Rotatable Tubular Handling for Horizontal-to-Vertical Rig Transfers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular handling systems in subterranean operations are inefficient, impacting the overall efficiency of rig operations due to the large number of tubular segments involved in tripping operations, particularly in managing horizontal and vertical storage and transportation between different locations on the rig.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vertical support that rotates and translates relative to the rig floor, coupled with a hoisting arm and catwalk, allows for efficient transportation and manipulation of tubulars between horizontal and vertical storage areas, well center, and mousehole, with coordinated arm movements ensuring consistent azimuthal orientations during tubular handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tubular handling systems are used with separate horizontal and vertical storage areas, then tubular storage capacity is provided, but operational efficiency decreases due to complex manual handling and frequent repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines horizontal and vertical storage areas into a single integrated system where tubulars are stored horizontally on a rotatable platform. The platform can rotate to present tubulars at any azimuthal orientation, eliminating the need for separate storage areas and manual repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable platform provides dynamic repositioning capability, allowing the platform to rotate to any azimuthal orientation as needed. This dynamic adjustment enables efficient access to tubulars at different locations without manual handling, improving operational speed and efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage areas and manual handling procedures are used, then tubular storage and retrieval is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable platform serves multiple functions: it stores tubulars horizontally, rotates to present tubulars at any azimuthal orientation, and interfaces with both horizontal storage areas and vertical well centers. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If manual tubular handling is used between storage areas and well center, then tubular manipulation is possible, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning by rotating the platform to the required azimuthal orientation before tubular transfer is needed. This pre-positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming manual repositioning during actual tubular transfer operations, reducing operational time while maintaining ease of transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that can include a vertical support rotationally coupled to a rig floor, a hoisting arm movably coupled to the vertical support, and a catwalk, wherein the hoisting arm is configured to transport the tubular between the catwalk and well center or mousehole while the vertical support maintains a substantially constant azimuthal orientation. A method can include movably coupling a vertical support to an upper track, extending an upper tailing arm a first horizontal distance from the vertical support to engage an upper portion of a tubular, retracting the upper tailing arm to move the upper portion of the tubular proximate the vertical support, and extending a hoisting arm a second horizontal distance to engage a middle portion of the tubular, wherein the second horizontal distance is less than the first horizontal distance.