Multi-function Drilling Rig With Movable Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling methods require moving drilling rigs between wellbores, leading to inefficiencies when drilling multiple wellbores close to each other, as much time is spent relocating the rig rather than drilling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function rig system that allows for drilling, completion, and workover operations on multiple wellbores from a single location without moving the entire rig, using movable machines and tubular movement apparatuses to position drilling equipment at multiple wellbore sites from a central rig structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single drilling rig is used to drill multiple wellbores by relocating it between sites, then the rig structure remains simple and portable, but the time and productivity are reduced due to repeated relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling system is divided into a stationary rig structure and multiple movable drilling machines. The rig structure remains fixed while individual drilling machines (such as top drives, rotary tables, and mud pumps) are moved between wellbore locations using overhead cranes and rail systems, eliminating the need to relocate the entire rig.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rig configuration to a dynamic one where drilling machines can be repositioned along the rig floor. The overhead crane system with movable trolleys and hooks enables flexible positioning of drilling equipment to different wellbore locations without moving the rig foundation.
2Productivity
If multiple drilling rigs are deployed to drill multiple wellbores simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the cost and complexity of the operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single rig structure is designed to support multiple drilling machines that can service multiple wellbores. The rig floor includes multiple wellbore locations with corresponding drilling equipment, allowing one rig to perform the functions of multiple separate rigs through the movement and reconfiguration of drilling machines.
Solution Approach 2:
An overhead crane system acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the transfer and repositioning of drilling machines between different wellbore locations. This mediator system allows a single rig structure to efficiently manage multiple drilling operations without requiring multiple independent rig systems.
3Ease of operation
If the entire drilling rig is relocated between wellbores, then equipment portability is maintained, but operational time and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling system is divided into a stationary rig structure and multiple movable drilling machines. The rig structure remains fixed while individual drilling machines (such as top drives, rotary tables, and mud pumps) are moved between wellbore locations using overhead cranes and rail systems, eliminating the need to relocate the entire rig.
Solution Approach 2:
Drilling machines are pre-positioned on the rig floor at various wellbore locations before drilling operations begin. The overhead crane system is prepared in advance to quickly relocate drilling machines between locations as needed, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function multi-hole rig including multiple machines for accomplishing various rig functions, e.g., drilling machine(s), tripping machine(s), casing machine(s), cementing machine(s), workover machine(s), etc., for drilling, completing and/or working over multiple wellbores without moving the rig. Rig functions may be performed one after the other and/or simultaneously, while allowing other functions related to completion and production to continue simultaneously.