Pipe Gripper Torque Transmission via Rotor Groove and Toothed Rim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pipe-grippers are unable to provide the required torque for making up or breaking out pipe joints in drill strings used for hydrocarbon drilling, limiting their effectiveness in assembling and disassembling pipe strings.
Innovation Solution
A pipe-gripper design that rotates pipes around their center axis, using a rotor with a longitudinal groove and external toothed rim, coupled with a transmission assembly and clamp assemblies, to apply makeup and breakout torque, and is connected to a manipulator arm for orientation and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional pipe-grippers are used, then the device complexity is low, but the torque capability is insufficient for making up or breaking out pipe joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated pipe-gripper device: gripping mechanism, rotation capability, and torque application are merged into one unit. The gripper integrates clamp assemblies for securing pipes, a rotor for rotation, and drive mechanisms for torque delivery, eliminating the need for separate backup tongs and power tongs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe-gripper is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: gripping and holding pipes, rotating pipes for making up or breaking out joints, and applying high torque. This universal device replaces traditional specialized tools with a single versatile unit that handles various pipe handling tasks.
2Productivity
If traditional pipe-grippers are used, then the device structure is simple, but the productivity is insufficient due to inability to provide required torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated pipe-gripper device: gripping mechanism, rotation capability, and torque application are merged into one unit. The gripper integrates clamp assemblies for securing pipes, a rotor for rotation, and drive mechanisms for torque delivery, eliminating the need for separate backup tongs and power tongs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe-gripper is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: gripping and holding pipes, rotating pipes for making up or breaking out joints, and applying high torque. This universal device replaces traditional specialized tools with a single versatile unit that handles various pipe handling tasks.
3Force
If a rotor with external toothed rim and transmission assembly is added to provide torque, then the torque capability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the drive motor and the rotor. This transmission system, including gear wheels and toothed rims, acts as a mediator to multiply and transmit torque efficiently from the motor to the pipe-gripper, enabling high torque output while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
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 pipe-gripper effectively provides the necessary torque for assembling and disassembling pipe joints, overcoming the limitations of traditional grippers by enabling the application of up to 60,000 ft-lbs of torque, allowing for efficient handling of pipes and pipe stands in hydrocarbon drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The clamps may, when engaging with the pipe, move downwardly along the vertical position of the pipe-gripper. In such embodiments, gravity may assist in locking the pipe in the rotor by pulling the dies downwards and inwards towards the center axis of the rotor.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe-gripper includes an elongated housing. The pipe gripper further includes a rotor positioned within the elongated housing. The rotor has a periphery and a longitudinal groove extending axially therethrough. The longitudinal groove has an inside face and a groove mouth, The groove mouth has width A. In addition, the pipe gripper includes a toothed rim, the toothed rim positioned on the periphery of the rotor and interrupted by the longitudinal groove. Further, the pipe gripper includes a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes at least one clamp and positioned within the rotor. The pipe-gripper also includes a rotor drive, the rotor drive positioned within the elongated housing. In addition, the pipe gripper includes a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly in engagement with the rotor drive at toothed rim engagement points, the distance between toothed rim engagement points being distance B, distance B being larger than distance A.