Smart Riser Handling Tool Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of connecting riser sections in offshore well drilling or production is labor-intensive, risky for operators due to repetitive motion injuries and high potential for human error, and involves heavy components, necessitating an improvement in efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A smart riser handling tool system utilizing a spider assembly with RFID-based orientation and actuation tools, including connector actuation tools with sensors and hydraulic systems, to automate the alignment, locking, and monitoring of riser sections, reducing operator involvement and enhancing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operator involvement is used in the riser section connecting process, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operator safety deteriorates due to risks of injury and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated handling tool system that performs alignment, connection, and locking of riser sections. The tool includes alignment mechanisms, connection mechanisms, and locking mechanisms that substitute operator actions, eliminating exposure to repetitive motion injuries and fatigue while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling tool is designed to perform self-alignment and self-connection operations through integrated sensors and actuators. The system automatically detects riser section positions, adjusts alignment, executes connections, and verifies locking without continuous operator intervention, making the system self-sufficient while improving safety.
2Productivity
If manual operator involvement is used in the riser section connecting process, then complex tasks can be handled with judgment, but productivity deteriorates due to time-intensive operations
Solution Approach 1:
The automated handling tool replaces manual coupling operations with motorized alignment and connection mechanisms. The system uses sensors to detect riser section positions and automatically executes alignment and connection sequences, dramatically increasing coupling speed while eliminating time-intensive manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling tool performs alignment, connection, and locking operations in continuous automated sequences without interruption. The system maintains continuous operation through integrated control systems that coordinate multiple functions simultaneously, maximizing productivity while minimizing operator involvement.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual operator involvement is used in the riser section connecting process, then adaptability to unexpected conditions is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to potential human error
Solution Approach 1:
The handling tool incorporates precision alignment mechanisms with sensors and control systems that automatically adjust riser section positions. The automated system eliminates human error in alignment operations by using electronic detection and motorized adjustment, achieving consistent high-precision alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor alignment status and provides feedback to the control system. The control system processes this feedback and automatically adjusts positioning mechanisms to achieve precise alignment, ensuring manufacturing precision while eliminating reliance on operator judgment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a smart riser handling tool are disclosed. The riser handling tool may be movable to manipulate an equipment asset, such as a riser component. The riser handling tool may include one or more sensors for measuring one or more properties associated with the equipment asset, and a communication system coupled to the one or more sensors to communicate data indicative of the one or more measured properties to an operator monitoring system. In some embodiments, the riser handling tool may include an electronic identification reader for identifying the equipment asset, and the communication system may be coupled to the electronic identification reader to communicate data indicative of the equipment asset identification to the operator monitoring system.