RFID Band Holder for Wellhead Component Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydraulic fracturing systems, identifying and tracking components is challenging, leading to safety concerns, unexpected failures, and increased downtime and costs, as existing methods lack efficient and reliable means to differentiate and manage system components.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a band with a buckle and holder, integrated with an electronic identifying device such as an RFID chip, and visual indicia on the band to facilitate component identification, allowing for quick and accurate tracking of components in the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional identification methods are used for hydraulic fracturing components, then the system structure remains simple, but component identification and tracking become inefficient leading to unexpected failures and increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The band serves multiple functions: it identifies the component through visual indicia, stores electronic identification data via an RFID chip, and provides structural support by securing the holder to the component. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating several identification methods into a single unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID chip is nested within the holder, which is in turn attached to the band. This nested structure allows the electronic identifying device to be compactly integrated into the identification system without significantly increasing overall complexity, while providing reliable component identification.
2Productivity
If no electronic identifying device is attached to the band, then the device complexity is reduced, but component tracking efficiency decreases leading to increased downtime and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The holder acts as an intermediary structure that connects the RFID chip to the band. This mediator allows the electronic identifying device to be securely attached to the band without requiring direct integration, thus improving component tracking efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the holder is positioned far from the buckle, then the electronic identifying device has more space, but the visual indicia area on the band is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The band wraps around the component, creating a circular or oval path for the visual indicia. This dimensional arrangement allows the indicia to utilize the circumferential space efficiently, maximizing the visible area while accommodating the holder at an optimal position along the band's length.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is adapted to be coupled to a component of a system associated with a wellhead. The apparatus includes a band adapted to be coupled to the component; a holder coupled to the band; an electronic identifying device attached to the holder and adapted to identify the component; and an identifying component coupled to the band. The identifying component visually conveys information about at least one of: the electronic identifying device, and the component to which the band is adapted to be coupled. The system associated with the wellhead is a system for pumping fluid to the wellhead. In one embodiment, the electronic identifying device is, or includes, an RFID chip.