Tubular Support Interlock Device for Wellbore Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for assembling and disassembling tubular strings in wellbores lack a reliable interlock mechanism to prevent accidental opening of support devices when a load is acting on them, potentially leading to safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An interlock device connected within the load path of tubular support devices, comprising a first member moveably connected to a second member with a biasing mechanism and a sensor to detect movement, locking the support device in a closed position when a load is detected, ensuring the support device remains engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an interlock system is implemented to prevent opening when load is detected, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the support device and the control system. The sensor detects whether the support device is engaged with the tubular string and transmits this information to prevent accidental opening operations, thereby improving safety without requiring complex interlock mechanisms throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates a self-monitoring capability through the sensor that automatically detects its own engagement state. This self-service approach allows the device to prevent its own accidental opening without requiring external complex control systems, thus improving safety while minimizing added complexity.
2Reliability
If a sensor-based interlock system is added, then operational safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides automatic feedback about the engagement state to the control system. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual checking by operators and automatically prevents opening operations when the device is engaged, thereby improving operational safety while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
3Reliability
If an interlock mechanism is implemented, then prevention of accidental dropping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves as an intermediary that monitors the engagement state and communicates this information to prevent opening operations. This simple intermediary component provides effective prevention of accidental dropping without requiring complex mechanical interlock mechanisms, thus improving reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
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 operation of the support device to the open position, maintaining safety by ensuring the support device remains engaged with the tubular string when a load is suspended, thereby preventing accidental dropping or misalignment during tubular string operations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism operationally connected to the first member and the second member providing a load setting resisting movement of the first member and the second member relative to one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
According to one or more aspects of the invention an interlock device is adapted for connection within a load path of a tubular support device to lock the tubular support device in a closed position in response to detecting a load suspended from the tubular support device. The interlock device includes a first member moveably connected to a second member and a biasing mechanism operationally connected to the first member and the second member providing a load setting resisting movement of the first member and the second member relative to one another. The first and the second member may be rotationally locked with one another to transmit rotation across the interlock device to the elevator.