Threaded Connectors for Submersible Well Pump Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Submersible well pump assemblies face issues with bolted flanges causing stress when bending around well sections, and threaded collars may loosen due to vibration during operation.
Innovation Solution
A threaded connection system with a collar retainer mechanism that includes a collar with an abutment surface and a flange clamp to prevent unscrewing, ensuring secure engagement between modules of the pump assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded collars are used to connect modules, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vibration causing loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The collar retainer is pre-positioned on the adapter neck before the collar is installed. This preliminary placement ensures that once the collar is threaded onto the adapter, the retainer is already in position to prevent rotational loosening, thus maintaining reliability without complicating the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The collar retainer acts as an intermediary component between the collar and the adapter neck. It provides a mechanical stop that prevents the collar from rotating loose due to vibration, while still allowing the collar to be easily threaded onto the adapter during assembly
2Strength
If bolted flanges are used to connect modules, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the adapter with integrated threads, the collar for connection, and the retainer for locking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process compared to traditional bolted flanges
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the threaded engagement surface, the structural connection point, and the mounting feature for the retainer. This merging eliminates the need for separate flanges and multiple bolts, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical submersible pump assembly has modules including a pump, a motor, and a pressure equalizer. A first adapter having threads is mounted to one of the modules. A second adapter is mounted to an adjacent one of the modules, the second adapter having a tubular body, a neck, and an external shoulder at a base of the neck. A collar is rotatably carried on the neck and in threaded engagement with the threads of the first adapter. A clamp secures around the neck between the external shoulder and the collar after the collar is fully engaged with the threads on the first adapter. A pair of flanges are mounted to and extend outward from the clamp. A motor lead locates between the flanges.