Camera-Guided Riser Joint Robotics for Safer Bolt Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling operations face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting riser joints, which poses risks to workers and is time-consuming due to the manual manipulation of riser bolts.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with robotic arms and multi-function tools, equipped with cameras and servo motors, is used to automate the process of connecting and disconnecting riser joints by analyzing images to determine the location and orientation of bolts and performing tasks such as tightening and loosening with precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers manually manipulate riser bolts to connect or disconnect riser joints, then the process can be completed with simple equipment, but workers are exposed to risk of injury or death and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. A robotic arm equipped with a manipulation tool and camera system performs the bolting operations, substituting human workers with automated machinery to eliminate safety risks while handling complex manipulation tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a riser spider as an intermediary platform between the riser joints and the robotic manipulation system. The spider provides support and stabilization for the riser joints during connection and disconnection operations, enabling the robotic arm to perform precise manipulations
2Productivity
If workers manually manipulate riser bolts to connect or disconnect riser joints, then the equipment required is simple, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm with integrated manipulation tool performs bolting operations automatically, significantly increasing connection speed compared to manual operations. The system uses camera-based positioning and automated control to execute rapid, precise manipulations of riser bolts
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system enables continuous operation without the interruptions inherent in manual work. The automated manipulation tool can continuously perform pick, place, and tighten operations on multiple bolts in sequence, maximizing productivity
3Measurement precision
If a robotic system with cameras and image analysis is used to manipulate riser bolts, then precision and automation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system acts as an intermediary sensing mechanism that captures visual information about bolt locations and orientations. The image analysis processing then translates this visual data into precise positional information, enabling the robotic arm to locate and manipulate bolts with high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses camera-based visual feedback to continuously monitor and adjust the robotic arm's positioning. Image analysis provides real-time information about bolt locations, allowing the control system to make precise adjustments for accurate manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
The system for making or breaking the riser includes a robotic system. The robotic system includes one or more robotic arms configured to be disposed on a spider deck, and one or more riser-connection manipulation tools each having a camera and being configured to manipulate a riser connection, the camera being configured to capture an image of an object, wherein each robotic arm is configured to couple to one riser-connection manipulation tool. Further the system for making or breaking the riser includes a control system. The control system includes a robot controller in communication with the one or more robotic arms and configured to control the one or more robotic arms. The system for making or breaking the riser is configured to analyze the image to determine the location and orientation of the object and transmit the location and orientation of the object to the robot controller.