Monorail Tubular Element Transfer for Drilling Efficiency
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting tubular elements during drilling operations are costly and time-consuming due to the large number of joints that need to be attached, slowing down the drilling process.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for transferring tubular elements using a monorail and movable trolley between adjacent drilling rigs, allowing for efficient assembly and attachment of tubular elements or assemblies to the drillstring, enabling rapid movement and connection of tubular elements between drilling structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual joints of tubular elements are attached together to assemble the drillstring, then the drillstring can be constructed with modular components, but the drilling process slows down due to the large number of joints that must be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The drillstring is divided into modular tubular element assemblies that can be pre-assembled and stored vertically. Each assembly contains multiple joints connected together, allowing the drillstring to be constructed from these pre-assembled segments rather than individual joints, thereby reducing the number of connections required during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Tubular element assemblies are pre-assembled and stored in vertical storage structures before drilling begins. This preliminary assembly work is done in advance, so that during actual drilling operations, the pre-assembled units can be quickly transferred and connected to the drillstring without requiring time-consuming on-site joint assembly.
2Productivity
If multiple joints are attached to create tubular element assemblies, then fewer connections are needed during drilling, but the system complexity increases with vertical storage structures and monorail transfer mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A monorail system acts as an intermediary transfer mechanism between vertical storage structures and the drilling rig. The monorail with movable trolleys provides a simple yet effective means to transport heavy tubular element assemblies vertically and horizontally, bridging the gap between storage and assembly points without requiring complex lifting or handling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical space by implementing vertical storage structures where tubular element assemblies are stored upright rather than horizontally on the ground. This vertical arrangement, combined with vertical monorail transfer, efficiently uses the third dimension (height) to store multiple assemblies simultaneously, reducing ground space requirements and simplifying access during drilling operations.
3Reliability
If tubular element assemblies are transferred between drilling rigs, then drilling operations can continue without interruption, but the transfer mechanism requires precise positioning and control
Solution Approach 1:
The movable trolleys on the monorail system incorporate control mechanisms that provide feedback for precise positioning of tubular element assemblies. This feedback control ensures accurate placement of assemblies at the drilling rig, enabling reliable transfer operations that maintain drilling continuity without interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for transferring tubular elements may include a first structure having a first horizontal platform attached to the first structure on a bottom side and a monorail attached to the first structure on a top side, a second structure having a second horizontal platform attached to the second structure. The first structure and the second structure may be located proximate to each other, while the monorail can extend from the first structure to the second structure. The monorail can have a motion controlled assembly to move a tubular element or assembly of tubular elements.