Nut for engaging a catheter

Abstract

A nut for engaging a catheter includes a body having a generally cylindrical shape and defining a central opening. A plurality of lugs can extend outwardly from an outer surface of the body and provide one or more strike surfaces. The central opening can include a threaded portion adjacent a first end of the nut and a tapered portion extending from the threaded portion. The tapered portion defines a frustoconical surface that expands the central opening beyond the threaded portion. The tapered portion can terminate at an undercut or flange near a second end of the nut.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent disclosure generally relates to pumping conduits, and more specifically, to nuts for connecting conduit sections for pumping operations. Background Technology

[0002] Pumping operations in industries such as hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”), concrete pouring, and well services may involve pumping high-viscosity and / or high-pressure fluids. Such fluids can be delivered via conduits that can withstand high, periodically applied stresses. Conduits are typically made of sections of tubing connected to each other using threaded nuts. These nuts often include protruding wings or lugs that provide the ability to apply torque to tighten or loosen the nut. For example, lugs can provide a surface on which a sledgehammer or hydraulic hammer can strike to provide the considerable impact load or torque required to tighten or remove the nut.

[0003] Traditionally, nuts used in such pumping operations are known to have a limited lifespan due to the extreme conditions of their use and installation. Repeated impacts during nut installation typically cause deformation of the lugs on the nut. Additionally, nuts are prone to cracking when the pipe section they connect to is subjected to bending loads, and to fatigue failure when subjected to cyclic pressure loads generated by pumping incompressible fluids at high pressure within the pipe section.

[0004] An example of a known wing nut can be seen in WO 2016 / 205208 (“Witkowski”), which describes a wing nut with a “full root radius” and “increased wall thickness”. Although Witkowski’s wing nut may represent an improvement over known wing nuts, it remains ineffective in all aspects of improving the use and operation of the nut. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of this disclosure, a nut may include a body having a generally cylindrical shape extending along an axis from a first end to a second end. The body may include sidewalls defining an outer surface of the body and a central opening around the axis. The central opening may include a first surface extending a first distance from the first end of the body; at least one thread formed on the first surface; a second surface adjacent to and extending toward the second end away from the first surface, the second surface being angled relative to the first surface; and a third surface adjacent to the second end, the third surface being disposed radially inward of the first surface and the second surface. The nut may also include a plurality of lugs extending radially outward from the outer surface of the body.

[0006] In another aspect of this disclosure, a nut may include a body having a generally cylindrical shape and extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The body may define a central opening including a threaded surface adjacent to the first end and a tapered surface extending between the threaded surface and the second end. A first radius of the tapered surface at a first axial position relatively closer to the first end is smaller than a second radius of the tapered surface at a second axial position relatively closer to the second end. The nut may also include at least one thread formed on the first surface; and a plurality of lugs extending radially outward from the outer surface of the body.

[0007] In another aspect of this disclosure, a nut includes a body having a generally cylindrical shape along an axis between a first end and a second end. The body defines a central opening including a generally cylindrical threaded portion adjacent to the first end, a truncated conical portion extending from the threaded portion toward the second end, and a third generally cylindrical surface adjacent to the second end. The radius of the truncated conical portion is relatively small adjacent to the threaded portion and relatively large away from the threaded portion. The radius of the third generally cylindrical portion is smaller than the radius of the threaded portion. The nut also includes at least one thread formed on the first surface; and a plurality of lugs extending outwardly from the outer surface of the body. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a nut according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 A plan view of the nut.

[0010] Figure 3 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 Side view of the nut.

