Pipe Wiper Box Sliding Containment Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill pipe wiper systems face issues with fluid spillage and equipment damage during tripping out, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the use of hinges that are prone to damage and the need for additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A pipe wiper assembly with adjustable containment arms that slide closed, eliminating the need for hinges and providing a secure storage mechanism for the wiper, allowing the drill pipe to pass through apertures while preventing the wiper from exiting, thus reducing manufacturing and shipping costs and improving operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hinges are used to open and close the wiper containment structure, then the wiper can be accessed and replaced, but the hinges are prone to damage and increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hinge mechanism entirely from the containment structure. The containment arms are designed to slide along rails and lock into position without requiring hinges, thereby eliminating the complex hinge mechanism while still allowing access to the wiper for replacement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment structure is divided into separate containment arms that can independently slide and lock along rails. This segmentation allows each arm to move separately for wiper access while maintaining structural integrity, replacing the need for a unified hinge mechanism.
2Reliability
If a secure containment structure is used to prevent wiper exit, then the wiper is securely held, but the structure becomes more complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The containment arms utilize spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically engage with the wiper and lock into position. The springs provide the necessary force to secure the wiper without requiring additional complex locking mechanisms, achieving reliable containment through self-acting elastic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Rails serve as intermediaries between the containment arms and the housing structure. The arms slide along these rails to achieve precise positioning and secure containment, simplifying the overall structure by providing a guided path that eliminates the need for complex mounting mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional pipe wiper systems are used during tripping out, then fluid spillage can occur, but using modified systems with additional containment mechanisms increases equipment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The containment arms serve dual functions: they provide structural support for the wiper assembly and simultaneously act as fluid containment barriers. By merging these functions into a single structural element, the system prevents fluid spillage during tripping out without adding separate containment mechanisms that would increase complexity.
4Reliability
If hinges and additional containment mechanisms are added to secure the wiper, then the wiper is held securely, but manufacturing and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containment arms utilize elastic springs that can be compressed and expanded to engage and disengage from locking positions. This flexible mechanism provides secure wiper retention while using simple, inexpensive components that are easy to manufacture and ship, avoiding the need for complex rigid locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The pipe wiper assembly of the present invention assists with wiping the pipe as the pipe is removed from the hole (“tripped out”). The pipe passes through the two pipe apertures of the pipe wiper assembly during the removal. Two upper containment arms adjust between an open position and a closed position within the housing to form the upper pipe aperture. The lower containment lip forms the lower piper aperture. The upper containment arms and lower containment lip partially enclose the housing to prevent the wiper from exiting the wiper storage. The containment arms slideably adjust to eliminate the need for hinges. The removal of the hinges provides for easier storage and transportation of the pipe wiper assembly. The removal of hinges also reduces manufacturing costs of the pipe wiper assembly.