Threaded tubular member with metal-to-metal sealing

Abstract

A threaded connection between an end of a first tubular member having a central axis and an end of a second tubular member having a central axis, the central axis of the second tubular member being coaxially aligned with the central axis of the first tubular member, the threaded connection includes a threaded female connector disposed at an end of the first tubular member. The threaded female connector includes a female outer shoulder, a female inner shoulder axially spaced from the female outer shoulder, a plurality of internal threads axially located between the female outer shoulder and the female inner shoulder, and a female sealing surface axially located between the internal threads and the female inner shoulder. Further, the threaded connection includes a threaded male connector disposed at an end of the second tubular member and threadingly coupled to the threaded female connector. The threaded male connector includes a male outer shoulder engaging the female outer shoulder, a male inner shoulder axially spaced from the male outer shoulder, a plurality of external threads axially located between the male outer shoulder and the male inner shoulder, and a male nose extending axially from the plurality of external threads to the male internal shoulder. The male inner shoulder engages the female inner shoulder. The external threads of the threaded male connector and the internal threads of the threaded female connector are matched and connected in a threaded mode. The male nose includes a male sealing surface sealingly engaging the female sealing surface, and a primary male nose section extending axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface. The male nose portion has a length Lp-nose measured from the plurality of external threads in an axial direction to the male inner shoulder, where the length Lp-nose is greater than or equal to 1.625 inches.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 503,106, filed May 18, 2023, entitled “Threaded Tubular Members Employing Metal-to-Metal Seals,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0003] Statement regarding federally funded research or development

[0004] not applicable. Technical Field

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to threaded connections. More specifically, this disclosure relates to radial metal-to-metal seals on threaded connections for downhole tubular components (such as drill pipe). Background Technology

[0006] Threaded tubular fittings are common in many industries, such as oil and gas drilling, production, transportation, and refining. For example, in oil and gas drilling operations, the drill bit is threadedly attached to one end of a threaded tubular fitting, which is then rotated (e.g., from the surface to the well via a mud motor, etc.) to form a borehole. As the drill bit advances through the formation, additional tubular fittings are threaded end-to-end attached at the surface, forming a long, thin drill string. While the drill bit rotates, drilling fluid is pumped along the drill string, discharged from the end face of the drill bit, and then flows back to the surface via the annulus between the drill string and the borehole sidewall. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This document discloses an embodiment of a threaded connection between an end of a first tubular member having a central axis and an end of a second tubular member having a central axis, wherein the central axis of the second tubular member is coaxially aligned with the central axis of the first tubular member. In one embodiment, a threaded connection includes a threaded female connector disposed at the end of the first tubular member. The threaded female connector includes a female outer shoulder, a female inner shoulder spaced axially from the female outer shoulder, a plurality of internal threads axially located between the female outer shoulder and the female inner shoulder, and a female sealing surface axially located between the internal threads and the female inner shoulder. Furthermore, the threaded connection includes a threaded male connector disposed at the end of the second tubular member and threadedly connected to the threaded female connector. The threaded male connector includes a male outer shoulder engaging the female outer shoulder, a male inner shoulder spaced axially from the male outer shoulder, a plurality of external threads axially located between the male outer shoulder and the male inner shoulder, and a male nose extending axially from the plurality of external threads to the male inner shoulder. The male inner shoulder engages the female inner shoulder. The external thread of the threaded male connector mates with the internal thread of the threaded female connector and engages in a threaded manner. The male nose includes a male sealing surface that engages with the female sealing surface in a sealing manner, and a main male nose section extending axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface. The male nose has a length L. p-nose The length L p-nose The length L is measured axially from the plurality of external threads to the male internal shoulder. p-nose 1.625 inches or greater.

[0008] In another embodiment, a threaded connection includes a threaded female connector disposed at the end of the first tubular member. The threaded female connector includes a female outer shoulder, a female inner shoulder axially spaced from the female outer shoulder, a plurality of internal threads axially located between the female outer shoulder and the female inner shoulder, and a female sealing surface axially located between the internal threads and the female inner shoulder. Furthermore, the threaded connection includes a threaded male connector disposed at the end of the second tubular member and threadedly connected to the threaded female connector. The threaded male connector includes a male outer shoulder engaging the female outer shoulder, a male inner shoulder axially spaced from the male outer shoulder, a plurality of external threads axially located between the male outer shoulder and the male inner shoulder, and a male nose extending axially from the plurality of external threads to the male inner shoulder. The male inner shoulder engages the female inner shoulder. The external threads of the threaded male connector mate with the internal threads of the threaded female connector and are threadedly engaged. The male nose includes a male sealing surface that seals against the female sealing surface, a main male nose section extending axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface, and a secondary male nose section extending axially from the male sealing surface to the male internal shoulder. The male nose has a length L. p-nose The length L p-nose Measurements are taken axially from the plurality of external threads to the internal shoulder of the male. The main male nose section has a length L. p-major The length L p-major The length L is measured axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface. p-major With the length L p-nose The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.25.

[0009] In another embodiment, a threaded connection includes a threaded female connector disposed at the end of the first tubular member. The threaded female connector includes a female outer shoulder, a female inner shoulder axially spaced from the female outer shoulder, a plurality of internal threads axially located between the female outer shoulder and the female inner shoulder, and a female sealing surface axially located between the internal threads and the female inner shoulder. Furthermore, the threaded connection includes a threaded male connector disposed at the end of the second tubular member and threadedly connected to the threaded female connector. The threaded male connector includes a male outer shoulder engaging the female outer shoulder, a male inner shoulder axially spaced from the male outer shoulder, a plurality of external threads axially located between the male outer shoulder and the male inner shoulder, and a male nose extending axially from the plurality of external threads to the male inner shoulder. The male inner shoulder engages the female inner shoulder. The external threads of the threaded male connector mate with the internal threads of the threaded female connector and are threadedly engaged. The male nose includes a male sealing surface that seals against the female sealing surface, a main male nose section extending axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface, and a secondary male nose section extending axially from the male sealing surface to the male internal shoulder. The main male nose section has a length L. p-major The length L p-major Measurements are taken axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface. The male nose section has a length L. p-minor The length L p-minor The length L is measured axially from the male sealing surface to the male inner shoulder. p-minor With the length L p-major The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10 and less than or equal to 0.50.

[0010] In a further embodiment, a threaded connection includes a threaded female connector disposed at the end of a first tubular member. The threaded female connector includes a female outer shoulder, a female inner shoulder axially spaced from the female outer shoulder, a plurality of internal threads axially located between the female outer shoulder and the female inner shoulder, a female sealing surface axially located between the internal threads and the female inner shoulder, a first transition surface extending axially from the internal threads to the female sealing surface, and a second transition surface extending axially from the female sealing surface to the female inner shoulder. The female sealing surface has a length L. b-seal The length L b-sealMeasurements are taken axially from the first transition surface to the second transition surface. Furthermore, the threaded connection includes a threaded male connector disposed at the end of the second tubular member and threadedly connected to the threaded female connector. The threaded male connector includes a male external shoulder that engages the female external shoulder, a male internal shoulder axially spaced from the male external shoulder, a plurality of external threads axially located between the male external shoulder and the male internal shoulder, and a male nose extending axially from the plurality of external threads to the male internal shoulder. The male internal shoulder engages the female internal shoulder. The external threads of the threaded male connector mate with the internal threads of the threaded female connector and are threadedly engaged. The male nose includes a male sealing surface that seals against the female sealing surface, a main male nose section extending axially from the external threads to the male sealing surface, and a secondary male nose section extending axially from the male sealing surface to the male internal shoulder. The male sealing surface has a length L. p-seal The length L p-seal The measurement is taken axially from the main male nose section to the secondary male nose section. The length L p-seal Greater than the length L b-seal The male sealing surface extends axially from the female sealing surface toward the male outer shoulder, and the male sealing surface extends axially from the female sealing surface toward the male inner shoulder.

