Riser Adapter Quick Connector Assembly for RCD Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating control devices (RCDs) for drilling operations require time-consuming and hazardous installation and removal processes, especially for large diameter API flanges, which involve welding and cutting, and are not easily adaptable to variations in bore and pressure ratings.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector system for RCD housings that allows rapid installation and de-installation without welding or cutting, using independent latches with a common external diameter and dual seal design, enabling quick pressure verification and accommodating various bore and pressure ratings from 18¾ inches to 21¼ inches and 2000 psi to 10,000 psi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RCD installation methods using large diameter API flanges are used, then secure connection is achieved, but installation and removal time becomes excessively long and personnel are exposed to hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate modular components including a body, pin end, and independent latches that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. This segmentation allows the RCD housing to be rapidly connected to and disconnected from the riser pipe without time-consuming welding or cutting operations, directly resolving the contradiction between secure connection and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism uses movable latches that can be quickly engaged and disengaged to provide dynamic connection and disconnection capability. This dynamic system replaces static welded connections with reusable mechanical fastening, enabling rapid installation and removal while maintaining secure connection during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RCD installation requiring custom riser pipe or cutting existing riser pipe is performed, then RCD housing can be installed, but additional manufacturing costs and time are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed with universal compatibility to fit standard riser pipe configurations without requiring custom fabrication or modification. The standardized interface allows the same connector to be used across different RCD housing sizes and pressure ratings, eliminating the need for custom riser pipe construction or cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is pre-configured with integrated latching mechanisms and sealing elements before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site welding, cutting, or custom fabrication, allowing direct attachment to standard riser pipe and significantly reducing installation complexity and cost.
3Strength
If large diameter API flanges with hammer spanners are used, then required torque can be achieved, but working environment becomes hazardous and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy mechanical flange system requiring hammer spanners and high torque is replaced with a mechanical latching system that uses leveraged latch mechanisms. This substitution maintains the necessary connection strength while dramatically improving ease of operation, allowing single-person installation without hazardous high-torque tools or complex scaffolding.
Data Source
AI summary
A Jack-up drilling rig or land drilling rig riser system with quick connectors that can be used to rapidly install and de-install RCD housings between the BOP and the drill floor. The quick connector design can handle different bore diameters without changing the external design of the connector. The connector assembly may be used to connect a blowout preventer or rotating control device housing to a tubular riser, a blowout preventer housing to an RCD housing, or to join two tubular risers. A connector assembly connects a tubular pin end to a housing has a tubular connector body with a first end to receive the pin end and a second end secured to the housing. The connector assembly also includes a latching mechanism movable between a lock position to prevent the pin end from being removed and an unlock position in which the pin end can be removed.