Elevator Link With Integrated Control Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing elevator systems in the oil and gas industry face issues with tangled, damaged, or obstructive control lines, which disrupt the operation of the elevator and top drive, necessitating a more efficient and safe method for providing power and communication.
Innovation Solution
The elevator system integrates control lines within the elevator links, featuring internal passages that extend through the links, allowing for efficient connection and reducing external tangling and damage by forming fluid flowpaths for hydraulic or electrical power and communication signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control lines are run externally from the rig floor to the elevator and top drive, then power and communication can be provided to the elevator system, but the control lines become tangled, damaged, or obstructive to personnel and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The control lines are nested within the elevator link structure itself. The elevator link contains internal passages that house the control lines, allowing the lines to be protected and organized within the mechanical connection between the elevator and top drive, eliminating external tangling and damage risks
Solution Approach 2:
The control line routing is merged with the elevator link structure. Rather than being separate external components, the control lines are integrated into the elevator link's internal passages, combining the mechanical support function with the fluid/power transmission function in a single integrated assembly
2Ease of operation
If control lines are integrated within the elevator links, then operational safety and efficiency are enhanced by minimizing external line interference, but the elevator link structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator link is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical connection structure and as a conduit for control lines. The internal passages are integrated into the elevator link's load-bearing structure, allowing the same component to perform both structural and fluid transmission functions without requiring separate dedicated line routing structures
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
This integration of control lines within the elevator links enhances operational safety and efficiency by minimizing external line interference, ensuring reliable power and communication transmission between the elevator and top drive.
Implementation Method 1
pumping fluid through the first control line and through the first internal passage; and using the fluid as hydraulic power for the elevator system
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system for supporting tubulars having one or more elevator links with internal passages disposed through the elevator links to provide communication to and from the elevator.