Threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well

Abstract

A threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well comprising a pin comprising an outer pin surface provided with an external thread, a box comprising an inner box surface provided with an internal thread for mating with the external thread during rotational make-up of the threaded connection, and an anti-rotation device to allow relative rotation between the pin and the box in a make-up rotation direction and prevent relative rotation.

Description

[0001] Title: Threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well.

[0004] The threaded connection comprises a pin comprising an outer pin surface provided with an external thread, a box comprising an inner box surface provided with an internal thread for mating with the external thread during rotational make-up of the threaded connection, and an anti-rotation device to allow relative rotation between the pin and the box in a make-up rotation direction and prevent relative rotation between the pin and the box in an opposite break-out rotation direction. The pin and the box extend along a longitudinal axis.

[0005] The anti-rotation device comprises a releasably mounted first anti-rotation member which is arranged in a first recess provided in the outer pin surface of the pin, and a releasably mounted second anti-rotation member which is arranged in a second recess provided in the inner box surface of the box. The first anti-rotation member comprises a first ratchet part provided with radially extending first ratchet teeth. The second anti-rotation member comprises a second ratchet part provided with radially extending second ratchet teeth which engage the first ratchet teeth of the first anti-rotation member at final make-up of the threaded connection.

[0006] The first anti-rotation member comprises a spring part which allows radial movement of the first ratchet part in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis when the first ratchet teeth slide along the second ratchet teeth during relative rotation between the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction.

[0007] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This type of anti-rotation device having the first anti-rotation member provided with the first ratchet part, the second anti-rotation member provided with the second ratchet part, and the spring means allow that the anti-rotation device is activated by rotational make-up of the threaded connection until final make-up is reached. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The known threaded connections have the disadvantage that the anti-rotation device is relatively susceptible to damage. Damage may occur when the second anti-rotation member is subjected to forces during handling of the box. This increases the risk of an impaired functioning of the anti-rotation device and / or difficulties to remove the second anti-rotation member in order to dismantle the threaded connection.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention has the objective to provide an improved, or at least alternative, threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well. Said threaded connection comprises:

[0012] - a pin comprising an outer pin surface provided with an external thread,

[0013] - a box comprising an inner box surface provided with an internal thread for mating with the external thread during rotational make-up of the threaded connection, and

[0014] - an anti-rotation device to allow relative rotation between the pin and the box in a make-up rotation direction and prevent relative rotation between the pin and the box in an opposite break-out rotation direction, wherein:

[0015] -- the pin and the box extend along a longitudinal axis,

[0016] -- the anti-rotation device comprises a releasably mounted first anti-rotation member which is arranged in a first recess provided in the outer pin surface of the pin, and a releasably mounted second anti-rotation member which is arranged in a second recess provided in the inner box surface of the box,

[0017] -- the first anti-rotation member comprises a first ratchet part provided with radially extending first ratchet teeth,

[0018] -- the second anti-rotation member comprises a second ratchet part provided with radially extending second ratchet teeth which engage the first ratchet teeth of the first anti-rotation member at final make-up of the threaded connection,

[0019] -- the first anti-rotation member comprises a spring part which allows radial movement of the first ratchet part in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis when the first ratchet teeth slide along the second ratchet teeth during relative rotation between the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction,

[0020] -- the second anti-rotation member comprises a second member mounting part to releasably mount the second anti-rotation member in the second recess,

[0021] -- the second member mounting part comprises a second member mounting hole to receive a mounting member, such as a bolt, which releasably mounts the second anti-rotation member to the box in a second member mounting position, -- the box comprises a box mounting hole to receive the mounting member in order to mount the second anti-rotation member to the box in the second member mounting position, -- the box comprises a box terminal end and at least part of the second anti-rotation member being mounted in the second member mounting position is located at the box terminal end,

[0022] - the box comprises a box recess contact surface which defines a second recess boundary of the second recess,

[0023] -- the second anti-rotation member comprises a second member contact surface facing the box recess contact surface,

[0024] - the second member contact surface is in contact with the box recess contact surface when the second anti-rotation member is mounted in the second member mounting position in order to transfer a force in axial direction applied on the second anti-rotation member to the box, and

[0025] -- the second member mounting hole is dimensioned to receive the mounting member while there is contact between the second member contact surface and the box recess contact surface.

[0026] During handling of the box, the second anti-rotation member tends to be subjected to forces, more specifically forces in axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the threaded connection. This may occur during handling of the box in order to make-up the threaded connection, such as during stabbing of the pin into the box before the rotational make-up of the threaded connection is started. The second anti-rotation member may be damaged due to which the functioning of the second anti-rotation member can be impaired. The second antirotation member may for example not be sufficiently securely fixed in the second member mounting position and / or difficulties may be created to remove the second anti-rotation member when dismantling the threaded connection. Difficulties may arise when trying to remove the mounting member out of the second member mounting hole.