[0011] Figure 4 It is in accordance with aspects of this disclosure along Figure 2 The section line 4-4 in the middle is cut off Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the nut. Detailed Implementation

[0012] This disclosure relates to conduits for pumping systems, and more specifically, to nuts for connecting sections of pipes or conduits, such as those used in fracturing, concrete pumping, well services, oil and gas, construction, and other industries. In the embodiments described herein, nuts can be used on hammer nuts to connect two pipe sections used to transport fluids under pressure during oilfield services or production operations. Such nuts may be referred to as “hammer nuts.” However, this disclosure is not limited to such nuts. Rather, the invention generally describes a generic “nut,” which in some configurations may correspond to a “hammer nut,” a “wing nut,” a “lug nut,” or other known nuts. The same reference numerals will be used wherever possible in all the drawings to refer to the same features.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary nut 100. The nut 100 includes a body 102 having a generally hollow cylindrical shape, the body including sidewalls 104 and a central opening 106. The sidewalls 104 extend generally in an axial direction, for example along a central axis 108, having a length from a first face or end 110 to a second face or end 112. As shown, the first end 110 and the second end 112 may be generally parallel surfaces, and the axis 108 may be generally perpendicular to both the first end 110 and the second end 112. The sidewalls 104 may have a wall thickness, for example, generally along the radius extending from the axis 108. As further described herein, the wall thickness may vary along the length of the nut 100, for example between the first end 110 and the second end 112.

[0014] The nut 100 is also shown as including three wings or lugs 114 radially spaced around and projecting from the sidewall 104. Each lug 114 generally has a lug height between a first lug face 116 and a second lug face 118, for example, extending generally along the axis 108. In the example shown, the second lug face 118 may be generally coplanar with the second end 112 and / or form an extension of the second end. Conversely, the first lug face 116 may be axially spaced from the first end 110, for example, so that the lug 114 is shorter in the axial direction than the body 102 of the nut 100. Each lug 114 generally also includes a first impact surface 120 and a second impact surface 122 offset from the first impact surface 120, for example, generally along the circumference of the nut 100. An outer lug surface 124 extends between the distal end of the first impact surface 120 and the second impact surface 122. The lug surface 124 can be profiled, for example, as an arc, and in some cases, can have a generally constant radius around axis 108. In the example, the curved shape of the lug surface 124 can strengthen the transition region between the impact surfaces 120, 122 and the lug surface 124, for example, by increasing the angle between adjacent surfaces and / or by increasing the material thickness at these transition regions.

[0015] Still roughly as Figure 1 As shown and as described in further detail herein, the central opening 106 is generally defined by an inner surface 126, and one or more threads 128 are formed on a portion of the inner surface 126 adjacent to the first end 110. Other aspects of the central opening 106 are described below. Figure 4 The description is further described in detail.

[0016] In use, nut 100 can be secured to the threaded end of a pipe or conduit (not shown). More specifically, this can be achieved by... Figure 1 Rotate nut 100 in direction A to screw nut 100 onto the pipe. As mentioned above, the pipe including nut 100 may be subjected to high pressure and nut 100 can only be secured by applying a large rotational force. Lug 114 provides a surface on which this force can be applied. Specifically, during installation, a technician may strike or otherwise engage a first impact surface 120 on one of lugs 114 to apply a force that generates torque to securely tighten nut 100. Lug 114 also provides a surface for applying force in the opposite direction to, for example, remove nut 100. More specifically, a technician may strike or otherwise engage a second impact surface 122 on one of lugs 114 to apply a force that generates torque in the direction opposite to arrow A to loosen nut 100.

[0017] In some examples, the nut 100 may be a forged component and may be made of steel, iron, alloys, etc. In some examples, forging the nut 100 integrally as a single component, such as including a body 102 and a lug 114, can enhance the overall strength of the nut 100, for example, to withstand strong forces on the first impact surface 120 and the second impact surface 122. The central opening 106 may be formed as part of the forging process or may be formed during a subsequent process. Similarly, the profile and features of the inner surface 126, including the thread 128, may be formed during the forging process or via one or more subsequent processes.

