Pivotable Mast and V-Door Side Saddle Drilling Rig
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Land-based drilling rigs face challenges in navigating around existing wellheads and efficiently raising and lowering equipment due to mast placement, which can interfere with operations and equipment location.
Innovation Solution
A drilling rig design featuring a V-door and pivotable mast system, coupled with a hydraulic cylinder skid, allows for parallel and perpendicular movement of the mast and drill rig floor, enabling efficient positioning and operation around existing wellheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mast placement is fixed on land-based drilling rigs, then structural stability is maintained, but mobility and ability to navigate around existing wellheads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is designed with pivot points that allow it to rotate between a first position for drilling operations and a second position for travel, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The mast assembly is divided into separable components including the mast itself, pivot points, and attachment mechanisms, allowing the mast to be independently positioned and adjusted relative to the drill rig floor
2Productivity
If mast is positioned to facilitate drilling operations, then drilling efficiency is improved, but interference with existing wellheads and equipment is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The mast can be dynamically repositioned through pivot points to achieve optimal drilling alignment while avoiding interference with existing wellheads, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on spatial constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The mast rotation capability introduces an additional degree of freedom, allowing the mast to be positioned not only vertically but also horizontally relative to the drill rig floor, enabling avoidance of obstacles in the horizontal plane
3Ease of operation
If mast structure is made fixed for stability, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of raising and lowering equipment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mast incorporates pivot points that enable easy rotation and repositioning during operations while maintaining structural stability when in the drilling position through robust pivot point construction
Solution Approach 2:
Pivot points serve as intermediary elements between the mast and the drill rig floor, providing both structural support and rotational capability, allowing the mast to be easily repositioned without compromising overall structural integrity
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 design enhances the mobility and operational efficiency of land-based drilling rigs by allowing the mast to be raised and lowered in various orientations, reducing interference with existing equipment and improving drilling activities.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic power unit, the hydraulic power unit mechanically coupled to the skid frame and operatively coupled to the one or more raising cylinders
Data Source
AI summary
A side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a left and right substructure including a left and right lower box. The side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a drill rig floor mechanically and pivotably coupled to the left and right lower boxes such that it is pivotably movable from a lowered position to a raised position. The drill rig floor includes a V-door. The V-door is positioned on the V-door side of the drill rig floor. The V-door side of the drill rig floor is oriented to face the right substructure. A mast coupled to the drill rig floor may include an open side, defining a mast V-door side. The mast V-door side may be oriented to face the right substructure. The mast may pivot into its raised position or may be a bootstrap mast.