Adjustable Ramp Assembly for Variable Rig Floor Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe handling systems for subterranean operations are inflexible and cannot accommodate rigs with drill floors at varying heights, limiting their adaptability and efficiency in different operational settings.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pipe handling system comprising a base skid with a longitudinal recess, a lift arm, and a ramp with extension sections that can be aligned and secured using complementary interfacing features, allowing the system to be easily adjusted to match the height of different rig floors by inserting or removing extension sections between the bottom and top sections of the ramp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length ramp is used in the pipe handling system, then the structural design is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the system cannot accommodate rigs with varying floor heights, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple modular sections (bottom section, middle sections, top section) that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each section has standardized interfacing features that allow them to be assembled in different configurations, enabling the ramp length to be adjusted to match various rig floor heights while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp configuration is made dynamic through the ability to add or remove middle sections based on operational requirements. The interfacing features include alignment mechanisms and securing means that allow the ramp to be quickly reconfigured from a static structure to accommodate different height requirements, transforming the system from fixed to adaptable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ramp sections are used to accommodate different heights, then adaptability to varying rig floor heights is improved, but the complexity of assembling and aligning sections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interfacing features at the ends of each ramp section are designed with specific local characteristics including protruding and recessed alignment elements. These localized features automatically guide the positioning of adjacent sections when connected, ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex external alignment procedures or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp sections incorporate self-aligning interfacing features where protruding elements on one section automatically fit into recessed elements on the adjacent section. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external alignment tools or complex assembly procedures, allowing operators to quickly connect and disconnect sections by simply mating the complementary features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ramp length is made adjustable to fit different rig floors, then the system becomes more versatile, but the structural stability and strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the ramp into discrete modular sections with standardized interfaces, the design maintains structural strength through consistent connection points. Each section is engineered to bear its portion of the load, and the standardized interfacing features ensure uniform stress distribution across all connections, preventing weak points that would compromise overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The interfacing features are pre-designed with built-in alignment and securing mechanisms that ensure proper positioning and load distribution before the ramp is placed into service. This preliminary configuration of connection elements guarantees that when sections are assembled, they form a structurally sound unit capable of withstanding operational loads regardless of the total ramp length.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe handling system for transporting pipe between a horizontal storage location and a rig floor, where the pipe handling system can include an adjustable length ramp assembly which can be adjusted by installing one or more extension sections between bottom and top sections The sections can include interfacing features that can align the sections with each other when they are attached together in the ramp assembly.