Rotating Gin Pole With Telescoping Boom for Crane-Free Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gin poles are stationary and lack a working radius, requiring cranes for operation, which are often shut down in high winds, leading to suspended operations and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A rotating gin pole with a slewing bearing allowing 180-360 degree rotation, a telescoping boom, and hydraulic power, enabling pipe handling without guy-wires, and adaptable support bases for various platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stationary gin poles are used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the working radius is limited and crane dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gin pole is transformed from a stationary structure to a rotating structure by incorporating a slewing bearing. This allows the boom to dynamically adjust its position and create a working radius, enabling the equipment to handle pipe in multiple directions and locations around the platform without requiring additional cranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating gin pole with slewing bearing provides multi-directional pipe handling capability, making a single unit capable of performing the work that would otherwise require multiple stationary units or crane assistance. The system can service multiple well locations and pipe storage areas from one position.
2Reliability
If cranes are used for pipe handling, then the working capability is comprehensive, but operations must be suspended in high wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The gin pole uses a simpler, more wind-resistant structure compared to heavy cranes. While cranes are sensitive to high winds and must shut down operations above 35 mph, the gin pole's design with proper anchoring and lower center of gravity allows it to continue operating in higher wind conditions, ensuring operational continuity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If gin poles are equipped with guy-wires for stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the working space in tight areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guy-wires are completely removed from the gin pole design. Instead of relying on external guy-wires for stability, the gin pole achieves stability through its mounting configuration, proper center of gravity, and structural design. This extraction of guy-wires eliminates the space requirements and setup complexity associated with them.
4Productivity
If multiple equipment units are deployed for pipe handling, then the operational capability is enhanced, but the rig-up time and mobilization cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (pipe picking, laying, positioning in multiple directions) that would traditionally require separate equipment units are merged into a single rotating gin pole system. This consolidation reduces the number of rig-up operations and equipment mobilizations required while maintaining comprehensive pipe handling capability.
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
Enables efficient pipe handling in tight spaces and high winds, reducing rig-up times and equipment mobilization costs, and eliminating the need for additional cranes.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention includes a bearing that allows the pole to rotate. In one or more embodiments, the bearing allows the pole to rotate up to 180 degrees. In one or more embodiments, the bearing allows rotation of 360 degrees.
Implementation Method 2
The present invention can also have a cylinder that scopes the boom/hook out which allows the boom to be better aligned with the wellbore.
Implementation Method 3
The present invention preferably features a support base which gives the option to rig up on a wellhead or on beams without swapping out the gin pole or the support base. The base can come with both blowout prevent (BOP) baseplate connections and drill beam connections.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a gin pole which can rotate and includes a traveling boom. The gin pole of the present invention can pick up and lay down joints of drill pipe, tubing and casing on plug and abandonment operations, while being independent of the crane.