Pipe Handler Trough-Lifting Mechanism for Slant Rig Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manipulation of pipes at well rigs, particularly on slant rigs, poses hazards due to varying heights and non-vertical alignment requirements, which existing technologies fail to address effectively, leading to unsafe handling and alignment challenges.
Innovation Solution
A pipe handling machine with a trough-lifting mechanism, including a base frame, main pivot link, rear link, and linear actuator, allows for safe and precise alignment of pipes by sloping the trough to match the rig's angle, enabling efficient handling and transport of pipes between the pipe rack and the rig floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipes are manipulated manually on the rig floor, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but safety hazards increase due to varying rig floor heights and non-vertical alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pipe handling machine as an intermediary device between the pipe rack and rig floor. This machine includes a trough for receiving pipes, a lifting mechanism with pivot links and actuators, and alignment features that automatically position pipes according to the well center angle, eliminating the need for manual handling while ensuring safe and precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe handling machine employs dynamic components including a trough lifting mechanism with main pivot links and rear links that can adjust to varying rig floor heights, and a pipe alignment mechanism that can adapt to different well center angles. The system transitions from static manual handling to a dynamically adjustable mechanical system that maintains safety across varying operational conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a vertical rig relies on gravity for pipe alignment, then alignment simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to slant rigs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe handling machine is designed with universal adaptability to work with both vertical and slant rigs. The trough lifting mechanism can accommodate varying rig floor heights, and the pipe alignment mechanism can be adjusted to match different well center angles. This multi-functional design allows the same device to serve multiple rig types and configurations without requiring separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters to adapt to different rig types. For vertical rigs, the alignment mechanism operates at a 0-degree angle, utilizing gravity-assisted alignment. For slant rigs, the mechanism adjusts to the specific well center angle, changing the geometric parameters of the alignment process. This parameter adjustment capability enables the system to maintain effectiveness across diverse operational conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If the trough is lifted vertically, then lifting simplicity is maintained, but alignment precision with slant rigs is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism employs asymmetric link geometry where the rear link is deliberately made longer than the main pivot link. This asymmetric configuration causes the trough to be positioned at a predetermined slant angle relative to the vertical axis, matching the well center angle. The asymmetry is carefully calculated to achieve precise angular alignment while maintaining a relatively simple lifting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from purely vertical lifting to a three-dimensional positioning mechanism. The trough is not only lifted vertically but also rotated to the correct slant angle through the asymmetric link configuration. This adds an angular dimension to the lifting operation, enabling precise alignment with slant well centers while building upon the basic vertical lifting function.
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 solution ensures safe and efficient handling of pipes by maintaining alignment with the well center, reducing hazards and improving operational efficiency on both land and offshore slant rigs by adjusting to varying slant angles, thus enhancing safety and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a main pivot link pivotally connected between the base frame and a pivot point adjacent the first end of the trough; a rear link pivotally connected between the base frame and a pivotal connection on the trough... and a linear actuator for driving the trough upwardly to be supported above the base frame on the main pivot link and the rear link
Data Source
AI summary
For wellbore operations, a pipe handler moves pipe up to a rig floor. A pipe loader moves pipe from a presented position into alignment with well center. The pipe handler moves pipe up to a slanted presented position. The slanted presented position can be adjusted by manipulating the drive system.