Control Line Positioning Apparatus for Pipe String Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control lines secured to pipe strings are prone to damage during the installation process in boreholes due to pinching or crushing between the pipe string and the spider or CLS landing spear, leading to significant rig downtime and loss of valuable time.
Innovation Solution
A control line positioning apparatus with a movable retainer arm that positions and secures control lines along the pipe string, preventing them from entering the operating zone of the spider or CLS landing spear, and includes a safety interlock system to prevent damage, allowing for reliable clamping and protection of the control lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control lines are secured to pipe strings during installation, then control lines can transmit commands and data to downhole devices, but control lines are prone to damage from pinching or crushing between the pipe string and spider or CLS landing spear
Solution Approach 1:
A control line positioning apparatus with a movable retainer arm is introduced as an intermediary device between the control lines and the hazardous operating zone of the spider or CLS landing spear. The retainer arm positions and secures control lines along the pipe string, preventing them from entering the operating zone where pinching or crushing could occur, thus protecting the control lines while maintaining their functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning apparatus is configured to position control lines in advance before they enter the hazardous operating zone. The movable retainer arm proactively secures control lines along the pipe string ahead of potential damage zones, preventing damage before it can occur rather than reacting to damage after it happens
2Reliability
If a movable retainer arm positioning apparatus is introduced to protect control lines, then control line damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus employs a movable retainer arm that can dynamically adjust its position along the pipe string rather than being a fixed complex structure. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to different control line positions and pipe string configurations, providing effective protection while maintaining relative structural simplicity through motion rather than complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning apparatus with the movable retainer arm serves multiple functions: it positions control lines along the pipe string, prevents them from entering the hazardous operating zone, and provides continuous protection during installation operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive control line protection
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to attach a control line to a tubular member, in which the apparatus includes a control line arm having a first control line guide coupled thereto, and a base having a second control line guide coupled thereto, with the control line arm coupled to the base and movable with respect to the base. The control line arm may be movable between a raised position and a collapsed position with respect to the base, and the control line arm may be at least one of slidably coupled and rotatably coupled to the base.