Wellbore Tubular Connector With Multi-Ramp Slip Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for coiled tubing in the oil and gas industry face limitations in axial load capacity and are prone to releasing due to torque, especially when used with downhole motors, leading to inefficiencies in tool deployment and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a tubular housing with multiple elongate ramp arrays and channels, combined with a slip body having corresponding ramp arrays and channels, allows for a secure grip over a longer length and includes a locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent release under torque conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single ramp face connector is used, then the device complexity is low, but the axial load capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a housing with multiple ramp faces (at least three), a slip body with corresponding ramp surfaces, and a locking mechanism. Each ramp face is separated by channels, allowing independent load distribution paths that collectively increase axial load capacity while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane ramp interface to a multi-dimensional configuration with multiple ramp faces arranged circumferentially around the connector. This spatial distribution across different angular dimensions allows simultaneous engagement of multiple contact surfaces, distributing axial loads across multiple planes and significantly increasing overall load capacity.
2Reliability
If a conventional connector is used, then the ease of operation is good, but the reliability under torque conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to preemptively counteract torque-induced release forces before they can cause failure. The locking elements engage with corresponding features on the slip body and housing, creating a mechanical interlock that resists rotational forces and prevents inadvertent release during downhole motor operations, thereby ensuring reliability without complicating the basic assembly process.
3Strength
If the slip length is increased to handle higher loads, then the axial load capacity improves, but the coiled tubing collapse risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slip body is segmented into multiple engagement zones corresponding to the multiple ramp faces, with channels separating each zone. This segmentation allows the slip to engage the coiled tubing at multiple circumferential points simultaneously, distributing the gripping force across multiple contact regions. This reduces the risk of localized over-compression that could cause tubing collapse while maintaining high overall load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector distributes axial load support across multiple angular dimensions through the multiple ramp faces, rather than concentrating force along a single linear path. This multi-dimensional load distribution reduces point stresses on the coiled tubing while maintaining sufficient grip strength, preventing collapse under high axial loads.
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
The connector provides a more secure grip and improved axial load capacity, reducing the risk of coiled tubing collapse and release due to torque, enhancing the efficiency of tool deployment and retrieval operations.
Implementation Method 1
the ramp arrays of the slip body adapted to cooperate with the ramp arrays of the tubular housing to cause said slip tooth to grip the first wellbore tubular
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting a first wellbore tubular to a second wellbore tubular includes a tubular housing connectable to the second tubular and an internal surface facing an internal bore, and a ramp assembly arranged around the surface having a plurality of elongate ramp arrays and a plurality of elongate channels arranged to separate adjacent ramp arrays. The connector includes a slip body which is insertable into the internal bore having an internal surface with at least one slip tooth for engaging the first tubular, an external surface and a ramp assembly arranged around the external surface having a plurality of elongate ramp arrays which grip the first tubular and a plurality of elongate channels arranged to separate adjacent ramp arrays. The ramp arrays of the slip body are each alignable with a respective channel of the tubular housing. The slip body is rotatable within the tubular housing.