Control Valve Voltage Shifter for Drilling Rig Hydraulic Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling rigs face challenges in efficiently managing the length and weight of drillstrings as they increase with well depth, requiring complex systems for deploying and positioning components during oil and gas well construction.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method utilizing a hydraulic control valve that applies non-zero pressure to hydraulic cylinders based on input voltage levels, with a voltage level shifter and converter to manage pressure distribution, enabling precise control of rig components like the rig floor and moveable structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex systems are used to manage drillstring deployment and positioning, then operational control and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with an electro-hydraulic system. A control valve receives electrical control signals and converts them to hydraulic pressure control, which then actuates the hydraulic cylinder. This substitution simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining precise control capability, as the electrical signals can be easily processed and transmitted compared to mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic control system where a control valve regulates hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic fluid transmits force efficiently to move heavy drillstring components, providing smooth and controlled operation. The hydraulic system offers inherent advantages in force multiplication and controlled motion, reducing the need for complex mechanical transmission mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If precise voltage control is implemented to manage hydraulic pressure, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes voltage level shifting to transform the control signal voltage range to match the control valve's requirements. By changing the voltage parameter through the level shifter circuit, the system achieves precise control of hydraulic pressure without requiring complex control logic. The voltage transformation provides a straightforward method to map control inputs to the appropriate pressure output range.
3Measurement precision
If voltage level shifting and conversion are implemented, then control signal accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage level shifter as an intermediary component between the control signal source and the control valve. This intermediary circuit transforms the voltage levels to ensure compatibility and accuracy in the control signal transmission. The level shifter acts as a buffer that adapts the electrical parameters without requiring complex signal processing or multiple control stages.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates simpler and more efficient deployment and positioning of well construction apparatus components, enhancing operational control and stability during drilling operations by managing hydraulic pressure effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage level shifter that produces a shift reference voltage (SHRv) substantially equal to the fraction value of the VPSv
Implementation Method 2
a voltage converter that receives the SHRv and CNTo and provides the CSi to the control valve
Implementation Method 3
The control valve applies non-zero hydraulic pressure to a first port of a hydraulic cylinder when a control signal input voltage (CSi) is greater than a fraction value of a valve power supply voltage (VPSv)
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for controlling a hydraulic cylinder with a control valve in a control system. The control system comprises a voltage level shifter that produces a shift reference voltage (SHRv) substantially equal to the fraction value of a valve power supply voltage (VPSv). A controller produces a control system output voltage (CNTo) with a positive value, a negative value, or a zero value in response to a control input voltage (CNTi) and the VPSv. A voltage converter receives the SHRv and CNTo, and provides a control signal input voltage (CSi) to the control valve. The CSi is greater than the fraction value of the VPSv when the CNTo is the positive value, less than the fraction value of the VPSv when the CNTo is the negative value, and substantially equal to the fraction value of the VPSv when the CNTo is the zero value.