Segmented Tension Ring Lifting Assembly for Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tension rings for offshore oil and gas production facilities have a large diameter, preventing them from passing through the opening in the rotary table, necessitating mounting below the table, which complicates the attachment of ancillary devices like lifting lugs.
Innovation Solution
A tension ring lifting assembly with adjustable collar segments and slip segments that can be assembled into a ring around the pipe, featuring inclined contacting surfaces and a mechanism for tensioning and securing lifting lugs, allowing the ring to be initially fitted with a smaller diameter to pass through the table opening and then expanded for secure lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a tension ring with lifting lugs is assembled before passing through the rotary table opening, then the lifting capability is improved, but the outer diameter becomes too large to pass through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The tension ring is divided into multiple collar segments that can be assembled together. The lifting lugs are attached to these segmented collars after the ring has been positioned around the pipe, allowing the ring to pass through the rotary table opening in a compact state and then be expanded to provide full lifting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The collar segments are pre-assembled around the pipe before attaching the lifting lugs, allowing the tension ring to pass through the rotary table opening first, and then the lifting lugs are attached as a subsequent step to provide the required lifting capability
2Strength
If the tension ring is assembled with collar segments and slip segments to grip the pipe, then the grip strength is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tension ring comprises multiple collar segments and slip segments that can be independently assembled and adjusted. The slip segments are inserted between the collar segments and the pipe, and the collar segments are tensioned against each other to secure the ring around the pipe, providing grip strength while maintaining manageable assembly complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The slip segments are designed to move up and down inside the collar segments, creating variable grip through inclined contacting surfaces. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the grip strength to be optimized while keeping the assembly structure relatively simple
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 secure attachment and lifting of pipes with a tension ring that can be accurately positioned above the rotary table, allowing for efficient passage through the opening and subsequent secure fixing below, reducing installation time and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the collar segments and the slip segments when assembled having inclined contacting surfaces such that an inner diameter across said assembled ring, between the inner faces of the slip segments, varies as the slip segments move up and down inside said assembled collar segments
Implementation Method 2
means for tensioning adjacent collar segments against one another to secure said ring around the pipe
Implementation Method 3
means for tensioning adjacent collar segments against one another to secure said ring around the pipe
Implementation Method 4
the means for removeably mounting said at least one lifting lug to the tension ring comprises at least one bolt and at least one corresponding threaded bore in a collar segment by which said at least one lifting lug can be removeably bolted to said collar segment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A tension ring lifting assembly (101) for securing around a pipe, the assembly comprising a tension ring (112) and at least one lifting lug (130) by which the tension ring, and a pipe around which the tension ring has been secured, can be lifted. The tension ring comprises: a plurality of collar segments (114, 116) which can be assembled into a ring around the pipe; a plurality of slip segments (140) adapted to fit between the collar segments and the pipe and to make direct contact with the pipe surface, the collar segments and the slip segments when assembled having inclined contacting surfaces such that an inner diameter across said assembled ring, between the inner faces of the slip segments, varies as the slip segments move up and down inside the collar segments; means for tensioning (152, 154, 156) adjacent collar segments (114, 116) against one another to secure said ring around the pipe; and means for removeably mounting (7, 9) said at least one lifting lug (130) to the tension ring (140). Prior to mounting of the lifting lug, the tension ring has an outer diameter that is less than the diameter of the tension ring lifting assembly after mounting of the lifting lug to the tension ring. This enables the tension ring to be fitted with a relatively small outer diameter so that the tension ring can pass through an opening before the lifting lugs are fitted.