Pin Connector Seal Assembly for Downhole Well Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an intelligent completion system and a pin connector with a seal assembly that can be easily pulled, taken apart, cleaned, and reused for use in multi-zone hydrocarbon wells, as existing solutions do not efficiently address the requirements of downhole well operations.
Innovation Solution
A pin connector with a seal assembly featuring a unique wet connect assembly, comprising a tubular structure with upper and lower portions, alignment keys, a two-part locking mechanism, and hydraulic flow paths, allowing for secure and leak-tight connections, and enabling efficient assembly and disassembly without field assembly, suitable for use in packers and multi-zone gravel packing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin connector with seal assembly is designed for secure downhole connections, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly and disassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin connector is divided into separate upper and lower tubular portions that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The seal assembly is segmented into multiple seals positioned at different locations, allowing systematic assembly and disassembly procedures that maintain reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is pre-installed onto one of the tubular portions before field assembly. Alignment keys are pre-positioned to guide proper orientation during connection. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site assembly complexity while ensuring reliable sealing connections.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a seal assembly is integrated into the pin connector, then fluid leakage prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is manufactured as a separate unit from the tubular portions, allowing specialized seal manufacturing processes to be applied independently. Multiple seals are positioned at different locations within the assembly, addressing various potential leakage paths without requiring complex integrated manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly acts as an intermediary component between the upper and lower tubular portions. It provides the sealing function without requiring the tubular portions themselves to be manufactured with complex sealing features, thus simplifying their manufacturing while preventing fluid leakage.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment keys are added to ensure proper connector orientation, then connection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment keys create asymmetric features on otherwise symmetric tubular portions. These asymmetric elements provide unique orientation references that ensure proper connector alignment during assembly, improving precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment keys are pre-positioned on the tubular portions during manufacturing. This preliminary placement of alignment features eliminates the need for complex orientation procedures during field assembly, improving precision while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A pin connector with a seal assembly using a unique wet connect assembly. The pin connector is formed from a tubular having an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion. The lower tubular portion has an upper tubular body and a lower tubular body with a lower tubular body face. A first pin engages the wet connect assembly. The first pin has a first pin outer surface, which can be connected to the wet connect assembly.