Insulated Threaded Connection With Full-Volume Sleeve for High Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrically insulated threaded connections in the oil and gas industry face issues with insufficient make-up torque capability, structural integrity, and high maintenance and manufacturing costs, often resulting in failed electrical insulation and disrupted EM communications during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
An electrically insulated threaded connection featuring a conductive pin, a conductive box, and a double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve that fills the entire volume between the metal threads, eliminating voids and pockets, and providing additional interference before shoulder contact, thereby increasing torque capacity and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional electrically insulated threaded connections are used, then electrical isolation is provided, but make-up torque capability and structural integrity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite threaded connection structure combining conductive metal components (pin and box) with a non-conductive insulator component. The insulator is positioned within the threaded engagement area, creating a composite assembly that simultaneously provides electrical isolation and maintains mechanical strength for high torque applications. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating both conductive and non-conductive properties in a single threaded connection system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional electrically insulated threaded connections are used, then electrical isolation is provided, but structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator component is nested within the threaded engagement area of the pin and box components. The insulator fits into the space between the mating threads, allowing the conductive metal components to maintain their full structural integrity while the nested insulator provides electrical isolation. This nesting approach ensures that the insulator does not compromise the mechanical strength of the threaded connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrically insulated threaded connections are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but maintenance costs are high due to frequent failures
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection is designed with built-in structural features including shoulders and interference fits that are formed during the initial manufacturing process. These preliminary structural actions ensure proper load distribution and electrical isolation without requiring additional maintenance interventions. The design incorporates these protective features upfront, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements later.
4Device complexity
If conventional electrically insulated threaded connections are used, then device complexity is lower, but torque capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimensional aspect to the conventional two-component threaded connection by adding the insulator component that occupies the radial space between the pin and box threads. This dimensional addition allows the connection to handle higher torque loads while maintaining electrical isolation, without significantly increasing the overall complexity of the assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical insulated threaded connection includes a conductive box with a plurality of internal threads, a conductive pin with a plurality of external threads, and a double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve disposed between the conductive pin and box. The double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve comprises a plurality of external threads that mate with the plurality of internal threads of the conductive box and a plurality of internal threads that mate with the plurality of external threads of the conductive pin. In certain embodiments, the double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve fills a full volume between the plurality of internal threads of the conductive box and the plurality of external threads of the conductive pin, and there are no voids or pockets between any of the mating threads.