Omnidirectional Slip Bowl for Bidirectional Tubular Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slip bowls are designed to support pipe weight in only one direction and cannot handle rotational torque loads, requiring two bowls for axial direction control, which is inefficient and limits their functionality.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional slip bowl with pivot arms, cylinder mounts, and actuating mechanisms that allow for simultaneous support in both axial directions and transmission of rotational loads, using angled surfaces on slide plates and carrier plates to engage tubulars securely in either direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional slip bowls are designed to support pipe weight in only one direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle both in-hole and out-of-hole directions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The slip bowl is designed with alternately angled surfaces on both carrier plates and slide plates that can engage tubulars in both in-hole and out-of-hole directions. The pivot arms can rotate to different positions, and the angled surfaces are configured to provide gripping engagement regardless of the direction of force applied, allowing a single slip bowl to perform multiple directional support functions
Solution Approach 2:
The slip bowl incorporates movable pivot arms that can rotate between different positions, and the carrier plates with alternately angled surfaces dynamically adapt to the direction of force. When force is applied in different directions, the pivot arms rotate and the angled surfaces engage accordingly, providing automatic adaptation to both in-hole and out-of-hole loading conditions without requiring separate fixed-configuration bowls
2Strength
If traditional slip bowls are designed with simple structure, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the capability to transmit rotational torque loads is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The slip bowl is divided into multiple functional components: pivot arms, carrier plates, slide plates, and angled surfaces. Each component has a specific function, and the segmented design allows the complex torque transmission capability to be achieved through the coordinated interaction of simpler individual parts, making the overall system manufacturable despite its enhanced functionality
3Productivity
If a single slip bowl is used to handle both directions, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of engagement in both directions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier plates and slide plates feature alternately angled surfaces with specific asymmetric configurations. These angled surfaces are designed with precise angles and orientations that ensure reliable engagement in both in-hole and out-of-hole directions. The asymmetric geometry provides mechanical advantage and secure gripping in each direction, maintaining high reliability while using a single slip bowl
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 a single slip bowl to securely hold tubulars in both in-hole and out-of-hole directions, supporting rotational loads, thus reducing the need for multiple bowls and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of the plurality of alternately angled surfaces are angled in a first direction and a second portion of the plurality of alternately angled surfaces are angled in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
An omnidirectional slip bowl includes a support frame having a central axis and defining an opening therein to receive an oilfield tubular passing into or coming out of a wellbore. A plurality of pivot arms moves between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A plurality of actuating mechanisms each having a first end connected to one of the plurality of pivot arms, wherein each of the plurality of actuating mechanisms moves the associated pivot arm between the open configuration and the closed configuration. A plurality of gripping assemblies each associated with one of the plurality of pivot arms lock the tubular in a fixed position and prevent movement of the tubular from moving into or out of the wellbore. When the plurality of pivot arms are in the closed configuration and the tubular is moving out of the wellbore, the plurality of gripping assemblies move in a first direction along the pivot arm and engage the tubular to prevent moving out of the wellbore. When the plurality of pivot arms are in the closed configuration and the tubular is moving into the wellbore, the plurality of gripping assemblies move in a second direction along the pivot arm and engage the tubular to prevent moving into the wellbore.