Patent Grant
12163383
The invention relates to a threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well.
The threaded connection comprises a pin comprising an outer pin surface provided with an external thread, a box comprising an inner box surface provided with an internal thread for mating with the external thread during rotational make-up of the threaded connection, and
The first anti-rotation member comprises a first ratchet part provided with radially extending first ratchet teeth, and the second anti-rotation member comprises a second ratchet part provided with radially extending second ratchet teeth which engage the first ratchet teeth of the first anti-rotation member at final make-up of the threaded connection.
Spring means are provided which allows radial movement of the first ratchet part in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the threaded connection when first ratchet teeth slide along second ratchet teeth during relative rotation between the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction.
The pin and the box of the threaded connection are generally formed at the end sections of longitudinal tubular members suitable for transporting a medium, such as a liquid of gas. For exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, the end sections of said tubular members are connected with each other to form a string of tubular members to transport said medium. Said tubular member can have at an end section thereof a pin, and at an opposite end section thereof another pin. Alternatively, said tubular member can have at an end section thereof a pin, and at an opposite end section thereof a box. It is also possible that said tubular member is provided with a box at an end section of said tubular member, and with another box at an opposite end section of said tubular member.
This type of anti-rotation device having the first anti-rotation member provided with the first ratchet part, the second anti-rotation member provided with the second ratchet part, and the spring means allow that the anti-rotation device is activated by rotational make-up of the threaded connection until final make-up is reached.
The known threaded connections have the disadvantage that the anti-rotation device is relatively susceptible to damage. Damage may occur when the anti-rotation device is subjected to forces, for example during rotational make-up of the threaded connection and when preventing relative rotation between the pin and the box in the break-out rotation direction.
The invention has the objective to provide an improved, or at least alternative, threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well. Said threaded connection comprises:
By providing a threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, wherein said first ratchet part and said spring part of said first anti-rotation member are integrally formed, a relatively robust anti-rotation device may be provided. As said first ratchet part and said spring part are formed from a single piece of material, a homogeneous anti-rotation member is provided. Such homogeneous anti-rotation member may provide a strong material connection between said first ratchet part and said spring part. Accordingly, said device may be less susceptible to damage, and thus a relatively robust anti-rotation device can be provided.
Differently put; as the first ratchet part and the spring part are formed from a single piece of material, the first anti-rotation member may be free from connection components, e.g. a screw, connecting the first ratchet part with the spring part. The invention is amongst others based on the obtained insight that such connection components may be particularly susceptible to material deformations caused by shear stresses, in particular when the first anti-rotation member is subjected to a relatively large break-out torque in the break-out direction. By omitting the presence of such connection components, damage to these connection components may be prevented.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the spring part has a spring stiffness which is smaller than a first ratchet stiffness of the first ratchet part. The spring part may have a spring part section having a radial spring thickness that is smaller than a radial first ratchet thickness of the first ratchet part.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member comprises a first mounting part to releasably mount the first anti-rotation member in the first radial recess.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first mounting part comprises a first mounting through hole to receive a first mounting member, such as a first screw, which releasably mounts the first anti-rotation member to said one of the pin and box in which the first radial recess is provided.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first ratchet part, the spring part and the first mounting part of the first anti-rotation member are integrally formed.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the spring part has a spring stiffness which is smaller than a first ratchet stiffness of the first ratchet part and/or smaller than a first mounting stiffness of the first mounting part. The spring part may have a spring part section having a radial spring thickness that is smaller than a radial first ratchet thickness of the first ratchet part and/or smaller than a radial first mounting thickness of the first mounting part.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, a first recess contact surface of the pin and the box in which the first radial recess is provided defines a first recess boundary of the first radial recess, the first anti-rotation member comprises a first member contact surface facing the first recess contact surface, and the first mounting part is configured to allow tangential movement in a tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the first anti-rotation member in the first radial recess from a first tangential member position wherein the first member contact surface of the first anti-rotation member is in contact with the first recess contact surface into a second tangential member position wherein the first member contact surface of the first anti-rotation member is located at a first tangential member distance from the first recess contact surface, and vice versa.
This has the advantage that the anti-rotation device may be even less susceptible to damage. As the first mounting part is configured to allow tangential movement (e.g. to allow sliding movement) of the first anti-rotation member from said first tangential member position to said second tangential member position stresses in the material may be directed away from said first mounting part (and a first mounting member, e.g. a screw, provided in said first mounting part) wherein there are relatively few stresses present at said first mounting part. As such, said first mounting part may be substantially free from (shear) stresses. In particular, said anti-rotation device may be configured to allow said first recess contact surface and said first member contact surface to abut while said teeth limit rotation of the pin with respect to the box in the break-out direction. As such, relatively few connection parts (e.g. said first mounting part) may be subjected to stresses under the influence of a break-out torque.
