Premium Threaded Connection for Tubular Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded connections for tubular components in hydrocarbon well drilling and operation face issues such as jump-out phenomena under tensile stress, high threading-up torque requirements, and potential leaks due to poor sealing surface positioning, especially in large diameter connections subjected to intense compressive and tensile loads.
Innovation Solution
The development of a premium threaded connection with a male and female tubular component design featuring threads with axial and radial clearances, negative angled load flanks, and positive angled stabbing flanks, along with dual abutment surfaces for precise sealing surface positioning, reducing the risk of jump-out and allowing for lower threading-up torque while maintaining tightness under high pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional threaded connections are used, then connection strength can be achieved, but high threading-up torque is required causing operation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The thread design incorporates axial clearance between certain thread portions during the threading-up operation. This partial engagement approach allows the connection to achieve sufficient strength through the engagement zones while the clearance zones reduce friction and contact pressure, thereby lowering the required threading-up torque.
2Reliability
If conventional threaded connections are used, then connection can be made, but sealing surface positioning is imprecise causing potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The thread profile is designed with specific axial dimensions at the crest and root that preliminarily establish the correct axial position of the sealing surfaces before final tightening. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the sealing surfaces are correctly aligned and positioned prior to the application of full connection load, preventing leakage.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional threaded connections are used, then connection can be assembled, but inadequate grease volume exists affecting lubrication and protection
Solution Approach 1:
The thread structure is segmented into multiple zones along the axial direction, with alternating engagement and clearance portions. The clearance zones create additional axial and radial spaces that can accommodate grease, ensuring adequate lubrication and protective coating throughout the threaded connection while maintaining assembly capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded connection including first and second tubular components including respective male and female ends including a distal surface and a threaded zone. The threaded zone of the male end is threaded into the threaded zone of the female end. The threaded zones include respective male and female threads having increasing width from the distal surface and including load flanks having negative angles over at least a portion of their radial dimension, and stabbing flanks, with a radial clearance in the connected state between crests of the male threads and roots of the female threads and/or between crests of the female threads and roots of the male threads, with an axial clearance in the connected state between the stabbing flanks of the male and female threads. The distal surface of the male and/or female end is brought into axial abutting contact against a corresponding abutment surface.