Wellhead Casing Head Connector with Spring-Loaded Slip Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching a wellhead casing head to a casing, such as threading or welding, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors, and often lack availability of skilled welders at the site, while mechanical gripping methods require additional seal components.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead connection system utilizing a tubular upper head housing, an annular slip bowl housing, and slip segments with compression springs to grip and seal the casing, allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment with threaded connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threading or welding methods are used to attach the casing head, then the connection can seal well pressure and transmit mechanical loads, but the installation time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a slip bowl housing, multiple slip segments, and compression springs. This segmentation allows for quick assembly and disassembly without requiring time-consuming welding or threading operations, while maintaining reliable sealing through the coordinated action of these segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip segments are made movable relative to the slip bowl housing through the compression springs, allowing the segments to dynamically adjust and grip the casing pipe. This dynamic mechanism enables rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining secure mechanical engagement and sealing, eliminating the need for slow welding or threading processes.
2Reliability
If threading or welding methods are used to attach the casing head, then the connection can seal well pressure, but the labor intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the connection system into modular components (slip bowl, slip segments, springs), the design reduces the skill level and labor intensity required for installation. Operators can assemble and disassemble the connection by simply engaging and disengaging the slip segments within the slip bowl housing, eliminating the need for highly skilled welders or threaders.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression springs automatically push the slip segments against the casing pipe to create gripping engagement, eliminating the need for manual tightening or specialized welding operations. The system serves itself by using the spring force to maintain secure connection and sealing without requiring intensive human labor or specialized skills.
3Productivity
If mechanical gripping with slip segments is used, then installation time is reduced, but additional seal components and complex mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the slip segments themselves, which are formed with sealing surfaces that contact the casing pipe. This integration eliminates the need for separate seal components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high installation speed through the unified slip segment design that combines gripping and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip segments serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical gripping of the casing pipe, create sealing surfaces against the pipe, and respond to compression spring force. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining high productivity.
4Productivity
If conventional mechanical gripping methods are used, then connection speed improves, but proper orientation may not be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The slip bowl housing and slip segments are designed with asymmetric geometries that ensure proper orientation during connection. The conical or tapered surfaces and specific groove patterns on the slip segments create a unique fit that can only be achieved with correct orientation, maintaining connection speed while ensuring manufacturing precision through the asymmetric design features.
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 system reduces installation time, ensures proper orientation, and provides a reliable seal and mechanical engagement, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by enabling efficient and error-free connection and disconnection of the wellhead connector.
Implementation Method 1
One or both of two sets of compression springs (first and second compression springs) are provided. First compression springs are adapted to positioned generally vertically between the upper surface of the slip bowl housing and the lower surface of the upper flange connector of the slip segments. Second compression springs are adapted to be positioned generally horizontally between adjacent of the slip segments. On disconnecting the threaded connectors the first compression springs push the slip segments apart from the slip bowl housing, and the second compression springs push the slip segments radially apart from the casing.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead connection to casing is formed from an upper head housing, a slip bowl housing and slip segments. First compression spring extending vertically between slip segment and the a slip bowl housing, and second compression springs extending generally horizontally between adjacent slip segments maintain the slip segments out of gripping engagement with the casing until the slip bowl housing and the upper head housing are fully connected together. On disconnecting the housings, the first compression springs push the slip segments apart from the slip bowl housing, and the second compression springs push the slip segments radially apart from the casing.