Riser Collet Connector Piston Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current subsea drilling systems face challenges in efficiently coupling and decoupling risers to wellhead assemblies, requiring reliable and efficient connections to facilitate drilling operations while allowing for safe maintenance and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A connector system featuring a pin at the end of the riser that stabs into a collet connector, with movable collet segments that radially engage and disengage to form a secure, fluid-tight connection, utilizing a piston-driven mechanism to adjust the collet segments between expanded and collapsed positions for coupling and decoupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional coupling mechanisms are used to connect riser to wellhead assembly, then connection reliability is achieved, but coupling and decoupling operations become time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling and decoupling efficiencyVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a collet body, multiple collet segments that can move independently, and a piston mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall coupling and decoupling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collet segments are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust between expanded and collapsed states. This dynamic capability enables rapid coupling when collapsed and secure engagement when expanded, significantly improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If secure engagement is achieved between riser and wellhead assembly, then connection reliability is improved, but the time required for coupling and decoupling operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcoupling and decoupling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The collet segments are pre-positioned in a collapsed state ready for rapid engagement. The piston mechanism is pre-configured to automatically expand the collet segments upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing coupling time while ensuring reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated piston-driven mechanism that uses hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to expand and collapse the collet segments. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for coupling and decoupling operations while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If movable collet segments are used to enable rapid coupling, then operational efficiency is improved, but the risk of leakage or incomplete sealing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collet segments incorporate localized sealing surfaces and O-ring seals at critical engagement points. This local quality enhancement ensures that when the collet segments expand to engage the pin, reliable sealing is achieved at the interface without compromising the overall operational efficiency of the movable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The design includes built-in sealing elements and tolerance compensation features that anticipate and prevent potential leakage paths. The collet segments are engineered with precise dimensional tolerances and integrated seals that compensate for manufacturing variations, ensuring reliable sealing before any leakage can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables efficient and reliable coupling and decoupling of the riser to the wellhead assembly, ensuring a sealed connection for drilling operations and allowing for coordinated movement and maintenance of the riser and wellhead assembly as a unit, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

movable collet segments that radially engage and disengage to form a secure, fluid-tight connection, utilizing a piston-driven mechanism to adjust the collet segments between expanded and collapsed positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic or pneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11920422B2Riser collet connector systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A connector system includes a first riser joint configured to form part of a riser. The first riser joint includes a pin. The connector system also includes a connector configured to couple to a wellhead assembly. The connector includes multiple collet segments that are configured to move radially-inwardly to engage the pin of the first riser joint.