The tangential movement in tangential direction is not restricted to movement only in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis. It may have a certain degree of movement in other directions relative to the longitudinal axis, for example to create a movement partly around the longitudinal axis.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first recess contact surface and the first member contact surface are configured to distribute forces as a result of a break-out torque applied to the pin and the box in the break-out rotation direction mainly through the teeth of the first ratchet part and the second ratchet part.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first recess contact surface and the first member contact surface are configured to direct (e.g. guide) forces from the first ratchet teeth of the first ratchet part towards the second ratchet teeth of the second ratchet part and/or from the second ratchet teeth of the second ratchet part towards the first ratchet teeth of the first ratchet part.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the recess contact surface is faced towards the first ratchet part.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first recess contact surface is faced towards the first ratchet part and the second ratchet part.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second anti-rotation member is configured to push the first anti-rotation member into the second tangential member position when a predetermined make-up torque is applied to the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction, and into the first tangential member position when a predetermined break-out torque is applied to the pin and the box in the break-out rotation direction.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, second ratchet teeth which engage first ratchet teeth push the first anti-rotation member into the second tangential member position when the predetermined make-up torque is applied, and into the first tangential member position when the predetermined break-out torque is applied.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first recess contact surface and the first member contact surface are configured to create a radial counter force acting against radial movement of the first ratchet part in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis when the first anti-rotation member is located in the first tangential member position and a break-out torque is applied to the pin and the box in the break-out rotation direction.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the radial counter force is formed by a friction force between the first recess contact surface and the first member contact surface when the break-out torque is applied to the pin and the box in the break-out rotation direction.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first mounting through hole is in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis larger than a first mounting portion of the first mounting member being surrounded by the first mounting through hole to allow movement of the first anti-rotation member in tangential direction and relative to the first mounting member.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first mounting through hole has an elongate form in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis or a circular form.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first recess contact surface and the first member contact surface are configured to block tangential movement of the first anti-rotation member beyond the first tangential member position when a break-out torque is applied to the pin and the box in the break-out rotation.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first mounting through hole is dimensioned to avoid forces in tangential direction working on the first mounting member by the first anti-rotation member being located in the first tangential member position when a break-out torque is applied to the pin and the box in the break-out rotation.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first tangential member distance allows radial movement of the first ratchet part in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis when first ratchet teeth slide along second ratchet teeth during relative rotation between the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first mounting part comprises a first mounting slide surface surrounding the first mounting through hole and being in contact with a corresponding first recess slide surface provided at the first radial recess to facilitate the tangential movement of the first anti-rotation member from the first tangential member position into the second tangential member position, and vice versa.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the spring part of the first anti-rotation member is in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis located between the first ratchet part and the first mounting part.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first member contact surface of the first anti-rotation member is located at the first ratchet part and the first ratchet teeth are in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis located between the first member contact surface and the spring part.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, a radial first ratchet thickness of the first ratchet part increases in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis from the spring part to the first member contact surface.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member is only mounted to said one of the pin and the box in which the first radial recess is provided via the first mounting part.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member comprises one, and only one, first mounting part. In particular, said first anti-rotation member comprises a single mounting part. Even more in particular, said first anti-rotation member comprises at one end said first mounting part and at a further end, being opposite to said one end, said first ratchet part, wherein said first ratchet part is a free end of said first anti-rotation member. As such, said first ratchet part is free from mounting elements. Accordingly, said first anti-rotation member may be arranged as a cantilever beam.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member comprises one, and only one, spring part. In particular, said spring part starts at said first mounting part and ends at said first ratchet part. As such, said spring part is located (substantially) between said mounting part and said first ratchet part. Even more in particular, said first anti-rotation member comprises said first mounting part at said one end, and said first ratchet part at said further end, wherein said spring part is located (substantially) between said first mounting part and said first ratchet part. As such, a flexible cantilever beam is provided.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second ratchet part of the second anti-rotation member is fixed in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second anti-rotation member is releasably mounted in a second radial recess provided in said other of the outer pin surface of the pin and the inner box surface of the box.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member is arranged in the first radial recess being provided in the outer pin surface of the pin, and the second anti-rotation member is provided at the inner box surface of the box.
