Threaded Connection Pre-Torque Detection in Wrench Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

The oil and gas industry faces challenges with over-torquing of threaded connections due to pre-existing torque applied by spinner and wrench tools, leading to potential connection failure and rig shutdowns, necessitating effective torque detection methods.

Innovation Solution

A wrench assembly with a torque detection circuit and control system that applies a rotational force to detect pre-existing torque in threaded connections, allowing for adjusted torque application to prevent over-torquing by limiting the power supplied to the wrench tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the wrench tool is operated with full power to complete the threaded connection, then the productivity is improved, but the threaded connection may be over-torqued leading to connection failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreaded connection completion speedVSAvoidthreaded connection integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary torque detection by applying a predetermined rotational force for a predetermined time period before the main torque application. This preliminary action measures the rate of change of torque to detect pre-existing torque, allowing the control system to adjust subsequent torque application to avoid over-torquing while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The torque detection circuit continuously monitors the rate of change of torque during the preliminary rotation phase and feeds this information back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system determines whether to apply full power or reduced power to complete the threaded connection, thereby preventing over-torquing while maintaining efficient operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the wrench tool applies torque without detection to reach target torque quickly, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision of pre-existing torque is insufficient leading to over-torquing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque application speedVSAvoidpre-existing torque detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Before applying the target torque to complete the threaded connection, the system performs a preliminary action of rotating the tubular for a predetermined time period with a predetermined rotational force. During this preliminary phase, the torque detection circuit measures the rate of change of torque, providing precise detection of pre-existing torque conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical torque measurement with an electrical measurement system. The torque detection circuit converts mechanical torque information into electrical signals that can be precisely measured and processed by the control system, enabling accurate detection of pre-existing torque without mechanical interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11560763B2Methods and apparatus for pre-torque detection in a threaded connection

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 FORUM US INC

AI summary

A wrench assembly comprises an upper clamp assembly adapted to grip a first tubular, a lower clamp assembly coupled to the upper clamp assembly, the lower clamp assembly adapted to grip a second tubular, wherein the upper clamp assembly includes a plurality of torqueing cylinders coupled thereto, and a torque detection circuit in fluid communication with the torqueing cylinders, wherein the torque detection circuit is configured to apply a rotational force to the upper clamp assembly for a predetermined period of time prior to applying a target torque value to complete a threaded connection.