Carousel Drill Stem Loader for Fast, Low-Noise Well Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and labor-intensive process of drilling wells for geothermal energy systems, particularly in non-rocky soils, is hindered by the manual assembly and alignment of drill stem and shroud tube modules, which also results in noise pollution and requires significant manpower.
Innovation Solution
A compact, carousel-type drill stem and shroud tube loader that automates the loading and positioning of modules, using a sliding belt or chain system with tensioning shafts and operating heads to facilitate efficient and controlled assembly, reducing noise and labor requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual assembly and alignment of drill stem and shroud tube modules is used, then the process is simple and requires basic equipment, but the labor costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The loader is divided into distinct functional modules: a carousel structure for holding multiple drill stem modules, a shroud tube holder for positioning shroud tubes, and an alignment mechanism with adjustable arms. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to automate the complex task of simultaneous loading and alignment without requiring an overly complicated monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The loader device serves multiple functions: it stores multiple drill stem modules on the carousel, holds shroud tubes in proper orientation, aligns both components simultaneously, and positions them for insertion. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations into a single integrated automated system.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of drill stem and shroud tube modules is performed, then the equipment remains simple, but the positioning precision and alignment accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel pre-positions multiple drill stem modules in ready-to-load configurations, and the shroud tube holder pre-orientates shroud tubes before the actual loading operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that when modules are transferred to the drilling position, they are already aligned with the required precision, reducing the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment mechanism acts as an intermediary between the stored modules and the drilling position. The adjustable arms and positioning devices serve as mediators that fine-tune the alignment of drill stem and shroud tube modules, ensuring precise positioning without requiring the entire loading system to be overly complex.
3Productivity
If multiple operators are used for manual assembly, then the process is flexible and adaptable, but the labor costs and noise pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loader system performs the assembly and alignment operations autonomously without requiring multiple human operators. The carousel automatically presents modules, the alignment mechanism self-adjusts positioning, and the system completes the loading sequence without continuous human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the noise associated with multiple operators while maintaining high productivity.
4Speed
If drill stem modules are progressively screwed one into another manually, then the equipment remains simple, but the drilling time and operational speed increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel loader enables continuous loading operations by maintaining a ready supply of pre-positioned drill stem modules. As one module is being installed, the next module is already in position on the carousel, eliminating idle time between assembly operations. This continuous action significantly increases assembly speed compared to traditional batch-by-batch manual loading.
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling machine, particularly for use in non-rocky terrain, includes a machine body with a mast equipped with one or more rotary operating heads having chucks coupled thereto for the downward rotation of drill stem modules and/or shroud tube modules, and a carousel loader of the drill stem modules. Each of the drill stem modules is inserted in a shroud tube module and is carried on a sliding platform. The drilling machine further includes a loader having a plurality of rods, forks, sockets, or seats, suitable for inducing a forward transfer of the shroud tube modules and corresponding drill stem modules in a substantially vertical position.