CA2442357C - Threaded connection - Google Patents
Threaded connection Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2442357C CA2442357C CA2442357A CA2442357A CA2442357C CA 2442357 C CA2442357 C CA 2442357C CA 2442357 A CA2442357 A CA 2442357A CA 2442357 A CA2442357 A CA 2442357A CA 2442357 C CA2442357 C CA 2442357C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- box
- connector
- pin
- axially
- metal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
- E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
- E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
- E21B43/106—Couplings or joints therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
- E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
- E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
Abstract
A threaded connection (10) for tubular members comprising a box connector (12,14) having axially spaced threaded sections (20,22) and a thread-free section (24) therebetween, the threaded sections of the box connector defining a two-step thread, a pin connector (16,18) having axially spaced threaded sections (26,28) and a thread-free section therebetween, the threads in the box connector mating with the threads on the pin connector, there being at least one annular relief (34,36) in the thread-free portion of at least one of the pin connector and the box connector, an axially facing pin torque shoulder (32) being formed on the box connector, a metal-to-metal seal (24,30) being formed between the thread-free sections of the pin and box connectors when the pin torqueshoulder and the box torque shoulder are engaged, the annularrelief being adjacent the metal-to-metal seal.
Description
TI-IREADED CONNECTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
F1ELD OF TI-iE INVENTION
The prescnt invcntion relates to thrcaded connections for tisc in connccting tubular members and, more partieularly, tllreacled connections used in casingstrin,.,s ancl other pipe strings that can be expanded radially to an increased intei-nal clianicter.
DESCRIPTION OF T[-IE PRIOR ART
In U.S. Patent No. 5,348,095, there is disclosed an apparatus ancl nletilo(1 for radially expanding well casing after the casing string has been lowered into a well bore.
Expansion of the casing string is aceonlplislled by nloving an oversizecl forging tool, or "pig," through the string. The teclmique pet-mits subsequent strings of casin~
to be lowered tllrougll the previously enlarged casing string sections and tllcrcatler sinlilarly expanded. The result is a well cased by a series of linked sections of casing having substantially the same internal diameters.
Conventional casing strings are made up of a series of indiviclual pipe joints secured togethcr at their ends by tlueaded connections. Typically, a joint of casing is approximately 40 feet in length and has a tlireaded male, or pin, connectlon at one cnd and a tllrcaded femalc, or box, conilection at the other end. IIowevcr, tlle joint nlay have a pin at eacll end, suCCesslve joints being made up by means of a coupling that blls a box at each end to i-eceive the pins on the adjacent joints of coupling. In tl-ie other case, the box connection is integrally fornled at one end of the casing joint. Tllcse integral box connections can be of a larger OD than the OD of the pipe bocly, or they crtn llave an OD
the same size as the OD of the pipe body, the latter case being referred to as a"flusll joint connectloll."
Obviously, onc of the problenls in expanding casing sti-ings is to cnsurc that the threaded connections retain their integrity after the expansion process. Mure pNirticu larly, in nlany cases, it is desired tllat tlle casing string be expandecl by uh to 25"/o and still lllalntaln a gas-tigllt seal at the tllreaded connections. While this can be accomplished with various thread designs, the use ofresilient O-rings or otller resilicnt scal rings, it is clearly desirable if a metal-to-metal gas-tight seal can be maintained after the expansion process.
Over and above expandable casing strings, there still remains a need for conventional casing strings that will maintain a metal-to-metal gas-tight seal, event under high bending loads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a threaded connection for tubular members, such as casing strings.
Further, the present invention seeks to provide a threaded connection that concentrates the metal-to-metal sealing between the pin and box connectors at a point of enhanced radial wall thickness.
Still further, the present invention seeks to provide a threaded connection having a gas-tight seal in which the threads can be run out or extend substantially to the axially outermost end of the pin connector and the axially innermost end of the box connector.
Further still, the present invention seeks to provide a threaded connection for tubular members having a gas-tight seal that is maintained upon radially expanding the tubular members by up to 130% of its original diameter.
The above and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings, the description given herein, and the appended claims.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a threaded connection for tubular members that includes a box connector and a pin connector. The box connector has an axially inner, internally threaded section;
an axially outer, internally threaded section; and a thread-free section between the inner and outer internally threaded sections. The axially inner and axially outer threaded sections in the box connector form a two-step thread; i.e., a step is formed between the inner internally threaded section and the outer internally threaded section. The pin connector has an axially inner, externally threaded section; an axially outer, externally threaded section; and a thread-free section between the inner and outer externally threaded sections. The threaded sections on the pin connector are also stepped and mate with the threaded sections on the box connector. The mating threads of the pin and box connectors can be ofvirtually any fornl. The threaded connection ftirther includes at least ollc,u1nular relief in the tllread-free section of at least one of the pin and box connectors. An axi ally facing, annularly extending pin torque shoulder is forrned on the pin connector, wlli le nn axially facing, annularly extending box torque slloulder is fornlecl in the hox c.+iinector. i~
nletal-to-metal seal is fornled between the tlu=ead-free portions of the box ct~iiiicctor and the pin connector wllcn the pin torque shoulder and the box torque shouldcr ni-c cngagcd, the annular relief being adjacent and on either side of the metal-to-metal BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a quartcr, cross-sectional vicw of one cmbodinlc-1t of tlic tlu-ca(Ic(1 connection of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a quarter, cross-sectional view of another enlbodimcnt of tlw t1ircade(1 connection of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a center torquc Sl;oUlder, two axially spaced inetal-to-nlctal seals, and two axially spaced, annularly cxtcn(lini, reliefs fornied by rcgistering grooves;
Fig. 4 is an elllarged cross-sectional view sllowing a center torqUC
,lioul(1Cr, one inetal-to-nletal seal, and one annularly extending relief formed by registci-ill" grooves;
Fig. 5 is ail enlarged cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 3, but sho"Wing thc annular groove as being substantially rectangular in transversc cross-scc.tion;
Fig. 6 is a view sinlilar to'Fig. 3, but sllowing only one nlctal-to-mctal seal;
Fig. 7 is a quarter, cross-sectional view of allotller e111liodllllellt ot tlle tllrca(le(I
connection of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 6 but slnawing the usc of deep annular gi-ooves;
Fig. 9 is a quartcr, cross-sectional view of another enlvodllllellt (iI tllc t1lrea(IC(1 coiuiectioil of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a quarter, cross-sectional view of anotller enlbodiment (} f tlie threa(le(1 conncction of tlle present invention;
Fig. I 1 is a quarter, cross-sectional view of anotlter einboclinleiit (jl'tlie tllreade(1 connection of the presetlt invention; and Fig. 12 is a yuarter, cross-sectional view of another embodimeilt of the threaded connection of the present invention.
DrSCRIPTION OF TIIF PREFERRED BMBODIMLN'l'S
Wit11 refercncc tit-st to Fig. 1, a tllreaded connection of tllc prescnt invcntion, shown generally as 10, includes a coupling 11 forming a first box connector 12 alltl a second box connector 14 in which are received threaded pin connectors 16 and 18, respectively. As seen, pin connectors 16, 18 are formed on end portions 17a, 19a of tubular members 17, 19, respectively, end portions 17a, 19a having increascd Nvall tllickness relative to the wall tllickness of tubular members 17, 19, respectively. For purposes ofbrevity, only the connectionbetween box conncctor 12 and pin conllcctor 16 will be dcscribcd, it hCillg u11C1c1'stood that plil collnector 18 and box coililCctor 14 arc structurally the sanle as pin connector 16 and box connector 12, respectively.
