Deployable Jaw Single Joint Elevator for Pipe Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single joint elevators are inadequate for securely gripping and lifting pipe segments with integral connections and often require repositioning due to limited clearance in drilling operations, especially when proximity to the rig floor or other structures restricts access.
Innovation Solution
A horseshoe-shaped apparatus with rotatably or translatably deployable jaws, actuated pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically, that can secure pipe segments at multiple positions along the length, including those with integral connections, by deploying and locking jaws within a slot to facilitate lifting without repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single joint elevators with hinged body halves are used, then they can secure pipe segments with conventional connections, but they cannot grip pipe segments with integral connections and require repositioning due to limited clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator body is divided into multiple independent gripping elements (jaws) that can be deployed separately. The deployable jaw is divided into a jaw body and a gripping surface that can be independently positioned, allowing the elevator to adapt to different pipe connection types without requiring repositioning of the pipe segment itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator incorporates a deployable jaw that can be moved between a retracted position (for insertion) and a deployed position (for gripping). This dynamic capability allows the elevator to first be positioned on the pipe, then the jaw is deployed to secure the grip, eliminating the need to reposition the entire elevator assembly.
2Productivity
If conventional single joint elevators are used, then they can lift pipe segments, but they require sufficient clearance to close hinged body halves around the casing segment
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping function is segmented into fixed jaws and a deployable jaw. The deployable jaw can be inserted into the pipe first, then deployed to engage the pipe surface, allowing the elevator to be positioned in tight clearances without requiring space to close hinged body halves around the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable jaw is positioned in a retracted state during the positioning phase, allowing the elevator to be placed on the pipe segment first. After positioning, the jaw is deployed to engage the pipe, separating the positioning action from the gripping action and eliminating the need for repositioning.
3Device complexity
If conventional single joint elevators are used, then they have a simple hinged body structure, but they can only grip pipe segments at the threaded sleeve location
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable jaw is mounted on a pivot that allows it to rotate between a retracted position (aligned with the slot) and a deployed position (extending toward the pipe). This dynamic mechanism allows the jaw to reach multiple gripping positions along the pipe length while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable jaw is nested within the elevator body when retracted, fitting into a slot in the body. When deployed, it extends outward to engage the pipe. This nesting arrangement allows the gripping mechanism to be compact when not in use while providing extended reach when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for lifting a single joint of pipe. The single joint elevator of the present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a pair of deployable jaws cooperating with a pair of static jaws to secure a pipe within the slot of a generally horseshoe-shaped body. The deployable jaws of the single joint elevator of the present invention may be rotatably deployable or translatably deployable, or both. In one embodiment, each jaw, including the static jaws and the deployable jaws, comprises a pipe slip movably disposed within the jaw to secure a pipe segment within the slot and to self-tighten as the weight of the pipe segment secured within the single joint elevator is transferred to the slips and the jaws.