Tubular Coupling Seal Ring Positioning at Proper Make-Up Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces challenges in determining the integrity of pipe joint make-up in oil field tubular connections, particularly due to the complexity and cost of existing methods that require elaborate instrumentation and calibration, and the need for a simpler, reliable method to ensure proper sealing and positioning without external witness marks or electronic sensors.
Innovation Solution
A threaded and coupled connection system using a cylindrical coupling member with an internal shoulder and a resilient seal ring, where the seal ring's position and squeeze are controlled by the shoulder contact between the pipe pin ends and the coupling, allowing for a final make-up position and torque to be achieved without complex instrumentation, using a power torque device to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If torque-only method is used to monitor make-up, then operational cost is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of joint make-up are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient seal ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the pin member and box member. The seal ring deforms in response to torque application, and this deformation is transmitted to a indicator mechanism that provides visual feedback on make-up status. This intermediary converts the torque effect into a measurable visual signal without requiring complex electronic instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a physical copy or representation of the torque application effect through the deformation of the seal ring and the associated indicator mechanism. Instead of directly measuring torque with complex sensors, the system creates a visual copy of the make-up status through the movement of indicator elements relative to reference marks, providing accurate monitoring through simplified means.
2Measurement precision
If torque-turn method with electronic sensors is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring serves as a mechanical intermediary that translates torque and rotation effects into visible indicator positions. This eliminates the need for complex electronic sensors, computers, and data processing systems while maintaining accurate monitoring capability through purely mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electronic sensor and computer-based monitoring system with a purely mechanical indicator mechanism. The seal ring deformation and indicator movement provide accurate make-up monitoring through mechanical means alone, eliminating complex electronics while improving reliability in field conditions.
3Ease of operation
If witness marks or timing marks are used on pipe exterior, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and precision of make-up determination are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring and indicator mechanism serve as an intermediary system that provides reliable make-up determination directly at the joint interface. This internal mechanism is more accurate than external witness marks while remaining simple to operate in the field, as it provides direct visual feedback without requiring external marking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external copies or marks on the pipe surface, the invention creates an internal visual representation of make-up status through the indicator mechanism that moves in response to joint engagement. This internal copy provides more reliable information about actual joint integrity while maintaining field operational simplicity.
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 method provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective means to ensure proper sealing and positioning of pipe connections, enhancing compression and torsional resistance while eliminating the need for timing marks and electronic sensors, ensuring consistent results in field operations.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient seal ring having a circumferential exterior face and a circumferential interior face... arranged to mate with the oppositely arranged stepped end faces and centrally located groove, respectively, provided on the internal shoulder region... to hold the ring securely on the shoulder region when the seal ring is compressed between the pin ends
Data Source
AI summary
A method by which threaded sections of oil field pipe are connected to form a coupled and sealed tubular connection having proper sealing positioning at proper make-up torque. A tubular coupling has box ends and an internal mid region which forms interior shoulder regions. A seal ring is received on the mid region and mates with the end faces of the coupling shoulder and with a centrally located groove on the shoulder. The pin ends of opposing sections of pipe are received within the oppositely arranged box ends of the coupling and are made-up to a final, desired make-up position. The final position and amount of squeeze on the seal ring are controlled by utilizing the contact between the pipe pin ends and the shoulder regions of the coupling.