[0027] In the threaded connection according to the invention, the second member contact surface is in contact with the box recess contact surface in order to transfer said force in axial direction applied on the second anti-rotation member to the box when the second anti-rotation member is mounted in the second member mounting position. Said forces in axial direction are transferred via the second member contact surface to the box recess contact surface. As a result, the forces in axial direction are guided away from the mounting member located in the box mounting hole of the second anti-rotation member located in the second member mounting position. This way, the exposure of the mounting member to forces in axial direction is reduced or even eliminated, due to which the risk of damaging the mounting member with said forces in axial direction is reduced or even eliminated. The terms axial direction and the radial direction are intended to be interpreted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the threaded connection.

[0028] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second member contact surface is in contact with the box recess contact surface to transfer the forces in axial direction via the second member contact surface to the box recess contact surface when the second anti-rotation member is mounted in the second member mounting position.

[0029] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second member contact surface is in contact with the box recess contact surface in order to guide the forces in axial direction away from the mounting member located in the box mounting hole of the second anti-rotation member located in the second member mounting position.

[0030] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second member contact surface is in contact with the box recess contact surface in order to guide the forces in axial direction away from the mounting member located in the box mounting hole of the second anti-rotation member located in the second member mounting position to reduce or eliminate the exposure of the mounting member to said forces in axial direction.

[0031] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the box recess contact surface being in contact with the second member contact surface blocks movement of the second anti-rotation member located in the second member mounting position in axial direction.

[0032] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second member mounting hole is dimensioned to receive the mounting member while there is contact between the second member contact surface and the box recess contact surface in the second member mounting position before the threaded connection has been made-up by said rotational make-up.

[0033] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, said at least part of the second anti-rotation member located at the box terminal end is in axial direction exposed at the box terminal end.

[0034] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second member mounting hole comprises an inner circumferential surface, the mounting member comprises an outer circumferential surface, the inner circumferential surface comprises an inner surface section being curved towards the box terminal end, the outer circumferential surface comprises an outer surface section being curved towards the box terminal end and facing the inner surface section, and the inner surface section of the second anti-rotation member being mounted in the second member mounting position is located at a distance from the outer surface section of the mounting member.

[0035] The distance between the inner surface section and the outer surface section further facilitates that the mounting member is not or at a lower degree exposed to the force in axial direction being transferred by the second anti-rotation member to the box.

[0036] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin comprises a pin retainer part, the second anti-rotation member comprises a member retainer part, the pin retainer part and the member retainer part are configured to block movement of the second anti-rotation member in radial direction away from the longitudinal axis at final make-up of the threaded connection, the member retainer part is in radial direction located closer to the longitudinal axis than the pin retainer part, and the pin retainer part overlaps the member retainer part at least partly in axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis at final make-up of the threaded connection.

[0037] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin comprises a member space configured to receive at final make-up at least part of the member retainer part of the second anti-rotation member located in the second member mounting position, the member space comprises a movement section which at final make-up is free from said at least part of the member retainer part, and the movement section is configured to allow at final make-up movement of the member retainer part within the movement section for removal of the second anti-rotation member from the second recess.

[0038] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the movement section is configured to allow said movement of the member retainer part within the movement section in order to position the second anti-rotation member in a removal position for removal from the second recess.

[0039] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the member retainer part comprises a retainer end surface and the movement section comprises a movement section end surface located at an axial movement distance of the retainer end surface at final make-up of the threaded connection. The second anti-rotation member is located in the second member mounting position at final make-up of the threaded connection. In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the movement section is configured to allow at final make-up movement of the member retainer part within the movement section in axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and / or to allow at final make-up movement of the member retainer part within the movement section in radial direction towards the longitudinal axis.

[0040] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the movement section is configured to allow a pivotal movement of the member retainer part within the movement section and towards the longitudinal axis.

[0041] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the member retainer part comprises an inner retainer chamfer surface.

[0042] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner retainer chamfer surface is configured to allow at final make-up movement of the member retainer part within the movement section in radial direction towards the longitudinal axis.

[0043] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner retainer chamfer surface is directed towards the longitudinal axis.

[0044] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, a first fictive line extending perpendicular to the inner retainer chamfer surface crosses the longitudinal axis at a first location which is surrounded by the pin and not surrounded by the box.

[0045] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner retainer chamfer surface is configured to facilitate pivoting of the second anti-rotation member out of the second recess.

[0046] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second ratchet part comprises a leading second ratchet side and a trailing second ratchet side, the leading second ratchet side is located closer to the box terminal end than the trailing second ratchet side, and the leading second ratchet side comprises an inner leading second member chamfer surface and the trailing second ratchet side comprises an inner trailing second member chamfer surface.

[0047] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner retainer chamfer surface and the inner leading second member chamfer surface are in line with each other. In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner leading second member chamfer surface is directed towards the longitudinal axis.

[0048] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, a second fictive line extending perpendicular to the inner leading second member chamfer surface crosses the longitudinal axis at a second location which is surrounded by the pin and not surrounded by the box.

