Slanted Drill Pipe Loader for Quiet, Accurate Well Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and labor-intensive nature of drilling operations for geothermal energy plants, particularly due to loud noise and inaccurate pipe positioning in existing drilling machines, hinder the large-scale adoption of these energy solutions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-noise drill pipe loader capable of slanted drilling operations, featuring a mechanical arm system for automated pipe loading and repositioning, which reduces labor requirements and allows for efficient use in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If gravity loaders are used to move pipes, then pipe positioning is achieved, but very loud noise is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gravity-based mechanical pipe movement system with a hydraulic or electric positioning system. The pipes are moved and positioned using controlled mechanical actuators rather than gravity, which eliminates the loud noise produced by gravity loaders while maintaining precise positioning capability through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic or pneumatic systems to move and position drill pipes within the loader. These fluid-powered systems provide smooth, controlled pipe movement without the loud mechanical impacts characteristic of gravity-based systems, thereby reducing noise while achieving accurate pipe positioning.
2Extent of automation
If revolver loaders are used, then pipe loading is automated, but the structure creates considerable weight on the front of the machine causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipe loading system into separate modular components distributed along the machine structure rather than concentrating all loading mechanisms in one location. This segmentation reduces the concentrated weight on the front of the machine, improving stability while maintaining automated pipe loading functionality through distributed mechanical arms and positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention redistributes the pipe loading system in three-dimensional space, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to position loading mechanisms away from the front center of gravity. This spatial redistribution reduces the moment arm and weight concentration at the front, thereby improving machine stability while preserving automated loading capabilities.
3Productivity
If manual pipe assembly is performed, then labor flexibility is maintained, but drilling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pre-positioning system where drill pipes are预先 loaded and positioned in the loader before drilling operations begin. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual pipe assembly during drilling, significantly increasing drilling speed while the automated positioning mechanisms manage the complexity of the loading system.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading system is designed to automatically perform pipe positioning and connection operations without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system uses self-contained sensors, actuators, and control algorithms that enable the loader to manage its own operations, thereby increasing productivity while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through autonomous functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a new well drilling machine, in particular for drilling with single pipes, with supporting mast (M) provided with at least one drill head′ (R) for the rotation-translation movement of the drill pipe (A), a loader (C) for said pipes (A), hinged to the relative supporting frame (T), integral with the machine body, and wherein said loader (C) can be slanted from the non-operating position (1) to the operating position (2), in which said pipes (A) are further slanted with respect to ground level, and vice versa. The loader (C) comprises sliders (J, K) which run on parallel guides (S) and on which said pipes (A) rest transversally, wherein two or more long pins or bars (P) square to and integral with said sliders (J, .K) are positioned between adjacent pipes (A), and wherein the running of said sliders (J, K) causes the translation of said bars (P) and said pipes (A).