Rotating Safety Tether Ring for Overhead Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fall arrest systems for oil and gas well drilling operations are dependent on the size and weight of the top drive, costly, and require direct mounting to the tool, posing safety hazards due to the risk of unintentional disengagement of connections.
Innovation Solution
A rotating safety tether ring system positioned between the rotary unit and the rotating tool, featuring an outer and inner ring with a bearing assembly that allows the inner ring to rotate and clamp securely to the tool, using a wedge and teeth design to secure the load, and tethered to the top drive via a clevis/shackle and cable sling for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fall arrest system is used with direct mounting to the tool, then the system can secure the tool, but the system becomes dependent on the size and weight of the top drive and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary bearing assembly that decouples the fall arrest system from direct mounting on the tool. The bearing assembly acts as a mediator between the tool and the fall arrest mechanism, allowing the system to function independently of top drive size and weight constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The fall arrest system is segmented into separate functional components: the bearing assembly that attaches to the tool, the tether mechanism, and the anchoring system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity and dependency on top drive characteristics.
2Reliability
If a conventional fall arrest system with direct tool mounting is used, then the tool can be secured, but the system requires costly custom mounting solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is designed as a universal interface that can attach to various tool types without custom mounting solutions. The standardized bearing configuration allows the same fall arrest system to be used across different tool sizes and types, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and improving ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If a fall arrest system is implemented, then safety is improved, but the system may interfere with tool rotation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly incorporates dynamic elements that allow free rotation of the tool while maintaining the fall arrest function. The bearing design enables rotational movement during normal operations but activates the fall arrest mechanism when excessive force or disconnection occurs, thus maintaining both safety and operational ease.
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 system effectively arrests the fall of overhead tools, ensuring safety by securely holding loads of up to three thousand pounds and accommodating various tool sizes, while allowing for rotation and easy installation, reducing the risk of accidents and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing assembly between the members enables the second member to rotate with the tool when in the second position
Implementation Method 2
using a wedge and teeth design to secure the load
Data Source
AI summary
A fall arrest safety system for overhead rotating tools includes a tether ring assembly having an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring clamps onto the rotating tubular and the outer ring is tethered to the top drive unit. In the event of a disconnect, the tethered assembly holds the load.