Rotatable Elevator Housing for Tubular Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual reconfiguration of elevators in subterranean operations to accommodate tubulars of various diameters is time-consuming and inefficient, as it requires rig operators to manually replace latching jaws, thereby increasing rig time and reducing operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system with a remotely actuable elevator featuring multiple latches and a link interface system that can rotate up to 90 degrees, allowing for automatic adaptation to different tubular diameters through rotary actuators and an electronics controller, enabling quick reconfiguration and efficient handling of tubulars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of elevator latching jaws is performed to accommodate different tubular diameters, then the elevator can handle various sizes of tubulars, but rig time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable housing that can dynamically change the orientation of latching jaws to accommodate different tubular diameters. The housing rotates between 0-90 degrees to present different jaw configurations without manual replacement, enabling the elevator to adapt to various tubular sizes while reducing rig time and maintaining operational efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple latches with different jaw configurations are installed in the elevator, then the elevator can handle tubulars of various diameters, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple latches (first latch with first and second jaws, second latch with third and fourth jaws) that can be positioned in different orientations within the housing. By rotating the housing, the same physical latches serve multiple functions for different tubular diameters, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable housing dynamically repositions the latches to present appropriate jaw configurations for different tubular sizes. This dynamic adjustment allows a fixed set of latches to handle variable diameters, reducing the need for multiple dedicated latch sets and thereby controlling device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual replacement of latching jaws is performed by rig operators, then the elevator can be reconfigured for different tubular sizes, but ease of operation decreases and manual intervention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the housing rotates to present the appropriate latch configuration for the required tubular diameter. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual jaw replacement by rig operators, improving ease of operation while maintaining the elevator's adaptability to different tubular sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an elevator to move a tubular, the elevator including two or more remotely operable latches that can configure the elevator to handle various tubular diameters. A portion of the latches can be laterally offset from each other and another portion can overlap adjacent latches. The elevator can be Atmosphere Explosible (ATEX) certified or International Electrotechnical Commission for Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx) certified according to explosive (EX) Zone 1 requirements with an electronics enclosure contained within a sealed chamber. The elevator can be rotated greater than 90 degrees relative to a pair of links that support the elevator. The elevator can use rotary actuators to operate the latches and rotate the housing of the elevator.