Elevated Spider Control Line Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing control lines to a pipe string during well installation are prone to damage due to pinching or crushing by pipe slips, leading to impaired data transmission and control of downhole devices, and require significant rig floor space, complicating operations.
Innovation Solution
A spider supported on an elevated table with control line guides and a protective sleeve directs control lines through the spider, preventing contact with pipe slips and allowing secure fastening below the spider, enabling top-feeding and secure clamping without obstructing the rig floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control lines are secured to the pipe string using conventional methods on the rig floor, then the control lines can be installed, but they are prone to pinching or crushing by pipe slips which damages the control lines and impairs data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the spider assembly onto an elevated platform, moving the control line routing path from the horizontal rig floor plane to a vertically elevated plane. This dimensional change positions the control lines above the pipe slips, eliminating the harmful pinching and crushing that occurs when lines are routed at floor level through the spider assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an elevated platform as an intermediary structure between the rig floor and the spider assembly. This platform serves as a mediator that supports the spider assembly at an elevated position, thereby protecting control lines from contact with pipe slips while maintaining proper routing and installation capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If control lines are routed through the spider assembly at floor level, then installation is straightforward, but significant rig floor space is required which complicates operations
Solution Approach 1:
By elevating the spider assembly onto an elevated platform, the patent relocates control line routing from the horizontal rig floor plane to a vertically elevated plane. This reduces the horizontal footprint and rig floor space requirements while maintaining ease of operation through the elevated access points and modified routing path.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated platform creates a replicated working environment for control line installation and routing, separate from the conventional floor-level setup. This copied configuration allows operations to proceed with reduced floor space occupation while preserving the essential installation capabilities through the elevated access architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the spider assembly is positioned at floor level, then access is easy, but control lines are exposed to damage from pipe slips and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the spider assembly and control line routing from the floor level to an elevated platform, changing the vertical dimension of operation. This elevation protects control lines from pipe slips and ground-level equipment while maintaining ease of access through the elevated platform's design that provides accessible entry points for installation and maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is supported by a table elevated above the rig floor. Supporting the spider on an elevated table provides personnel with access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated spider and above the rig floor for applying a fastener to secure the control line to the pipe string. The control line is supplied from above the spider and is positioned by a control line guide supported on the spider or a sleeve to pass through the spider outside the path of the pipe gripping members, such as slips.