Compact Flange Keyed Connection for Shear and Torsion Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conical contact flanges used in the subsea oil and gas industry face challenges with high shear and torsional loads, leading to rotation of the flange connection and potential damage to seals and fasteners, as existing solutions rely heavily on friction which is inadequate for such applications.
Innovation Solution
A modified compact flange with a KX sealing ring and integrated keyways that minimize separation forces due to internal pressure and enhance resistance to shear and torsional loads, maintaining the integrity of the sealing ring and fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If conical contact flanges are used to minimize fastener bending, then fastener size and weight are reduced, but the connection becomes susceptible to rotation under high shear and torsional loads
Solution Approach 1:
The flange connection is segmented into functional zones: a conical contact zone for minimizing fastener bending, and a separate key zone for preventing rotation. The key is a distinct component inserted into a keyway, creating a dedicated anti-rotation mechanism that doesn't interfere with the conical contact function.
Solution Approach 2:
A key acts as an intermediary element between the flange and connecting component. This key transfers shear and torsional loads directly through the keyway interface, preventing rotation without requiring the fasteners or conical contact to bear these rotational loads.
2Device complexity
If friction alone is relied upon to resist shear and torsional loads, then the connection structure remains simple, but the connection fails under high loads due to insufficient frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The load-resisting function is segmented between friction (for normal operation) and the key (for high shear and torsional loads). This segmentation allows the connection to handle both light loads through simple friction and heavy loads through the mechanical key engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The key changes the load transfer mechanism from friction-based to mechanical engagement-based. By introducing a rigid key that physically blocks rotation, the system transitions from relying on friction coefficients to relying on mechanical geometry and material strength.
3Reliability
If sealing radius is increased to improve sealing, then separation forces due to internal pressure increase, requiring larger fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing radius is optimized to a specific value that balances sealing effectiveness with pressure containment. By carefully selecting the sealing radius parameter, the design achieves adequate sealing without creating excessive separation forces that would require larger fasteners.
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 effectively withstands high shear and torsional loads without compromising the sealing integrity, reducing the risk of damage and enabling the use of smaller fasteners, thus reducing the weight and cost of the connection while maintaining high contact pressure.
Implementation Method 1
These metal or polymer rings are initially energized in the gasket assembly creating a contact pressure between the faces of the seal and the components being connected
Implementation Method 2
a channel with a diameter of approximately 3 mm (0.12 in) crossing the flange, in which the channel will be aligned with the seal test chamber
Implementation Method 3
an elastomeric seal positioned in the first groove and an elastomeric ring positioned in the second groove
Data Source
AI summary
A flange connection set includes a modified compact flange, having a channel for external-internal seal tests, coupled to a connecting component, and coupled between the compact flange and the connecting component, there is a KX sealing ring with a radius closer to the radius of the conduit. Different types of keys provide the flange connection the ability to withstand high shear and torsional loads without affecting its operation, while also resisting high bending moment loads and preserving the integrity of the sealing ring and the fasteners.