Profiled Pipe Coupling Radial Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for tubulars in well bores, such as those used in oil and gas exploration, face issues with reliability, seal integrity, and stability due to screw-threaded connections, which can lead to stuck strings and fluid leaks, and require complex supply chains and intermediary connectors.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system where tubular members are connected using profiled sections with circumferential grooves and rims, allowing for a metal-to-metal seal through radial force application, eliminating the need for screw threads and intermediary connectors, and ensuring even tension distribution for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector with grooves is used to join tubulars, then a metal to metal seal can be formed, but the connector wall thickness is reduced and the connector becomes unstable when radial force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled section is segmented into multiple circumferential grooves and rims that distribute the sealing function across multiple contact points. This segmentation allows the seal to be formed without requiring the entire connector wall to deform, maintaining structural stability while achieving reliable sealing through localized metal-to-metal contact at the groove and rim interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled section creates localized deformation zones at the grooves and rims where metal-to-metal sealing occurs. Instead of requiring the entire connector wall to be thick, the local quality principle concentrates the sealing function at specific circumferential locations, allowing the rest of the connector wall to maintain sufficient thickness for structural stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If screw threaded connections are used to join tubulars, then the tubulars can be connected, but the connection is prone to make up problems and may not provide a reliable seal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the threaded connection mechanism. Instead of relying on threads to provide both mechanical connection and sealing, the profiled section with grooves and rims is introduced as a separate sealing mechanism that works in conjunction with a simplified connection, eliminating the need for thread dope and complex threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex screw threading mechanism is replaced with a simpler insertion and radial compression system. The profiled sections engage through radial force application rather than rotational threading, substituting a multi-step mechanical threading process with a more direct compression-based sealing mechanism that is less prone to make-up problems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediary connector is used to join tubulars, then the connection can be made, but the device complexity increases and the supply chain becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled section design is made universal by providing both an outer surface profile and an inner surface profile that can mate with each other. This allows tubulars to connect directly to each other without requiring an intermediary connector, as the same profiled section concept works for both male and female ends, eliminating the need for separate box and pin sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of the intermediary connector is merged into the tubular ends themselves. By providing profiled sections on the tubular ends that can mate directly, the separate connector component is eliminated, simplifying the overall device structure and supply chain while maintaining the metal-to-metal sealing capability.
4Shape
If the connector outer diameter is kept within reasonable limits, then the connector fits standard specifications, but the wall thickness becomes thin and the grooves further reduce wall thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled section segments the wall thickness requirement by creating localized thick zones at the grooves and rims where sealing occurs. This allows the overall outer diameter to remain within standard limits while maintaining sufficient local wall thickness at critical sealing points, as the segmentation distributes structural requirements across multiple circumferential locations.
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
This solution provides a reliable, leak-proof connection that prevents relative rotation and reduces the risk of tubulars becoming stuck, simplifying the supply chain and enhancing the stability of the coupling system by distributing tension evenly across the joint.
Implementation Method 1
by application of a force creating a metal to metal seal between the tubular members at the profiled sections
Implementation Method 2
the pipe wall does not deform fully into the grooves while the connector itself yields considerably
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system between tubulars such as tubing, pipes, casing and liner for location in a well bore in which profiled sections (46, 50) on the tubulars (12, 14) are connected using a radially applied force to form a metal to metal sealed connection. Embodiments are provided in which the profiled sections are grooved and/or tapered, additional profiles are provided to prevent relative rotation of the tubulars, the radial force is applied inwardly, outwardly or in both directions, and a connector is used as an additional tubular member to form the coupling.