Flexible Hose Articulation Arm for Faster Wellhead Rig-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible hoses used in wellhead sites face operational limitations due to weight and fixed length, leading to inefficiencies in connecting and disconnecting with pump manifolds and pumps, resulting in increased operational complexity, time, and costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid injection system with a platform, pump manifold, and movable trolley equipped with an articulation arm device and lift system, allowing for quick and efficient connection and disconnection of flexible hoses using pivot joints, pivotable and rotatable columns, and an overhead crane for improved hose management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flexible hoses are used with fixed length and manual connection methods, then hose deployment is simple, but operational time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the articulation arm device automatically positions, grips, and connects hoses to the pump manifold without requiring manual intervention for each connection step, thereby reducing operational complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical connection operations are replaced by an automated articulation arm device with grippers that mechanically position and connect hoses, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical system to reduce rig-up time
2Ease of operation
If flexible hoses are manually connected and disconnected, then equipment complexity is low, but operational complexity and difficulty of use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation arm device serves multiple functions including gripping, positioning, lifting, and connecting hoses, as well as supporting and disconnecting them. This multi-functional device simplifies operation despite the added system complexity by consolidating multiple manual tasks into one automated system
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation arm device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the hose connection process, mediating the complex tasks of positioning, gripping, and connecting hoses to the pump manifold, thereby making the operation easier while managing the underlying system complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional hose handling methods are used, then equipment cost is low, but mobilization of resources and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation arm device is designed to be universally applicable across multiple pumps and hose configurations, allowing one device to replace multiple manual operations and potentially reducing the need for additional specialized equipment, thereby improving resource efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing automated control and mechanical assistance, which initially increases equipment cost but improves productivity and resource efficiency by reducing manual labor requirements and operational time
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to fluid injection systems, apparatus, methods, and associated components thereof that include flexible hoses for wellhead sites. In one implementation, a fluid injection system for wellhead sites includes a platform, a pump manifold mounted to the platform, and a pair of rails mounted to the platform. The fluid injection system includes a trolley disposed between the pair of rails and above the pump manifold. The trolley is movable along the pair of rails. The fluid injection system includes an articulation arm device mounted to the trolley. The articulation arm device includes one or more pivot joints coupled between two or more arms, and a connection device coupled to an end arm of the two or more arms.