Pivotable Mast Pipe Handling Apparatus for Drilling Rig Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe handling systems for drilling rigs are inefficient in transporting and positioning pipe stands due to their size and stability issues during transportation and deployment, leading to challenges in aligning and coupling with drilling rigs.
Innovation Solution
A pipe handling apparatus comprising a lower mast with a rig coupler, an upper mast pivotably coupled at a hinge point, and a trailer mechanically coupled to the lower mast via a lifting hydraulic cylinder, allowing for transportation, alignment, and vertical positioning of pipe stands using hydraulic cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pipe stands are stored vertically on the drilling floor supported by fingerboards, then pipe stands can be kept upright and stable, but the system becomes complex and difficult to transport and position
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe handling apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a lower mast for support, an upper mast for pipe engagement, and a trailer for mobility. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system stability during both transport and deployment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs dynamic elements including a pivotable upper mast that can rotate relative to the lower mast, and hydraulic cylinders that provide adjustable positioning. These dynamic features enable the system to transition between transport configuration (compact and mobile) and deployment configuration (stable and positioned), resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pipe handling apparatus is made large and rigid for stable pipe stand handling, then handling stability improves, but transportation and alignment with drilling rigs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pivotable upper mast connected to the lower mast through a hinge point, allowing the apparatus to adapt its configuration during transport and deployment. This dynamic adjustment capability enables easy transportation and precise alignment with drilling rigs while maintaining handling stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic cylinders are employed to provide controlled lifting and positioning forces, enabling the apparatus to maintain stability during pipe stand handling while remaining easily transportable and alignable. The hydraulic system offers precise control without requiring large, rigid structural elements.
3Device complexity
If pipe stands are positioned manually using fingerboards, then simple equipment is needed, but positioning precision and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates hydraulic cylinders for automated lifting and positioning of pipe stands, significantly improving operational efficiency and positioning precision. The hydraulic system provides controlled, precise movement while maintaining relatively simple equipment architecture, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe handling apparatus includes a lower mast, upper mast, and trailer. The lower mast and upper mast may be pivotably coupled at a hinge point. The trailer may be coupled to the lower mast by a hydraulic cylinder. The pipe handling apparatus may be transported to a drilling rig and the lower mast mechanically coupled to the drilling rig. The upper mast may be pivoted relative to the lower mast at the hinge point. The lower mast and upper mast may be pivoted from the horizontal position to the vertical position by the hydraulic cylinder.