ENERGIZING SEAL FOR EXPANDABLE CONNECTIONS

摘要

The present invention generally provides a tubular configured to mate with a second tubular so that sealing integrity is maintained between the tubulars before, during, and after expansion of the tubulars. In one embodiment, a connector for connecting tubulars is provided. The connector includes a pin portion; a box portion, wherein the pin and the box portions are configured to mate; a sealing surfa ce formed in an inner surface of the box portion; a seal disposed in a groove formed i n an outer surface of the pin portion, wherein the seal is configured to engage with a sealing surface of the box portion upon mating of the pin and the box portions; and a bump formed on an inner surface of the pin portion, wherein the bump is substantially axially aligned with the groove and the bump is configured so that the seal remains engaged with the box portion during and after expansion of the pin and the box portions.