Consumable Spinner Sleeve Assembly for Fast Segment Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing spinner assemblies in iron roughnecks used for subterranean operations face performance degradation due to worn-out gripping surfaces, leading to reduced rotational force and increased downtime for replacement, which requires disassembly and can be time-consuming, especially when spare subassemblies are needed.
Innovation Solution
A spinner assembly design featuring a sleeve with arcuate segments and a cap configuration that allows for easy replacement of worn-out segments without full disassembly, utilizing a coupling assembly to move subassemblies relative to the center axis, and incorporating thrust bearings for reduced friction and improved operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spinner assembly uses integral drive shafts and traditional spinner construction, then the structural strength and reliability are maintained, but the replacement time and downtime increase significantly due to required disassembly of the drive train
Solution Approach 1:
The spinner is divided into modular components: a reusable drive shaft assembly and replaceable spinner elements (sleeve with gripping surface). The spinner element can be detached and replaced without disassembling the drive train, while the drive shaft remains integral and reusable. This segmentation allows rapid replacement of worn gripping surfaces while maintaining structural reliability of the drive system.
2Ease of repair
If the spinner assembly requires full disassembly for spinner replacement, then proper maintenance can be performed, but the operational downtime and productivity loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spinner element (sleeve with gripping surface) is extracted as a separate, independently replaceable component from the drive shaft assembly. This extraction allows the spinner element to be removed and replaced without disassembling the drive train or other critical components, enabling quick maintenance while minimizing impact on operational productivity.
3Strength
If the spinner uses worn gripping surfaces, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the rotational force transmission capability and performance degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The spinner element (sleeve with gripping surface) is designed as a consumable, short-lived component that can be easily replaced. As the gripping surface wears, the entire sleeve element is replaced rather than attempting to restore it, ensuring consistent performance reliability. The reusable drive shaft maintains structural integrity while the disposable spinner element ensures reliable force transmission.
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
This design reduces downtime by allowing for quick and efficient replacement of worn-out segments, maintaining performance and reducing the need for frequent disassembly, thus optimizing operational efficiency and minimizing downtime during subterranean operations.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating thrust bearings for reduced friction and improved operational efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system with multiple spinners in a spinner assembly, each spinner comprising a drive shaft, a sleeve with arcuate segments surrounding the drive shaft, a first cap that receives a first end of the sleeve and a second cap that receives a second end of the sleeve, which secures the sleeve to the drive shaft. A system with two spinner subassemblies in a spinner assembly, and with a coupling assembly that moves the subassemblies a same distance in opposite directions relative to a center axis of the spinner assembly. A method can include securing multiple arcuate segments of the sleeve to a drive shaft of the spinner by inserting a first end of the sleeve into a first recess of a first cap and inserting a second end of the sleeve into a second recess of a second cap.