Automated Drill Pipe Transfer System With Robotic Grippers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transferring and handling drill pipe in wellbore operations are cumbersome, expensive, and pose safety risks due to manual handling and limited automation, particularly in moving pipe stands between the drilling rig floor and the well center.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base with spaced-apart fingers, drive motors, and a combination of cradles, trolleys, and jaws that use lead screws and fluid-powered pistons to automate the transfer of tubulars, allowing for efficient movement and positioning of pipe stands between the fingerboard and the well center, with the ability to securely grip and release pipe stands using pivotable jaws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and limited automation are used for transferring pipe stands, then personnel can perform the task with simple equipment, but safety risks increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, controllers, and automated gripping mechanisms to transfer pipe stands. The robotic arm with adjustable grippers eliminates the need for personnel to manually position and secure pipe stands, thereby improving safety while achieving full automation of the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-aligning mechanisms and automated positioning features that allow the robotic arm to automatically locate and secure pipe stands without human intervention. The sensors detect pipe stand positions and the controller automatically adjusts gripping forces and positions, enabling the system to serve itself in the transfer operation.
2Productivity
If manual handling procedures are used, then equipment complexity is low, but the system is cumbersome and expensive to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into modular components including a base unit, articulated arm segments, independent gripping mechanisms, and separate sensing systems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity through coordinated automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed with universal gripping capabilities that can handle pipe stands of various sizes and configurations. The adjustable grippers and programmable control system allow the same equipment to perform multiple functions in different drilling operations, improving productivity without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Reliability
If automated systems are implemented to reduce manual labor, then safety improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a intelligent controller as an intermediary between the sensing systems and the robotic actuation mechanisms. This controller processes sensor data, makes decisions about gripping and positioning, and coordinates the various robotic components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high safety standards through automated decision-making and precise control.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual transfer methods are used, then equipment cost is lower, but the system cannot handle multiple pipe stands with precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors and feedback control mechanisms. The robotic arm uses motorized actuators with encoders to achieve precise positioning of pipe stands, while sensors verify correct placement. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems enables high-precision handling of multiple pipe stands simultaneously.
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 enhances safety and efficiency by automating the transfer process, reducing manual labor and the risk of accidents, while also being more cost-effective and capable of handling multiple pipe stands with precision.
Implementation Method 1
A drive motor rotates a lead screw which moves a cradle to a selected location
Implementation Method 2
a fluid-powered piston-cylinder apparatus selectively actuated to pivotably rotate the jaw
Data Source
AI summary
Automated systems and apparatus for transferring tubulars (tubulars used in wellbore and derrick operations, such as casing, tubing, drill pipe, etc.) or stands of pipe from one location to another in a derrick, e.g. from a fingerboard to a well center are described. The system includes a fully automated drill pipe handling system to move and position the drill pipe through all the steps of the drilling process.