Automated Drilling Rig Catwalk Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling rig systems require significant human intervention and are not fully automated, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, especially in hostile environments, as they lack centralized control and require manual operation of various components.
Innovation Solution
An automated drilling rig system incorporating a catwalk system, pipe handling apparatus, and generator skid, which allows for the automated transportation and positioning of tubular members, power delivery, and operation of drilling components without human intervention, enabling fully automated drilling operations with the option to switch to manual mode as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of drilling rig components is used, then human intervention allows for flexible control and adaptability, but operational efficiency decreases and safety concerns increase in hostile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig system performs operations autonomously without continuous human intervention. The automated pipe handling system, catwalk system, and drilling equipment operate independently, with the control system managing all functions automatically. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for human operators in hazardous environments while maintaining full operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated control systems. The patent employs electronic controls, sensors, and automated mechanisms to replace human-operated mechanical systems. This substitution enables continuous operation without human intervention, improving productivity while eliminating safety concerns associated with human presence in hostile drilling environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional wellsite equipment is positioned about the drilling rig on multiple sides, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wellsite equipment components are integrated into a unified automated system. The pipe handling apparatus, catwalk system, generators, and drilling equipment are merged into a coordinated automated operation framework. This consolidation maintains operational flexibility while reducing the complexity of managing separate equipment positions, as the automated control system coordinates all components centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system serves multiple functions simultaneously, managing pipe handling, drilling operations, power distribution, and equipment coordination through a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing operational flexibility across all equipment without requiring complex separate control systems for each component.
3Extent of automation
If automated pipe handling apparatus is positioned offset from well centerline, then automated operation capability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe handling apparatus is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to operate from an offset position while maintaining automated functionality. The system incorporates movable components and adjustable mechanisms that enable automated pipe handling without requiring the apparatus to be positioned directly over the well centerline, thus reducing structural complexity while preserving automation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated drilling rig system includes a drilling rig and a catwalk system. The drilling rig includes a rig floor, a substructure, a mast, a top drive, and a pipe handling apparatus. The pipe handling apparatus includes a column coupled to the rig floor at a position offset from the well centerline. The catwalk system includes a pipe tub, a catwalk lift frame, and a catwalk assembly. The pipe tub is configured to store one or more tubular members for use with the drilling rig. The catwalk assembly includes a base and a catwalk slide. The catwalk lift frame is coupled to the base of the catwalk assembly and extends substantially vertically to the rig floor. The catwalk slide is coupled to the catwalk lift frame at a first end and pivotably coupled to the base at a second end via a leveling strut. The catwalk slide includes a skate adapted to slide along the length of the catwalk slide.