Drilling Tubular Cap Handling Robot for Red Zone Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling operations on rigs are hazardous due to manual handling of heavy equipment and protective cap installation/removal on the drill floor, which increases the risk for personnel and reduces operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a base, arm, and tool that can engage and remove/install protective caps on drilling tubulars, featuring rotatable and gripper functionality to automate the process, allowing for safe and efficient handling of tubulars by reducing human intervention in the hazardous 'red zone'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of protective caps is performed on the drill floor, then personnel can directly control the installation and removal process, but the risk to personnel increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated machine performs the cap installation and removal operations autonomously without requiring human operators to manually handle the caps in the hazardous red zone. The machine engages the cap using engagement elements, rotates it into position, and secures it automatically, making the system self-sufficient for this repetitive task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical handling system with an automated machine system that uses engagement elements, rotatable receivers, and controlled movement mechanisms to install and remove protective caps, eliminating the need for personnel to perform these dangerous manual operations.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of protective caps is performed on the drill floor, then personnel can directly control the installation and removal process, but the complexity of the operation increases due to safety protocols and manual procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The automated machine performs the cap installation and removal operations autonomously without requiring human operators to manually handle the caps in the hazardous red zone. The machine engages the cap using engagement elements, rotates it into position, and secures it automatically, making the system self-sufficient for this repetitive task.
3Reliability
If automated machine is used for protective cap handling, then personnel safety is improved by reducing exposure to hazardous areas, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a base for positioning, an arm for movement and positioning, a tool with engagement elements for gripping the cap, and a rotatable receiver for rotating the cap into place. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both install and remove protective caps, position itself on the drill floor, engage and rotate the caps, and store them in a magazine. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment for each task, thereby managing complexity while enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for a drilling plant includes a base, an arm, and a tool which is carried by the arm. The tool has a receiver for a protective cap. The machine is operable to engage the protective cap and to remove or to install the protective cap from or on an end of a drilling tubular.