Hydraulic Skate-Cable Drive for Drilling Rig Catwalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catwalk systems for conveying pipe to a drill floor from a lower section of a drilling rig are prone to mechanical breakdowns and pose safety risks due to the use of chain and motor or cable and winch systems, which can lead to uncontrollable movement of pipes and failure to prevent over-movement of pipes into the drill center.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic skate-cable drive system utilizing two counteracting hydraulic cylinders with sheaves and a cable that automatically tensions during operation, eliminating the need for a brake and reducing the risk of mechanical failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chain and motor drive system or cable and winch system is used to pull the skate, then the skate can be moved along the catwalk, but the system is prone to mechanical breakdowns and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the brake component from the drive system, extracting the harmful element that required complex control mechanisms. The hydraulic cylinder system naturally prevents over-travel through its physical connection to the skate, eliminating the need for separate braking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder system provides self-regulating tension control through its physical connection to the skate. As the skate moves, the hydraulic cylinders automatically maintain cable tension without requiring external braking or control systems, making the system self-sufficient and more reliable.
2Ease of operation
If a brake is used to stop the skate at the drill floor, then the pipe can be positioned correctly, but the brake failure can cause the pipe to move too far into the drill center
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder system applies preliminary anti-action by physically connecting to the skate and automatically preventing over-travel before it can occur. The system's design inherently stops the skate at the correct position through the hydraulic connection, eliminating the need for a separate brake and preventing the harmful effect of pipe over-movement into the drill center.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of uncontrolled skate movement into a benefit by using the hydraulic cylinder's physical connection to the skate as both the drive mechanism and the safety stop. The same component that moves the skate also prevents it from moving too far, turning a potential failure mode into a safety feature.
3Productivity
If a chain or cable is used to pull the skate, then the skate can be moved, but the chain or cable can break causing uncontrollable movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical chain or cable drive system with a hydraulic cylinder system. This substitution provides more reliable force transmission through incompressible hydraulic fluid, eliminating the risk of chain or cable breaks while maintaining efficient pipe conveyance. The hydraulic system provides controlled, reliable motion without the fragility of mechanical linkages.
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 hydraulic skate-cable drive system ensures controlled and safe movement of pipes by automatically tensioning the cable, preventing pipe falls and over-movement, thereby enhancing operational reliability and worker safety.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic skate-cable drive system utilizing two counteracting hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
A cable winds around each of the sheaves as well as a number of other sheaves and is connected to both ends of the skate
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system for a catwalk skate that uses a hydraulic skate-cable drive system. The system includes two counteracting hydraulic cylinders, each with a sheave connected to the cylinder rods, and a cable that winds around each of the sheaves and connects to both ends of the skate.