Auxiliary Line Coupling Assembly for Fast Non-Welded Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for coupling auxiliary lines in oil and gas production, particularly in marine drilling risers, face challenges with damaged connections leading to costly delays and logistical issues, as they often require welding and are prone to corrosion, necessitating offline repairs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly using a split ring and sleeve configuration that secures tubular segments without threads on the permanent pin component, allowing for non-welded connections and easier maintenance, utilizing non-NACE materials for strength and corrosion resistance, enabling flexible installation and repair without removing ancillary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional box and pin connectors with welding are used to couple auxiliary lines, then structural strength and pressure integrity are maintained, but repair time increases and operational downtime occurs when connections are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary line is divided into multiple replaceable segments with external threading, allowing individual segments to be replaced without affecting the entire line. The coupling assembly with split ring and sleeve enables modular replacement of damaged portions while maintaining system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from permanent welded joints to threaded mechanical connections with a coupling assembly. This parameter change enables quick disassembly and reassembly, reducing repair time while maintaining connection strength through the threaded engagement of the sleeve with both the pin and box segments.
2Ease of manufacture
If threaded connections are used in the permanent pin component, then ease of assembly is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to thread vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
External threading is applied only to the replaceable pin and box segments, not the permanent pin component. This localized application of threading maintains corrosion resistance in the permanent structure while enabling easy assembly and replacement in the sacrificial segments through the coupling assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin segments with external threads are designed as replaceable, sacrificial components that can be easily replaced when corroded or damaged. This allows the permanent pin component to remain intact and corrosion-resistant while the disposable segments handle the threading and replacement cycles.
3Reliability
If auxiliary lines are taken offline for repairs, then connection integrity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to operational downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly with split ring and sleeve is extracted from the permanent auxiliary line structure, allowing damaged segments to be removed and replaced independently. This enables repairs to be performed on individual components without taking the entire auxiliary line or drilling operation offline.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from static welded joints to dynamic, replaceable threaded connections. The coupling assembly allows the auxiliary line to adapt to damage by enabling quick replacement of segments, maintaining operational continuity and productivity while preserving connection integrity.
4Ease of repair
If complex coupling assemblies are used to enable quick repairs, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The split ring and sleeve are merged into a single integrated coupling assembly that performs multiple functions: securing the pin segment, enabling threaded connection, and facilitating quick replacement. This consolidation simplifies the repair process while minimizing the number of separate components required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces repair time and costs by allowing on-site maintenance of auxiliary lines, minimizing downtime and logistical challenges, while maintaining pressure integrity and structural strength.
Implementation Method 1
threads of the sleeve engage first mating threads on the split ring and second mating threads on the box end to secure the first pipe segment to the second pipe segment
Data Source
AI summary
A system for coupling a first pipe segment to a second pipe segment includes a pin end including a flange. The system includes a box end having a recess configured to receive the pin end, a face of the box end abutting the flange. The system includes a coupling assembly joining the first pipe segment to the second pipe segment including a split ring arranged proximate the flange and a sleeve, wherein threads of the sleeve engage first mating threads on the split ring and second mating threads on the box end.