Modular Oilfield Lift Cap with Integrated Alignment and Lifting Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lifting, making up, and breaking down oilfield equipment with threaded connections, such as TIW valves and IBOPs, are inadequate, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies, particularly in offshore operations, as they require manual handling and can result in accidents due to the lack of robust lifting capabilities and proper alignment tools.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular tools with specially designed chain lifting features and handles allows for safe and quick connection/disconnection of rig tools to drillpipes, enabling lifting, stabbing, and making up in a single motion, minimizing the risk of slipping and injury, and accommodating various tool sizes and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lift caps are used for lifting oilfield equipment, then the equipment can be lifted, but the lifting process is unsafe and inefficient due to lack of proper alignment capabilities and risk of slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting cap with alignment features and handling capabilities into a single integrated tool. The modular tool includes a body with a bore for receiving the rig tool, lifting features for safe lifting, and alignment features that eliminate the need for separate alignment operations, thereby improving safety while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular lifting cap serves multiple functions: it provides lifting capability through integrated chain features, ensures proper alignment through built-in alignment features, and facilitates handling during make-up and break-out operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and frames.
2Productivity
If manual handling methods are used for heavy oilfield equipment, then the equipment can be moved, but the process is time-consuming and prone to accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The modular tool is designed to be self-aligning and self-lifting through its integrated features. The alignment features automatically guide the rig tool into proper position during lifting, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and reducing the risk of accidents while improving operational efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If extra tools and frames are used for alignment during lifting, then proper alignment can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates alignment features directly into the body of the modular lifting cap. The alignment features include shaped surfaces and guides that are formed as part of the tool body, eliminating the need for separate alignment tools and frames while maintaining high alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular tool body having upper and lower sections, a pair of longitudinal members define a central open region, the longitudinal members joined at one end having a lifting feature formed therein configured to accept a manipulator. The lifting feature is positioned such that when the modular tool body and a rig tool connected thereto are lifted by the manipulator, they are easily moved over, aligned with, and connected with a working drillpipe or other rig tool while minimizing possibility of the manipulator slipping off. The lower section includes a threaded end mating with a mating end of a rig tool, a central longitudinal bore, and an upper end formed to accept the lower ends of the longitudinal members of the upper section. Elongate slots in each longitudinal member define one or more manipulating handles. A pair of generally horizontal hand holds may be formed in each longitudinal member.