Pivoting Trough Pipe Handling Apparatus for Coating Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe handling machines in the oil and gas industry require manual lifting and placement of heavy, long tubular members, risking damage to the protective coating and posing safety hazards due to the lack of pivoting or tilting mechanisms in the troughs.
Innovation Solution
A pipe handling apparatus with an articulated support structure and a semi-cylindrical pivotal trough that tilts to load and unload tubular members from a horizontal rack to an elevated platform, using hydraulically operated arms to facilitate movement and reduce manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting and placement of pipe segments is used in conventional equipment, then operators can load pipe into the trough, but the protective anti-corrosive coating on the pipe can be damaged and operators face safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The trough is made dynamically adjustable with pivoting capability at its front end, allowing it to tilt toward the pipe rack during loading. This dynamic motion enables the trough to approach the pipe segments and receive them without manual lifting, eliminating damage to the protective coating while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A loading arm is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the operators and the pipe segments. The loading arm mechanically transfers the pipe segments into the trough, eliminating direct manual handling that causes coating damage. This intermediary device protects both the pipe coating and operator safety.
2Device complexity
If the trough is affixed to elevating arms without pivoting capability, then the structure is simplified, but the pipe segments cannot be easily loaded without manual lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The trough structure is enhanced with a pivoting mechanism at the front end, transforming it from a completely fixed structure to one with controlled dynamic movement. This pivoting capability allows the trough to tilt toward the pipe rack for easy loading, then return to horizontal position for transport, achieving both operational ease and structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the trough can pivot and tilt toward the pipe rack, then pipe loading is facilitated without manual lifting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trough structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a front loading end with pivoting capability and a rear transport end that remains relatively stable. This segmentation allows the complex pivoting mechanism to be localized to only the portion of the trough that needs mobility for loading, while the rest of the structure remains simple for transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables the trough to tilt toward the pipe rack for loading, allows the loading arm to engage the pipe segments, and facilitates smooth transition between loading and transport positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Productivity
If heavy pipe segments are manually handled, then loading into the trough is possible, but safety hazards increase due to the weight and length of pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The loading arm acts as a mechanical intermediary that handles the heavy pipe segments, completely eliminating the need for operators to manually lift or support the weight of the pipe. This intermediary device transfers the mechanical load from human operators to the loading arm mechanism, ensuring operator safety while maintaining full pipe handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the loading arm and pivoting trough work together to automatically receive and position pipe segments without requiring operator physical intervention. The mechanism serves itself by using the pivoting motion to guide the pipe into the trough, reducing the need for manual safety interventions and improving overall operator safety.
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 apparatus safely and efficiently moves elongated tubular members between a storage rack and an elevated platform, reducing the risk of damage and operator strain by allowing controlled tilting and pivoting of the trough, thus enhancing the handling process.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus has an articulated support structure mounted on a base and carrying a semi-cylindrical pivotal trough on top thereof. Loading arms secured to the trough move to pick up a pipe from the storage rack when the trough is tilted towards the storage rack. When the support structure is elevated it moves the trough with the tubular member towards the platform floor.
Data Source
AI summary
Equipment for moving tubular members from a storage rack to an elevated platform floor is disclosed. A base-mounted articulated support structure has an arcuate trough mounted on top thereof. Loading arms are secured to a side of the pivotal trough for picking up one tubular member from the rack and moving to the platform floor. Unloading arms detachably securable to the trough facilitate movement of the tubular members from the platform floor onto the rack.