Swivel Connection Tool Yoke for Tubular Handling Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting and disconnecting tubulars in a workover rig are hazardous due to the need for manual handling with pipe wrenches, which can lead to injury from torque and burrs, and are inefficient in managing heavy, torqued connections.
Innovation Solution
A swivel connection tool that supports tubulars during connection and disconnection, using a yoke with movable jaws and an actuator to hold the tubular in place while the swivel rotates, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing exposure to rotating parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling with pipe wrench is used to connect and disconnect tubulars, then the operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the safety of personnel is compromised due to torque and burr injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tubular holder as an intermediary device between the pipe wrench and the tubular. The holder grips the tubular and rotates with it during connection/disconnection, keeping the tubular away from personnel while eliminating the need for direct manual handling with pipe wrenches, thus improving safety without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the hazardous function of manual pipe wrench handling from the operation. By using the tubular holder to support and rotate the tubular, the dangerous task of holding the tubular with a pipe wrench is removed from the personnel's duties, isolating them from torque and burr injuries
2Strength
If personnel manually hold the tubular with a pipe wrench during connection, then the joint can be torqued to the required torque, but the operation becomes dangerous due to wrench throwing or breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular holder serves as a mediator that takes over the function of holding and rotating the tubular during torquing operations. It is positioned to support the tubular's weight and rotate with it, allowing the pipe wrench to be applied to the holder rather than directly to the tubular, reducing the risk of wrench throwing or breaking while maintaining required joint torque
3Productivity
If manual handling of tubulars is performed, then the equipment required is minimal, but the efficiency in managing heavy, torqued connections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular holder acts as a mechanical assistant that supports the weight of heavy tubulars and rotates them during connection operations. This intermediary device reduces the physical strain on personnel and improves efficiency in managing heavy, torqued connections without requiring complex automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular holder is designed with movable components including a jaw assembly that can open and close to grip the tubular, and a positioning mechanism that allows the holder to move along the tubular's length. This dynamic design enables the holder to adapt to different tubular sizes and positions, improving connection efficiency while maintaining reasonable equipment complexity
4Measurement precision
If the tubular is held close to the connection point for precise control, then the connection can be made accurately, but the personnel are exposed to rotating parts and burrs
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular holder is positioned between the personnel and the rotating tubular, acting as a protective intermediary. It grips the tubular at a safe distance from the connection point while still providing sufficient control for accurate connection, keeping personnel away from exposed rotating parts and burrs
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular holder extends the control mechanism away from the connection point in a different spatial dimension. By positioning the holder's gripping mechanism at a distance from the threaded connection, it provides leverage and control while creating a safety zone that separates personnel from hazardous rotating parts
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel connection tool holds a tubular of a work string or a drill string while a swivel connects or disconnects from the tubular. The swivel connection tool has a base mounted to a work floor of a derrick of a workover rig. The swivel connection tool is fixed spaced-apart from a hole in the work floor positioned over the wellhead. The swivel connection tool has a yoke oriented at an incline with respect to horizontal.