Threaded Connection Segmentation for Riser Breakout Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections for hydrocarbon well drilling and operation face issues with untimely breakout under high stresses, requiring high makeup torques that risk plastification, and existing solutions complicate designs with additional parts and screws, increasing maintenance and pollution risks.
Innovation Solution
A set of tubular components with specific threaded zone configurations, including a third component with opposing lead directions and self-locking threadings, ensures secure makeup and breakout resistance by locking the first and third components together, reducing the risk of untimely breakout and simplifying the design by minimizing additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high makeup torque is applied to prevent breakout under high stresses, then connection reliability is improved, but risk of plastification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple threaded zones (first and second threaded zones on the external surface, corresponding internal threaded zones) that distribute the locking function across multiple engagement points. This segmentation allows the connection to achieve reliable locking through distributed thread engagement rather than relying on excessive torque on a single interface, thereby improving reliability while reducing plastification risk.
2Reliability
If additional parts such as rings and screws are added to lock components against breakout, then breakout resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged directly into the threaded connection structure itself. The multiple threaded zones (external and internal) are integrated into the coupling and pipe ends, eliminating the need for separate locking parts such as rings and screws. This merging achieves breakout resistance through the threaded engagement geometry while maintaining design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection structure provides its own locking capability through the geometric configuration of the multiple threaded zones. The self-locking property of the threads, combined with the specific lead direction arrangement, enables the connection to resist breakout automatically without requiring additional locking components or complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If multiple threaded zones with specific lead directions are used, then breakout resistance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution employs asymmetric threading configuration where the first and second threaded zones have different lead directions (one right-hand thread, one left-hand thread). This asymmetric arrangement creates inherent anti-backout functionality because the threads lock in opposite directions under tensile load. The symmetry breaking through differential lead directions provides robust breakout resistance while using standard threading geometries that are manageable with conventional manufacturing tolerances.
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 provides a secure, reliable threaded connection that resists untimely breakout under high stresses, simplifies the design by reducing the number of parts, and maintains the connection integrity, particularly effective in riser applications prone to torsional stresses.
Implementation Method 1
a first tubular component comprising one end comprising on its external circumferential surface two threaded zones of identical lead; a second tubular component provided on its internal circumferential surface with at least two threaded zones; a third tubular component comprising one end provided on its internal circumferential surface with at least one threaded zone and provided on its external circumferential surface with at least one threaded zone
Implementation Method 2
the threaded zone provided on the internal circumferential surface of the end of the third component is capable of cooperating by makeup with one of the two threaded zones of the end of the first component; the threaded zone provided on the external circumferential surface of the end of the third component is capable of cooperating by makeup with one of the two threaded zones of the second component, the second and third components further comprising means for defining the end of makeup of said threaded zones
Data Source
AI summary
A set for obtaining a threaded connection used in hydrocarbon wells includes a first tubular component, a second tubular component, and a third tubular component. A threaded zone provided on an internal circumferential surface of an end of the third component cooperates by makeup with one of two threaded zones of an end of the first component. A threaded zone provided on an external circumferential surface of the end of the third component cooperates by makeup with one of two threaded zones of the second component. The second and third components define an end of makeup of the threaded zones. The other threaded zone provided on the end of the first component cooperates by makeup with the other threaded zone provided on the second component.