[0049] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner leading second member chamfer surface is configured to allow at final make-up movement of the member retainer part within the movement section in radial direction towards the longitudinal axis.

[0050] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner leading second member chamfer surface is configured to facilitate pivoting of the second anti-rotation member out of the second recess.

[0051] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner leading second member chamfer surface is configured to facilitate interaction of the second ratchet part with the first ratchet part during rotational make-up.

[0052] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner trailing second member chamfer surface is directed towards the longitudinal axis.

[0053] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, a third fictive line extending perpendicular to the inner trailing second member chamfer surface crosses the longitudinal axis at a third location which is surrounded by the pin and the box.

[0054] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner trailing second member chamfer surface is configured to facilitate pivoting of the second anti-rotation member out of the second recess.

[0055] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention,

[0056] - the first ratchet part comprises a leading first ratchet side and a trailing first ratchet side,

[0057] - the leading first ratchet side is located closer to a pin terminal end of the pin than the trailing first ratchet side, and

[0058] - the leading first ratchet side comprises an inner leading first member chamfer surface. In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner leading first member chamfer surface is directed towards an outer pin surface of the pin.

[0059] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the inner leading first member chamfer surface is configured to facilitate interaction of the first ratchet part with the second ratchet part during rotational make-up.

[0060] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, a fourth fictive line extending perpendicular to the inner leading first member chamfer surface crosses the longitudinal axis at a fourth location which is surrounded by the pin and not surrounded by the box.

[0061] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second member mounting hole is a member threaded through hole configured to receive the mounting member being a threaded mounting member, such as a bolt, when the second anti-rotation member is located in the second member mounting position, the box mounting hole is a box threaded hole configured to receive the threaded mounting member when the second antirotation member is located in the second member mounting position, the box threaded hole comprises a threaded hole entrance being surrounded by a box support surface, the box threaded hole has a first hole diameter D1, the member threaded through hole has a second hole diameter D2 being larger than the first hole diameter D1 , the member threaded through hole is configured to allow threading with a further threaded mounting member having a member diameter which is dimensioned to contact the box support surface and push the second anti-rotation member in radial direction away from the longitudinal axis.

[0062] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the box recess contact surface and the second member contact surface of the second anti-rotation member located in the second member mounting position extend perpendicular to the box support surface.

[0063] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the box support surface extends in axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0064] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second antirotation member comprises a second member body, the second member mounting part extends away from the second member body, and the second member contact surface is provided at the second member body and / or the second member mounting part. In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second ratchet part is provided at the second member body.

[0065] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first member surfaces comprises multiple separated first member surface sections located at a distance from each other.

[0066] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second member contact surface is formed by multiple separate member surface sections located at a distance from each other.

[0067] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the box recess contact surface is formed by multiple separate box surface sections located at a distance from each other.

[0068] In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the threaded connection comprises a mounting member, such as a bolt, which releasably mounts the second anti-rotation member to the box in the second member mounting position, and the box mounting hole is configured to receive the mounting member.

[0069] It will be clear to the skilled person that the threaded connection according to the invention may comprise the features of any combination of the above described embodiments of the threaded connection according to the invention.

[0070] The invention further relates to a kit of parts comprising a threaded connection according to the invention and a mounting member, such as a bolt, to releasably mount the second antirotation member to the box in the second member mounting position.

[0071] The invention further relates to a method of making up a threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, comprising the step of mounting the second antirotation member of the threaded connection according to the invention in the second member mounting position with the second member contact surface being in contact with the box recess contact surface.

[0072] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises the step of transferring a force in axial direction applied on the second anti-rotation member to the box via the second member contact surface being in contact with the box recess contact surface. In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises the step of transferring a force in axial direction applied on the second anti-rotation member to the box via the second member contact surface being in contact with the box recess contact surface before the threaded connection has been made-up by said rotational make-up.

[0073] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises the step of moving the member retainer part within the movement section for removal of the second antirotation member from the second recess.

[0074] It will be clear to the skilled person that the method according to the invention may comprise the features of any combination of the above described embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0075] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Embodiments of the threaded connection, the anti-rotation device, and the method according to the invention will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0077] Figure 1 schematically shows a view in perspective of an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention at the start of rotational make-up of the threaded connection,

[0078] Figure 2 schematically shows a view in perspective of the threaded connection of figure 1 at final make-up of the threaded connection, the Figures 3A and 3B schematically show enlarged views in perspective of the first antirotation member of the anti-rotation device of the threaded connection of figure 1 , the Figures 4A and 4B schematically show enlarged internal views in perspective of the second anti-rotation member of the anti-rotation device of the threaded connection of figure 1 , the Figure 40 schematically shows an enlarged internal side view of the second anti-rotation member of the anti-rotation device of the threaded connection of figure 1 , the Figures 5A and 5B schematically show enlarged external views in perspective of the second anti-rotation member of the anti-rotation device of the threaded connection of figure 1 , the Figure 50 schematically shows an enlarged external side view of the second anti-rotation member of the anti-rotation device of the threaded connection of figure 1 ,

