Threaded connections and methods

摘要

Threaded couplings and methods for use in drilling with casing can include first and second male members having exterior threads engaged with interior threads of a female member. Exterior shoulders of the male members can abut interior shoulders of the female member to facilitate placement of the male members such that pin noses thereof are positioned at the center of the female member, where abutment between the pin noses of the male members can form a seal. The shoulders can be provided with negative angles to prevent disengagement. Tapered surfaces can be provided on the male members, to contact tapered surfaces on the female member to form metal-to-metal seals for enhancing the integrity of the connection, a straight thread configuration can be used to maximize the thickness of the coupling, and bearing journals or guides can be used to facilitate engagement of the threads and retention of the engagement.

主权项

1. A threaded coupling for use in drilling with casing, the threaded coupling comprising:
a first male member comprising first exterior threads, a first pin nose, and a first exterior shoulder associated with the first pin nose; a second male member comprising second exterior threads, a second pin nose, and a second exterior shoulder associated with the pin nose; and a female member comprising a center, first interior threads engaged with the first exterior threads, second interior threads engaged with the second exterior threads, a first internal shoulder abutting the first exterior shoulder, and a second internal shoulder abutting the second exterior shoulder, wherein abutment between the first internal shoulder and the first exterior shoulder positions the first pin nose at the center of the female member, wherein abutment between the second internal shoulder and the second exterior shoulder positions the second pin nose at the center of the female member, and wherein the first exterior shoulder, the first internal shoulder, the second exterior shoulder, the second internal shoulder, or combinations thereof, comprises a negative angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the coupling for preventing disengagement of the first male member, the second male member, or combinations thereof.