Box connector 12 inclucles an axially inner, intenlally tllrcaded section 20; an axially outrr, intenlally tllreaded section 22; and a thread-free section 24 betwcen the axially Inller and axially outer ttlreaded sectiotls 20 and 22, respectively. Threaclecl sections 20 and 22 fonn a two-step tllread, as is well IUlown in the art. Pin connector 16 has arl axially II1nC1', externally thrcadcd section 26; an axially outer, externally threaded sectiun 28; ancl a tllread-fi=ee section 30 thcrebetween. Tlireaded sections 20 and 22 in box colulector 10 are coniplenlentary or Illating to tllreaded sections 28 and 26, respcctivcly, on pin conncctor 16. As clescribccl nlore fiilly llereinaftcr, torque slloulelcrs on Ilin conllcctor 16 and box collllector 10 are cllgaged as shown at 32, tllere being allllllllar rciic.ts 34 and 36 disposed on opposite axial sides of the engaged torque shoulders. Furtl;cr, its will be described more fully hereinafter, there is at least one metal-to-metal seal ftrrlllccl behveen the tllread-free sections of box connector 10 and pin connector 16, respct:tivcly, With reference now to Fig. 2, there is shown an integral thrcadeLl c.onncction comprised of a box connector 42 fonned on an upset end of a pipe sectioll 44 and a pln connector 46 fot-nlcd as an upset end of a pipe section 48. Box connccior 42 and lllll eonnector 46 are in otller respect identical to box connector 12 and pin ctllu-ectur 16, described above with respect to Fig. 1.
Witll reference now to Fig. 7, tllere is sllown an integral thrcadcci cunnection 50 coinprising a box conncctor 52 and a pin connector 54, box connector 52 and pin connector 54 being fol-med on the ends of pipe sections 56 and 59, respectively.
Threaded conncction 50 is commonly refe>.Ted to as a flush connection iu tllat the OD of the box and pin connectors 52, 54 is the same as the OD of the pipe scctions 56, 58, respectively. Fngagcmcnt betwecn box conncctor 52 alid plil coilnectol 54 is cssclltlallly as that describcd above witll respect to tlu=eaded connection 10, sllowtl 111 1~ ig. 1, and as will be more ftllly described llereinafter.
Witll reference now to Fig. 11, there is shown anotller thrcaldeel colinection in accordance witll tlle present invention. Connection 60, shown in Fig. 1 1, is sinlilar to the threadcd connection 10 in that it is a coupled connection. IIowevcr, it cliffers from eoupled tlu=eadeil connection 10 prinlarily in that pin conneetors 64 lulcl 66 received in coupling 60 arc fornled by upsetting tlle ends of tubular conncctul's 68 and 70, respectively. However, the tllreaded engagement between couplillg 62 and pin connectors 64 and 66 is essentially the same as that described with respect to threaded connection 10.
Witll reference now to Fig. 12, there is shown a threaded collncetion 70 that is sinlilar to threaded connection 40, shown in Fig. 2; i.e., connection 70 is IIn llltegrall Jolllt connection and comprises a box connector 72 and a pin connector 74, box connector 72 being formed by upsetting the end of a tubular member or pipe section 76, pin coilnector 74 being fonned on an upset end portion of tubular member or pipe scction 78.
In all other respects, the tllreaded engagement between box connector 72 and pin connector 74 is essentially the sanlc as that described above witli respect to thrcadcc.l conncction 40, sllown in Fig. 2.
With reference now to Fig. 3, there is shown in greater,detail substantially that portion of threaded connection 10 circumscribed by circle A in Fig. 1, it being understood that the detail shown in Fig. 3 would be applicable to the threaded connections 40, 50, 60, and 70, sllowll in Figs. 2, 7, 11, ancl 12, respcctively. As previously notcd, box connector, 12 fornied in coupling 11 has a thrr.ac.l-frcc portion 24 that extcnds fi-om axially outer, intcrnally tlu=eaded scction 22 to axially inner, Illtcrllalllv threadcd scction 20, wllllc pin collllcctor 16 has a thrcald-free section 30 Cxtelldlili, fronl axially inner, externally threaded section 26 to axially outer, elternally thrcadccl section 28. Box conncctor 12 has a torque slloulder 32a, wllllc plll collllector 16 ll'als a torquc slloulder 32b, botll ofwhicll, in the elllbodllllellt shoWll in Fig. 3, arc gcllerillly annular frustoconical parallel shoulders, tlie slloulders having pressure interCtt and deGning dovetails in axial, radial planes. The dovetail angularity may advantageously be positive as measured from a plane or planes normal to the axis of the tlu-eaded connection 10, the shoulders 32a and 32b thereby serving to block radial and axial separation oI
tlle box and pin connectors 12 and 16, respectively. Box connector 11 has a[i=ustoconical thread-ti-cc surface 24a that is in metal-to-metal sealing engagement, as at 24, witli the frustoconical surface 24b foniied on pin connector 16 wlien torque shoulders 32a and 32b are engaged.
A second nietal-to-metal seal 30 is formed between frustoconical surfaces 30a in box connector 11 and frustoconical surface 30b on pin connector 16 wlien torque shoulders 32a and 32b are engaged. There is a first annular relief 34 formed by registering grooves 34a and 34b in box connector 11 and pin connector 16, respectively. Tlicre is also a second annularrelief36 formed by annulargrooves 36a and 36b formed in box connector 11 and on pin connector 16, respectively. Reliefs 34 and 36 scrve the dual pul-I)ose of being a reservoir for excess tliread dope, which could build up and tend to separate metal-to-metal seals 24 and 30 and, in addition, impart flexibility to the thrcaded connection during any expansion process or when the threaded connection is subjectcd to hi(Ih bending loads.
Wit11 reference now to Fig. 6, there is shown a variation of the conl`iguration sliown in Fig. 3 in that wliile torque shoulders 32a and 32b in Fig. 3 are clovetaile(l with a positive angulai-ity, torque slloulders 32c and 32d fo27ned in box connector 1 I and I)in connector 16, respectively, are substantially perpendicular to the axis of threadcd conncctlon 10.
With reference now to Fig. 4, there is shown another embodinlent of the present invention that employs only a single metal-to-metal seal and a single annular relief. . Box connector I la lias an axially inner, internally threaded section 20a, rui axially outer, internally threaded section 22a, and a thread-free section between tlireadcd scctions 20a and 22a. As wit11 the tlireaded connection described with reference to li ig.
3, there is a dovetail torque shoulder 32c fol7ned in box connector 11 a and a dovetail torque shoulder 32f formed on pin connector 16a. [3ox connector 1 l a[las a II'ustoconic-,ll Slll'IaCc '-'-le tllzlt engages a frustoconical surlace 24d on pin connector 16a in metill-tll-nll:t.i( sealin.-relationship and torque slloulders 32e and 32f are in engagcment. An aiinular relic:t' is formed by registering annular grooves 34c and 34d in box and pin connectors I
1a and 16a, respectively. It will be appreciated that while the metal-to-metal sealing shown in the enlbodiment of Fig. 4 is axially outward of box connector I 1 a and axially inward o f pin connector 16a, sucll metal-to-metal sealing could be accomplished as well by being axially inward ofbox conncctoi-11 a atld axially outwat=cl of pin connector 16a. As witli the enlbodinlents dcscribccl above, registering annular grooves 34c and 34c1 provide annular rcliefs scrving the dual purpose of providing a reserVolr tOr threall dope that co>.ild act to separate the llletal-to-nletal sealing engagement betwccn sw=faces 24c and 24d wllen the conncetion is made tip, as well as providing flexibility of thc threadccl connection during the expansion process or when the tllreadecl connection is subjectcd to lateral loading.
With refcrcnce now to Fig. 5, there is shown yet anotllet- enlbodinlent of the present invcntion whercin the annular relicf, ratller than being generally cil-cular whcn viewed in transversc cross-section, is rectangular when viewed in transverse cross-section. Box connector 11 d is provided witli an axially inner tht-caded section 20b, an axially outer tllreadcd section 22b, and a thread-free section tllerebetwcen.
