Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
  • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
  • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
  • E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
  • E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
  • E21B17/042—Threaded
  • E21B17/043—Threaded with locking means

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an assembly for producing a threaded joint intended for use in a steel catenary, in particular subjected to torsion forces when placed on a seabed to connect a wellhead to the bottom of the sea to surface equipment, or in a so-called OCTG column.
• [2]Metal tubes are widely used in different fields of power industry such as power generation, oil and gas, and mechanical engineering.
• the present invention is also useful for the implementation of columns intended for drilling or for the preparation of the exploitation of hydrocarbon wells ("drilling” and “drilling with casing”).
• component used for the drilling and exploitation of hydrocarbon wells means any element of substantially tubular shape intended to be assembled with another element of the same type or not to ultimately constitute either a fitting capable of drilling a hydrocarbon wells, or a casing or production string involved in the operation of the well, this string can also be used for drilling.
• a threaded joint comprises a first and a second tubular steel component, the first tubular component comprising at one of its ends axial a male threaded zone produced on its outer circumferential surface, the second tubular component comprising at one of its axial ends a female threaded zone produced on its inner circumferential surface, the threaded joint being obtained by screwing to a final position of assembly of the male threaded zone with the female threaded zone.
• the subject of the invention is a threaded joint which is simple to implement on site, both when screwing in and when unscrewing, and which offers significant resistance to unscrewing.
• the solution of the invention provides for a structural decorrelation of the means allowing the immobilization in rotation of the ring around the male component, the means making it possible to prevent the unscrewing between the male component and the female component.
• the joint according to the invention has an “anti-unscrewing” function.
• anti-unscrewing we mean the ability of the seal not to unscrew unexpectedly, i.e. when this is not desired. More concretely, a joint equipped with such a function must not unscrew when it is subjected in operation, for example, to torsion or tensile stresses, or even vibrations.
• the invention provides a threaded joint comprising a male end having a male thread and a male free end, a female end having a female thread and a female free end, said female end further comprising at at least one extension extending axially from the side of the female thread and forming the female free end, said at least one extension being radially flexible and comprising on an internal surface an extension shoulder arranged to cooperate with a radial shoulder of a locking surface extending from an outer surface of the male end and axially limiting relative movement of the male end to the female end in one direction. This allows to increase the resistance of the joint to tensile, torsion or bending stresses against unscrewing.
• such a device may comprise one or more of the following characteristics.
• the female end may comprise a plurality of extensions separated by recesses and distributed circumferentially, each extension being radially flexible and comprising on its internal surface an extension shoulder arranged to cooperate with the radial shoulder of the locking surface and axially limiting in one direction the relative movement of the male end with respect to the female end.
• the locking surface may be located on the side of the male thread opposite the male free end.
• the joint can be assembled by screwing according to the usual practices of the trade.
• a retaining ring may extend at least partially around the at least one extension.
• the anti-unscrewing performance is further improved.
• the retaining ring can be attached to the extensions by a means chosen from screws, glue, pins.
• a means chosen from screws, glue, pins can be attached to the extensions by a means chosen from screws, glue, pins.
• the retaining ring can be a clamp.
• the retaining ring may comprise a portion located axially beyond the extensions and extending radially towards the outer surface of the male end, said portion being arranged to protect said extensions.
• the extensions and their functional surfaces are protected in particular during transport or handling of tubes comprising the female end.
• the extensions (6) may individually have an extension length CL, an extension height CH, and the locking surface (11) has a minimum locking surface height BOSHmin (in mm) such as:
• the locking surface (11) may have a maximum locking surface height BOSHmax such that
• the retaining ring may have a retaining ring height RH of at least 0.5 mm. This makes it possible to have a resistance of the ring to the stresses of the extensions during stresses of the joint in traction, torsion or bending.
• the locking surface may comprise an engagement surface having an angle of between 3° and 30°, preferably between 5° and 20°. This facilitates the assembly of the fdety seal.
• the radial shoulder (18) may be a frustoconical surface with an angle greater than 0° and less than 30°, preferably with an angle of at least 3°. This improves anti-unscrewing performance.
