Pipe Racking System With Rack And Pinion Trolley
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe racking systems used in oil, gas, and geothermal exploration lack safety, reliability, and efficiency in transporting tubular subjects due to inadequate mechanical designs and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A pipe racking system comprising a diving board with a guide rail, a trolley driven by a rack and pinion mechanism, a manipulator connected to the trolley, and a gripper with electric putters and springs, along with image sensors and processors for real-time component monitoring and control, ensuring precise and safe handling of tubular subjects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pipe racking system is used, then the structure is simple, but the safety and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including trolley, manipulator, gripper, and control unit, each performing specific functions. This segmentation allows for improved reliability through specialized design while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces and independent operation of each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives real-time data from sensors monitoring the trolley position, manipulator status, and gripper operation. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment and error correction, significantly improving safety and reliability while the centralized control architecture prevents exponential growth in system complexity.
2Productivity
If manual handling of tubular subjects is used, then the equipment is simple, but the efficiency and precision are low
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper automatically grips and releases tubular subjects based on control signals, and the trolley autonomously moves along the guide rail to transport pipes. This automation eliminates manual handling operations, dramatically improving transport efficiency while the standardized mechanical design keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced with an automated system combining electric motors for trolley movement, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators for manipulator positioning, and controlled gripper operation. This substitution increases efficiency and precision while modern control electronics reduce the complexity of mechanical linkages.
3Measurement precision
If automated control is added to improve precision, then the control precision is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: monitoring trolley position, controlling manipulator movement, coordinating gripper operation, and integrating sensor data. This multi-functionality achieves high control precision through centralized coordination while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent control systems by using a unified control architecture.
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 provides a safe, reliable, and efficient means of transporting tubular subjects by ensuring precise control and monitoring, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
The trolley may have two sides being mounted to the diving board via the guide rail and being driven by a rack and pinion member
Implementation Method 2
Each of the two pairs of combined bearings may contact an upper surface and a side surface of the guide rail
Implementation Method 3
One end of each spring of the two springs may be connected to a flipper of the two flippers and the other end of each spring may be connected to a push rod of a first electric putter
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe racking system includes a diving board having a guide rail, a trolley, a manipulator, and a gripper. The trolley has two sides being mounted to the diving board via the guide rail and being driven by a rack and pinion member. The gripper is connected to an end of the manipulator away from the trolley. The trolley includes two pairs of combined bearings and two pairs of eccentric wheels. The gripper is configured to grip a tubular subject and include two opposing flippers, two first electric putters, and two springs. The two first electric putters is configured to control the two flippers. One end of each spring of the two springs is connected to a flipper of the two flippers and the other end of the each spring is connected to a push rod of a first electric putter of the two first electric putters.