Modular Gripperhead for Drilling Rig Tubular Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manipulation and assembly of tubulars in oil and gas drilling systems are inefficient and dangerous due to the difficulty in selecting and securing stands of different sizes, requiring time-consuming changes of gripperheads with hydraulic connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular gripperhead system with interchangeable modules that can quickly connect and disconnect, allowing for efficient handling of tubulars of various diameters, reducing downtime and enabling rapid module replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hydraulic gripperheads are used to handle tubulars of different sizes, then gripping function is maintained, but time consumption for changing gripperheads increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gripperhead is divided into modular components that can be quickly exchanged. The jaw assembly is segmented from the main body, allowing individual jaw modules to be replaced without changing the entire gripperhead unit. This segmentation enables rapid adaptation to different tubular sizes while minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripperhead incorporates adjustable and movable components that can be dynamically reconfigured for different tubular diameters. The jaw modules feature adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the gripping surfaces to be moved to accommodate various tubular sizes, providing adaptability without requiring complete gripperhead replacement.
2Productivity
If densely stacked stands are stored in the fingerboard to increase storage efficiency, then space utilization improves, but difficulty in selecting and securing stands increases
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary extraction mechanism is introduced between the densely stacked stands and the gripperhead. This mechanism includes extension arms and extraction tools that can reach into the dense stack, selectively engage individual stands, and present them to the gripperhead. This intermediary system enables easy selection and securing of stands even from densely packed storage configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sized gripperheads are used to accommodate different tubular diameters, then versatility is achieved, but device complexity and replacement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single gripperhead unit is designed with universal adaptability through interchangeable jaw modules. Instead of requiring multiple complete gripperheads of different sizes, the system uses one main gripperhead body that can accept various jaw modules designed for different tubular diameter ranges. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while maintaining versatility across different tubular sizes.
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 modular gripperhead system significantly reduces the time required for changing gripperheads and repairs, enhancing productivity and safety by allowing for rapid accommodation of different tubular sizes and facilitating efficient manipulation and assembly operations.
Implementation Method 1
The grabber arms are closable by a hydraulically actuated piston to secure a tubular between them
Implementation Method 2
A centrally located grabber is provided that extends beyond a front surface of the gripper when in an extended position
Data Source
AI summary
The systems, devices, and methods described herein relate to a modular gripperhead system for a drilling rig. The system includes a gripper having a first gripper arm and a second opposing gripper arm, each gripper arm having an inwardly facing gripping surface that forms at least a portion of a chamber sized to receive a portion of a cylindrical tubular, wherein the portion of the chamber has a longitudinal axis. The system also includes a grabber having a first grabber arm and a second grabber arm. Each grabber arm may be displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position in a direction along a first axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first and second grabber arms may be pivotable about a first and second pivot point between an open position sized to permit a portion of a cylindrical tubular to enter between the first and the second grabber arms and a closed position sized to secure a portion of a cylindrical tubular between the first and the second grabber arms.