Rig-Floor Pipe Lifting Machine Traction Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe handling systems on drilling rigs face challenges in efficiently transferring and positioning pipes between different areas of the rig-floor, particularly in maintaining traction and control of the pipe's lower end during lifting and movement, which can lead to slippage and inadequate positioning.
Innovation Solution
The rig-floor pipe lifting machine employs a pair of swing arms with hydraulic cylinders and motors, a fork with a concave pad for pipe engagement, and a navigation system with sensors and markers for autonomous movement, ensuring stable lifting and precise positioning of pipes by maintaining traction and controlling the pipe's inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe guide with rollers is used to engage and move the pipe stand, then the pipe can be transferred between areas, but traction and control are insufficient leading to slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is divided into two independent machines: an elevator for vertical pipe handling and a rig-floor pipe lifting machine for horizontal positioning. This segmentation allows each machine to specialize in its function, with the lifting machine featuring a fork and concave pad specifically designed for secure engagement and traction control on the rig floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The rig-floor pipe lifting machine acts as an intermediary device between the elevator and the final pipe position. It receives the pipe from the elevator and provides controlled horizontal movement and positioning, ensuring secure traction and control during the transfer process through its specialized fork and concave pad engagement mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If the pipe lower end is guided by an extendable pipe guide with rollers, then the pipe can be directed to storage position, but positioning precision is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical guidance systems with sensors and automated control systems. The rig-floor pipe lifting machine uses sensors to detect pipe position and automated control to adjust the swing arms and positioning mechanisms, achieving precise positioning without complex manual mechanical guidance operations.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for pipe engagement (fork, concave pad, swing arms), then stable lifting and positioning are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The rig-floor pipe lifting machine merges the lifting mechanism, positioning system, and engagement features (fork and concave pad) into a single coordinated machine that works in conjunction with the elevator, reducing the need for separate specialized devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rig-floor pipe lifting machine is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform vertical lifting coordination with the elevator, horizontal movement across the rig floor, precise positioning, and secure pipe engagement. This universality allows one machine to handle multiple aspects of pipe management that would otherwise require separate specialized equipment.
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 solution provides stable and precise handling of pipes by maintaining sufficient traction and control, preventing slippage and ensuring accurate positioning, enhancing operational efficiency in transferring pipes between rig-floor areas.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic cylinder may have a first cylinder end coupled to at least one of the pair of swing arms and a second cylinder end coupled to the frame. Upon extension and/or contraction of the hydraulic cylinder, the pair of swing arms rotate around the first axis relative to the frame.
Implementation Method 2
At least one spring may have a first spring end coupled to one of the pair of swing arms and a second spring end coupled to the frame. The first spring end may be offset relative to the second axis around which the pair of swing arms is rotatable relative to the frame. The at least one spring may return the pair of swing arms into an even orientation.
Implementation Method 3
The first motor may optionally be driven independently from the second motor so that the first one of the plurality of wheels may be driven at a speed that is different from the speed at which the second one of the plurality of wheels is driven
Data Source
AI summary
A system for handling pipes on a drilling rig includes an elevator suspended from a stand transfer vehicle, a top drive or other lifting device of a drilling rig. The system also includes a rig-floor pipe lifting machine including a fork sized to engage a tool-joint of a pipe. A navigation system includes a controller that can be programmed to autonomously drive the rig-floor pipe lifting machine.