Remote Manipulator for Pipe Thread Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning and lubricating threaded portions of pipe string sections during disassembly are time-consuming, even with automated equipment, prolonging the duration of critical processes like tripping a pipe string out of a borehole.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controllable manipulator with a movable arm and tool, connected to a derrick, is used to position and clean or lubricate threaded portions, allowing for remote control and display-based positioning, thereby separating the cleaning operation from the break-out or make-up process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated cleaning and lubrication equipment is used during disassembly, then cleaning and lubrication can be performed automatically, but the time spent on each disassembling operation is still prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing cleaning and lubrication of threaded portions before the actual disassembly operation. The manipulator positions the cleaning tool at the threaded portion and executes cleaning/lubrication while the pipe string section is still in the set-back, prior to breaking out or making up the connection. This preliminary treatment eliminates the need for post-disassembly cleaning, thereby reducing total operation time despite using automated equipment.
2Ease of operation
If cleaning and lubrication is performed at the drilling centre during disassembly, then the threaded portions can be treated, but the process time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning and lubrication operation from the main disassembly sequence. By using a manipulator to perform cleaning and lubrication at the set-back location before disassembly, the time-critical breaking out or making up operation is separated from the non-critical cleaning operation. This extraction allows the threaded portions to be treated without adding time to the critical disassembly path.
3Measurement precision
If manual positioning of cleaning tools is used, then precise cleaning can be achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by equipping the manipulator with a camera that provides real-time visual feedback of the threaded portion to an operator. The operator uses this visual feedback to guide the manipulator's movements and position the cleaning tool precisely at the threaded portion. This feedback mechanism enables accurate positioning without requiring slow manual trial-and-error adjustment, thereby maintaining productivity while achieving precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a device for treating pipe string sections (4), several pipe string sections (4) being in a set-back (2) and the pipe string sections (4) being arranged a vertical position, and the method comprising : - arranging a remote-controllable manipulator (6) at least at one of the threaded portions (24) of the pipe string sections (4); - providing the remote-controllable manipulator (6) with a tool (22), the tool (22) being arranged to at least clean or lubricate said threaded portion (24); and - moving the tool (22) to a threaded portion (24) which is to be treated and at least clean or lubricate the threaded portion (24).