Portable Torque Measurement System Using Strain Gages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for applying make-up torque to tubular members in oil and gas drilling are imprecise and hazardous, with pipe tongs being heavy, cumbersome, and non-portable, while power tongs are expensive and require extensive infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A portable torque measurement and notification system that includes a torque applying device with strain gages, an electronic circuit for converting strain measurements to torque measurements, and a wireless device to communicate the measurements and provide notifications based on target torque values, ensuring precise and safe torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pipe tongs are used to apply make-up torque, then the tool is portable and does not require extensive infrastructure, but the torque application is imprecise and the tool is heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical pipe tong system with an electronic measurement system. Strain gages are attached to the pipe tong handle to convert mechanical torque into electrical signals that can be measured and displayed digitally, providing precise torque measurements while maintaining the portability of the original mechanical tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces strain gages as an intermediary element between the mechanical torque application and the digital measurement system. These strain gages act as sensors that translate mechanical deformation into electrical signals, enabling precise torque measurement without requiring a complete redesign of the pipe tong system.
2Device complexity
If conventional pipe tongs are used, then the equipment is simple and portable, but the torque application is unsafe due to lack of control and arbitrary operator judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where strain gages continuously monitor the torque being applied and provide real-time digital readouts to the operator. This feedback loop allows the operator to see exactly how much torque is being applied, enabling precise control and preventing unsafe conditions while maintaining the simplicity of the original pipe tong design.
3Measurement precision
If power tongs are used to apply make-up torque, then precise torque control is achieved through hydraulic pressure monitoring, but the equipment is large, expensive, and requires extensive infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from the complex power tong system. By using strain gages on a simple pipe tong, it captures the torque measurement capability without requiring the hydraulic system, heavy housing, track infrastructure, and other complex components of power tongs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex power tong equipment with a simple, inexpensive pipe tong modified with affordable strain gage sensors. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing equipment cost and infrastructure requirements.
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 system enables precise and safe application of make-up torque, reducing operator risk and eliminating the need for large, expensive equipment, as it provides real-time feedback and notifications to ensure accurate torque levels are reached.
Implementation Method 1
one or more strain gages disposed on the handle to produce one or more strain measurements of the handle during the application of the torque
Data Source
AI summary
A portable torque measurement and notification system, including a torque applying device to apply torque to an object, the torque applying device having a handle and a gripping end, the torque applying device including one or more strain gages disposed on the handle to produce one or more strain measurements of the handle during the application of the torque; an electronic circuit disposed about the handle to receive the one or more strain measurements, to convert the strain measurements to one or more torque measurements, and to transmit the one or more torque measurements by a wireless communications standard; a power unit to power the strain gages and electronic circuit; and a wireless device operable to communicate with the torque applying device, the wireless device having a database to store a target torque value and to receive the transmitted one or more torque measurements, and to produce a notifier.