Racking Arm Assembly for Drill Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill pipe handling systems face challenges in efficiently managing large and heavy drill pipe stands during tripping operations, particularly due to limited space on portable land-based drilling rigs, where manual handling is cumbersome and prone to swaying, and prior mechanical systems are often fixed and not easily portable.
Innovation Solution
A floor-mounted racking arm assembly that can lift and position drill pipe stands independently of the traveling block assembly, allowing for vertical misalignment and movement of the pin end relative to the box end, enabling efficient handling and positioning without the need for a traveling block, and can be moved out of the way to free up space on the drill floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of drill pipe stands is used, then flexibility and portability are maintained, but handling efficiency is reduced and swaying occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The racking arm assembly is designed to be self-contained with its own power source (hydraulic power unit) and control system, allowing it to operate independently without requiring the traveling block assembly or external equipment. This enables the system to handle drill pipe stands autonomously, improving efficiency while maintaining the flexibility of portable rig operations
2Productivity
If fixed mechanical handling systems are installed, then handling efficiency is improved, but portability is reduced and drill floor space is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The racking arm assembly is designed as a movable, reconfigurable system rather than a fixed structure. The arm can be positioned in different locations on the drill floor and moved out of the way when not in use, providing both the mechanical efficiency of automated handling and the adaptability needed for portable rig operations and limited space environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components including the racking arm assembly, hydraulic power unit, and control system that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the components to be distributed across the drill floor to optimize space utilization while maintaining handling efficiency
3Area of stationary object
If drill pipe stands are stored vertically in fingerboards, then space efficiency is improved, but access difficulty increases due to height
Solution Approach 1:
The racking arm assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the drill floor and the vertically stored drill pipe stands in the fingerboard. It provides mechanical assistance for lifting and positioning stands, making them accessible despite their elevated position while maintaining compact vertical storage configuration
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
This solution enhances the efficiency and safety of drill pipe handling by allowing independent operation of the racking arm assembly, reducing manual labor, and enabling the system to be used on portable rigs without obstructing the drill floor, thus improving operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
gripping the drill pipe stand with a lift jaw assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method for handling pipe includes orienting a pipe having first and second ends so that the second end of the pipe is positioned vertically above the first end, and while the pipe is oriented with the second end positioned vertically above the first end, gripping onto the pipe proximate the first end with a lift jaw assembly that is coupled to a lift arm assembly. The pipe is vertically misaligned at a substantially non-zero misalignment angle relative to the first end of the pipe while gripping the pipe with the lift jaw assembly, wherein vertically misaligning the pipe includes rotating the lift jaw assembly relative to the lift arm assembly.