Cam-Lock Wellhead Connector for Remote Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellhead pressure control equipment connections pose a risk of injury to operators due to manual handling of heavy equipment and the need for manual tightening of bolts, which can lead to accidents and inefficiencies in the oilfield industry.
Innovation Solution
A remotely-operated cam-locking wellhead attachment and high-pressure seals that allow for secure connection and disconnection of pressure control equipment to the wellhead without manual interaction, using hydraulic actuation to lock and unlock the connection, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing physical danger to operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and tightening methods are used for wellhead connections, then the connection can be made securely, but the risk of injury to operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (hand tightening, hammer unions) with a powered mechanical system featuring automated cam-actuated locking mechanisms and hydraulic bolt tightening. The cam locks engage automatically when the adapter is inserted, and hydraulic systems provide controlled bolt tightening, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy equipment or apply force with knock wrenches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate mechanical components (cam locks, hydraulic actuators, automated locking mechanisms) that mediate between the adapter and wellhead connection. These intermediaries perform the dangerous functions of securing the connection without requiring direct operator intervention at the wellhead, thus protecting operators from injury while maintaining connection security.
2Ease of operation
If manual operations are required for connection and disconnection, then the equipment can be operated, but the time required for operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-actuated locking mechanism is pre-positioned and automatically engages when the adapter is inserted into the wellhead. The cam locks are designed to capture the adapter ribs immediately upon insertion, eliminating the need for sequential manual tightening operations. This preliminary positioning and automatic engagement significantly reduces connection time while maintaining ease of operation through a single insertion motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple manual operations (alignment, insertion, locking, tightening) into a single integrated automated process. The adapter insertion automatically triggers cam lock engagement and hydraulic bolt tightening occurs simultaneously or in rapid sequence, merging what were previously separate manual steps into one coordinated automated operation that reduces overall time while simplifying the operator's task to merely initiating the process.
3Weight of moving object
If heavy equipment is suspended by crane for connection, then the equipment can be positioned, but the physical danger to operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dangerous function of manual wellhead manipulation from the operator's task. By designing the connection system to automatically lock via cam mechanisms and use hydraulic systems for bolt tightening, the system removes the need for operators to be positioned near the suspended equipment or to manually guide heavy components during connection, thereby eliminating collision risks while still accommodating heavy equipment weights.
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
The solution significantly reduces the risk of injury to wellhead operators by enabling safe and remote operation of pressure control equipment connections, improving efficiency and reducing downtime through secure, predictable connections and the ability to maintain pressure integrity.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the cam locks causes the cam curvatures to compress the adapter into the receptacle to form the high pressure seal
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic actuation to lock and unlock the connection
Data Source
AI summary
Seals for pressure control fittings are disclosed, where such pressure control fittings are located at a wellhead, for example. Embodiments of cam lock seals, a spring-driven ball race seal and wedge seals are disclosed.