Control Line Positioning Apparatus for Rig Installation Safety
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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 equipment.
Innovation Solution
A control line positioning method and apparatus that uses a movable retainer arm to position and protect control lines, preventing them from entering the operating zone of the spider or CLS landing spear, and facilitates clamping to the pipe string using clamps, ties, or straps, while ensuring safe routing to avoid interference with rig floor personnel and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control lines are secured to pipe strings during installation, then control functionality is established, 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 device acts as an intermediary between the control lines and the pipe string installation process. The device includes a positioning element that contacts the control line and a support structure that prevents the control line from entering the operating zone of the spider or CLS landing spear, thereby protecting it from pinching or crushing damage while allowing normal installation operations to proceed
Solution Approach 2:
The control line positioning device is installed and configured before the pipe string installation process begins. The positioning element is adjusted to the appropriate height and the support structure is placed to establish protective barriers in advance, ensuring that control lines are protected from the outset rather than requiring corrective actions after damage occurs
2Reliability
If control lines are positioned to avoid the operating zone of spider or CLS landing spear, then damage is prevented, but additional positioning apparatus and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control line positioning device is designed to perform multiple functions: it positions control lines at the appropriate height, prevents them from entering the operating zone of installation equipment, and provides protection throughout the installation process. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be multiple separate devices into a single integrated solution, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element of the control line positioning device is designed to be adjustable and adaptable. It can be positioned at different heights and configurations to accommodate various control line locations and installation scenarios, making the device versatile without requiring multiple fixed-position devices for different situations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If control lines are routed safely to avoid interference with rig floor personnel and equipment, then safety is improved, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control line positioning device utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning control lines at an elevated height above the rig floor. This vertical separation creates natural clearance between the control lines and personnel or equipment operating at floor level, eliminating interference issues without requiring complex horizontal routing configurations or barriers
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.