Non-Rotation Lock Screw for Wellhead Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotational insertion or removal of lock screws in wellhead assemblies causes friction on seals and interior components, leading to degradation and failure, particularly under high pressures in mineral extraction systems.
Innovation Solution
A non-rotation lock screw design featuring a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion with a bearing, allowing free rotation of the rotating portion while the non-rotating portion moves radially for engagement with wellhead components, minimizing friction and seal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotational insertion or removal of lock screw is used, then the lock screw can be easily installed and removed through threaded receptacles, but friction on seals and interior components causes degradation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The lock screw is divided into two distinct segments: a rotating portion that engages with the threaded receptacle and a non-rotating portion that contacts the interior component. This segmentation allows the rotating portion to provide easy installation and removal through rotational movement, while the non-rotating portion maintains constant contact with the interior component without causing friction-induced degradation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and seal durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing acts as an intermediary element between the rotating portion and the non-rotating portion of the lock screw. It enables the rotating portion to rotate freely relative to the non-rotating portion, allowing the rotating portion to engage with the threaded receptacle while the non-rotating portion remains stationary during engagement with the interior component. This intermediary mechanism eliminates harmful friction while maintaining operational ease.
2Strength
If rotational engagement of lock screw is used, then the lock screw can be securely engaged with interior components, but friction against interior components causes degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock screw is segmented into a rotating portion for engagement with threaded receptacles and a non-rotating portion for contact with interior components. This segmentation enables secure engagement through the rotating portion's interaction with the receptacle threads while the non-rotating portion maintains constant contact with the interior component without generating harmful friction, thus achieving both engagement security and reduced harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the entire lock screw rotating during engagement (conventional approach), the invention inverts the rotation behavior by allowing only the rotating portion to rotate while the non-rotating portion remains stationary. This inversion eliminates friction between the lock screw and interior components while maintaining secure engagement through the rotating portion's interaction with the threaded receptacle.
3Reliability
If non-rotating portion moves radially for engagement, then friction is minimized, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock screw is divided into two segments with distinct functions: the rotating portion that handles engagement with threaded receptacles and the non-rotating portion that maintains constant contact with interior components. This segmentation achieves radial movement of the non-rotating portion during engagement, minimizing friction and seal degradation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured and assembled with standard components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing serves as an intermediary element that enables the rotating portion to rotate freely relative to the non-rotating portion. This intermediary allows the non-rotating portion to move radially during engagement without rotating, minimizing friction and seal degradation. The bearing is a standard, readily available component that adds minimal complexity while achieving the desired functional separation.
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 non-rotation lock screw design reduces friction and seal degradation during installation and removal, enhancing the longevity and reliability of wellhead assembly components under high pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing enables free rotation of the rotating portion relative to the non-rotating portion
Implementation Method 2
The rotating portion may include threads to engage a recess on a component of a wellhead assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A non-rotation lock screw for a wellhead assembly is provided that includes a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion. The non-rotating portion includes a distal end configured to engage a component of the wellhead assembly, and may include one or more seals. The rotating portion may be rotating into a component of wellhead assembly such that the non-rotating portion translates in a radial direction. The rotating portion and non-rotating portion may be coupled together via a bearing to enable free rotation of the rotating portion. Systems and methods of operation that include the non-rotation lock screw are also provided.