• the extensions 6 may comprise three successive portions: an upstream portion 25 located on the side of the female fdetage 5 and having an upstream outside diameter CD, a downstream portion 24 having a downstream outside diameter ED less than the diameter upstream outer diameter CD, an end portion 23 with an end outer diameter BD greater than the upstream outer diameter CD, the retaining ring 14 having an annular inner diameter AD smaller than the end outer diameter CD and greater than the outer diameter downstream ED.
• the male end 2 may comprise a male sealing surface 26 and the female end 3 may comprise a female sealing surface 27, the male sealing surface 26 being arranged to cooperate with the female sealing surface 27 to form a seal.
• a joint according to the invention makes it possible to maintain or improve sealing performance when the seal is subjected to tensile, torsion or bending stresses.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a joint resulting from the assembly by screwing of a set of tubular components according to the invention.
• Figure 2 is a sectional view of the seal of Figure 1
• Figure 3 is a sectional and perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of Figure 1
• Figure 4 is a sectional view of a seal according to one embodiment of the invention
• Figure 5 is a sectional view of a seal according to one embodiment of the invention in a first position
• Figure 6 is a sectional view of a seal according to the embodiment of Figure 5 in a second position.
• Figure 1 shows a threaded joint resulting from the assembly of a set of tubular components, this joint having an axis of revolution X.
• This assembly comprises, as shown in Figure 1, a first tubular component with an axis of revolution X and provided at one of its ends with a male end 2 having a male thread 4 (visible in Figure 2) made on the outer circumferential surface of said male end 2.
• circumferential surface is meant the surface which extends longitudinally and over the entire circumference of the tubular component.
• the surfaces which extend radially at the level of the free edges of the tubular component are not considered to be circumferential surfaces.
• the thread can be continuous, interrupted, multiple, simple, regular, irregular, etc. End 1 ends with a terminal surface or male free end 13.
• Terminal surface means the surface which extends at the level of the free edge of end 2 of the component over the thickness of the latter.
• the distal surface is in the form of an annular surface oriented generally radially with respect to the X axis of the seal.
• the male end 2 further comprises on its outer circumferential surface a locking surface 11 comprising a radial shoulder 18.
• the radial shoulder 18 is a surface having an angle B comprised between 0° and 30° measured in a section radial containing the X axis and the angle being measured with respect to a direction perpendicular to the X axis, i.e. a radial direction.
• the radial shoulder 18 is a frustoconical surface, the apex of which is on the side of the free male end 13.
• the locking surface of FIG. 1 is circumferentially continuous.
• the locking surface 11 may be circumferentially discontinuous.
• the angle B of the radial shoulder 18 can be 1° minimum, more preferably 3° minimum and more preferably 15° at most.
• the radial shoulder 18 may not be a frustoconical surface but a curved surface, presenting a tangent on a radially outer part and greater than 90°.
• the radial shoulder 18 of the locking surface 11 is arranged to oppose relative to the axial displacement, towards the male free end 13, of an object provided with a corresponding surface.
• the locking surface 11 is located on the side opposite the male free end 13 with respect to the male thread 4, and is located at a predetermined non-zero distance from said male thread 4. Said predetermined distance is at least 15mm .
• This assembly also comprises, as shown in Figure 1, a second tubular component of the same axis of revolution X and provided at one of its ends with a female end 3 having a female thread 5 made on the inner circumferential surface of said female end 3. Said female end 3 ends in a terminal surface or female free end 8.
• the female end 3 comprises a plurality of extensions 6 distributed circumferentially and separated by recesses 7.
• the extensions 6 extend axially from the side of the female thread 5 and towards the female free end 8.
• the extensions 6 include the free female end 8.
• the extensions 6 have radial flexibility such that a terminal extension end 17 can have a first position without radial stress, and can have a second position farther from the axis X than the first position when the extension 6 is subjected to a radial stress, in particular when the extension 6 is subjected to a contact force between the extension 6 and the locking surface 11, in particular the contact force between a surface of engagement 15 and an extension engagement surface 19.
• An extension 6 comprises an extension shoulder 10 arranged to cooperate with the locking surface 11 and so as to prevent an axial movement of the extension 6 relative to the male end 2 in the direction of a displacement of the extension 6 towards the free male end 3.
