Nylon Harness Retention for Cement Head Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retention systems fail to adequately secure elevated and heavy objects, such as cement plug valves, during well cementing operations, posing a risk of accidental detachment and injury to personnel or damage to property.
Innovation Solution
A retention assembly comprising a harness and sling made of nylon fabric with hook and loop fasteners that securely wraps around the object and connects to an adjacent support structure, providing positive retention and preventing falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional whip-check or choker devices are used to retain hoses, then hose detachment is prevented, but heavy elevated objects like cement valves cannot be adequately secured
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into separate functional components: a harness that wraps around the valve body and a sling that provides the retention connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the harness providing secure attachment to the valve and the sling providing adequate strength for heavy objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness is constructed from flexible nylon webbing material that can wrap around and conform to the valve body. This flexible material provides adequate friction and contact area to secure the valve while being lightweight and easy to manipulate during installation and removal.
2Productivity
If heavy cement valves are positioned at elevated locations, then operational efficiency is improved, but the risk of injury from accidental detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention assembly provides a safety mechanism that is put in place before operations begin. The harness and sling configuration is designed to catch and secure the valve if detachment occurs, cushioning the impact and preventing the valve from falling the full distance to the rig floor where it could cause injury or damage.
3Strength
If conventional metal cable retention systems are used, then connection strength is adequate, but ease of installation and removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system transitions from rigid metal cable connections to flexible nylon webbing with friction-based fastening. This parameter change in material properties allows the harness to be easily wrapped around the valve and secured with simple knots or friction locks, dramatically simplifying installation and removal while maintaining adequate strength through the distributed contact area of the webbing.
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
The retention assembly effectively secures elevated objects, preventing accidental falls and injuries, while being inexpensive, easy to install, and more effective than conventional systems like whip-checks and tugger lines.
Implementation Method 1
straps having hook and loop (Velcro®) fasteners
Implementation Method 2
straps having hook and loop (Velcro®) fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for retaining and securing elevated objects such as cement valves. A harness member is wrapped around the outer surface of an elevated object, and adjustable straps are tightened to secure the harness member in place. An elongate sling member, attached the harness member, is securely attached to a cement head assembly or other nearby support structure. The apparatus provides positive retention should an elevated object become detached, thereby preventing the object from falling and injuring personnel or damaging property.