[0079] Figure 5D schematically shows a cross sectional view along line V-V of figure 50, Figure 6A schematically shows an enlarged view in perspective of the threaded connection of figure 1 at final make-up, Figure 6B schematically shows a cross sectional view along line VI-VI of the threaded connection of figure 6A at final make-up,

[0080] Figure 6C schematically shows a cross sectional view similar to figure 6B during rotational make-up,

[0081] Figure 7A schematically shows a first side view of the second anti-rotation member of the anti-rotation device of figure 1, the Figures 7B and 7C schematically show views in perspective of the second anti-rotation member of figure 7A, Figure 7D schematically shows a second side view of the second anti-rotation member of figure 7A, Figure 8 schematically shows a view in perspective of the box and the second recess of the threaded connection of figure 1, Figure 9A schematically shows a cross sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the threaded connection of figure 2,

[0082] Figure 9B schematically shows and enlarged view of section IX of figure 9A, the Figures 10A and 10B schematically show a cross sectional view and a view in perspective of the threaded connection of figure 1 at final make-up, the Figures 11A and 11 B schematically show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a first step during removal of the second anti-rotation member from the second recess in order to dismantle the threaded connection, the Figures 12A and 12B schematically show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a second step during removal of the second anti-rotation member from the second recess, the Figures 13A and 13B schematically show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a third step during removal of the second anti-rotation member from the second recess, the Figures 14A and 14B schematically show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a fourth step during removal of the second anti-rotation member from the second recess, the Figures 15A and 15B schematically show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a fifth step during removal of the second anti-rotation member from the second recess, the Figure 16 schematically shows an enlarged view of section XVI of figure 10A, the Figure 17 schematically shows an enlarged view of section XVII of figure 11A, and the Figure 18 schematically shows an optional step during removal of the second anti-rotation member from the second recess.

[0083] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] The threaded connection 1 is configured for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well. The threaded connection 1 comprises a pin 2 comprising an outer pin surface 3 provided with an external thread 4, a box 5 comprising an inner box surface 6 provided with an internal thread 7 for mating with the external thread 4 during rotational make-up of the threaded connection 1. The pin 2 and the box 5 extend along a longitudinal axis 12. Said longitudinal axis 12 is aligned with the axially extending central axis of the tubular members that comprise the box 5 and the pin 2.

[0085] The threaded connection 1 comprises an anti-rotation device 9 having a releasably mounted first anti-rotation member 13 and a releasably mounted second anti-rotation member 15. The anti-rotation device 9 is provided to allow relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in a make-up rotation direction 10 and prevent relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in an opposite break-out rotation direction 11. The relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 10 is induced by applying a make-up torque to the pin

[0086] 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 10. The relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 11 (which is prevented by the anti-rotation device 9) is induced by applying a break-out torque to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 11.

[0087] Figure 1 shows the situation in which the box 5 is static and the pin 2 is rotated in the makeup rotation direction 10 as a result of a make-up torque applied to the pin 2. Figure 2 shows the situation in which the box 5 is static and a break-out torque is applied to the pin 2. Rotation of the pin 2 in the break-out rotation direction 11 is prevented by the anti-rotation device 9.

[0088] The Figures 3A and 3B show enlarged views the first anti-rotation member 13 of figure 1. The first anti-rotation member 13 is arranged in a first recess 14 provided in the outer pin surface

[0089] 3 of the pin 2.

[0090] The first anti-rotation member 13 comprises a first ratchet part 17 provided with radially extending first ratchet teeth 18. The first anti-rotation member 13 comprises a spring part 22 which allows radial movement of the first ratchet part 17 in radial direction 23 relative to the longitudinal axis 12 when the first ratchet teeth 18 slide along second ratchet teeth 20 of the second anti-rotation member 15 during relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 10.

[0091] The Figures 4A-C and 5A-C show enlarged views of the second anti-rotation member 15 of figure 1. Figure 5D shows a cross sectional view along line V-V of figure 5C. The second anti-rotation member 15 is arranged in a second recess 16 provided in the inner box surface 6 of the box 5. The second anti-rotation member 15 comprises a second ratchet part 19 provided with radially extending second ratchet teeth 20 which engage the first ratchet teeth 18 of the first anti-rotation member 13 at final make-up 21 of the threaded connection 1.

[0092] The second anti-rotation member 15 comprises a second member mounting part 26 to releasably mount the second anti-rotation member 15 in the second recess 16. The second member mounting part 26 comprises a second member mounting hole 26 to receive a mounting member 27, more specifically a bolt 34, which releasably mounts the second antirotation member 15 to the box 5 in a second member mounting position 28. The box 5 comprises a box mounting hole 29 to receive the mounting member 27 in order to mount the second anti-rotation member 15 to the box 5 in the second member mounting position 28 before the threaded connection 1 has been made-up by said rotational make-up.

