Tubular Elevator Slip Release Locked by Load Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevators used in subterranean well operations risk inadvertently releasing tubulars before they are fully supported by other equipment, leading to costly and time-consuming remedial operations.
Innovation Solution
The elevator system incorporates a load indicator with a slip assembly and fluid springs to ensure the elevator does not release the tubular until it is securely supported by other equipment, using a position indicator to prevent actuation to the open configuration when a predetermined load is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elevator uses a slip assembly to grip the tubular, then the elevator can support and suspend the tubular, but the elevator risks inadvertently releasing the tubular before it is fully supported by other equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The load indicator is pre-configured with a predetermined load threshold that must be exceeded before the slip assembly can be actuated to the open configuration. This preliminary condition ensures that the tubular is properly supported by other equipment (such as a spider) before the elevator releases it, preventing inadvertent dropping while maintaining a relatively simple control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The load indicator provides continuous feedback about the load supported by the elevator to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to monitor whether the predetermined load threshold is met before permitting actuation of the slip assembly, thereby ensuring reliable tubular support while using a straightforward feedback-based control approach.
2Productivity
If the elevator releases the tubular early, then operational speed increases, but costly and time-consuming remedial operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
By requiring that the predetermined load be exceeded before the slip assembly can open, the system ensures that the tubular is already supported by other equipment before release. This preliminary condition prevents dropped tubulars and the subsequent remedial operations, thereby avoiding time losses despite maintaining efficient transfer operations.
3Reliability
If the elevator maintains grip longer to ensure safe transfer, then tubular safety improves, but operational efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a predetermined load parameter as the critical threshold for determining when safe transfer has occurred. By changing the control parameter from time-based or position-based to load-based, the system achieves reliable safety (the tubular is held until properly supported) while maintaining operational efficiency (release occurs as soon as the load threshold indicates safe transfer, not later).
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
Prevents accidental dropping of tubulars by ensuring the elevator maintains grip until it is safely transferred to another support, thereby reducing the need for remedial operations and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid spring configured to apply a biasing force to the position indicator to maintain the position indicator in a first position
Implementation Method 2
the load indicator to prevent actuation of the slip assembly from the closed configuration to the open configuration when at least a predetermined load is supported by the elevator housing
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator for use with a subterranean well can include an elevator housing, a slip assembly axially displaceable relative to the elevator housing, the slip assembly including multiple slips configured to grip an outer surface of a tubular disposed in the slip assembly, the slip assembly having open and closed configurations, and a load indicator configured to prevent actuation of the slip assembly from the closed configuration to the open configuration when at least a predetermined load is supported by the elevator housing. A method of handling tubulars can include supporting a tubular with an elevator, thereby applying at least a predetermined load to the elevator, and a load indicator of the elevator preventing a slip assembly of the elevator from being actuated to an open configuration while at least the predetermined load is applied to the elevator.