Sliding Spool Connector for Faster Oilfield Manifold Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manifold systems in oilfield environments face complexity when removing or adding equipment like chokes, as they require disassembling a significant portion of the rigid manifold system, which is time-consuming and costly, and can lead to errors and potential damage due to the rigid spacer spools that obstruct movement.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a sliding spool with adjustable nuts and internally guided parts allows for independent assembly and disassembly without interfering with associated components, reducing friction and enabling error-free operations by using guide elements, seals, and nut mechanisms to manage movement and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid spacer spool is used to connect manifold components, then the structural stability and positioning are improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is divided into a body portion and an adjustable portion that can move independently relative to each other. The adjustable portion can be detached from the body portion, allowing the spool to be disassembled into separate components for easier handling and installation while maintaining structural stability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure where the adjustable portion can move along the flow path. This movement capability allows the spool to adapt its configuration during operation and facilitates easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity when in position.
2Reliability
If the manifold system is designed as a rigid integrated structure, then the reliability and leak prevention are improved, but the productivity and time required for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system incorporates a detachable spool that can be separated into body and adjustable portions. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to quickly remove and replace specific components without disassembling the entire manifold system, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining reliable sealing through proper connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable portion of the spool can be extracted from the body portion for independent maintenance or replacement. This extraction capability enables rapid maintenance of critical components without affecting the rest of the manifold system, improving productivity while maintaining system reliability through controlled access points.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-length spool is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to varying distances between components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spool includes an adjustable portion that can move along the flow path between different positions, allowing the effective length of the spool to be varied. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability to different installation scenarios and component spacing requirements while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool is segmented into a body portion and an adjustable portion that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard processes, while the combination provides adjustable length capability to accommodate varying distances between manifold components.
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. The spool may comprise: a first conduit to couple to a first flange via a first ring joint gasket; a second conduit to couple to a second flange via a second ring joint gasket, the second conduit including threads; a third conduit coupled to the first and second conduits; and a fourth conduit including threads, the threads of the fourth conduit directly engaging the threads of the second conduit. The first, second, and third conduits collectively form a channel that couples first and second opposing ends of the spool to one another and which includes a long axis. Rotating the fourth conduit about the long axis moves the second conduit linearly along the long axis.