Slip Bowl Load Transfer System for Wellbore Tubular Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oil and gas well operations, operator error or mechanical malfunction can cause tubular members to fall into or be ejected from the wellbore during snubbing and heavy workover operations, leading to serious consequences due to inadequate load transfer and slip bowl functionality.
Innovation Solution
A slip bowl load transfer system that prevents both slip bowls from being actuated open simultaneously, ensures load transfer confirmation before allowing another slip bowl to open, and maintains tubular load control through a preload bite, using hydraulic cylinders and sensors to apply forces and detect engagement status, thereby preventing slip bite failure and ensuring load stability in both longitudinal directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operator manually controls slip bowl actuation, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operator error can cause tubular members to fall into or be ejected from the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors load transfer status and controls slip bowl actuation without requiring continuous operator intervention. The load sensor detects when load has transferred to the second slip bowl, and the controller automatically prevents premature opening of the first slip bowl, making the system self-regulating and eliminating reliance on operator judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses load sensors to provide real-time feedback on load transfer status to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust its operation based on actual load conditions, preventing operator error by using objective sensor data rather than subjective operator assessment.
2Productivity
If slip bowl is opened before load transfer confirmation, then operational speed is improved, but tubular load control is lost and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires load transfer to be confirmed by the sensor before allowing the first slip bowl to open. This preliminary verification step ensures that load control is maintained throughout the transition, preventing premature release of the tubular member while still enabling efficient operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The load sensor provides real-time feedback to the controller about load transfer status, enabling the system to automatically wait for proper load transfer before permitting slip bowl opening. This feedback loop eliminates the need for operators to manually verify load transfer, maintaining both safety and operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If hydraulic force is applied to move slip bowls together, then load transfer is enabled, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic cylinders to apply controlled force that moves the slip bowls together, enabling reliable load transfer between bowls. The hydraulic system provides smooth, controlled movement and precise force application, ensuring dependable load transfer while the automated control system manages the complexity of the hydraulic actuation.
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 safety by reducing operator reliance and preventing slip bite failure, maintaining load control across the balance point, and ensuring the tubular load is securely managed in both upward and downward directions, thereby minimizing risks during well operations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder positioned between the first and second slip bowls and adapted to apply a hydraulic force to move the first and second slip bowls together
Implementation Method 2
each of the first and second slip bowls being spring biased in opposition to one another so that the slip bowls are movable between a closed position in which they are engaged against one another and an open position in which they are disengaged from one another
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A slip bowl load transfer system includes a first slip bowl assembly and a second slip bowl assembly. The first slip bowl assembly, adapted to engage and release a tubular member, includes a first slip bowl coupled to a second slip bowl. In an engaged state, the first slip bowl assembly imparts a compressive force on a portion of the tubular member between the first slip bowl and the second slip bowl. The second slip bowl assembly is adapted to engage and release the tubular member and is aligned with the first slip bowl assembly. When the second slip bowl assembly is engaging the tubular member in a second engaged state, the second slip bowl assembly is prevented from releasing the tubular member if the first slip bowl assembly is not in the engaged state.