Telescoping Torque Reaction Track for Portable Rigs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque management systems for power swivels in the oil and gas industry face issues such as equipment damage, safety hazards, and inefficiencies due to friction and point loads, particularly in portable workover rigs that require frequent assembly and disassembly of torque arm roller assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A track handling device with a rigid and movable portion, including a spreader, posts, support beams, and turnbuckles, that allows for telescopic tracks and a slider system to manage torque efficiently, reducing the need for frequent assembly and disassembly and minimizing stress on equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If torque arm roller assemblies are used in portable workover rigs, then torque management is achieved, but frequent assembly and disassembly are required causing safety hazards and equipment damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The torque reaction system is divided into modular components: a telescoping track with nested tubular members, a power swivel assembly, and a torque arm assembly. These segments can be independently assembled and disassembled, allowing for easier and safer handling during rig setup and teardown operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping track employs nested tubular members where one tube is inserted within another, creating a compact configuration for transport and storage. This nesting principle allows the entire torque reaction system to be compacted to a fraction of its operational length, significantly reducing assembly complexity and improving safety.
2Force
If shackle and wire cable configurations are used for torque reaction, then torque is managed, but friction and point loads cause integral damage and breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional shackle-and-cable mechanical system is replaced with a telescoping track system that uses distributed contact along the tubular members. This substitution eliminates the point load concentration at the shackle-cable interface, distributing forces along the entire length of the track and preventing integral damage from friction and stress concentration.
3Power
If large derrick structures are used for drilling operations, then high rotary torques of 35,000 foot-pounds or more are generated, but enormous surface area and high capital and operating costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, massive derrick structure to a dynamic, telescoping configuration. The tubular members can extend and retract based on operational requirements, allowing the structure to adapt its size and torque capacity. This dynamic capability enables high torque generation when needed while minimizing surface area and resource consumption during transport and non-operational periods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping mast portions are used for portable rigs, then easy transport is achieved, but torque management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The torque management functionality is merged directly into the telescoping mast structure itself. The tubular members that provide the telescoping capability also serve as the torque reaction track, eliminating the need for separate torque management components. This integration simplifies the overall system while maintaining both transport ease and torque management capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A track handling device having a rigid portion and a movable portion. The rigid portion includes a spreader having main support post extending therefrom. The movable portion includes a main support arm coupled with a driver arm and a follower arm. A bottom support arm end is configured with a boot suitable to couple with and support a torque track.