[0018] Figure 1 The nut 100 shown is for illustrative purposes only; modifications are expected. For example, although in Figure 1 Three lugs 114 are shown, but in different embodiments, the nut 100 may include more or fewer lugs 114. Furthermore, although the lugs 114 are shown as equidistant from axis 108, in other embodiments, the lugs 114 may be spaced in other ways. The lugs 114 are also not limited to the size and shape shown. Without limitation, the lug height can be larger or smaller, the angle of the first lug face 116 relative to the second lug face 118 can be varied, the distance between the first impact surface 120 and the second impact surface 122 can be varied, and / or the angle of the first impact surface 120 relative to the second impact surface 122 can be increased or decreased relative to the illustration. Similarly, in some cases, the size and / or shape of one of the lugs 114 may differ from that of another lug 114. In other words, although the lugs 114 are shown as identical, they do not necessarily have to be identical.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a plan view of nut 100, with the first end 112 viewed roughly along axis 108. Figure 2 The arrangement of the lugs is shown in more detail. Specifically, Figure 2The first impact surface 120 and the second impact surface 122 are shown to generally give each lug 114 a generally trapezoidal shape. Also shown, the first impact surface 120 may be arranged at a first angle α relative to the radius of the nut 100 passing through the center of the lug end face 124, and the second impact surface 122 may be arranged at a second angle β relative to the same radius. In the illustration, the first angle α is relatively larger than the second angle β. Due to this difference in angles, the surface area of ​​the first impact surface 120 will be different from the surface area of ​​the second impact surface 122. In other words, for example, the first width W1 of the first impact surface 120, measured as the distance along the first impact surface 120 between the sidewall 104 and the lug end face 124, is greater than, for example, the second width W2 of the second impact surface 122, measured as the distance along the second impact surface 122 between the sidewall 104 and the lug end face 124. As a result, the first impact surface 120 can provide a larger impact target to facilitate tightening during the installation of the wing nut 100. In the example, the first angle α is relatively larger than the second angle β. Unrestricted, the first angle α can range from approximately 12 degrees to approximately 15 degrees, and the second angle β can range from approximately 10 degrees to approximately 12 degrees. These are merely examples, as the angles α, β, and widths W1, W2 can vary depending on the application. In some examples, it may be desirable for angles α and β to be approximately the same. In other examples, the second angle β can be larger than the first angle α, which can result in the second impact surface 122 having a larger surface area than the first impact surface 120, for example, because the second width W2 can be larger than the first width W1. Moreover, as... Figure 3 As shown, the widths W1 and W2 can vary along the axial direction.

[0020] In addition to providing a larger target to impact the nut 100 in the tightening direction (e.g., rotating in the direction of arrow A), angles α and β can also internally redirect the direction of the tightening impact force. For example, angled first impact surface 120, as shown, can result in a more tangential direction of the force applied to that surface, e.g., relative to opening 106. Changing the impact of this force can reduce the internal stresses acting laterally within sidewall 104.

[0021] For example Figure 2As shown, the nut 100 may also include a plurality of ribs 202 generally circumferentially arranged around the sidewall 104. For example, the ribs 202 can further increase the strength and resilience of the nut 100. As shown, the ribs 202 extend generally circumferentially between the lugs 114, for example, such that a first end of one of the ribs 202 contacts or terminates at a first impact surface 120 on one of the lugs 114, and a second opposite end of one of the ribs 202 contacts or terminates at a second impact surface 122 of the adjacent lug in the lug 114. Although the ribs 202 are shown as extending fully between adjacent lugs 114, in other examples, the ribs 202 may terminate at locations spaced apart from the lugs 114. For example, by terminating the ribs 202 at locations spaced apart from the lugs 114, the surface area of ​​the impact surfaces 120, 122 can be further increased. Larger impact surfaces 120, 122 can be more easily impacted, thus improving the accuracy of impacts on those surfaces. This improved precision allows for greater efficiency in securing and removing the nut 100, and reduces damage caused by inaccurate impacts.

[0022] from Figure 1 (and in Figure 3 As can also be seen in the following discussion (which will be presented in more detail below), rib 202 can have a profiled outer surface, such that rib 202 has different thicknesses, for example, the thickness measured radially outward from sidewall 104. For example, rib 202 can result in a relatively large thickness spaced from the first end 110 and the second end 112, and a relatively small thickness closer to those surfaces. The maximum thickness of each rib 202 can be relatively closer to the second end 112, although this is only an example. In at least some cases, the maximum thickness can be axially positioned to overlap or correspond to the ends of one or more threads 128.