Pin connector 16b has an axially inner threaded section 26b, an axially outer threaded section 28b, anCl a thread-fi=ee section tllerebetween. Box connector 11b 11as a frustoconical surfatce 24e that is in nletal-to-metal sealing engagement witli a nlating frustoconical surface 241'un pin connector 16b when tot-que slloulders 32g and 32h on box connectors 1 1 b atld pin connectors 16b, respectively, are engaged. In like manner, a second nletal-to-metal seal is fonned between frustoconical surfaces 30c in box connector 1lb and 30c1 on pin connector 16b. Box connector 11b has a generally rectangular, atllllllarly cxtelldlilg groove 80 that is in register with an annularly extending rectangular groove 82 on pin coiulector 16b, fornling an annular relief when torque slloulders 32g and 32h al-e engaged. Box collnector 1 lb fUrtherllas a secolld alltllllarly extelldlllg rcctanglllar groove 84 that is in register with an annularly extending rectangular groove 86 on pin connector 16b, fonllillg a second alltlular relief wllen torque shoulders 32g ancl 3211 are engagecl.
It is to be notecl that the depth of the rectangular grooves 80-56 is varicel such that the depth of the groovc varics directly witli the wall thlcktless of the collllector Itl which it is fonlled. Thus, groove 80 is sllallower t11an groove 82, and groove 86 is shallower than groove 84. Oncc again, the grooves serve as thread dopc t=cscrvoirs anci proviclc thc connection witli added flexibility, as described above.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
F1ELD OF TI-iE INVENTION
The prescnt invcntion relates to thrcaded connections for tisc in connccting tubular members and, more partieularly, tllreacled connections used in casingstrin,.,s ancl other pipe strings that can be expanded radially to an increased intei-nal clianicter.
DESCRIPTION OF T[-IE PRIOR ART
In U.S. Patent No. 5,348,095, there is disclosed an apparatus ancl nletilo(1 for radially expanding well casing after the casing string has been lowered into a well bore.
Expansion of the casing string is aceonlplislled by nloving an oversizecl forging tool, or "pig," through the string. The teclmique pet-mits subsequent strings of casin~
to be lowered tllrougll the previously enlarged casing string sections and tllcrcatler sinlilarly expanded. The result is a well cased by a series of linked sections of casing having substantially the same internal diameters.
Conventional casing strings are made up of a series of indiviclual pipe joints secured togethcr at their ends by tlueaded connections. Typically, a joint of casing is approximately 40 feet in length and has a tlireaded male, or pin, connectlon at one cnd and a tllrcaded femalc, or box, conilection at the other end. IIowevcr, tlle joint nlay have a pin at eacll end, suCCesslve joints being made up by means of a coupling that blls a box at each end to i-eceive the pins on the adjacent joints of coupling. In tl-ie other case, the box connection is integrally fornled at one end of the casing joint. Tllcse integral box connections can be of a larger OD than the OD of the pipe bocly, or they crtn llave an OD
the same size as the OD of the pipe body, the latter case being referred to as a"flusll joint connectloll."
Obviously, onc of the problenls in expanding casing sti-ings is to cnsurc that the threaded connections retain their integrity after the expansion process. Mure pNirticu larly, in nlany cases, it is desired tllat tlle casing string be expandecl by uh to 25"/o and still lllalntaln a gas-tigllt seal at the tllreaded connections. While this can be accomplished with various thread designs, the use ofresilient O-rings or otller resilicnt scal rings, it is clearly desirable if a metal-to-metal gas-tight seal can be maintained after the expansion process.
Over and above expandable casing strings, there still remains a need for conventional casing strings that will maintain a metal-to-metal gas-tight seal, event under high bending loads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a threaded connection for tubular members, such as casing strings.
Further, the present invention seeks to provide a threaded connection that concentrates the metal-to-metal sealing between the pin and box connectors at a point of enhanced radial wall thickness.
Still further, the present invention seeks to provide a threaded connection having a gas-tight seal in which the threads can be run out or extend substantially to the axially outermost end of the pin connector and the axially innermost end of the box connector.
Further still, the present invention seeks to provide a threaded connection for tubular members having a gas-tight seal that is maintained upon radially expanding the tubular members by up to 130% of its original diameter.
The above and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings, the description given herein, and the appended claims.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a threaded connection for tubular members that includes a box connector and a pin connector. The box connector has an axially inner, internally threaded section;
an axially outer, internally threaded section; and a thread-free section between the inner and outer internally threaded sections. The axially inner and axially outer threaded sections in the box connector form a two-step thread; i.e., a step is formed between the inner internally threaded section and the outer internally threaded section. The pin connector has an axially inner, externally threaded section; an axially outer, externally threaded section; and a thread-free section between the inner and outer externally threaded sections. The threaded sections on the pin connector are also stepped and mate with the threaded sections on the box connector. The mating threads of the pin and box connectors can be ofvirtually any fornl. The threaded connection ftirther includes at least ollc,u1nular relief in the tllread-free section of at least one of the pin and box connectors. An axi ally facing, annularly extending pin torque shoulder is forrned on the pin connector, wlli le nn axially facing, annularly extending box torque slloulder is fornlecl in the hox c.+iinector. i~
nletal-to-metal seal is fornled between the tlu=ead-free portions of the box ct~iiiicctor and the pin connector wllcn the pin torque shoulder and the box torque shouldcr ni-c cngagcd, the annular relief being adjacent and on either side of the metal-to-metal BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a quartcr, cross-sectional vicw of one cmbodinlc-1t of tlic tlu-ca(Ic(1 connection of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a quarter, cross-sectional view of another enlbodimcnt of tlw t1ircade(1 connection of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a center torquc Sl;oUlder, two axially spaced inetal-to-nlctal seals, and two axially spaced, annularly cxtcn(lini, reliefs fornied by rcgistering grooves;
Fig. 4 is an elllarged cross-sectional view sllowing a center torqUC
,lioul(1Cr, one inetal-to-nletal seal, and one annularly extending relief formed by registci-ill" grooves;
Fig. 5 is ail enlarged cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 3, but sho"Wing thc annular groove as being substantially rectangular in transversc cross-scc.tion;
Fig. 6 is a view sinlilar to'Fig. 3, but sllowing only one nlctal-to-mctal seal;
Fig. 7 is a quarter, cross-sectional view of allotller e111liodllllellt ot tlle tllrca(le(I
connection of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 6 but slnawing the usc of deep annular gi-ooves;
Fig. 9 is a quartcr, cross-sectional view of another enlvodllllellt (iI tllc t1lrea(IC(1 coiuiectioil of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a quarter, cross-sectional view of anotller enlbodiment (} f tlie threa(le(1 conncction of tlle present invention;
Fig. I 1 is a quarter, cross-sectional view of anotlter einboclinleiit (jl'tlie tllreade(1 connection of the presetlt invention; and Fig. 12 is a yuarter, cross-sectional view of another embodimeilt of the threaded connection of the present invention.
DrSCRIPTION OF TIIF PREFERRED BMBODIMLN'l'S
Wit11 refercncc tit-st to Fig. 1, a tllreaded connection of tllc prescnt invcntion, shown generally as 10, includes a coupling 11 forming a first box connector 12 alltl a second box connector 14 in which are received threaded pin connectors 16 and 18, respectively. As seen, pin connectors 16, 18 are formed on end portions 17a, 19a of tubular members 17, 19, respectively, end portions 17a, 19a having increascd Nvall tllickness relative to the wall tllickness of tubular members 17, 19, respectively. For purposes ofbrevity, only the connectionbetween box conncctor 12 and pin conllcctor 16 will be dcscribcd, it hCillg u11C1c1'stood that plil collnector 18 and box coililCctor 14 arc structurally the sanle as pin connector 16 and box connector 12, respectively.
