Sliding Spool Connector for Fast Oilfield Manifold Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of removing or adding equipment in oilfield manifold systems is high due to rigid spacer spools that require disassembly of the entire manifold, leading to time-consuming and potentially damaging operations.
Innovation Solution
A slidable spool system with adjustable nuts and internally guided parts allows for independent assembly and disassembly without interfering with associated components, using seals and bearings to manage friction and wear, and hydraulic actuation for ease of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid spacer spools are used to connect components in manifold systems, then structural stability and connection reliability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of assembly/disassembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is divided into two main segments: a fixed spool body that remains stationary and a movable spool section that can slide along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the connection to maintain reliability through the fixed portion while enabling simple assembly and disassembly through the movable portion, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire manifold system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool transitions from a completely rigid static structure to a dynamic structure with a movable section that can slide along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability allows the spool to adapt its length and position, enabling easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural stability when in the fixed position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid spacer spools are used to maintain component spacing, then positional stability is improved, but ease of operation for adding/removing equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is segmented into a fixed spool body that maintains positional stability and a movable spool section that enables easy operation. The fixed portion ensures component spacing remains stable during operation, while the movable portion can be independently adjusted or removed to facilitate equipment addition or removal without affecting the overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable spool section acts as an intermediary element between the fixed manifold system and the equipment that needs to be added or removed. It provides a flexible connection point that can be adjusted independently, allowing equipment installation or removal without disrupting the stable positioning of other manifold components.
3Ease of operation
If traditional manifold disassembly is performed to service components, then access to internal components is improved, but time consumption and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spool's segmented design with a movable section allows service personnel to access internal components by simply moving or removing the movable spool section, rather than disassembling the entire manifold system. This provides adequate access to serviced components while dramatically reducing the time required for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable spool section can be extracted or moved away from the fixed spool body to provide access to internal components. This extraction approach allows servicing operations to be performed on internal components without requiring the removal or disassembly of the entire spool assembly, significantly reducing service time and minimizing damage risk.
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
The slidable spool system reduces assembly time, minimizes errors, and prevents damage to manifold components by allowing for seamless addition or removal of equipment without disassembling the entire system.
Implementation Method 1
a seal between the spool and the spool housing
Implementation Method 2
using seals and bearings to manage friction and wear
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes a spool that may expand and contract to ease removal and addition of components to an oilfield manifold.