Hydraulic Lock Ring Connector for Wellhead Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coupling systems for wellhead components in mineral extraction systems, such as threaded and bolted connections, are inefficient for quick and easy assembly and disassembly, and often require more materials and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that includes a sleeve with a lock ring and a piston ring, where the lock ring is hydraulically actuated to engage or disengage with the sleeve, forming a strong and stable connection between tubing and casing spools, allowing for easier and faster coupling and decoupling of wellhead components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional threaded and bolted connections are used for wellhead components, then the connection strength and stability are sufficient, but the assembly and disassembly processes are time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into distinct modular components: a coupling device with internal locking mechanisms, a drill string component with external coupling features, and interchangeable adapter components. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly by simply connecting components together without complex threading operations, while maintaining connection strength through internal lock features.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device includes pre-configured locking mechanisms and alignment features that are prepared in advance. The internal lock features and external coupling elements are designed to automatically engage and lock when components are brought together, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual threading and bolting operations during assembly.
2Reliability
If traditional threaded and bolted connections are used, then reliable connections are achieved, but material usage and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates unnecessary material from traditional coupling systems by removing redundant bolts, washers, and threaded sections. The connection reliability is maintained through strategically placed lock features and coupling elements that provide sufficient mechanical interlocking and load-bearing capacity with significantly less material than conventional threaded and bolted assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using uniform thick-walled threaded components throughout, the coupling system applies material locally where needed for strength and locking function. The coupling device has varying wall thicknesses and material densities concentrated at critical locking and load-bearing areas, reducing overall material usage while maintaining connection reliability.
3Productivity
If quick-connect mechanisms are used to improve assembly speed, then assembly efficiency increases, but connection strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system incorporates dynamic locking mechanisms that automatically engage and secure when components are connected. The internal lock features include movable elements that respond to insertion forces and automatically lock into place, providing rapid assembly with connection strength comparable to or exceeding traditional threaded connections. The system adapts to load conditions and maintains stability through its dynamic locking architecture.
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 connector system enables faster and more efficient assembly and disassembly of wellhead components, reduces material usage, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining a strong and stable connection.
Implementation Method 1
The piston ring is hydraulically actuated to drive the piston ring into an energized position that forces the lock ring radially outward
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a connector system configured to couple a first tubular to a second tubular comprising a sleeve configured to couple to the first tubular, wherein an inner diameter of the sleeve comprises a coupling feature, a lock ring configured to couple to an exterior surface of the second tubular and radially engage with the coupling feature of the sleeve, a piston ring configured to energize the lock ring into engagement with the sleeve, a first pressure ring configured to couple to the second tubular, wherein the first pressure ring is axially beneath the piston ring, and a second pressure ring disposed about the piston ring and configured to couple to the second tubular.