Box connector 12 inclucles an axially inner, intenlally tllrcaded section 20; an axially outrr, intenlally tllreaded section 22; and a thread-free section 24 betwcen the axially Inller and axially outer ttlreaded sectiotls 20 and 22, respectively. Threaclecl sections 20 and 22 fonn a two-step tllread, as is well IUlown in the art. Pin connector 16 has arl axially II1nC1', externally thrcadcd section 26; an axially outer, externally threaded sectiun 28; ancl a tllread-fi=ee section 30 thcrebetween. Tlireaded sections 20 and 22 in box colulector 10 are coniplenlentary or Illating to tllreaded sections 28 and 26, respcctivcly, on pin conncctor 16. As clescribccl nlore fiilly llereinaftcr, torque slloulelcrs on Ilin conllcctor 16 and box collllector 10 are cllgaged as shown at 32, tllere being allllllllar rciic.ts 34 and 36 disposed on opposite axial sides of the engaged torque shoulders. Furtl;cr, its will be described more fully hereinafter, there is at least one metal-to-metal seal ftrrlllccl behveen the tllread-free sections of box connector 10 and pin connector 16, respct:tivcly, With reference now to Fig. 2, there is shown an integral thrcadeLl c.onncction comprised of a box connector 42 fonned on an upset end of a pipe sectioll 44 and a pln connector 46 fot-nlcd as an upset end of a pipe section 48. Box connccior 42 and lllll eonnector 46 are in otller respect identical to box connector 12 and pin ctllu-ectur 16, described above with respect to Fig. 1.
Witll reference now to Fig. 7, tllere is sllown an integral thrcadcci cunnection 50 coinprising a box conncctor 52 and a pin connector 54, box connector 52 and pin connector 54 being fol-med on the ends of pipe sections 56 and 59, respectively.
Threaded conncction 50 is commonly refe>.Ted to as a flush connection iu tllat the OD of the box and pin connectors 52, 54 is the same as the OD of the pipe scctions 56, 58, respectively. Fngagcmcnt betwecn box conncctor 52 alid plil coilnectol 54 is cssclltlallly as that describcd above witll respect to tlu=eaded connection 10, sllowtl 111 1~ ig. 1, and as will be more ftllly described llereinafter.
Witll reference now to Fig. 11, there is shown anotller thrcaldeel colinection in accordance witll tlle present invention. Connection 60, shown in Fig. 1 1, is sinlilar to the threadcd connection 10 in that it is a coupled connection. IIowevcr, it cliffers from eoupled tlu=eadeil connection 10 prinlarily in that pin conneetors 64 lulcl 66 received in coupling 60 arc fornled by upsetting tlle ends of tubular conncctul's 68 and 70, respectively. However, the tllreaded engagement between couplillg 62 and pin connectors 64 and 66 is essentially the same as that described with respect to threaded connection 10.
Witll reference now to Fig. 12, there is shown a threaded collncetion 70 that is sinlilar to threaded connection 40, shown in Fig. 2; i.e., connection 70 is IIn llltegrall Jolllt connection and comprises a box connector 72 and a pin connector 74, box connector 72 being formed by upsetting the end of a tubular member or pipe section 76, pin coilnector 74 being fonned on an upset end portion of tubular member or pipe scction 78.
In all other respects, the tllreaded engagement between box connector 72 and pin connector 74 is essentially the sanlc as that described above witli respect to thrcadcc.l conncction 40, sllown in Fig. 2.
With reference now to Fig. 3, there is shown in greater,detail substantially that portion of threaded connection 10 circumscribed by circle A in Fig. 1, it being understood that the detail shown in Fig. 3 would be applicable to the threaded connections 40, 50, 60, and 70, sllowll in Figs. 2, 7, 11, ancl 12, respcctively. As previously notcd, box connector, 12 fornied in coupling 11 has a thrr.ac.l-frcc portion 24 that extcnds fi-om axially outer, intcrnally tlu=eaded scction 22 to axially inner, Illtcrllalllv threadcd scction 20, wllllc pin collllcctor 16 has a thrcald-free section 30 Cxtelldlili, fronl axially inner, externally threaded section 26 to axially outer, elternally thrcadccl section 28. Box conncctor 12 has a torque slloulder 32a, wllllc plll collllector 16 ll'als a torquc slloulder 32b, botll ofwhicll, in the elllbodllllellt shoWll in Fig. 3, arc gcllerillly annular frustoconical parallel shoulders, tlie slloulders having pressure interCtt and deGning dovetails in axial, radial planes. The dovetail angularity may advantageously be positive as measured from a plane or planes normal to the axis of the tlu-eaded connection 10, the shoulders 32a and 32b thereby serving to block radial and axial separation oI
tlle box and pin connectors 12 and 16, respectively. Box connector 11 has a[i=ustoconical thread-ti-cc surface 24a that is in metal-to-metal sealing engagement, as at 24, witli the frustoconical surface 24b foniied on pin connector 16 wlien torque shoulders 32a and 32b are engaged.
A second nietal-to-metal seal 30 is formed between frustoconical surfaces 30a in box connector 11 and frustoconical surface 30b on pin connector 16 wlien torque shoulders 32a and 32b are engaged. There is a first annular relief 34 formed by registering grooves 34a and 34b in box connector 11 and pin connector 16, respectively. Tlicre is also a second annularrelief36 formed by annulargrooves 36a and 36b formed in box connector 11 and on pin connector 16, respectively. Reliefs 34 and 36 scrve the dual pul-I)ose of being a reservoir for excess tliread dope, which could build up and tend to separate metal-to-metal seals 24 and 30 and, in addition, impart flexibility to the thrcaded connection during any expansion process or when the threaded connection is subjectcd to hi(Ih bending loads.
Wit11 reference now to Fig. 6, there is shown a variation of the conl`iguration sliown in Fig. 3 in that wliile torque shoulders 32a and 32b in Fig. 3 are clovetaile(l with a positive angulai-ity, torque slloulders 32c and 32d fo27ned in box connector 1 I and I)in connector 16, respectively, are substantially perpendicular to the axis of threadcd conncctlon 10.
With reference now to Fig. 4, there is shown another embodinlent of the present invention that employs only a single metal-to-metal seal and a single annular relief. . Box connector I la lias an axially inner, internally threaded section 20a, rui axially outer, internally threaded section 22a, and a thread-free section between tlireadcd scctions 20a and 22a. As wit11 the tlireaded connection described with reference to li ig.
3, there is a dovetail torque shoulder 32c fol7ned in box connector 11 a and a dovetail torque shoulder 32f formed on pin connector 16a. [3ox connector 1 l a[las a II'ustoconic-,ll Slll'IaCc '-'-le tllzlt engages a frustoconical surlace 24d on pin connector 16a in metill-tll-nll:t.i( sealin.-relationship and torque slloulders 32e and 32f are in engagcment. An aiinular relic:t' is formed by registering annular grooves 34c and 34d in box and pin connectors I
1a and 16a, respectively. It will be appreciated that while the metal-to-metal sealing shown in the enlbodiment of Fig. 4 is axially outward of box connector I 1 a and axially inward o f pin connector 16a, sucll metal-to-metal sealing could be accomplished as well by being axially inward ofbox conncctoi-11 a atld axially outwat=cl of pin connector 16a. As witli the enlbodinlents dcscribccl above, registering annular grooves 34c and 34c1 provide annular rcliefs scrving the dual purpose of providing a reserVolr tOr threall dope that co>.ild act to separate the llletal-to-nletal sealing engagement betwccn sw=faces 24c and 24d wllen the conncetion is made tip, as well as providing flexibility of thc threadccl connection during the expansion process or when the tllreadecl connection is subjectcd to lateral loading.
With refcrcnce now to Fig. 5, there is shown yet anotllet- enlbodinlent of the present invcntion whercin the annular relicf, ratller than being generally cil-cular whcn viewed in transversc cross-section, is rectangular when viewed in transverse cross-section. Box connector 11 d is provided witli an axially inner tht-caded section 20b, an axially outer tllreadcd section 22b, and a thread-free section tllerebetwcen.
