Drill Pipe Cleaning Device with Horizontal Channel Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill pipe cleaning and lubrication devices face challenges with longer drill rod elements, which can damage the device or rod due to purely vertical retraction, and inefficiencies in energy and fluid usage, particularly when dealing with varying rod lengths.
Innovation Solution
A device with a horizontally extending channel-like recess in the housing allows lateral entry and horizontal movement of drill rod elements, featuring a switching mechanism with actuating rods to activate washing or lubricating devices only during rod presence, and includes high-pressure nozzles and rotating brushes for effective cleaning and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a purely vertical retraction design is used for drill rod elements, then the device structure is simple, but longer drill rod elements can hit the bottom of the housing causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a purely vertical retraction design to a design that incorporates horizontal movement through a channel-like recess. The drill rod element is guided to move horizontally along the recess during insertion, changing the motion from one-dimensional (vertical) to two-dimensional (vertical + horizontal). This dimensional change allows the system to accommodate varying rod lengths without bottoming out, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and damage prevention.
2Reliability
If the washing device operates continuously, then cleaning is always available, but energy and cleaning fluid are wasted when no drill rod is present
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a switching device with actuating rods that automatically detect the presence of a drill rod element and control the washing device operation accordingly. When a drill rod is inserted, it triggers the actuating rods which activate the washing device. When no drill rod is present, the system automatically shuts off. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual control while preventing energy and fluid waste, resolving the contradiction between cleaning availability and resource conservation.
3Reliability
If a horizontal channel-like recess is used for drill rod entry, then damage risk is reduced and cleaning efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented to create a channel-like recess that provides a guided path for horizontal drill rod insertion. This segmentation divides the housing into functional zones: an entry region, a horizontal channel for guided movement, and a cleaning region with washing nozzles. By segmenting the housing structure in this way, the patent achieves both damage reduction through controlled horizontal movement and improved cleaning efficiency, while keeping the added complexity manageable through functional zoning.
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
This solution reduces the risk of damage, conserves energy and cleaning fluid, and ensures efficient cleaning and lubrication of drill rod connections, enhancing operational reliability and reducing corrosion risks.
Implementation Method 1
a switching device is provided on the channel-like recess, by means of which the washing device or lubricating device is switched on when the drill rod element enters the recess and is switched off again when it leaves
Implementation Method 2
at least one washing device or one lubricating device with at least a washing nozzle arranged along the channel-like recess
Implementation Method 3
at least one washing device or one lubricating device with at least a washing nozzle arranged along the channel-like recess
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning or lubricating at least one connecting section of a drill string element, comprising a housing, a channel-like recess, and at least one washing device or a lubrication device arranged along the channel-like recess. The channel-like recess is designed for the horizontal insertion of at least one lower connecting section of the drill string element when the drill string element is oriented substantially vertically. The invention further relates to a drilling rig with this device for cleaning or lubricating.