Expandable locking thread joint
US6619696B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L13/168
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A thread for expandable downhole tubular connections is disclosed. It features a locking pattern on the pin and box, which engages upon expansion of the connection. The locking pattern compensates for longitudinal shrinkage away from a torque shoulder, as a result of expansion. A resilient seal can be incorporated into the design with pin to box clearance disappearing around the seal as a result of expansion. Resilient seals can be used in tandem to trap atmospheric pressure between them. The wellbore hydrostatic pressure helps engage the locking feature by pushing the box into the pin, helped by the trapped low pressure between the seals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.