Scaffold erecting method suitable for drilling derrick
By using laser 3D scanning and a modularly designed adjustable scaffolding system, the structural adaptability and safety issues in cleaning the triangular derrick of drilling platforms were solved, achieving efficient, safe, and economical cleaning operations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511809096.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
AI Technical Summary
The existing cleaning operations of the triangular derrick of drilling platforms have problems such as poor structural adaptability, long erection period, serious spatial interference, insufficient safety and limited function. Traditional scaffolding cannot effectively adapt to the spatial characteristics of the drilling derrick and marine environmental conditions.
Laser 3D scanning technology is used to obtain drilling rig parameters, and an adjustable scaffolding foundation frame is designed, including adjustable main uprights, adjustable diagonal braces and node connectors. Combined with universal joints, hydraulic cylinders and high-strength bolts, the scaffolding is dynamically erected in stages and deviations are corrected. Safety protection measures are integrated to form a modular and adjustable scaffolding system.
It improved erection efficiency, shortened erection time, enhanced safety, reduced material costs, improved operational efficiency, and achieved integrated application of functions.
Smart Images

Figure CN121497078A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a method for erecting scaffolding suitable for drilling rigs. Background Technology
[0002] The triangular derrick of a drilling platform is one of the core structures for offshore oil extraction. It is typically constructed from multiple inclined steel members welded into a triangular cross-section spatial frame, with common inclination angles of 30°-60° and heights ranging from 30° to 50 meters. Its surface is covered with numerous hydraulic lines, sensors, and bolted connections. Due to long-term exposure to marine salt spray, ultraviolet radiation, and wave splash, its surface is prone to corrosion and coating peeling, requiring regular manual cleaning or mechanical polishing. Currently, cleaning of triangular derricks mainly relies on traditional ground-mounted or cantilevered scaffolding, but this method has the following drawbacks: poor structural adaptability; the triangular derrick has a variable cross-section (e.g., a large bottom section and a small top section); the inclined members have non-standard angles with the vertical direction; the spacing of fixed uprights and horizontal bar spacing in traditional scaffolding cannot be matched, requiring extensive cutting, welding, and adjustments; and the erection cycle is long, with each erection... The process requires 3-5 days; there is significant spatial interference, with obstacles such as diagonal braces and platform railings inside the triangular derrick. Traditional scaffolding horizontal bars or scissor braces are prone to colliding with the existing structure, requiring repeated adjustments and affecting cleaning efficiency; there is insufficient safety, as the marine environment presents wind loads (common at force 6-8), wave-induced vibrations (coupling of the derrick's natural frequency with wave frequency), and vibrations from personnel operations. Traditional scaffolding nodes are mostly connected by bolts or fasteners, which have limited shear resistance and pose a risk of instability under extreme conditions; and the functionality is limited, only providing a standing platform without integrated fixed interfaces for cleaning equipment (such as high-pressure water gun supports and abrasive recovery tanks), requiring additional temporary supports and increasing operational complexity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a specialized scaffolding designed specifically for the spatial characteristics of drilling derricks that is adjustable, highly adaptable, high-strength, and functionally integrated. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a scaffolding erection method suitable for drilling rigs.
[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to achieve the above objectives is: a scaffolding erection method suitable for drilling rigs, comprising the following steps: a. 3D scanning and parametric modeling of the drilling rig: A laser 3D scanner is used to perform a full-field scan of the triangular drilling rig to obtain the spatial coordinates and node dimensions of the main chord and diagonal braces, such as the node plate thickness and bolt hole positions. b. Design an adjustable scaffolding foundation frame. The scaffolding adopts a structure of main uprights, adjustable diagonal braces, and node connectors. The main uprights are made of steel pipes, with adjustable bases at the bottom to compensate for uneven settlement of the drilling rig foundation. The adjustable diagonal braces are arranged along the inclination direction of the main chord of the triangular drilling rig and are connected by two telescopic steel pipes through universal joints. The universal joints have built-in angle sensors to provide real-time feedback on the inclination angle of the main uprights and match the angle θ between the main chord and the horizontal plane. The node connectors correspond to the positions of the drilling rig node plates and are equipped with ring clamps and rotating hinges, and are fixed to the node plates with high-strength bolts. c. Conduct phased dynamic erection and deviation correction. Erect the drilling rig layer by layer from the bottom to the top, with each layer being ≤3m high. Install adjustable bases and main uprights. Measure the verticality of the main uprights using a total station. Install adjustable diagonal braces. Adjust the universal joint angle according to the included angle θ obtained in step b, so that the adjustable diagonal braces fit snugly against the main chord. Install node connection seats. Fine-tune the angle using a rotary hinge to align the annular clamp bolt holes with the node plate bolt holes. After fixing, tighten the high-strength bolts. After every 3 layers, use a laser tracker to monitor the overall frame deviation, ensuring that the deviation in the X, Y, and Z directions is ≤5mm. If the deviation exceeds the tolerance, adjust the overall translation or tilt angle using the hydraulic cylinders of the adjustable bases and adjustable diagonal braces. d. Implement integrated safety protection, fully cover the outside of the scaffold with anti-slip scaffold boards, install a horizontal safety net every 3 floors, install ladders along the main uprights, fix the ladders to the scaffold as a whole, install handrails on both sides, and install guardrails on the scaffold platform corresponding to the drilling rig working layer.
