Rotary Shouldered Tool Joint Non-Rotating Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying long downhole tools in oil wells is challenging due to the need for maintaining well control and the difficulty in connecting tool sections without rotating them, especially when torque is required, as existing connections are inadequate for carrying torque and sealing effectively.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a first sub with a stinger section and a flying nut, which provides a sealed and torque-carrying connection without requiring rotation of the sub sections, utilizing a threaded sleeve and flying nut with differing thread pitches and anti-rotation features to secure the connection, allowing axial motion and ensuring a secure, debris-proof joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple hold down nut connection is used, then the connection is easy to make without rotation, but it is not adequate for carrying torque
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple functional components: a hold down nut for axial loading, a threaded sleeve for torque transmission, and a landing shoulder for positioning. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve both ease of operation and torque carrying capability through functional segmentation.
2Strength
If rotation is required to screw connections, then torque carrying capability is improved, but it is not possible to rotate tools carried by coiled tubing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the tool to tighten the connection, the invention inverts the approach by using a threaded sleeve that rotates independently while the tool remains stationary. The sleeve's rotation tightens the connection through threads engaging with the hold down nut, achieving torque carrying capability without requiring tool rotation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed connection is provided, then debris prevention is improved, but the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the existing connection components. The landing shoulder serves as both a positioning element and a seal location, while the threaded sleeve and hold down nut combination provides both mechanical connection and sealing. This integration achieves debris prevention without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
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 secure, torque-carrying connections between downhole tool sections without rotation, maintaining well control and preventing debris ingress, while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, even in wellbore milling operations.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a threaded sleeve and flying nut with differing thread pitches and anti-rotation features to secure the connection
Implementation Method 2
The difference in lead in threaded surfaces to drag or push the flying nut to the shoulder thus ensuring sufficient axial load holding and torque holding capability
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system includes a first sub and a second sub having a landing shoulder, and the first sub carries a threaded sleeve for engaging the second sub. The first sub includes a stinger section and a flying nut that provides a sealed and torque carrying connection when secured against the landing shoulder of the second sub. The first sub may be connected to the second sub without rotation of the ends of the first sub and the second sub. In some cases the first sub and the second sub are in any angular orientation when the sealed and torque carrying connection is provided. Further, the connector system may provide a connection between two sections of a downhole tool assembly without rotating or orienting in any way the angular position of the two sections. In some cases, torque applied in a wellbore milling operation further seals the sealed joint.