Dual Gripper Drill Pipe Handler for Torsional Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling equipment lacks an efficient mechanism for handling and disassembling drill pipe segments, particularly in overcoming static friction and facilitating torsional force application during disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A drill pipe segment handling system with a first and second gripper assembly, capable of gripping and rotating drill pipe segments to apply torsional force sufficient to overcome static friction, allowing for efficient disassembly of drill pipe segments from a drill string.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual handling of drill pipe segments is used, then human intervention is required, but this increases the likelihood of injury and operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of drill pipe handlingVSAvoidcomplexity of handling equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drill pipe handling system is divided into distinct functional modules: a gripping system with jaws for holding pipe segments, a rotating mechanism for applying torsional force, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If drill pipe segments are kept relatively long for manageability, then they remain easier to handle, but they become heavy and cumbersome to manipulate by hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handling drill pipe segmentsVSAvoidweight of drill pipe segments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated mechanical system featuring a gripping mechanism with jaws that securely hold the drill pipe segment and a rotating mechanism that applies controlled torsional force. This substitution eliminates the need for manual handling of heavy segments while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If existing drilling equipment is used for disassembly, then some handling functions are provided, but the equipment lacks sufficient torsional force capability to overcome static friction between jammed segments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional force application capabilityVSAvoiddisassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating mechanism is designed to dynamically adjust torsional force application, delivering high initial force to overcome static friction between jammed drill pipe segments, then transitioning to sustained rotation at reduced force. This dynamic force application optimizes both the ability to overcome friction and the overall disassembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Force

If high torsional force is applied initially to overcome static friction, then the friction fit can be broken, but this force cannot be sustained along large displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial torsional force to overcome static frictionVSAvoidsustainability of torsional force application

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic action in its rotating mechanism, delivering high initial torsional force in a concentrated pulse to overcome static friction, then transitioning to a sustained but reduced force level for the remainder of the disassembly operation. This periodic force application pattern matches the mechanical requirements of breaking friction fits followed by continued rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 enables efficient handling and disassembly of drill pipe segments by applying the necessary torsional force to overcome static friction, reducing manual intervention and improving safety and efficiency in drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

the drill pipe segment to remove is frictionally engaged, e.g., friction-fitted, with the next drill pipe segment in the drill string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250144815A1Drill pipe handler and associated method of handling drill pipe segments

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 9417-2491 QUEBEC INC

AI summary

The drill pipe handler can have a core frame; a drill string axis; a first gripper assembly mounted to the core frame, the first gripper assembly having a first pair of jaws, the jaws of the first pair being opposed to one another, on opposite sides of the drill string axis; and a second gripper assembly mounted to the core frame, the second gripper assembly having a second pair of jaws, the jaws of the second pair being opposed to one another, on opposite sides of the drill string axis, the jaws of the second pair being spaced apart from the jaws of the first pair along the drill string axis, the second pair of jaws being pivotable as a whole around the drill string axis, relative the first pair of jaws.