Co-rotating Hydraulic Power Source for Snubbing Unit Slip Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing snubbing unit systems require time-consuming and laborious disconnection and reconnection of hydraulic hoses to rotate tubular components, disrupting the hydraulic power supply to the slip assemblies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that includes a first hydraulic power source co-rotating with the traveling slip assembly and a hydraulic power source actuator, with rotation isolation means to transfer axial and radial loads, allowing hydraulic force transmission during rotation without hose disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic hoses are disconnected and reconnected during rotation operations, then the slip assembly can be rotated, but the hydraulic power supply is interrupted and operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic power source is segmented into two independent parts: a stationary hydraulic power source and a rotatable hydraulic motor assembly. This allows the hydraulic power generation to remain stationary while the motor assembly rotates with the slip assembly, eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect hoses during rotation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotational coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the stationary hydraulic power source and the rotating slip assembly. This coupling allows continuous hydraulic fluid transmission while accommodating relative rotation, serving as a mediator that resolves the conflict between rotational movement and continuous hydraulic connection.
2Reliability
If hydraulic hoses remain connected during rotation, then continuous hydraulic power is maintained, but the hoses become entangled and wrapped around the snubbing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is divided into a stationary power source portion and a rotatable motor assembly portion. This segmentation allows the motor assembly to rotate independently with the slip assembly while the power source remains fixed, preventing hose entanglement while maintaining continuous hydraulic power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by transitioning from a one-dimensional hose connection problem to a two-dimensional spatial arrangement. The hydraulic motor assembly is positioned in a rotating plane while the power source remains in a stationary plane, allowing rotation without hose wrapping by utilizing the additional spatial dimension.
3Reliability
If the hydraulic power source is mounted to co-rotate with the slip assembly, then continuous hydraulic power is transmitted during rotation, but the axial force transmission to the slip assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into a stationary power source and a rotatable motor assembly that co-rotates with the slip assembly. This segmentation allows the motor assembly to maintain continuous hydraulic connection while rotating, and the axial force transmission is simplified by using the motor assembly's axial movement capability rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical axial force transmission system is replaced with a hydraulic actuation system. The hydraulic motor assembly translates hydraulic pressure into axial force on the slip assembly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical force transmission mechanisms while maintaining reliability during rotation.
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
Enables continuous hydraulic power transmission to the traveling slip assembly during rotation, preventing hose entanglement and eliminating the need for frequent hose connections/disconnections, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
rotation isolation means to rotationally isolate the hydraulic power source actuator from the first hydraulic power source, and to transfers axial and radial loads between the hydraulic power source actuator and the first hydraulic power source
Implementation Method 2
a first hydraulic power source having a hydraulic connection to the traveling slip assembly
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect there is provided an apparatus to transmit hydraulic force to a snubbing unit's traveling slip assembly. The apparatus comprises a first hydraulic power source having a hydraulic connection to the traveling slip assembly, a hydraulic power source actuator to actuate the hydraulic power source to cause it to transmit hydraulic force to or from the traveling slip assembly. Rotation isolation means are provided to rotationally isolate the hydraulic power source actuator from the first hydraulic power source, and to transfers axial and radial loads between the hydraulic power source actuator 65 and the first hydraulic power source. The first hydraulic power source is mounted to the traveling slip assembly so as to co-rotate therewith.