Quick Connect Coupling for Cement Swivel Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cementing equipment in the oilfield requires cumbersome and tool-dependent processes for connecting and disconnecting cement supply conduits to top drive cement swivels, hindering efficiency in wellbore cementing operations.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect coupling system featuring a stinger assembly with raised keys that interfit with a breech lock barrel, utilizing a locking pin to secure the assembly against rotation, allowing for rapid and tool-free connection and disconnection of the cement conduit to the cement swivel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cementing equipment is used for connecting cement supply conduits to top drive cement swivels, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the process is cumbersome and requires tools such as hammers
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into distinct modular components: a breech lock box connector with a bore containing ridges, a stinger assembly with keys that interfit with the ridges, and a separate locking pin mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while enabling tool-free assembly through simple alignment and engagement of the keyed interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-securing through the interfitting keys and ridges that automatically engage when the stinger assembly is inserted into the breech lock box connector. The anti-rotation feature and locking pin work together to create a self-locking connection that does not require external tools for tightening or securing, eliminating the need for hammers and other tools.
2Productivity
If traditional coupling methods are used, then the connection is secure against rotation, but the connection and disconnection process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism employs asymmetric keyed interfaces where the stinger assembly has keys that must align with specific ridges in the breech lock box connector. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent anti-rotation capability while allowing rapid alignment and engagement. The keys fit into complementary ridges to prevent rotation, and the asymmetric design ensures proper orientation during quick connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is pre-positioned within the breech lock box connector, ready to engage with the stinger assembly. The anti-rotation feature is built into the basic coupling structure itself through the keyed interfaces, so that rotation prevention is already in place before the final locking action. This preliminary preparation enables extremely fast connection without requiring multiple steps or tools.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent rotation, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin mechanism is integrated into the breech lock box connector as a unified component rather than a separate assembly. The locking pin works in conjunction with the anti-rotation feature and keyed interfaces to provide comprehensive security. By merging these functions into a single integrated locking system, the overall device complexity is minimized while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is designed to be self-actuating or easily actuated by the operator without requiring external tools. The locking mechanism works together with the interfitting keys and ridges to create a self-securing connection that automatically prevents rotation once engaged, eliminating the need for additional complex locking devices or tool-dependent procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Devices and methods for quickly connecting and disconnecting a conduit to a port. In a described embodiment, a quick connect coupling is described for quickly connecting and disconnecting a cement supply conduit to the port of a top drive cement swivel