Drilling Rig Connection Equipment Positioning Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems for connection equipment on drilling rigs, such as Iron Roughnecks, lack precision and speed in aligning equipment at well centers and mouse-holes, relying on manual eye alignment which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A positioning apparatus using a piston and cylinder system with a transfer barrier, allowing for controlled extension and retraction of connection equipment, featuring a free floating piston for maximum extension lock and hydraulic fluid communication to maintain precise positioning, and remote control valves for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual eye alignment is used for positioning connection equipment, then the system is simple to operate, but the positioning precision and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual eye alignment (mechanical/visual system) with a sensor-based detection system that uses optical or electronic sensors to automatically detect the position of mouse-holes and well-centers, thereby improving positioning precision while reducing reliance on human operators
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting reference points (mouse-holes and well-centers) and calculating its own position relative to these references, enabling the equipment to position itself without manual intervention
2Speed
If manual alignment methods are used, then the operation procedure is simple, but the alignment speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously detects the position of reference points and maintains real-time tracking, allowing the equipment to move continuously and smoothly to the target position without the stop-and-adjust nature of manual alignment, thereby improving alignment speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the position of mouse-holes and well-centers, compares the detected position with the target position, and automatically adjusts the equipment position based on this feedback, enabling fast and accurate alignment
3Reliability
If manual eye alignment is used, then the system requires minimal components, but positioning accuracy is prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unreliable manual visual alignment system with an automated sensor-based detection and positioning system that objectively measures positions and calculates alignment, eliminating human error and improving positioning reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation or model of the physical layout by detecting the positions of mouse-holes and well-centers, allowing for precise calculation and verification of equipment positioning without relying on manual estimation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the speed and accuracy of aligning connection equipment, ensuring consistent and precise placement at well centers and mouse-holes, improving operational efficiency in drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
A positioning apparatus uses a piston and cylinder system with a transfer barrier, allowing for controlled extension and retraction of connection equipment, featuring a free floating piston for maximum extension lock and hydraulic fluid communication to maintain precise positioning
Implementation Method 2
featuring a free floating piston for maximum extension lock and hydraulic fluid communication to maintain precise positioning
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A positioning apparatus for moving connection equipment on a drilling rig, the positioning apparatus comprising a piston and cylinder (151,152) having a cylinder (601), a piston (607) and a piston rod (604), the piston (607) and piston rod (604) moveable relative to the cylinder (601) from a retracted position to an extended position, the positioning apparatus further comprising a transfer barrier (620) linked to the piston and cylinder (151,152) for setting a maximum extension of said piston rod (607).