Multi-Channel Fluid Manifold Connector With Deformable Plug Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid manifold systems for drilling rigs face challenges in providing a compact, rugged, and reliable connection that allows quick and simple connection/disconnection of fluid lines while reducing complexity and enduring harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel fluid manifold connector apparatus with a stinger assembly and receiver body, featuring a limited clearance fit, stinger retention means, and flow line connection means using a deformable plug and compression mechanism to ensure secure and sealed fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known connection means are used to connect fluid lines to the swivel stator, then the connection can be established, but the complexity of flow paths on the swivel stator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a stinger assembly with multiple independent fluid channels, a receiver body with corresponding inlet ports, and a plug component with flow line bores. Each component handles specific flow paths independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug component is inserted into the stinger assembly, and the stinger assembly is inserted into the receiver body, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement allows multiple fluid channels to be organized concentrically, simplifying the flow path layout within the stinger body while maintaining multiple independent connections.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact connection design is implemented, then space is saved, but the ruggedness and reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plug component is designed to be compressible axially, allowing it to deform under compression to create sealing engagement. This dynamic capability enables the compact connector to maintain reliable sealing under varying operational conditions, including pressure fluctuations and thermal expansion, without requiring a larger design margin.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug component is made from a deformable material that combines structural integrity with compressibility. This composite material approach allows the plug to maintain its shape and sealing capability in a compact form while enduring the harsh field environments including high pressure, temperature variations, and mechanical stress.
3Loss of time
If quick and simple connection and disconnection is enabled, then operational time is reduced, but the reliability and security of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow lines are pre-positioned through the plug component before the plug is compressed into the stinger assembly. The plug's flow line bores are pre-aligned with the stinger fluid channels, and the compression action simultaneously achieves both mechanical retention and fluid sealing in a single operation, ensuring reliable connections without requiring multiple steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression of the plug component automatically achieves multiple functions: it secures the flow lines within the plug, creates sealing engagement with the stinger body, and establishes fluid communication between the flow lines and stinger channels. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate operations to ensure connection security.
4Productivity
If multiple fluid channels are integrated into the stinger body, then fluid communication efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stinger body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple fluid channels with different configurations and connection patterns. The standardized receiver body interface allows the same stinger design to serve multiple fluid communication requirements, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining efficient multi-channel fluid transport capability.
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 apparatus provides a compact, rugged, and reliable connection that enables quick and simple fluid line attachment, maintains fluid integrity, and withstands harsh drilling rig conditions.
Implementation Method 1
means for compressing the plug axially to grip and seal the flow lines
Implementation Method 2
The plug is formed with a plurality of longitudinal flow line throughbores... with the plug being insertable into and retractable from the stinger extension sleeve bore when the plug is in an unstressed state
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid manifold connector apparatus includes a stinger having fluid channels for receiving fluid from flow lines and discharging the fluid through axially-spaced outlet ports on the stinger, plus a receiver having a bore with inlet ports spaced to match the stinger outlet ports. Annular seals are provided above and below each stinger fluid outlet port, or above and below each receiver fluid inlet port, to form a sealed annular fluid chamber between each axially-adjacent pair of seals when the stinger is disposed within the receiver bore. The flow lines pass through bores in a deformable plug disposed within the bore of a stinger extension sleeve for fluid communication with the upper ends of the stinger fluid channels. A piston assembly is mountable to the sleeve for compressing and deforming the plug to sealingly grip the flow lines and to seal the plug against the bottom of the sleeve bore.