Wellbore Rig Mat Energizing Apparatus for Tag Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for identifying items on wellbore operations rigs, such as tubulars and drill pipes, face challenges with radio frequency identification tags (RFIDTs) failing due to extreme temperatures and rigorous handling conditions, leading to inaccurate identification and quality control issues.

Innovation Solution

A rig with embedded energizing apparatus in mats on the rig floor, which uses wave-energizable identification tags like RFIDTs and surface acoustic wave tags, protected by heat-resistant materials to ensure continuous operation and accurate data collection, with a method for energizing these tags to facilitate reliable identification and tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radio frequency identification tags are used for identifying items on the rig floor, then identification capability is provided, but the tags fail due to extreme temperatures and rigorous handling conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetag reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature and handling damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective encasement made of heat-resistant material is introduced as an intermediary between the RFID tag and the harsh environment. This encasement shields the tag from extreme temperatures and mechanical damage during handling, allowing the tag to function reliably without direct exposure to harmful conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tag is pre-protected by enclosing it in a heat-resistant protective casing before deployment. This beforehand cushioning ensures the tag can withstand the rigors of handling and extreme temperatures that will be encountered during wellbore operations, preventing failure before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Productivity

If remote handling of equipment is implemented using camera equipment, then handling efficiency is improved, but the ability to visually identify items from camera images is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling efficiencyVSAvoidvisual identification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses visual indicators such as colored bands or markings on the protective encasement to convey identification information. These color changes or visual distinctions allow operators to quickly identify items remotely through camera images, compensating for the loss of detailed visual information while maintaining high handling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 reliable and accurate identification of items on the rig floor, reducing failures and ensuring correct usage and maintenance records, while protecting the tags from damage and environmental extremes.

Implementation Method 1

energizing apparatus wholly or partially embedded in said at least one mat for energizing wave-energizable identification apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

wave-energizable identification apparatus such as a radio frequency identification tag or surface acoustic wave tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Data Source

PatentEP2414616B1A rig for wellbore operations
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 NAT OILWELL VARCO LP
  • EP2414616B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2414616B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP2414616B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

A rig for wellbore operations comprising a rig floor (806), at least one mat (810) on said rig floor (806), and energizing apparatus (812) associated with said at least one mat (810) for energizing wave-energizable identification apparatus (820) ofan item (808) movable adjacent said at least one mat (810)and with respect to said rig floor (806).