Spring Bail Cylinder Apparatus for Stab-In Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing stab-in procedures for casing running tools (CRTs) in oil and gas well drilling are inefficient and unsafe due to manual alignment issues, hydraulic system saturation, and operational limitations in extreme weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A spring bail cylinder apparatus designed to align and stabilize tubulars during the stab-in procedure, utilizing a cylinder, spring, and plunger mechanism to maintain upward force and prevent misalignment, even in harsh weather conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual alignment procedures are used for stab-in operations, then operational flexibility is maintained, but safety and efficiency deteriorate due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual alignment capabilityVSAvoidsafety and efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated spring-actuated mechanical system. The spring bail cylinder apparatus automatically applies alignment force to the tubular during the stab-in procedure, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining reliable and safe operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If hydraulic bails are used to provide automated alignment, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to hydraulic system saturation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidhydraulic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the alignment function from the saturated hydraulic system and implements it through a separate, self-contained spring-actuated mechanism. This eliminates the need to add complex hydraulic components while achieving the desired automated alignment and improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a spring-based mechanical system instead of hydraulic or pneumatic systems to provide automated alignment force. This approach achieves operational efficiency without the complexity and saturation issues associated with hydraulic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Measurement precision

If electronic bails are used for alignment control, then precision improves, but operational capability deteriorates in extreme cold weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidcold weather operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic alignment control systems with a spring-actuated mechanical system that is immune to cold weather effects. The mechanical spring provides consistent alignment force across extreme temperature ranges, maintaining both precision and adaptability in harsh environments where electronic systems fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If rigid bails are used for alignment, then structural stability improves, but adaptability deteriorates when tubular weight varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidweight variation accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic spring-based system that automatically adjusts its mechanical properties based on the tubular weight. The spring rate and pre-load can be configured to provide optimal alignment stability across varying weight conditions, combining the benefits of structural stability with adaptability that rigid bails cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The spring bail cylinder apparatus enhances the efficiency and safety of the stab-in process by maintaining tubular alignment, reducing manual intervention, and operating effectively in extreme temperatures, thereby improving rig time and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the spring holds it in upward force to keep the elevator in contact with the coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the weight of the tubular or casing compress the spring until the max extension is reached by the inside stopper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250154834A1Spring bail cylinder apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 OTTO FLOOR TUBULAR SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

In some implementations, the process may include securing, via an elevator, the tubular where the elevator is connected to a lifting mechanism by two or more spring bail cylinders in a retracted configuration. In addition, the process may include lifting the tubular via the elevator and converting the two or more spring bail cylinders to an extended configuration by the weight of the tubular. The process may include aligning the tubular with a member of the CRT at a top of the tubular, aligning the two or more spring bail cylinders around the CRT, and lowering the tubular to shift the weight of the tubular to a bottom of the tubular. Moreover, the process may include lowering the CRT and the two or more spring bail cylinders while simultaneously converting to the retracted configuration while maintaining alignment of the member of the CRT with the top of the tubular.