Power Tong Torque Reaction System for Oilfield Tubulars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular connecting systems in oilfield operations often apply side loads and bending moments during the makeup process of threaded connections, which can damage delicate downhole screen assemblies and other tubular components.
Innovation Solution
A tubular connecting system that includes a tong with a torque linkage and a transmission plate, along with landing plates, which transmit pure torque and counteract torque forces without introducing side loads, ensuring a secure and damage-free connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lateral reactive force type tong set is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but side loads and bending moments are imposed on the pipe connection causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-point contact system to a two-point contact system between the power tong and backup tong. By adding a second contact point in a different spatial dimension, the system creates parallel offset forces that cancel out side loads, eliminating bending moments on the pipe connection while maintaining structural feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup tong serves as an intermediary element that receives torque from the power tong through a torque arm and transmits it to the pipe connection. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to react torque through a couple formed by two tongs rather than a single point, eliminating harmful side loads.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a Zero Side Load type reaction system is used, then side loads on the pipe connection are eliminated, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of torque application and torque reaction into a single integrated tong set system. The power tong applies torque directly to the pipe while the backup tong, connected through the torque arm, simultaneously provides the reaction force. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external anchoring structures while maintaining zero side load performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup tong performs multiple functions: it serves as both a support structure and an active participant in torque reaction. By making the backup tong a multi-functional component that both supports the pipe connection and provides the reaction force for torque, the system reduces overall complexity compared to using separate dedicated components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If traditional tongs with single point contact are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability of the connection is compromised due to side loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains ease of operation by keeping the basic tong gripping and rotating functions unchanged, while adding the torque arm and backup tong in a new dimensional configuration. This allows the operator to use the system in the same straightforward manner as traditional tongs, but with the added benefit of eliminated side loads that compromise connection reliability.
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 effectively transmits torque to connect tubulars while minimizing side loads and bending moments, protecting delicate components like downhole screen assemblies and ensuring reliable connections.
Implementation Method 1
the torque linkage being configured to transmit a force or force-pair, or pure torque, generated by the tong applying the torque to the upper tubular
Implementation Method 2
The landing plate is configured to counteract the torque as it is applied to the lower tubular by the tong
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tubular connecting system includes a tong configured to apply a torque on an upper tubular, to torque a connection of the upper tubular to a lower tubular, a torque linkage extending at least partially vertically from the tong, the torque linkage being configured to transmit a force or force-pair, or pure torque, generated by the tong applying the torque to the upper tubular, a transmission plate removably coupled to the torque linkage so as to transmit linear forces thereto, therefrom, or both, the transmission plate being configured to receive the lower tubular therethrough, and a landing plate removably coupled to the transmission plate and configured to engage the lower tubular. The landing plate is configured to counteract the torque as it is applied to the lower tubular by the tong.