Flexible Clamping Die for Drill Pipe Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current clamping devices for drill pipes require frequent replacement due to varying pipe diameters, leading to time and cost inefficiencies, and rigid connections on floating drill rigs cause bending loads on drill strings during wave and current movements.

Innovation Solution

A clamping die with a concavely curved clamping face and flexible lips, featuring grooves filled with polyurethane, which yield to accommodate larger diameters and reduce surface pressure, combined with a spherical seat and auxiliary wedges with actuators for enhanced support and adjustable engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of clamping devices are used to accommodate different pipe diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different pipe diametersVSAvoidnumber of device sets required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping die is designed with a universally adaptable clamping face that can accommodate multiple pipe diameters through geometric adaptation rather than requiring multiple specialized devices. The clamping face geometry is optimized to conform to different cylindrical surfaces, enabling one device to perform multiple functions across various pipe sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes parameter changes in the clamping face geometry, specifically varying curvature radii in different zones, to adapt to different pipe diameters. By incorporating zones with different curvature characteristics, the same clamping die can effectively engage with pipes of varying sizes through controlled deformation and geometric conformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connection between clamping device and drill floor is used, then structural stability is improved, but bending loads on drill string increase during floating operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stability of clamping deviceVSAvoidbending loads on drill string

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping die incorporates flexible elements in the form of lips with controlled thickness and material properties. These flexible lips can deform to accommodate pipe diameter variations while maintaining adequate clamping force. The flexibility allows the system to absorb movements from floating operations without transmitting excessive bending loads to the drill string, while the overall structural stability is maintained through the rigid body framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Manufacturing precision

If clamping face with fixed curvature is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different pipe diameters decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurvature precision of clamping faceVSAvoidengagement with varying pipe diameters

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping face is segmented into multiple zones with different curvature radii rather than using a single fixed curvature. This segmentation allows each zone to engage with different portions of the pipe surface, providing adaptability to various pipe diameters while maintaining precise geometric control in each segment for accurate manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping face design incorporates dynamic adaptation capabilities where the flexible lips can deform under load to conform to the specific pipe diameter being engaged. This dynamic behavior allows the fixed geometric structure to adapt to varying pipe sizes, combining manufacturing precision with operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows for adaptable clamping without the need for multiple device sets, reducing space requirements and minimizing bending loads on drill strings, ensuring secure and efficient pipe retention across varying diameters and environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible clamping die lip yields when the clamping die engages a cylindrical body having a diameter larger than that of the diameter of curvature of the clamping die and that the area of engagement between the cylindrical body and the clamping die thus increases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a spherical seat for support of the clamping device in the drill floor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpherical support: Ball

Data Source

PatentEP2245259B1Slip device for suspending a drill or casing string in a drill floor

Publication Date: 2019.11.06 TTS SENSE

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Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

Clamping die (15) in a device for engagement with a cylindrical body (4), which clamping die (15) includes a gripping surface (153) that is arranged to be able to extend in parallel with the centre axis of the cylindrical body (4), wherein a groove (154) is provided in each of two side surfaces (151) adjacent to the gripping surface (153) and in close proximity to the gripping surface (153), said groove (154) extending substantially in parallel with the gripping surface (153).