Self-setting casing protector for slip elevator safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a self-setting casing protector for slip type elevators that eliminates the requirement for rig hands on the drilling floor during casing string makeup, ensuring safety, preventing environmental spills, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-setting casing protector system comprising a housing with a first and second segment, C-shaped setting plates, support tubes, and bolts that secure the protector to the slip type casing elevator, allowing it to operate between open and closed configurations for protecting casing tubulars during installation and removal, without the need for manual attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual attachment of casing protector is used, then rig hands can adjust and secure the protector, but rig hands must be on the drilling floor during casing string makeup which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The casing protector is designed with self-setting capability where the protector automatically attaches to the casing string through its own weight and the engagement of setting feet with the casing interior surface, eliminating the need for manual attachment by rig hands during casing string makeup operations
Solution Approach 2:
The protector is pre-configured with setting feet and attachment mechanisms that are ready to engage with the casing string before the casing is fully installed, allowing automatic attachment without requiring personnel to be on the drilling floor during the critical makeup operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional casing handling methods are used, then casing tubulars can be installed and removed, but additional energy sources like pneumatic compressors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces pneumatic compression mechanisms with a gravity-based self-setting mechanism where the protector automatically engages with the casing string through gravitational force and mechanical engagement of setting feet, eliminating the need for external pneumatic compressors and associated energy consumption
3Productivity
If manual casing handling is used, then casing can be handled, but the process is time-consuming and reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic self-setting mechanism eliminates the time required for manual attachment operations, as the protector automatically engages with the casing string through its own weight and the interaction of setting feet with the casing interior, significantly reducing the time required for casing installation and removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The protector incorporates movable setting feet that can dynamically engage and disengage with the casing interior surface, allowing rapid attachment and detachment operations that improve installation speed and reduce operational time compared to static manual attachment methods
Data Source
AI summary
A self-setting casing protector secured to a slip type casing elevator for grabbing a casing tubular and running the casing tubular into and out of a wellbore having two C-shaped setting plates each with a plurality of fastening holes; a plurality of support tubes positioned between aligned fastening holes; a plurality of bolts each penetrating pairs of fastening holes and a support tube, the second C-shaped setting plate simultaneously engaging (i) two aligned slip setting segments, and (ii) two aligned die retainers. As the slip type casing elevator is hoisted, the casing tubular drops while attached to the first C-shaped setting plate setting the casing tubular in the slip type casing elevator while simultaneously (i) protecting each casing tubular as it is sequentially lowered into or pulled from the wellbore, and (ii) protecting an upsetting box with premium connections as the tubular is run into and out of a wellbore.