Catwalk Trough Aligns Drill Pipes for Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drilling operations face inefficiencies in connecting and torquing drill pipes, requiring frequent disconnections and reconnections, which increases the number of operations and reduces productivity.

Innovation Solution

A catwalk system with a trough and skates to align and torque drill pipes, allowing for simultaneous engagement and rotation of pipe ends, reducing the need for frequent disconnections and improving the efficiency of pipe assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If drill pipes are connected end-to-end manually with frequent disconnections and reconnections, then the drill string can be assembled, but the number of operations increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling productivityVSAvoidtime for disconnections and reconnections

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the drill pipe assembly process into distinct functional zones: the V-door for receiving pipes, the trough for alignment, and the catwalk for transport. This segmentation allows simultaneous preparation and connection operations, reducing idle time and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trough performs preliminary alignment of drill pipe ends before they reach the connection point. By pre-aligning the pipes in the trough, the system eliminates time-consuming manual positioning during the actual connection operation, thereby reducing total assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If drill pipes are assembled into stands with frequent disconnections, then the drill string can be built, but the number of operations increases reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe assembly efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of connection operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the alignment function (trough) and transport function (catwalk) into a single integrated pathway. This combination allows pipes to be aligned and transported in one continuous motion, eliminating separate positioning operations and reducing the total number of connection steps required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trough acts as an intermediary device between the V-door (receiving point) and the catwalk (transport path). It serves as a buffer zone that prepares pipes for connection, simplifying the overall process by handling alignment tasks separately from the main connection operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If manual alignment and torque application are performed separately, then drill pipes can be connected, but the number of operations increases and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for alignment and torque operationsVSAvoidsimplicity of connection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The catwalk system is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs alignment, positioning, and support functions during the connection process. This universality eliminates the need for separate alignment tools and positioning devices, reducing operational complexity while saving time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10519729B2Horizontal pipe connection and length detection system

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A tubular handling apparatus for a drilling system, a method for handling tubulars, and a drilling system. The apparatus includes a first trough configured to receive at least a first tubular and a second tubular, a first skate movable along the first trough and configured to engage a first end of the first tubular, and a second skate movable along the first trough and configured to engage a second end of the second tubular. The first and second skates are configured to push a third end of the first tubular into engagement with a fourth end of the second tubular in the first trough. The apparatus also includes a tongs configured to engage the first and second tubulars in the first trough and apply torque thereto.