Iron Roughneck Extension Parallelogram Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing iron roughneck systems for drilling operations face challenges in efficiently and safely moving and positioning the equipment around a wellbore without interfering with other operations or equipment, particularly in extending and retracting mechanisms that maintain stability and clearance.
Innovation Solution
An extension system for an iron roughneck that includes a support column, a mount movable up and down, three pivotably interconnected parallelogram linkage structures, and powered extension apparatuses to extend and retract the iron roughneck support, allowing simultaneous raising and lowering, with a control system to maintain precise positioning and clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the iron roughneck is extended away from the support column to allow operation around the wellbore, then the working reach and positioning capability are improved, but the risk of interfering with other equipment and operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The iron roughneck support system employs a dynamic extendable structure with parallelogram linkages that allow the device to move between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt its reach based on operational requirements while maintaining clearance from other equipment when retracted, thus resolving the contradiction between working reach and interference prevention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the iron roughneck is extended and retracted frequently for positioning, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple parallelogram linkage segments that can independently adjust while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve positioning flexibility through coordinated movement of segments while each segment maintains its structural stability, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates damping elements and controlled extension mechanisms that cushion the transitions between positions. This beforehand cushioning prevents abrupt movements and shock loads that could compromise structural stability, while still allowing frequent positioning adjustments for operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If the extension mechanism is designed for rapid deployment, then the productivity is improved, but the precision of positioning may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The extension mechanism employs a two-stage periodic action: a rapid initial extension phase for quick deployment that improves productivity, followed by a controlled adjustment phase using the parallelogram linkages and damping elements that achieves precise positioning. This periodic action sequence resolves the contradiction between deployment speed and positioning precision.
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 safe movement of the iron roughneck around the wellbore, maintaining stability and minimizing vertical height variation, ensuring clearances with other equipment, and allowing precise positioning without abrupt extension or retraction.
Implementation Method 1
three pivotably interconnected parallelogram linkage structures
Implementation Method 2
powered extension apparatus connected to the mount and to a first linkage structure
Implementation Method 3
raising apparatus connected to the support column and for raising and lowering the mount with respect to the support column
Data Source
AI summary
Extension systems for iron roughnecks are provided. These systems are equipment apparatuses and extendable/retractable supports for devices used for connecting and disconnecting tubular members (e.g. casing, tubing, pipe, or drill pipe) on drill rigs. The systems in particular relate to iron roughnecks, and methods of moving them on a drilling rig.