Remote Fluid Connection Seal for Large-Diameter High Pressure
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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, utilizing internal working pressure to tighten seals and enhance seal performance, featuring a tapered lock engagement surface, locking elements, and a high-strength sleeve for robustness and wear protection, allowing for remote operation and improved seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wellhead connections are used for pressure control equipment, then the connection can be made with standard equipment, but operators are exposed to safety risks due to high pressures and large diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with a hydraulic actuation system. A hydraulic piston, driven by fluid pressure from the wellbore, automatically performs the connection and locking operations that previously required manual intervention. This substitution eliminates operator exposure to high-pressure zones while maintaining reliable mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system utilizes the wellbore's own hydraulic fluid pressure to power the actuation mechanism. The fluid pressure directly drives the piston to move the spool and engage the locking elements, making the system self-actuating without requiring external power sources or manual operation in hazardous environments.
2Productivity
If existing fluid connections are used in hydraulic fracturing with higher pressures and larger diameters, then the connection can accommodate higher fluid flows, but the connections struggle to consistently retain higher pressures in larger diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite sealing approach combining multiple sealing elements: elastomeric O-rings for primary sealing and metal-to-metal tapered surfaces for secondary sealing and pressure containment. This composite sealing strategy ensures reliable pressure retention in large-diameter connections subjected to high fracturing pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes tapered conical surfaces for the locking elements and sealing interfaces. The tapered geometry provides progressive mechanical engagement that self-tightens under pressure, ensuring consistent pressure retention. The curved tapered surfaces distribute contact stresses and prevent leakage paths in large-diameter connections.
3Device complexity
If manually operated connections are used, then the connection mechanism is simpler, but operators must be in physical danger to secure the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydraulic piston as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the connection elements. The piston translates hydraulic pressure into mechanical motion to actuate the spool and locking elements remotely. This intermediary allows operators to initiate connections from a safe distance while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
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 robustness, and addresses safety concerns by enabling remote operation, thus improving personnel safety and performance in high-pressure, high-flow applications like hydraulic fracturing.
Implementation Method 1
The first seal section is disposed to expand radially and further tighten sealing contact against the first seal bore responsive to introduction of internal pressure IP within the second adapter end
Implementation Method 2
urging the tapered lock engagement surface even tighter onto the locking element inner surfaces
Data Source
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.