This has the advantage that a relatively robust and sustainable threaded connection may be provided. By having the first anti-rotation member located in the pin, the first anti-rotation member may be kept within the outer dimensions of the threaded connection, even when the first anti-rotation member is pushed in a radially outwards direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the threaded connection. In other words; the first anti-rotation member may be arranged wherein radial movement of the first anti-rotation member does not lead to a situation wherein the first anti-rotation member extends radially outwards beyond the outer diameter of the box. Said outer diameter of said threaded connection may be defined by the outer dimensions of said box in radial direction with respect to said longitudinal axis of said box. In addition, the mounting elements for mounting the first anti-rotation member to the pin, also extend within the outer dimensions of the connection. As such, the mounting elements will also not extend radially beyond the outer diameter of the box. Further, the insight was obtained that with said first anti-rotation member being accommodated in said pin, the movable components (e.g. said spring part) are generally less exposed to environmental influences (e.g. to the dirty environment at a bore well).
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second anti-rotation member is releasably mounted in a second radial recess being provided in the inner box surface of the box.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second radial recess comprises a second recess through hole in which the second ratchet part of the second anti-rotation member is located.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second anti-rotation member comprises at least one second mounting part to releasably mount the second anti-rotation member to the box.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the box comprises an outer box surface and the at least one second mounting part is releasably mounted to the box at the outer box surface.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second anti-rotation member comprises two second mounting parts to releasably mount the second anti-rotation member to the box.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the two second mounting parts are located at opposite sides of the second radial recess.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin comprises a pin retainer part, the second anti-rotation member comprises a member retainer part, the member retainer part is in radial direction located closer to the longitudinal axis than the pin retainer part, and the pin retainer part overlaps the member retainer part at least partly in axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis at final make-up of the threaded connection.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin retainer part and the member retainer part are configured to block movement of the second anti-rotation member in radial direction away from the longitudinal axis at final make-up of the threaded connection.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin retaining part comprises a pin retainer surface, the member retaining part comprises a member retainer surface, the member retainer surface is in radial direction located closer to the longitudinal axis than the pin retainer surface, and the pin retainer surface overlaps the member retainer surface at least party in axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis at final make-up of the threaded connection.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin retainer surface and the member retainer surface are configured to contact each other in order to block movement of the second anti-rotation member in radial direction away from the longitudinal axis at final make-up of the threaded connection.
The fact that the pin retainer surface and the member retainer surface overlap each other at least party in axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis does not imply that it is required that the pin retainer surface and/or the member retainer surface extend solely in axial direction. The pin retainer surface and/or the member retainer surface may extend in axial direction and/or may extend under an angle relative to the axial direction.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin retainer surface and the member retainer surface are at least partly facing each other at final make-up of the threaded connection.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin retainer surface is directed towards the longitudinal axis and the member retainer surface is directed away from longitudinal axis.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin retainer surface and the member retainer surface extend substantially in axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the pin retainer surface extends under a pin retainer angle α of between, and including, −12 and 12 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, and the member retainer surface extends under a member retainer angle β of between, and including, −12 and 12 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the member retainer part is provided at a free box end of the box, and the pin retainer part is provided at the outer pin surface.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, a second recess contact surface defines a second recess boundary of the second radial recess, the second anti-rotation member comprises a second member contact surface facing the second recess contact surface, and the second recess contact surface extends under a second recess contact surface angle γ of between, and including, 0 and 45 degrees relative to a first fictive plane extending through the longitudinal axis and intersecting the second recess contact surface, the second member contact surface extends under a second member contact surface angle δ of between, and including, 0 and 45 degrees relative to a second fictive plane extending through the longitudinal axis and intersecting the second member contact surface, and the second recess contact surface and the second member contact surface are configured to contact each other when a predetermined break-out torque is applied to the pin and the box in the break-out rotation direction.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first fictive plane, the second fictive plane, the second recess contact surface, and the second member contact surface extend in axial direction.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second recess contact surface angle γ is larger than 0 degrees and the second member contact surface angle δ is larger than 0 degrees.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second mounting part is configured to allow tangential movement in a tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the second anti-rotation member in the second radial recess from a third tangential member position wherein the second member contact surface of the second anti-rotation member is in contact with the second recess contact surface into a fourth tangential member position wherein the second member contact surface of the second anti-rotation member is located at a second tangential member distance from the second recess contact surface, and vice versa.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member is configured to push the second anti-rotation member into the fourth tangential member position when a predetermined make-up torque is applied to the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction, and into the third tangential member position when a predetermined break-out torque is applied to the pin and the box in the break-out rotation direction.