Drill Pipe Cleaning Ring With Adjustable Belts for Variable Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill pipe cleaning devices are inefficient in removing mud, dirt, and rock debris from the outer surfaces of drill pipes, particularly when the pipes have varying diameters, and existing solutions like chain-based cleaners are not effective for all sizes.
Innovation Solution
A drill pipe cleaning system with a cleaning ring and adjustable cleaning belts that engage with the pipe surface, allowing for efficient scraping and cleaning, along with optional liquid and air spraying nozzles to enhance the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chain-based cleaning machines are used to clean drill pipes, then the cleaning action is provided, but the effectiveness is reduced for pipes with varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device employs flexible cleaning elements (brushes or cloths) mounted on a expandable frame that can dynamically adjust its diameter to match different pipe sizes. The frame includes expandable legs or arms that can be extended or retracted, allowing the cleaning device to adapt its dimensions to various pipe diameters while maintaining effective cleaning contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device utilizes flexible cleaning elements such as brush elements or cloth materials that can conform to the curved surface of pipes with varying diameters. These flexible elements maintain continuous contact with the pipe surface regardless of diameter changes, ensuring reliable cleaning effectiveness across different pipe sizes.
2Device complexity
If ring-shaped cleaning devices with nozzles are used to spray pressurized fluid, then the cleaning process is simplified, but the efficiency in removing mud and dirt is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device merges two cleaning mechanisms into a single integrated system: mechanical cleaning elements (brushes or cloths) for direct contact scraping, and fluid spray nozzles for washing. This combination allows the device to effectively remove adhered mud and dirt through mechanical action while the fluid spray rinses away loosened contaminants, achieving high cleaning efficiency without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device uses an intermediary fluid spray system that works in conjunction with the mechanical cleaning elements. The pressurized fluid acts as a mediator to loosen and wash away dirt and mud that the mechanical elements dislodge, enhancing overall cleaning efficiency while keeping the device structure relatively simple through the addition of nozzle components.
3Reliability
If cleaning belts are made taut to improve scraping efficiency, then cleaning effectiveness increases, but wear and damage risk to the belts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structures for the cleaning belts are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the tension of the cleaning belts to be dynamically adjusted. This enables operators to optimize belt tension for effective scraping while reducing tension when high scraping force is not needed, thereby extending belt life and reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing the tension parameter of the cleaning belts through movable mounting structures. By adjusting the tension parameter according to cleaning needs and belt condition, the system maintains effective cleaning performance while preventing excessive tension that would lead to premature wear or belt damage.
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
The system provides flexible and efficient cleaning of drill pipes of varying diameters by scraping and spraying, reducing wear and damage to the cleaning components while effectively removing earth, drilling mud, and other compounds.
Implementation Method 1
a number of cleaning belts arranged to engage with and hereby scrape the outer surface of the drill pipe
Implementation Method 2
the first mounting structure and a second mounting structure are moveably mounted with respect to each other, wherein first mounting structure and or the second mounting structure is moveable between a first position A and a second position B
Data Source
AI summary
A drill pipe cleaning system is configured for cleaning external surfaces of sections of a drill pipe to remove earth, drilling mud, and other solid and/or liquid compounds while a drill pipe is being handled in a wellbore or on a drilling rig. The drill pipe cleaning system includes a cleaning ring provided with a ring opening, for receiving the drill pipe, and a number of cleaning belts arranged to engage with and scrape the outer surface of the drill pipe.