Self-Aligning High-Pressure Remote Connector for Wellhead Hubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for subterranean wells face challenges in accurately aligning large, heavy components in inaccessible or hazardous locations, often leading to damage during high-pressure connections.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure remote connector with self-aligning geometry, featuring multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures, a biasing device, and an actuator that allows for precise alignment and clamping of hubs using a sleeve and pressure differentials to ensure secure and leak-proof connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used in inaccessible or hazardous locations, then the connection can be made, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates leading to component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates self-aligning geometry where the engagement structures automatically adjust and align themselves during the connection process. The biased engagement structures can move independently to accommodate misalignment, and the self-centering mechanism ensures proper alignment without requiring external positioning equipment or manual intervention, thus maintaining connection reliability while achieving precise alignment automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses biased engagement structures that are capable of dynamic movement and adjustment during connection. The engagement structures can flex and reposition themselves to achieve proper alignment, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic self-adjusting system that maintains both reliability and precision even in difficult-to-reach locations
2Ease of operation
If large, heavy components are manipulated by imprecise positioning equipment, then the connection can be made, but the alignment precision deteriorates causing seal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The self-aligning geometry enables the connector to automatically correct alignment errors without requiring precise positioning equipment. The engagement structures self-adjust during the connection process, compensating for the imprecision of positioning equipment and protecting seals from damage while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The biased engagement structures provide a cushioning effect by allowing controlled movement and absorption of alignment errors before the final connection is made. This preliminary adjustment mechanism protects the seals from sudden impacts or misalignment forces that would occur with imprecise positioning equipment
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple engagement structures are used to improve alignment, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent engagement structures that are circumferentially distributed around the hub. Each engagement structure can move and align independently, providing precise alignment through distributed geometry rather than a single complex mechanism. This segmentation achieves high alignment accuracy while keeping each individual structure relatively simple
4Manufacturing precision
If a biasing device is added to enable self-alignment, then the alignment capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing function is merged directly into the engagement structures themselves rather than being a separate mechanism. The engagement structures incorporate the biasing capability through their geometry and mounting, allowing them to automatically exert aligning forces without requiring additional springs, actuators, or control systems, thus achieving self-alignment with minimal added 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 reliable, rapid, and convenient high-pressure connections without damaging components, ensuring precise alignment and secure sealing, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device (32) which biases the engagement structures (18) toward an open configuration
Implementation Method 2
an actuator (40) which, in response to a pressure differential applied across the actuator (40), displaces the engagement structures (18) to a closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A connector can include multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures which clamp two hubs together, and a biasing device which biases the engagement structures toward an open configuration thereof, in which the hubs are separable from each other. Another connector can include multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures, each having a recess which receives hubs therein, and a sleeve which encircles the engagement structures and prevents the engagement structures from displacing radially outward from an open configuration thereof, in which the hubs are separable from each other. A method of making a connection to a wellhead can include applying pressure to a connector, thereby allowing multiple circumferentially distributed engagement structures to displace outward to an open configuration thereof, and displacing one hub of the connector into contact with another hub secured to the wellhead, the engagement structures axially aligning the hubs during the displacing.