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, first ratchet teeth which engage second ratchet teeth push the second anti-rotation member into the fourth tangential member position when the predetermined make-up torque is applied, and into the third tangential member position when the predetermined break-out torque is applied.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member is arranged in the first radial recess being provided in the inner box surface of the box, and the second anti-rotation member is provided at the outer pin surface of the pin.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second anti-rotation member is releasably mounted in a second radial recess being provided in the outer pin surface of the pin.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first radial recess comprises a first recess through hole in which the first ratchet part of the first anti-rotation member is located.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member comprises at least one first mounting part to releasably mount the first anti-rotation member to the box.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the box comprises an outer box surface and the at least one first mounting part is releasably mounted to the box at the outer box surface.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member comprises two first mounting parts to releasably mount the first anti-rotation member to the box.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the two first mounting parts are located at opposite sides of the first radial recess.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member comprises two spring parts which together allows radial movement of the first ratchet part in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis when first ratchet teeth slide along second ratchet teeth during relative rotation between the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, each spring part is located between the first ratchet part and a different one of the two first mounting parts.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, each spring part has a varying radial spring thickness, such as two radially narrowed sections. In particular, the radial spring thickness of the spring parts may be smaller than a radial first ratchet thickness of the first ratchet part and/or a radial first mounting thickness of the first mounting parts.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the anti-rotation device is configured to be activated by relative rotation between the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction until final make-up of the threaded connection is reached.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first ratchet teeth and the second ratchet teeth extend in opposite radial directions relative to the longitudinal axis when engaging each other at final make-up of the threaded connection.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the first radial recess extends along part of a circumference of said one of the outer pin surface of the pin and the inner box surface of the box.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the second radial recess extends along part of a circumference of said other of the outer pin surface of the pin and the inner box surface of the box.
In an embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention, the radial movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the first ratchet part moves the first ratchet teeth radially relative to the second ratchet teeth.
It will be clear to the skilled person that the threaded connection according to the invention may comprise the features of any combination of the above described embodiments of the threaded connection according to the invention.
The invention further relates to a method of making up a threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, comprising the step of activating the anti-rotation device of the threaded connection according to the invention by relative rotation between the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction until final make-up of the threaded connection is reached.
The invention further relates to an anti-rotation device for a threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, said threaded connection comprising a pin comprising an outer pin surface provided with an external thread, and a box comprising an inner box surface provided with an internal thread for mating with the external thread during rotational make-up of the threaded connection, which pin and the box extend along a longitudinal axis, and wherein:
The invention further relates to an anti-rotation device for a threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, said threaded connection comprising a pin comprising an outer pin surface provided with an external thread, and a box comprising an inner box surface provided with an internal thread for mating with the external thread during rotational make-up of the threaded connection, which pin and the box extend along a longitudinal axis, and wherein:
In an embodiment of the anti-rotation device according to the invention, the pin retainer part and the member retainer part are configured to block movement of the second anti-rotation member in radial direction away from the longitudinal axis at final make-up of the threaded connection.
It will be clear to the skilled person that the anti-rotation device according to the invention may comprise the features relating to the anti-rotation device of any combination of the above described embodiments of the threaded connection according to the invention.
Embodiments of the threaded connection, the anti-rotation device, and the method according to the invention will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:
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The threaded connection 1 is configured for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well. The threaded connection 1 comprises a pin 2 comprising an outer pin surface 3 provided with an external thread 4, a box 5 comprising an inner box surface 6 provided with an internal thread 7 for mating with the external thread 4 during rotational make-up of the threaded connection 1. The pin 2 and the box 5 extend along a longitudinal axis 11. Said longitudinal axis 11 is aligned with the axially extending central axis of the tubular members that comprise the box 5 and the pin 2.
An anti-rotation device 8 is provided to allow relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in a make-up rotation direction 9 and prevent relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in an opposite break-out rotation direction 10. The relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 9 is induced by applying a make-up torque 34 to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 9. The relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 10 (which is prevented by the anti-rotation device 8) is induced by applying a break-out torque 35 to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 10.
The
The anti-rotation device 8 comprises a releasably mounted first anti-rotation member 12 which is arranged in a first radial recess 13 provided in the outer pin surface 3 of the pin 2, and a second anti-rotation member 14 provided at the inner box surface 6 of the box 5. In another embodiment of threaded connection 1 according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member 12 is arranged in a first radial recess 13 provided in the inner box surface 6 of the box 5, and the second anti-rotation member 14 is provided at the outer pin surface 3 of the pin 2.
