Gravity actuated connection mechanism for high pressure wellhead applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting and disconnecting pressure control equipment at wellheads require human intervention, posing safety risks and introducing potential for human error, while remote activation systems are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-actuated connection mechanism using a fitting with a cam groove and locking pin system that relies on the force of gravity and hoisting equipment to create and break high-pressure connections without human intervention, utilizing a crane or hoisting equipment to lower and lift fittings to engage and disengage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human operators manually connect equipment at the wellhead, then the connection can be made with simple mechanical devices, but operators are exposed to safety risks in the pressure zone
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism uses gravity as the driving force to automatically engage the locking pins with cam grooves, eliminating the need for external power sources or remote operators. The system serves itself by utilizing the natural force of gravity during the lowering operation to achieve secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes human operators from the pressure zone by extracting the manual connection function and replacing it with an automated gravity-driven mechanism. The hoisting equipment operator remains outside the danger zone while the connection occurs automatically
2Object-affected harmful factors
If remote activation devices are used to achieve high pressure connections, then operators can work outside the pressure zone, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex remote activation systems, hydraulic power sources, and external control mechanisms. Only the essential hoisting equipment remains, which is already standard in the industry
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system activates itself automatically through gravity during the normal lowering operation. No external power sources, control systems, or activation mechanisms are required - the system uses the inherent force of gravity to drive the locking mechanism
3Reliability
If external power sources and remote operators are employed for connection, then high pressure seals can be achieved remotely, but economic burden and potential for human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism activates itself through gravity during the lowering operation, eliminating all external power sources and control systems. The locking pins are automatically driven into the cam grooves by gravitational force alone
Solution Approach 2:
The hoisting equipment performs multiple functions: it positions the equipment, provides the gravitational force for connection activation, and maintains tension during operation. This eliminates the need for separate activation systems
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
Ensures safe, reliable, and efficient high-pressure connections and disconnections by eliminating the need for human interaction in the pressure zone, reducing safety hazards and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
using only the downward force of gravity and the upward force of the crane
Data Source
AI summary
A pressurizable assembly which comprises first and second assemblies. The first assembly has a plurality of cam grooves while the second assembly is size and shaped to intimately receive and mate with the first assembly. The second assembly has a connection member a plurality of radially mounted locking pin mechanisms for interacting with one of the plurality of spaced apart cam grooves. Axial movement of the second assembly, toward and away from the first assembly, causes the plurality of locking pin mechanisms to follow along the cam grooves to an intermediate locking position which locks the second assembly with the first assembly, while a subsequent axial movement of the second assembly, toward and away from the first assembly, causes the plurality of locking pin mechanisms to follow along the plurality of cam grooves and disengage the second assembly from the first assembly.