Releasable Connector Mandrel Limit Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool connections in the oil and gas industry often experience unintended disconnection due to recoil or jarring forces, particularly during fishing operations or when retrieving tools from wellbores, leading to potential tool loss and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A releasable connector apparatus with a movable connector mandrel and a limit arrangement that allows controlled movement within a specific range to maintain connection while absorbing forces, preventing inadvertent disconnection, and enabling deliberate disconnection through a predetermined sequence of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fail-safe release mechanism is provided in the connector, then connection reliability is improved under normal conditions, but the connector may inadvertently disconnect when subjected to recoil or jarring forces
Solution Approach 1:
The limit arrangement is made dynamically configurable between activated and deactivated states. When activated, it restricts mandrel movement to prevent inadvertent disconnection during jarring operations. When deactivated, it permits full movement range for deliberate disconnection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the connector's response characteristics based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the movement range parameter of the connector mandrel based on the state of the limit arrangement. In the activated state, the movement range is limited to a first range that maintains connector member alignment. In the deactivated state, the movement range is extended to allow misalignment and deliberate disconnection. This parameter change enables the system to maintain reliability while preventing harmful inadvertent disconnection.
2Ease of operation
If the connector mandrel is allowed to move freely to enable deliberate disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability deteriorates under jarring or recoil forces
Solution Approach 1:
The limit arrangement transitions from a static constraint to a dynamic control mechanism. By switching between activated and deactivated states, the system can impose movement restrictions during jarring operations (maintaining stability) and remove restrictions during deliberate disconnection operations (improving ease of operation). This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between stability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates two distinct operational modes through the limit arrangement state: a restricted mode that copies the behavior of a rigid, stable connection during jarring, and an unrestricted mode that copies the behavior of a freely operable connection during disconnection. This mode copying allows the single connector design to exhibit different stability characteristics as needed.
3Reliability
If a limit arrangement is activated to restrict mandrel movement, then protection against inadvertent disconnection is improved, but the ability to apply jarring forces for fishing operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The limit arrangement's movable configuration between activated and deactivated states enables the system to adapt its behavior. During fishing operations requiring jarring, the arrangement can be deactivated to permit full mandrel movement and jarring capability. During normal operations, it remains activated to provide protection against inadvertent disconnection. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between protection and operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable connector apparatus is provided for permitting a releasable connection with an object. The apparatus comprises a connector assembly which includes a connector member moveable between connection and disconnection configurations to facilitate a releasable connection with an object. A connector mandrel comprising a support surface is movable relative to the connector assembly such that alignment of the support surface and the connector member locks said connector member in its connected configuration, and misalignment of the support surface and the connector member permits the connector member to be moved towards its disconnected configuration. A limit arrangement of the apparatus is configurable from an activated state in which movement of the connector mandrel is limited to a first range of movement over which alignment of the support surface with the connector member is maintained, to a deactivated state in which movement of the connector mandrel is permitted beyond the first range of movement to allow misalignment of the support surface and the connector member.