Drill Pipe Connector With Integrated Valve For Side-Bore Mud Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for drilling operations face challenges in maintaining continuous mud flow during the extension of drill strings, leading to interruptions and potential pressure spikes when connecting auxiliary mud hoses to side-bores in drill pipes or pump subs.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that includes a hose connector body and a drill pipe connector body with a valve actuating member, allowing for secure and leak-proof connections between a hose and a side-bore in a drill pipe or pump sub, featuring bayonet connector formations and a locking mechanism to prevent removal and ensure fluid tight seals, along with a valve actuating mechanism to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a side bore is provided in drill string sections to enable continuous mud pumping during drill string extension, then productivity is improved by avoiding interruptions, but device complexity increases due to the need for valve mechanisms and auxiliary hoses
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is extracted from the drill string itself and placed in the connector body, allowing the drill string to remain simple while the connector handles the complex flow control functions during connection operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary device between the auxiliary hose and the drill string side bore, containing the valve mechanism that mediates the transition from continuous to interrupted flow and back, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Productivity
If auxiliary mud hoses are connected to side-bores during drill string extension, then productivity is maintained by continuous pumping, but reliability deteriorates due to potential leakage and pressure spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-configured in the connector body to be in the closed position during connection, and the bayonet connector formations are designed to automatically seal when engaged, preventing leakage before and during the connection process
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure that could cause leakage is converted into a beneficial force that pushes the valve member against the valve seat to maintain the seal, and the bayonet connector's rotational engagement converts potential misalignment harm into a self-aligning, self-sealing mechanism
3Reliability
If valve mechanisms are used to control mud flow during connector operation, then reliability is improved by preventing leakage, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is merged with the connector body as an integrated assembly, where the valve member, valve seat, and actuating mechanisms are all contained within the single connector component, eliminating the need for separate valve assemblies and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body serves multiple functions: it provides the bayonet connection interface, houses the valve mechanism, acts as part of the sealing system, and provides structural support, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed
4Reliability
If bayonet connector formations are used to prevent removal and ensure secure connection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to rotation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet connector formations utilize dynamic rotational movement to transition from an open to a locked position, where the simple rotational action of less than one full revolution provides both ease of operation and secure, reliable connection through the engagement of protrusions with recesses
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A connector (10) for connecting a hose to a side-bore (52) of a tubular (54), the tubular (54) having a wall enclosing a main bore (54b), and the side-bore (52) extending through the wall from the main bore (54b) to the exterior of the tubular (54), the connector (10) comprising a hose connector body (12) which forms a first end of the connector (10) which is adapted to be connected to the hose, and a drill pipe connector body (14) which forms a second end of the connector (10) which is adapted to be connected to the tubular (54), the connector (10) having an exterior surface and an interior surface which encloses a bore (20, 22) extending from the first end of the connector (10) to a second end of the connector (10), wherein the connector (10) is provided with a valve actuating member (74) which extends into the drill pipe connector body (14) and which may be operated when the connector (10) is connected between a hose and a tubular (54) to move between a first position and a second position.