Automated Fluid Conduit Connection Assembly for Cement Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in offshore and onshore drilling operations is the difficulty in safely and efficiently connecting fluid conduits, such as chiksans, to elevated cement heads due to their elevated positions, which poses risks to personnel and increases the likelihood of accidents during manual handling and connection processes.
Innovation Solution
An automated connection assembly that includes a hoist or winch system to lift and position the fluid conduit end near the cement head inlet, combined with a quick-lock receptacle for secure attachment, allowing remote operation to ensure safe and efficient connection and disconnection, thereby reducing manual intervention and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If personnel manually handle and connect fluid conduits to elevated cement heads, then the connection can be made, but the risk of accidents and injury to personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic manipulator performs the connection operations that were previously done manually by personnel, eliminating the safety risks associated with manual handling of heavy equipment at elevated locations while maintaining the connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system enables the cement head assembly to connect and disconnect fluid conduits autonomously without requiring human intervention. The robotic manipulator, controlled by a surface-based control system, performs all necessary operations including positioning, aligning, and securing the conduit connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cement heads are positioned at elevated locations above the rig floor, then sufficient space and accessibility are provided for drilling operations, but the difficulty and danger of connecting fluid conduits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic manipulator as an intermediary between the control system and the cement head assembly. This intermediary performs the physical connection operations at the elevated location, allowing the cement head to be positioned at the necessary height for operational versatility while eliminating the difficulty and danger of manual connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the connection operation from the human operator and transfers it to an automated robotic system. By removing the manual handling requirement, the system can maintain elevated cement head positioning for operational space while eliminating the associated connection difficulties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated connection systems are implemented, then personnel safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations including gripping, positioning, aligning, and securing fluid conduit connections. By consolidating these functions into a single automated system, the patent achieves personnel safety improvements while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a modular automated connection system that can be deployed and removed as needed for specific operations. The system includes reusable components such as the robotic manipulator and control system, while the fluid conduits themselves remain disposable or reusable based on operational requirements, balancing automation investment with operational flexibility.
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 automated system enables safe, efficient, and remote operation of connecting fluid conduits to elevated cement heads, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring continuous fluid flow without the need for personnel to manually handle heavy equipment at elevated locations.
Implementation Method 1
An automated connection assembly that includes a hoist or winch system to lift and position the fluid conduit end near the cement head inlet
Implementation Method 2
combined with a quick-lock receptacle for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for automated lifting and positioning of a chiksan or other fluid conduit in proximity to a fluid inlet of a device such as, for example, a cement head. Once a chiksan or other flow line is positioned in a desired location, a secure connection is made between the outlet of the chiksan or other fluid conduit and the fluid inlet of a cement head including, without limitation, when the cement head is positioned at an elevated location above a rig floor.