[0011] The embodiments described herein include a combination of features and advantages designed to address various drawbacks associated with certain existing devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has provided a broad overview of the features and certain technical advantages of the disclosed exemplary embodiments to facilitate a better understanding in the following detailed description. The various characteristics and other features described above will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed concepts and specific exemplary embodiments can be readily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures to achieve the same purposes as the embodiments described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To provide a detailed description of the disclosed exemplary embodiments, reference will now be made to the following figures:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a drilling system for drilling boreholes into underground formations, based on the principles disclosed herein.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view of one of the drill pipes used in a drilling system;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view cross-section of one of the drill pipes used in a drilling system;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The male connector of a drill pipe and Figure 1 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the threaded connection between the mating female connectors of adjacent drill pipes;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of the male threaded connector;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of the female threaded connector;

[0019] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a threaded connection between a male connector of a tubular member and a mating female connector of an adjacent tubular member, based on the principles disclosed herein.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of the male threaded connector;

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of section 9-9; and

[0022] Figure 10 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a threaded connection between a male connector of a tubular member and a mating female connector of an adjacent tubular member, based on the principles disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following discussion pertains to various exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein are of broad applicability, and the discussion of any embodiment is intended to be illustrative only and is not intended to imply that the scope of this disclosure (including the claims) is limited to that embodiment.

[0024] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features and components in this document may be shown at an enlarged scale or in a slightly schematic form, and details of some common elements may not be shown for the sake of clarity and simplicity.

[0025] In the following discussion and claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be construed as "including but not limited to...". Furthermore, the terms "couples" or "links" refer to indirect or direct connections. Thus, if a first device is coupled to a second device, the connection can be a direct connection or an indirect connection achieved via other devices, components, and connections. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "axial" and "along the axial direction" generally refer to along or parallel to a central axis (e.g., the central axis of a body or port), while the terms "radial" and "along the radial direction" generally refer to perpendicular to that central axis. For example, axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the central axis, and radial distance refers to a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis. Any reference to “upper” or “lower” in this description and claims is for clarity, wherein “upper,” “upper part,” “upward,” “upper well,” or “downstream” means toward the surface of the borehole, and “lower,” “lower part,” “downward,” “downhole,” or “downstream” means toward the end of the borehole, regardless of the borehole’s orientation. As used herein, “about” and “substantially” mean ±10%.

[0026] As previously described, during drilling operations, a drill string is formed by threading tubular components end-to-end together and rotating a drill bit at the lower end of the drill string while fluid flows down the string to drill a borehole into the formation along a desired trajectory. During such operations, it is desirable for the threaded connection to exhibit sufficient corrosion resistance and strength (e.g., tensile strength). It is also desirable for the threaded connection to form and maintain an airtight seal under relatively high internal gas pressures, while maintaining sufficient durability and robustness (i.e., maintaining the airtight seal) after repeated screwing in and out of the connection (i.e., repeated threading and unscrewing of the threaded connection).

[0027] Certain conventional threaded connections used in oil and gas operations provide metal-to-metal seals. However, some of these conventional threaded connections (e.g., those along casing) are designed to operate under different design requirements than drill pipe. Furthermore, many of these conventional threaded connections are not designed to withstand repeated turn-on and turn-off cycles because they tend to rely on interference-fit threads and tapered shoulders (reverse or negative angle shoulders) to form a metal-to-metal seal. Such features are not typical for drill pipe, which has non-interference-fit threads (also known as free-screw threads) and flat shoulders to withstand relatively high turn-on torques and multiple turn-on and turn-off cycles. Therefore, the embodiments of threaded connections described herein relate to threaded connections that offer the possibility of providing the required corrosion resistance, strength, and robustness to ensure an airtight seal even after multiple turn-on and turn-off cycles and under relatively high internal fluid pressures (e.g., exceeding 20,000 psi). Although the embodiments of threaded connections disclosed herein can be described in the context of drilling operations and drill pipes, it should be understood that the embodiments of tubular components and threaded connections disclosed herein can also be used in other applications, such as for casing, tubing, completion and workover risers, marine risers, etc.

[0028] Now for reference Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates one embodiment of a drilling system 10. In this embodiment, the drilling system 10 includes: a drilling apparatus 20 positioned above a borehole 11 penetrating an underground formation 12; a casing 14 extending from the surface 17 along a central or longitudinal axis 15 into the upper portion of the borehole 11; and a drill string 30 suspended from a derrick 21 of the drilling apparatus 20 within the borehole 11. The drill string 30 has: a central or longitudinal axis 31, which in this embodiment is aligned with the axis 15 of the casing 14 (note: this alignment is not required); a first or above-well end 30a connected to the derrick 21; and a second or below-well end 30b opposite to end 30a. Furthermore, the drill string 30 includes a drill bit 40 located at the below-well end 30b, and a plurality of tubular members 50 extending from the drill bit 40 to the above-well end 30a. The tubular members 50 are connected end-to-end, and the drill bit 40 is connected to the lower end of the lowest drill pipe 50. Because the tubular members 50 are used to assemble the drill string 30, they may also be referred to as drill pipes or "pipe joints" in this document, which are common terms in the field. A bottom hole assembly (BHA) (not shown) may be located in the drill string 30 and adjacent to the drill bit 40 (e.g., axially between the drill bit 40 and the lowest drill pipe 50).

[0029] In this embodiment, the drill bit 40 is rotated by rotating the drill string 30 from the surface 17. Specifically, the drill string 30 is rotated by a rotary table 22, which engages a crisscross drill pipe 23 connected to the uphole end 30a of the drill string 30. The crisscross drill pipe 23, and thus the drill string 30, is suspended from a hook 24 attached to a traveling block (not shown) and equipped with a rotary swivel 25, which allows the drill string 30 to rotate relative to the derrick 21. Although in this embodiment the drill bit 40 is rotated from the surface 17 via the drill string 30, in general, the drill bit (e.g., drill bit 40) can be rotated by a rotary table or top drive, by a downhole mud motor located in the BHA, or a combination of the above (e.g., rotated both by a rotary table via the drill string and by a mud motor; rotated both by a top drive and by a mud motor; etc.). For example, the rotation of a downhole motor can be used to supplement the rotational power of rotary table 22 (if needed), and / or to modify the drilling process. Therefore, it should be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein are suitable for use in various configurations within these drilling structures.

