Tubular Rotation Detection Wheel for Complete Pipe Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling and production systems face challenges in reliably detecting when pipe sections are fully threaded, leading to increased wear on drill pipes and components, incomplete coupling, and inefficient drilling operations due to the inability of some spinning assemblies to accurately monitor rotation.
Innovation Solution
A tubular rotation detection system is introduced, which includes a spinner assembly with a detection wheel that contacts the pipe section and rotates independently, allowing for reliable detection of when the pipe section is fully spun in, thereby reducing wear and ensuring complete coupling through the use of sensors and a control system to monitor and control the rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spinner assembly is used to rotate pipe sections for threading, then the pipe sections can be coupled together, but the system cannot reliably detect when the pipe sections are fully threaded
Solution Approach 1:
A detection wheel is introduced as an intermediary component that contacts the pipe section and rotates independently from the spinner assembly. This detection wheel serves as a mediator to transfer rotation information from the pipe section to the sensor, enabling reliable detection of when the pipe section is fully threaded without interfering with the spinning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces unreliable mechanical detection methods with an optical or electromagnetic sensor system. The sensor detects features on the rotating detection wheel (such as teeth or markers) to generate electrical signals that indicate rotation status, substituting mechanical contact-based detection with a non-contact sensing system that provides more reliable detection.
2Productivity
If the spinner assembly continues rotating without detection, then drilling operations can proceed, but wear on drill pipes and components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by using the sensor to detect rotation of the detection wheel and generating signals that are fed back to the control system. When the pipe section is fully threaded and stops rotating, the feedback signal changes, automatically stopping the spinner assembly. This prevents excessive rotation and wear while maintaining efficient drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is self-regulating in that it automatically detects the completion of threading and stops the spinning operation without requiring external intervention. The sensor and control system work together to monitor the rotation status and autonomously control the spinner assembly, preventing wear while maintaining productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If rotation detection is not implemented, then the system remains simple, but incomplete coupling of pipe sections occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The detection wheel acts as a simple intermediary mechanical component that converts pipe section rotation into wheel rotation in a 1:1 ratio. This simple mechanical intermediary, combined with a relatively simple sensor that detects features on the wheel, achieves precise coupling detection without requiring complex detection systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in a mineral extraction system includes a spinner assembly having a motor configured to drive rotation of a roller shaft. The spinner assembly also includes a roller non-rotatably coupled to the roller shaft and configured to contact a first tubular structure, and rotation of the roller is configured to cause rotation of the first tubular structure until the first tubular structure is spun into a second tubular structure. The spinner assembly further includes a detection wheel coupled to the roller shaft and configured to contact the first tubular structure, and the detection wheel is configured to rotate with the first tubular structure and to rotate independently of the roller. The spinner assembly further includes a sensor configured to detect rotation of the detection wheel.