Slips Positioning Apparatus With Linear Guides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current slip positioning systems are difficult to use in slant rigs due to uncontrolled movement and gravitational issues, leading to inefficient and dangerous operations when positioning drill strings.

Innovation Solution

A slips positioning apparatus with XY linear guides and actuators that securely mount the slips relative to the well center, allowing controlled movement and locking in orthogonal directions, enabling precise positioning of the slips and drill string.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the slips are free to slide around relative to the BOP to allow drill string movement, then the drill string can be positioned off-center for multiple strings, but the slips become difficult to control and position in slant rig orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to position drill string off-centerVSAvoidDifficulty to control slips position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional free-sliding mechanical system with a controlled positioning system using linear actuators and guides. The slips are mounted on a positioning apparatus with linear guides that constrain movement to specific directions, and linear actuators that provide controlled actuation to move the slips to desired positions, eliminating uncontrolled gravitational sliding while maintaining positioning flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the slips from completely free movement to controlled movement within defined linear paths. The linear guides establish constrained movement paths, and the actuators control the position parameters, allowing the slips to be positioned at specific locations rather than freely sliding, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the slips are free to slide to follow the drill string, then the drill string can be moved up and down, but the slips cannot be held in a fixed position suitable for locating the drill string

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to move drill stringVSAvoidDifficulty to hold slips in position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive free-sliding mechanism with an active controlled positioning system. Linear actuators provide controlled movement along linear guides, and the system can hold the slips at fixed positions by controlling the actuator extension, providing both movement capability and position stability that the traditional free-sliding system lacks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional slip positioning methods are used in slant orientation, then the slips may be positioned initially, but gravitational forces pull the slips to the low side making positioning dangerous and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInitial slip positioningVSAvoidGravitational pull on slips

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the gravity-dependent free-sliding system with an actuated positioning system where linear actuators control slip movement along linear guides. The actuators can counteract gravitational forces by providing controlled actuation in the opposite direction, allowing slips to be positioned and held at any orientation without being pulled to the low side, eliminating the dangerous and time-consuming manual positioning required in slant orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary counteracting force through the linear actuators to prevent gravitational pull from moving the slips to the low side. The actuators are positioned and controlled to provide force opposite to the gravitational component acting on the slips, preventing the harmful gravitational effect before it can cause positioning problems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10890037B2Slips positioning apparatus for a well operation

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 PROSTAR ENERGY TECH USA LLC

AI summary

A slips positioning apparatus for a wellhead installation is installed in a fixed position relative to the blow out preventer and allows releasable locking of the slips relative to well center and driving movement of the slips relative to well center. The slips positioning apparatus includes a slips-mounting structure for accepting connection of the slips; an installation structure for mounting the apparatus rigidly above the blow out preventer and relative to well center. The installation structure is a plate that defines a first plane. The apparatus further includes a first and a second linear guides configured for movement of the slips-mounting structure relative to the installation structure along respective first and second directions in planes substantially parallel with the first plane; and first and second linear actuators for moving the slips-mounting structure respectively along the first and second linear guides. Slips are mounted on the slips-mounting structure and positioned, including releasably locked and/or driven, by the apparatus relative to well center.