[0023] Figure 2 It is also shown that each lug 114 may include two raised ridges 204. The ridges 204 can provide visual contrast and / or provide tactile features on the nut, for example, to facilitate alignment and / or installation. Of course, the shape, orientation, and number of the ridges 204 can be varied with... Figure 2 The difference is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side view of nut 100, and it shows many of the features described in more detail above. For example, Figure 3The outline of rib 202 is better illustrated. As shown, each rib includes a first tapered portion 302 adjacent to the second end 112, a middle portion 304, and a second tapered portion 306. The first tapered portion 302 and the second tapered portion 306 may have the same or different angles, for example, relative to the axis 108. In the example, the middle portion 304 may be generally cylindrical, for example, parallel to the axis 108 in cross-section, but in embodiments, the middle portion 304 may differ from vertical when shown in the outline, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. As a non-limiting example, the intermediate portion 304 can be arc-shaped, angled, or otherwise formed. As mentioned above, the rib 202 can provide increased thickness in the area of ​​the nut 100. Also as... Figure 3 As shown, the sidewall 104 may be different from a cylinder.

[0025] Figure 3 Lug 114 is shown in more detail. As shown, the first lug surface 116 may be angled relative to the first end 110 and the second end 112. Furthermore, the first lug surface 116 may terminate at a position spaced apart from the first end 110. Therefore, the first impact surface 120 and the second impact surface 122 are generally trapezoidal (except for the profile created by the adjacent rib 202). Of course, and as described herein, the shapes, dimensions, and profiles shown are merely examples. For example, but not limited to, the first lug surface 116 may be generally parallel to the second lug surface 118 (and / or the first end 110 and / or the second end 112). It should be understood that changing the angle of the first lug surface 116 and / or the second lug surface 118 can result in a change in the surface area of ​​the first impact surface 120 and / or the second impact surface 122.

[0026] Figure 4 It is roughly along Figure 2 The cross-section of section line 4-4 is shown in more detail, and aspects of the central opening 106 are illustrated in more detail. Specifically, Figure 4The diagram illustrates that, for example, in addition to one or more threads 128, the center opening 106 may include a number of variations in features and profiles. More specifically, one or more threads 128 may extend along a first generally cylindrical portion 402 that extends generally from the first end 110 toward the second end 112. One or more threads 128 may comprise a single continuous thread or multiple discrete, separate internal threads. One or more threads 128 may be any thread or thread arrangement suitable for retaining the nut 100 on a threaded pipe, conduit, etc. As a non-limiting example, one or more threads 128 may be sized and / or shaped according to threads specified by a standards-setting organization, and / or configured for applications such as the high-pressure applications described herein. In other examples, one or more threads 128 may conform to modified thread standards, such as J-series threads. As shown, one or more threads 128 may extend over substantially all of the cylindrical portion 402; however, in other examples, one or more threads 128 may cover more or fewer cylindrical portions 402 than shown. In the example, one or more threads 128 may be sized to provide minimum engagement with the mating threads on the pipe or conduit to which the nut 100 is secured.

[0027] For example Figure 4 As shown, the central opening 106 may also include a tapered portion 404. The tapered portion 404 may begin at the end of the cylindrical portion 402 and extend generally toward the second end 112. As shown, the tapered portion 404 results in a widening of the central opening 106, for example, an increased inner diameter, because the tapered portion 404 extends from the end of the cylindrical portion 402 toward the second end 112. More specifically, the tapered portion 404 may include a truncated conical surface having an angle μ relative to the central axis 108. In some examples, this angle may be between about 2 degrees and about 6 degrees, but in other embodiments, the angle may be larger (or smaller). In addition to providing a widening of the central opening 106, the tapered portion 404 also provides, for example, a generally unthreaded distance along the central axis 108. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion 402 may extend along the axis 108 by a distance of about 0.5 to about 2 times that of the tapered portion 404. In the example, the axial length of the cylindrical portion 402 may be based at least in part on the number of turns required by one or more threads 128, and the axial length of the tapered portion 404 may be based at least in part on the axial length of the cylindrical portion 402 and the overall axial dimension of the nut 100.

