Torque Enhanced Threaded Connection External Shoulder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Threaded connections in the oil and gas industry face limitations in torque strength due to space constraints in well bores, leading to reduced torque capacity and susceptibility to fatigue crack initiation, especially in connections with internal makeup shoulders.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a secondary external makeup shoulder and torque interface, utilizing a tapered ring member that engages with both the pin and box ends to provide additional axial backup force, enhancing the torsional capacity beyond conventional designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an internal makeup shoulder is used in the threaded connection, then the connection can be made within space constraints of the well bore, but the torque capacity is reduced and susceptibility to fatigue crack initiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external makeup shoulder that extends radially outward from the tubular members, creating a new dimensional space for torque transmission. This external shoulder works in conjunction with the internal makeup shoulder to distribute torquing forces across multiple interfaces, thereby increasing overall torque capacity without increasing the axial length of the connection within the well bore constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transmission function is segmented into multiple interfaces: the internal makeup shoulder interface and the external makeup shoulder interface. By dividing the torque transmission path into separate segments, each interface can be optimized independently, and the combined effect provides enhanced torque capacity while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the threaded connection design is limited by space constraints in the well bore, then the connection fits within the geometric constraints, but the yield strength and torque strength are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by extending makeup shoulders outward from the tubular members. This allows the connection to maintain a compact axial length suitable for well bore constraints while achieving higher yield strength through the additional radial leverage provided by the external shoulder.
Solution Approach 2:
The external makeup shoulder is designed to engage dynamically during the torquing process, providing progressive reinforcement as torque is applied. The external shoulder engages after the internal shoulder, creating a staged engagement that optimizes both compact dimensions and strength development.
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
This configuration significantly increases the torque strength of threaded connections while adhering to existing downhole design specifications, reducing the risk of fatigue and enhancing the overall torsional capacity within geometric constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered interface engaged between the torque member and the first tubular member to provide axial backup force to the torquing action of the connection
Implementation Method 2
threaded sections in a manner that increases the thread torque capacity
Implementation Method 3
The threaded connections are often subjected to large torsion forces during downhole operations like drilling
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for increasing the torque capacity of threaded connections between tubular members. The apparatus may include a first tubular end coupled with a second tubular end, and a torque member wherein the torque member is torqued against the second tubular member and wherein tapered surfaces are engaged between the torque member and the first tubular member at a tapered surface interface.