Remote Coiled Tubing Guide Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coiled tubing injector systems require manual adjustment of tubing guides, which is dangerous, cumbersome, and often not performed regularly, leading to misalignment and potential damage to the tubing and injector components.
Innovation Solution
A remotely adjustable coiled tubing guide mechanism that includes a guide mount and a drive mechanism, allowing for precise alignment of the tubing guide with the injector from a safe distance, using a drive mechanism that can be electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically, or mechanically driven.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of tubing guide is performed, then alignment precision can be achieved, but operator safety is compromised and adjustment frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated motorized drive mechanism. The guide mount is now adjusted remotely using electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motors that translate the guide mount along the guide shaft, eliminating the need for operators to manually turn large threaded nuts while in elevated positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote drive mechanism as an intermediary between the operator and the guide mount adjustment. The operator can initiate adjustment commands from ground level, and the motorized system automatically performs the positioning, serving as a mediator that transfers the adjustment function from direct manual operation to automated remote control.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome adjustments at elevated heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple manual thread-and-nut mechanical system with a motorized drive mechanism. While this increases device complexity by adding motors, controllers, and power systems, it dramatically improves ease of operation by allowing remote adjustment from ground level without requiring operators to access elevated positions with large wrenches.
3Productivity
If guide alignment is not adjusted regularly, then operational time is reduced, but damage risk to tubing and injector components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized drive mechanism enables the system to perform its own alignment adjustments automatically without requiring external manual intervention. The guide mount can be repositioned along the guide shaft through automated control, allowing the system to maintain proper alignment independently and enabling more frequent adjustments without increasing operational downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the guide mount and the alignment status of the tubing with the injector. This feedback information is used by the control system to automatically adjust the guide mount position, ensuring continuous proper alignment and preventing damage to tubing and injector components while maintaining high operational efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coiled tubing injector system may include a coiled tubing injector guide configured for guiding coiled tubing into a coiled tubing injector and a remotely adjustable guide mechanism. The remotely adjustable guide mechanism may include a guide mount configured for adjustably securing the coiled tubing injector guide to a frame of the coiled tubing injector and a drive mechanism configured for remotely adjusting a position of the guide mount relative to the frame.