Ring-Shaped Hydraulic Tool for Tieback Connector Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frictional grip between the cam ring and latching dogs in tieback connectors used for offshore oil and gas exploitation becomes excessively strong over time, requiring high forces for release, which can damage the flange on the actuation ring when attempting to pull the cam ring away, especially when using existing hydraulic tools.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped hydraulic tool with pivotable arc-shaped sections and evenly distributed hydraulic power members around the center axis, allowing for increased force exertion by providing more hydraulic power members, is used to push the actuation ring axially away from the connector body, thereby releasing the frictional grip between the cam ring and latching dogs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic cylinders are used to pull the actuation ring to release the cam ring from latching dogs, then the tieback connector can be released from the wellhead assembly, but the flange on the actuation ring will be damaged due to excessive pulling force required to overcome the strong frictional grip
Solution Approach 1:
A cam ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the actuation ring and the latching dogs. The cam ring translates the axial pulling force on the actuation ring into radial outward movement of the latching dogs through cam surfaces, enabling release without applying excessive force directly to the actuation ring flange
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: the actuation ring for applying force, the cam ring for force transformation, and the latching dogs for engagement. This segmentation allows the force to be distributed and transformed through multiple elements rather than concentrated on a single flange connection
2Reliability
If the frictional grip between cam ring and latching dogs is increased over time for secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the force required for release becomes excessively high causing flange damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cam ring and latching dogs are designed with dynamic cam surfaces that allow easy movement in the locking direction (axial force on actuation ring translates to radial outward movement of dogs) but provide strong frictional grip when locked. The geometry enables asymmetric force characteristics: low release force requirement while maintaining high locking security through friction
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 ring-shaped hydraulic tool effectively increases the maximum force that can be exerted, allowing for safe and efficient release of the frictional grip without damaging the flange, enabling secure disengagement of the tieback connector from the wellhead assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a number of hydraulic power members which are fixed to and distributed along said frame, the power members being configured to exert an axial pushing force against one of said annular shoulders to thereby move said structural elements apart
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic tool for moving a first structural element in the axial direction in relation to a second structural element. The tool comprises a ring-shaped frame configured for insertion into a gap between an annular shoulder on the first structural element and an annular shoulder on the second structural element; and hydraulic power members fixed to and distributed along said frame, the power members being configured to exert an axial pushing force against one of said annular shoulders to thereby move said structural elements apart. The frame comprises first and second arc-shaped sections, each of which having a hinged first end and an opposite second end. The arc-shaped sections are pivotable between an open position, in which their second ends are spaced apart, and a closed position, in which their second ends are in contact with each other.