[0005] In step b, the main upright adopts a multi-segment sleeve structure, with spiral guide ribs on the inner wall of the sleeve and waist-shaped holes opened along the axial direction on the outer wall.
[0006] In step b, the inner diameter of the annular clamp matches the bolt holes of the node plate.
[0007] This invention provides a scaffolding erection method suitable for drilling rigs, which improves erection efficiency. Through adjustable main uprights, quick-connect nodes, and modular design, the erection time for a single rig is shortened to 1-2 days, increasing efficiency by more than 60%. Safety is enhanced, with double-locking nodes and wind-resistant cables ensuring that the deformation of the scaffolding under 6-level wind and 10Hz vibration conditions is ≤L / 500 (L is the height of the upright). Costs are reduced, with standardized modules having a reusability rate of ≥80%, reducing cutting and welding losses and lowering material costs by 30%. Functional integration is achieved through pre-reserved interfaces for cleaning equipment, avoiding temporary support construction and increasing work efficiency by 25%. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1 This is a top view of the scaffolding erection method applicable to drilling rigs according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0009] like Figure 1 As shown, the scaffolding erection method applicable to drilling rigs includes the following steps: a) 3D scanning and parametric modeling of the drilling rig: A laser 3D scanner is used to perform a full-field scan of the triangular drilling rig to obtain the spatial coordinates and node dimensions of the main chord and diagonal braces, such as the thickness of the node plates and bolt hole positions. The laser 3D scanner accuracy is ±0.5mm; b) Design of an adjustable scaffolding foundation frame: The scaffolding adopts a structure of main uprights, adjustable diagonal braces, and node connection seats. The main uprights are made of Φ48×3.2mm steel pipes, with adjustable bases at the bottom. The adjustment range is ±150mm to compensate for uneven settlement of the drilling rig foundation. The main uprights are multi-segmented. The sleeve structure features spiral guide ribs on the inner wall and axially oriented slotted holes on the outer wall. Adjustable diagonal braces are arranged along the inclination direction of the main chord of the triangular drilling rig, connected by two telescopic steel pipes via universal joints. The adjustment range is ±200mm. An angle sensor is built into the universal joint to provide real-time feedback on the inclination angle of the main upright, matching the angle θ between the main chord and the horizontal plane. The node connection seat corresponds to the drilling rig node plate position, equipped with an annular clamp and a rotating hinge, fixed to the node plate with high-strength bolts. The inner diameter of the annular clamp matches the bolt holes of the node plate. The rotating hinge allows an adjustment range of ±15°. c. Phased dynamic erection and deviation correction are performed, starting from the bottom of the drilling rig ( Erect the structure layer by layer from elevation 0m to the top (elevation H), with each layer ≤3m in height. Install adjustable bases and main uprights. Measure the verticality of the main uprights using a total station; the deviation should be ≤2mm / m. Install adjustable diagonal braces. Adjust the universal joint angle according to the included angle θ obtained in step b, ensuring the adjustable diagonal braces are in close contact with the main chord, with a gap ≤2mm. Install node connection seats. Fine-tune the angle using a rotary hinge to align the annular clamp bolt holes with the node plate bolt holes, with a misalignment ≤1mm. After fixing, tighten the high-strength bolts, pre-tightening the torque value to 90% of the design value. Finally, perform a 100% verification. After every 3 layers, use a laser tracker to monitor the overall frame deviation to ensure... The deviations in the X, Y, and Z directions are ≤5mm. If the deviations exceed the tolerance, the overall translation or tilting adjustment is performed using the hydraulic cylinders of the adjustable base and adjustable diagonal brace. The hydraulic cylinder stroke is 100mm. d. Implement integrated safety protection. Fully cover the outside of the scaffold with anti-slip scaffold boards with a thickness ≥50mm. Install a horizontal safety net every 3 layers with a mesh size ≤100mm. Install ladders along the main uprights with an angle ≤45°. Fix the ladders to the scaffold as a whole. Install handrails on both sides with a height of 1.2m. Install guardrails on the scaffold platform (elevation H0) corresponding to the drilling rig working layer with a height of 1.5m and a guardrail spacing ≤0.15m.
