Tilting Power Swivel for Drill Pipe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling methods on drilling rigs are not efficient, safe, or cost-effective, particularly in aligning and manipulating drill pipes within the wellbore, as they require manual alignment and can lead to operator injury and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled tilting power swivel assembly attached to a lifting means, such as a traveling block, which allows for mechanical actuation of the power swivel to tilt up to 90 degrees using a hydraulic cylinder, enabling safer and more efficient alignment and placement of drill pipes with minimal operator involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual alignment methods are used for drill pipes, then operator involvement is required, but this leads to operator injury risk and equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated power swivel assembly that uses hydraulic cylinders and remote control systems to tilt and position drill pipes, eliminating direct operator involvement in hazardous alignment tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The power swivel assembly acts as an intermediary device between the drill pipe and the operator, performing the dangerous alignment and manipulation tasks remotely through hydraulic actuation mechanisms
2Productivity
If traditional drilling methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but drilling efficiency and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power swivel assembly performs multiple functions including rotation, tilting up to 90 degrees, and drill pipe manipulation within a single integrated unit, improving drilling efficiency without requiring multiple separate equipment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic hydraulic actuation that allows the power swivel to tilt and rotate as needed during drilling operations, enabling efficient drill pipe alignment and placement while maintaining operational flexibility
3Ease of operation
If additional hydraulic hoses are added for tilt function, then remote control capability is improved, but hydraulic hose reel assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic hose reel assembly with the power swivel assembly into an integrated unit, merging the functions of hose storage, distribution, and power transmission into a single compact system that reduces overall complexity
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 solution enhances safety and reduces costs by allowing remote operation of the power swivel, enabling safer and more efficient manipulation of drill pipes, reducing the risk of operator injury and equipment damage, while also minimizing the need for additional hydraulic hoses, thus simplifying the hydraulic hose reel assembly.
Implementation Method 1
mechanical actuation of the power swivel to tilt up to 90 degrees using a hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A method for using a power swivel with tilt capable of being tilted to any angle up to an adjustable maximum tilt angle. The method allows adjusting the tilting power swivel's angle of tilt to line up with pipe staged at various angles as required by different rigs. The method allows for adjusting the maximum extension of the tilt cylinder, and further allows the power swivel to be repeatedly positioned at a desired angle for the duration of a job. The method requires the addition of only one hydraulic fluid supply hose, thereby allowing a simple live hose reel with four hoses. The method for using a power swivel with tilt promotes safety, efficiency, and saves time by eliminating the need for a stabbing man hanging in the derrick.