Top-Mounted Hoist Single-Layer Drum Drill Line Fatigue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawworks systems in oil and gas drilling rigs face challenges with drill line fatigue and wear due to the large diameter of the drill line, which increases wear and tear on the winch drum and mast, especially when lifting heavy loads, leading to reduced drill line life and the need for frequent slip-and-cut operations.

Innovation Solution

A top-mounted hoisting system with a single-layer winch drum located at the uppermost end of the derrick or drilling mast, where each wrap of the drill line is on the same level, and powered by electric or hydraulic motors, reducing the load on the mast and eliminating the need for slip-and-cut operations by distributing the load more efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the drill line diameter is increased to lift heavier loads, then the load lifting capacity is improved, but the wear and tear on the winch drum and mast increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload lifting capacityVSAvoidwear and tear

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a floor-mounted winch drum configuration to a top-mounted hoist configuration, changing the spatial dimension of the system. This repositioning allows the drill line to be reeved through sheaves at the top of the mast, reducing the mechanical advantage requirements and thereby reducing wear on the winch drum and mast while maintaining the ability to lift heavy loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If the drill line runs through multiple sheaves to gain mechanical advantage, then the load lifting capability is improved, but the drill line fatigue life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload lifting capabilityVSAvoiddrill line fatigue life

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical advantage parameter from a high ratio (8-16 times) achieved through multiple sheaves to a lower ratio achieved through a single-layer winch drum configuration. This parameter change reduces the number of times the drill line passes through sheaves, thereby reducing fatigue cycles and extending drill line life while maintaining load lifting capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the winch drum is floor-mounted to save space at the top, then the space utilization is improved, but the mast load is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmast load

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional floor-mounted winch drum configuration by mounting the winch drum at the top of the mast. This inversion changes the force distribution in the system, allowing the mast to support the winch drum weight directly and reducing the dynamic loads from drill line tension, while the drill floor space is freed up for other equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration extends the life of the drill line, reduces the load on the drilling mast, and eliminates the need for slip-and-cut operations, while also providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution by minimizing the space required on the drill floor and reducing the overall length of the drill line needed.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric motor: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic motor: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

A top-mounted hoisting system with a single-layer winch drum located at the uppermost end of the derrick or drilling mast, where each wrap of the drill line is on the same level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSingle-layer wrapping:

Implementation Method 4

reduces the load on the mast

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11097929B2Top-mounted hoist for use in a derrick or drilling mast of an oil and gas rig

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of a top-mounted hoisting system include a single-layer winch drum located at an uppermost end of a derrick or drilling mast, a drill string handling tool, and one or more drill lines extending from the single layer winch drum to the drill string handling tool. The drill string handling tool may be a top drive. When the drill line is connected directly to the lifted load, the drill line experiences far less load cycles than when the line runs through crown and travelling blocks. If the drum diameter is large enough, cut-and-slip operations may be eliminated, and the drill line may be replaced at longer time intervals. Embodiments provide for lower weight and may provide lower cost as a result. The top-mounted drum does not take up any space on the drill floor and less total length of drill line is also required than if the drum was floor-mounted.