Self-Aligning Coiled Tubing Guide for Injector Stabbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for deploying coiled tubing into and through a coiled tubing injector are hazardous due to the unstable length of the tubing under tension, leading to potential injury or death for operators and risk of damage to the injector and tubing guide, with improper alignment causing undue wear and shortening the tubing's lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A Safe-Stab and Self Aligning Tubing Apparatus using hydraulic cylinders, electrical actuation, or springs for controlled movement, with software-assisted adjustments and attachment via bolts or pins, to align and stabilize the tubing during stabbing and guide it into the injector, allowing for floating and precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used to control and guide coiled tubing during stabbing operations, then operators can directly control the tubing path, but the risk of injury and death increases due to humans being in the direct path of tensioned tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated mechanical system comprising a robotic manipulator, tubing guide assembly, and sensor array that can autonomously control the tubing path during stabbing operations, eliminating human exposure to tensioned tubing while maintaining precise control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated tubing guide assembly as an intermediary device between the coiled tubing spool and the injector, which includes sensors, actuators, and guide rollers that mediate the tubing path control function previously performed manually by operators
2Reliability
If proper alignment is achieved during stabbing operations, then the lifespan of coiled tubing is extended and wear on injector components is reduced, but the complexity of the alignment system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning tubing guide assembly that automatically detects tubing misalignment through sensors and corrects it using feedback-controlled actuators, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures and reducing operator intervention while extending tubing lifespan through consistent proper alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the alignment of coiled tubing with the injector during stabbing operations and provide feedback to actuators that automatically adjust the tubing path, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures proper alignment without requiring complex manual intervention
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated systems are used to control coiled tubing movements, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automated tubing control system into modular functional segments including a robotic manipulator module, tubing guide assembly with sensors, actuator array, and control system, allowing for phased implementation and maintenance while achieving comprehensive safety improvements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the automated tubing guide assembly to perform multiple functions including alignment control, path guidance, tension monitoring, and protective positioning, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single integrated unit that improves safety without proportionally increasing complexity
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 solution enhances safety by reducing the risk of injury and damage, extends the tubing's lifespan by ensuring proper alignment, and reduces wear on the injector and tubing guide, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
one or more hydraulic cylinders configured to move the top slide support, the tubing guide, or both to align the coiled tubing
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus may be affixed to the injector using bolts, and affixed to the tubing guide using the bolts. The top slide support is affixed via the floating link arms which are attached to the injector A-Frame
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains novel coil tubing units and methods of stabbing. The coiled tubing unit has a tubing reel; a tubing guide operably connected to the tubing reel; and an injector operably connected to the tubing guide. The injector is configured to move toward or away from the tubing reel. This advantageously allows for more convenient, effective, and/or potentially safer stabbing methods to be employed.