Goose-Neck Trailer Trough for Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of long strings of oil well pipe during borehole-forming and completion operations is hazardous due to the heavy weight and difficulty in moving pipe joints from a horizontal to a vertical position, requiring a safe and efficient method for transporting and positioning tubular members around a drilling rig.
Innovation Solution
A goose-neck trailer with an upwardly opening elongate trough, moveably coupled to a carriage and carrier, equipped with leveling legs, indexers, pick-up arms, and actuators to support, transport, and position tubular members, allowing for safe and controlled movement and alignment with pipe storage racks, reducing manual labor and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling methods are used to move pipe joints from horizontal to vertical position, then equipment complexity is reduced, but safety risk increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical system consisting of a carriage, trough, and positioning mechanisms that mediate between the pipe rack and the drilling rig. This intermediary apparatus safely handles the heavy pipe joints, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining controlled and predictable operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the dangerous manual handling function from the overall pipe handling process and replaces it with an automated mechanical subsystem. The carriage and trough assembly specifically extracts the weight-bearing and positioning functions, isolating operators from direct exposure to heavy loads.
2Productivity
If heavy pipe joints are moved manually from horizontal to vertical position, then equipment cost is reduced, but operational efficiency decreases and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning mechanisms including movable carriages, adjustable troughs, and indexable positioning systems that can adapt to different pipe sizes and handling requirements. The system transitions from static manual handling to dynamic automated positioning, improving operational flexibility and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pipe handling process into distinct functional zones: the carriage for transport, the trough for positioning, the indexers for orientation, and the pickup arms for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall system efficiency.
3Reliability
If pipe joints are transported from pipe rack to rig floor, then operational continuity is maintained, but safety risk increases due to heavy weight and difficult positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the indexer system that provides positional information and control feedback during the pipe handling process. The indexers ensure precise angular positioning and provide operational feedback to maintain accurate alignment between the pipe, trough, and rig floor opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical system consisting of a goose-neck trailer with an upwardly opening elongate trough, moveably coupled to a carriage and carrier, equipped with leveling legs, indexers, pick-up arms, and actuators to support, transport, and position tubular members, allowing for safe and controlled movement and alignment with pipe storage racks, reducing manual labor and risk.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a support structure configured to be positioned adjacent a pipe rack. A carrier is moveably coupled to the support structure, and a carriage is moveably coupled to the carrier. A trough extends longitudinally over the support structure and is moveably coupled to the carriage, the trough being configured to receive a tubular member. The trough is operable to tilt relative to the support structure. A lift arm is operable to move the carriage relative to the support structure thereby also moving the tubular member received in the trough. Indexers may urge the tubular member toward or away from the trough. Pick up arms are operable to retrieve a tubular member from an adjacent pipe rack, or to place the tubular there for storage.