Extendable Cable Positioning System for Drilling Rig Relocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the drilling industry is to safely and reliably relocate drilling rigs while keeping energy resource systems stationary, as fixed-length service lines pose obstacles due to weight and vehicular access concerns during pad site drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
An extendable cable positioning system with a transportable skid and pivotally connected panels that can retract and extend to support service lines, allowing vehicular passage and maintaining energy resource systems' stationarity during rig relocations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service lines are run the distance between the connection source and the drilling rig, then energy and communication resources can be transmitted, but the weight of the service lines becomes excessively great (tens of thousands of pounds)
Solution Approach 1:
The service line system is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be individually managed and positioned. The panels create segmented support zones along the service line path, allowing the heavy service lines to be supported at intervals rather than spanning the entire distance as a single continuous load.
Solution Approach 2:
The service lines are elevated from the ground plane to a three-dimensional configuration using panels that extend vertically and horizontally. This dimensional change allows service lines to be positioned above ground level, creating clearance for vehicular access while distributing weight across multiple support points.
2Reliability
If service lines are run the distance between the connection source and the drilling rig, then energy and communication resources can be transmitted, but vehicular access is blocked and service lines are at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
Service lines are elevated from the ground plane to aerial positions using vertically extending panels. This dimensional transition creates ground-level clearance for vehicular movement while maintaining service line integrity above the access path.
Solution Approach 2:
Panels serve as intermediary structures that mediate between the need for service line transmission and the need for vehicular access. These panels provide physical support for service lines while creating unobstructed ground-level pathways for vehicles.
3Productivity
If the drilling rig is relocated to pad sites, then drilling operations can continue at multiple locations, but the fixed-length service lines must be relocated along with the rig
Solution Approach 1:
The service line positioning system transitions from static to dynamic configuration through pivotally connected panels that can extend and retract. This dynamic capability allows the service line support structure to adapt to different rig positions without requiring complete relocation of the energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure serves multiple functions: supporting service lines, providing adjustable positioning, enabling vehicular access, and facilitating rig relocation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each operation.
4Ease of operation
If panels are extended to provide vehicular passage clearance, then vehicle access is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The panel structure is segmented into pivotally connected sections that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve complex configurations through simple, modular components rather than requiring a single complex rigid structure.
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
The system enables safe and efficient relocation of drilling rigs by maintaining continuous power supply and allowing vehicular access without damaging service lines, reducing operational costs and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
Panels are provided with at least one panel having at least one end pivotally connected to another panel. At least one panel is pivotally connected to the skid post.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a positioning system for service lines. Generally, the invention relates to a mechanism for the deployment, retraction, and transportation of fixed-length service lines such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and communication resources necessary to the operation of a drilling rig used for subterranean exploration. More particularly, the invention provides an extendable cable positioning system for use with drilling rigs where pad drilling will require relatively short distance movements of the drilling rig, and it is desirable to leave the energy resource systems stationary.