Passive Hub Connector With Delayed Locking for Seal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for establishing a sealing connection between subsea oil and gas well hubs are prone to misalignment and damage, particularly when the second component is dropped onto the first, which can damage the metal seal ring and prevent a proper seal, due to wave conditions and alignment challenges.
Innovation Solution
A passively locking connector with a delayed release-latching mechanism, featuring a spring-loaded locking mandrel, segmented collets, and a latch/release mechanism that includes a boss and resistance springs to control the engagement and release of the locking mandrel, allowing for a controlled and delayed sealing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the second component is dropped onto the first component to establish connection, then the connection speed is improved, but the risk of misalignment and damage to the metal seal ring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a water-filled chamber that acts as a cushioning mechanism to absorb impact energy during the dropping operation. The water damper device forces water through orifices in a controlled manner, creating a damping effect that protects the metal seal ring from damage while still allowing the dropping connection method to be used
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a water damper device as an intermediary between the dropping component and the seal ring. This intermediary absorbs and dissipates the impact energy through controlled water flow, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the seal ring while maintaining the speed advantage of the dropping method
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment means are provided to approximately align the two hubs, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the water in the damper chamber from static to dynamically controllable flow. By controlling water flow through adjustable orifices, the system can dampen residual misalignment movements without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms, thus achieving better alignment precision with simpler hardware
3Strength
If a hydraulically actuated connector is used to force dogs into engagement with the wellhead profile, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a passively locking connector where the locking action occurs automatically through the natural dropping motion and gravitational force. The connector self-locks upon impact without requiring external hydraulic actuation, achieving strong mechanical engagement through simple gravity-driven mechanics rather than complex hydraulic systems
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 ensures a secure and proper seal between hubs by allowing for a controlled and delayed engagement, minimizing the risk of misalignment and damage, and maintaining the integrity of the metal seal ring, thereby enhancing the reliability of subsea connections.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance spring positioned within the first opening between an upper surface of the boss and an upper surface of the first opening
Implementation Method 2
a spring loaded locking mandrel that is operatively coupled to the body, the locking mandrel being adapted to engage the plurality of segmented collets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An assembly, comprising a first hub (12) comprising a body (12A) and an end surface (12X), first (41) and second (43) openings defined in the body (12A) and a plurality of segmented collects (20) positioned around the body. The assembly also includes a locking mandrel (16) that is operatively coupled to the body (12A), wherein the locking mandrel (16) is adapted to engage the plurality of segmented collars (20), a latching/release means (40) that is positioned at least partially within first (41) and second (43) openings defined in the body (12A), wherein the latching/release means (40) is adapted to be positioned in a first position wherein the locking mandrel (16) in an unlocked and loaded position and a second position wherein the locking mandrel (16) is released and engages the plurality of segmented collars (20) so as to couple the first hub (12) to a second hub (14).