Optimization of a High-Performance Wellhead Connector for Enhanced Natural Gas Extraction
Keywords:
Optimization, High-Performance, Wellhead Connector, Natural Gas ExtractionAbstract
The development and Optimization of a high-performance wellhead connector for enhanced natural gas extraction was conducted. The paper presents the development of a structurally robust wellhead connector for providing natural gas recovery, utilizing advanced engineering design principles alongside finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure optimal performance and reliability. By leveraging FEA, the study effectively identifies weaknesses and areas for improvement in the connector's structure, ultimately leading to a refined, high-performance solution tailored to meet specific functional requirements. This paper demonstrates the importance of integrating analytical methods with practical applications to achieve superior outcomes in product development. The approach entails a comprehensive evaluation of material selection by API 6A standards, ensuring that all materials are suitable for high-pressure environments. The results indicate that the adapter is capable of withstanding pressures up to 5000 psi, demonstrating its durability in high-stress environments. Furthermore, it boasts a safety factor exceeding 2.0, which confirms its reliability under extreme conditions and ensures its longevity during prolonged use. This combination of high-pressure tolerance and a significant safety margin makes the adapter an excellent choice for applications requiring dependable performance. This research presents a comprehensive framework to enhance the structural integrity and manufacturability of wellhead equipment before its deployment in the field. Eventually, these developments contribute to improved effective productivity and protection in natural gas extraction processes.
References
Ahmad Syahrul Bin Mohamad (2009); “Natural Gas Dehydration using Triethylene Glycol (TEG)”, Publication of the University of Malaysia Pahang, April.
Chi Ikoku (1985): Natural Gas Engineering System Approach, Willey Oklahoma.Deaton, N.M, and Frost E.M (1948): Gas Hydrates and Their Relation to the Operation of Natural Gas Pipelines, Bur of Mines Mono. 8, New York.
Ezeh, E.M; & Wosu C.O (2024). Design and Optimization of Glycol-Based Natural Gas Dehydration Plant. International Journal of Recent Engineering Science 11 (1), 22-29
Ezeh,E M; & Nwosi,H A (2024).Application of leakof test data in formation fracture gradient correlation for Niger Delta Basin natural gas wells development. Discover Geoscience 2 (89
Nwosi, H.A;& Ezeh, E.M ( 2024a).Application of Twister Supersonic Gas-Liquid Separator for Improved Natural Gas Recovery in a Process Stream. Nigerian Journal of Tropical Engineering 18 (3), 345-369.
Nwosi, H.A; & Ezeh, E.M ( 2024b).Thermodynamic Considerations for The Application of Liquefied Natural Gas as Transportation Fuel.Nigerian Journal of Tropical Engineering 18 (2), 163-18o
SimpleGrip weldless surface casing connection system. Retrieved March 4, (2025), from https://www.slb.com/products-and-services/innovating-in-oil-and-gas/well-construction/rigs-and-equipment/wellhead-systems/simple-grip-weldless-casing-connection-system
SLB. (n.d.-a). FastLock quick wellhead connector. Retrieved March 4, (2025), from https://www.slb.com/products-and-services/innovating-in-oil-and-gas/well-construction/rigs-and-equipment/wellhead-systems/fastlock-connector
SLB. (n.d.-b). FlangeLock low-torque wellhead connector. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from https://www.slb.com/products-and-services/innovating-in-oil-and-gas/well-construction/rigs-and-equipment/wellhead-systems/flangelock-connector
SLB. (n.d.-c). Wellhead and tree systems. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from https://www.slb.com/products-and-services/innovating-in-oil-and-gas/well-construction/rigs-and-equipment/wellhead-systems
SLB. (n.d.-f). Compact wellheads minimize environmental impact and save USD 1 million in Kenya. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from https://www.slb.com/ja-jp/resource-library/case-study-with-navigation/sur/compact-wellheads-kenya-cs
SLB. (n.d.-g). Cameron Adapt SGL single-stage compact wellhead system. Retrieved March 4, 2025,fromhttps://www.slb.com/products-and-services/innovating-in-oil-and-gas/well-construction/rigs-and-equipment/wellhead-systems/cameron-adapt-compact-wellhead-systems/cameron-adapt-sgl-single-stage-compact-wellhead-system
Wosu, C.O; Ezeh, E.M; Uku, E.P (2023a): Design and Performance Analysis of an Industrial Triethylene Glycol Recovery Regenerator of a Dehydration Process.International Journal of Recent Engineering Science 10 (5), 39-48
Wosu, CO Akpa, JG Wordu, AA; Ehirim, E; Ezeh, EM (2024a).Design modification and comparative analysis of glycol‐based natural gas dehydration plant.Applied Research 3(5)
Wosu, CO; Ezeh, EM; Ojong O E (2024b). Development and Assessment Of Manual And Automated PID Controllers for the Optimum Production of Ethylene Glycol In CSTR . Nigerian Journal of Tropical Engineering 18 (2), 223-243
Wosu, CO; Ezeh, EM; Uwagbaoje, O F (2024c). Design and Mechanical Analysis of a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) for the Optimum Operation and Production of Propylene Glycol from Propylene Oxide Hydrolysis.Sustainable Chemical Engineering 5 (2), 367-383
Wosu, CO; Wordu, AA Ezeh, E.M (2023b). Mechanical Design of an Industrial Absorber and Regenerator in a Triethylene Glycol Dehydration Plant. International Journal of Recent Engineering Science 10 (5), 64-71
Wosu, C.O & Ezeh, E.M (2024). Development of the Kinetic Parameters for Enhanced Production of Ethylene Glycol in a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor.Caritas Journal of Chemical Engineering and Industrial Biotechnology 1 (1)
Zeng, W., Ren, T., Yu, L., & Huang, J. (2019). Design optimization of a VX gasket structure for a subsea connector based on the Kriging surrogate model-NSGA-II algorithm considering the load randomness. Algorithms, 12(2), 42. https://doi.org/10.3390/a12020042