Offset Casing Tong Handling Tool for Vertical Pipe Handler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe handling systems on drilling rigs require separate arms and manual handling for casing tongs, which limits space, poses safety risks, and is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A vertical pipe handling system with a handling tool for casing tongs that eliminates the need for a separate arm by mounting a gripper head and offset casing tong connection, utilizing a triangular-shaped section and computer control for precise positioning and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate arm is used to handle casing tongs, then the casing tong can be positioned and moved, but it limits accessible space on the drill floor and requires more material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing tong positioningVSAvoiddrill floor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the casing tong handling function with the existing vertical pipe handler arm by mounting a handling tool with an offset connection to the same arm that positions the pipe. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated arm, reducing drill floor space requirements while maintaining the ability to position and move casing tongs effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling is used for casing tongs, then flexibility is maintained, but it is time-consuming and presents safety risks to workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidhandling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated handling tool that is controlled by the computer control system already present in the vertical pipe handler. The tool automatically positions, connects, and moves the casing tong without requiring manual intervention, eliminating safety risks and time consumption associated with manual handling while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If a separate arm is used for casing tong handling, then positioning control is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing tong positioning precisionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the casing tong positioning function into the existing vertical pipe handler arm system. The handling tool includes an offset connection that allows the casing tong to hang off-center, avoiding interference with the pipe being handled. The single computer control system that already controls the pipe positioning now also controls the casing tong positioning, maintaining precision while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating redundant control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11306549B2Handling tool for casing tongs

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of a vertical pipe handler system (50) and method of its use include a casing tong handling tool (10) connected to a lifting tool (55) having a gripper head (51) and supported by an arm (53) of the vertical pipe handler system. The casing tong connection (33) of the handling tool is located toward the tool's lower end (21) and may be offset in a horizontal direction from the connection (29) to the lifting tool. The casing tong (60) then hangs off-center relative to the lifting tool. The amount of offset may be effective to prevent interference between the gripper head and a tubular being handled by the casing tong.