Top Drive Winch Aligns Tubulars via Quill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling operations are inefficient due to the need for multiple connectors and pulley systems to align and hoist drilling equipment with the top drive, leading to time-consuming processes and potential cable entanglements.
Innovation Solution
A top drive system with a mounted winch and flexible line that extends through the quill, allowing the line to be wound onto a spool to pull tubulars or equipment into alignment with the top drive, eliminating the need for connectors and pulley arrangements by using an attachment feature at the line's end to couple with the equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drillpipe elevators and multiple pulleys are used to hoist drilling equipment into alignment with the top drive, then the equipment can be positioned correctly, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hoisting function and alignment function into a single integrated system. The winch on the top drive simultaneously performs both functions by winding the line to lift equipment while the guided path through guides and along the drill string automatically provides alignment, eliminating the need for separate elevator and pulley systems
Solution Approach 2:
The top drive is equipped with a winch that serves multiple functions: hoisting drill collars, positioning equipment, and providing alignment all in one device. This multi-functional approach replaces the conventional need for separate drillpipe elevators and pulley arrangements
2Speed
If drillpipe elevators are used to hoist tubulars, then the tubulars can be lifted, but connectors must be coupled and removed which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connector coupling/removal step from the hoisting process. The winch system allows direct attachment of the line to the tubular end and hoisting without requiring intermediate connectors to be coupled and removed, streamlining the operation
Solution Approach 2:
The line is pre-positioned and attached to the tubular before hoisting begins. The winch then performs the complete hoisting operation in one continuous action, eliminating the need for preliminary connector operations that interrupt the process
3Ease of operation
If wire cables on pulleys are used to hoist drilling equipment, then equipment can be positioned, but cable entanglements occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable path into controlled sections using guides. The line travels through designated guides and along the drill string in a structured path, preventing random entanglements that occur with free-floating pulley systems
Solution Approach 2:
Guides are introduced as intermediary elements that control the line's path. These guides mediate between the winch and the equipment being hoisted, ensuring the line follows a predetermined safe path and prevents entanglement with moving parts
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
This method streamlines the process of aligning and coupling drilling equipment with the top drive, reducing operational time and minimizing cable entanglements, thereby enhancing drilling efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
As the winch winds the flexible line about the spool, the extended portion of the flexible line shortens, pulling the tubular toward the quill
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a top drive system equipped with a mounted winch configured to draw tubular or well equipment into alignment with a quill of the top drive system. The winch comprises a spool and a flexible line that extends from the spool and through channels in the top drive system, exiting through the quill. An attachment feature at the distal end of the flexible line couples the flexible line with the tubular or drilling equipment. Once this coupling has been established, the winch may rotate such that the flexible line retracts through the quill of the top drive system, drawing the tubular or well equipment into alignment with the quill.