Guide-Pin Lubricator Assembly for Vertical Drill Pipe Servicing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for cleaning and lubricating drill pipes in oil or gas well operations are inefficient, particularly when pipes are in a vertical position, leading to prolonged tripping duration and potential quality issues due to time constraints and vertical orientation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A lubricator assembly comprising a mounting base, a lubricant housing, a guide pin, seals, and a biasing member that allows angular misalignment, enabling efficient lubrication and cleaning of tubular members by directing lubricant against the pipe threads and utilizing the weight of the pipe stand to actuate the lubrication process without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drill pipes are cleaned and lubricated in vertical position during tripping operations, then the cleaning and lubrication can be performed during normal operations, but the duration of tripping is prolonged and quality of cleaning/lubrication is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator assembly performs cleaning and lubrication actions in advance before the pipe connection is made. The pipe end is inserted into the lubricator housing where brushes clean the threads and lubricant is applied beforehand, so that when the pipe is connected to the drill string, the connection can be made immediately without additional cleaning/lubrication time during tripping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricator assembly acts as an intermediary device between the pipe stand and the drill string. It provides a dedicated station with cleaning brushes and lubricant delivery mechanisms that interfaces with the pipe end during insertion, enabling efficient pre-lubrication without requiring external equipment or extending tripping time.
2Ease of operation
If drill pipes are cleaned and lubricated while in vertical position, then the equipment is readily accessible, but time constraints and vertical orientation make it difficult to achieve quality cleaning and lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator assembly concentrates cleaning and lubrication functions in a localized housing that receives only the end portion of the pipe. Internal brushes and lubricant delivery mechanisms are positioned to specifically target the thread areas that require cleaning and lubrication, ensuring high-quality treatment of the critical connection surfaces while the pipe remains in vertical position.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricator housing provides a confined space that transforms the vertical orientation challenge into an advantage. As the pipe is inserted horizontally into the housing, the weight of the pipe stand automatically actuates the lubrication mechanism, using gravity to force lubricant onto the threads and engage the brushes, thereby achieving quality lubrication through the dimensional transition from vertical to horizontal insertion.
3Extent of automation
If external power sources are used for lubrication equipment, then precise control of lubrication process is achieved, but device complexity and operational constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator assembly is actuated automatically by the weight of the pipe stand itself. As the pipe end is inserted into the housing, gravity causes the pipe weight to force the lubricant against the threads and engage the brushes, eliminating the need for external power sources, motors, or control systems. The system uses the inherent mechanical energy of the pipe being connected to drive the lubrication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex powered mechanical systems with a passive gravity-based mechanism. Instead of using motors, pumps, or controlled delivery systems that would require external power and complex control circuits, the lubrication is achieved by simply allowing the pipe weight to force lubricant onto the threads and activate the brushes through gravitational force during insertion.
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 lubricator assembly significantly reduces the time required for lubrication, ensures quality pipe cleaning and lubrication, and allows for efficient servicing of tubular members regardless of their vertical orientation, enhancing operational efficiency in well drilling and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the weight of the pipe stand to actuate the lubrication process
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member coupled between the mounting base and the lubricant housing, wherein the biasing member permits angular misalignment
Implementation Method 3
a spherical bearing positioned between the lubricant housing and the mounting base, wherein the spherical bearing comprises a first ring coupled to an end of the lubricant housing, wherein the first ring comprises a first hemispherical surface, and a second ring slidably disposed on the mounting base, wherein the second ring comprises a second hemispherical surface that matingly engages the first hemispherical surface
Implementation Method 4
a first seal positioned between the guide pin and the lubricant housing and a second seal positioned between the guide pin and the lubricant housing
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricator assembly for servicing a tubular member includes a mounting base, a lubricant housing movably coupled to the mounting base and configured to receive lubricant from a lubricant source, a guide pin slidably disposed in the lubricant housing, a first seal positioned between the guide pin and the lubricant housing and a second seal positioned between the guide pin and the lubricant housing, and a first chamber extending between the first seal and the second seal, wherein the guide pin is configured to direct lubricant disposed in the first chamber against the tubular member in response to the tubular member engaging the guide pin.