Power Tong Hydraulic System Mechanical Link Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tongs used in well drilling face issues with hydraulic seal leakage and wear, which compromises the grip and torque transfer during pipe connection and disconnection processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained hydraulic power system is implemented, utilizing mechanical links to transfer energy from the non-rotating to the rotating portion of the power tong, eliminating the need for rotary seals by converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy to extend and retract grippers, ensuring reliable grip and torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotary seals are used to transfer fluid in hydraulic gripping systems, then fluid transfer is enabled, but seal leakage and wear occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotary seals from the hydraulic gripping system, extracting the problematic component that causes leakage and wear. The hydraulic system is reconfigured to eliminate seals entirely, using alternative fluid transfer methods that do not require sealing elements at the rotating interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical seal-based fluid transfer system with a different mechanism. Instead of using rotary seals to transfer hydraulic fluid, the system uses a mechanical link to directly transmit force and motion, eliminating the need for fluid transfer across the rotating interface.
2Reliability
If rotary seals are used in hydraulic gripping systems, then fluid transfer is achieved, but seal wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotary seals from the hydraulic gripping system, extracting the problematic component that causes leakage and wear. The hydraulic system is reconfigured to eliminate seals entirely, using alternative fluid transfer methods that do not require sealing elements at the rotating interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical seal-based fluid transfer system with a different mechanism. Instead of using rotary seals to transfer hydraulic fluid, the system uses a mechanical link to directly transmit force and motion, eliminating the need for fluid transfer across the rotating interface.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical links are used to transfer energy without rotary seals, then seal leakage is eliminated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical link serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers mechanical energy from the non-rotating to the rotating portion, actuates the hydraulic system, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the energy transfer mechanism with the hydraulic actuation system through the mechanical link. Instead of having separate systems, the mechanical link integrates the power transmission and hydraulic actuation functions into a unified mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tong having a self-contained hydraulic power system within its rotating body converts mechanical energy from at least one mechanical link to hydraulic energy within the self-contained hydraulic power system. Energy applied from the non-rotating portion of the power tong is transferred to the mechanical link that links the fixed portion with the rotating portion of the power tong thus removing the need for rotary seals. The mechanical energy transferred to the self-contained hydraulic power system within the rotating body is used to extend and retract one or more grippers in contact with, for example, a tubular of well equipment drill strings.