Spinner Apparatus Interlaced Rollers Tubular Diameter Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tubular spinning systems struggle to efficiently handle a range of tubular diameters without requiring multiple wrenches or clamp changes, leading to cumbersome operations during oil and gas well drilling.

Innovation Solution

A spinner apparatus featuring interlaced rollers with projections and recesses, driven by motors, which accommodate varying diameters by maintaining equal surface contact and preventing slippage, allowing for efficient spinning of tubulars with a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional wrenches with fixed clamps are used, then high torque can be achieved for making and breaking threads, but the device cannot accommodate different diameter pipe without changing clamps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different pipe diametersVSAvoidneed to change clamps for different diameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spinner apparatus is designed with a universal gripping mechanism that can accommodate pipe diameters from 9cm to 25cm using the same clamp assembly. The clamp features an adjustable jaw structure that can be positioned at different locations along its length to match various pipe sizes, eliminating the need to change clamps for different diameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly incorporates movable and adjustable components that can be dynamically repositioned to adapt to different pipe diameters. The jaw positions can be adjusted along the clamp body, and the entire clamp assembly can be repositioned on the spinner arm to accommodate varying pipe sizes during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If separate wrench and spinner operations are used, then high torque can be applied for thread connection, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of connection and disconnection operationsVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spinner apparatus combines the functions of a torque wrench and a spinner into a single integrated device. The same clamp assembly that applies high torque for making and breaking threads also serves as the gripping mechanism for spinning operations. This eliminates the need to remove and replace tools between operations, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If chain and winch method is used for spinning, then high speed spinning can be achieved, but the setup is cumbersome and requires separate equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespinning speedVSAvoidneed for separate spinning equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spinning function is integrated directly into the wrench assembly, with the clamp serving dual purposes for both high-torque connection operations and high-speed spinning operations. The motor-driven clamp mechanism provides spinning capability without requiring separate chain and winch equipment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high spinning speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient connection and disconnection of threaded tubulars across a range of diameters with reduced torque requirements and increased speed, improving operational efficiency in well drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

the projection contacts the tubular, which may be provided with a contact material such as non-marking material which increases the surface energy between the roller and the tubular to reduce the chance of slippage therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2118433B1Spinner apparatus
Publication Date: 2010.11.24 NAT OILWELL VARCO LP
  • EP2118433B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2118433B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1F
  • EP2118433B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

A spinner apparatus for facilitating connection and disconnection of threaded tubulars, the spinner apparatus comprising a first roller (61) and a second roller (63) characterised in that the first roller ha s a projection (124) and the second roller has a recess (141), when in use, at least part of said projection (124) locates within at least part of said recess (141).