Hydraulic Spool Adapter Preload for Wellhead Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wellhead component installation methods require expensive and large mechanical equipment for preloading interfaces, which can be cumbersome and inefficient in mineral extraction systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of hydraulic pressure to preload the interface between the spool adapter and pin hub, eliminating the need for mechanical preload equipment, and employing specialized tools like hanger and shoulder running tools for precise component installation within the wellhead assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical preload equipment is used to preload the interface between wellhead components, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the equipment cost and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical preload equipment with a hydraulic system. A hydraulic piston applies axial force to the spool adapter, preloading the interface with the pin hub through fluid pressure rather than mechanical devices. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical preload equipment while achieving the same connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydraulic pressure to preload the interface between the spool adapter and pin hub. Hydraulic fluid is introduced into a chamber where it acts on a piston, generating the necessary axial force to create the preload. This hydraulic approach simplifies the system compared to mechanical equipment while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Strength

If large mechanical equipment is used for component installation, then the preload force and connection strength are improved, but the equipment size and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces large mechanical preload equipment with a compact hydraulic system. The hydraulic piston can be integrated directly into the wellhead assembly, eliminating the need for external large-scale mechanical equipment. This enables preload application during the same installation operation, improving productivity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the preload force as part of the installation process itself, rather than as a separate preliminary step requiring large equipment. The hydraulic system applies the preload force immediately when the spool adapter is positioned, integrating the preload action into the main installation operation and eliminating downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If expensive mechanical preload equipment is deployed, then the interface preload and connection reliability are improved, but the installation cost and equipment expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a hydraulic system that can be integrated into the wellhead assembly, eliminating the need for expensive external mechanical preload equipment. The hydraulic piston and fluid system are simpler and more cost-effective than large mechanical devices, reducing both equipment and installation costs while maintaining interface reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The wellhead assembly incorporates its own hydraulic preload system, making it self-sufficient during installation. The system uses the wellhead's own structure and available hydraulic fluid to apply the preload, eliminating the need for expensive external equipment and reducing overall installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This method simplifies and enhances the reliability of wellhead component installation by reducing equipment costs and complexity, ensuring a fluid-tight connection and secure locking of components, thereby improving the operational efficiency of mineral extraction systems.

Implementation Method 1

The use of hydraulic pressure to preload the interface between the spool adapter and pin hub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10655417B2Tubular wellhead component coupling systems and method

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 CAMERSON INT CORP

AI summary

A spool adapter includes an annular spool adapter body, a pressure port disposed on an exterior surface of the adapter body, a piston ring disposed within the spool adapter body, adjacent the pressure port, and a retainer ring disposed within the spool adapter body, axially opposite the pressure port from the piston ring. Pressure applied via the pressure port causes the piston ring and the retainer ring to separate from one another.