Coiled Tubing Injector Chain Guide Dampens Oscillations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coiled tubing injector heads experience chain oscillations during deployment of small diameter tubing, leading to rough running, reduced control, and shortened service life, which are not adequately addressed by increasing chain tension as it worsens bearing loads and oscillation frequency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a continuously curved chain guide that constrains and dampens the non-gripping portions of the chain loop path, preventing oscillations without the need for increased tension, thereby ensuring smooth operation and extended service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If chain tension is increased to prevent oscillations, then chain stability is improved, but bearing loads increase and oscillation frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
A chain guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the chain and the injector head frame. The chain guide provides a curved surface that the chain follows, constraining lateral movements and dampening oscillations without requiring increased chain tension, thereby avoiding increased bearing loads
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide features a continuously curved surface that matches the desired chain path. This curvature guides the chain smoothly through the injector head, preventing oscillations by maintaining constant contact between the chain and the curved guide surface
2Stability of the object's composition
If chain tension is increased to prevent oscillations, then chain stability is improved, but oscillation frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide acts as a mediator that dampens oscillations through friction and geometric constraint, allowing the chain to run smoothly without excessive tension. This reduces oscillation frequency and prevents the harmful effects of high-frequency vibrations on chain and component service life
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide provides continuous support and damping along the chain path before oscillations can develop into harmful vibrations. By preemptively constraining the chain to a smooth curved path, the system prevents oscillation buildup that would otherwise reduce service life
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 chain guide effectively prevents oscillations, enhancing operational smoothness, control, and service life by distributing radial forces and reducing wear on the injector head components.
Implementation Method 1
The chain guide effectively prevents oscillations, enhancing operational smoothness, control, and service life by distributing radial forces and reducing wear on the injector head components
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a continuously curved chain guide that constrains and dampens the non-gripping portions of the chain loop path, preventing oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
In an injector head (30) for handling tubing for insertion into and retrieval from a wellbore, a non-gripping portion of the path (22) of each chain loop (12), which is otherwise susceptible to oscillations when running in at least certain conditions, is constrained by a chain guide (44). The chain guide allows the chain to move freely as it is driven by the sprockets (16) in a loop, but dampens or prevents development of oscillations in the chain loop (12) when moving along one or more sections of its path in which it is not otherwise be pressed against tubing or constrained by sprockets or tensioners.