Multiline Riser Big Bore Connector for Offshore Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore drilling systems face challenges in efficiently connecting a riser to a BOP stack, particularly in open water drilling configurations, where fluid connections are complex and require multiple components and structural connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of a connector with multiple bores machined into a cylindrical forging, which forms a fluid connection to a mating female receptacle on a different assembly without any existing structural connection, allowing for efficient connection of a riser to a BOP stack through a connector housing with annular flow path connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe and hose connections are used to fluidly connect the drilling fluid return annulus to the riser, then the connection can be established, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connection functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector includes a body with multiple bores (first bore for drilling fluid return, second bore for additional fluid paths) that are machined into a single cylindrical forging, eliminating the need for separate pipe and hose connections. This merging of multiple fluid paths into one unified component reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable fluid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the drilling fluid return path through the first bore, additional fluid paths through the second bore, and integrates with both the BOP stack and riser. The annular flow path connections formed between the connector body and connector housing enable multiple fluid connections without requiring separate structural connections, making the component universal for various fluid transmission needs.
2Reliability
If multiple pipe and hose connections are used to establish fluid paths, then fluid connectivity is achieved, but the installation time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid paths that would traditionally require separate pipe and hose connections are merged into a single connector body with multiple bores. The first bore provides the drilling fluid return path, while the second bore provides additional fluid paths. These bores are machined into one cylindrical forging that integrates with the BOP stack and riser, reducing the number of installation steps and improving operational efficiency while maintaining reliable fluid connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple bores are pre-machined into the connector body during manufacturing, establishing all necessary fluid paths before field installation. The annular flow path connections are pre-formed between the connector body and housing, so that during installation, the connector simply needs to be positioned and secured, with fluid connectivity already built-in. This preliminary preparation of fluid paths significantly reduces installation time and improves productivity.
3Device complexity
If a connector with multiple bores machined into a cylindrical forging is used, then the number of external structural connections is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bores providing different fluid paths are merged into a single cylindrical forging during manufacturing. The first bore, second bore, and annular flow path connections are all created within one integrated component rather than assembling multiple separate parts. This merging reduces the number of external structural connections needed while the cylindrical forging provides a consistent manufacturing platform that simplifies the overall production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical forging serves as a universal base structure that accommodates multiple fluid paths through precisely machined bores. This multi-functional approach allows a single manufacturing process (cylindrical forging followed by bore machining) to create a component that handles multiple fluid connections, reducing the need for separate structural components and simplifying the overall manufacturing system despite the precision required in bore placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system connecting one more flow lines and includes a connector housing and a connector. The connector housing comprises a first connection passage formed through a wall of the connector housing. The connector is disposed withing the connector housing. A first annular flow path connection is formed between the connector housing and the connector. The first housing annular flow path connection is formed by a first housing annular flow path connection groove. The first housing annular flow path connection groove is formed in an outer side surface of the connector. Alternatively, the first annular flow path connection is formed by a combination of the first housing annular flow path connection groove axially aligned with the first connector annular flow path connection groove. The first connection passage through the connector housing intersects with the first annular flow path connection. A related method includes connecting inserting the connector into the connector housing.