[0030] During drilling operations, a mud pump 26 located at the surface 17 pumps drilling fluid or mud into the interior of the drill string 30 through a port in a tap 25. The drilling fluid exits the drill string 30 through a port or nozzle in the end face of the drill bit 40 and subsequently circulates back to the surface 17 through an annulus 13 radially disposed between the drill string 30 and the sidewalls of the borehole 11. The drilling fluid is used to lubricate and cool the drill bit 40, carry formation cuttings to the surface, and maintain the pressure required to prevent blowouts. As described above, the embodiments of tubular components and threaded connections disclosed herein can also be used in other applications, such as well completion operations, well workover operations, and production operations.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each drill rod 50 that makes up the drill string 30 is an elongated tubular member that is threaded to an adjacent drill rod 50 or other components (such as drill bit 40, BHA, etc.). In particular, each drill rod 50 is threaded to an adjacent drill rod 50 at a threaded connection 70.

[0032] Each drill pipe 50 includes: a central or longitudinal axis 55 that is aligned with the axis 31 of the drill string 30 during operation; a first or upper end portion 50a; a second or lower end portion 50b opposite to the upper end portion 50a; a radially outer surface 50c that extends axially between the ends 50a and 50b; and a radially inner surface 50d that defines a through hole 52 extending axially between the ends 50a and 50b.

[0033] Threaded connectors are provided at each end 50a, 50b to facilitate threaded connection 70 between drill rod 50 and adjacent drill rod 50 within drill string 30, as previously described. Specifically, a recessed or female threaded connector 80 (or simply "female" or "female end") is provided at the upper end 50a, and a raised or male threaded connector 60 (or simply "male" or "male end") is provided at the lower end 50b. As will be described in more detail below, the female 80 includes a plurality of internal threads that threadly engage with the external threads of the male connector (e.g., male 60) of an axially adjacent drill rod 50 (e.g., relative to axis 31) to form a threaded connection 70, and the male 60 includes a plurality of external threads configured to threadly engage with the internal threads of the female threaded connector (e.g., female 80) of an axially adjacent drill rod 50 (e.g., relative to axis 31) to form a threaded connection 70. Further details of male part 60, female part 80 and threaded connection 70 will be described in more detail below.

[0034] Still referencing Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the drill pipe 50 further includes a pair of upsets, each extending axially from one of the threaded connectors 60, 80 to the central tubular region 58. As used herein, the term "upset" generally refers to an increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector 50 relative to the cross-sectional area within the central tubular region 58. Specifically, in this embodiment, the connector 50 includes: a first or upper upset 54 extending axially between the female member 80 and the central tubular region 58; and a second or lower upset 56 extending axially between the male member 60 and the central tubular region 58. Each upset 54, 56 includes an enlarged cross-sectional area such that a radially outer surface 50c expands radially outward relative to region 58 at the upset 54, 56, and a radially inner surface 50d expands radially inward relative to region 58 toward axis 55 at the upset 54, 56. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the thickened portions 54, 56 include radial expansion along only one of the surfaces 50c, 50d, and in yet another embodiment, the thickened portions 54, 56 are not included on the connector 50, yet still conform to the principles disclosed herein.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the drill pipe 50 is assembled by forming thickened portions 54 and 56 at the axial ends of region 58. Subsequently, threaded connectors 60 and 80 are respectively secured to the thickened portions 56 and 54 by any suitable method (e.g., welding, integral forming, etc.). Furthermore, the thickened portions 54 and 56 can be formed on the tubular region 58 by any suitable method while still conforming to the principles disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the thickened portions 54 and 56 are formed by heating the axial ends of the tubular region 58 and impacting each heated end along axis 55, thereby forcing surfaces 50c and 50d to expand radially as described above (and illustrated).

[0036] Now for reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The male threaded connector 60 includes: a main or outer annular shoulder 61 extending radially inward from a radially outer surface 50c; and an auxiliary or inner annular shoulder 62 extending radially outward from a radially inner surface 50d at a lower end 50b. The shoulders 61 and 62 are axially spaced from each other relative to the axis 55. In this embodiment, each shoulder 61 and 62 includes and is defined by an annular planar surface disposed in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis 55. As will be described in more detail below, the shoulders 61 and 62 are configured to engage with corresponding shoulders in a female threaded connector on the mating drill pipe 50 (e.g., corresponding shoulders 81 and 82 on the female 80). Although in this embodiment, shoulders 61, 62 are defined by a planar surface disposed in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis 55, in other embodiments, one or both of these shoulders (e.g., shoulders 61, 62) may include, and be defined by, an inclined or truncated conical surface not disposed in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis (e.g., axis 55).

[0037] The male part 60 (along its outer surface 50c) moves axially from the main shoulder 61 to the auxiliary shoulder 62. The male part 60 includes: a transition surface 63 extending axially from the main shoulder 61; an external thread 64 extending axially from the transition surface 63; and a male nose 65 extending axially from the external thread 64 to the auxiliary shoulder 62. The male nose 65 has several discrete axial sections or portions, including: a main male nose section 65a extending axially from the external thread 64; a male sealing surface 66 extending axially from the main male nose section 65a; and a secondary male nose section 65b extending axially from the male sealing surface 66 to the auxiliary shoulder 62. Therefore, the main male nose section 65a is located axially between the external thread 64 and the male sealing surface 66, the male sealing surface 66 is located axially between the main male nose section 65a and the secondary male nose section 65b, and the secondary male nose section 65b is located axially between the male sealing surface 66 and the auxiliary shoulder 62.

[0038] An external thread 64 is formed on the male part 60 along a tapered line 68, which is inclined at an angle θ relative to the axis 55. In this embodiment, the taper of the external thread 64 is preferably a diameter of about 0.75 to 3.0 inches per foot of axial length (“inches / foot” or “in / ft”) (i.e., the angle θ ranges from about 1.79° to 7.13°), more preferably, the taper is about 1.5 to 2.5 in / ft (i.e., the angle θ ranges more preferably from about 3.58° to 5.95°), and even more preferably, the taper is 2.0 in / ft (i.e., the angle θ ranges even more preferably from about 4.76°). However, it should be recognized that other values ​​of the taper and the angle θ may be used, while still conforming to the principles disclosed herein.

[0039] In this embodiment: transition surface 63 is defined by an annular cylindrical surface extending axially from the main shoulder 61 to the external thread 64; the main male nose section 65a is defined by an annular cylindrical surface extending axially from the external thread 64 to the male sealing surface 66; the male sealing surface 66 is defined by an annular truncated conical surface extending axially from the main male nose section 65a to the secondary male nose section 65b; and the secondary male nose section 65b is defined by an annular cylindrical surface extending axially from the conical male sealing surface 66 to the auxiliary shoulder 62. In other embodiments, the transition surface (e.g., transition surface 63), the main male nose section (e.g., main male nose section 65a), the secondary male nose section (e.g., secondary male nose section 65b), or a combination thereof, may be defined by a non-cylindrical annular surface (e.g., a conical or truncated conical surface).

