Subsea Connector Locking Piston for Remote Leak-Tight Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellhead connectors face challenges in providing secure, leak-proof connections that require reliable and long-term operational integrity, especially in subsea environments where quick and remote connect/disconnect sequences are necessary, and the locking mechanism must remain stable for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A subsea connector design featuring a tubular body with a locking dog and a fluid pressure-operated locking actuator, utilizing a floating piston and actuator sleeve to move the locking dog between operative and inoperative positions, ensuring a fluid-tight seal and secure engagement with elongate elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the connector, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like locking dogs, actuators, and maintaining means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and the maintaining means into a single integrated system. The locking dog itself serves dual purposes: it provides the locking function when engaged, and its spring-loaded design automatically maintains the locked position without requiring separate maintaining components. This merging reduces overall device complexity while preserving connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-maintaining through the spring-loaded locking dog. Once actuated into the locked position, the spring automatically maintains engagement without requiring additional maintaining means or external intervention. The system serves itself by using the locking dog's inherent elasticity to sustain the locked state, thereby reducing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a fluid pressure operated locking actuator is used to enable remote operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the actuator sleeve and floating piston mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid pressure operated actuator where pressurized fluid acts on a floating piston to move the actuator sleeve, which in turn actuates the locking dog. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism enables remote operation without manual intervention at the connector location, improving ease of operation while using well-established fluid power principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator sleeve serves multiple functions: it transmits fluid pressure from the floating piston, provides a sealing interface with the connector body, and directly actuates the locking dog through its movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite enabling remote operation.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism remains engaged for long periods, then operational reliability is improved, but the risk of well operations loosening or retracting the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by designing the locking dog with a spring-loaded bias that continuously exerts a locking force in the engaged position. This pre-applied counteracting force resists any loosening or retraction forces that may arise during long-term operation or well operations, maintaining reliability without requiring active monitoring or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism in the locking dog provides beforehand cushioning by storing elastic energy that continuously pushes the locking dog against the locked position. This pre-stored energy acts as a cushion against any forces that might cause loosening or retraction during extended operation periods, ensuring the locking mechanism remains secure without additional maintaining means.
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 design provides a reliable, leak-proof connection with enhanced operational reliability and ease of remote operation, suitable for long-term use in subsea applications by maintaining a secure locking mechanism without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pressure operated locking actuator
Implementation Method 2
The floating piston is arranged in the second volume to divide the second volume into an upper portion and a lower portion. The floating piston engages with the connector body and the actuator sleeve to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the upper portion and the lower portion of the second volume while being moveable relative to the connector body and the actuator sleeve so as to vary a size of the upper portion relative to a size of the lower portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for securing to an end of an elongate element includes a connector body, a locking dog, a locking part, and a floating piston. The connector body has window(s) and encloses a main passage. The locking dog extends through the window(s), is movable between an operative position where the locking dog extends into the main passage, and an inoperative position where the locking dog is retracted. The locking part moves via a locking actuator to move the locking dog between the operative and inoperative positions. An actuator sleeve of the locking actuator encloses a first and a second volume around the connector body. The actuator sleeve moves to decrease the first volume/increase the second volume, and to increase the first volume/decrease the second volume. The floating piston divides the second volume into and lower portions. The floating piston moves to vary a size of the upper and lower portions.