Compensating Rig Elevator Eliminates Set-Down Weight on Threaded Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the oil and gas industry, maintaining proper thread integrity during the assembly of tubulars is challenging due to misalignment and uneven weight distribution, leading to thread galling and cross-threading, which results in costly and time-consuming re-threading of connections.
Innovation Solution
A Compensating Rig Elevator (CRE) with an integrated compensation system that eliminates set-down weight from threaded connectors, allowing for safe and efficient engagement of tubulars without the need for separate compensating systems, swivels, or hydraulic/pneumatic control lines, and incorporates the Elevator Roller Insert System for rotational and vertical maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate compensating systems, swivels, and hydraulic/pneumatic control lines are used to eliminate set-down weight from threaded connectors, then thread integrity is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compensating system, swivel mechanism, and hoist assembly into a single integrated compensating rig elevator unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate compensating rams, swivels, and hydraulic/pneumatic control lines while maintaining the function of eliminating set-down weight from threaded connectors during make-up operations
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated compensating rig elevator performs multiple functions simultaneously: it compensates for weight on threaded connectors, provides rotational maneuverability through the built-in swivel, and offers vertical maneuverability through the hoist assembly. This multi-functionality replaces several separate pieces of equipment with a single universal device
2Manufacturing precision
If separate compensating rams are used to hold up the single joint elevator, then thread integrity is improved, but safety concerns increase due to potential ram failure and violent swinging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the compensating mechanism directly into the rig elevator structure, eliminating separate compensating rams that could fail independently. The combined structure ensures that compensation and elevation functions are performed by a unified system, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure and violent swinging associated with separate ram systems
3Manufacturing precision
If proper alignment and weight distribution are maintained during tubular assembly, then thread galling and cross-threading are prevented, but operational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated compensating rig elevator pre-establishes proper alignment and weight distribution before the threading operation begins. The built-in swivel and compensating mechanism are already positioned and configured to maintain optimal conditions during make-up, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments during the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system automatically maintains proper alignment and weight distribution through its self-contained compensating and swivel mechanisms. The device serves itself by inherently providing the conditions necessary for successful threading without requiring additional operational steps or manual intervention to maintain precision
Data Source
AI summary
A compensating rig elevator is provided to eliminate set-down weight from threaded connectors during make-up of a pipe stand and thereby provide an ability to reduce the risk of thread galling and cross-threading. The elevator may comprise one or more hoist assemblies with bail arms that deflect as the compensating rig elevator is suspended by the bail arms and a tubular is placed in the compensating rig elevator. The bail arms actuate a locking mechanism to secure the compensating rig elevator in a closed position around the tubular. The compensating rig elevator can also have compensating rams and a slip system to positively engage the tubular and bear the weight of multiple tubulars.