Drill Rig Handling Unit With Angle Variation For Thread Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling drill string components in drill rigs are largely manual, leading to inefficient and potentially damaging procedures during assembly and disassembly, especially at great depths, where angular deviations can cause thread damage and failed joinings.
Innovation Solution
A device with auxiliary engagement means and angle variation capabilities, allowing precise alignment of drill string components, utilizing clamping and elastic elements to ensure secure and efficient threading without applying excessive forces, and a method that includes a handling unit with these features to facilitate automatic loading and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual handling methods are used for drill string components, then operational flexibility is maintained, but alignment precision deteriorates leading to thread damage and failed joinings
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is divided into multiple functional units: gripping means for holding the component, auxiliary engagement means for engaging the drill string, and means for variation of angle for alignment. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device incorporates dynamic capabilities through the means for variation of angle, which allows the gripping means to adjust its orientation relative to the support means. This dynamic adjustment enables precise alignment with the drill string's axial direction while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Productivity
If automatic handling devices are implemented, then handling efficiency is improved, but the risk of angular deviation and thread damage increases without proper alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary engagement means engages with the drill string component before the final threading operation occurs. This preliminary engagement establishes the correct alignment and positional relationship between components, ensuring that subsequent threading operations proceed reliably without angular deviations that could damage threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The means for variation of angle provides continuous adjustment capability during the handling process, allowing real-time correction of alignment deviations. This feedback mechanism ensures that the gripping means maintains proper orientation relative to the drill string's axial direction throughout the operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid alignment structures are used, then alignment precision is maintained, but adaptability to angular deviations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device employs dynamic angular adjustment capabilities through the means for variation of angle, allowing the gripping means to adapt its orientation to match the drill string's actual axial direction. This dynamic system maintains precise alignment while accommodating various angular deviations that occur during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the angular parameter of the gripping means relative to the support means to achieve proper alignment. By varying this angular parameter, the device can adapt to different drill string orientations while maintaining precise alignment for threading operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for handling drill string components in respect of a drill rig. A gripper is configured to grip a first drill string component to be threaded on to or off from a second drill string component being partly drilled into a rock formation. A support is configured to fasten the device onto the drill rig. A handling unit is movably connected to the support. The handling unit includes the gripper and is movable between a drill string position and a loading position. The handling unit includes an auxiliary engagement unit configured to engage the second drill string component in the drill string position and an angle variation unit configured to vary an angle of the gripper and thereby the gripped first drill string component in order to allow the alignment in the drill string position. Also a method and a drill rig.