Robotic Cooling System for Hazardous Atmosphere Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated tubular handling machines for subterranean operations face safety risks due to the presence of electrical components in hazardous environments, which can lead to sparking and corrosion, increasing the probability of accidents during drilling and mining operations.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with an EX-certified chamber housing electrical components and a cooling system, where the cooling unit traverses the boundary between the controlled and non-controlled atmosphere volumes, utilizing a cold plate and fluid circulation loop to manage heat and prevent hazardous conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical components are placed in hazardous subterranean environments, then operational capability is improved, but safety risks increase due to sparking and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into two distinct atmospheric zones: a controlled atmosphere volume containing electrical components and a hazardous atmosphere volume for subterranean operations. This segmentation allows electrical components to operate safely while the robot maintains operational capability in hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled atmosphere volume acts as an intermediary barrier between electrical components and hazardous atmospheric conditions. This intermediate zone protects electrical components from direct exposure to explosive gases while allowing the robot to function in hazardous environments through controlled atmospheric separation.
2Reliability
If electrical components are housed in a controlled atmosphere volume, then safety risks are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is integrated directly into the controlled atmosphere volume, merging two functions (atmospheric control and thermal management) into a single unified structure. This reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate cooling apparatus while maintaining safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled atmosphere volume serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects electrical components from hazardous gases, provides a controlled environment for electrical operation, and houses the cooling system for thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems.
3Temperature
If a cooling system is integrated within the controlled atmosphere volume, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is merged with the controlled atmosphere volume structure, where cooling channels are incorporated directly into the housing that contains the controlled atmosphere. This integration achieves effective thermal management while minimizing additional complexity by using the existing structural volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system components are nested within the controlled atmosphere volume, with cooling channels and fluid pathways embedded in the housing structure. This nesting approach allows thermal management functionality to be contained within the existing atmospheric control structure without adding external complexity.
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 robotic system reduces safety risks by containing hazardous atmospheres and effectively cooling electrical components, enhancing operational safety and reliability in explosive environments.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system disposed in the housing, wherein at least a portion of the cooling system is disposed within the controlled atmosphere volume
Implementation Method 2
The cooling system may comprise a cooling unit and a heat sink. The heat sink may comprise a cold plate
Data Source
AI summary
A robot, robotic systems, and methods for conducting a subterranean operation. In some embodiments, a robot may include a hazardous atmosphere controlled volume, such as an explosive (EX)-certified chamber, that is located within the body of the robot. In some embodiments, a robot may include a cooling system that is at least partially disposed to fully disposed within the body of the robot, such as partially to fully disposed within the EX-certified chamber located within the body.