Pivot Joint for Tubular Alignment in Top Drive Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore drilling and processing systems face challenges in efficiently manipulating tubular strings during subterranean operations, particularly in aligning and engaging tubulars at varying angles relative to the rig floor.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a pivot joint coupled between a running tool and a quill of a top drive, where the pivot joint includes an upper portion pivotably coupled to a lower portion via a pivot, allowing the running tool to be pivoted about the pivot by rotating the lower portion relative to the upper portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed running tool is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to align and engage tubulars at varying angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The running tool is equipped with a pivot joint that allows dynamic adjustment of the tool's orientation. The pivot joint includes an upper portion and a lower portion that can rotate relative to each other, enabling the running tool to adapt to various angles when aligning and engaging tubulars, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the running tool is positioned vertically, then the engagement is straightforward, but the ability to receive tubulars from angled positions is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint enables the running tool to dynamically change its orientation from vertical to angled positions. The lower portion can rotate relative to the upper portion, allowing the tool to receive tubulars from various angles while maintaining ease of operation through controlled pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joint is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the running tool to adjust its angle while keeping the overall structure manageable and the operation straightforward, resolving the contradiction between engagement capability and ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the top drive is lowered to engage tubulars, then the engagement is precise, but the time required for positioning is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint allows the running tool to quickly adjust its orientation while the top drive is being lowered, enabling precise engagement without significant positioning time delays. The dynamic pivoting capability ensures that the running tool can be precisely oriented at any moment during the lowering process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a top drive with a quill with a pivot joint, with an upper portion pivotably coupled to a lower portion via a pivot, coupled between the quill and a running tool, wherein rotation of the lower portion relative to the upper portion pivots the running tool about the pivot. A method for running a tubular string by moving a tubular along a catwalk, coupling a pivot joint between a running tool and a quill, and pivoting the running tool about the pivot by pivoting the lower portion relative to the upper portion.