Portable Drill Pipe Thread Cleaning Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning and lubricating the threads of drill pipes are inefficient, often requiring vertical orientation and limited to specific locations, making them difficult to perform effectively on drilling rigs or in time-sensitive operations, and consume excessive cleaning fluid.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a cleaning fluid delivery system, motor, and centralizer assembly that allows for effective cleaning of drill pipe threads at any angle, minimizing fluid usage and pressure, and can be operated by hand, enabling use on drilling rigs, pipe inspection plants, or machine shops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning methods are used to clean drill pipe threads, then cleaning can be performed, but the drill pipe must be in vertical position and excessive cleaning fluid is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into separate functional components: a cleaning fluid delivery system with nozzle, a motor for rotation, and a centralizer assembly. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be positioned independently at various angles relative to the drill pipe threads, enabling effective cleaning in both vertical and horizontal positions while using minimal fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces angular positioning capability as an additional degree of freedom. The cleaning fluid delivery system can be oriented at different angles (including non-perpendicular angles) relative to the drill pipe axis, transforming the cleaning process from a position-dependent operation to one that works across multiple orientations, thereby reducing fluid consumption and improving operational flexibility.
2Productivity
If cleaning is performed while drill pipe is in vertical position, then cleaning can be accomplished, but operational time is increased and quality is difficult to achieve under time constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device incorporates a motor that rotates the cleaning fluid delivery system, dynamically positioning the nozzle to sweep across the thread surfaces. This rotational movement enables comprehensive cleaning coverage in a single pass, whether the drill pipe is vertical or horizontal, significantly reducing cleaning time and improving productivity during trip in operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to function universally in both vertical and horizontal drill pipe positions. The combination of centralizer assembly for positioning and motor-driven rotation for fluid delivery creates a multi-functional system that adapts to different operational scenarios, eliminating the time loss associated with repositioning equipment or waiting for specific orientations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized cleaning apparatus are used at pipe inspection plant or machine shop, then cleaning quality can be achieved, but the equipment cannot be operated on drilling rig and portability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential cleaning function from complex fixed-installation equipment and consolidates it into a portable apparatus that can be manually operated. By removing unnecessary complexity and retaining only the core components (fluid delivery system, motor, centralizer), the device can be easily transported to and operated on drilling rigs, pipe inspection plants, or machine shops, achieving location flexibility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to be self-contained and manually operable, requiring no external infrastructure or complex support systems. The motor provides self-powered rotation, the centralizer assembly self-adjusts to pipe diameter, and the cleaning fluid is delivered directly to the threads, enabling the device to service itself and operate independently in various locations including remote drilling rig sites.
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 apparatus efficiently cleans and lubricates drill pipe threads in both vertical and horizontal positions, reducing operational time and fluid consumption, and can be easily operated on-site, improving the efficiency of pipe connection processes.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning fluid actuator configured to provide pressurized cleaning fluid to the cleaning fluid delivery system
Implementation Method 2
a motor configured to provide rotational movement to the cleaning fluid delivery system
Implementation Method 3
the cleaning fluid delivery system is configured to direct a jet of cleaning fluid at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a surface of the tubular member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for servicing tubular members includes a cleaning fluid delivery system, a motor configured to provide rotational movement to the cleaning fluid delivery system, and a cleaning fluid actuator configured to provide pressurized cleaning fluid to the cleaning fluid delivery system.