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the male sealing surface 66 is defined by an annular truncated conical surface, and therefore may also be referred to as a conical male sealing surface 66. However, as will be described in more detail below, in other embodiments, the male sealing surface (e.g., male sealing surface 66) may be defined by an annular convex cylindrical surface that extends axially from the main male nose section (e.g., main male nose section 65a) to the secondary male nose section (e.g., secondary male nose section 65b).

[0041] A tapered male sealing surface 66 extends axially from its main male nose section 65a to its secondary male nose section 65b, and is radially inwardly inclined. Specifically, the tapered male sealing surface 66 is provided with a cone angle α relative to the central axis 55. Due to this inclination of the tapered male sealing surface 66, the radius (relative to the central axis 55) of the cylindrical surface defining the main male nose section 65a is set to be larger than the radius (relative to the central axis 55) of the cylindrical surface defining the secondary male nose section 65b. An annular bevel or chamfer 69 extends from the radially inner surface 50d to the auxiliary shoulder 62. Generally, the chamfer 69 can be set at an angle ranging from 25° to 65° relative to the central axis 55. In this embodiment, the chamfer 69 is set at an angle of 45° relative to the central axis 55. Although in this embodiment a chamfer 69 is provided at the auxiliary shoulder 62 to remove material from the auxiliary shoulder, in other embodiments, different features may be used to remove material from the auxiliary shoulder (e.g., shoulder 62).

[0042] like Figure 5 As most clearly shown, the male threaded connector 60 has a connection length L pin The connection length L pin Measuring axially from the main shoulder 61 to the auxiliary shoulder 62, the male nose 65 has a length L. p-nose The length L p-nose Measuring axially from the external thread 64 to the auxiliary shoulder 62, the main male nose section 65a has a length L. p-major The length L p-major Measuring axially from the external thread 64 to the tapered male seal surface 66 (i.e., the axial length of the cylindrical surface defining the main male nose section 65a), the tapered male seal surface 66 has a length L. p-seal The length L p-seal Measurements are taken axially from the main male nose section 65a to the secondary male nose section 65b (i.e., defining the axial length of the truncated conical surface of the conical male sealing surface 66), and the secondary male nose section 65b has a length L. p-minor The length L p-minor The measurement is taken axially from the conical male seal surface 66 to the auxiliary shoulder 62 (i.e., the axial length of the cylindrical surface defining the male nose section 65b). Based on the above, it should be understood that the length L... p-nose Equal to length L p-major L p-seal With L p-minor The sum is shown in equation (1) below:

[0043] L p-nose = L p-major + L p-seal + L p-minor

[0044] Now for reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 The female threaded connector 80 of drill pipe 50 engages and seals with the male threaded connector 60 of adjacent drill pipe 50 in a threaded manner to form a threaded connection 70. Therefore, the female threaded connector 80 typically includes features corresponding to and mating with those of the male threaded connector 60 described above. Specifically, the female threaded connector 80 includes: a main or outer annular shoulder 81 extending radially inward from a radially outer surface 50c at an upper end 50a; and an auxiliary or inner annular shoulder 82 extending radially outward from a radially inner surface 50d. The shoulders 81 and 82 are axially spaced apart from each other relative to the axis 55. As will be described in more detail below, the shoulders 81 and 82 are configured to axially abut, mate, and engage with corresponding shoulders 61 and 62 of the male threaded connector 60 on adjacent mating drill pipe 50. Therefore, in this embodiment, each shoulder 81 and 82 includes and is defined by an annular planar surface disposed in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis 55. However, in other embodiments, one or both shoulders of the male connector (e.g., shoulders 61, 62) include an inclined or truncated conical surface not disposed in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis (e.g., axis 55) and defined by such inclined or truncated conical surface, and the corresponding female connector shoulder (e.g., shoulders 81, 82) includes a mating surface (e.g., an inclined or truncated conical surface) not disposed in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis (e.g., axis 55) and defined by such mating surface.

[0045] As the female part 80 moves axially from the main shoulder 81 to the auxiliary shoulder 82 along the outer surface 50c, the female part 80 includes: a first transition surface 83 extending axially from the main shoulder 81; an internal thread 84 extending axially from the first transition surface 83; a second transition surface 85 extending axially from the internal thread 84; a female sealing surface 86 extending axially from the second transition surface 85; and a third transition surface 87 extending axially from the female sealing surface 86 to the auxiliary shoulder 82.

[0046] An internal thread 84 is formed on the female part 80 along a tapered line 88, which is inclined at an angle β relative to the axis 55. The internal thread 84 on the female part 80 is designed to mate with the external thread 64 on the male part 60 and engage in a threaded manner. In this embodiment, angle β is the same as angle θ described above. However, in other embodiments, angles θ and β may be different, while still allowing for a non-interference fit engagement as described in more detail below.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first transition surface 83 is defined by an annular cylindrical surface extending axially from the main shoulder 81 to the internal thread 84; the second transition surface 85 is defined by an annular cylindrical surface extending axially from the internal thread 84 to the female sealing surface 86; the female sealing surface 86 is defined by an annular truncated conical surface extending axially from the second transition surface 85 to the third transition surface 87; and the third transition surface 87 is defined by an annular cylindrical surface extending axially from the female sealing surface 86 to the auxiliary shoulder 82. In other embodiments, the first transition surface (e.g., the first transition surface 83), the second transition surface (e.g., the second transition surface 85), the third transition surface (e.g., the third transition surface 87), or a combination thereof, may be defined by non-cylindrical surfaces (such as conical or truncated conical surfaces).

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, the female sealing surface 86 is defined by an annular truncated conical surface, and therefore may also be referred to as a conical female sealing surface 86. However, in other embodiments, the female sealing surface (e.g., female sealing surface 86) may be defined by an annular convex cylindrical surface that extends axially from a second transition surface (e.g., second transition surface 85) to a third transition surface (e.g., third transition surface 87).

[0049] The tapered female sealing surface 86 extends axially from its second transition surface 85 to its third transition surface 87, and is radially inwardly inclined. Specifically, the tapered female sealing surface 86 is set with a cone angle λ relative to the central axis 55. In the threaded connection 70 of this embodiment, when the threaded connection 70 is made up (… Figure 4 The conical female sealing surface 86 and the conical male sealing surface 66 mate and engage in a sliding manner to form a metal-to-metal seal 90. More specifically, in this embodiment, the cone angle λ of the conical female sealing surface 86 is equal to the cone angle α of the conical male sealing surface 66. However, in other embodiments, the cone angles α and λ may differ by at most 1° to 3°, or alternatively, by at most 2°. Due to the inclination of the conical female sealing surface 86, the radius of the third transition surface 87 (relative to the central axis 55) is set to be smaller than the radius of the second transition surface 85 (relative to the central axis 55).

[0050] An annular bevel or chamfer 89 extends from the radially inner surface 50d to the auxiliary shoulder 82. Generally, the chamfer 89 can be set at an angle ranging from 25° to 65° relative to the central axis 55. In this embodiment, the chamfer 89 is set at an angle of 45° relative to the central axis 55. Although in this embodiment a chamfer 89 is provided at the auxiliary shoulder 82 to remove material from the auxiliary shoulder, in other embodiments, different features may be used to remove material from the auxiliary shoulder (e.g., shoulder 82).

