Non-rotating Wellhead Plug Assembly for High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead systems face challenges in efficiently plugging and sealing production flow bores without requiring extended outlets, as traditional threaded plugs are not suitable for all configurations, especially under high pressures and extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A non-rotating plug assembly is introduced, which uses linear actuation forces to secure and remove the plug within the production flow bore, eliminating the need for radial outlet extensions by employing a lock ring and support sleeve mechanism that engages radially with the tubing spool tree.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded plugs are used to seal production flow bores, then sealing function is achieved, but extended outlets are required which increase system complexity and are not suitable for all configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the traditional threaded plug system that requires extended outlets. The plug assembly is designed to seal directly within the production flow bore without needing radial outlet extensions, removing the complexity of extended outlet structures while maintaining reliable sealing under high pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the outlet radially to accommodate traditional plugs, the invention inverts the approach by designing a plug that engages axially within the existing bore dimensions. The lock ring and support sleeve mechanism provides sealing and retention without requiring the traditional radial extension configuration
2Ease of operation
If non-rotating plug assembly is used, then installation and removal is simplified with linear forces, but new mechanism components (lock ring, support sleeve) are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional rotational threading mechanism with a linear axial force system. The plug assembly is installed and removed using only linear pushing and pulling forces along the bore axis, eliminating the need for rotational operations and specialized threading tools, thereby simplifying installation and removal procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The plug assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the sealing element, the lock ring for radial engagement, and the support sleeve for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling simple linear installation and removal of the entire assembly as a unit
3Reliability
If plug assembly engages radially with tubing spool tree, then secure locking is achieved without extended outlets, but precise engagement positioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is designed with features that enable it to self-align and self-lock radially against the tubing spool tree during linear insertion. The radial engagement features automatically position themselves correctly as the plug is pushed into place, eliminating the need for precise pre-positioning or complex alignment procedures during installation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a plugging assembly configured to be disposed within a production flow bore of a tubing spool tree, wherein the plugging assembly includes a body having a central bore, a lock ring disposed about the body, a support sleeve slidably disposed about the body, and an inner body support pin coupled to the support sleeve and extending into the central bore of the body, wherein axial actuation of the inner body support pin drives the support sleeve between the body and the lock ring to actuate the lock ring radially outward, and wherein the plugging assembly is configured to be disposed within a production flow bore of a tubing spool tree.