Hydraulic Torque Impact Mitigator for Power Tong Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual operation of large power tongs in oil and gas drilling requires multiple workers, posing safety risks due to the potential for injury or damage from uncontrolled movement and torque impacts during pipe connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A torque impact mitigator system using a hydraulic cylinder with a compression spring and relief valve to control the movement of power tongs, reducing rotational torque impact and maintaining position, thereby preventing damage and ensuring safer operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of power tongs is used, then the tong can be moved and positioned by rig floor personnel, but multiple workers are required and safety risks increase due to uncontrolled movement and torque impacts
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic cylinder is introduced as an intermediary device between the power tong and the rig floor personnel. The hydraulic cylinder includes a piston rod connected to the power tong, allowing controlled movement and positioning without direct manual handling, thereby reducing safety risks while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation system is replaced with a hydraulic control system. The hydraulic cylinder uses fluid pressure to control the movement of the power tong, substituting the direct mechanical manual operation with a controlled hydraulic mechanism that reduces uncontrolled movement and torque impacts
2Ease of operation
If the power tong is moved manually into position, then positioning is achieved, but uncontrolled movement and torque impacts may injure workers or damage materials
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder is designed to provide controlled damping and cushioning during the movement of the power tong. The hydraulic fluid resistance and valve control mechanisms beforehand cushion the torque impacts that occur during positioning, preventing sudden movements that could injure workers or damage materials
Solution Approach 2:
The uncontrolled mechanical movement is replaced with a hydraulically controlled movement system. The hydraulic cylinder regulates the speed and force of movement, substituting the harmful uncontrolled mechanical torque impacts with a controlled hydraulic system that maintains safe operation throughout the positioning process
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 mitigates the movement of power tongs, reducing the risk of injury and damage by controlling torque and maintaining precise positioning during pipe connections, enhancing safety and efficiency in drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring is disposed between the piston and the first end cap to compress the compression spring into a compressed state when the piston rod is moved out of the hydraulic cylinder through the bore and to release the compression spring into a relaxed state when the piston rod is moved towards the second end cap
Implementation Method 2
One or more bores are disposed through the piston to allow the passage of hydraulic fluid from the rebound end into the compression end of the hydraulic cylinder when the compression spring is released into the relaxed state when the piston is moved from the compression end of the hydraulic cylinder to the rebound end
Implementation Method 3
A relief valve is secured to the piston within the rebound end of the hydraulic cylinder to momentarily reduce the pressure of the hydraulic fluid caused by an instantaneous hydraulic pressure increase due to the initial movement of the piston from the rebound end to the compression end of the hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, there is disclosed a torque impact mitigator including a hydraulic cylinder having a compression end and a rebound end. A piston rod mounted to the piston and extends out from the hydraulic cylinder through the first end cap. A compression spring is compressed when the piston rod is moved out of the hydraulic cylinder and in a relaxed state when the piston rod is moved towards a second end cap. Bores through the piston allow the passage of hydraulic fluid from the rebound end to the compression end of the cylinder. A relief valve is secured to the piston within the rebound end to momentarily reduce the pressure of the hydraulic fluid caused by an instantaneous hydraulic pressure increase due to the initial movement of the piston from the rebound end to the compression end.