[0051] As in Figure 4 As most clearly shown, the radius of the first cylindrical surface 83 (relative to the central axis 55) is set to be greater than the radius of the secondary male nose section 65b, and the radius of the second cylindrical surface 85 (relative to the central axis 55) is set to be greater than the radius of the primary male nose section 65a.

[0052] like Figure 6 As most clearly shown, the female threaded connector 80 has a connection length L box The connection length L box Measurements are taken axially from the main shoulder 81 to the auxiliary shoulder 82, and the tapered nut seal surface 86 has a length L. b-seal The length L b-seal The measurement is taken axially from the first cylindrical surface 83 to the second cylindrical surface 85. In this embodiment, the connection length L pin With L box They are the same, and the length L b-seal Less than or equal to L p-seal However, in other embodiments, the length L b-seal Equal to or greater than L p-seal .

[0053] Now for reference Figure 4The male part 60 and the female part 80 are connected by engaging threads 64 and 84 to achieve the engagement of the threaded connection 70, and the male part 60 and the female part 80 are disengaged by unscrewing the threads 64 and 84 to achieve the uncoupling of the threaded connection 70. Generally, the male part 60 and / or the female part 80 (and the corresponding drill rod 50) can be rotated to engage or disengage the threaded connection 70. The male part 60 and the female part 80 are designed and sized such that: when the threaded connection 70 is engaged, the main shoulder 61 of the male part 60 engages with the main shoulder 81 of the female part 80 in a sliding manner; when the threaded connection 70 is engaged, the auxiliary shoulder 62 of the male part 60 engages with the auxiliary shoulder 82 of the female part 80 in a sliding manner; and when the threaded connection 70 is engaged, the tapered sealing surfaces 66 and 86 engage in a sliding manner. More specifically, during the engagement, the male component 60 is screwed into the female component 80 (by rotating the male component 60 and / or the female component 80) until the shoulders 61, 81, shoulders 62, 82, and sealing surfaces 66, 86 make sliding contact. In some embodiments, the main shoulders 61, 81 make contact just before the auxiliary shoulders 62, 82 and / or sealing surfaces 66, 86. After the initial contact of the shoulders 61, 81, shoulders 62, 82, and sealing surfaces 66, 86, additional torque is applied to the threaded connection 70 to press the shoulders 61, 81 together axially, press the shoulders 62, 82 together axially, and press the sealing surfaces 66, 86 together radially, thereby forming a metal-to-metal seal 90. Therefore, the metal-to-metal seal 90 may also be referred to as a “radial” seal. In the embodiments described herein, threads 64 and 84 are “free-screw” or “non-interference fit” threads, meaning that the design and nominal dimensions of threads 64 and 84 are configured such that during the engagement of the threaded connection 70, there is no interference fit between the opposing tooth sides, or the opposing tooth tips and roots, of threads 64 and 84 until the initial contact of shoulders 61 and 81. Additional torque applied after the initial contact of shoulders 61 and 81, shoulders 62 and 82, and sealing surfaces 66 and 86 may induce an interference fit in threads 64 and 84, and apply sufficient compression to the tapered sealing surfaces 66 and 86 to form a metal-to-metal seal 90. When the threaded connection 70 is engaged, the third transition surface 87 is radially opposite or facing the secondary male nose section 65b and / or a portion of the tapered male sealing surface 66, but radially spaced from it; the second transition surface 85 is radially opposite or facing the primary male nose section 65a and / or a portion of the tapered male sealing surface 66, but radially spaced from it; and the first transition surface 83 is radially opposite or facing the transition surface 63 and / or a portion of the external thread 64, but radially spaced from it.Furthermore, after the threaded connection 70 has been fastened, the planar surfaces defining the shoulders 61 and 82 are axially compressed to a flush engagement, and the planar surfaces defining the shoulders 62 and 81 are axially compressed to a flush engagement.

[0054] As described above, in the embodiment of the threaded connection 70, both the male sealing surface 66 and the female sealing surface 86 are defined by an annular truncated conical surface. However, in other embodiments, the male sealing surface (e.g., male sealing surface 66) and / or the female sealing surface (e.g., female sealing surface 86) may be defined by an annular convex cylindrical surface. For example, now referring to... Figure 7 An embodiment of a threaded connection 170 including an annular convex cylindrical male sealing surface is shown. The threaded connection 170 is substantially the same as the threaded connection 70 described above. Specifically, the threaded connection 170 includes a threaded male connector 160 disposed at the end 50b of the tubular member 50 and a threaded female connector 80 disposed at the end 50a of the adjacent tubular member 50. The female connector 80 is as described and illustrated above. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As most clearly shown, the male connector 160 is substantially the same as the male connector 60 described above, except that the tapered male sealing surface 66 is replaced with an annular convex cylindrical sealing surface 166. The convex cylindrical sealing surface 166 has a generally cylindrical cross-section when taken in any plane including the central axis 55. The sealing surface 166 of the male connector 160 and the sealing surface 86 of the female connector 80 engage in a sliding manner to form an annular metal-to-metal seal 190. The geometry and operation (locking and unlocking) of the threaded connector 170 are substantially the same as those of the threaded connector 70 described above. Similar embodiments are also possible, wherein the sealing surface 86 on the female connector 80 is replaced with a concave cylindrical sealing surface to form an annular metal-to-metal seal, and the male component can be as follows: Figure 5 The truncated cone member 66 shown can be, or can be, as shown in the figure. Figure 9 The convex cylindrical sealing surface 166 is shown.

[0055] As previously described, when the threaded connection 70 is engaged, the mating sealing surfaces 66 and 86 slide together to form a metal-to-metal seal 90. Therefore, the mating sealing surfaces that slide together to form the metal-to-metal seal (e.g., sealing surfaces 66 and 86 slide together to form the metal-to-metal seal 90) must overlap axially when the threaded connection (e.g., threaded connection 70) is engaged. Despite the above description, the relative axial positions of the mating sealing surfaces can vary. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the female sealing surface 86 extends axially closer to the main shoulder 61, 81 than the male sealing surface 66 (in Figure 4(Extending from the center to the left), while the male sealing surface 66 extends axially closer to the auxiliary shoulders 62, 82 than the female sealing surface 86 (in Figure 4 (Extending to the right from the center). In other embodiments, the female seal (e.g., female seal surface 86) may extend axially closer to the main shoulder (e.g., main shoulders 61, 81) than the male seal surface (e.g., male seal surface 66), and the male seal surface (e.g., male seal surface 66) may extend axially closer to the auxiliary shoulder (e.g., auxiliary shoulders 62, 82) than the female seal surface (e.g., female seal surface 86); the male seal surface may be axially located entirely between the axial ends of the female seal surface; or the female seal surface may be axially located entirely between the axial ends of the male seal surface. For example, now refer to Figure 10 An embodiment of a threaded connection 270 is shown. The threaded connection 270 is substantially the same as the threaded connection 70 described above. Specifically, the threaded connection 270 includes a threaded male connector 260 disposed at the end 50b of the tubular member 50 and a threaded female connector 280 disposed at the end 50a of the adjacent tubular member 50. The male connector 260 is substantially the same as the male connector 60 described above, and the female connector 280 is substantially the same as the female connector 80 described above, differing only in the relative length L of the male sealing surface 66 and the female sealing surface 86. p-seal L b-seal The modifications are such that when the threaded connection 270 is engaged and the sealing surfaces 66 and 86 are slidably engaged to form an annular metal-to-metal seal 290 between them, the female sealing surface 86 is axially completely located within the male sealing surface 66. Specifically, the male sealing surface 66 engages the entire surface of the female sealing surface 86, wherein the male sealing surface 66 extends axially beyond the two axial ends of the female sealing surface 86—when the threaded connection 270 is engaged to form the annular metal-to-metal seal 290, the male sealing surface 66 extends axially closer to the main shoulders 61 and 81 than the female sealing surface 86, and the male sealing surface 66 extends axially closer to the auxiliary shoulders 62 and 82 than the female sealing surface 86. Therefore, in this embodiment, the length L of the female sealing surface 86... b-seal The length L is less than 66 of the male sealing surface. p-seal The geometry and operation (locking and unlocking) of the threaded connector 270 are substantially the same as those of the threaded connector 70 described above.

