Single Upset Landing String Wedge System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for lowering heavy tubulars in oilfield applications, such as those in deep-sea locations, often result in 'slip crushing' due to inadequate load transmission, requiring special dual-upset tubulars or time-consuming bail switching, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A tubular running system comprising an elevator and a spider with wedges that engage the tubular, allowing axial sliding and load transfer between the two devices to avoid slip crushing, enabling faster and more cost-effective lowering of heavy tubulars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional slips or bushings are used to hold the tubular, then the tubular can be supported, but the tensile load causes slip crushing that damages the tubular body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an upset (a shouldered portion) on the tubular as an intermediary element between the landing string and the slips/bushings. This upset serves as a dedicated load-bearing interface that transfers tensile loads directly to the slips without concentrating stress on the tubular body, thereby preventing slip crushing while maintaining tubular integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized geometric feature (the upset with shouldered portion) at a specific location on the tubular. This local structural modification concentrates the load-bearing function at the upset rather than distributing it along the tubular body, allowing the slips to engage a reinforced area designed specifically for load transmission without damaging the rest of the tubular
2Reliability
If dual-upset tubulars are employed to avoid slip crushing, then the tubular can be lowered by engaging upsets with elevators and spiders, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single upset multi-functional by designing it to perform multiple operations: it engages with the elevator for initial lifting and positioning, then engages with the spider for support during lowering operations. This single structural feature replaces the need for dual-upset tubulars that would require separate engagement features for different operations, thereby reducing tubular design complexity while maintaining reliable load transmission
3Ease of operation
If bails are switched between elevators to ensure proper engagement, then the tubular can be positioned correctly, but the operational time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the upset geometry and its engagement features before the lowering operation begins. The upset is designed in advance to automatically engage with both the elevator and spider at the appropriate times during the operation, eliminating the need for manual bail switching. This pre-designed engagement mechanism ensures correct tubular positioning while significantly reducing operational time by removing the time-consuming bail switching step
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
The system effectively supports heavy tubulars by transferring loads between the elevator and spider, preventing slip crushing and reducing operational time and costs by allowing single-upset tubulars to be used, enhancing the efficiency of tubular running operations.
Implementation Method 1
The wedges of the elevator may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the spider. The wedges of the spider may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the elevator.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods for longitudinally moving or running a tubular, with the system including an elevator suspended from a rig. The elevator includes a body defining a bore to receive a tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween, with the wedges being configured to engage the tubular. The system may also include a spider including a body defining a bore to receive the tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween. The wedges of the spider may be configured to engage the tubular, and the wedges of the elevator may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the spider. The wedges of the spider may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the elevator.