Oilfield Spider Slip Assembly for Wide Tubular Diameter Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spiders used in oilfield drilling operations have a limited range of tubular diameters they can accommodate, requiring time-consuming reconfiguration or replacement when larger or differently sized tubulars are needed, and may hinder the passage of tools with larger outer diameters.
Innovation Solution
A spider apparatus with a tapered bowl and pocket design, featuring a slips assembly that moves radially and axially via a lifting assembly, allowing for adjustable engagement with tubulars of varying sizes without the need for reconfiguration, and includes an adapter bushing for smaller diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spider is configured for a specific tubular diameter range, then it can provide reliable support and engagement, but it cannot accommodate tubulars of different sizes or larger tools without reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The spider incorporates movable slips that can dynamically adjust their radial position through a lifting assembly. The slips transition between retracted and extended positions along a tapered surface, enabling the spider to adapt to different tubular diameters without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows a single spider configuration to serve multiple diameter ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the engagement interface by incorporating a tapered surface. As the slips move radially along the taper, the contact geometry changes continuously, allowing accommodation of various tubular sizes. The tapered geometry transforms the fixed-parameter limitation into a variable-parameter system that adapts to different diameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the slips are extended to engage smaller tubulars, then the spider can accommodate a wider diameter range, but larger tools cannot pass through the spider
Solution Approach 1:
The spider employs dynamically movable slips that can change their radial position on demand. When larger tools need to pass through, the slips are retracted to maximize the inner diameter clearance. When tubular engagement is required, the slips extend to the appropriate radius. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the spider to alternately prioritize clearance or engagement without permanent structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The slips can be preliminarily retracted before the passage of large tools is anticipated, ensuring adequate clearance is maintained in advance. This preliminary action prevents interference with tool passage while maintaining the capability to engage tubulars when needed, resolving the spatial conflict between engagement and clearance requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the slips have a fixed radial position, then the structure is simpler and more reliable, but the spider can only handle one specific tubular size
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting assembly automatically positions the slips at the correct radial location based on the tubular diameter being engaged. The system self-adjusts without requiring manual intervention to reconfigure slips for different sizes. This self-service capability maintains operational simplicity while achieving adaptability across multiple tubular sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders to actuate the slips radially. This powered actuation mechanism simplifies the operation of adjusting slip position, replacing complex manual reconfiguration procedures with automated fluid-powered movement. The slips can be extended or retracted on demand through hydraulic/pneumatic pressure control.
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 efficient handling of tubulars across a wide range of diameters with reduced downtime, allowing passage of larger tools without reconfiguration, enhancing operational efficiency in drilling rigs.
Implementation Method 1
The slips are movable between a retracted configuration in which the slips are received at least partially within the pocket and an extended position in which the slips slide against the tapered bowl
Implementation Method 2
The slips each include two or more fast-tapered surfaces configured to engage the fast-tapered surfaces of the body. The slips also each include a primary tapered surface configured to engage the tapered bowl
Implementation Method 3
The lifting assembly includes a plurality of cylinders coupled to a timing ring that is connected to the slips. The cylinders are configured to press the timing ring toward the body by extending. The cylinders extend through the timing ring and are configured to pull the timing ring away from the body by compressing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting an oilfield tubular includes a body defining a tapered bowl and a pocket formed in the body, a cage extending axially through the body, wherein guides are attached to the cage, a slips assembly including slips configured to engage a tubular received in the body. The slips extend radially through the cage and engage the guides, and are movable between a retracted configuration in which the slips are received at least partially within the pocket and an extended position in which the slips slide against the tapered bowl. The apparatus also includes a lifting assembly coupled to the slips and configured to apply a linear, axially-directed force to the slips. The slips are guided to move radially and axially in response to the linear, axially-directed force by the guides.