Drilling Rig Column Racker Assembly via Segmented Horizontal Lift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Erecting a drilling rig column racker is challenging due to its length and size, requiring careful handling to avoid bending, and conventional methods are slow, costly, and often necessitate the use of cranes, which can be unwieldy and difficult to transport to remote drill sites.

Innovation Solution

The use of an assembly trolley and a column racker support structure allows the column racker to be assembled and rigged in a horizontal position on the ground, then lifted and installed on the drilling rig without cranes, using a lift structure and racker trolley to efficiently position and secure the racker.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a full length column racker is moved from horizontal to vertical position, then the column racker can be introduced to the drill floor in assembled configuration, but the column racker may bend if care is not taken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly configurationVSAvoidcolumn racker integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The column racker is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled in a horizontal configuration on the ground. Each segment is transported separately and then joined together to form the complete column racker in a controlled environment, avoiding the risk of bending during vertical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The column racker segments are assembled and prepared in advance in a horizontal position on the ground before being transported to the drill floor. This preliminary assembly allows for proper alignment and connection in a stable configuration, reducing the risk of damage during the lifting and installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional techniques are used to introduce column racker to drill floor, then the column racker can be assembled in horizontal condition, but the process is slow and challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal assemblyVSAvoidsetup speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The column racker segments are designed to be self-assembling in a horizontal configuration using ground-based equipment. The segments connect to each other through standardized interfaces that allow for quick assembly without requiring specialized crane operations or complex positioning equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If cranes are used to hoist and tip the column racker, then the column racker can be assembled in horizontal condition, but crane transport and setup is difficult in remote areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal assembly capabilityVSAvoidtransport accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The column racker is segmented into smaller, more manageable sections that can be transported using standard ground vehicles and equipment. This segmentation allows the components to be delivered to remote drill sites via conventional transportation routes without requiring large cranes or specialized heavy equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly process transitions from vertical operations (crane lifting and tipping) to horizontal operations (ground-based assembly and rolling). By performing the assembly in a horizontal dimension on the ground, the system eliminates the need for crane operations and adapts to remote locations with limited access infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If column racker segments are joined to form single column racker in vertical condition, then the column racker can be introduced in unassembled configuration, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunassembled introductionVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of assembling the column racker segments in a vertical position, the invention inverts the sequence by assembling the segments in a horizontal position on the ground. This inversion simplifies the assembly process by allowing workers to connect segments at ground level with proper alignment, then transport the completed assembly as a single unit to the drill floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9879442B2Drilling rig column racker and methods of erecting same

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 NABORS INDUSTRIES INC

AI summary

Methods for erecting a drilling structure on a drilling rig include hoisting a first end of a column racker with a support carried by a mast on the drilling rig while the column racker is in a first position, and advancing a second end of a column racker along a solid surface toward the mast while simultaneously hoisting the first end of the column racker to move the column racker toward a second position that is closer to vertical than the first position. Other methods include raising a first end of a column racker with a ground-based, powered lift structure, and introducing the first end of the column racker to the rig floor while supporting the weight of the column racker with the ground-based, powered lift structure.