Tubular Connector System With Energized Lock Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling and production systems face challenges in forming strong and stable connections between pipes and spools in harsh environments, which are essential for supporting high loads and stress during mineral extraction, particularly in hydrocarbon extraction systems.
Innovation Solution
A connector system is introduced that includes a sleeve with a coupling feature and a lock ring, where the lock ring is energized by a support ring to create a secure engagement, and the connection is further reinforced by threading to increase tension, allowing for stable coupling between tubing and casing spools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional connection methods are used between pipes and spools, then the system structure remains simple, but the connection strength and stability are insufficient to withstand high loads and stress in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion with internal threads, a lock ring with external threads, and a seal element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (threaded engagement, locking, sealing) while collectively providing a strong and reliable connection that can withstand harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring is designed to be received within the body portion of the connector, with the seal element positioned between them. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and ensures that the locking and sealing functions are integrated within the same structural envelope, maintaining strength without excessive external complexity
2Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of the connection under high stress and harsh conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is pre-positioned between the lock ring and body portion before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures that sealing is established before the lock ring is fully engaged and tightened, preventing leakage under high stress conditions and enhancing connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring features a curved engagement surface that interfaces with the body portion. This curved geometry distributes contact stresses more evenly across the engagement interface, improving reliability under high loads compared to flat or sharp-edged connections
3Stability of the object's composition
If threaded coupling is applied to increase tension, then the connection stability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded portions of the body and lock ring are designed with specific local geometric characteristics (thread pitch, profile, and engagement length) that are optimized for tension distribution. This localized quality control in the threaded regions ensures stable connection under load while allowing standard manufacturing tolerances in other areas of the components
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a connector system configured to couple a first tubular to a second tubular, including a sleeve configured to couple to an exterior surface of the first tubular, wherein the sleeve comprises a coupling feature, a lock ring configured to couple to the exterior surface of the second tubular and radially engage the coupling feature on the sleeve, and a support ring configured to energize the lock ring into engagement with the sleeve.