Drilling Rig Handling Device with Rotating Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling devices for drilling rigs have limited movement range and complexity, requiring multiple machines for tasks like drill pipe element manipulation, which can interrupt drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with three degrees of freedom - vertical mobility, rotational mobility about an axis parallel to the mast, and pivoting mobility about a perpendicular axis - allows for flexible movement and simultaneous operation with drilling, combining the functions of a pipe handler and top drive elevator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a handling device with multiple degrees of freedom is used to enable flexible movement and parallel operation with drilling, then the productivity and continuity of drilling operations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple handling functions (vertical movement, rotational movement, and pivoting movement) into a single integrated handling device with three degrees of freedom. This merging of functions allows the device to perform multiple tasks that previously required separate machines, thereby improving drilling operation continuity while managing device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device is designed with multi-functionality to perform vertical movement along the mast, rotational movement about a first axis, and pivoting movement about a second axis. This universal design enables the single device to handle drill rods and pipe elements in various orientations and positions, allowing parallel operation with drilling activities without requiring multiple specialized machines
2Reliability
If separate machines are used for drill string section erection and handling, then the handling function is reliable, but the device complexity and operational interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate handling machines into a single integrated device that can erect drill string sections and perform handling operations simultaneously. The combined device maintains reliability by incorporating all necessary movement capabilities (vertical, rotational, and pivoting) in one system, eliminating the need for multiple machines and reducing operational interruptions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a handling device (20) for use in the mast (10) of a drilling rig and for moving drill rods (12) or drill pipe elements (14), and to a method for operating same, wherein the handling device (20) comprises a base (52) which is vertically movable in or on the mast (10), wherein the handling device (20) has, on the base (52), an arm (54) which is movable about an axis of rotation (R1), wherein the axis of rotation (R1) is parallel or at least substantially parallel to the mast (10) or a movement path of the handling device (20) in or on the mast (10), wherein the arm (54) is pivotable about at least one pivot axis (R2).