[0056] The embodiments described herein are designed and constructed to provide the possibility of improving pressure sealing at the metal-to-metal seal 90 and enhancing the robustness of the metal-to-metal seal 90 (e.g., enhanced resistance to abrasion and durability even under repeated fastening and unfastening of the threaded connection 70). Specifically, the geometry of the male part 60 and the female part 80 is adjusted and modified through various analytical methods, including numerical simulation, to enhance the robustness of the metal-to-metal seal 90 (i.e., the number of fastening and unfastening cycles the seal 90 can withstand under undamaged conditions), while retaining sealing capability against internal pressures (e.g., up to 20,000 psi) at the metal-to-metal seal 90.

[0057] The relevant analysis considers the localized contact stresses generated at the metal-to-metal seal in a threaded connection in response to the application of a preload (i.e., the fastening torque). Even during fastening, these localized contact stresses at the metal-to-metal seal may exceed the specified minimum yield strength of the material forming the metal-to-metal seal. Repeated fastening and unfastening with these surfaces exhibiting localized yielding can lead to scratches and abrasions at the metal-to-metal seal, which may be sufficient to cause undesirable damage and require repair. Furthermore, such damage on the metal-to-metal seal surface may adversely affect the seal's ability to successfully withstand applied internal pressure. Therefore, without being limited to this or any particular theory, the balance and distribution of contact stresses at the metal-to-metal seal due to the preloaded fastening torque is particularly beneficial for allowing for repeated fastening and unfastening (i.e., enhanced robustness). These analyses also take into account the following factors: (i) applying internal pressure to the threaded connection provides a self-reinforcing effect on the metal-to-metal seal due to the resulting circumferential stress component, which helps the metal-to-metal seal resist the applied load; and (ii) applying external axial tensile load reduces the contact pressure at the metal-to-metal seal of the threaded connection, and thus has an adverse effect on the sealing performance.

[0058] By considering the above embodiments, several structural features included in the embodiments described herein provide the possibility of improving the pressure seal at the metal-to-metal seal 90 and enhancing the robustness of the metal-to-metal seal 90 (e.g., enhanced resistance to abrasion and durability even under repeated fastening and unfastening cycles of threaded connections 70, 170). These features include: (i) the main male nose section 65a has a relatively large or extended length L. p-major (ii) The tapered male seal surface 66 has a relatively large length L. This is to separate the metal-to-metal seals 90 and 190 from the threads 64 and 84 axially, and to prevent the metal-to-metal seals 90 and 190 from unloading under tensile load and thread interference fit during engagement; p-sealTo distribute the preloaded torque along the larger contact surface area of ​​the metal-to-metal seals 90 and 190, thereby reducing local contact stress; (iii) the male nose section 65b has a relatively short length L p-minor (iv) The tapered male seal surface 66 is oriented with a relatively shallow or flat cone angle α to reduce the tendency of the metal-to-metal seal 90 to unload under axial tensile loads; and (v) Features (e.g., chamfer 69) are introduced to reduce the stiffness of the male 60 and decrease the threaded torque of the threaded connections 70 and 170, and help balance the preload load distribution along the metal-to-metal seals 90 and 190. These structural features can be quantified by several metrics:

[0059] L p-nose With L pin The ratio = L p-nose / L pin = (L p-major + L p-minor + L p-seal ) / L pin

[0060] L p-nose = L p-major + L p-minor + L p-seal

[0061] L p-major With L p-nose The ratio = L p-major / L p-nose = L p-major / (L p-major + L p-minor +L p-seal )

[0062] L p-seal

[0063] The cone angle α of the conical male sealing surface 66

[0064] L p-minor With L p-major The ratio = L p-minor / L p-major

[0065] To provide the possibility of improving the pressure seal at the metal-to-metal seal 90 and enhancing the robustness of the metal-to-metal seal 90 (e.g., maintaining enhanced scratch resistance and durability even with repeated fastening and unfastening of the threaded connection 70), the embodiments described herein preferably exhibit the following ranges in terms of the aforementioned indicators:

[0066] Ratio L p-nose / L pin ≥ 0.10, with a replacement area ranging from 0.10 to 0.40, and a replacement area ranging from 0.20 to 0.30;

[0067] L p-nose ≥ 1.625 inches, with an alternative range of 1.625 inches to 3.000 inches, and an alternative range of 1.750 inches to 2.750 inches;

[0068] Ratio L p-major / L p-nose ≥ 0.25, with a replacement area ranging from 0.25 to 0.75, and a replacement area ranging from 0.30 to 0.60;

[0069] L p-seal ≥ 0.625 inches, with an alternative range of 0.625 inches to 2.000 inches, and an alternative range of 0.750 inches to 1.500 inches;

[0070] 4° ≤ cone angle α ≤ 12°, and alternatively 5° ≤ cone angle α ≤ 10°; and

[0071] 0.10 ≤ Ratio L p-minor / L p-major ≤ 0.50, and alternatively 0.10 ≤ ratio L p-minor / L p-major ≤ 0.30.

[0072] In the manner described above, a threaded connection (e.g., connection 70, 170) is formed according to the principles disclosed herein, comprising a metal-to-metal seal (e.g., metal-to-metal seal 90, 190) that provides improved pressure sealing capability and enhanced robustness (e.g., enhanced abrasion resistance and durability even with repeated fastening and unfastening of threaded connections 70, 170). While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, modifications can be made to them by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and not limiting. Various variations and modifications of the systems, apparatuses, and processes described herein are possible and are all within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined only by the appended claims, the scope of which should include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the steps in the method claims may be performed in any order. The identifiers marked before the steps in the method claims, such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2), (3), are not intended to specify a particular order of these steps, but are used to simplify subsequent references to these steps.

