INSTALLABLE LOAD SHOULDER FOR A WELLHEAD

A system for supporting tubing in a borehole with an installable load shoulder. The system includes a wellhead formed with an enlarged first circumferential groove formed in the wall of the vertical bore of the wellhead, and a second circumferential groove extending generally upwardly or downwardly from the first circumferential groove. At least one opening is formed in communication with the second circumferential groove. An annular load shoulder is received within the first circumferential groove, and has an inner surface adapted to support a tubing hanger. The load shoulder is formed from at least three arc-shaped shoulder segments adapted to be received within the first circumferential groove. At least one of the arc-shaped shoulder segments has an engagement member configured to pass through the opening to be received within the second circumferential groove of the wellhead. Rotating the annular load shoulder such that the engagement member is out of alignment with the opening secures the load shoulder within the wellhead.