Well Component Spider with Radially Displaceable Slip Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spiders are limited in their ability to effectively grip and suspend well components of varying diameters, as their slips are generally configured to handle only a narrow range of sizes.
Innovation Solution
The spider design incorporates radially displaceable slip carriers and actuators that allow the slips to adjust their position to accommodate well components of different diameters, along with a pipe guide assembly that maintains alignment and a table assembly with laterally separable body sections for easy access and passage of larger equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spiders use fixed slips, then the structure is simple, but the ability to handle multiple well component sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the slips radially displaceable relative to the central axis. Each slip can move independently along its radial path to accommodate different well component diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same spider structure to handle multiple sizes of well components (tubing, casing, drill pipe, etc.) without requiring multiple dedicated spiders for each size, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the spider into multiple independent slip assemblies, where each slip can be adjusted independently. The slips are distributed circumferentially and can be positioned at different radial distances from the central axis based on the well component size being handled. This segmented, modular approach enables versatile size accommodation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that doesn't require complete redesign for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spider is designed for large components, then large equipment can pass through, but access and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the spider body into separable half-sections that can be opened laterally. This allows the spider to be opened wide enough to accommodate large well components during handling operations, while also providing easy access to the internal slips and mechanisms for maintenance and adjustment. The segmented body structure resolves the contradiction by allowing the spider to simultaneously handle large components and maintain ease of access for operational tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A spider for handling/gripping well components of various sizes can include multiple slip assemblies distributed circumferentially about a central axis, each slip assembly including a slip carrier radially displaceable relative to the central axis, a slip displaceable relative to the slip carrier, and a slip actuator operable to displace the slip relative to the slip carrier, the slip actuator being disposed at least partially internal to the slip carrier. Each slip assembly may include a slip carrier actuator that radially displaces the slip carrier. A table assembly may mount to a well rig with an upper surface of the table assembly being flush with a rig floor of the well rig. Another spider can include a pipe guide assembly with multiple guides and guide actuators. Each guide actuator rotates a respective one of the pipe guides about a respective guide axis that is parallel to the central axis.