Skate Drive System With Decoupled Clamping Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catwalk skate drive systems for drilling rigs are costly, heavy, and complex, with cumbersome tubular clamping systems that complicate operation and increase weight, failing to provide efficient and streamlined pipe conveyance between levels.
Innovation Solution
A skate drive system with a primary hydraulic actuator and secondary tensioning mechanism, utilizing cables and sheaves to move a clamping assembly along a catwalk trough, allowing independent control of pipe movement and clamping, reducing weight and complexity by decoupling drive forces from clamping forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex tubular clamping system with additional actuating components is used, then the tubular can be securely clamped to the skate, but the system weight increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the clamping function from the drive function by using independent clamp assemblies that can be individually actuated. Each clamp assembly is a separate unit with its own actuator, allowing the clamping mechanism to be simplified while maintaining secure tubular attachment. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single complex actuating system that would need to control multiple clamps simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assemblies are designed to be dynamically controllable through individual actuators that can independently adjust each clamp's position and force. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different tubular sizes and positions while keeping each clamp assembly relatively simple in structure.
2Ease of operation
If additional actuating components are added to the tubular clamping system, then the clamping function is improved, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the clamping system into separate clamp assemblies, each with minimal actuating components, the patent reduces the total weight compared to a single complex actuating system. Each actuator only needs to control one clamp, reducing the size and weight of each actuating component while improving overall ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses cables as intermediary elements to transmit actuating force from the actuators to the clamp assemblies. This allows the use of lightweight actuators positioned at convenient locations while still achieving effective clamping control throughout the system, reducing both weight and improving operability.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator controls both skate movement and clamping, then the system is simpler, but the system weight increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuating system into two independent functions: drive actuators that control skate movement along the trough, and separate clamp actuators that control tubular clamping. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized for its specific function, improving operational efficiency while keeping the overall system configuration manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable mechanism serves multiple functions: it transmits drive force from the drive actuators to move the skate, and also transmits clamping force from the clamp actuators to secure the tubular. This multi-functionality of the cable system allows independent control of movement and clamping without requiring additional heavy structural components.
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 enhances operational efficiency and reduces weight and complexity by enabling smooth, efficient pipe conveyance and clamping, improving the overall performance and usability of catwalks in drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a primary actuator coupled to the clamp assembly by a first cable and a second cable, wherein the primary actuator is configured to move the skate and the clamp assembly via the first and second cables along the trough
Implementation Method 2
a secondary actuator coupled to at least one of the first and second cables and configured to apply a tension force to at least one of the first and second cables to move the clamp assembly between an unclamped position and a clamped position
Data Source
AI summary
A skate drive system for a catwalk having a skate and a clamping assembly. The system includes a primary actuator and a secondary actuator. The primary actuator is configured to apply a drive force to first and second cables to move the skate along a trough of the catwalk. The secondary actuator is configured to apply a tension force to at least one of the first and second cables independent of the primary actuator to actuate the clamping assembly from an unclamped position to a clamped position.