Flexible Service Loop Restraint Apparatus for Oil Derrick Entanglement Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service loops in oil drilling operations entangle due to varying diameters and material structures, leading to premature failure and safety hazards, with existing metal clamps failing under continuous forces and harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A flexible apparatus comprising interlocking units with central steel rings and flexible cables, positioned at different longitudinal levels to maintain uniform path and bend radius for service loops, reducing stress and strain on the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If service loops with varying diameters and materials are used to transfer power to the top drive, then the mechanical strength and pressure resistance are improved, but the loops become entangled due to different bend radii and paths
Solution Approach 1:
The service loop system is segmented into multiple loops of identical length, each restrained by separate apparatus at different longitudinal levels. This segmentation allows each loop to be independently controlled to follow its own consistent path, preventing entanglement while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength through appropriate hose construction.
Solution Approach 2:
A restraint apparatus acts as an intermediary between the service loops and the drilling environment. This apparatus, comprising rigid structural members and flexible cables, mediates the movement of loops by providing guidance and restraint forces that ensure consistent paths and bend radii, preventing entanglement while allowing the loops to flex during operation.
2Reliability
If metal clamps are used to restrain service loops, then the loops are held in fixed position, but the clamps fail under continuous forces and harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint apparatus replaces rigid metal clamps with flexible cables that can accommodate continuous movement and harsh drilling environments. These flexible cables provide the necessary restraint while being more resistant to fatigue and environmental degradation, significantly extending service life while maintaining reliable loop positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system transitions from static metal clamps to a dynamic system with flexible cables and movable components. This allows the apparatus to adapt to continuous loop movement during drilling operations, distributing forces more evenly and preventing the localized stress concentrations that cause metal clamp failure.
3Ease of operation
If service loops are allowed to move freely during top drive operation, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the loops become entangled causing premature failure and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint apparatus is designed to automatically guide and restrain service loops through its structural configuration, eliminating the need for active control or complex operation. The rigid structural members and flexible cables work together to self-adjust and maintain proper loop paths, preserving system simplicity while ensuring loop integrity and preventing entanglement.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for flexibly restraining service loops in an oil derrick to prevent entangling of the loops, comprising a plurality of identical apparatus wherein each apparatus is positioned at different longitudinal level to restrain the service loops. Each apparatus is comprised of a plurality of interlocking units, wherein each unit is comprised of a central steel ring which is adhesively bonded to a braid of a service loop penetrating therethrough and exteriorly affixed to first and second interconnecting rings. A first flexible cable and second flexible cable connect the respective first and second interconnecting rings of the units of each apparatus. Therefore, the service loops are flexibly restrained to have a uniform path and bend radius when they travel longitudinally during operation of an oil well drilling machine, which results in reduction of damage of the service loops.