[0093] The box 5 comprises a box terminal end 30 and at least part of the second anti-rotation member 15 being mounted in the second member mounting position 28 is located at the box terminal end 30. Said at least part of the second anti-rotation member 15 located at the box terminal end 30 is in axial direction 24 exposed at the box terminal end 30. As a result, there is a relatively high risk that the second anti-rotation member 15 is exposed to forces, more specifically forces in the axial direction 24, during handling of the box 5 in order to make up the threaded connection 1. The term axial direction 24 and the radial direction 23 are intended to be interpreted with respect to the longitudinal axis 12 of the threaded connection 1.

[0094] The box 5 comprises a box recess contact surface 31 which defines a second recess boundary 32 of the second recess 16. The second anti-rotation member 15 comprises a second member contact surface 33 facing the box recess contact surface 31. The second member contact surface 33 is in contact with the box recess contact surface 31 when the second anti-rotation member 15 is mounted in the second member mounting position 28 in order to transfer a force F in axial direction 24 applied on the second anti-rotation member 15 to the box 5. The second member mounting hole 26 is dimensioned to receive the mounting member 27 while there is contact between the second member contact surface 33 and the box recess contact surface 31.

[0095] During handling of the box 5, the second anti-rotation member 15 tends to be subjected to forces, more specifically forces in axial direction 24 with respect to the longitudinal axis 12 of the threaded connection 1. This may occur during handling of the box 5 in order to make-up the threaded connection 1 , such as during stabbing of the pin 2 into the box 5 before the rotational make-up of the threaded connection 1 is started. The second anti-rotation member 15 may be damaged due to which the functioning of the second anti-rotation member 15 can be impaired. The second anti-rotation member 15 may for example not be sufficiently securely fixed in the second member mounting position 28 and / or difficulties may be created to remove the second anti-rotation member 15 when dismantling the threaded connection 1. Difficulties may arise when trying to remove the mounting member 27 out of the second member mounting hole 26.

[0096] In the threaded connection 1 according to the invention, said forces in axial direction 24 are transferred via the second member contact surface 33 to the box recess contact surface 31. As a result, the forces in axial direction 24 are guided away from the mounting member 27 located in the box mounting hole 29 of the second anti-rotation member 15 located in the second member mounting position 28. This way, the exposure of the mounting member 27 to forces in axial direction 24 is reduced or even eliminated, due to which the risk of damaging the mounting member 27 with said forces in axial direction 24 is reduced or even eliminated.

[0097] Figure 6A shows an enlarged view of the threaded connection 1 of figure 1 at final make-up 21. Figure 6B shows a cross sectional view along line VI-VI of figure 6A. As can be seen in figure 6B, the second member mounting hole 26 comprises an inner circumferential surface 35 and the mounting member 27 comprises an outer circumferential surface 36. The inner circumferential surface 35 comprises an inner surface section 37 being curved towards the box terminal end 30. The outer circumferential surface 36 comprises an outer surface section 38 being curved towards the box terminal end 30 and facing the inner surface section 37.

[0098] The inner surface section 37 of the second anti-rotation member 15 being mounted in the second member mounting position 28 is located at a distance di from the outer surface section 38 of the mounting member 27. The distance di between the inner surface section 37 and the outer surface section 38 further facilitates that the mounting member 27 is not or at a lower degree exposed to the force F in axial direction 24 being transferred by the second antirotation member 15 to the box 5.

[0099] The box recess contact surface 31 being in contact with the second member contact surface 33 blocks movement of the second anti-rotation member 15 located in the second member mounting position 28 in axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 12. The pin 2 comprises a pin retainer part 39. The second anti-rotation member 15 comprises a member retainer part 40. The pin retainer part 39 and the member retainer part 40 are configured to block movement of the second anti-rotation member 15 in radial direction 23 away from the longitudinal axis 12 at final make-up 21 of the threaded connection 1. The member retainer part 40 is in radial direction 23 located closer to the longitudinal axis 12 than the pin retainer part 39. The pin retainer part 39 overlaps the member retainer part 40 at least partly in axial direction 24 relative to the longitudinal axis 12 at final make-up 21 of the threaded connection 1.

[0100] The pin 2 comprises a member space 41 configured to receive at final make-up 21 at least part of the member retainer part 40 of the second anti-rotation member 15 located in the second member mounting position 28. The member space 41 comprises a movement section 42 which at final make-up 21 is free from said at least part of the member retainer part 40. The movement section 42 is configured to allow at final make-up 21 movement of the member retainer part 40 within the movement section 42 for removal of the second antirotation member 15 from the second recess 16. This will be explained more in detail in relation to the figures 10A / B - 15A / B.

[0101] Figure 6C shows a cross sectional view similar to figure 6B during rotational make-up of the threaded connection 1. In the shown situation, the first anti-rotation member 13 and the second anti-rotation member 15 come into contact with each other during the rotation makeup.

[0102] The figures 7A-D show views of the second anti-rotation member 15 of the anti-rotation device 9 of figure 1.

