Wellhead Fluid Connection Seal With Pressure-Activated Wedge Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connections for wellhead pressure control and hydraulic fracturing struggle to consistently maintain high pressures in larger diameter wellheads, posing safety risks for personnel due to the need for manual operation near hazardous equipment.
Innovation Solution
A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly that utilizes internal working pressure to tighten the connection and seal, featuring a fluid connection adapter and housing assembly with locking elements and a locking ring, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hand union or hammer union connections are used for wellhead pressure control equipment, then the connection can be made manually, but personnel are exposed to safety risks of injury from suspended loads and manual tightening operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with a hydraulic actuation system. A hydraulic cylinder drives a piston that automatically engages and locks the pressure control equipment to the wellhead, eliminating the need for personnel to manually handle suspended loads and tighten connections, thereby resolving the safety risks while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system performs self-service through automatic engagement and locking mechanisms. The hydraulic actuation system automatically positions and secures the pressure control equipment to the wellhead without requiring continuous manual intervention, reducing personnel exposure to hazardous areas while maintaining connection integrity
2Volume of moving object
If existing fluid connections are designed for larger diameter wellheads, then they can accommodate higher flow rates, but they struggle to consistently maintain high pressures (over 10,000 psi)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tapered surfaces and rounded locking features in the connection interface. The tapered locking surfaces distribute pressure more evenly across the connection interface, while rounded features reduce stress concentration points, enabling the system to maintain high pressures in larger diameter wellheads without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system utilizes composite construction with hardened steel locking surfaces and high-strength sealing materials. The combination of different material properties (hardness, tensile strength, sealability) enables the system to withstand high pressures while accommodating larger diameters, resolving the contradiction between size and pressure retention
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 solution effectively retains higher pressures in larger diameter wellheads, enhancing safety by allowing remote operation and reducing the risk of injury from manual handling of heavy equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the seal is disposed to expand radially, such that when the seal expands radially the seal tightens sealing contact against the seal surface
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connection assembly includes a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. A seal forms when the adapter enters the housing assembly. Wedge-style locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter. A displaceable locking ring urges the wedges to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure further encourages the adapter to tighten against the wedges. Some embodiments enable locking on the exterior of the adapter and sealing on the interior. The housing assembly is movable to the adapter when the adapter is connected to a stationary fixture such as a wellhead. The wedge assemblies may affix to a flanged connector so that wedge constriction loads transmit to the flanged connector in the first instance. A locking tab feature guards against accidental separation of the connection assembly when pressurized. A quick test system resides entirely on the housing assembly in order to simplify the adapter.