Articulated Plug Removal Tool for Safer Flow Skid Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing plugs from modular flow skids in the oil and gas industry are time-consuming, increase Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) risks, and can cause equipment damage due to manual handling and the use of overhead cranes.
Innovation Solution
A plug removal tool with a mounting bracket, swivel joints, and sliding arms that allows for rotational and translational movement to support and align a plug nut for safe and efficient removal from fluid conduits, reducing manual intervention and HSE risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual hooks and overhead cranes are used to remove plugs, then the plug removal process can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and increases HSE risks
Solution Approach 1:
The plug removal tool is self-contained with an integrated arm mechanism that automatically positions and supports the plug during removal. The tool performs its own positioning and support functions without requiring external crane assistance, enabling quick removal while maintaining safety through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug removal tool acts as an intermediary device between the plug and the operator. The articulated arm with plug holder creates a controlled interface that manages the plug's weight and position, eliminating the need for direct manual handling or heavy crane intervention while maintaining safety and reducing downtime.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling methods are used, then equipment can be operated, but equipment damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The plug removal tool serves as a protective intermediary between operators and the plug. The articulated arm mechanism with integrated plug holder provides controlled support and positioning, eliminating direct manual handling that could cause damage while maintaining ease of operation through simple actuation controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm mechanism provides dynamic, adaptive support for the plug during removal. The arm can move through multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate different positions and orientations, providing smooth controlled movement that prevents sudden shifts or drops that could damage equipment while remaining easy to operate.
3Force
If overhead cranes are used to support plug weight, then the plug can be removed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The plug support and positioning functions are extracted from the external crane system and integrated into a self-contained removal tool. The articulated arm mechanism with plug holder provides all necessary support capacity locally at the plug location, eliminating the need for complex crane operations and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug removal tool combines multiple functions into a single device: the articulated arm provides both structural support for the plug weight and positioning capability. The same mechanism that supports the plug also guides its removal path, eliminating the need for separate crane and positioning systems while maintaining full support capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug removal tool may include a mount for attaching the plug removal tool to a structure and a plug nut. Additionally, the plug removal tool may include at least one rigid arm extending between the mount and the plug nut. Further, the at least one arm may have at least one translational degree of movement and at least one rotational degree of movement.