Pipe Mat Lattice Structure for Drill Pipe Drainage and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a pipe mat that can effectively organize and store drill pipe when tripped in or out of a drill string, while also collecting and channeling away fluids for storage, recycling, or disposal, as existing solutions fail to efficiently manage fluid drainage and pipe placement.
Innovation Solution
A pipe mat with a lattice structure formed by parallel support and nub rails, featuring drain channels and upwardly extending pipe nubs to hold drill pipes in place, allowing fluids to drain into a tubing tray for collection, along with corner bumpers for stability and cutaways for enhanced drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pipe mat is used to organize and store drill pipe, then the drill pipe can be properly positioned and stored, but fluids draining from the drill pipe cannot be effectively collected and channeled away
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe mat is designed to perform multiple functions: it organizes and stores drill pipe through its lattice structure and pipe nubs, while simultaneously collecting and channeling draining fluids through integrated drain channels. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making a single device capable of both pipe management and fluid collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage system is merged with the pipe mat structure itself. Drain channels are formed by the support rails that are already part of the pipe mat's lattice structure, eliminating the need for separate drainage equipment and enabling fluid collection while maintaining pipe organization capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lattice structure with support rails is used to form drain channels, then fluids can be channeled away, but the structural complexity of the pipe mat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe mat structure is segmented into functional components: support rails that form drain channels, nub rails that create the lattice pattern, and pipe nubs for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function while collectively forming an integrated system that manages both pipe storage and fluid drainage.
3Ease of operation
If pipe nubs extend upwardly to hold drill pipe in place, then the drill pipe can be securely positioned, but the ability to drain fluids through the pipe mat is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe mat structure exhibits local quality variations: solid pipe nubs in specific locations for pipe positioning, and open lattice spaces in other locations for fluid drainage. This spatial differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously provide pipe support where needed and fluid passage where required, resolving the contradiction between positioning security and drainage efficiency.
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 mat efficiently organizes and stores drill pipes, prevents pipe movement, and effectively collects and channels fluids for storage or disposal, ensuring the drill site remains clean and operational.
Implementation Method 1
Fluids in the drill pipe can drain through the openings disposed through the pipe mat into the drain channels to collect in the tubing tray
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe mat for use with a tubing tray for receiving, organizing and storing drill pipe tripped out of a drill string on a drilling rig has a plurality of substantially parallel and spaced-apart support rails to form a plurality of drain channels disposed between adjacent pair of support rails. A plurality of substantially parallel and spaced-apart nub rails is disposed on the plurality of support rails. The nub rails are substantially orthogonal to the support rails, thereby forming a lattice structure having openings disposed between the nub rails that are in communication with the drain channels. A plurality of spaced-apart pipe nubs extend upwardly from the nub rails, which hold a drill pipe in place when an end of the drill pipe is placed onto one of the pipe nubs. A method for collecting fluids draining from drill pipe uses the pipe mat with the tubing tray.