Nested V-Shaped Gripper Blocks for Coiled Tubing Diameter Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripper block systems for coiled tubing injectors in the oil and gas industry are limited in accommodating a wide range of tubing diameters, leading to safety hazards and downtime when switching between different sizes, and they often cause stress on the tubing, which can result in scarring and distortion.
Innovation Solution
A gripper system comprising two gripper blocks with uniquely sized, v-shaped channels, where the smaller block fits within the larger block's channel, providing a wider size range accommodation and reducing stress through four-point contact, allowing for efficient engagement of tubing of varying diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single gripper block design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different tubing diameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs nested gripper blocks where a smaller gripper block fits inside the V-shaped channel of a larger gripper block. This nesting arrangement allows the same gripper assembly to accommodate multiple tubing diameters by selectively positioning either the inner or outer gripper block, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual gripper block design creates a universal gripping system where a single assembly can handle multiple tubing sizes. The outer gripper block with its V-shaped channel and the inner gripper block work together to provide multi-functional capability, allowing the system to adapt to different diameters without requiring separate gripper blocks for each size.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional single gripper blocks are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the tubing suffers from stress concentrations causing scarring and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the gripping function into two separate gripper blocks - an inner block and an outer block - each contributing to the gripping action. This segmentation distributes the contact stress across multiple surfaces (inner block surfaces and outer block V-shaped channel surfaces), reducing stress concentrations on the tubing while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized block designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gripper blocks are changed for different tubing sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the downtime and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the smaller gripper block within the larger one, the system eliminates the need to change entire gripper block assemblies when switching between tubing sizes. Operators can simply reposition or select between the inner and outer blocks, significantly reducing downtime and safety hazards associated with block changes while maintaining full adaptability to different tubing diameters.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an improved gripper system for accommodating tubing of different diameters of a coiled tubing injector.