Spring-Locked Tubular Coupling for Ground-Level Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional equipment used in offshore shale and coiled tubing operations requires complex and risky crane operations for height-based work, necessitating improved techniques for quick, efficient, and safe coupling of equipment to tubulars.
Innovation Solution
A tubular coupling system comprising a first tubular member, a second tubular member, and a locking sleeve with dogs and raised lugs, facilitated by springs for easy rotation and engagement/disengagement, allowing for quick and secure linking and separation of tubulars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional crane operations are used for suspending and coupling equipment to tubulars at height, then the coupling can be achieved, but the complexity of the operation increases and the risk of injury to personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate components: a coupling body with internal threading, a separate locking mechanism with dogs and lugs, and a locking sleeve. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall coupling operation by eliminating the need for complex crane-based assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve is designed to be manually operable by workers at ground level, allowing them to engage and disengage the coupling without requiring crane operations. The spring-loaded dogs automatically engage with the lugs when the sleeve is rotated, providing self-securing functionality that reduces operational complexity and improves safety.
2Productivity
If conventional coupling methods are used, then connections can be made, but the time required for making up connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body and locking mechanism are pre-assembled as integrated components, with the locking sleeve pre-positioned on the coupling body. The dogs are pre-configured to align with the lugs on the tubular. This preliminary preparation allows workers to simply rotate the locking sleeve to engage the connection, dramatically reducing the time required compared to conventional step-by-step coupling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve is designed to rotate freely along the longitudinal axis of the coupling body, allowing rapid engagement and disengagement of the dogs with the lugs. This dynamic rotational mechanism enables quick connection and release operations, improving productivity while minimizing time loss.
3Strength
If a locking mechanism with dogs and lugs is used, then secure connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking sleeve is integrated directly onto the coupling body as a single assembled unit, combining the locking mechanism with the coupling structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device while maintaining the secure connection provided by the dogs and lugs engagement system.
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 tubular coupling system enables rapid and safe connections at ground level, reducing the risk of injury and increasing efficiency by eliminating the need for complex crane operations, while maintaining a secure and reliable connection.
Implementation Method 1
At least one spring is disposed on the first tubular member and configured to facilitate rotation of the locking sleeve about a longitudinal axis of the first tubular member
Data Source
AI summary
Releasable tubular couplings entailing spring-based designs providing a mechanical solution for linking/coupling tubulars. A method for forming a releasable coupling between a first tubular member and a second tubular member.