• the extension shoulder 10 is a frustoconical surface with an angle corresponding substantially to the angle of the radial shoulder 18 of the locking surface 11.
• Extension shoulder 10 extends radially from an inner surface 9 of extension 6 and inward.
• the female end may have only one extension 6.
• the female end may include 4 extensions 6 arranged circumferentially at 90° and therefore distributed over 360°, or the female end may include 4 extensions 6 distributed over 90° or the female end may include 36 extensions 6 spread over 360°
• the locking surface 11 visible in Figures 2 and 3 comprises an engagement surface 15 arranged to allow the sliding of the extensions 6 on the locking surface 11 during assembly of the seal.
• the engagement surface 15 is oriented towards the free male end 13
• the engagement surface 15 is located between the radial shoulder 18 and the male free end 13.
• the engagement surface 15 is a frustoconical surface whose most weak diameter is located on the side of the free male end 13.
• the angle of the engagement surface 15 is between 3° and 30°, measured in a cutting plane and relative to the axis of revolution X of the male end 2.
• the angle of the engagement surface 15 is between 5° and 20°. This presents a good compromise between axial bulk of the surface and additional resistance to the assembly of the seal.
• the locking surface 11 can be obtained by machining the outer surface of the male threaded end 2, or by providing a shrink-wrapped, glued or welded metal ring on the outer surface of the male threaded end.
• the extensions 6 comprise an extension engagement surface 19 corresponding to the engagement surface 15, that is to say having a frustoconical shape with an angle substantially identical to the angle of the surface of commitment 15.
• the extension(s) 6 are located after the female thread on the female connection, and each comprise an extension shoulder 10 opposing the unscrewing of the male end from the female end, each shoulder d extension 10 coming to rest on the locking surface 11, more precisely each extension shoulder 10 coming to rest on the radial shoulder 18 of the locking surface 11, which makes it possible to obtain a joint which supports higher levels of torsion or bending stresses without undergoing untimely unscrewing, while maintaining ease of assembly on site since it suffices to screw the ends together in a manner analogous to usual practices.
• the threaded joint of Figures 1 to 3 further comprises a retaining ring 14 arranged to prevent the radial separation of the extensions 6.
• the retaining ring 14 is a separate element from the male end 2 and from the female end 3.
• the retaining ring comprises a first portion 20 extending axially at the level of the extensions 6, and radially outside the extensions 6.
• the gasket according to the invention additionally supports high levels of torsion or bending stresses without undergoing unscrewing. The anti-unscrewing performances are thus improved with a modification of the joint assembly practices on site which remains minimal compared to the solutions of the state of the art.
• the retaining ring 14 comprises a second portion 21 extending axially beyond the extensions 6 on the side opposite the thread of the female end 3, said second portion extending radially to an inside diameter of the second portion less than an outside diameter of the extensions 6 of at least 0.4 mm.
• This second portion 21 makes it possible to protect the extensions 6 during the transport of the tubular components or during the operation of the catenaries.
• the retaining ring 14 has a radial thickness of at least 0.5 mm.
• the retaining ring 14 is held in position on the extensions 6 by screwing, with screws 22 screwed radially through an outer surface of the retaining ring and into threaded holes arranged in several extensions. 1 to 8 screws can thus be screwed into 1 to 8 corresponding extensions 6. From 4 to 12 screws 22 are generally sufficient when the joint comprises at least 4 extensions 6 distributed circumferentially.
• the retaining ring can be glued to the extensions, or shrunk onto said extensions.
• the retaining ring can be a clamp, for example from Jubilee or CFInox.
• the extensions 6 individually have an extension length CL, an extension height CH, and the interlocking surface li has a minimum interlocking surface height BOSHmin (in mm) such that:
• the extension length CL is understood as the axial dimension of the extension 6 on its free part, that is to say at the level of the recesses 7, from one end of the recess 7 on the female thread side and up to the extension shoulder 10.
• the BOSH locking surface height is understood as the radial dimension of the locking surface 11, with respect to a male end outer diameter, measured at an axial distance d at most 10mm from the locking surface 11.
• the height of extension CH is understood as the radial dimension of extension 6 at its free portion.
