Remote Fluid Connection Assembly for High-Pressure Large Bores

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wellhead connections for pressure control equipment pose safety risks to operators due to high pressures and large diameters, and existing fluid connections struggle to consistently maintain high pressures in larger diameters, especially during hydraulic fracturing operations.

Innovation Solution

A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly with a fluid connection adapter and housing assembly that uses internal working pressure to tighten seals, featuring a tapered lock engagement surface, locking elements, and a high-strength sleeve to enhance seal performance and robustness, while minimizing moving parts and allowing remote operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional wellhead connections are used, then operators can connect pressure control equipment, but operators are exposed to safety risks of injury from high pressure and heavy equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidinjury risk from high pressure and heavy equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with a hydraulic actuation system. A hydraulic cylinder receives hydraulic fluid to generate force, which automatically positions the pressure control equipment onto the wellhead and engages locking mechanisms. This eliminates the need for operators to manually handle heavy equipment under high pressure, thereby resolving the safety risk contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stress or pressure

If existing fluid connections are used for hydraulic fracturing, then connections can be made, but they struggle to consistently maintain high pressures in larger diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure retention capabilityVSAvoidconsistent performance at high pressure and large diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a tapered locking surface where the locking element contacts the pressure control equipment. This tapered (curved) geometry distributes the high pressure loads more evenly across the sealing and locking interfaces, preventing stress concentration that would cause leakage or failure. This resolves the contradiction between achieving high pressure retention and maintaining reliable consistent performance in large diameter applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If manual connection methods are used, then equipment can be connected, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoidcomplexity of connection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-actuating connection system where the pressure control equipment's own weight and the hydraulic force work together to achieve connection. The equipment is lowered under its own weight, the hydraulic cylinder provides the actuating force to engage the locking mechanisms, and the tapered locking surface automatically secures the connection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex manual operation procedures while maintaining relatively simple device structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection speed and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively retains higher pressures in larger diameters, enhances seal performance, and ensures operator safety by allowing remote operation, thus addressing the challenges of high-pressure hydraulic fracturing applications.

Implementation Method 1

the seal is disposed to expand radially and tighten sealing contact against the seal bore responsive to introduction of internal pressure within the adapter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-induced radial expansion: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Each locking element is disposed to constrict radially via rotation about a corresponding pivot pin provided in the fluid connection housing assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational movement: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS11692408B2Fluid connection assembly

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 FHE USA LLC

AI summary

A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.