Pipe Handling System with Vertically Displaceable Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pipe-handling systems in drilling technology face challenges in efficiently managing long pipe strings, particularly at great sea depths or in long-ranging boreholes, where continuous pipe-string running is essential for cost-effective operations but not adequately supported by existing techniques.

Innovation Solution

A pipe-handling system with vertically displaceable units along guide tracks in tower columns, equipped with rotatable tongs, hanging-off devices, and continuous drilling fluid circulation, allowing for continuous insertion or withdrawal of pipe strings by synchronizing the movement of multiple pipe-handling units to maintain a continuous supply and efficient assembly/disassembly of pipe strings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional pipe-handling systems are used, then pipe strings can be handled, but continuous pipe-string running is not achieved and operational efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous pipe-string running by coordinating multiple pipe-handling units to maintain uninterrupted supply of pipe sections to the borehole, eliminating downtime between pipe sections and achieving continuous drilling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe-handling system is divided into multiple independent pipe-handling units that can operate simultaneously at different positions along the guide tracks, allowing continuous supply of pipe sections through coordinated movement of segmented units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple pipe-handling units are deployed, then continuous pipe-string running is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous drilling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pipe-handling units are designed with identical structures and functions, allowing them to perform the same operations at different positions. This standardization reduces the complexity increase by using modular, interchangeable units rather than specialized equipment for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple pipe-handling units into a coordinated system that shares common infrastructure such as the tower structure, guide tracks, and control systems, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate independent systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If pipe-handling units are vertically displaceable along guide tracks, then synchronized movement for continuous operation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronized movement capabilityVSAvoidvertical displacement mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical displacement of pipe-handling units is achieved through automated drive systems (such as electric motors with gear transmissions) rather than purely mechanical linkages, simplifying the control mechanism while enabling precise synchronized movement along the guide tracks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9822593B2Device for a pipe handling unit and method of inserting and withdrawing a pipe string in/from a borehole

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 WEST DRILLING PRODS

AI summary

A pipe-handling system includes at least two pipe-handling units arranged in a vertically displaceable manner along respective guide tracks of, respectively, first and second portions of a tower. The pipe-handling unit is provided with lower and upper rotary units spaced apart vertically on a chassis. Each of the rotary units is provided with a rotatable tong and a hanging-off device. A method is for inserting and withdrawing a pipe string in/from a borehole by the use of the pipe-handling system.