Tubular Handling System Spring Assembly Torque Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the drilling and production of hydrocarbons, existing systems fail to effectively measure and manage torque during the threadedly engagement of tubular members in harsh, remote environments, risking catastrophic failures and safety issues due to inadequate absorption of vibratory and displacement forces.

Innovation Solution

A modular system comprising a skid with a rotary tong, back-up tong, hydraulic power unit, spring assembly, and sensor/processor system that applies and measures torque, absorbs vibratory and displacement forces, and includes a ball transfer device for secure engagement and lifting of tubular members, ensuring precise torque application and force management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If prior art systems measure and record applied torque, then torque measurement capability is improved, but the system cannot effectively manage vibratory and displacement forces during torqueing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque measurementVSAvoidforce management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring assembly is pre-installed between the tong frame and skid to cushion vibratory and displacement forces before they can cause damage. The springs are positioned to immediately absorb shocks during the torqueing operation, preventing force transmission that could lead to catastrophic failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring assembly acts as an intermediary element between the tong assembly and the skid. It mediates the force transmission by absorbing vibratory and displacement forces, allowing the torque measurement system to function reliably without being subjected to damaging force fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a rigid tong assembly is used for torqueing, then structural strength is improved, but vibratory and displacement forces cannot be absorbed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetong assembly strengthVSAvoidvibratory and displacement forces

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring assembly introduces flexibility into the otherwise rigid tong assembly structure. The springs can deform elastically to absorb vibratory and displacement forces while maintaining the overall structural integrity and strength of the tong assembly during high-torque operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If manual torque application is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but torque application precision and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidthreadedly engagement safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor means detects the applied torque and provides feedback to the processor means, which processes the signal to generate accurate torque readings. This feedback loop enables precise monitoring of the torqueing operation, ensuring that the correct torque is applied for making up tubular connections while maintaining system safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual torque estimation with an automated sensor-based measurement system. The sensor means, processor means, and display device substitute for human judgment and manual torque application methods, providing objective, precise, and recordable torque data to ensure safe and reliable tubular engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system ensures safe and reliable threadedly engagement of tubular members by accurately measuring and managing torque, absorbing vibratory and displacement forces, thereby preventing failures and ensuring operational safety in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of springs having a proximal end abutting the top end of the spring stands, a plurality of rods disposed within the springs, with the rods containing a stop structure on the rod, and wherein the springs have a distal end abutting the stop structure... so that vibratory and displacement forces created during torqueing of the first tubular onto the second tubular are absorbed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a hydraulic power unit, operatively positioned on the skid, for providing hydraulic power to the rotary tong and back-up tong

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

sensor means, operatively positioned on the skid, for sensing an applied torque to the first tubular and the second tubular, and generating a sensor signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque measurement: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS9382768B2Tubular handling system and method

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 OFFSHORE ENERGY SERVICES

AI summary

A modular system and process for connecting a first and second tubular. The system may comprise a skid, a tong assembly operatively associated with the skid, a hydraulic power unit, operatively positioned on said skid, a spring assembly that includes spring stands, a frame containing the tong assembly, springs, rods disposed within the spring, and lanyards attached to the rods on a first end and attached to the base on a second end so that vibratory and displacement forces created during torqueing of the first tubular onto the second tubular are absorbed. The system may also include a sensor, operatively positioned on the skid, for sensing an applied torque to the first and second tubular, and generating a sensor signal.