Metal-to-Metal Pipe Connector Assembly for Leak-Resistant Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flanged joints in the oil industry are prone to leakage due to thermal degradation of rubber seals, require skilled labor for precise assembly, and involve time-consuming welding, increasing costs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a mechanical seal arrangement with an annular seal element and loading ring, which creates metal-to-metal seals and prevents axial movement, using channels or bores for energizing the seal and keying mechanisms to secure the components, eliminating the need for welding and reducing reliance on skilled labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flanged joints with rubber seals are used, then sealing capability is achieved, but the seals fail due to thermal degradation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from rubber-to-metal to metal-to-metal sealing. The sealing surface (202) and sealing ring (204) are both made of metal materials, eliminating the rubber seal component that degrades thermally. This parameter change from organic to inorganic sealing materials resolves the reliability and service life contradiction.
2Strength
If flanged joints require welding, then connection strength is achieved, but assembly time increases and fire risk is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical fastening system. The connector body (200) uses bolts or other mechanical fasteners to secure the sealing ring and pipe, eliminating the need for welding. This substitution maintains joint strength while dramatically reducing assembly time and eliminating fire hazards.
3Reliability
If flanged joints require high precision assembly, then sealing performance is achieved, but skilled labor requirements and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into modular components: connector body (200), sealing ring (204), and pipe (102). Each component has standardized interfaces with features like the annular groove (206) and sealing surface (202) that guide proper alignment. This segmentation with standardized interfaces simplifies assembly procedures and reduces the need for highly skilled labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the connector body (200) as an intermediary component between pipes. The connector provides pre-formed sealing surfaces and mechanical fastening features that mediate the connection process, making it more forgiving of assembly variations and reducing the skill level required for proper installation.
4Reliability
If rubber seals are used in flanged joints, then sealing is achieved, but thermal degradation causes failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the material parameter of the sealing components from rubber (organic polymer) to metal (inorganic material). The sealing ring (204) and sealing surface (202) are both metal, which maintains sealing capability under thermal conditions where rubber would degrade. This material parameter change eliminates thermal degradation as a failure mode.
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 assembly provides a robust, cost-effective, and leak-resistant connection that simplifies assembly, reduces downtime, and enhances safety by eliminating the need for welding and skilled labor, while maintaining high-pressure sealing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the annular seal element is configured for creating a first annular sealing contact with a pipe to be connected and a second annular sealing contact with the annular seal surface
Implementation Method 2
the annular loading ring comprises one or more channels or bores extending from an external surface of the annular loading ring to an internal surface of the annular loading ring, for use in the application of energising load to the annular seal element within the connector body
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly has a connector body for housing a free end of a pipe. A seal within the body includes a metal annular seal surface for arrangement about the pipe and a metal annular seal element for fitting about the pipe. The annular seal element creates a first annular sealing contact for creating a metal-to-metal seal with a metal outer surface of a pipe and a second annular sealing contact for creating a metal-to-metal seal with the annular seal surface. An annular loading ring is configured for fitting about the pipe and is configured to be arranged for communication between the body and the pipe. The annular loading ring includes one or more channels or bores extending from an external surface for use in the application of energising load to the annular seal element within the body.