Expandable joint connector
US6409175B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4994
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for obtaining a secure mechanical connection and a pressure-tight seal in the overlapping area of two telescoping tubular bodies. The two bodies, including the overlapping area, are radially expanded to increase the inside diameter of the bodies. The expansion forces an annular seal in the overlapping area into a pressure-sealing engagement between the bodies. A string of pipe assembled from joints secured to each other by telescoping, threadedly engaged expanded pin and box connections may be radially expanded into a surrounding well bore to provide a cased well having an internal diameter greater than the original internal diameter of the pipe string. The seal in the connection comprises an annular elastomeric seal ring and an annular Teflon spacer ring carried in a specially dimensioned groove formed in either the box or the pin, or both members of the connection. Radial expansion of the connection causes axial contraction of the groove, which acts with the spacer ring to expand the seal ring radially to seal the annular space created between the expanded pin and box.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.