Dual-Parallelogram Guide Arm for Drilling Rig Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide arms for pipe handling on drilling rigs require significant space, cannot be parked between set back sides due to conflict with operations, and need separate guiding devices for tail-in functionality, leading to increased alley width and installation complexities.
Innovation Solution
A dual-guiding guide arm with two parallelogram mechanisms and a slew drive, featuring a tiltable guide head that can be folded into a compact mode for transport and attached to a derrick wall or belly board, allowing for efficient guiding of pipe stands and tubulars between drilling and storage positions without additional floor-mounted devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a floor mounted guide arm is used for tail-in functionality, then guiding capability is provided, but it requires rails and drive from below, takes space when not in use, and increases alley width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tail-in guiding functionality with the main guide arm structure by integrating a guide roller at the free end of the guide arm. This eliminates the need for separate floor-mounted guiding devices and their associated rails and drives, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining dual guiding capabilities for both pipe stands and single tubulars
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arm is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides the lower end of pipe stands during transfer operations and simultaneously provides tail-in functionality for guiding the pin end of single tubulars. This multi-functionality is achieved through the guide roller integration, allowing one structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional dedicated equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If a floor mounted guide arm is used, then guiding functionality is achieved, but the footprint size increases alley width between set back sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tail-in guiding function into the existing guide arm structure, eliminating the need for separate floor-mounted devices that would increase alley width. The guide roller at the free end of the guide arm provides the necessary guiding functionality without requiring additional horizontal space between the set back sides
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate drill floor mounted guiding device is used for tail-in functionality, then guiding capability is provided, but it takes space when not in use and cannot be parked between set back sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the tail-in guiding functionality directly into the movable guide arm structure, which can be repositioned and parked between the set back sides when not in use. This eliminates the problem of separate guiding devices occupying permanent space and interfering with pickup and layout operations, as the guide arm can be moved to clear the operational area
Data Source
AI summary
A guide arm with dual guiding functionality is disclosed. The guide arm comprises two parallelogram mechanisms with a slew drive in between. The first parallelogram mechanism may move the guide arm between different travel positions. The slew drive may rotate the second parallelogram mechanism between different clock positions. The second parallelogram mechanism may extend and retract the guide arm. The guide arm may be mounted to a belly board or to a derrick wall rather than on a drill floor. A first guiding functionality may include guiding the lower end of a pipe stand in transfer between a drilling rig well center and a storage position. A second guiding functionality may include guiding the pin end of a single tubular between a drilling operation and a catwalk.