Bendable Drill Pipe Direction Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drilling systems face inefficiencies and increased costs when attempting to reduce the duration of a round trip by increasing the height of the hoisting structure, which leads to stability issues and limitations in vessel access, particularly in maritime environments.
Innovation Solution
A drilling system incorporating at least one bendable drill pipe with block and tackle systems and conveyor devices to guide and bend the drill string between directions, allowing for longer segment manipulation without significant height increases, and utilizing a top drive for torque application and a rack for segment storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the height of the hoisting structure is increased to accommodate longer drill string segments, then the duration of a round trip is reduced, but the weight and cost of the hoisting structure increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is divided into multiple segments that can be handled separately. Instead of requiring the entire drill string to be accommodated in a single vertical storage position, the system processes segments individually, allowing shorter hoisting structure height while maintaining reduced round trip duration through efficient segment-by-segment handling
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from purely vertical storage arrangement to a system that utilizes horizontal positioning and angled conveyance. Drill string segments are conveyed at an angle from horizontal to vertical position, allowing the hoisting structure to be shorter while still accommodating the full length of drill string segments through spatial reconfiguration in multiple dimensions
2Loss of time
If the height of the hoisting structure is increased to accommodate longer drill string segments, then the duration of a round trip is reduced, but the stability and security of the system deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing horizontal and angled components to the drill string conveyance system, the invention distributes the structural load across multiple support points and orientations rather than concentrating it in a single tall vertical structure. This multi-dimensional approach maintains system stability while achieving the time reduction benefits of handling longer segments
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic conveyance mechanisms that can adjust the angle and position of drill string handling. The conveyor device can adaptively manage the transition of drill string segments from horizontal to vertical positions, maintaining optimal stress distribution and system stability throughout the operation cycle
3Loss of time
If the height of the hoisting structure is increased to accommodate longer drill string segments, then the duration of a round trip is reduced, but the difficulty of maintenance and accessibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions critical equipment and conveyance mechanisms in horizontal and angled configurations rather than elevating them to great heights. This allows maintenance personnel to access equipment at more convenient, lower elevations while the system still achieves reduced round trip duration through efficient handling of long drill string segments in reconfigured spatial arrangements
4Loss of time
If the height of the hoisting structure is increased to accommodate longer drill string segments, then the duration of a round trip is reduced, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string handling system is segmented into modular components including separate conveyor devices, block and tackle systems, and positioning mechanisms. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, reducing complexity while maintaining the capability to handle long segments efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic, adjustable mechanisms rather than fixed, rigid structures. The conveyor device can adapt its angle and position, and the block and tackle systems can be reconfigured for different operational requirements. This dynamic approach reduces structural complexity compared to a permanently tall, rigid hoisting structure while achieving the same time reduction benefits
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
This approach reduces the duration of a round trip while minimizing cost and stability disruptions, enabling the handling of longer drill string segments without the need for extensive structural reinforcement, thus lowering project costs and maintaining vessel stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least two block and tackle systems for driving an end of the drill string in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one conveyor device adapted to guide and bend the drill string between the first direction and a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a drilling system for rock drilling with a drill string, wherein the drill string includes at least one bendable drill pipe. The drilling system further includes at least two block and tackle systems for driving an end of the drill string in a first direction; and at least two conveyor devices adapted to guide and bend the drill string between the first direction and a second direction, so as to convert a motion of the drill string between the first direction and the second direction.