Adjustable Tubular Slip for Multi-Size Drill String Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular slips for drill rigs require frequent size adjustments and manual swapping to accommodate different tubular sizes, leading to increased human contact, physical exertion, and reduced operational efficiency during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A tubular slip with a size adjusting system comprising multiple slip assemblies and wedges that can automatically adjust to accommodate various tubular sizes, including drill pipes and casings, by using inclined planes and actuators to engage and disengage with the drill string, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate, differently sized tubular slips are used to accommodate various tubular sizes, then the ability to handle different pipe sizes is improved, but the device complexity and time required for size adjustments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular slip is designed with adjustable size components that can be repositioned along the tubular slip body to accommodate multiple tubular sizes. This allows a single slip unit to perform multiple functions by adjusting its internal components, eliminating the need for separate slips for different pipe diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip assembly incorporates movable size components that can be dynamically adjusted during operation. The components can be repositioned along the tubular slip body to match different tubular sizes, enabling the device to adapt its geometry rather than requiring multiple static configurations.
2Ease of operation
If manual engagement and disengagement of tubular slips is used, then the simplicity of the mechanism is maintained, but the operational efficiency and speed of drilling operations decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular slip incorporates a self-centering mechanism that automatically positions the drill string within the slip assembly. The slip assembly self-adjusts to accommodate the tubular size and self-engages with the drill string, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip assembly includes a centering mechanism that provides feedback on the position of the drill string and automatically adjusts the size components to maintain proper alignment. This feedback system ensures precise engagement without requiring manual adjustment, improving operational speed and accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent manual size adjustments are performed, then the adaptability to different tubular sizes is maintained, but the loss of time and reduction in operational efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slip assembly is pre-configured with size components positioned along the tubular slip body, allowing rapid adjustment to different tubular sizes. The components can be quickly repositioned before engagement, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable size components can be rapidly repositioned along the tubular slip body to match different tubular diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the slip to adapt to various sizes quickly, minimizing time loss during size changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances operational efficiency by allowing seamless handling of multiple tubular sizes without manual adjustments, reducing human contact and physical exertion, and increasing the speed and precision of drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a slip component which can include a wedge arranged on a radially inner portion of each of the size adjusting systems and can be configured to cooperate to further constrict the diameter of the through opening
Implementation Method 2
a radially inward portion of the outer wedge can include a first inclined plane facing radially inward, where a bottom portion of the first inclined plane can be radially inward compared to a top portion of the first inclined plane
Implementation Method 3
A tubular slip can be used to grip a drill pipe, such as to suspend a drill string when the drill string is not suspended by an elevator
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a tubular slip for a drill rig can include a plurality of size adjusting systems which can be radially arranged about a well access hole of the drill rig and can be configured to cooperate to adjust a diameter of a through opening of the tubular slip to accommodate various tubular sizes. The tubular slip can also include a slip component which can include a wedge arranged on a radially inner portion of each of the size adjusting systems and can be configured to cooperate to further constrict the diameter of the through opening when a drill string is suspended by the tubular slip.