Flexible Wellhead Hose With Rotatable Joint for Faster Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wellhead connection systems require multiple connection points, leading to increased complexity, longer line lengths, and slower operational efficiency, resulting in higher costs and mobilization of resources.

Innovation Solution

A flexible wellhead connection system utilizing a flexible hose with a rotatable joint and connection sub, allowing for quick connection and disconnection between wellheads and fluid sources, reducing the number of connections needed and enabling efficient fluid distribution across multiple wellheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple connection points are used to connect manifold to several wellheads, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated flexible hose assembly that can sequentially connect to multiple wellheads. The hose integrates fluid conveyance, positioning, and connection capabilities, eliminating the need for separate rigid pipelines and multiple fixed connection points, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible hose serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a fluid conduit, a positioning mechanism, and a connection medium. This multi-functional design allows a single component to perform what previously required multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable connections to multiple wellheads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points with multiple lines are used, then connection coverage is improved, but line length and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection coverageVSAvoidline length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible hose instead of rigid pipelines to connect the manifold to multiple wellheads. This flexible conduit can be configured in various lengths and shapes as needed, allowing optimal routing that minimizes total line length while still providing coverage to all required wellheads, thereby reducing material usage without compromising connection coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If large numbers of complex connections are used, then connection reliability is improved, but operational speed and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamically flexible hose assembly that can be quickly reconfigured and repositioned between wellheads, replacing static rigid connections. This dynamic flexibility allows rapid deployment and reconfiguration, significantly reducing the time required for connections while maintaining reliability through proper sealing and coupling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible hose assembly is pre-configured with appropriate length, connectors, and sealing elements before deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly and connection procedures, allowing operators to quickly connect to multiple wellheads in sequence, thereby improving operational efficiency without sacrificing connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If increased line lengths are used to reach multiple wellheads, then connection coverage is improved, but system cost and resource mobilization increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection coverageVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible hose provides an cost-effective solution for achieving connection coverage across multiple wellheads. Unlike rigid pipelines that require precise engineering, multiple joints, and extensive material, the flexible hose can be manufactured in various lengths and configurations more economically, reducing both material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining adequate coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11560973B2Flexible wellhead connection systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 FORUM US INC

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to flexible wellhead connection systems, apparatus, methods, and associated components thereof. The aspects include a rotatable joint. In one example, the rotatable joint includes a swivel. In one example, the flexible wellhead connection systems, apparatus, and methods are used to connect wellheads to one or more of fluid sources and/or instrumentation skids.