Automated Drilling Pipe Handling with Top-Drive Greasing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional drilling machines rely on manual operations for handling drilling pipes, which are prone to errors and safety risks, especially in situations like explosions or uncontrolled fluid leaks, due to the lack of automation in pipe handling and greasing processes.

Innovation Solution

An automated method and system for handling drilling pipes and tubular wellbore casing elements using a top-drive drill head with a mobile drill head, power clamps, and a data processing unit that manages the entire process, including automatic greasing and torque control, to ensure safe and precise handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual operations are used for picking up and handling drilling pipes, then the process can be performed with simpler equipment, but human errors and safety risks increase due to lack of automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of pipe handlingVSAvoidcomplexity of handling system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-service handling where the drilling pipes are picked up, positioned, and connected through automated mechanisms without requiring manual intervention. The top drive assembly automatically picks up pipes from the auxiliary well, positions them vertically, and connects them to the drilling string, making the system self-sufficient in pipe handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The top drive assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the drilling mechanism and the pipe handling device. The same top drive that performs drilling operations also picks up pipes from the auxiliary well, positions them, and connects them to the drilling string, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pipe handling equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual greasing of pipe threads is performed, then the equipment required is simpler, but the greasing quality suffers from excess or unevenly distributed grease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of grease distributionVSAvoidcomplexity of greasing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical greasing process is replaced with an automated grease delivery system that uses controlled mechanical or pneumatic mechanisms to distribute grease precisely. The system automatically applies the correct amount of grease to the pipe threads during the picking up and connection process, ensuring even distribution without excess or deficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated greasing system incorporates feedback control to monitor and adjust grease distribution in real-time. Sensors detect the greasing status and provide feedback to the control system, which adjusts the grease delivery rate and amount to achieve optimal and uniform grease distribution on the pipe threads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If operators manually control the drilling process, then the system is easier to operate, but mistakes may lead to malfunctions or dangerous situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and reliability of drilling operationVSAvoidease of controlling the machine

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates multiple feedback loops that continuously monitor drilling parameters, pipe position, connection status, and system safety conditions. Real-time feedback from sensors provides the control system with current state information, enabling automatic adjustments and safety interventions without requiring constant manual monitoring, thus improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical control operations are replaced with automated electronic and hydraulic control systems. The top drive assembly and pipe handling mechanisms are controlled through automated sequences programmed into the control system, which executes precise control actions based on sensor feedback, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2614213B1Method for automatic handling of drilling rods and tubular wellbore casing elements, excavation equipment, and associated computer program.

Publication Date: 2016.02.10 DRILLMEC

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AI summary

A method for automatic handling of drilling rods, comprising a step of handling at least one drilling rod (30) by means of a handler (40) designed for simultaneously clamping and moving the drilling rod (30), and wherein the handler (40) moves the drilling rod (30) from an auxiliary retaining means (200) to a main well (100); said method is characterized in that said handling step takes place automatically and is controlled by a data processing unit, and that it comprises an automatic handling of a drill head (20) fitted with a chuck susceptible to being screwed to said drilling rod (30); the automatic handling occurring among a plurality of heights (ql-q6) stored in the data processing unit.