Automated Drill Rod Storage and Retrieval System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for managing drill rods and drilling tools in ground drilling operations are inefficient, particularly in deep oil and gas exploration and ground heat storage, as they require extensive manual handling and storage of increasingly longer drill strings, leading to increased handling time and potential disruptions due to frequent drill bit replacements.
Innovation Solution
An automatic storage and retrieval system equipped with electronic data processing (EDP) to manage drill rods, pipes, and bits, using stacking yokes and racks, which stores and retrieves parts in an orderly manner, allowing for automated feeding and reinsertion into the borehole, with an EDP system controlling the process and providing real-time inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and storage methods are used for drill rods and drilling tools, then the system is simple to implement, but the handling time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated storage and retrieval system controlled by electronic data processing. The system uses computer-controlled mechanisms to automatically store drill rods in designated locations and retrieve them in the correct sequence, eliminating manual labor and significantly reducing handling time while increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the EDP system automatically manages the entire workflow: tracking drill rod locations, determining retrieval sequences based on drilling progress, controlling storage operations, and providing real-time inventory management without requiring manual intervention for each operation
2Length of moving object
If drill strings become longer to increase drilling depth, then the drilling capability improves, but the handling complexity and time required for assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drill string into individual drill rod sections that are stored separately in the automated system. Each section can be independently retrieved and assembled in the correct sequence, making it manageable to handle even very long drill strings composed of multiple segments without increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing drill rod sections in the automated storage system in the correct order and positions before they are needed. The EDP system tracks and manages the inventory, ensuring that the next required section is already in place and ready for immediate retrieval, eliminating assembly delays
3Reliability
If frequent drill bit replacements are needed to maintain drilling progress, then the drilling quality is maintained, but the operational disruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining an inventory of drill bits and related components in the automated storage system, ready for immediate retrieval. When a drill bit needs replacement, the system can quickly retrieve the replacement without operational delays, ensuring drilling continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The EDP system provides real-time feedback on drill bit condition, inventory status, and drilling progress. This feedback mechanism allows the system to proactively manage drill bit replacements, tracking usage and predicting when replacements will be needed, thereby minimizing disruptions by preparing replacements in advance
4Productivity
If automated storage and retrieval systems are implemented to reduce handling time, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated storage and retrieval system is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity. It performs multiple functions: storing drill rods and drill bits, tracking inventory locations, determining retrieval sequences, controlling automated retrieval operations, and providing real-time data to the drilling operation. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single integrated system optimizes productivity while managing complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves storing data regarding present storage locations of components such as drilling rods to be inserted into well, in server (21), stand-by server (22), network cable (23), terminal (24) and data bus (25). The data regarding installation position or assembly sequence of components is stored in terminal. The computing system is provided to display when and from where components are supplied to well or where components are returned for storage if components are to be removed from well. The automated storage, supply, and return device is controlled by computing system.