[0028] The tapered portion 404 terminates at an undercut 406, approximately perpendicular to the central axis 108. As shown, the joint 408 between the tapered portion 404 and the undercut 406 can be rounded. In this example, the tapered portion 404 promotes a larger radius at the joint 408 compared to a conventional design excluding the tapered portion 404. It should be that the larger the angle μ, the larger the radius can be. Also... Figure 4 As shown, the central opening 106 may also include a hole 410 extending between the undercut 406 and the second end 112. As illustrated, the junction 412 between the hole 410 and the second end 112 may include an angled chamfer. In other examples, the junction 412 may be rounded or otherwise formed.

[0029] In some cases, the center opening 106 can provide improved results compared to a conventional design. For example, the truncated conical surfaces of the tapered portion 404 and / or the rounded joint 408 can promote increased wear resistance and reduce nut 100 failure. In some examples, the tapered portion 404 can provide a threadless section to which the leading edge of a pipe or conduit segment (not shown) to which the nut 100 will be mounted when securely fastened can be arranged. In some examples, as in the previous embodiments, the leading edge of the pipe segment may not contact the undercut 406. In other examples, even where the leading edge of the pipe segment is positioned on or otherwise in contact with the undercut 406, the tapered portion 404 can result in limited contact to no contact of the outer surface (e.g., threads) of the pipe segment to which the nut 100 is secured. In other words, relatively small deformation may occur on the surface of the center opening 106 because the tapered portion 404 increases the inner diameter of the center opening 106 between one or more threads 128 and the undercut 406. Similarly, in the example, for instance, compared to what could be a conventional non-rounded joint, a rounded joint 408 can facilitate stress reduction from fluid flowing through the central opening 106, the fluid including fluid exiting the conduit secured by the nut 100.

[0030] In another example, nut 100 may be configured to engage two pipe segments (not shown). For example, in some examples, the first pipe segment may include a flange adjacent to the open end. The flange may be received in the central opening 106, for example adjacent to the tapered portion 404, such that the pipe segment passes through the bore 410. In this example, once the first pipe segment passes through the bore 410, a second pipe segment with external threads may be received by one or more threads 128. In this example, the end of the second pipe segment may abut or abut against the flange of the first pipe segment. In another example, as is conventionally known, a collar (not shown) may be arranged to contact the undercut 406. In some of these examples, the tapered portion 404 may provide increased clearance to the flange, collar, or other features of the first pipe segment.

[0031] For example Figure 4 As shown, rib 202 may generally correspond to an area that generally corresponds to a portion of the tapered portion 404 and the cylindrical portion 402, including the ends of one or more threads 128 and the remainder of the cylindrical portion between the one or more threads 128 and the tapered portion 404. As mentioned above, rib 202 may provide increased thickness at vulnerable portions of the nut 100. In this example, the ends of one or more threads 126 and / or undercut 406 may be particularly susceptible to stress cracking or other manifestations of high pressure, wear, etc. Although rib 202 is shown as being located near these locations, in other embodiments, the size, shape, or location of rib 202 may be determined in other ways.

[0032] Industrial applicability

[0033] This disclosure provides an improved nut that can be used in applications such as natural gas, oil, construction, and fracturing. The nut is particularly useful in high-pressure applications and / or when used with fluids containing abrasive particles. The disclosed nut can be used for an extended period before failure and / or the need for replacement, which can result in reduced downtime and / or reduced maintenance time and costs for fluid systems.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the nut 100, which may be a hammer nut or a lug nut, may include a plurality of spaced lugs 114, which provide increased surface area for applying rotational force to secure and / or remove the nut 100. The nut 100 also includes a central opening with a varying profile, the central opening including a threaded portion 402, a tapered portion 404, and a diameter-reducing hole 410.

[0035] It should be understood that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed systems and techniques. However, it is conceivable that other embodiments of this disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to this disclosure or its examples are intended to refer to the specific examples discussed at the time and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure in a more general sense. All distinctions and adverse statements regarding certain features are intended to indicate that such features are not preferred, but are not intended to completely exclude such features from the scope of the invention unless otherwise specified.

