Asymmetric Threaded Wellhead Connector for Rapid Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably connecting tubing heads to casing heads in oilfield wells, requiring improved methods for secure and rapid assembly to ensure sealing and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead system with a connector featuring interior surfaces with both left-hand and right-hand threads, allowing for threadedly engagement with corresponding threads on tubing and casing heads, enabling a releasable connection that ensures sealing and alignment through a tapered mating connection and anti-rotation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional connectors are used to connect tubing heads to casing heads, then the connection can be established, but the assembly process is time-consuming and lacks reliability in ensuring proper alignment and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: left-hand threads for engaging the tubing head, right-hand threads for engaging the casing head, a tapered sealing surface for creating the seal, and an anti-rotation mechanism. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function independently, enabling rapid assembly while ensuring reliable connection and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs asymmetric threading with left-hand threads on one end and right-hand threads on the other end. This asymmetric design ensures that the tubing head and casing head can only be connected in the correct orientation, providing inherent alignment guidance and preventing misassembly, thereby improving both assembly speed and connection reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional connection methods are used, then the components can be connected, but proper alignment and sealing are not reliably ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple critical functions into a single integrated component: threading for mechanical connection, a tapered sealing surface for creating the seal, and an anti-rotation mechanism for preventing rotation. By combining these functions into one connector rather than using separate components, the design achieves reliable sealing without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes a tapered sealing surface where the angle and geometry of the taper are specifically designed to create a reliable seal as the tubing head and casing head are brought together. The geometric parameters of the taper are optimized to ensure proper sealing engagement, transforming the connection process into a self-aligning and self-sealing operation that improves sealing reliability without adding complex control mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If standard threading is used for connection, then the assembly can be completed, but anti-rotation and alignment features are not adequately provided
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric threading configuration with left-hand and right-hand threads not only enables connection but also provides inherent anti-rotation functionality. The opposing thread directions create mechanical interference that prevents the connected components from rotating relative to each other, thereby achieving connection stability without requiring additional anti-rotation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The threads on the connector serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the mechanical connection between tubing head and casing head, ensure proper alignment through their geometric configuration, and prevent rotation through their asymmetric left-hand and right-hand design. This multi-functionality of the threading system achieves connection stability without adding separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead system, connector, and method of assembling a wellhead system. The connector includes a member having a set of left-hand threads and a set of right-hand threads on its interior surface. The connector provides a quick connection to threads on wellhead components such as a tubing head and a casing head.