Rotary Lock Block Drilling Riser Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling riser connectors, particularly in deep water environments, face inefficiencies in installation due to irrational structures, leading to time-consuming assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A rotary lock block type drilling riser connector featuring a driving ring with fan-shaped grooves and lock blocks, T-shaped slots, and a main sealing mechanism, allowing for quick and convenient connection and disconnection by rotating the driving ring, which drives the lock blocks radially to engage and disengage with the lower joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flange-bolt connector is used, then reliable connection and high bearing capacity are achieved, but assembly time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into upper and lower joints with separate locking mechanisms. Each joint has independent lock blocks that can be engaged separately, allowing for systematic and efficient assembly while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional multi-bolt flange connection system is replaced with a rotary locking mechanism using lock blocks and T-shaped slots. This mechanical substitution reduces the number of fastening operations from six bolts to a rotational locking action, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.
2Productivity
If pawl-lockblock connector is used, then fast connection speed is achieved, but operation complexity remains high due to six bolts
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single rotary locking mechanism. The lock blocks simultaneously perform positioning, locking, and sealing functions through rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate bolt operations and simplifying the overall connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock blocks serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical locking through engagement with T-shaped slots, maintain sealing through contact with sealing surfaces, and enable quick release through reverse rotation. This multi-functionality reduces operational steps while maintaining connection integrity.
3Loss of time
If rotary lock block mechanism is implemented, then installation time is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock blocks are nested within the upper joint structure, with T-shaped slots integrated into the joint body. The driving mechanism is contained within the connector housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes external complexity while enabling rapid locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped slots are designed as curved paths that guide the lock blocks during rotation. This curved geometry enables smooth rotational movement and automatic engagement, reducing the need for additional alignment mechanisms and simplifying the overall structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary lock block type drilling riser connector has a main body connection part and control pipeline connection parts. A driving ring is set between flanges, a plurality of fan-shaped grooves are set on the lower end of the flange of the upper joint, each fan-shaped groove having a lock block therein; each lock block is slidably connected with a T-shaped elongated slot of the upper joint; the driving ring is fixedly connected with the flange upwardly, many segments of the horizontal T-shaped slots are evenly distributed in the inner surface of the driving ring, another screw hole is provided in the outer circumferential surface of the lock block, and the driving ring is slidably connected with the lock block in the circumferential direction.