Claims

1. A threaded connection between an end of a first tubular member having a central axis and an end of a second tubular member having a central axis, wherein the central axis of the second tubular member is coaxially aligned with the central axis of the first tubular member, wherein, The threaded connection includes: A threaded female connector, wherein the threaded female connector is disposed at the end of the first tubular member, and wherein the threaded female connector comprises: Mother's outer shoulder; The inner shoulder of the mother is axially spaced from the outer shoulder of the mother. Multiple internal threads, the multiple internal threads being axially located between the outer shoulder and the inner shoulder of the female; and The female sealing surface is located axially between the internal thread and the internal shoulder of the female. A threaded male connector is disposed at the end of the second tubular member and is threadedly connected to the threaded female connector, wherein the threaded male connector comprises: Male outer shoulder, which engages with the female outer shoulder; Male inner shoulder, the male inner shoulder being axially spaced from the male outer shoulder, wherein the male inner shoulder engages the female inner shoulder; Multiple external threads are axially located between the male outer shoulder and the male inner shoulder, wherein the external threads of the threaded male connector mate with the internal threads of the threaded female connector and engage in a threaded manner; and A male nose portion extending axially from the plurality of external threads to the male internal shoulder portion, wherein the male nose portion includes: a male sealing surface that seals against the female sealing surface; and a main male nose portion section extending axially from the external threads to the male sealing surface; The male nose portion has a length L p-nose The length L p-nose The length L is measured axially from the plurality of external threads to the male internal shoulder. p-nose 1.625 inches or greater.

2. The threaded connection according to claim 1, wherein, The main male nasal segment has a length L p-major The length L p-major The length L is measured axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface. p-major With the length L p-nose The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.

25.

3. The threaded connection according to claim 1, wherein, The length L p-nose Greater than or equal to 1.625 inches and less than or equal to 3.000 inches, wherein the length L p-major With the length L p-nose The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.

75.

4. The threaded connection according to claim 3, wherein, The length L p-nose The length L is greater than or equal to 1.750 inches and less than or equal to 2.750 inches. p-major With the length L p-nose The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.30 and less than or equal to 0.

60.

5. The threaded connection according to claim 1, wherein, The threaded male connector has a length L pin The length L pin The measurement is taken axially from the male outer shoulder to the male inner shoulder, wherein the length L p-nose With the length L pin The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.

10.

6. The threaded connection according to claim 5, wherein, The length L p-nose With the length L pin The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10 and less than or equal to 0.

40.

7. The threaded connection according to claim 1, wherein, The male nose portion includes a secondary male nose portion extending axially from the male sealing surface to the male inner shoulder portion, wherein the male sealing surface has a length L. p-seal The length L p-seal The measurement is taken axially from the main male nose section to the secondary male nose section, wherein the length L p-seal 0.625 inches or greater.

8. The threaded connection according to claim 7, wherein, The length L p-seal 0.625 inches or more and 2.000 inches or less.

9. The threaded connection according to claim 1, wherein, The male nose portion includes a secondary male nose portion section, which extends axially from the male sealing surface to the male internal shoulder portion; The main male nose section is defined by a first cylindrical surface, the male sealing surface is defined by a truncated conical surface, and the secondary male nose section is defined by a second cylindrical surface. The male sealing surface moves axially from the main male nose section to the secondary male nose section, and the male sealing surface is radially inward.

10. The threaded connection according to claim 1, wherein, The male sealing surface is defined by a truncated conical surface oriented at a cone angle α relative to the central axis of the second tubular member, wherein the cone angle α ranges from 4° to 12°.

11. A threaded connection between an end of a first tubular member having a central axis and an end of a second tubular member having a central axis, wherein the central axis of the second tubular member is coaxially aligned with the central axis of the first tubular member, wherein... The threaded connection includes: A threaded female connector, wherein the threaded female connector is disposed at the end of the first tubular member, and wherein the threaded female connector comprises: Mother's outer shoulder; The inner shoulder of the mother is axially spaced from the outer shoulder of the mother. Multiple internal threads, the multiple internal threads being axially located between the outer shoulder and the inner shoulder of the female; and The female sealing surface is located axially between the internal thread and the internal shoulder of the female. A threaded male connector is disposed at the end of the second tubular member and is threadedly connected to the threaded female connector, wherein the threaded male connector comprises: Male outer shoulder, which engages with the female outer shoulder; Male inner shoulder, the male inner shoulder being axially spaced from the male outer shoulder, wherein the male inner shoulder engages the female inner shoulder; Multiple external threads are axially located between the male outer shoulder and the male inner shoulder, wherein the external threads of the threaded male connector mate with the internal threads of the threaded female connector and engage in a threaded manner; and A male nose portion extending axially from the plurality of external threads to a male internal shoulder portion, wherein the male nose portion includes: a male sealing surface that seals against the female sealing surface; a main male nose portion extending axially from the external threads to the male sealing surface; and a secondary male nose portion extending axially from the male sealing surface to the male internal shoulder portion. The male nose portion has a length L p-nose The length L p-nose Measurements are taken axially from the plurality of external threads to the male internal shoulder; The main male nasal segment has a length L p-major The length L p-major Measurements are taken axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface; Wherein, the length L p-major With the length L p-nose The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.

25.

12. The threaded connection according to claim 11, wherein the threaded male connector has a length L pin The length L pin Measurements are taken axially from the male external shoulder to the male internal shoulder; in, The male sealing surface has a length L p-seal The length L p-seal Measurements are taken axially from the main male nose section to the secondary male nose section; The male sealing surface is defined by a truncated conical surface, which is oriented at a cone angle α relative to the central axis of the second tubular member. Wherein, the length L p-nose With the length L pin The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10; Wherein, the length L p-nose 1.625 inches or greater; Wherein, the length L p-seal 0.625 inches or greater; The cone angle α ranges from 4° to 12°.

13. The threaded connection according to claim 12, wherein, The length L p-nose With the length L pin The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10 and less than or equal to 0.40; Wherein, the length L p-nose Greater than or equal to 1.625 inches and less than or equal to 3.000 inches; Wherein, the length L p-major With the length L p-nose The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.75; Wherein, the length L p-seal Greater than or equal to 0.625 inches and less than or equal to 2.000 inches; The cone angle α ranges from 5° to 10°.

14. The threaded connection according to claim 13, wherein, The length L p-nose With the length L pin The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10 and less than or equal to 0.30; Wherein, the length L p-nose Greater than or equal to 1.750 inches and less than or equal to 2.750 inches; Wherein, the length L p-major With the length L p-nose The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.30 and less than or equal to 0.60; and Wherein, the length L p-seal 0.750 inches or more and 1.500 inches or less.

15. The threaded connection according to claim 12, wherein, The subnasal section has a length L p-minor The length L p-minor The length L is measured axially from the male sealing surface to the male inner shoulder. p-minor With the length L p-major The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10 and less than or equal to 0.

50.

16. The threaded connection according to claim 15, wherein, The length L p-minor With the length L p-major The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10 and less than or equal to 0.

30.