Pin connector 16b has an axially inner threaded section 26b, an axially outer threaded section 28b, anCl a thread-fi=ee section tllerebetween. Box connector 11b 11as a frustoconical surfatce 24e that is in nletal-to-metal sealing engagement witli a nlating frustoconical surface 241'un pin connector 16b when tot-que slloulders 32g and 32h on box connectors 1 1 b atld pin connectors 16b, respectively, are engaged. In like manner, a second nletal-to-metal seal is fonned between frustoconical surfaces 30c in box connector 1lb and 30c1 on pin connector 16b. Box connector 11b has a generally rectangular, atllllllarly cxtelldlilg groove 80 that is in register with an annularly extending rectangular groove 82 on pin coiulector 16b, fornling an annular relief when torque slloulders 32g and 32h al-e engaged. Box collnector 1 lb fUrtherllas a secolld alltllllarly extelldlllg rcctanglllar groove 84 that is in register with an annularly extending rectangular groove 86 on pin connector 16b, fonllillg a second alltlular relief wllen torque shoulders 32g ancl 3211 are engagecl.
It is to be notecl that the depth of the rectangular grooves 80-56 is varicel such that the depth of the groovc varics directly witli the wall thlcktless of the collllector Itl which it is fonlled. Thus, groove 80 is sllallower t11an groove 82, and groove 86 is shallower than groove 84. Oncc again, the grooves serve as thread dopc t=cscrvoirs anci proviclc thc connection witli added flexibility, as described above.
Witll reference now to Fig. 8, tliei-e is shown anotlier embodimcnt of the threacled connection of the present invention. The threaded connection shown in 1'tg. 8 is similar to that shown in Fig. 4 in that there is only a single annular relief formeci by matin"
groovcs in the pin ancl box conncctors. However, it differs fi=om thc embocliment in Fio.
4 in that the cross-sectional shape of the groove is different. With rel'crcnce then to Fig.
8, box connector 11 c has a Crst threaded section 22c, a second, axially spaced, threaclc(l section 20c, anci a thread-free section therebetween, wliile pin connector 16c has a Crst threaded section 26c and a second, axially spaced, tlireaded scction 28c, a thread-free section bcing fot-med tllerebetween. As in the case ofthc embodiment shown in Fig. -l.
a metal-to-metal seal is for-med between frustoconical surfaces 24g ruul2rih \\'hcn tor(Iuc shoulders 32i and 32j are engaged. Box connector l lc has an annUlar groovc 23, \vhile pin connector 11 c has an annular groove 25, grooves 23 and 25 bcing in r-egister wllen torque slioulders 32i and 32j are engaged to form an annular reliet'. As compared with grooves 34c and 34d, sliown in Fig. 4, it can be seen that grooves 23 anc125 have a much greater radial depth, albeit that they have a nairower axial widtli.
With referencc now to Fig. 13, there is sliown anotlier embocliment of il)c threaded connection of the present invention. The tlireaded conncction sliown in Fig. 13 is similar in some respect to the threaded connection shown in Fig. 3 in that the pin and box connectors have their torque shoulders located in the thread-free portions of thc pin and box connectors and there are two nletal-to-mctal seals, one being axially acijacent the axially innennost and axially outermost engaged threads of the pin anCl box connectol's, respectively, the other metal-to-metal seal being adjacent the axially outermost and axially innermost engaged tlireads of the box and pin connectors, respectively. Box connector 11 d lias an axially inner threaded section 20d, an axially threaded outer section 22c, and a tordue slloulder 32k. Pin connector 16d has an axially inner threaded section 26d that inatingly cngages tllreaded section 22c and an axially outer thrcacicd section 2 5ci that niatingly engages threaded section 20d. Pin connector 16d itu=iher has a torque shoulder 321 engageable by torque shoulder 32k in box eonneetor 1 1 cl. Pin and box conncctor=s 1 1 cl and 16d, respectively, havc t\vo nictal-to-mctill sclils 1o111L'll at cnz;a_t.:ril frustoconical surlitccs 24i, 24j, and 30c, 30f, respcctivcly, wlicn toryue shoulders 12k anLt 321 are engaged. Pin connector Ild has a first annular groove 300 and an axially, inwardly spaced, second annular groove 302, while pin connector 16c1 has a first annular groove 304 and an axially, outwardly spaced, second annular groove 306. As can be seen, when box and pin connectors l ld and 16d are made up, as sllown in Fig.
13, the grooves 300 and 302 on box connector 11d arc not in register with grooves 304 and 306 on pin connector 16d. In this regarcl, note that groove 300 is axially displaced ii-on-groove 304, whilc groove 302 is axially displaced fronl groove 306. It is also to be obsei-ved that the deptll of the grooves is proportional to the radial wall thickness of thc section of the respective connectors in wliicil they are formed. Thus, witll respect to box conncctor l ld, groovc 302, UcIl1S> at a t11Ic1Cer radial scCtlon of box ConllCCtl)r I 1(.I, Ilas a deeper radial depth tllan groove 300. In like fashion, groove 30,4 ancl pin connector 16c1 llas a deeper radial deptll tllan groove 306.
With reference now to Figs. 9 and 10, there are shown alternatc embodinlents of tlle threaded conneclion of tlle present invention wherein the torelue shoulders, ratller tha-1 being disposed internlediate the axially inner and outer tllreadccl scclions, Ilre located axially inward of the pin conncctor and outward of the box co-ulector (Fig.
9), or axial ly outward of the pin connector and inward of the box connector (Fig. 10). Witll reference then to Fig. 9, a threaded connection 90 comprises a box connector 92 llaving an axially outer, internally threaded section 94, an axially inner, intet-nally threacled section 96, and a tllread-fi=ee portion tllerebetween, and a pin connector 98 llaving an axially lnner, externally threaded section 100 and an axially outer, externally tllreaded scction 102 with a tllrcad-Crce portiotl thcrcbetwccn. As in the cases describcd allovc, threa(lctl sections 94 and 92 mate witll threaded sections 100 and 102, respectively. Formed in the tllrcaci-frce section betwccn thrcaded sections 94 and 96 in box connector 92 is a (irst annular groove 104 and a second, axially spaced, annular groove 106. Fornlcei on pin co-ulector 98 is a first annular groove 108 and a second, axially spaced, annula-- groove 110. Box connCCtOr 92 llas an axially facing, annularly extending torque shouldcr 112, while l)in connector 98 Ilas an axially facing, annularly extending torque shouldcr 114.
Fornlecl iii the tllread-free section between threaded sections 94 and 96 in box connector 92 is a frustoconical surrclcc 116 tllat is in metal-to-nletal sealing enga~cnlcnt ~~~ith a GUStOConicill sUrt'acc 118 IOrllled on 1)In conilcctor 98 bctwecn tllrCadCCI
sCcU0 lls 100 anLi 102. It will tllus be seen that when torque shoulders 112 and 114 arc in cnga`Je1llCill, grooves 104 and 108 are in register, as are grooves 106 and 110, a-id sUu-faces 116 and 11 S are in metal-to-nietal sealing engagement.
groovcs in the pin ancl box conncctors. However, it differs fi=om thc embocliment in Fio.
4 in that the cross-sectional shape of the groove is different. With rel'crcnce then to Fig.
8, box connector 11 c has a Crst threaded section 22c, a second, axially spaced, threaclc(l section 20c, anci a thread-free section therebetween, wliile pin connector 16c has a Crst threaded section 26c and a second, axially spaced, tlireaded scction 28c, a thread-free section bcing fot-med tllerebetween. As in the case ofthc embodiment shown in Fig. -l.
a metal-to-metal seal is for-med between frustoconical surfaces 24g ruul2rih \\'hcn tor(Iuc shoulders 32i and 32j are engaged. Box connector l lc has an annUlar groovc 23, \vhile pin connector 11 c has an annular groove 25, grooves 23 and 25 bcing in r-egister wllen torque slioulders 32i and 32j are engaged to form an annular reliet'. As compared with grooves 34c and 34d, sliown in Fig. 4, it can be seen that grooves 23 anc125 have a much greater radial depth, albeit that they have a nairower axial widtli.
