Quick Pipe Union Assembly for High-Pressure Frac Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe junction assemblies for large ID pipes in frac operations are inefficient due to the need for numerous large locking bolts, requiring significant space and time for assembly and disassembly, and necessitate welding and stress relieving for repairs.
Innovation Solution
A pipe union assembly featuring a quick union nut, retainer collar, and segmented load ring that securely joins pipe sections without the need for welding, reducing the number of parts and allowing for faster connection and repair, while maintaining the male end inside the female end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional flange and locking bolt assemblies are used to join pipe sections, then the connection strength is sufficient for high-pressure fluid handling, but the number of parts increases and significant space is required on trucks
Solution Approach 1:
The load ring is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled around the pipe without requiring complete disassembly. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be applied in sections rather than requiring a single large assembly, reducing the number of individual bolts and flanges needed while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick union nut and retainer collar assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism, maintains the connection under pressure, and enables quick release. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional multi-component flange and bolt assembly, reducing part quantity while maintaining strength.
2Strength
If traditional flange and locking bolt assemblies are used to join pipe sections, then the connection strength is sufficient for high-pressure fluid handling, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe ends are pre-configured with external threads and the quick union nut is designed to engage these threads directly. This preliminary preparation of the pipe ends allows for rapid assembly without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple steps, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick union mechanism allows the connection to be dynamically assembled and disassembled quickly by simply rotating the nut, rather than requiring static bolting operations. This dynamic approach to joining enables fast connection and release while maintaining the strength needed for high-pressure applications.
3Ease of repair
If traditional pipe junction assemblies are used, then repairs can be made, but welding and stress relieving are required which increases time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection design allows the pipe sections to be easily separated and reconnected without welding. The threading is extracted as a separate feature on the pipe ends, enabling repairs to be made by simply disconnecting and reconnecting sections rather than requiring welding and stress relieving operations.
4Strength
If traditional flange and locking bolt assemblies are used, then the connection is secure, but the weight of materials for each pipe junction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer collar and segmented load ring provide a more compact and lighter alternative to traditional flange and bolt assemblies. These components can be designed as thinner, more efficient structures that maintain connection strength while reducing overall weight compared to bulky flange assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe union assembly that includes a female end of a first pipe section and a male end of a second pipe section. The pipe union assembly also includes a quick union nut securable to the female end, a retainer collar securable to the quick union nut and a segmented load ring disposed between the male end of the second pipe section and the quick union nut. The quick union nut, the retainer collar and the segmented load ring cooperate to maintain the male end of the second pipe section inside the female end of the first pipe section. A method of using the pipe union assembly to join a first pipe section and a second pipe section.