[0010] For the special working conditions of drilling rig cleaning scaffolding, such as dynamic loads, variable angles, and marine corrosive environments, a strength calculation system with multi-load coupling analysis and key node verification is required. First, the load values are as follows: Static load: scaffolding self-weight, calculated based on steel density 7850 kg / m³; worker and tool load (2 kN / m²); cleaning equipment load: high-pressure water gun 1.5 kN / unit, maximum 4 units; Dynamic load: vibration load caused by personnel movement, 0.5 kN / m², frequency 5-10 Hz; wave-induced rig vibration load, based on the rig's natural frequency f0, taken as equivalent static load according to the "Code for Design of Marine Engineering Structures" GB 50493-2008, coefficient 1.2-1.5; Environmental load: wind load, basic wind pressure 0.8 kN / m², according to the "Code for Design of Building Structures" GB... 50009-2012 Calculation of wind suction and pressure, wave force, and wave buoyancy force according to the "Code for Construction of Port and Coastal Engineering" JTS 167-4-2012; Second, calculation model, a three-dimensional finite element model is established (software: STAAD.PRO), the uprights, horizontal bars, and scissor braces are made of bar elements, and the nodes at the overlap with the original structure are made of SLAVE. MASTER (simulating the stiffness of the double-locking device); Boundary conditions: the bottom of the scaffolding is temporarily fixed to the surface of the derrick via an adjustable base (constraining the translational degrees of freedom in X, Y, and Z, and releasing the rotational degree of freedom around the Z-axis); the upper end of the wind-resistant cable is constrained for displacement in the X and Y directions, and the lower end is fixed to the anchor pile (considered as a rigid foundation); Finally, key verification indicators: maximum stress of the upright: ≤ allowable stress of Q345B steel (205MPa), safety factor ≥1.5; shear bearing capacity of the joint: ultimate shear capacity of the double-locking device ≥80kN, verified by tensile-shear test; overall stability: critical load factor of the first-order buckling mode ≥2.0, verified by Euler buckling theory; adaptability to variable angle: when the maximum tilt angle of the upright is ≤15°, the locking force of the joint decreases. The utilization rate is ≤10%, verified by strain gauge measurements. A parametric model was established to simulate the erection of this type of scaffolding at a height of 57 meters, with a total of 30 layers. The calculated maximum utilization coefficient of all members is 0.94 < 1, which meets the relevant requirements of the specifications and can be implemented in practice. The scaffolding erection method of this invention solves the problem of poor adaptability of traditional scaffolding through modular adjustable design. Safety is improved by using double locking nodes and utilizing the original structure as the bottom of each module. Work efficiency is optimized through functional integration. Strength reliability is ensured based on finite element analysis and experimental verification. It can effectively meet the engineering needs of cleaning triangular derricks of drilling platforms, and complete cleaning work at heights of 50 meters and above as much as possible, with significant economic and social benefits.
Claims
1. A method for erecting scaffolding suitable for drilling rigs, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: a. 3D scanning and parametric modeling of the drilling rig: A laser 3D scanner is used to perform a full-field scan of the triangular drilling rig to obtain the spatial coordinates and node dimensions of the main chord and diagonal braces, such as the node plate thickness and bolt hole positions. b. Design an adjustable scaffolding foundation frame. The scaffolding adopts a structure of main uprights, adjustable diagonal braces, and node connectors. The main uprights are made of steel pipes, with adjustable bases at the bottom to compensate for uneven settlement of the drilling rig foundation. The adjustable diagonal braces are arranged along the inclination direction of the main chord of the triangular drilling rig and are connected by two telescopic steel pipes through universal joints. The universal joints have built-in angle sensors to provide real-time feedback on the inclination angle of the main uprights and match the angle θ between the main chord and the horizontal plane. The node connectors correspond to the positions of the drilling rig node plates and are equipped with ring clamps and rotating hinges, and are fixed to the node plates with high-strength bolts. c. Conduct phased dynamic erection and deviation correction. Erect the drilling rig layer by layer from the bottom to the top, with each layer being ≤3m high. Install adjustable bases and main uprights. Measure the verticality of the main uprights using a total station. Install adjustable diagonal braces. Adjust the universal joint angle according to the included angle θ obtained in step b, so that the adjustable diagonal braces fit snugly against the main chord. Install node connection seats. Fine-tune the angle using a rotary hinge to align the annular clamp bolt holes with the node plate bolt holes. After fixing, tighten the high-strength bolts. After every 3 layers, use a laser tracker to monitor the overall frame deviation, ensuring that the deviation in the X, Y, and Z directions is ≤5mm. If the deviation exceeds the tolerance, adjust the overall translation or tilt angle using the hydraulic cylinders of the adjustable bases and adjustable diagonal braces. d. Implement integrated safety protection, fully cover the outside of the scaffold with anti-slip scaffold boards, install a horizontal safety net every 3 floors, install ladders along the main uprights, fix the ladders to the scaffold as a whole, install handrails on both sides, and install guardrails on the scaffold platform corresponding to the drilling rig working layer.
2. The scaffolding erection method applicable to drilling rigs according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step b, the main upright adopts a multi-segment sleeve structure, with spiral guide ribs on the inner wall of the sleeve and waist-shaped holes opened along the axial direction on the outer wall.
3. The scaffolding erection method applicable to drilling rigs according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step b, the inner diameter of the annular clamp matches the bolt holes of the node plate.