The anti-rotation device 8 comprises multiple first anti-rotation members 12 and multiple second anti-rotation members 14. The location of the first anti-rotation members 12 and the second anti-rotation members 14 are in the
The first anti-rotation member 12 comprises a first ratchet part 16 provided with radially extending first ratchet teeth 17. The second anti-rotation member 14 comprises a second ratchet part 18 provided with radially extending second ratchet teeth 19 which engage the first ratchet teeth 17 of the first anti-rotation member 12 at final make-up 20 of the threaded connection 1. In particular, the first ratchet teeth 17 and the second ratchet teeth 19 are of the saw-tooth type, wherein the first ratchet teeth 17 and the second ratchet teeth 19 are arranged to allow rotation of the pin 2 with respect to the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 9 and limit rotation of the pin 2 with respect to the box 5 in the break-up rotation direction 10. Even more in particular, the saw-teeth of the first and second ratchet teeth 17, 19 are (slightly) negatively inclined. The first anti-rotation member 12 comprises a spring part 21 which allows radial movement of the first ratchet part 16 in radial direction 23 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 when first ratchet teeth 17 slide along second ratchet teeth 19 during relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 9. The radial movement relative to the longitudinal axis 11 of the first ratchet part 16 moves the first ratchet teeth 17 radially relative to the second ratchet teeth 19.
The first ratchet part 16 and the spring part 21 of the first anti-rotation member 12 are integrally formed. By providing a threaded connection 1 for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, wherein said first ratchet part 16 and said spring part 21 of said first anti-rotation member 12 are integrally formed, a relatively robust anti-rotation device 8 may be provided. As said first ratchet part 16 and said spring part 21 are formed from a single piece of material, a homogeneous anti-rotation member is provided. Such homogeneous anti-rotation member may provide a strong material connection between said first ratchet part 16 and said spring part 21. Accordingly, said device may be less susceptible to damage, and thus a relatively robust anti-rotation device 8 can be provided.
The second ratchet part 18 is longer than the first ratchet part 16. The teeth 19 of the second ratchet part 18 extend over a longer length than the teeth 17 of the first ratchet part 16. In particular, the second ratchet part 18 has more teeth 19 than the first ratchet part 16.
As the first ratchet part 16 and the spring part 21 are formed from a single piece of material, the first anti-rotation member 12 may be free from connection components, e.g. a screw, connecting the first ratchet part 16 with the spring part 21. The invention is amongst others based on the obtained insight that such connection components may be particularly susceptible to material deformations caused by shear stresses, in particular when the first anti-rotation member 12 is subjected to a relatively large break-out torque 35 in the break-out direction. By omitting the presence of such connection components, damage to these connection components may be prevented.
The
The first ratchet part 16 is wedge shaped. In particular, the first ratchet part 16 has a substantially wedge shaped cross section. Said wedge shape has a relatively broad base that forms the first member contact surface 29 and converges towards the spring part 21 of the first anti-rotation member 12. At an outer surface of the first ratchet part 16 the first ratchet teeth 17 are provided. Said first ratchet teeth 17 extend between the first member contact surface 29 and the spring part 21. The first ratchet teeth 17 have a saw-tooth profile.
The first member contact surface 29 is provided adjacent the first ratchet teeth 17. Said first member surface 29 extends under an angle of between 45-80 degrees with respect to a plane defined by said first ratchet teeth 17.
The spring part 21 is located between the first ratchet part 16 and the first mounting part 24. Said spring 21 part is formed as an elongated plate. Said spring part 21 has a relatively small thickness in comparison with the first ratchet part 16 and the first mounting part 24. Accordingly, said spring part 21 has a lower stiffness than the first ratchet part 16 and the first mounting part 24.
The first mounting part 24 is located further away from the first ratchet part 16 than the spring part 21. Said first mounting part 24 comprises an elongated first mounting through hole 25 and has a radial first mounting thickness 52 that is greater than a radial first spring thickness 51 of the spring part 21. As such, said first mounting part 24 has a relatively high stiffness in comparison with the spring part 21.
