Integrated Tubular Handler and Power Swivel Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oil and gas industry practices require separate pipe handling and power swivel systems, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and safety concerns due to the need for multiple equipment setups, personnel, and space usage, as well as hazardous manual handling methods for moving tubulars and power swivels.

Innovation Solution

A combination tubular and power swivel handler unit that integrates a tubular handler and power swivel on a single trailer, featuring a trough assembly, raising leg, and transport mechanism, allowing for safe and efficient transfer, lifting, and rotation of tubulars and power swivels, along with the ability to store the power swivel remotely when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate pipe handler and power swivel systems are used, then each system can perform its specific function reliably, but equipment complexity and space requirements double

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pipe handler and power swivel into a single integrated unit mounted on a common trailer frame. The pipe handler trough assembly and power swivel are positioned on the same mobile platform, sharing hydraulic systems, control mechanisms, and structural support, thereby reducing the number of separate equipment pieces from two to one while maintaining functional reliability of both subsystems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it handles pipe transport, positioning, and rotation operations through a single equipment system. The power swivel can rotate pipe connections while the trough assembly positions tubulars, enabling coordinated multi-functional operation that would require separate specialized equipment in conventional setups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate pipe handler and power swivel systems are used, then each system can be optimized for its specific task, but the number of personnel and service companies required doubles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask optimizationVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the pipe handler and power swivel operations into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces personnel requirements from two separate crews to one coordinated team. The unified control system and shared hydraulic infrastructure eliminate redundant operational procedures and reduce the number of service companies needed from two to one, directly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual handling methods are used to move tubulars and power swivels, then equipment costs are reduced, but safety hazards and injury risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment costVSAvoidsafety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated integrated system featuring hydraulic actuation for pipe lifting, trough assembly movement, and power swivel rotation. The system includes automated control mechanisms that coordinate the movement of tubulars and power swivels without direct human contact, eliminating safety hazards associated with manual cable handling and winching while maintaining cost-effectiveness through shared hydraulic infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate pipe handler and power swivel systems are used, then each system can operate independently, but space usage and equipment footprint double

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidequipment space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges both systems onto a single mobile trailer platform, reducing the equipment footprint from two separate ground positions to one consolidated location. The shared trailer frame, hydraulic reservoir, and control systems occupy significantly less space than two independent setups, while the modular design maintains the operational independence of each subsystem through dedicated mounting positions and independent actuation circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11639638B2Combination tubular handler and power swivel unit

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 LARRY G KEAST

AI summary

A combination unit having an extendable trough to raise a tubular to a rig floor height. There is a raising leg connected with a trough assembly, and a following leg movingly coupled with an end of the trough assembly. The unit is configured to move a power swivel or other miscellaneous tools and equipment to the rig floor without winches or cables.