Shouldered Threaded Pipe Collar for Leak-Safe Wellbore Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellbore strings experience fluid leakage through connections due to mechanical issues, leading to costly damage and other problems during drilling, production, and wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
A pipe assembly with non-metallic materials, including reinforced fiberglass or carbon fibers, featuring a collar with an inwardly-projecting annular shoulder and seal rings to form dual seals with pipe rims, along with multi-start threads and chamfered crests to prevent galling and fluid flow across the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metallic connections are used in wellbore strings, then structural strength is maintained, but fluid leakage occurs through the connections due to mechanical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the collar, combining metallic components with non-metallic materials (such as fiberglass or carbon fiber reinforced plastics). This composite approach allows the connection to maintain structural strength while incorporating sealing elements that prevent fluid leakage, directly addressing the contradiction between mechanical integrity and seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate sealing elements (seal rings, gaskets, or sealing layers) between the metallic pipe components and the collar. These intermediary sealing components act as mediators that prevent direct fluid pathways through the connection, blocking leakage without compromising the overall structural strength of the metallic assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional threaded connections are used, then assembly is straightforward, but galling and thread damage occur leading to connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sacrificial or replaceable thread protection elements (such as thread seal tape, thread compound, or disposable thread inserts) that are applied during assembly. These inexpensive, short-living components prevent galling and thread damage during the assembly process, allowing straightforward threading while protecting the integrity of the permanent threaded connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary thread protection elements (sealing compounds, lubricant layers, or protective coatings) between the mating thread surfaces. These intermediary substances reduce friction and prevent direct metal-to-metal contact that causes galling, enabling easy assembly while maintaining long-term thread connection integrity.
3Reliability
If high-torque connections are used to ensure seal integrity, then fluid leakage is prevented, but connection damage and erosion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary sealing elements (seal rings, gaskets, or sealing layers) that create the fluid barrier independently of high torque application. These intermediary components establish seal integrity through their own material properties and geometric design, allowing the connection to be tightened to lower torque values that prevent erosion and damage while maintaining leak-free operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe assembly includes a first pipe, a second pipe, and a collar. The first pipe has a first external thread and a first rim that has a bearing surface. The second pipe has a second external thread and a second rim that has a bearing surface. The collar is threadedly coupled to the first pipe and the second pipe to form a threaded connection. The collar has a first internal thread that corresponds with the first external thread, and a second internal thread that corresponds with the second external thread. The collar has an inwardly-projecting annular shoulder residing between the first internal thread and the second internal thread. The shoulder has two bearing surfaces that face away from each other and each bear, with the threaded connection formed, against a respective one of the bearing surfaces of the first and second rims.