Rotating Tubular Cleaning System Reducing Footprint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tubular cleaning systems require large spaces due to the need for a stationary cleaning apparatus and long tubulars, leading to inefficient cleaning and inspection processes.

Innovation Solution

The Scorpion System rotates the tubular being cleaned while keeping the cleaning apparatus stationary, using a multi-lance injector assembly with extendable and retractable lances for various cleaning and inspection operations, including hydroblasting, brushing, and data acquisition, allowing for efficient and thorough internal surface cleaning and inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the cleaning apparatus is stationary and the tubular is drawn longitudinally past the cleaning apparatus, then the cleaning process can be performed, but a large building space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning process capabilityVSAvoidbuilding space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional cleaning approach by keeping the cleaning apparatus stationary and rotating the tubular instead of drawing the tubular linearly past the apparatus. This inversion allows the cleaning lances to remain fixed while the tubular rotates and moves axially, dramatically reducing the required building length from over 120 feet to a much smaller footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear cleaning approach to a two-dimensional approach by adding rotation to the cleaning process. The tubular rotates while being cleaned, allowing the stationary lances to clean the entire internal surface area through rotational motion combined with axial movement, thereby reducing the linear space requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the tubular is rotated at high speed, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but control precision for inspection operations becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning speedVSAvoidinspection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic speed control of the tubular rotation, allowing the system to operate at high rotational speeds during cleaning phases and reduce to low speeds during inspection phases. The variable speed drive enables the tubular to be rotated at 400-500 rpm for efficient cleaning, then slowed to 0.01-5 rpm for precise inspection operations, accommodating both high productivity and high precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic alternation between high-speed cleaning operations and low-speed inspection operations. The system cycles through different operational phases, using high rotation speeds for cleaning segments of the tubular, then reducing speed for inspection, creating a periodic pattern that optimizes both cleaning efficiency and measurement precision throughout the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach reduces the footprint required for cleaning operations, enhances the speed and quality of tubular cleaning, and provides detailed inspection capabilities, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of tubular maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

Each lance provides tool hardware to perform a desired lance function. Examples of lance functions may include, individually or in combinations thereof, and without limitation: hydroblasting, steam cleaning, washing and rinsing, high and low volume compressed air blowing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydroblasting: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

Examples of lance functions may include, individually or in combinations thereof, and without limitation: hydroblasting, steam cleaning, washing and rinsing, high and low volume compressed air blowing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteam cleaning: Steam Explosion

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air blowing: Jet

Data Source

PatentUS9375764B2Single-lance reel for internal cleaning and inspection of tubulars

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 THOMAS ENG SOLUTIONS & CONSULTING L L C

AI summary

A single-lance reel assembly comprising a reel assembly received onto and disposed to rotate about an axle at a rotary union. The reel assembly further comprises a plurality of spokes separating a rim from a hub. Hoses, electrical conduits, conductors or other similar carrier hardware deployed within hollow lances spooled on the reel assembly may be supplied via the rotary union and by further hose connection structure deployed on the hub and/or the rim. Embodiments of the reel assembly are powered by either a direct or indirect drive.