Tapered Thread Grip Ring for Self-Tightening Wellbore Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tubular gripping devices require an externally applied force for installation and may not provide consistent performance across varying wellbore casing diameters, leading to inefficiencies in securing tubular wellbore pipes.
Innovation Solution
A self-tightening tubular gripping device featuring a unidirectional or bidirectional tapered thread mechanism with a grip ring and collar, where the tapered threads and biased wickers allow for secure engagement without external force, maintaining grip across different casing diameters through a wedging action and secondary contact points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tubular gripping devices are used, then they can secure tubular wellbore pipes, but they require externally applied force for installation and do not provide consistent performance across varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device utilizes the axial load applied during normal casing installation to automatically tighten the grip on the tubular through the tapered thread mechanism. The system serves itself by converting the installation process's inherent forces into securing forces, eliminating the need for separate external tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered thread geometry transforms the axial installation load into radial gripping force through a mechanical advantage relationship. As the axial load increases during casing setting, the radial force on the grip ring increases proportionally, providing consistent gripping performance across varying casing diameters and installation conditions.
2Ease of operation
If tapered thread mechanism with biased wickers is used, then secure gripping is achieved without external force, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered thread mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the grip ring onto the casing, secures the grip during installation, and provides self-tightening under axial load. The biased wickers serve dual purposes of maintaining initial contact and enabling the self-tightening action, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The biased wickers automatically adjust to maintain optimal contact between the grip ring and casing surface throughout the installation process. The system self-regulates the gripping force based on the applied axial load, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.
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 solution enables secure and consistent gripping of tubular wellbore pipes without external force, providing enhanced holding capacity and resistance to axial loads, while allowing for predictable performance across varying casing diameters.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered threads and biased wickers allow for secure engagement without external force, maintaining grip across different casing diameters through a wedging action
Implementation Method 2
A self-tightening tubular gripping device featuring a unidirectional or bidirectional tapered thread mechanism with a grip ring and collar, where the tapered threads and biased wickers allow for secure engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore casing self-tightening tubular gripping device.