Enhanced Union Connection for High-Pressure Tubular Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing union connections in oilfield operations fail to maintain a robust seal under high pressure conditions, often loosening and failing due to expansion, vibration, and binding, and require excessive time and cost for assembly and disassembly, especially when handling high-pressure fluids in hydraulic fracturing.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced union connection design featuring a male end member with a groove and tapered surface, nut retaining segments, and a wing nut with internal threads and tapered surfaces, which self-centers and provides a robust seal through a Spiralock threaded connection, reducing stress and preventing loosening from vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If union connections are made bulky and heavy to provide a more robust seal, then seal reliability is improved, but assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into modular components: a union body with internal threading, a separate robust sealing mechanism with multiple sealing surfaces, and quick-release coupling elements. This segmentation allows the seal to be designed independently for robustness while the modular structure enables rapid assembly and disassembly without requiring the entire connection to be bulky.
2Reliability
If special tools are required to make up and break out the connection, then connection reliability is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection incorporates self-aligning features with tapered surfaces that guide the coupling elements into proper alignment during assembly. The design includes self-centering mechanisms and foolproof threading that prevent improper installation, eliminating the need for specialized tools or skilled operators while maintaining high connection reliability.
3Productivity
If union connections are designed for quick assembly and disassembly, then operational efficiency is improved, but seal robustness under high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the connection have specialized functions: the sealing surfaces are designed with enhanced geometry and materials for high-pressure resistance, while the coupling mechanisms use simplified quick-release features. This local optimization allows the seal-critical areas to be robust while the assembly areas remain simple and fast.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing equipment is adapted to use enhanced union connections, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The union connection design incorporates standardized interface dimensions and threading that can accommodate various tubular sizes and types. The universal coupling mechanism works with different configurations, allowing a single design to serve multiple applications while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through standardization.
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 enhanced union connection effectively maintains a seal up to 15,000 psi, self-centers, and is easy to assemble and disassemble, reducing operational risks and costs by providing anti-vibration and anti-rotation protection while being adaptable to existing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the groove of the male end member includes a tapered surface that contacts a first tapered surface of the nut retaining segments; a wing nut having a groove and threads formed about an inner circumference of the wing nut, wherein the groove of the wing nut includes a tapered surface that contacts a second tapered surface of the nut retaining segments
Implementation Method 2
provides a robust seal through a Spiralock threaded connection, reducing stress and preventing loosening from vibration
Implementation Method 3
preventing loosening from vibration
Implementation Method 4
effectively maintains a seal up to 15,000 psi
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced union connection for connecting tubular members together. The enhanced union connection may include a male end member, a female end member, a wing nut, and nut retaining segments. The union connection is configured to quickly and easily connect and disconnect tubular members together, while providing and maintaining a robust connection and seal (e.g. up to 15,000 psi or more) between the tubular members when connected together.