Hydraulic Pipe Handling Tool for Drill String Exit

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of disconnecting and reconnecting drill pipe sections on the exit side of a borehole during horizontal directional drilling is labor-intensive and requires high torque, often necessitating manual handling of heavy and long pipe sections, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising an elongate frame with vise assemblies, retainer assemblies, and roller assemblies that can be operated by a hydraulic machine to grip, rotate, and position pipe sections for secure connection and disconnection, utilizing hydraulic actuators and rollers to manage pipe sections efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling and traditional wrenches are used to disconnect and reconnect pipe sections, then the process can be completed, but it becomes labor-intensive and requires high torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pipe section connection and disconnectionVSAvoidproductivity of makeup and breakout operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical wrenches with a hydraulic system that uses hydraulic actuators to generate the necessary torque for connecting and disconnecting pipe sections. The hydraulic motor provides automated mechanical power, eliminating the need for manual cranking and reducing labor intensity while maintaining the required connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs hydraulic principles by using hydraulic fluid under pressure to drive a hydraulic motor, which in turn powers the vise assemblies. This hydraulic system efficiently transmits force and torque to the pipe sections, enabling automated connection and disconnection operations with high force output and improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If hydraulic actuators and rollers are used to automate pipe handling, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiency of pipe handlingVSAvoidcomplexity of the automated handling system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic motor serves multiple functions within the system: it powers both the vise assemblies for gripping pipe sections and the rollers for rotating and positioning the pipes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuators and mechanisms, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the hydraulic actuator system with the vise assemblies and roller mechanisms into an integrated automated handling system. By merging these components into a single coordinated unit, the design reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate manual and automated systems, while still achieving enhanced operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient and automated makeup and breakout of pipe sections, reducing manual labor and torque requirements, and facilitating the use of auxiliary hydraulic power for enhanced operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10364621B2Pipe handling for a drill string at ground exit

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 CHARLES MACHINE WORKS INC

AI summary

An exit side pipe handling and vise tool. The tool may be suspended from an arm of a hydraulic machine and rotated and pivoted relative to the arm. The tool comprises two retainer assemblies, two vise assemblies, and a roller assembly each suspended from a linear frame. Each of the retainer assemblies is movable relative to the frame in a direction transverse to a length of the frame. The vise assemblies are in side-by-side configuration to break a connection between adjacent pipe segments. The roller assembly defines rollers having a spiral ramp disposed on an external surface to encourage axial movement of a pipe segment during rotation thereof.