Hinged Quick-Release Connector for High-Pressure Flowline Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oilfield pipe connectors, such as hammer unions and clamps, are physically taxing and time-consuming to install and disconnect, especially under high-pressure conditions, and can be prone to injury, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A hinged quick-release connector with semi-circular clamp portions rotatably coupled by a hinge, allowing for easy opening and closing, and supported by a hinge pin and stand for reduced manual lifting, enabling quick and secure connections of flowlines and other equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hammer unions are used to connect flowline components, then the connection can withstand high-pressure fluids, but the installation requires physical lifting and hammering which is time-consuming and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a hinged design that allows the connector body to rotate from an open position for easy placement onto pipe ends to a closed position for secure connection. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for manual lifting and hammering, reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability through the hinged closure that secures the connection without requiring physical force from workers.
2Reliability
If hammer unions are used to connect flowline components, then the connection can withstand high-pressure fluids, but workers may sustain injuries from lifting and hammering
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged design allows the connector to be opened and closed without requiring workers to lift heavy components or deliver hammer blows. The connector body rotates on a hinge axis, enabling placement and removal to be performed by simply opening the hinge, sliding the connector onto or off the pipe ends, and closing the hinge. This eliminates the harmful factors of manual lifting and hammering while maintaining secure connections.
3Reliability
If clamps with multiple bolts are used to secure flowlines, then the connection can withstand high pressure, but the weight and complexity make installation challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two main segments: a connector body and a hinged closure. The connector body contains the internal structure for withstanding pressure, while the hinged closure provides the securing mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex pressure-withstanding function to be separated from the simple closing action, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection strength.
4Manufacturing precision
If flowline components are elevated for hammer union installation, then the connection can be tightened properly, but the physical exertion increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged closure rotates on a hinge axis to move between open and closed positions. In the open position, the connector can be easily placed onto pipe ends without elevation. In the closed position, the hinge secures the connection with precise tightness. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need to elevate components while achieving proper connection tightness, greatly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-connector assembly for joining abutting flanged ends of two tubular members includes first and second connector portions joined by a rotatable hinge having a hinge pin coupling the first connector portion and the second connector portion so that the first and second connector portions encircle about abutting flanged ends of the tubular members when the first and second connector portions are in a closed position. Further, a stand having a bracket with at least one hole for accommodating the hinge pin is designed to at least partially support the weight of the connector assembly and the flanged ends of the tubular members.