[0103] The member retainer part 40 comprises an inner retainer chamfer surface 44. The inner retainer chamfer surface 44 is directed towards the longitudinal axis 12. A first fictive line 45 extending perpendicular to the inner retainer chamfer surface 70 crosses the longitudinal axis 12 at a first location 52 which is surrounded by the pin 2 and not surrounded by the box 5 (see figures 9A-B). The inner retainer chamfer surface 70 facilitates the coming into contact of the first anti-rotation member 13 and the second anti-rotation member 15 as shown in figure 6C. In said situation, the inner retainer chamfer surface 70 tends to reduce the wear of the first anti-rotation member 13 and the second anti-rotation member 15.

[0104] The second ratchet part 19 comprises a leading second ratchet side 47 and a trailing second ratchet side 48. The leading second ratchet side 47 is located closer to the box terminal end 30 than the trailing second ratchet side 48. The leading second ratchet side 47 comprises an inner leading second member chamfer surface 49 and the trailing second ratchet side 48 comprises an inner trailing second member chamfer surface 50.

[0105] The inner leading second member chamfer surface 49 facilitates the coming into contact of the first anti-rotation member 13 and the second anti-rotation member 15 as shown in figure 6C. The inner leading second member chamfer surface 49 is configured to facilitate interaction of the second ratchet part 19 with the first ratchet part 17 during rotational makeup. In said situation, the inner leading second member chamfer surface 49 tends to reduce the wear of the first anti-rotation member 13 and the second anti-rotation member 15. The inner retainer chamfer surface 70 and the inner leading second member chamfer surface 49 are in line with each other.

[0106] The inner leading second member chamfer surface 49 is directed towards the longitudinal axis 12. A second fictive line 51 extending perpendicular to the inner leading second member chamfer surface 49 crosses the longitudinal axis 12 at a second location 46 which is surrounded by the pin 2 and not surrounded by the box 5 (see figures 9A-B).

[0107] The inner trailing second member chamfer surface 50 is directed towards the longitudinal axis 12. A third fictive line 53 extending perpendicular to the inner trailing second member chamfer surface 50 crosses the longitudinal axis 12 at a third location 54 which is surrounded by the pin 2 and the box 5.

[0108] The first ratchet part 17 comprises a leading first ratchet side 55 and a trailing first ratchet side 56 (see figures 3A and 3B). The leading first ratchet side 55 is located closer to a pin terminal end 72 (see also figure 9A) of the pin 2 than the trailing first ratchet side 56. The leading first ratchet side 55 comprises an inner leading first member chamfer surface 57. The inner leading first member chamfer surface 57 is configured to facilitate interaction of the first ratchet part 17 with the second ratchet part 19 during rotational make-up.

[0109] The inner leading first member chamfer surface 57 is directed towards an outer pin surface 3 of the pin 2. A fourth fictive line 59 extending perpendicular to the inner leading first member chamfer surface 57 crosses the longitudinal axis 12 at a fourth location 60 which is surrounded by the pin 2 and not surrounded by the box 5 (see figures 9A-B).

[0110] The second anti-rotation member 15 comprises a second member body 67. The second ratchet part 19 is provided at the second member body 67. The second member mounting part 26 extends away from the second member body 67. The second member contact surface 33 is provided at the second member body 67 and the second member mounting part 26. The second member contact surface 33 is formed by a first member surface section 68A, a second member surface section 68B, a third member surface section 68C and a fourth member surface section 68D. The member surface sections 68A-D are located at a distance from each other. In alternative embodiments of the threaded connection 1 according to the invention, the second member contact surface 33 is provided only at the second member body 67 or the second member mounting part 26.

[0111] Figure 8 shows a view of the box 5 and the second recess 16 of the threaded connection 1 of figure 1. The box recess contact surface 31 is formed by a first box surface section 69A, a second box surface section 69B, a third box surface section 69C and a fourth box surface section 69D. The box surface sections 69A-D are located at a distance from each other.

[0112] The figures 10-15 (A and B) shows the removal of the second anti-rotation member 15 from the second recess 16 in order to dismantle the threaded connection 1.

[0113] The figures 10A and 10B show the threaded connection 1 of figure 1 at final make-up 21. The member retainer part 40 of the second anti-rotation member 15 extends into the member space 41 of the pin 2. The movement section 42 of the member space 41 allows movement of the member retainer part 40 within the movement section 42 for removal of the second anti-rotation member 15 from the second recess 16. The member retainer part 40 comprises a retainer end surface 71 and the movement section 42 comprises a movement section end surface 70 located at an axial movement distance d2 of the retainer end surface 71 at final make-up 21 of the threaded connection 1. The second anti-rotation member 15 is located in the second member mounting position 28 at final make-up 21 of the threaded connection 1.

[0114] The figures 11A and 11 B show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a first step during removal of the second anti-rotation member 15 from the second recess 16. The mounting member 27, more specifically the bolt 34, is removed from the box mounting hole 29 and the second member mounting hole 26.

