Remote Fluid Connection Assembly for High-Pressure Seal Locking
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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, particularly in hydraulic fracturing applications, where existing connections struggle to maintain seals effectively at higher pressures and larger diameters while being remotely operable.
Innovation Solution
A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly with a fluid connection adapter and housing assembly, utilizing internal working pressure to tighten seals, featuring a rib and tapered lock engagement surface, and a locking ring that constricts radially to enhance seal integrity, along with a strengthening sleeve for wear protection and a quick test fitting for pressure integrity testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wellhead connections are used, then operators can manually connect and disconnect pressure control equipment, but operators are exposed to safety risks including collision with suspended equipment and pinched or crushed fingers and hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection operations with a remote hydraulic actuation system. A hydraulic cylinder receives hydraulic fluid through a quick connect/disconnect coupling, automatically actuating the locking mechanism to secure or release the pressure control equipment from the wellhead, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy equipment under suspended loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic fluid intermediary system that transmits force remotely. Hydraulic fluid is pumped through hoses to a hydraulic cylinder, which then actuates the locking mechanism, allowing operators to control the connection process from a safe distance away from the wellhead and suspended equipment
2Stress or pressure
If higher working pressures and larger diameters are required for hydraulic fracturing applications, then seal effectiveness deteriorates with existing connection designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tapered conical sealing surface where the seal section on the adapter contacts a corresponding tapered surface on the housing. The conical geometry provides progressive engagement and distribution of high contact pressures, maintaining effective sealing even at elevated working pressures and larger diameters required for hydraulic fracturing applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the sealing interface by using a tapered conical surface rather than a flat or cylindrical surface. This geometric parameter change allows the seal to maintain effectiveness under higher pressures and larger diameters by distributing contact stresses more favorably across the sealing interface
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote operation is implemented, then personnel safety is improved, but device complexity increases with additional locking mechanisms and hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the locking mechanism is merged with the adapter and housing assembly, the hydraulic actuation system is integrated into the connection assembly, and the seal section is incorporated directly onto the adapter. This consolidation achieves remote operation capability while managing overall device complexity through functional integration
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 maintains higher internal pressures in larger diameters, enhances seal robustness, and ensures personnel safety by allowing remote operation, reducing the risk of injury during connection and disconnection processes.
Implementation Method 1
the first seal section is disposed to expand radially such that when the first seal section expands radially, the first seal section further tightens sealing contact against the first seal bore
Implementation Method 2
A locking ring is provided in the fluid connection housing assembly. Progressive engagement of the locking ring inner surface on the locking element outer surfaces causes the locking elements to constrict radially
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) a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring tightens the locking elements against the adapter. Internal pressure further tightens the adapter against the locking elements and the first seal section against the first seal bore. The fluid connection adapter also provides a release collar in adapter release embodiments. Extension of the locking ring away from the fluid connection housing during disengagement contacts the release collar and separates the fluid connection adapter from the fluid connection housing assembly.