Lower Stabilizing Arm for Drill Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling operations face challenges in reducing tripping time and ensuring safety during the handling of long lengths of drill pipe, which increases the risk of accidents and harmonics due to manual handling and the weight of the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A lower stabilizing arm connected to the drilling rig's mast, equipped with rotary actuators and v-shaped rollers, stabilizes and guides the lower end of drill pipe and collars, allowing for automated handling and reduced manual intervention, enabling faster and safer movement of drill string components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of drill pipe is used, then personnel can directly manipulate the equipment, but safety risks increase and tripping time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing arm acts as an intermediary device between the drill pipe and personnel. It provides automated stabilization and positioning of the drill pipe during tripping operations, eliminating the need for personnel to manually handle the heavy and hazardous drill pipe while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing arm enables self-service operation where the system stabilizes and positions the drill pipe automatically without requiring manual intervention. The device uses actuators and rollers to self-adjust and maintain drill pipe stability during movement
2Productivity
If faster tripping speed is implemented, then productivity increases, but safety risks and harmful impacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing arm applies preliminary stabilizing force to the drill pipe before and during accelerated movement. The actuators actively counteract harmful impacts and harmonics as they occur, preventing excessive vibrations and impact forces that would result from fast tripping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped rollers and stabilizing arm structure provide cushioning protection beforehand. When the drill pipe is accelerated during tripping, the stabilizing arm absorbs and dampens impact forces and harmonics, protecting the drill pipe and surrounding equipment from damage
3Loss of time
If longer drill pipe lengths are used, then the number of connections is reduced, but handling difficulty and waveforms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing arm serves as an intermediary that makes handling long drill pipe stands feasible. It provides automated stabilization and positioning capabilities that compensate for the increased length and weight, reducing handling difficulty while maintaining the time-saving benefits of longer pipe sections
4Reliability
If automated handling is implemented, then safety and speed improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing arm is divided into functional segments: the arm structure, the actuator system, and the roller assembly. Each segment performs a specific function (positioning, force application, and drill pipe contact), making the complex automated system more manageable and maintainable
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 stabilizing arm reduces the need for manual manipulation, decreases tripping time, and enhances safety by automating the handling of drill pipe and collars, minimizing exposure of personnel to hazardous conditions and reducing the impact of accelerated movement.
Implementation Method 1
A first rotary actuator (810) is mounted to a mast bracket (802). A first actuator coupling (815) connects the first rotary actuator (810) to a second rotary actuator (820).
Implementation Method 2
A roller bracket (860) is connected to the fifth rotary actuator (850). A pair of v-shaped rollers (862) is mounted on the roller bracket (860).
Data Source
AI summary
A lower stabilizing arm for stabilizing tubulars for stabbing to the threaded connections of a drill string on drilling rigs. The lower stabilizing arm comprises a bracket and an upper arm having an upper end and a lower end. An upper pair of axially opposed rotary actuators connects the upper end of the upper arm to the bracket. A lower arm is provided having an upper end and a lower end. A central rotary actuator is connected between the lower end of the upper arm and the upper end of the lower arm. A roller bracket is provided having a pair of v-shaped rollers mounted on the roller bracket. A lower pair of axially opposed rotary actuators connects the second end of the lower arm to the roller bracket.