Axial Rod Lifting Coupling for Torque-Free Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lifting and handling rod, pipe, tube, and casing in well servicing and drilling operations require manual handling and application of substantial torque, posing hazards to rig personnel and necessitating the use of specialized machinery.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that engages with a tube or rod in a longitudinal axial direction, utilizing an engagement member and an abutment member to apply a locking force, eliminating the need for substantial torque and allowing hands-free operation by using a linear actuator or hydraulic ram to secure the engagement member to the engagement portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and specialized machinery are used to apply substantial torque for lifting and handling rod, pipe, tube, and casing, then the lifting and handling operations can be performed, but rig personnel are exposed to hazards and injuries can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device automatically engages with the tubular member through its own structural features (engagement portion with abutment surface and locking mechanism) without requiring external torque application or manual intervention. The device self-secures by applying axial force to drive the locking force onto the abutment surface, eliminating the need for personnel to manually apply torque or handle heavy components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional torque-based mechanical connection system with an axial force-based locking mechanism. Instead of using torque to secure the coupling device to the tubular member, the system uses axial movement of the abutment member to apply a locking force that secures the engagement, substituting a safer mechanical approach for the hazardous torque application method.
2Reliability
If specialized machinery is used to apply substantial torque for engaging the lifting apparatus with tube or rod, then secure engagement can be achieved, but the complexity and cost of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to self-engage and self-lock with the tubular member using its inherent structural features. The engagement portion automatically aligns with and engages the abutment surface, and the locking mechanism self-activates through axial movement, eliminating the need for external specialized machinery to achieve secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using torque (rotational force) to secure the engagement as in traditional systems, the invention inverts the approach by using axial force (linear force) to drive the locking mechanism. This reversal of the force application method simplifies the equipment needed, as axial force can be applied through simpler linear actuators rather than complex torque-generating machinery.
3Reliability
If manual torque application is required to engage the apparatus with tube or rod, then secure connection can be made, but the operation becomes hazardous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs the entire engagement and locking process automatically without requiring manual torque application. The device self-secures by converting axial movement into locking force, eliminating the time-consuming manual operations of positioning, torque application, and verification that are required in traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the time-consuming manual torque application process with an automated axial force-based locking mechanism. The linear actuator quickly applies axial force to drive the locking force onto the abutment surface, securing the connection in a fraction of the time required for manual torque application and elimination.
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 apparatus reduces hazardous working practices by eliminating the need for manual torque application and specialized machinery, enabling safe and efficient handling of heavy tube or rod strings, and allows for automated connection and disconnection of drill strings.
Implementation Method 1
The abutment member can apply a locking force to the abutment portion in the axial direction of the tube or rod, being a force that secures the engagement member to the engagement portion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for connecting to a tube or a rod in a longitudinal axial direction of the tube or rod. The tube or rod is used in the assembly of a tube or rod string. The apparatus comprises an engagement member adapted to engage with an engagement 5 portion located at an end of the tube or rod. The apparatus also comprises an abutment member associated with the engagement member. The abutment member is adapted to abut an abutment portion of the tube or rod. The apparatus is adapted such that, when the engagement member is engaged with the engagement portion and the abutment member abuts the abutment portion, the abutment member can apply a locking force to the abutment 0 portion in the axial direction of the tube or rod, being a force that secures the engagement member to the engagement portion such that the tube or rod can be lifted and moved.