With referencc now to Fig. 13, there is sliown anotlier embocliment of il)c threaded connection of the present invention. The tlireaded conncction sliown in Fig. 13 is similar in some respect to the threaded connection shown in Fig. 3 in that the pin and box connectors have their torque shoulders located in the thread-free portions of thc pin and box connectors and there are two nletal-to-mctal seals, one being axially acijacent the axially innennost and axially outermost engaged threads of the pin anCl box connectol's, respectively, the other metal-to-metal seal being adjacent the axially outermost and axially innermost engaged tlireads of the box and pin connectors, respectively. Box connector 11 d lias an axially inner threaded section 20d, an axially threaded outer section 22c, and a tordue slloulder 32k. Pin connector 16d has an axially inner threaded section 26d that inatingly cngages tllreaded section 22c and an axially outer thrcacicd section 2 5ci that niatingly engages threaded section 20d. Pin connector 16d itu=iher has a torque shoulder 321 engageable by torque shoulder 32k in box eonneetor 1 1 cl. Pin and box conncctor=s 1 1 cl and 16d, respectively, havc t\vo nictal-to-mctill sclils 1o111L'll at cnz;a_t.:ril frustoconical surlitccs 24i, 24j, and 30c, 30f, respcctivcly, wlicn toryue shoulders 12k anLt 321 are engaged. Pin connector Ild has a first annular groove 300 and an axially, inwardly spaced, second annular groove 302, while pin connector 16c1 has a first annular groove 304 and an axially, outwardly spaced, second annular groove 306. As can be seen, when box and pin connectors l ld and 16d are made up, as sllown in Fig.
13, the grooves 300 and 302 on box connector 11d arc not in register with grooves 304 and 306 on pin connector 16d. In this regarcl, note that groove 300 is axially displaced ii-on-groove 304, whilc groove 302 is axially displaced fronl groove 306. It is also to be obsei-ved that the deptll of the grooves is proportional to the radial wall thickness of thc section of the respective connectors in wliicil they are formed. Thus, witll respect to box conncctor l ld, groovc 302, UcIl1S> at a t11Ic1Cer radial scCtlon of box ConllCCtl)r I 1(.I, Ilas a deeper radial depth tllan groove 300. In like fashion, groove 30,4 ancl pin connector 16c1 llas a deeper radial deptll tllan groove 306.
With reference now to Figs. 9 and 10, there are shown alternatc embodinlents of tlle threaded conneclion of tlle present invention wherein the torelue shoulders, ratller tha-1 being disposed internlediate the axially inner and outer tllreadccl scclions, Ilre located axially inward of the pin conncctor and outward of the box co-ulector (Fig.
9), or axial ly outward of the pin connector and inward of the box connector (Fig. 10). Witll reference then to Fig. 9, a threaded connection 90 comprises a box connector 92 llaving an axially outer, internally threaded section 94, an axially inner, intet-nally threacled section 96, and a tllread-fi=ee portion tllerebetween, and a pin connector 98 llaving an axially lnner, externally threaded section 100 and an axially outer, externally tllreaded scction 102 with a tllrcad-Crce portiotl thcrcbetwccn. As in the cases describcd allovc, threa(lctl sections 94 and 92 mate witll threaded sections 100 and 102, respectively. Formed in the tllrcaci-frce section betwccn thrcaded sections 94 and 96 in box connector 92 is a (irst annular groove 104 and a second, axially spaced, annular groove 106. Fornlcei on pin co-ulector 98 is a first annular groove 108 and a second, axially spaced, annula-- groove 110. Box connCCtOr 92 llas an axially facing, annularly extending torque shouldcr 112, while l)in connector 98 Ilas an axially facing, annularly extending torque shouldcr 114.
Fornlecl iii the tllread-free section between threaded sections 94 and 96 in box connector 92 is a frustoconical surrclcc 116 tllat is in metal-to-nletal sealing enga~cnlcnt ~~~ith a GUStOConicill sUrt'acc 118 IOrllled on 1)In conilcctor 98 bctwecn tllrCadCCI
sCcU0 lls 100 anLi 102. It will tllus be seen that when torque shoulders 112 and 114 arc in cnga`Je1llCill, grooves 104 and 108 are in register, as are grooves 106 and 110, a-id sUu-faces 116 and 11 S are in metal-to-nietal sealing engagement.
With reference now to Fig. 10, the tlueaded connection 200 comprises a box connector 20211aving an axially inner, internally threaded section 204; an axially OUtCI', intenlally tlu=eaded section 206; and a thread-free section therebetween. Box colulector 202 also llas all axially facing, axially innenuost torque slloulder 208. Pin connector 21() llas an axially inner, extei7ially tlu=eaded section 212; an axially otitcr, externally tllreaded section 214; and a thread-frec section tllerebetween, pin connector 210 also having an axially facing, axially outetmost torque shoulder 216. Pin connector 202 has a frustoconical surface 218 fol-med in the tllread-free section betwecn thrcacled sections 200 and 204, wllile pin connector 210 llas a frustoconical surface 220 fornled in tlle thread-free section between tllreadcd sections 214 and 216. Fornied in box connector 202 is a first annular groove 222 and a second antlular groove 224, grooves 222 and 224 being axially spaced from one anotller. Fonned on pin connector 210 is a first annular groove 226 and a second annular groove 228, grooves 226 and 2281ikewise being axially spaced from one another. Wllen box torque shoulder 208 and pin torelue shoulder 216 are in engagement, grooves 222 and 226 are in register, and grooves 224 and 228 are in rcgistcr to form annular relieCs, a nletal-to-metal seal being formed betwccn frustoconic.ll surfaccs 218 and 220.
An important feature of thc tlircadcd conncction of the present invcntion is that the metal-to-metal seilllnl,' vCtwCC(1 the box and plll connCctol' is concentrated grncral ly midway of tlle eonneetion anci accordingly, at a point ofenllaneecl racliai tllicl:lless. This obviates the necessity of fornling a metal-to-metal seal eitller at the axially inncrnlost en(i of the box co11nCCL01- or t11C ilxlally outermost Gild of tI1C box collnCctor and pcrilllts ItIlI
tlu-ead runout; i.e., tllc tllreaded sections on the box and pin conncctors can extcnLl substantially to tlleir axially innerniost end and axially outermost end, respcctivcly, thus maximizing the tension strength of the threaded connections of tlle prescnt invention. lt will be appreciated that there could be multiple metal-to-metal seals that could be disposed between nlultiple reliefs; i.e., there could be multiple axially spaced reliefs and nlultiple axially spaced nlctal-to-metal seals, at least sonle of the metal-to-nictal scals being between annular rcliefs.
Anotller fcature of the present invention, ideal not only for cxpanclible pipe strings, but any pipe strings that are subject to lateral loading or bending, is that the flexibility of tlle connections can be tailored using the atulular reliefs.
For cxample, onc can balance the flexibility of the box connector and the pin connector by proper selection of the size, e.g., depth and width of the grooves, their shape, and their location. By way of example and with reference to Fig. 13, staggering the grooves rather than having them registering, as well as varying their radial depth, provides a greater axial length over which the enhanced flexibility imparted by by the reliefs is spread. Indeed, it will be appreciated that there are virtually endless possibilities with respect to relief size, location, and number in the thread-free portions between the axially inner and axially outer threaded sections of the box and pin connectors.