A first recess contact surface 27 of the pin 2 defines a first recess boundary 28 of the first radial recess 13. The first anti-rotation member 12 comprises a first member contact surface 29 facing the first recess contact surface 27. The first mounting part 24 is configured to allow tangential movement in a tangential direction 15 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 of the first anti-rotation member 12 in the first radial recess 13 from a first tangential member position 31 wherein the first member contact surface 29 of the first anti-rotation member 12 is in contact with the first recess contact surface 27 into a second tangential member position 32 wherein the first member contact surface 29 of the first anti-rotation member 12 is located at a first tangential member distance 33 from the first recess contact surface 27, and vice versa. This is also shown in the
This has the advantage that the anti-rotation device 8 may be even less susceptible to damage. As the first mounting part 24 is configured to allow tangential movement (e.g. to allow sliding movement) of the first anti-rotation member 12 from said first tangential member position 31 to said second tangential member position 32, and said first recess contact surface 27 and said first member contact surface 29 direct forces as a result of a break-out torque 35 applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 10 mainly through the teeth of the first ratchet part 16 and the second ratchet part 18, stresses in the material may be directed away from said first mounting part 24 (and a first mounting member 26, e.g. a screw, provided in said first mounting part 24) wherein there are relatively few stresses present at said first mounting part 24. As such, said first mounting part 24 may be substantially free from (shear) stresses. In particular, said anti-rotation device 8 may be configured to allow said first recess contact surface 27 and said first member contact surface 29 to abut while said teeth limit rotation of the pin 2 with respect to the box 5 in the break-out direction. As such, relatively few connection parts (e.g. said first mounting part 24) may be subjected to stresses under the influence of a break-out torque 35.
The tangential movement in tangential direction 15 does not need to be restricted to movement only in tangential direction 15 relative to the longitudinal axis 11. It may have a certain degree of movement in other directions relative to the longitudinal axis 11, for example to create a movement partly around the longitudinal axis 11.
The first recess contact surface 27 and the first member contact surface 29 are configured to distribute forces as a result of a break-out torque 35 applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 10 mainly through the teeth of the first ratchet part 16 and the second ratchet part 18.
The second anti-rotation member 14 is configured to push the first anti-rotation member 12 into the second tangential member position 32 when a predetermined make-up torque 34 is applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 9, and into the first tangential member position 31 when a predetermined break-out torque 35 is applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 10. Second ratchet teeth 19 which engage first ratchet teeth 17 push the first anti-rotation member 12 into the second tangential member position 32 when the predetermined make-up torque 34 is applied, and into the first tangential member position 31 when the predetermined break-out torque 35 is applied.
The first recess contact surface 27 and the first member contact surface 29 are configured to create a radial counter force 36 acting against radial movement of the first ratchet part 16 in radial direction 23 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 when the first anti-rotation member 12 is located in the first tangential member position 31 and a break-out torque 35 is applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 10. The radial counter force 36 is formed by a friction force between the first recess contact surface 27 and the first member contact surface 29 when the break-out torque 35 is applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 10. See amongst others
The first mounting through hole 25 is in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis 11 larger than a first mounting portion 38 of the first mounting member 26 being surrounded by the first mounting through hole 25 to allow movement of the first anti-rotation member 12 in tangential direction and relative to the first mounting member 26. The first mounting through hole 25 has an elongate form 39 in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis 11. In another embodiment of the threaded connection 1 according to the invention the first mounting through hole 25 has a circular form.
The first recess contact surface 27 and the first member contact surface 29 are configured to block tangential movement of the first anti-rotation member 12 beyond the first tangential member position 31 when a break-out torque 35 is applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation.
The first mounting through hole 25 is dimensioned to avoid forces in tangential direction working on the first mounting member 26 by the first anti-rotation member 12 being located in the first tangential member position 31 when a break-out torque 35 is applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation. This is amongst others shown in
The first tangential member distance 33 allows radial movement of the first ratchet part 16 in radial direction 23 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 when first ratchet teeth 17 slide along second ratchet teeth 19 during relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 9.
The first mounting part 24 comprises a first mounting slide surface 40 surrounding the first mounting through hole 25 and being in contact with a corresponding first recess slide surface 41 provided at the first radial recess 13 to facilitate the tangential movement of the first anti-rotation member 12 from the first tangential member position 31 into the second tangential member position, and vice versa. In particular, the first recess slide surface 41 is larger, in tangential direction 15, than the first mounting slide surface 40.
The spring part 21 of the first anti-rotation member 12 is in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis 11 located between the first ratchet part 16 and the first mounting part 24. The first member contact surface 29 of the first anti-rotation member 12 is located at the first ratchet part 16 and the first ratchet teeth 17 are in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis 11 located between the first member contact surface 29 and the spring part 21.