[0115] The figures 12A and 12B show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a second step during removal of the second anti-rotation member 15 from the second recess 16. The second antirotation member 15 has been moved in axial direction 24 with respect to the longitudinal axis 12. The movement section 42 is configured to allow movement of the member retainer part 40 within the movement section 42 in said axial direction 24. The figures 13A and 13B show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a third step during removal of the second anti-rotation member 15 from the second recess 16. The second antirotation member 15 has been pivoted inwardly towards to the longitudinal axis 12. The movement section 42 is configured to allow movement of the member retainer part 40 within the movement section 42 in radial direction 23 towards the longitudinal axis 12. The member retainer part 40 makes a pivotal movement towards the longitudinal axis 12.

[0116] The inner retainer chamfer surface 70 of the member retainer part 40 is configured to facilitate pivoting of the second anti-rotation member 15 out of the second recess 16. The inner retainer chamfer surface 70 is configured to allow said movement of the member retainer part 40 within the movement section 42 in radial direction 23 towards the longitudinal axis 12.

[0117] In addition, the inner leading second member chamfer surface 49 and the inner trailing second member chamfer surface 50 of the second ratchet part 19 are configured to facilitate pivoting of the second anti-rotation member 15 out of the second recess 16. The inner leading second member chamfer surface 49 is configured to allow said movement of the member retainer part 40 in radial direction 23 towards the longitudinal axis 12.

[0118] The figures 14A and 14B show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a fourth step during removal of the second anti-rotation member 15 from the second recess 16. The movement of the Figures 13A and 13B has been continued until the second anti-rotation member 15 is positioned in removal position 43.

[0119] The figures 15A and 15B show the views of the figure 10A and 10B at a fifth step during removal of the second anti-rotation member 15 from the second recess 16. The second antirotation member 15 located in the removal position 43 has been pulled out of the second recess 16.

[0120] Figure 16 shows an enlarged view of section XVI of figure 10A. The second member mounting hole 26 is a member threaded through hole 61 configured to receive the mounting member 27 being a threaded mounting member 62, such as a bolt 34, when the second antirotation member 15 is located in the second member mounting position 28.

[0121] The box mounting hole 29 is a box threaded hole 63 configured to receive the threaded mounting member 62 when the second anti-rotation member 15 is located in the second member mounting position 28. The box threaded hole 63 comprises a threaded hole entrance 64 being surrounded by a box support surface 65.

[0122] The box recess contact surface 31 and the second member contact surface 33 of the second anti-rotation member 15 located in the second member mounting position 28 extend perpendicular to the box support surface 65. The box support surface 65 extends in axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 12.

[0123] Figure 17 shows an enlarged view of section XVII of figure 11A. The box threaded hole 63 has a first hole diameter D1. The member threaded through hole 61 has a second hole diameter D2 being larger than the first hole diameter D1.

[0124] Figure 18 shows an optional step during removal of the second anti-rotation member 15 from the second recess 16. A further threaded mounting member 62 is provided. The further threaded mounting member 62 has a larger member diameter 66 than the threaded mounting member 62 used to mount the second anti-rotation member 15 in the second member mounting position 28.

[0125] The member threaded through hole 61 is configured to allow threading with the further threaded mounting member 62. The member diameter 66 of the further threaded mounting member 62 is dimensioned to contact the box support surface 65 and push the second antirotation member 15 in radial direction 23 away from the longitudinal axis 12. This facilitates the removal of the second anti-rotation member 15 from the second recess 16, especially in situations in which the second anti-rotation member 15 tends to get stuck in the second recess 16.

[0126] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the figures; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0127] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The terms multiple and plurality, as used herein, are defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and / or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

[0128] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the threaded connection 1 and method according to the invention as shown in the figures without departing from the scope as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, said threaded connection comprising:- a pin comprising an outer pin surface provided with an external thread,- a box comprising an inner box surface provided with an internal thread for mating with the external thread during rotational make-up of the threaded connection, and- an anti-rotation device to allow relative rotation between the pin and the box in a makeup rotation direction and prevent relative rotation between the pin and the box in an opposite break-out rotation direction, wherein:-- the pin and the box extend along a longitudinal axis,-- the anti-rotation device comprises a releasably mounted first anti-rotation member which is arranged in a first recess provided in the outer pin surface of the pin, and a releasably mounted second anti-rotation member which is arranged in a second recess provided in the inner box surface of the box,-- the first anti-rotation member comprises a first ratchet part provided with radially extending first ratchet teeth,-- the second anti-rotation member comprises a second ratchet part provided with radially extending second ratchet teeth which engage the first ratchet teeth of the first anti-rotation member at final make-up of the threaded connection,-- the first anti-rotation member comprises a spring part which allows radial movement of the first ratchet part in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis when the first ratchet teeth slide along the second ratchet teeth during relative rotation between the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction,-- the second anti-rotation member comprises a second member mounting part to releasably mount the second anti-rotation member in the second recess,-- the second member mounting part comprises a second member mounting hole to receive a mounting member, such as a bolt, which releasably mounts the second antirotation member to the box in a second member mounting position,-- the box comprises a box mounting hole to receive the mounting member in order to mount the second anti-rotation member to the box in the second member mounting position,-- the box comprises a box terminal end and at least part of the second anti-rotation member being mounted in the second member mounting position is located at the box terminal end,- the box comprises a box recess contact surface which defines a second recess boundary of the second recess,-- the second anti-rotation member comprises a second member contact surface facing the box recess contact surface,- the second member contact surface is in contact with the box recess contact surface when the second anti-rotation member is mounted in the second member mounting position in order to transfer a force in axial direction applied on the second anti-rotation member to the box, and-- the second member mounting hole is dimensioned to receive the mounting member while there is contact between the second member contact surface and the box recess contact surface.

