Integrated Flush-Mount Spider and Power-Tong Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil and gas drilling rigs require expensive and bulky top drive systems, along with separate equipment, to efficiently make-up and breakout pipe segments, which increases rig time, personnel needs, and costs, while compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
An integrated flush-mount spider and power-tong apparatus that combines the functions of a rotary spider, backup tong, and torque monitor in a compact unit, featuring adjustable height and electronic torque monitoring, reducing the need for multiple equipment pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a top drive system is used to make-up and breakout pipe segments, then efficiency and safety are improved, but equipment cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spider system and power tong into a single integrated apparatus mounted in the rotary table opening. The spider slips are mounted on a slip frame within the opening, and the power tong is positioned adjacent to the spider, allowing both functions to be performed from one location without requiring separate top drive equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions: the spider slips hold and support the pipe string weight, the power tong tightens connections with controlled torque, and the system can both make-up and breakout pipe segments. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate top drive, backup tong, and torque monitoring equipment.
2Reliability
If separate equipment (top drive, backup tong, torque monitor) is used, then functional requirements are met, but equipment cost and rig floor space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spider system and power tong into a single apparatus, and further integrates torque monitoring by incorporating load cells within the power tong structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate backup tongs and standalone torque monitors, reducing both equipment count and rig floor space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The power tong serves multiple functions: it grips the pipe, applies tightening torque during make-up operations, provides torque reaction during breakout operations, and incorporates torque monitoring through integrated load cells. This multi-functionality replaces several separate equipment pieces with one versatile device.
3Measurement precision
If conventional power tongs and torque monitors are used separately, then torque measurement is achieved, but equipment cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates torque monitoring directly into the power tong structure by incorporating load cells within the tong body. The load cells are positioned to measure the torque applied during pipe connection, providing accurate measurement without requiring a separate torque monitoring device.
Solution Approach 2:
The power tong simultaneously performs mechanical functions (gripping and rotating the pipe) and measurement functions (monitoring torque through integrated load cells). This integration provides precise torque measurement while reducing equipment complexity and eliminating the need for separate torque monitoring systems.
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
This solution reduces rig time, personnel requirements, enhances safety, and lowers costs by providing the advantages of top-drive systems at a fraction of the expense, making rotary table drilling rigs more competitive.
Implementation Method 1
The torque monitor provided in the disclosed invention utilizes electronic load cells in the head of the power tong for accurate torque measuring and monitoring as torque is applied during make-up of the pipe string.
Implementation Method 2
The spider slips may be operated by a hydraulic timing ring mechanism and the power tong may be operated by a hydraulic piston.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for an integrated flush-mount spider and power-tong apparatus comprising a flush-mount spider integrated with an attached power-tong and electronic load cell torque monitor. The power-tong applies rotation in opposite directions to make-up and breakout the pipe string. The flush mount spider holds the lower pipe string in place and serves as a backup tong to prevent rotation of the lower pipe string. The addition of a pipe spinner allows the integrated flush-mount spider and power-tong apparatus to replace a top drive for advancing a wellbore.