Self-locking threaded connection partially in non-locking engagement
AssigneesVallourec Oil and Gas France, Nippon Steel Corporation
InventorsWesley OTT, Scott GRANGER
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Abstract
A self-locking threaded connection partially in a non-locking engagement includes a first and a second tubular component provided respectively with male and female threaded zone at their respective ends. First portions of the female threaded zones with varying thread width and root cooperate together along a self-locking tightening arrangement. A locking region within the threaded connection is located in the middle of non-locking, and radially centered to the pipe body API tolerances in order to withstand high torque and seal performances.
Claims19
A threaded connection comprising a first and a second tubular component, the first tubular component being provided with a pipe body and a male member at a distal end of the pipe body, the second tubular component being provided with another pipe body and a female member at a distal end of that pipe body, such that a male member comprises, on its external peripheral surface, at least one male threaded zone and finishes in a male terminal surface, and a female member comprises, on its internal peripheral surface, at least one female threaded zone and finishes in a female terminal surface,
- the male threaded zone comprising a male thread having a first portion in which the width of the thread root (WRp) decreases in a direction oriented from the male terminal surface towards the pipe body of the first tubular component, and a second portion adjacent to the first portion in which the width of the thread root remains at a minimum constant width value (WRpmin), the tooth closest to the male terminal surface presenting a maximum root width value (WRpmax) of the male thread, and
- the female threaded zone comprising a female thread having a first portion in which the width of the thread root (WRb) decreases along a direction oriented from the female terminal surface towards the pipe body of the second tubular component, and a second portion adjacent to the first portion in which the width of the thread root remains at a minimum constant width value (WRbmin), the tooth closest to the female terminal surface presenting a maximum root width value (WRbmax) of the female thread,
- wherein the first portions of the male thread and female thread are partially made up in a self-locking arrangement in order to provide a locking region in the threaded connection.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.