Top Drive System with Mobile Elevator for Faster Tripping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The tripping operation in drilling rigs is time-consuming and expensive, as existing top drive systems do not allow for sufficient clearance for efficient movement between drilling and tripping modes, leading to prolonged processes.
Innovation Solution
A drilling rig design where the top drive unit and tripping operation elevator can be positioned away from the firing line, enabling the top drive system to pass the tubulars racking device and allowing for faster tripping and drilling operations through mechanized and automated processes, including a C-shaped tripping operation elevator with mobile locking members and a mechanically linked actuator assembly for mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the top drive system uses a conventional design with components positioned close to the firing line, then the structure is compact and easier to operate, but the tripping operation becomes time-consuming due to insufficient clearance for efficient movement between drilling and tripping modes
Solution Approach 1:
The top drive system employs dynamic positioning of the top drive unit and tripping operation elevator, allowing them to move between drilling mode (positioned for drilling operations) and tripping mode (positioned for tripping operations). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to optimize clearance and efficiency for different operational modes, directly resolving the contradiction between compact structure and fast tripping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lateral movement capability in addition to vertical movement, creating a two-dimensional positioning system. The top drive unit and tripping operation elevator can move laterally away from the firing line during tripping operations, providing the necessary clearance for efficient stand handling. This dimensional expansion resolves the space constraint issue without compromising structural compactness
2Loss of time
If the top drive unit and tripping operation elevator are positioned away from the firing line during tripping mode, then sufficient clearance is provided for efficient movement and faster operations, but the device complexity increases due to the need for mechanized and automated positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the top drive unit and tripping operation elevator into an integrated top drive system with a shared actuator assembly. This merging allows both components to be positioned and reconfigured simultaneously, reducing the overall complexity that would arise from having separate positioning systems for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly serves multiple functions: it positions the top drive unit for both drilling and tripping modes, and it positions the tripping operation elevator for both modes. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of actuators and control systems needed, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling fast tripping operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If a C-shaped tripping operation elevator with mobile locking members is used, then adaptability to various tubular diameters is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional mechanisms required
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped elevator incorporates mobile locking members at specific locations along its length, allowing it to adapt to different tubular diameters. The locking members can be positioned locally to engage with tubulars of various sizes, providing adaptability without requiring the entire elevator structure to be complex or adjustable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a drill rig comprising a drilling tower, a drill floor with a well center, a slip device arranged at the well center, a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device, and a top drive system (100). The top drive system comprises a traveling carriage (110) that is vertically mobile along vertical rails of the drilling tower by means of a vertical motion drive. The system also comprises a top drive unit (120) supported by the carriage and comprising a top drive motor (125) and a rotary torque output member (126). The system further comprises a tripping operation elevator (150) adapted to be engagead with the drill string in order to perform tripping operations. The top drive unit and the tripping operation elevator are each mobile relative to the traveling carriage, and the top drive system is provided with actuators (140, 142) adapted to cause the relative motion of the top drive unit and of the tripping operation elevator so as to provide a drilling mode, a tripping mode and bypassing mode.