Flowline Connector Assembly Using Pin Stop and Threaded Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flowline connector systems for high-pressure applications in oil field services are inefficient, physically taxing, and time-consuming due to the need for multiple bolted connections and alignment of large, heavy components, which often results in damage to seals and increased operational time.
Innovation Solution
A flowline connector assembly featuring a pin with a radial stop and a collar with varying inner diameters for threaded engagement, allowing for secure connection of flowline members without the need for extensive bolt alignment, reducing physical effort and time required for connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flanged connectors with multiple bolts are used to connect flowlines, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the connection time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate modular components: a body portion with external threading, a pin with a stop, and a collar with internal threading. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, enabling quick connection without aligning multiple bolts while maintaining connection strength through the threaded engagement of the modular parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion is pre-equipped with external threading and the collar with internal threading, so that when connection is needed, the components can be rapidly threaded together without requiring preliminary alignment of multiple fastening points. The pin with stop is also pre-configured to engage with the collar's opening, enabling immediate securement.
2Strength
If large and heavy flowline components are used to handle high-pressure fluids, then the pressure containment capability is improved, but the ease of maneuvering and alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flowline connection system is segmented into lighter modular components (body, pin, collar) that can be individually handled and positioned. This segmentation reduces the weight and size of each component compared to a single large flanged connector, making them easier to maneuver and align while collectively maintaining the pressure containment capability through their interconnected threaded design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional flange alignment problem (requiring precise positioning of multiple bolt holes) to a one-dimensional threaded engagement problem (requiring only linear insertion and rotation). The pin with stop provides a simple linear insertion path, and the threaded collar provides rotational engagement, dramatically simplifying the maneuvering and alignment process.
3Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to secure flanged connectors, then the connection reliability is improved, but the physical effort and complexity of alignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-bolt flanged connector is replaced with segmented threaded components (body with external threads, collar with internal threads, and pin with stop). This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple alignment-critical bolt holes while maintaining connection reliability through the distributed engagement of threads along the length of the threaded interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using holes that must be aligned and then fastened with bolts (subtractive approach), the invention uses protruding external threads on the body that engage with internal threads in the collar (additive approach). This inversion of the connection methodology eliminates alignment complexity while maintaining secure, reliable connection through the interlocking threaded structure.
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 enables quicker, less physically demanding connections with reduced risk of damage to components, improving efficiency and reducing operational time by allowing for horizontal connections and minimizing the complexity of alignment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first side of the stop is configured to contact a face of the first flowline member when the pin is inserted into the first cylindrical passageway
Implementation Method 2
a collar having a first inner diameter at a first end of the collar and a second inner diameter at a second end of the collar, wherein the collar is configured for threaded engagement at the first end with an outer surface of the first flowline member
Implementation Method 3
an inner surface of the collar at the second end is configured to contact a second side of the stop to connect the first flowline member with the second flowline member
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a flowline connector assembly may include a first flowline member having a first cylindrical passageway, and a second flowline member having a second cylindrical passageway. The flowline connector assembly may include a pin, configured to be inserted into the first cylindrical passageway and the second cylindrical passageway, including a stop extending radially outward from an outer surface of the pin, where a first side of the stop is configured to contact a face of the first flowline member when the pin is inserted into the first cylindrical passageway. The flowline connector assembly may include a collar configured for threaded engagement at a first end with an outer surface of the first flowline member, wherein an inner surface of the collar is configured to contact a second side of the stop to connect the first flowline member with the second flowline member.