Lifting Plug Grease Evacuation Apertures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Excess grease applied to the threaded portions of tubular members in drilling operations can lead to connection failures due to the operator's lack of awareness of the grease quantity applied.
Innovation Solution
A lifting plug with a tubular body featuring an externally threaded portion, one or more apertures for grease evacuation, and a grease collection groove to manage excess grease, ensuring it is collected and removed before connections are made.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grease is applied to the threaded portion of a tubular member, then the connection reliability is improved, but excess grease leads to connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting plug incorporates grease evacuation apertures that extract excess grease from the threaded portion through capillary action and gravity drainage. The apertures are positioned to allow grease to be removed from the thread roots and crests, preventing connection failure while maintaining necessary lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting plug features localized grease management through apertures strategically positioned at specific locations on the threaded portion. The grease collection groove is located at the root of the threads to collect and evacuate excess grease, while the apertures provide localized extraction paths. This creates zones of different grease concentration - adequate lubrication at thread crests and minimal excess at thread roots.
2Ease of operation
If the operator applies grease at the wellsite, then the connection is lubricated, but the operator has little awareness of the quantity of grease being applied
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting plug automatically manages grease quantity through passive mechanisms. The grease evacuation apertures and collection groove system self-regulate grease removal without requiring operator intervention or measurement. Excess grease is continuously evacuated through capillary action and gravity, providing automatic quantity control while maintaining ease of application.
3Ease of manufacture
If grease is applied prior to making a connection, then the threads are lubricated, but excess grease can lead to connection failure once run into the well
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting plug is pre-equipped with grease evacuation apertures and a collection groove system before the connection is made. This preliminary configuration enables automatic removal of excess grease as the connection is assembled and immediately after, preventing the harmful effects of grease migration and connection failure while maintaining the benefits of initial lubrication.
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 lifting plug effectively controls the amount of grease applied and removes excess grease from the threaded portions, preventing connection failures and ensuring reliable tubular member connections.
Implementation Method 1
The grease collection groove is configured to collect grease from a female thread of a tubular member as the externally threaded portion is engaged with, or screwed into, a female thread, internally threaded portion or female threaded portion of said tubular member, in use
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting plug for connection with a tubular member, the lifting plug including a tubular body including an externally threaded portion; one or more apertures extending through the tubular body within the externally threaded portion; and a flange at a first end of the tubular body for engagement with a lifting device.