Sectional Mast Assembly Erection via Scoping Dog Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for erecting and disassembling drilling rig masts are inefficient, requiring significant equipment, space, and personnel, and are not optimized for compact transport and reassembly in limited spaces such as mountainous or offshore locations.
Innovation Solution
A sectional mast assembly system with a bottom section featuring guide channels, pivoting ratchet supports, and a scoping dog assembly that uses a hydraulic cylinder to raise and align mast sections, minimizing equipment and personnel needs, and allowing for sequential installation and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional mast assembly method is used, then the mast can be erected, but it requires significant equipment sizes, platform area, and transport loads
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is divided into multiple discrete sections or segments that can be transported separately and assembled sequentially on the platform. This segmentation allows each section to be compact for transport while enabling efficient assembly through the scoping dog mechanism, resolving the contradiction between small platform area and erection efficiency
2Weight of moving object
If equipment size is reduced for compact transport, then transport loads are minimized, but the complexity of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scoping dog assembly with its track and lifting mechanism is designed to be compact and integrated within the bottom section structure. The mechanism folds or nests when not in use, minimizing transport footprint while providing full assembly functionality when deployed, thus reducing transport loads without excessively increasing assembly complexity
3Loss of time
If more personnel are used for mast erection, then the assembly can be completed faster, but the cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic power system is integrated into the scoping dog assembly to provide automated lifting and positioning of mast sections. This hydraulic mechanism reduces the need for manual labor and multiple personnel while maintaining fast erection speeds, resolving the contradiction between erection time and personnel requirements
4Device complexity
If existing power systems are utilized, then additional equipment is minimized, but the system must adapt to existing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The scoping dog assembly is designed with a universal power interface that can connect to existing hydraulic or power systems on various drilling rig platforms. This multi-functional design allows the same assembly mechanism to operate across different rig types without requiring custom power systems, minimizing additional equipment while maintaining adaptability to existing constraints
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 quick and efficient erection and disassembly of drilling rig masts with reduced equipment and personnel requirements, minimizing space and transport loads, and utilizing existing power systems on the rig.
Implementation Method 1
An extension and retraction mechanism is employed in order to move and reciprocate the scoping dog assembly on the track. In one preferred embodiment, a cylinder extends between the bottom section and the scoping dog assembly.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the opposed sides of the bottom section includes a pair of pivoting ratchet supports which extend into the interior of the bottom section. When in the normal at rest position, each ratchet support prevents downward movement of a mast section within the bottom section.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for a sectional mast assembly for erection and disassembly of a rig. The sectional mast assembly includes a bottom section having at least a back and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having at least one pivoting ratchet support. A scoping dog assembly is moveable on a track on the bottom section. The scoping clog assembly includes wheels which engage the track and a pivoting ratchet support. A cylinder extends between the bottom section and the scoping dog assembly to move the scoping dog assembly on the track. The pivoting ratchet support of the scoping dog assembly engages each of the mast sections in sequence to raise the entire mast assembly.