As will also be appreciated, and as shown particularly in Figs. 9 and 10, shoulder engagement between the torque shoulders need not occur in the thread-free portions of the box and pin connectors, but rather can occur axially innermost of the box connector (Fig. 10) or axially outermost of box connector (Fig. 9), further allowing the threaded connection to be tailored for specific applications.
While the invention has been described, as shown in the drawings, with respect to tapered threaded sections, it will be understood that it is not so limited.
For example, the threads can be straight rather than tapered, as shown, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,192,533, which may be referred to for further details. Furthermore, virtually any thread form can be employed, including so-called hook threads or wedge threads, hook threads being commonly referred to as semi-dovetail, wedge threads being commonly referred to as dovetail. The threaded connections of the present invention could also employ multiple starting threads for quick makeup.
The foregoing description and examples illustrate selected embodiments of the present invention. In light thereof, variations and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, all of which are in the spirit and purview of this invention.
An important feature of thc tlircadcd conncction of the present invcntion is that the metal-to-metal seilllnl,' vCtwCC(1 the box and plll connCctol' is concentrated grncral ly midway of tlle eonneetion anci accordingly, at a point ofenllaneecl racliai tllicl:lless. This obviates the necessity of fornling a metal-to-metal seal eitller at the axially inncrnlost en(i of the box co11nCCL01- or t11C ilxlally outermost Gild of tI1C box collnCctor and pcrilllts ItIlI
tlu-ead runout; i.e., tllc tllreaded sections on the box and pin conncctors can extcnLl substantially to tlleir axially innerniost end and axially outermost end, respcctivcly, thus maximizing the tension strength of the threaded connections of tlle prescnt invention. lt will be appreciated that there could be multiple metal-to-metal seals that could be disposed between nlultiple reliefs; i.e., there could be multiple axially spaced reliefs and nlultiple axially spaced nlctal-to-metal seals, at least sonle of the metal-to-nictal scals being between annular rcliefs.
Anotller fcature of the present invention, ideal not only for cxpanclible pipe strings, but any pipe strings that are subject to lateral loading or bending, is that the flexibility of tlle connections can be tailored using the atulular reliefs.
For cxample, onc can balance the flexibility of the box connector and the pin connector by proper selection of the size, e.g., depth and width of the grooves, their shape, and their location. By way of example and with reference to Fig. 13, staggering the grooves rather than having them registering, as well as varying their radial depth, provides a greater axial length over which the enhanced flexibility imparted by by the reliefs is spread. Indeed, it will be appreciated that there are virtually endless possibilities with respect to relief size, location, and number in the thread-free portions between the axially inner and axially outer threaded sections of the box and pin connectors.
As will also be appreciated, and as shown particularly in Figs. 9 and 10, shoulder engagement between the torque shoulders need not occur in the thread-free portions of the box and pin connectors, but rather can occur axially innermost of the box connector (Fig. 10) or axially outermost of box connector (Fig. 9), further allowing the threaded connection to be tailored for specific applications.
While the invention has been described, as shown in the drawings, with respect to tapered threaded sections, it will be understood that it is not so limited.
For example, the threads can be straight rather than tapered, as shown, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,192,533, which may be referred to for further details. Furthermore, virtually any thread form can be employed, including so-called hook threads or wedge threads, hook threads being commonly referred to as semi-dovetail, wedge threads being commonly referred to as dovetail. The threaded connections of the present invention could also employ multiple starting threads for quick makeup.
The foregoing description and examples illustrate selected embodiments of the present invention. In light thereof, variations and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, all of which are in the spirit and purview of this invention.
Claims (22)
1. A threaded connection for tubular members, comprising:
a box connector having an axially inner, internally threaded section, an axially outer, internally threaded section, and a thread-free section between said inner and outer internally threaded sections, said axially inner and axially outer threaded sections defining a two-step thread;
a pin connector having an axially inner, externally threaded section, an axially outer, externally threaded section, and a thread-free section between said inner and outer externally threaded sections, said threads in said box connector mating with said threads on said pin connector;
at least one annular relief in at least one of said thread-free portions of said pin connector and said box connector;
an axially facing, annularly extending pin torque shoulder on said pin connector; an axially facing, annularly extending box torque shoulder in said box connector;
and a metal-to-metal seal being formed between at least a portion of said thread-free portions of said box connector and said pin connector when said pin torque shoulder and said box torque shoulder are engaged, said one annular relief being disposed between said metal-to-metal seal and said torque shoulders.
a box connector having an axially inner, internally threaded section, an axially outer, internally threaded section, and a thread-free section between said inner and outer internally threaded sections, said axially inner and axially outer threaded sections defining a two-step thread;
a pin connector having an axially inner, externally threaded section, an axially outer, externally threaded section, and a thread-free section between said inner and outer externally threaded sections, said threads in said box connector mating with said threads on said pin connector;
at least one annular relief in at least one of said thread-free portions of said pin connector and said box connector;
an axially facing, annularly extending pin torque shoulder on said pin connector; an axially facing, annularly extending box torque shoulder in said box connector;
and a metal-to-metal seal being formed between at least a portion of said thread-free portions of said box connector and said pin connector when said pin torque shoulder and said box torque shoulder are engaged, said one annular relief being disposed between said metal-to-metal seal and said torque shoulders.
2. The threaded connection of claim 1 wherein said box connector comprises a coupling having first and second, axially spaced box connectors.
3. The threaded connection of claim 1 wherein there is a first annular groove in said thread-free section of said box connector and a second annular groove in said thread-free section of said pin connector, said first and second grooves being in register to form a first relief when said pin torque shoulder and said box torque shoulder are engaged.
4. The threaded connection of claim 3 wherein there is a third annular groove in said thread-free section of said box connector, said third annular groove being axially spaced from said first annular groove and a fourth annular groove on said thread-free section of said pin connector, said fourth annular groove being axially spaced from said second annular groove, said third and fourth annular grooves being in register to form a second annular relief when said pin torque shoulder and said box torque shoulder are engaged, said second annular relief being disposed between said metal-to-metal to seal and said torque shoulder.
5. The threaded connection of claim 3 wherein said thread-free section in said box connector forms a first frustoconical surface and said thread-free section on said pin connector forms a second frustoconical surface complementary to said first frustoconical surface, said first and second frustoconical surfaces forming said metal-co-metal seal when said pin torque shoulder and said box torque shoulder are engaged.
6. The threaded connection of claim 3 wherein said first and second annular grooves have different depths.
7. The threaded connection of claim 4 wherein there is a first metal-to-metal seal between said registering first and second grooves and said axially outer internally threaded section in said box connector and said axially inner, externally threaded section on said pin connector and a second metal-to-metal seal between said registering third and fourth grooves and said axially inner, internally threaded section in said box connector and said axially outer, externally threaded section on said pin connector.
8. The threaded connection of claim 4 wherein said metal-to-metal seal is between said first relief and said axially outer, internally threaded section in said box connector and said axially inner, externally threaded section on said pin connector.
9. The threaded connection of claim 4 wherein said first and second annular grooves have different depths and said third and fourth annular grooves have different depths.
10. The threaded connection of claim 1 wherein said box and pin torque shoulders define dovetails in axial, radial planes, the angularity of said dovetails being positive as measured from planes normal to an axis passing through said threaded connection.
11. The threaded connection of claim 1 wherein said box and pin shoulders are substantially perpendicular to an axis passing through said threaded connection.
12. The threaded connection of claim 1 wherein said box torque shoulder is formed axially outwardly of said axially outer, internally threaded section and said pin shoulder is formed axially inward of said axially inner, externally threaded section.
13. The threaded connection of claim 1 wherein said box torque shoulder is formed axially inwardly of said axially inner, internally threaded section and said pin shoulder is formed axially outwardly of said axially outer, externally threaded section.
14. The threaded connection of claim 1 wherein said box connector and said pin connector have substantially the same outside diameter and substantially the same inside diameter.
