Crane-Free Drilling Rig Erection via Vehicle-Mounted Floor Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling rig erection methods rely heavily on cranes, which are large, cumbersome, and inefficient for site assembly and transportation, requiring winching and drawworks for lifting components.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for assembling and erecting drilling rigs without cranes, utilizing a substructure with upper and lower open spaces, where a vehicle-supported floor section is moved into these spaces and secured, allowing for the installation of drawworks, masts, and rig structures, and subsequent raising of the substructure to operational height using raising apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cranes are used to raise and position rig components, then lifting capability is achieved, but device complexity and transportation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the crane from the rig assembly system entirely. Instead of using a crane to lift and position components, the invention uses a vehicle to transport and position the floor section directly onto the substructure, eliminating the need for crane-related equipment and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle serves as an intermediary device to perform the functions previously requiring a crane. The vehicle transports the floor section and positions it on the substructure, acting as the mediating tool between transportation and assembly operations
2Power
If cranes and drawworks are used for assembly, then component lifting is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates both cranes and drawworks from the assembly process. The vehicle-based system directly positions the floor section without requiring winching operations or drawworks mechanisms, significantly simplifying the operational procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle performs multiple functions including transportation, positioning, and support during assembly. The floor section is self-supported by the vehicle during transport and then transferred to the substructure, eliminating the need for separate lifting and positioning operations
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional crane-based erection methods are used, then rig assembly is achieved, but productivity decreases due to complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The rig assembly is divided into distinct modular components: the substructure, the floor section, and various rig equipment. This segmentation allows each component to be independently transported and assembled in a systematic manner, improving overall assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The floor section is prepared and positioned on the substructure before installing other rig equipment. This preliminary positioning action establishes the foundational structure early in the assembly process, enabling subsequent equipment installation to proceed more efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for erecting a drilling rig. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).