Drill Pipe Transport Arrangement Reducing Derrick Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill rig systems require complex structures and increased height for storage of drill stands, leading to instability and higher costs, and they lack efficient methods for continuous transportation of drill pipes without intermediate storage.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement for continuous transportation of single drill pipes to and from a drill string using lifting and tilting devices, allowing for simultaneous movement and connection/disconnection without intermediate storage, reducing the need for storage space and lowering the rig's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drill stands are stored at an intermediate location prior to being connected to the drill string, then the drill rig can maintain a continuous supply of drill pipes, but the structure complexity and height of the drill rig increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate storage function from the drill rig structure by transporting single drill pipes directly from the ground level to the drill string assembly point. This extraction of the storage function eliminates the need for complex intermediate storage structures while maintaining continuous supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by transporting drill pipes horizontally along guide tracks at ground level and then vertically lifting them only when needed for assembly. This dimensional change eliminates the need for vertical storage stacks within the rig structure, reducing overall height and structural complexity.
2Productivity
If drill stands are stored at an intermediate location, then drill pipes can be supplied continuously, but the height of the derrick increases leading to instability and higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function from the elevated derrick structure and relocates it to ground level, where single drill pipes are stored and prepared. This eliminates the need for elevated storage stacks that increase derrick height, thereby maintaining structural stability and reducing costs while preserving continuous supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical storage (stacking drill stands in the derrick) to horizontal storage (lining up single pipes at ground level). This dimensional shift reduces the vertical footprint and derrick height requirements while maintaining the ability to supply drill pipes continuously to the drilling operation.
3Ease of operation
If intermediate storage space is provided for drill stands, then drill pipes can be managed efficiently, but the overall rig height and structural dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drill pipe management function from the elevated rig structure and relocates it to ground level operations. Single drill pipes are prepared, stored, and loaded at ground level, then transported to the assembly point. This maintains efficient drill pipe management while eliminating the need for elevated storage space that would increase rig height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reorganizes drill pipe management from a vertical workflow (storage in elevated stacks) to a horizontal workflow (ground-level storage and transport along guide tracks). This dimensional change preserves operational efficiency by maintaining systematic organization and access to drill pipes while significantly reducing the vertical space requirements and overall rig height.
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
Enables fast, reliable, and cost-effective transportation of drill pipes, reducing the rig's height and storage requirements by allowing continuous movement and connection/disconnection of drill pipes without intermediate storage, improving operational efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting device configured to lift a leading end of a drill pipe from a lower region to an upper region
Implementation Method 2
a tilting device configured to tilt the drill pipe from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for transporting drill pipes (12) to and/or from a drill string (14) of a drill rig comprising a plurality of connected drill pipes (12), the method comprising repeatingly lifting/lowering single drill pipes (12) one by one from/to a lower region (28) to/from an upper region (30) adjacent to an upper end (32) of the drill string (14). An arrangement (10) for transporting drill pipes (12) to a drill string (14) and a drill rig comprising the arrangement (10) are also provided.