15. The threaded connection of claim 1 wherein when said pin torque shoulder and said box torque shoulder are engaged, there is a first metal-to-metal seal axially spaced in a first axial direction from said engaged torque shoulder and a second metal-to-metal seal axially spaced in a second axial direction from said engaged torque shoulder.
16. The threaded connection of claim 15 wherein there is a first annular relief between said first metal-to-metal seal and said engaged torque shoulder and a second annular relief between said second metal-to-metal seal and said engaged torque shoulder.
17. The threaded connection of claim 16 wherein there is a first annular groove in said thread-free section of said box connector and a second annular groove in said thread-free section of said pin connector, said first and second annular grooves being disposed between said first metal-to-metal seal and said engaged torque shoulder and there is a third annular groove in said thread-free section of said box connector and a fourth annular groove in said thread-free section of said pin connector, said third and fourth annular grooves being disposed between said second metal-to-metal seal and said engaged torque shoulders.
18. The threaded connection of claim 17 wherein at least one pair of said first and second grooves and said third and fourth grooves, respectively, are in register.
19. The threaded connection of claim 17 wherein said first and second annular grooves are axially displaced from one another and said third and fourth annular grooves are axially displaced from one another.
20. The threaded connection of claim 18 wherein said first and second annular grooves have different depths.
21. The threaded connection of claim 20 wherein said third and fourth annular grooves have different depths.
22. The threaded connection of claim 4 wherein said thread-free section in said box connector forms a first frustoconical surface and said thread-free section on said pin connector forms a second frustoconical surface complementary to said first frustoconical surface, said metal-to-metal seal being formed between said first and second frustocanical surfaces when said pin torque shoulder and said box torque shoulder are engaged, said metal-to-metal seal being between said first and second registering grooves and said third and fourth registering grooves.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/811,734 US6550821B2 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2001-03-19 | Threaded connection |
| US09/811,734 | 2001-03-19 | ||
| PCT/US2002/008476 WO2002075197A1 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2002-03-19 | Threaded connection |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2442357A1 CA2442357A1 (en) | 2002-09-26 |
| CA2442357C true CA2442357C (en) | 2010-02-16 |
Family
ID=25207413
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2442357A Expired - Fee Related CA2442357C (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2002-03-19 | Threaded connection |
Country Status (13)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6550821B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1379804B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002357287A (en) |
| AR (1) | AR033176A1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE384903T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2002254299B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR0201822A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2442357C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE60224791T2 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2377477B8 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA03008481A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO20022559D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002075197A1 (en) |
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| US6725919B2 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2004-04-27 | Shell Oil Company | Forming a wellbore casing while simultaneously drilling a wellbore |
| AU770359B2 (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2004-02-19 | Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. | Liner hanger |
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| WO2004081346A2 (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2004-09-23 | Enventure Global Technology | Apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member |
| AU2003230589A1 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2003-10-27 | Enventure Global Technology | Protective sleeve for threaded connections for expandable liner hanger |
| CA2482278A1 (en) | 2002-04-15 | 2003-10-30 | Enventure Global Technology | Protective sleeve for threaded connections for expandable liner hanger |
| GB0215668D0 (en) * | 2002-07-06 | 2002-08-14 | Weatherford Lamb | Coupling tubulars |
| AU2003265452A1 (en) | 2002-09-20 | 2004-04-08 | Enventure Global Technology | Pipe formability evaluation for expandable tubulars |
| GB0222321D0 (en) * | 2002-09-25 | 2002-10-30 | Weatherford Lamb | Expandable connection |
| US6893057B2 (en) * | 2002-10-31 | 2005-05-17 | Grant Prideco, L.P. | Threaded pipe connection |
| US8205680B2 (en) * | 2003-01-09 | 2012-06-26 | Enventure Global Technology, Llc | Expandable connection |
| US7886831B2 (en) | 2003-01-22 | 2011-02-15 | Enventure Global Technology, L.L.C. | Apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member |
| CA2523862C (en) | 2003-04-17 | 2009-06-23 | Enventure Global Technology | Apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member |
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| WO2006020960A2 (en) | 2004-08-13 | 2006-02-23 | Enventure Global Technology, Llc | Expandable tubular |
| US7578039B2 (en) * | 2004-11-05 | 2009-08-25 | Hydril Llc | Dope relief method for wedge thread connections |
| CA2624184A1 (en) * | 2005-09-28 | 2007-04-05 | Enventure Global Technology, L.L.C. | Method and apparatus for coupling expandable tubular members |
| US20090302604A1 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2009-12-10 | Enventure Global Technology, L.L.C. | Method and Apparatus for coupling Expandable Tubular Members |
| US7780202B2 (en) * | 2007-09-05 | 2010-08-24 | Grant Prideco, Lp | Oilfield tubular connection with increased compression capacity |
| US20100132956A1 (en) * | 2008-12-01 | 2010-06-03 | Enventure Global Technology, L.L.C. | Expandable connection with metal to metal seal |
| EP2301621B1 (en) * | 2009-09-24 | 2013-11-20 | Dentsply IH AB | Connection device for medical tubing |
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| US9869414B2 (en) * | 2011-05-24 | 2018-01-16 | Ultra Premium Oilfield Services, Ltd. | Tubular connection and associated threadform |
| US9677346B2 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2017-06-13 | Ultra Premium Oilfield Services, Ltd. | Tubular connection with helically extending torque shoulder |
| US9869139B2 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2018-01-16 | Ultra Premium Oilfield Services, Ltd. | Tubular connection with helically extending torque shoulder |
| US9926749B2 (en) | 2014-04-04 | 2018-03-27 | Enventure Global Technology Inc. | Expandable metal-to-metal seal connection |
| US10309198B2 (en) * | 2015-01-05 | 2019-06-04 | Morph Packers Limited | Pipe coupling |
| JP7290738B2 (en) | 2019-09-24 | 2023-06-13 | 日本製鉄株式会社 | threaded joint |
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-
2001
- 2001-03-19 US US09/811,734 patent/US6550821B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-03-19 AT AT02723524T patent/ATE384903T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-03-19 GB GB0215163.7A patent/GB2377477B8/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-03-19 BR BR0201822-5A patent/BR0201822A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-03-19 JP JP2002077229A patent/JP2002357287A/en active Pending
- 2002-03-19 CA CA2442357A patent/CA2442357C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-03-19 AU AU2002254299A patent/AU2002254299B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2002-03-19 AR ARP020100972A patent/AR033176A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2002-03-19 MX MXPA03008481A patent/MXPA03008481A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2002-03-19 EP EP02723524A patent/EP1379804B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-03-19 WO PCT/US2002/008476 patent/WO2002075197A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2002-03-19 DE DE60224791T patent/DE60224791T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-05-29 NO NO20022559A patent/NO20022559D0/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE60224791T2 (en) | 2009-02-12 |
| JP2002357287A (en) | 2002-12-13 |
| GB2377477A (en) | 2003-01-15 |
| AU2002254299B2 (en) | 2006-08-17 |
| MXPA03008481A (en) | 2005-03-07 |
| EP1379804A4 (en) | 2004-12-29 |
| US6550821B2 (en) | 2003-04-22 |
| EP1379804A1 (en) | 2004-01-14 |
| US20020130517A1 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
| GB2377477A8 (en) | 2015-01-07 |
| CA2442357A1 (en) | 2002-09-26 |
| GB2377477B (en) | 2004-11-17 |
| DE60224791D1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
| GB2377477B8 (en) | 2015-01-07 |
| GB0215163D0 (en) | 2002-08-07 |
| BR0201822A (en) | 2002-12-10 |
| AR033176A1 (en) | 2003-12-10 |
| ATE384903T1 (en) | 2008-02-15 |
| EP1379804B1 (en) | 2008-01-23 |
| NO20022559D0 (en) | 2002-05-29 |
| WO2002075197A1 (en) | 2002-09-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20170320 |