17. A threaded connection between an end of a first tubular member having a central axis and an end of a second tubular member having a central axis, wherein the central axis of the second tubular member is coaxially aligned with the central axis of the first tubular member, wherein... The threaded connection includes: A threaded female connector, wherein the threaded female connector is disposed at the end of the first tubular member, and wherein the threaded female connector comprises: Mother's outer shoulder; The inner shoulder of the mother is axially spaced from the outer shoulder of the mother. Multiple internal threads, the multiple internal threads being axially located between the outer shoulder and the inner shoulder of the female; and The female sealing surface is located axially between the internal thread and the internal shoulder of the female. A threaded male connector is disposed at the end of the second tubular member and is threadedly connected to the threaded female connector, wherein the threaded male connector comprises: Male outer shoulder, which engages with the female outer shoulder; Male inner shoulder, the male inner shoulder being axially spaced from the male outer shoulder, wherein the male inner shoulder engages the female inner shoulder; Multiple external threads are axially located between the male outer shoulder and the male inner shoulder, wherein the external threads of the threaded male connector mate with the internal threads of the threaded female connector and engage in a threaded manner; and A male nose portion extending axially from the plurality of external threads to a male internal shoulder portion, wherein the male nose portion includes: a male sealing surface that seals against the female sealing surface; a main male nose portion extending axially from the external threads to the male sealing surface; and a secondary male nose portion extending axially from the male sealing surface to the male internal shoulder portion. The main male nasal segment has a length L p-major The length L p-major Measurements are taken axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface; The sub-nasal segment has a length L p-minor The length L p-minor Measurements are taken axially from the male sealing surface to the male inner shoulder. Wherein, the length L p-minor With the length L p-major The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10 and less than or equal to 0.

50.

18. The threaded connection according to claim 17, wherein, The male sealing surface is defined by a truncated conical surface oriented at a cone angle α relative to the central axis of the second tubular member, wherein the cone angle α ranges from 5° to 10°.

19. The threaded connection according to claim 17, wherein, The female sealing surface is defined by a truncated conical surface oriented at a cone angle λ relative to the central axis of the first tubular member, wherein the cone angle λ is the same as the cone angle α.

20. The threaded connection according to claim 17, wherein, The threaded male connector has a length L pin The length L pin Measurements are taken axially from the male external shoulder to the male internal shoulder; The male nose portion has a length L p-nose The length L p-nose Measurements are taken axially from the plurality of external threads to the male internal shoulder; Wherein, the length L p-nose With the length L pin The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.

10.

21. The threaded connection according to claim 20, wherein, The length L p-nose With the length L pin The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10 and less than or equal to 0.

30.

22. The threaded connection according to claim 17, wherein, The male sealing surface has a length L p-seal The length L p-seal Measurements are taken axially from the main male nose section to the secondary male nose section; Wherein, the length L p-seal 0.625 inches or greater.

23. The threaded connection according to claim 22, wherein, The length L p-seal 0.750 inches or more and 1.500 inches or less.

24. The threaded connection according to claim 17, wherein, The length L p-minor With the length L p-major The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10 and less than or equal to 0.

30.

25. A threaded connection between an end of a first tubular member having a central axis and an end of a second tubular member having a central axis, wherein the central axis of the second tubular member is coaxially aligned with the central axis of the first tubular member, wherein... The threaded connection includes: A threaded female connector, wherein the threaded female connector is disposed at the end of the first tubular member, and wherein the threaded female connector comprises: Mother's outer shoulder; The inner shoulder of the mother is axially spaced from the outer shoulder of the mother. Multiple internal threads are located axially between the outer shoulder of the female and the inner shoulder of the female; The female sealing surface is located axially between the internal thread and the internal shoulder of the female. A first transition surface, the first transition surface extending axially from the internal thread to the female seal surface; and A second transition surface extends axially from the mother sealing surface to the inner shoulder of the mother; The mother seal surface has a length L b-seal The length L b-seal Measurements are taken axially from the first transition surface to the second transition surface; A threaded male connector is disposed at the end of the second tubular member and is threadedly connected to the threaded female connector, wherein the threaded male connector comprises: Male outer shoulder, which engages with the female outer shoulder; Male inner shoulder, the male inner shoulder being axially spaced from the male outer shoulder, wherein the male inner shoulder engages the female inner shoulder; Multiple external threads are axially located between the male outer shoulder and the male inner shoulder, wherein the external threads of the threaded male connector mate with the internal threads of the threaded female connector and engage in a threaded manner; and A male nose portion extending axially from the plurality of external threads to a male internal shoulder portion, wherein the male nose portion includes: a male sealing surface that seals against the female sealing surface; a main male nose portion extending axially from the external threads to the male sealing surface; and a secondary male nose portion extending axially from the male sealing surface to the male internal shoulder portion. Wherein, the male sealing surface has a length L p-seal The length L p-seal Measurements are taken axially from the main male nose section to the secondary male nose section; Wherein, the length L p-seal Greater than the length L b-seal ; The male sealing surface extends axially from the female sealing surface toward the male outer shoulder, and the male sealing surface extends axially from the female sealing surface toward the male inner shoulder.

26. The threaded connection according to claim 25, wherein, The female sealing surface has a first end and a second end, the first end of the female sealing surface being axially adjacent to the first transition surface, and the second end of the female sealing surface being axially adjacent to the second transition surface; The male sealing surface has a first end and a second end, the first end of the male sealing surface being axially adjacent to the main male nose section, and the second end of the male sealing surface being axially adjacent to the secondary male nose section. Wherein, the first end of the male sealing surface is located axially between the male outer shoulder and the first end of the female sealing surface, and wherein, the second end of the male sealing surface is located axially between the male inner shoulder and the second end of the female sealing surface.

27. The threaded connection according to claim 25, wherein, The first transition surface is a cylindrical surface, the second transition surface is a cylindrical surface, and the mother sealing surface is a truncated conical surface.

28. The threaded connection according to claim 27, wherein, The main male nose section is defined by a cylindrical surface, the secondary male nose section is defined by a cylindrical surface, and the male sealing surface is defined by a truncated conical surface or an annular convex cylindrical surface.

29. The threaded connection according to claim 25, wherein, The threaded male connector has a length L pin The length L pin Measurements are taken axially from the male external shoulder to the male internal shoulder; The male nose portion has a length L p-nose The length L p-nose Measurements are taken axially from the plurality of external threads to the male internal shoulder; The main male nasal segment has a length L p-major The length L p-major Measurements are taken axially from the external thread to the male sealing surface; The male sealing surface is defined by a truncated conical surface, which is oriented at a cone angle α relative to the central axis of the second tubular member. Wherein, the length L p-nose With the length L pin The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.10; Wherein, the length L p-nose 1.625 inches or greater; Wherein, the length L p-major With the length L p-nose The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.25; Wherein, the length L p-seal 0.625 inches or greater; The cone angle α ranges from 4° to 12°.

30. The threaded connection according to claim 29, wherein, The length L p-nose With the length L pin The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.20 and less than or equal to 0.30; Wherein, the length L p-nose Greater than or equal to 1.750 inches and less than or equal to 2.750 inches; Wherein, the length L p-major With the length L p-nose The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.30 and less than or equal to 0.60; Wherein, the length L p-seal Greater than or equal to 0.750 inches and less than or equal to 1.500 inches; The cone angle α ranges from 5° to 10°.

Images