A radial first ratchet thickness 42 of the first ratchet part 16 increases in tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis 11 from the spring part 21 to the first member contact surface 29. This way, the first member contact surface 29 is increased to reduce the pressure (and therefore reduce the stresses) at the first member contact surface 29.
The first anti-rotation member 12 is only mounted to said one of the pin 2 and the box 5 in which the first radial recess 13 is provided via the first mounting part 24. The first anti-rotation member 12 comprises one, and only one, first mounting part 24. The first anti-rotation member 12 comprises one, and only one, spring part 21.
As shown in
The
The second radial recess 43 extends along part of a box 5 circumference 48 of the inner box surface 6 of the box 5.
The second ratchet part 18 of the second anti-rotation member 14 is fixed in radial direction 23 relative to the longitudinal axis 11. The second ratchet part 18 of the second anti-rotation member 14 may have some flexibility in radial direction 23 relative to the longitudinal axis 11, but should be more rigid than the first ratchet part 16. In another embodiment of the threaded connection 1 according to the invention, the second ratchet part 18 of the second anti-rotation member 14 may be more flexible in radial direction 23 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 and as rigid as (or even less rigid than) the first ratchet part 16.
The second radial recess 43 comprises a second recess through hole 46 in which the second ratchet part 18 of the second anti-rotation member 14 is located. The second anti-rotation member 14 comprises two second mounting parts 44 to releasably mount the second anti-rotation member 14 to the box 5. The two second mounting parts 44 are located at opposite sides of the second radial recess 43. The box 5 comprises an outer box surface 45 and the two second mounting parts 44 are releasably mounted to the box 5 at the outer box surface 45. In another embodiment of the threaded connection 1 according to the invention, the second anti-rotation member 14 comprises one, and only one, second mounting part 44 to releasably mount the second anti-rotation member 14 to the box 5.
This has the advantage that a relatively robust threaded connection 1 may be provided while the outer diameter thereof is kept relatively small. Said outer diameter of said threaded connection 1 may be defined by the outer dimensions of said box 5 in radial direction 23 with respect to said longitudinal axis 11 of said box 5. The first anti-rotation member 12 generally requires more space than the second anti-rotation member 14, in particular when said anti-rotation member is movable in tangential direction. By providing said first anti-rotation member 12 in said pin 2 and said second anti-rotation member 14 in said box 5, a relatively robust anti-rotation device 8 may be formed that is suitable to withstand operational torques while still maintaining a relatively small outer diameter. In addition, the insight was obtained that with said first anti-rotation member 12 being accommodated in said pin 2, the movable components (e.g. said spring part 21) are generally less exposed to environmental influences (e.g. to the dirty environment at a bore well).
In another embodiment of the threaded connection 1 according to the invention, the first anti-rotation member 12 arranged in the first radial recess 13 provided in the box 5 and the second anti-rotation member 14 arranged in the second radial recess 43 provided in the pin 2.
As shown in
The
The first recess contact surface 27 and the first member contact surface 29 are configured to direct forces from the first ratchet teeth 17 of the first ratchet part 16 towards the second ratchet teeth 19 of the second ratchet part 18 and/or from the second ratchet teeth 19 of the second ratchet part 18 towards the first ratchet teeth 17 of the first ratchet part 16. Said recess contact surface is faced towards the first ratchet part and the second ratchet part.
In particular, forces as a result of break-out torque 35 are mainly directed via the first recess contact surface 27 of the pin 2, the first member contact surface 29 of the first ratchet part 16, the first ratchet teeth 17 of the first ratchet part 16, the second ratchet teeth 19 of the second ratchet part 18, the second anti-rotation member 14, and second member support surfaces 22 of the box 5.
An alternative embodiment of the threaded connection according to the invention is shown in the
The
The first radial recess 13 comprises a first recess through hole 30 in which the first ratchet part 16 of the first anti-rotation member 12 is located. The first anti-rotation member 12 comprises two first mounting parts 24 to releasably mount the first anti-rotation member 12 to the box 5. The two first mounting parts 24 are releasably mounted to the box 5 at the outer box surface 45. The two first mounting parts 24 are located at opposite sides of the first radial recess 13.
The first anti-rotation member 12 comprises two spring parts 21 which together allows radial movement of the first ratchet part 16 in radial direction 23 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 when first ratchet teeth 17 slide along second ratchet teeth 19 during relative rotation between the pin 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 9. Each spring part 21 is located between the first ratchet part 16 and a different one of the two first mounting parts 24. The spring parts 21 have a varying radial spring thickness 51. In particular, each of the spring parts 21 has two radially narrowed sections.
