J-Lay Loader Boom for Shared Tubular and Accessory Handling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tubular installation systems for J-laying tubulars on drilling rigs and marine pipelay systems require separate and space-consuming equipment for handling tubulars and accessories, leading to a large footprint and inefficient use of resources.

Innovation Solution

A common loader device with pivotable tubular grippers and accessory handling means attached to the boom, allowing for shared hoist capacity and reduced footprint by using accessory supply rails and tower rails for efficient transfer between supply positions and the firing line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate equipment is used for handling tubulars and accessories, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall footprint and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate tubular handling equipment and accessory handling equipment into a single integrated loader device. The loader device includes a boom with tubular grippers for handling tubulars and accessory handling means (such as cranes or robotic manipulators) for handling accessories, all mounted on a common base. This merging reduces the overall footprint while maintaining the functional capabilities of both separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The loader device is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: it can handle both tubulars (using tubular grippers attached to the boom) and accessories (using accessory handling means). The boom can be positioned and operated to serve both tubular supply positions and accessory supply positions, making the single device versatile enough to replace multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate equipment is used for handling tubulars and accessories, then each system can be independently optimized, but the device complexity and resource utilization efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate tubular handling equipment and accessory handling equipment into a single integrated loader device. The loader device includes a boom with tubular grippers for handling tubulars and accessory handling means (such as cranes or robotic manipulators) for handling accessories, all mounted on a common base. This merging reduces the overall footprint while maintaining the functional capabilities of both separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The loader device is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: it can handle both tubulars (using tubular grippers attached to the boom) and accessories (using accessory handling means). The boom can be positioned and operated to serve both tubular supply positions and accessory supply positions, making the single device versatile enough to replace multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If separate equipment is used for handling tubulars and accessories, then each system can operate independently, but the hoist capacity cannot be shared and space utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operationVSAvoidhoist capacity utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate tubular handling equipment and accessory handling equipment into a single integrated loader device. The loader device includes a boom with tubular grippers for handling tubulars and accessory handling means (such as cranes or robotic manipulators) for handling accessories, all mounted on a common base. This merging reduces the overall footprint while maintaining the functional capabilities of both separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The loader device is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: it can handle both tubulars (using tubular grippers attached to the boom) and accessories (using accessory handling means). The boom can be positioned and operated to serve both tubular supply positions and accessory supply positions, making the single device versatile enough to replace multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3021024B1Tubular installation system and method

Publication Date: 2021.08.04 ITREC BV

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a tubular installation system (10) for J-laying tubulars comprising a J-lay tower structure (50), a tubulars supply system and a loader device comprising tubular grippers (21) and a boom (24) for transporting a tubular, an accessory supply system (58) and accessory handling means (55) for transporting an accessory between the essentially horizontal accessory supply position and the firing line. According to the invention, the accessory supply system (58) comprises accessory supply rails (58a, 58b, 201, 202), provided on the support, and in that the accessory supply rails are in line with the accessory handling means.