Threaded Connector Metal-to-Metal Sealing for High Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded connections in oilfield tubular members rely heavily on elastomer seals, which may fail under high pressures and temperatures, necessitating a more reliable sealing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A threaded connector design featuring a pin member with an external thread and a box member with an internal thread, both incorporating multiple contact surfaces that engage to form metal-to-metal seals, reducing reliance on elastomer seals and enhancing sealing efficacy under high-pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomer seals are used in threaded connections, then the sealing mechanism is simple and cost-effective, but the reliability deteriorates under high pressures and temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into multiple independent contact surfaces (first contact surface and second contact surface) rather than relying on a single elastomer seal. This segmentation provides redundant sealing paths, so if one contact surface fails, the other can still maintain the seal, thereby improving reliability under extreme conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines metal-to-metal contact surfaces with traditional elastomer seals to create a composite sealing system. The metal contact surfaces provide structural integrity and high-temperature resistance, while the elastomer seals provide conformal sealing, creating a synergistic effect that improves overall sealing reliability under high pressure and temperature conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple contact surfaces are added to form metal-to-metal seals, then sealing efficacy under high pressure improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surfaces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the threaded connection, create metal-to-metal seals for high-pressure containment, and enable load distribution across the joint. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sealing components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving sealing efficacy.
3Strength
If elastomer seals are relied upon, then the threaded connection structure remains simple, but the connection fails under high-pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The metal contact surfaces are pre-configured in the threaded connector design to engage and form seals before the high-pressure condition occurs. The contact surfaces are positioned and dimensioned during manufacturing to ensure proper engagement and sealing action when the threaded connection is made up, providing preliminary preparation for high-pressure containment.
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded connector for a large diameter tubular member includes a pin member having an external thread formed thereon with a first contact surface located on one side of the external thread and a sealing element located on the other side of the external thread, and a box member having an internal thread formed thereon with a first contact surface located on one side of the internal thread and a second contact surface located on the other side of the internal thread. The first contact surface of the pin member and the second contact surface of the box member correspond with and are configured to engage with each other, and the first contact surface of the box member and the sealing element of the pin member correspond with and are configured to engage with each other.