Multi-Range Single-Joint Elevator for Tubulars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-joint elevators in the oil and gas industry are limited in accommodating a range of outside diameters of tubulars, requiring multiple elevators for varying diameters, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-range single-joint elevator design featuring pivotally-coupled body halves with tapered slots and timing bars, along with tension handles and biasing members, allows the slips to translate vertically and radially, accommodating a range of tubular diameters without the need for multiple elevators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single-joint elevator is designed for a specific outside diameter, then it can securely engage that diameter, but it cannot accommodate varying outside diameters of tubulars
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator incorporates slips that are movable within tapered slots, allowing the slips to dynamically adjust their radial position. This dynamic mechanism enables the elevator to adapt to various outside diameters while maintaining secure engagement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered slots are designed with varying angles that correspond to different outside diameters. By changing the angular parameter of the slot configuration, the elevator can accommodate different tubular sizes. This parameter change approach allows one elevator design to handle multiple diameters without increasing overall structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-joint elevators are used to accommodate varying diameters, then all diameter variations can be covered, but equipment quantity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator is designed with multi-functional capability through its adjustable slip mechanism. A single elevator can perform the function of multiple fixed-diameter elevators by adjusting the slip positions within the tapered slots, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing equipment inventory requirements
3Reliability
If the internal diameter of the closed elevator is made smaller to secure the tubular, then engagement security improves, but the range of accommodatable diameters decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The slips are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position within the tapered slots. This enables the elevator to maintain a small effective internal diameter for secure engagement while having the capability to accommodate larger outer diameters by adjusting the slip positions, thus resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability
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
Enables secure engagement and lifting of tubular segments with varying outside diameters, reducing the need for multiple elevators and enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
first and second biasing members each having a first end coupled to the connection point of the first and second tension handles, respectively, and a second end coupled to the first and second timing bars, respectively, wherein the first and second biasing members impart a downward force on the one or more slips via the first and second timing bars when the first and second handles are in the locked position, and wherein the first and second biasing members reduce the downward force on the one or more slips via the first and second timing bars when the first and second handles are in the unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator to manipulate a tubular segment includes an elevator body with a bore formed therethrough having an axis therein, the elevator body including a first elevator segment and a second elevator segment, in which each of the first elevator segment and the second elevator segment includes a plurality of openings extending from an outer surface of the elevator body to the bore of the elevator body. The elevator also includes a plurality of slip assemblies disposed inside the plurality of openings of the first elevator segment and the second elevator segment and coupled to the elevator body, each of the plurality of slip assemblies including a slip, the slip including an engagement surface disposed orthogonal to the axis of the bore of the elevator body that engages the tubular segment.