[0036] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the descriptions of value ranges herein are intended solely as a shorthand for referring to each independent value falling within the range, and each independent value is incorporated into the specification as if described separately herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.

[0037] Although various aspects of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be contemplated through modifications to the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A hammer nut for connecting two pipe sections used to transport fluid under pressure during oilfield service or production operations, comprising: A body having a generally cylindrical shape extending along an axis from a first end to a second end, the body including sidewalls defining an outer surface of the body and a central opening around the axis, the central opening including: A cylindrical first surface extending a first distance from the first end of the main body; At least one thread formed on the first surface; A second truncated conical surface extending a second distance away from the first surface toward the second end, the second truncated conical surface forming an angle with respect to the first surface along the second distance, the angle being between 2 degrees and 6 degrees, wherein the first distance is 0.5 to 2.0 times the second distance; and A third surface adjacent to the second end, the third surface being arranged radially inside the first surface and the second truncated conical surface; and A plurality of lugs extending radially outward from the outer surface of the body, wherein one of the lugs includes a generally planar first impact surface and a generally planar second impact surface, the first impact surface and the second impact surface being generally parallel to the axis and at an angle relative to each other, the first impact surface being arranged at a first angle relative to the radius of a nut passing through the center of the end face of the lug, and the second impact surface being arranged at a second angle relative to the radius of a nut passing through the center of the end face of the lug, the first angle being different from the second angle.

2. The hammer nut of claim 1, wherein the second truncated conical surface is angled to produce a smaller diameter of the central opening adjacent to the first end and a larger diameter of the central opening adjacent to the second end.

3. The hammer nut of claim 2, wherein the central opening further includes an undercut between the second truncated conical surface and the third surface.

4. The hammer nut according to claim 3, wherein the transition between the second truncated conical surface and the undercut is a rounded surface.

5. The hammer nut of claim 1, wherein at least one thread is arranged on the first surface, such that it is spaced from the second truncated conical surface by a second distance less than the first distance.

6. The hammer nut of claim 3, wherein the first surface and the third surface are generally cylindrical about the axis, and the undercut is generally perpendicular to the axis.

7. The hammer nut of claim 1, further comprising at least one rib disposed on the outer surface of the body and extending circumferentially around the sidewall between a first lug and a second lug of the plurality of lugs.

8. The hammer nut of claim 7, wherein the at least one rib has a substantially uniform outer diameter between the first lug and the second lug.

9. A hammer nut for connecting two pipe sections used to transport fluid under pressure during oilfield service or production operations, comprising: A body having a generally cylindrical shape and extending along an axis between a first end and a second end, the body defining a central opening including a threaded surface adjacent to the first end and a tapered surface extending between the threaded surface and the second end, the tapered surface being angled relative to the threaded surface between 2 degrees and 6 degrees, and a first radius of the tapered surface at a first axial position relatively closer to the first end being smaller than a second radius of the tapered surface at a second axial position relatively closer to the second end, wherein the threaded surface extends a first distance along the axis from the first end, and the tapered surface extends a second distance along the axis from the end of the threaded surface, the first distance being 0.5 to 2.0 times the second distance; At least one thread formed on the threaded surface; as well as A plurality of lugs extending radially outward from the outer surface of the body, wherein one of the lugs includes a generally planar first impact surface and a generally planar second impact surface, the first impact surface and the second impact surface being generally parallel to the axis and at an angle relative to each other, the first impact surface being arranged at a first angle relative to the radius of a nut passing through the center of the end face of the lug, and the second impact surface being arranged at a second angle relative to the radius of a nut passing through the center of the end face of the lug, the first angle being different from the second angle.

10. The hammer nut of claim 9, further comprising at least one rib disposed on the outer surface of the body and extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the body between a first lug and a second lug of the plurality of lugs.

11. The hammer nut according to claim 9, wherein the first distance is approximately equal to the second distance.

12. The hammer nut according to claim 9, wherein the central opening further comprises: A third surface, which is adjacent to the second end and arranged radially inside the tapered surface; as well as Undercut between the conical surface and the third surface.

13. The hammer nut of claim 12, wherein the transition between the tapered surface and the undercut is a rounded surface.

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