Wellhead Connector Assembly with Replaceable Seal Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellhead connectors with multiple threaded bolts and nuts are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly to install and repair, especially when seal grooves are damaged, often requiring shutdown of operations and transportation to distant facilities for repairs.
Innovation Solution
A clamp-type wellhead connector with a separate, internally replaceable seal member that can be rapidly and inexpensively repaired or replaced, featuring radially movable clamp wedge segments and actuation screws for secure engagement with the wellhead housing, allowing for field repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flanged connections with multiple threaded bolts and nuts are used, then secure connection is achieved, but installation and repair become extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components: a body portion with internal seal grooves, replaceable seal members, and clamp-type hub segments. This segmentation allows the seal members to be independently replaced without replacing the entire connector assembly, significantly reducing repair time while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp-type hub segments are designed to be radially movable and selectively positionable, transitioning between unlocked and locked positions. This dynamic mechanism enables rapid installation and removal of the connector without threading multiple bolts, reducing installation time while ensuring secure connection when locked.
2Reliability
If seal grooves are repaired by machining at distant facilities, then damaged seal grooves are restored, but operations must be shut down for extended periods and additional expenses incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The seal members are extracted as separate, replaceable components from the connector body. When seal grooves become damaged, the entire seal member can be removed and replaced with a new one at the well site without needing to machine or repair the groove itself, eliminating the need for extended shutdowns and distant facility repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal members are designed as relatively inexpensive, replaceable components that can be quickly swapped out when damaged. Instead of investing in expensive machining repairs at distant facilities, operators can replace the seal member with a new, low-cost component, minimizing operational downtime and maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If multiple threaded bolts and nuts are used for connection, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process becomes extremely labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp-type hub segments provide dynamic movement between unlocked and locked positions, allowing the connector to be quickly attached and detached without the labor-intensive process of threading multiple bolts and nuts. The radial movement mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining secure attachment when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple clamp-type hub segments are merged into a single integrated clamp assembly that operates together to secure the connector. This combining of multiple fastening elements into one unified mechanism reduces the number of individual operations required, making installation simpler and less labor-intensive while maintaining secure attachment.
4Reliability
If connector components are shipped to distant facilities for repair, then damaged components are restored, but time and expense are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The seal members are extracted as independent, replaceable components that can be serviced separately from the main connector body. When damaged, these components can be quickly removed and replaced at the well site without needing to ship the entire connector assembly to distant facilities, dramatically reducing repair time and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design enables self-service repair capabilities at the well site. Operators can independently replace seal members using the modular design, eliminating the need to ship components to distant facilities for professional repair services, thereby reducing both time and expense while maintaining component functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly that selectively connects to a wellhead housing having a clamp type hub. The connector assembly utilizes a selectively energized clamp type connector and an internal replaceable seal assembly; the connector has clamp segments that selectively engage and secure against the clamp hub of the wellhead housing. As the connector assembly engages the wellhead housing, the internal replaceable seal member engages with the wellhead hub (and typically a seal ring thereof) to form a fluid pressure seal.