2. Threaded connection according to claim 1, wherein:- the second member mounting hole comprises an inner circumferential surface,- the mounting member comprises an outer circumferential surface,- the inner circumferential surface comprises an inner surface section being curved towards the box terminal end,- the outer circumferential surface comprises an outer surface section being curved towards the box terminal end and facing the inner surface section, and:-- the inner surface section of the second anti-rotation member being mounted in the second member mounting position is located at a distance from the outer surface section of the mounting member.

3. Threaded connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:-- the pin comprises a pin retainer part,-- the second anti-rotation member comprises a member retainer part,-- the pin retainer part and the member retainer part are configured to block movement of the second anti-rotation member in radial direction away from the longitudinal axis at final make-up of the threaded connection,-- the member retainer part is in radial direction located closer to the longitudinal axis than the pin retainer part, and-- the pin retainer part overlaps the member retainer part at least partly in axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis at final make-up of the threaded connection.

4. Threaded connection according to claim 3, wherein:- the pin comprises a member space configured to receive at final make-up at least part of the member retainer part of the second anti-rotation member located in the second member mounting position,- the member space comprises a movement section which at final make-up is free fromsaid at least part of the member retainer part, and- the movement section is configured to allow at final make-up movement of the member retainer part within the movement section for removal of the second anti-rotation member from the second recess.

5. Threaded connection according to claim 4, wherein the movement section is configured to allow at final make-up movement of the member retainer part within the movement section in axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and / or to allow at final makeup movement of the member retainer part within the movement section in radial direction towards the longitudinal axis.

6. Threaded connection according to any one of the claims 4-5, wherein the movement section is configured to allow a pivotal movement of the member retainer part within the movement section and towards the longitudinal axis.

7. Threaded connection according to any one of the claims 3-6, wherein the member retainer part comprises an inner retainer chamfer surface.

8. Threaded connection according to claim 7, wherein the inner retainer chamfer surface is configured to allow at final make-up movement of the member retainer part within the movement section in radial direction towards the longitudinal axis.

9. Threaded connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the second ratchet part comprises a leading second ratchet side and a trailing second ratchet side,- the leading second ratchet side is located closer to the box terminal end than the trailing second ratchet side, and- the leading second ratchet side comprises an inner leading second member chamfer surface and the trailing second ratchet side comprises an inner trailing second member chamfer surface.

10. Threaded connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the first ratchet part comprises a leading first ratchet side and a trailing first ratchet side,- the leading first ratchet side is located closer to a pin terminal end of the pin than the trailing first ratchet side, and- the leading first ratchet side comprises an inner leading first member chamfer surface.

11. Threaded connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the second member mounting hole is a member threaded through hole configured to receive the mounting member being a threaded mounting member, such as a bolt, when the second anti-rotation member is located in the second member mounting position,- the box mounting hole is a box threaded hole configured to receive the threaded mounting member when the second anti-rotation member is located in the second member mounting position,- the box threaded hole comprises a threaded hole entrance being surrounded by a box support surface,- the box threaded hole has a first hole diameter D1,- the member threaded through hole has a second hole diameter D2 being larger than the first hole diameter D1,- the member threaded through hole is configured to allow threading with a further threaded mounting member having a member diameter which is dimensioned to contact the box support surface and push the second anti-rotation member in radial direction away from the longitudinal axis.

12. Threaded connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the second anti-rotation member comprises a second member body,- the second member mounting part extends away from the second member body, and- the second member contact surface is provided at the second member body and / or the second member mounting part.

13. Threaded connection according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the threaded connection comprises a mounting member, such as a bolt, which releasably mounts the second anti-rotation member to the box in the second member mounting position, and- the box mounting hole is configured to receive the mounting member.

14. Kit of parts comprising a threaded connection according to any one of the preceding claims and a mounting member, such as a bolt, to releasably mount the second antirotation member to the box in the second member mounting position.

15. Method of making up a threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, comprising the step of mounting the second anti-rotation member of the threaded connection according to any of the claims 1-13 in the second member mounting position with the second member contact surface being in contact with the box recesscontact surface.

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