Pipe Handling Apparatus Elevator and Spring-Loaded Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe handling systems require extensive manual handling and multiple trips between drilling rigs and storage racks, leading to inefficiencies, safety risks, and high maintenance costs, as they often rely on skid-mounted designs that necessitate manual rolling of pipes and lack advanced mechanisms for efficient elevation and racking.
Innovation Solution
A pipe handling apparatus featuring a loading mechanism and a racking mechanism with an elevator and cradle system that allows for horizontal pipe transport, elevation, and selective release at various levels, minimizing manual handling and incorporating a trailer for easy transportation, with a drive/control system for mechanical operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rolling of pipes is used to transport pipe between rack and handler, then the handler can be simpler and more portable, but labor intensity and handling time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe rest is designed to automatically release the pipe through a spring-loaded mechanism that pushes the pipe off the rest and onto the rack, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the pipe release process. The system serves itself by using the pipe's own weight and the spring force to complete the transfer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual rolling and handling of pipes is replaced with a mechanical elevator system that vertically transports pipes between the rack and handler levels. The mechanical pipe rest with spring-loaded release mechanism substitutes for manual pipe manipulation, automating the pipe transfer process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If skid-mounted design with trailer is used, then the handler is more portable and easier to relocate, but structural complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handler is divided into distinct functional modules: the elevator mechanism, the pipe rest assembly with spring-loaded release, the rack structure, and the trailer platform. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, maintained, and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer serves multiple functions: it provides the mobile platform for the entire handler system, supports the rack structure, and acts as the base for the elevator mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional supporting structures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining portability.
3Ease of operation
If pipe rest is always in release position, then pipe can be easily loaded, but pipe cannot be securely held during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe rest is designed with dynamic positioning capability, moving between a loaded position where it securely holds the pipe during transport and a release position where it easily dispenses the pipe. The spring-loaded mechanism provides automatic transition between these states, maintaining both security during transport and ease of loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism is pre-loaded to automatically push the pipe off the rest when the rest moves to the release position. This preliminary anti-action prevents the pipe from accidentally dislodging during transport while ensuring easy release when needed, addressing both holding security and loading ease.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple trips are made between rig and rack, then all pipe sections can be transported, but operation time and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator provides continuous vertical transport capability, allowing pipe sections to be loaded onto the rack without stopping the horizontal transport operation. The mechanical pipe rest enables rapid pipe transfer, minimizing idle time between trips and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the pipe transport process.
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 system significantly reduces manual handling, enhances safety by automating pipe transport and racking, and lowers maintenance and operational costs through improved reliability and simplicity, while allowing for efficient transport of pipes between rigs and storage racks.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe rest is spring-loaded to push the pipe off the rest and onto the rack
Implementation Method 2
The elevator is moveable between a load position, in which load position the pipe rest is at a first elevation
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe handling apparatus and methods intended to facilitate the transportation of pipe between a rig floor and a rack of pipe. The pipe handling apparatus comprise in general a loading mechanism, which transports pipe between the pipe handler and a rig, and a racking mechanism, which transport pipe between a rack and the loader. The racking mechanism is adapted to selectively transport pipe from and deliver it to various levels in a rack of pipe. The racker comprises a pair of elevators, each of which has a pipe rest which is moveable between a hold position, in which pipe may be received therein and is restricted from rolling out of the pipe rest, and a release position, in which release position pipe may roll out of the pipe rest.