Push-on coupling apparatus for tubular well completion structures

Abstract

Using a specially designed push-on coupling structure the facing end portions of two tubular well completion structures, such as a length of coil tubing and a tubular coupling member, are fixedly and sealing connected to one another simply by pushing one of the end portions into the other end portions. The coupling structure includes an O-ring seal member carried by one of the end portions for creating a fluid tight seal between the telescoped end portions; a radial projection carried by one of the end portions and receivable in a side wall slot in the other end portion for preventing appreciable relative rotation between the telescoped end portions; and an axially split locking ring member coaxially threaded onto one of the end portions and having a gripping thread section disposed thereon and operative to engage the other end portion in a manner permitting the two end portions to be initially telescoped with one another but precluding their subsequent axial separation. This push-on coupling apparatus is representatively illustrated as being incorporated in a coil tubing splice member, on opposite ends of a tubular well completion device such as a landing nipple, and on a two piece push-together coupling structure used to operatively connect two tubular sand screen sections.