Fluid-Actuated Mud Bucket for Leak-Free Pipe Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling mud collection systems are heavy and inefficient, posing operational challenges and safety risks due to leakage and manual handling during the unscrewing of drill pipes.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, fluid-actuated mud bucket with a longitudinally split cylindrical collection tank, equipped with pneumatic actuators and pinch rollers, that automatically opens and closes to contain and drain drilling fluid from pipe joints, ensuring a fluid-tight seal and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional heavy-duty mud buckets are used, then structural strength and containment capability are improved, but device weight increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic actuators to replace manual mechanical operation of the mud bucket. The pneumatic system provides sufficient force to open and close the heavy-duty containment structure without requiring manual lifting or positioning, thus maintaining structural strength while dramatically reducing operational weight burden on workers.
Solution Approach 2:
The mud bucket design incorporates movable components including a pivotable containment door and extendable pneumatic actuators. This dynamic configuration allows the structure to adapt during operation - remaining closed and contained during drilling, then opening automatically when needed - providing strength when required while enabling easy operation through automated movement.
2Device complexity
If manual handling operations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mud bucket system is designed to operate autonomously through automated detection and actuation mechanisms. The system automatically detects when drill pipe connections are being made or broken, triggers the pneumatic actuators to open or close the containment door accordingly, and manages fluid drainage without requiring manual intervention, thereby greatly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling operations with an automated control system that uses pneumatic actuators driven by electrical or pneumatic signals. This substitution eliminates the need for workers to manually open, close, or position the mud bucket components, significantly improving operational ease while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized automation components.
3Device complexity
If manual draining operations are performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated drainage system operates continuously and automatically throughout the drilling operation. As drilling fluid enters the mud bucket during pipe connections, the system continuously monitors fluid levels and automatically activates drainage pumps or gravity-driven drainage mechanisms to remove excess fluid, maintaining continuous productive operation without manual intervention or downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor fluid levels, drainage flow rates, and system status. This feedback enables the automated system to adjust drainage operations in real-time, optimizing drainage efficiency and productivity while managing system complexity through standardized control components.
4Reliability
If fluid-tight sealing is implemented, then reliability of containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mud bucket employs flexible sealing elements such as rubber gaskets, elastomeric seals, and flexible membrane barriers at critical joints and door interfaces. These flexible sealing components conform to the mating surfaces, providing reliable fluid-tight containment while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of standard sealing technologies rather than complex mechanical sealing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling mud collection apparatus for containing a drill pipe connection so as to collect and drain drilling fluid, mud or the like draining from a length of tubing as it is removed from the connection at the well, in a device commonly known as a mud bucket. A preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes fluid-driven linear actuators positioned to urge the pivot point of engaged enclosure components from an open position, for receiving or releasing the drill pipe connection, to a closed position for enveloping same to facilitate the collection of liquids therefrom.