The first ratchet part 16, the two spring parts 21 and the two first mounting parts 24 of the first anti-rotation member 12 are integrally formed.
The pin 2 and first anti-rotation member 12 of the further embodiment of the threaded connection 1 of
The first anti-rotation member 12 is arranged in the first radial recess 13 being provided in the outer pin surface 3 of the pin 2, and the second anti-rotation member 14 is provided at the inner box surface 6 of the box 5.
The second anti-rotation member 14 is releasably mounted in a second radial recess 43 being provided in the inner box surface 6 of the box 5. In other examples of the threaded connection 1 according to the invention, the box 5 and the second anti-rotation member 14 are integrally formed.
The second radial recess 43 comprises a second recess through hole 46 in which the second ratchet part 18 of the second anti-rotation member 14 is located.
The second anti-rotation member 14 comprises at least one second mounting part 44 to releasably mount the second anti-rotation member 14 to the box 5. The box 5 comprises an outer box surface 45 and the at least one second mounting part 44 is releasably mounted to the box 5 at the outer box surface 45.
The
As amongst others shown in the
The pin retainer part 60 and the member retainer part 61 are configured to block movement of the second anti-rotation member 14 in radial direction 23 away from the longitudinal axis 11 at final make-up 20 of the threaded connection 1.
The pin retaining part 60 comprises a pin retainer surface 62. The member retaining part 61 comprises a member retainer surface 63. The member retainer surface 63 is in radial direction 23 located closer to the longitudinal axis 11 than the pin retainer surface 62. The pin retainer surface 62 overlaps the member retainer surface 63 at least party in axial direction 73 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 at final make-up 20 of the threaded connection 1.
The pin retainer surface 62 and the member retainer surface 63 are configured to contact each other in order to block movement of the second anti-rotation member 14 in radial direction 23 away from the longitudinal axis 11 at final make-up 20 of the threaded connection 1.
The fact that the pin retainer surface 62 and the member retainer surface 63 overlap each other at least party in axial direction 73 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 does not imply that it is required that the pin retainer surface 62 and/or the member retainer surface 63 extend solely in axial direction 73. The pin retainer surface 62 and/or the member retainer surface 63 may extend in axial direction 73 and/or may extend under an angle relative to the axial direction 73.
The pin retainer surface 62 and the member retainer surface 63 are at least partly facing each other at final make-up 20 of the threaded connection 1. The pin retainer surface 62 is directed towards the longitudinal axis 11 and the member retainer surface 63 is directed away from longitudinal axis 11.
The pin retainer surface 62 extends under a pin retainer angle α of between, and including,
In
In
The member retainer part 61 is provided at a free box end 64 of the box 5, and the pin retainer part 60 is provided at the outer pin surface 3.
As shown amongst others in the
In the embodiment of the threaded connection 1 shown in the
The second mounting part 44 is configured to allow tangential movement in a tangential direction 15 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 of the second anti-rotation member 14 in the second radial recess 43 from a third tangential member position 70 wherein the second member contact surface 67 of the second anti-rotation member 14 is in contact with the second recess contact surface 65 (see
The first anti-rotation member 12 is configured to push the second anti-rotation member 14 into the fourth tangential member position 71 when a predetermined make-up torque 34 is applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the make-up rotation direction 9, and into the third tangential member position 70 when a predetermined break-out torque 35 is applied to the pin 2 and the box 5 in the break-out rotation direction 10.
More specifically, the first ratchet teeth 17 of the first anti-rotation member 12 engage the second ratchet teeth 18 of the second anti-rotation member 14 to push the second anti-rotation member 14 into the fourth tangential member position 71 when the predetermined make-up torque 34 is applied, and into the third tangential member position 70 when the predetermined break-out torque 35 is applied.
The invention may further relate to a threaded connection, anti-rotation device and method according to any one of the following clauses.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the figures; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The terms multiple and plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the shown threaded connection, anti-rotation device, and method according to the invention without departing from the scope as defined in the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028072 | Apr 2021 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/060548 | 4/21/2022 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2022/228991 | 11/3/2022 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9708865 | Steen | Jul 2017 | B2 |
| 10132124 | Gallagher | Nov 2018 | B2 |
| 10597950 | McGowan | Mar 2020 | B2 |
| 10612319 | Nelson | Apr 2020 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20240200411 A1 | Jun 2024 | US |
