Elevator Slip Locking Arm Movement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator slips can inadvertently disengage from tubulars due to catching on wellbore impediments, leading to potential drops and operational disruptions, as existing solutions require manual adjustments and are prone to human error and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a locking arm and engagement members that allow controlled movement of slips relative to the elevator, enabling engagement and disengagement while limiting excessive movement, thereby preventing slips from dropping the tubular.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing locking devices are used to lock elevator slips into place, then slip movement can be limited, but manual adjustments and calibrations are required prior to use, introducing human error potential, consuming valuable time, and preventing lowering of slips while locking devices are engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically engages and disengages based on slip position, eliminating the need for manual adjustments or calibrations. The system self-regulates by detecting when slips are properly positioned and locking them in place without human intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when slips reach the correct position, eliminating the need for operators to perform preliminary adjustments or calibrations. The system is designed to be ready-to-use without manual setup, reducing both time consumption and human error potential.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are made to accommodate elevator and tubular diameter, then locking can be achieved, but this introduces additional potential for human error and takes valuable time in the running process
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates adjustable components that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different tubular and elevator diameter combinations. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to various sizes without requiring time-consuming manual calibration, as the adjustment mechanism is integrated and quickly operable.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed with universal adaptability to work with multiple diameter combinations through integrated adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle various tubular sizes without requiring separate calibration procedures for each size, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If slips are allowed to move freely to engage tubular, then engagement is achieved, but excessive movement can cause slips to drop the tubular when catching on wellbore impediments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device provides preliminary anti-action by automatically engaging the locking mechanism before excessive slip movement can occur. When slips attempt to move beyond the safe engagement range, the locking device activates to prevent further movement, thereby counteracting the potential harmful effect of over-travel that could lead to tubular drops.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for limiting movement of gripping members of an elevator are provided. The apparatus includes a locking arm coupled to one or more of the gripping members and configured to move in a first direction when the gripping members move toward engagement with a tubular and to move in a second direction when the gripping members move away from engagement with the tubular. The apparatus also includes a first engagement member configured to move between a disengaged position, in which the first engagement member and the locking arm are relatively moveable, and an engaged position, in which the first engagement member allows the locking arm to move in the first direction but restrains the locking bar from moving in the second direction by more than a selected distance.