Quick-Release Pipe Connector With Check Valve Against Back-Off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current threaded pipe connections in the oil and gas industry require heavy, cumbersome equipment for make-up and are prone to back-off issues, posing safety risks and inefficiencies, while also failing to prevent hydrocarbon return to the surface.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical connection assembly using a spring-loaded locking mechanism, castellations, and elastomeric seals that allows for secure, reversible connections without the need for significant tools, enabling bi-directional rotation and preventing hydrocarbon return through a dual flapper check valve arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded pipe connections are used, then secure connection is achieved, but heavy equipment is required for make-up and back-off issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system with a clutch-style mechanical coupling system that uses interlocking fingers and a locking mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy threading equipment while providing secure connections through the interlocking finger design and set-screw locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection assembly is divided into separate components including the clutch coupling with interlocking fingers, the locking collar with set screws, and the check valve assembly. This segmentation allows for easier assembly, disassembly, and maintenance without requiring heavy equipment, while maintaining connection security through the interlocking design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If threaded connections are used, then pipe sections can be connected, but the risk of back-off and safety incidents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch coupling fingers are pre-configured to interlock in a specific orientation that prevents back-off. The set screws are positioned to engage with the locking collar features before final tightening, ensuring the connection is secured in the correct position and cannot back off during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch coupling uses asymmetric interlocking fingers where the male and female portions have complementary but non-symmetric profiles. This asymmetric design allows the fingers to engage in one direction while preventing disengagement in the opposite direction, eliminating back-off issues while maintaining connection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If check valve assembly is integrated, then hydrocarbon return is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The check valve assembly is merged with the clutch coupling components, integrating the pressure containment function into the existing mechanical connection structure. The locking collar and set screws serve dual purposes of mechanical locking and pressure sealing, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining pressure integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking collar and set screw mechanism serves multiple functions: mechanical locking of the clutch coupling, sealing of the pressure-containing chamber, and support for the check valve assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, maintaining simplicity while ensuring pressure integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a safer, more efficient connection that eliminates the need for heavy equipment, reduces the risk of back-off, and ensures pressure integrity, allowing for easier maintenance and bi-directional rotation, while preventing hydrocarbon return to the surface.

Implementation Method 1

spring-loaded locking mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

pressure sensitive (elastomeric) seals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

dual flapper check-valve arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11215013B2Manual pipe valve connector for jointed pipe connections with quick release check valve assembly and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 MCLAUGHLIN STUART

AI summary

The present invention provides a novel clutch connector assembly for jointed pipe, threaded pipe, coiled tubing or any threaded or non-threaded pipe for a bottom hole assembly that eliminates the need to use screw threads to mate two pipes or mechanical assemblies, harbors a spring-loaded mechanical locking system in addition in to a pressure-activated, component protectant system, requires no significant tools, other than an Allen wrench or similar screw setting device, permits distributed torque loading, allows for movement in either a clockwise or counter clockwise rotational direction through interlocking castellations and presents a removeable and replaceable valve assembly preventing retrograde hydrocarbon advancement through a drilling pipe.