Spider Slip Control Using Floor Sensing to Prevent Tubular Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to ensure that spiders do not release tubulars into the well before they are supported by other equipment, resulting in costly and time-consuming remedial operations.
Innovation Solution
A spider control system utilizing sensors and a control system to ensure that the spider 16 will not release the tubulars into the well before it is supported by other equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spider is used to suspend tubulars at the well rig, then the tubulars can be held and positioned, but there is a risk that the spider may accidentally release the tubulars into the well before they are supported by other equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors (load cells, proximity sensors, encoders) that continuously monitor the spider's state and tubular support conditions, feeding this information back to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of potential release conditions and automatic corrective action, preventing accidental tubular release while maintaining reliable support.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the spider mechanism and the tubulars, mediating the release process. It coordinates the interaction between multiple components (slips, actuators, sensors) and ensures that release only occurs when proper support equipment is in place, thereby preventing direct accidental release into the well.
2Reliability
If a control system with sensors is added to prevent accidental release, then the reliability of tubular support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring load, detecting position, controlling actuators, and preventing accidental release. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control system rather than separate systems for each function, the overall device complexity is managed while achieving high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (load measurement, position detection) and control functions into a unified control system. This merging reduces the number of separate components and interfaces needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and control for high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A spider can include a sensor that outputs measurements indicative of a distance between a location on the spider and a floor of a well rig, and a control system that controls actuation of slips of the spider between open and closed positions in response to the measurements. A method can include measuring a distance between a location on a spider and a floor of a well rig, and controlling actuation of slips of the spider between open and closed positions in response to the measuring. A system can include a spider with at least one slip that grips a tubular positioned in the spider, and a sensor that senses a rise of a location on the spider relative to a floor of a well rig.