• the CH extension height is generally between 2mm and 10mm.
• the extension length CL is at least 15 mm.
• CL is at least 15 mm.
• the extensions 6 comprise three successive portions: an upstream portion 25 located on the side of the female thread and having an upstream outer diameter CD, a downstream portion 24 having a downstream outer diameter ED smaller than the upstream outer diameter CD, an end portion 23 with an outer end diameter BD greater than the upstream diameter CD.
• the retaining ring 14 has an annular inner diameter AD smaller than the end outer diameter CD and greater than the downstream outer diameter ED.
• the extension shoulder 18 has an inside diameter of an extension shoulder IEPD, the extension 6 has on the downstream portion 24 a downstream inside diameter IED.
• the annular inside diameter AD and the downstream outside diameter are such that:
• the retaining ring 14 has an axial length less than the axial length of the downstream portion 24.
• the annular inside diameter AD is close to the upstream outside diameter CD, that is to say that these two diameters are in tight fit or with a clearance, for example a clearance between -0.1mm and + 1mm.
• the retaining ring 14 is placed on the extensions 6, is retained by the end portion 23.
• the assembly of the female end 3 on the male end 2 is possible because the retaining ring does not block the radial movement of the extensions 6 during assembly.
• the retaining ring 14 When the retaining ring 14 is positioned at the level of the upstream portion 25, the retaining ring opposes the radial separation of the extensions 6, thus preventing the unscrewing of the seal thus formed.
• the advantages of this variant are that the retaining ring is integrated into the female end, which facilitates handling on site. Also, since in most cases the tubular components inserted into a casing or catenary string are assembled such that the male end is at the bottom and the female end is at the top, the retaining ring 14 can slide and be held in position by gravity on the upstream portion 25. Finally, it is possible to combine this variant with other fastening means presented in other variants, such as screws, glue. Also, the ring can advantageously be made of steel or an alloy comprising bronze.
• the male end may comprise at least one male sealing surface arranged to cooperate with at least one female sealing surface on the female end to form a metal seal .
• the interaction between the extensions 6 and the locking surface 11 makes it possible to limit the axial movement of the ends relative to each other and make it possible, in synergy with the threads, to limit the possibility of sliding of the surfaces male and female seals relative to each other.
• the invention makes it possible to improve the sealing performance of the joint formed under stresses, particularly in traction, in bending or in torsion.
• This seal according to the invention comprises 36 extensions 6 distributed circumferentially over 360° and does not comprise a retaining ring. Both joints were subjected to a torsion test.
• the seal according to the invention has achieved an improved torsion resistance of 80%, the seal according to the invention without extension allows to provide a torsion resistance representing 16% of torsion resistance of the tube (100% corresponding to the resistance of the tube on which the male end or the female end is made). Simulations have shown that a seal further comprising a retaining ring makes it possible to achieve resistance values of the order of 40 to 50% minimum resistance in torsion of the tube.
• a joint according to the invention can therefore be assembled by screwing a male end into the female end.
• the extensions 6 contact the locking surface 11, the engagement surface 15 radially spreading the ends of the extensions 6 outwards, until the extension shoulders 10 reach a axial position where the extensions 6 return at least partially radially inwards and the extension shoulders are in a position resting on the retaining surface 16 of the locking surface 11.
• the retaining ring 14 is positioned axially at the extensions 6, so as to block an axial separation of the extensions 6.
• the retaining ring is then fixed to the extensions 6, for example by screwing.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Geology (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
• Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
• Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
• Fishing Rods (AREA)
• Earth Drilling (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (3)

Family

ID=82319790

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Family Cites Families (6)

• 2022
  • 2022-02-17 FR FR2201403A patent/FR3132728B1/fr active Active
• 2023
  • 2023-02-13 AR ARP230100323A patent/AR128503A1/es unknown
  • 2023-02-15 EP EP23704992.9A patent/EP4479620B1/de active Active
  • 2023-02-15 US US18/837,350 patent/US20250137329A1/en active Pending
  • 2023-02-15 WO PCT/EP2023/053796 patent/WO2023156479A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2023-02-15 ES ES23704992T patent/ES3034834T3/es active Active

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