Articulating Utility Boom Layout for Multi-Well Rig Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling rig systems face challenges in efficiently and flexibly moving utilities such as cabling and piping from a stationary source to the rig without requiring movement of the entire support equipment, especially in complex terrains and multiple wellbores within a single drilling pad.
Innovation Solution
A mobile skid with pivotally attached booms and hydraulic actuators allows for the deployment and repositioning of service lines, enabling flexible movement and connection to the rig, with optional remote control and various mobility options like wheels, tracks, or air bearings, and a rig boom that can pivot up to ±45 degrees for enhanced maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire support equipment is moved to transport utilities to different wellbores, then the rig can be repositioned, but the complexity and time of the operation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the support equipment into separate mobile skid units, each capable of independently transporting specific utilities (cabling, piping, hoses) to the rig. This segmentation allows individual skids to be moved and reconfigured without relocating the entire support equipment assembly, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile skids are equipped with movable components including wheels, tracks, or air bearings for flexible positioning, and booms with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust to reach different wellbore locations. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to varying rig positions without complex reconfiguration of the entire support system.
2Ease of operation
If conventional ground-level utility lines are used, then setup is simple, but the rig cannot move freely across complex terrain and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs air bearings on the mobile skids that create a cushion of air between the skid and ground, enabling the equipment to glide over uneven terrain, obstacles, and sensitive surfaces without physical contact. This pneumatic mechanism maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving terrain adaptability compared to ground-level fixed utility lines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If booms are extended to maximum range for service line deployment, then coverage area increases, but the booms become less stable and more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The boom system employs a telescopic design where smaller boom sections are nested within larger sections, allowing the boom to extend to maximum reach when needed while maintaining a compact, stable configuration during transport and when full extension is not required. This nesting mechanism preserves stability across varying extension states.
Solution Approach 2:
The booms are equipped with active control systems including hydraulic actuators and sensors that dynamically adjust boom position, speed, and orientation during extension and operation. This dynamic control maintains stability and precision even when the boom is extended to maximum range for service line deployment.
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
Facilitates easier and quicker setup of utilities at different wellbores, reduces setup time, and enhances operational flexibility by allowing the skid and booms to navigate uneven terrain and avoid obstacles, improving the range of rig movement and connection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile skid with pivotally attached booms and hydraulic actuators allows for the deployment and repositioning of service lines
Implementation Method 2
optional remote control and various mobility options like wheels, tracks, or air bearings
Data Source
AI summary
A boom system for utility service lines (such as cables, wires, hoses, pipes, etc.) for a drilling rig. The mobile boom system includes a skid with posts and one or more booms pivotally attached to each post. One or more articulating booms attached to a first post can support and carry the service lines connected to the sources and one or more articulating booms attached to the second post can support and carry the service lines connected to a drilling rig, or to a boom extending from a drilling rig. The mobile articulating boom system can include means for moving and selectively positioning the mobile articulating boom system at a drilling site. The mobile boom system can be adapted so that it has first, second, and third booms which can be placed in a closed position and fit within a perimeter defined by the skid for easier transportation to and from a drilling site.