Tubular Handling Assembly Direct Casing Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing top drive systems require time-consuming and thread-damaging processes to connect and disconnect casing during drilling operations, leading to increased downtime due to the need for threaded crossover adapters.
Innovation Solution
A tubular handling assembly with a mandrel, actuator, gripping elements, clamping indicators, and coupling indicators that allow direct engagement and rotation of tubulars without the need for crossover adapters, using a swivel and link assembly to transfer torque and a thread compensator to manage thread connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded crossover adapter is used to connect the top drive quill to the casing, then the top drive can rotate the casing, but the connection and disconnection process becomes time-consuming and increases the likelihood of thread damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded crossover adapter from the system by providing a quill with a diameter that directly matches the casing outer diameter, allowing direct engagement without intermediate connecting components
Solution Approach 2:
The quill is designed with a universal diameter that can directly engage with the outer surface of various casings, enabling the top drive to handle both drilling operations and casing installation without requiring different connecting mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded crossover adapter is used to connect the top drive quill to the casing, then the top drive can rotate the casing, but the thread damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the threaded crossover adapter entirely from the connection path, eliminating the threaded interfaces that are susceptible to damage during repeated connection and disconnection operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a direct surface engagement interface between the quill and casing that acts as a mediator, transferring rotational force without relying on threaded connections that can be damaged
3Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded crossover adapter is used, then the top drive can engage the casing, but the complexity of the connection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the crossover adapter component from the system, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall connection architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the quill and casing connection into a single direct engagement interface, eliminating the need for separate adapter components and simplifying the assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
In one embodiment, a tubular gripping assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular includes a tubular gripping tool having a mandrel and gripping elements operatively coupled to the mandrel; and a link assembly attached to the mandrel, wherein a load of the link assembly is transferred to the mandrel. In another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a swivel having selectively actuatable seals. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a thread compensator to facilitate tubular make-up. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a wedge lock release apparatus to facilitate the release of gripping elements from the tubular.