Articulating Bail Assembly for Flexible Offshore Tubular Rigging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep water drilling operations face challenges due to wave-induced cyclic buoyant forces and limited workspace on offshore platforms, making it difficult to maneuver and rig-up well intervention equipment effectively.
Innovation Solution
An articulating bail assembly with dual pivot points and a hydraulically operated door forms a working window area, allowing for flexible rigging and lifting of equipment, and can be used both vertically in the derrick and horizontally on the deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed lift frame is used to provide lifting structure and working window, then structural stability is improved, but maneuverability and ease of rigging-up equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lift frame is designed with articulating bails that can pivot between fixed and extended positions, allowing the structure to dynamically adjust its configuration. This enables the frame to provide stability when needed while also allowing easy maneuverability during rigging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The lift frame is divided into multiple segments including the main frame, articulating bails, and removable spreaders. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently positioned and adjusted, improving both structural integrity and ease of assembly/disassembly
2Area of stationary object
If workspace is minimized on offshore platforms, then space utilization is improved, but flexibility for rigging-up equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating bails extend vertically from the platform deck, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than horizontal space. This allows equipment to be rigged-up in a compact footprint while maintaining full operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The lift frame structure serves multiple functions including providing a working window, supporting equipment during rigging operations, and enabling vertical access. The removable spreaders can accommodate different equipment configurations, enhancing versatility within limited space
3Force
If prior art lift frames are used to provide lifting structure, then lifting capability is improved, but ease of rigging-up and rigging-down equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating bails can pivot between a retracted position for compact storage and an extended position for equipment handling. This dynamic movement allows the same structure to facilitate both easy rigging operations and maintain lifting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spreaders are pre-configured with attachment points and can be quickly positioned into place before equipment is installed. This preliminary preparation simplifies the subsequent rigging-up process while maintaining full lifting capability
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 assembly enhances maneuverability and flexibility during rig-up and rig-down procedures, enabling easier handling of tools and equipment, and can be automatically controlled for efficient weight transfer and lifting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic piston operatively connected to the sliding sleeve, and control means, operatively associated with the hydraulic piston, for actuating the hydraulic piston to open and close the sliding sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a first pivot point on the first spreader member and a second pivot point on the second spreader member
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus may further comprise a winch mounted on the first spreader member and positioned within the window
Implementation Method 4
a pair of I-beams that have a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the distal end of the pair of I-beams are connected to the first spreader member
Implementation Method 5
a door means, operatively attached to the second spreader member, for allowing entry of the tubular
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for performing well intervention work on a rig. The apparatus comprises a first spreader that is operatively connected to a derrick, a pair of I-beams that have a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the distal end of the pair of I-beams are connected to the first spreader. The apparatus further comprises a second spreader, and wherein the proximal end of the I-beams is connected to the second spreader. The apparatus further comprises a first pivot point on the first spreader and a second pivot point on the second spreader. In the most preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a door, operatively attached to the second spreader, for allowing entry of the tubular. Also, the second spreader may include a shoulder for engagement with a tubular so that the tubular is supported by the second spreader so that the weight of the tubular can be transferred to the second spreader. A method of lifting a tubular used in well intervention work on a rig is also disclosed.