Tubular Drift Mandrel With Radial Mobility and Diameter Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drifting devices for tubular goods require at least two operators and significant effort to verify traversability, and there is a need for more efficient internal diameter measurements, especially in the oil and gas industry where current methods are cumbersome and require separate equipment for each operation.
Innovation Solution
A drifting device that combines a cylindrical drift mandrel with internal diameter measuring equipment, allowing for simultaneous operation and reduced operator intervention, featuring a body with an actuator and attachment parts enabling mobility and rotation of the mandrel, along with a laser triangulation sensor for accurate diameter measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical drift mandrel is pushed or pulled through the tubular good using ropes and operators, then the traversability can be verified, but at least two operators are required and significant effort is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of operators pulling ropes with an automated actuator system. The actuator (motor-driven winch or hydraulic system) automatically pulls the drift mandrel through the tubular good, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle ropes and reducing the required effort from multiple operators to a single operator supervising the automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The drifting device becomes self-servicing by incorporating an actuator that automatically performs the pulling operation. The device prepares itself for the test by attaching the drift mandrel, autonomously executes the traversal by winding the rope through the actuator, and completes the operation without requiring continuous manual intervention, thus reducing operator involvement from two operators to one supervising operator.
2Measurement precision
If separate equipment is used for traversability testing and internal diameter measurement, then each function can be performed accurately, but the process requires more time and operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate inspection functions (traversability testing and internal diameter measurement) into a single integrated drifting device. The drift mandrel and ultrasonic measurement equipment are combined in one device, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously during a single passage through the tubular good, thereby reducing total inspection time and operator intervention requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The drifting device is designed as a multi-functional universal tool that can perform both traversability verification and internal diameter measurement. The device includes a drift mandrel for traversability testing and an ultrasonic measurement system for diameter measurement, enabling one device to replace two separate equipment sets and perform multiple functions during a single operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed attachment system is used for the drift mandrel, then the mandrel is securely held, but the mandrel cannot adapt to radial deviations in the tubular good
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The attachment part can move radially relative to the drift mandrel, allowing the system to adapt to radial deviations and ovality in the tubular good while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic capability enables the mandrel to follow the internal contour of the tubular good during traversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system allows changes in radial position parameters to accommodate variations in the tubular good's internal geometry. The attachment part can adjust its radial distance from the mandrel axis, changing the geometric parameters of the connection to maintain stable attachment while adapting to ovality and radial deviations in the tubular good during the drifting operation.
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 solution reduces the effort required for traversability tests and internal diameter measurements, allowing for faster and more accurate inspections with fewer operators, while enabling the use of a single device for various tubular goods sizes by adapting the attachment parts and mandrel dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a laser triangulation sensor for accurate diameter measurement
Data Source
AI summary
This drifting device for a tubular good includes a body, a means of propelling the body through the tubular good, and at least one attachment part for attaching a cylindrical drift mandrel to the body, wherein the attachment part is so configured to enable a degree of mobility of the cylindrical drift mandrel with respect to the body along a radial direction.