Continuous Pipe String Tripping via Segmented Handling Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanized pipe handling in drilling operations has reduced efficiency and increased costs due to the need for frequent standstills during the insertion or withdrawal of long drill strings, where there is a risk of the pipe string sticking in the borehole or requiring repair, and existing technologies do not allow continuous running of the pipe string during assembly or disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A device with at least two cooperating pipe-handling units at a drill-floor opening, each capable of holding and rotating a pipe string or section axially, allowing continuous movement and connection/disconnection of pipe sections during tripping, enabling the pipe string to be moved into or out of the borehole without constant standstills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual pipe handling is used, then pipe sections can be handled at a rate of 60 per hour, but the capacity has reduced by half in mechanized operations due to the need for frequent standstills
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe handling system is divided into multiple independent pipe-handling units (at least two units) that can operate simultaneously and independently of each other. This segmentation allows different units to perform different operations (holding, rotating, connecting) at the same time, eliminating the need for sequential standstills and increasing overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Pipe sections are pre-positioned and prepared by the pipe-handling units before the main tripping operation begins. The units can hold and rotate pipe sections in advance, so that when the drill string needs to be assembled or disassembled, the components are already ready, reducing waiting time and increasing continuous operation capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pipe string is stopped for pipe section assembly or disassembly, then connections can be made, but the drill string may stick in the borehole due to differential pressure or loose fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe string continues to move continuously through the borehole while the pipe-handling units perform connection operations. At least one unit holds the pipe string fixed while another rotates and connects pipe sections, allowing the tripping operation to proceed without interruption. This continuous movement prevents the drill string from sticking due to differential pressure or borehole fragments.
3Extent of automation
If mechanized pipe handling is implemented, then remote operation is enabled, but the capacity for tripping operations is reduced compared to manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The automated pipe handling system is segmented into multiple independent units that can operate in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to handle more pipe sections per unit time compared to a single manual operator, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining remote operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pipe-handling unit is designed to perform multiple functions: holding the pipe string fixed, rotating pipe sections, and facilitating connections. This multi-functionality allows a single automated unit to replace multiple manual operations, increasing overall handling capacity while maintaining automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for tripping, in which, at a drill-floor opening which is arranged to receive a pipe string, two or more cooperating pipe-handling units are arranged, each, independently of the other(s) or in cooperation with the other(s), being arranged to releasably hold the pipe string fixed and to move the pipe string in its axial direction, and also to move a pipe section in the axial direction of the pipe string and rotate the pipe section around the axis of the pipe string.