic inter-relationship of two sleeve assemblies. One sleeve assembly carries a fixedly mounted rectangular key which is engagable only with an axially extending slot provided in the other sleeve assembly. The first mentioned sleeve assembly also rotatably mounts a key which cooperates with a peripherally extending slot provided in the other sleeve assembly. The axial extending slot connects with a trough portion of the peripherally extending slot. Successive reciprocations of the two sleeve assemblies produce an incremental rotation of the round key around the peripherally extending slot and normally limits the extent of axial contraction of the two sleeve assemblies to the axial extent of such peripherally extending slot. When the key reaches an angular position in which it is aligned with the axially extending slot, an increased amount of contraction of the two sleeve assemblies can be obtained.