Universal Injector Head Adapter with Adjustable Locator Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oilfield industry faces significant expenses due to the need for multiple adapters for various injector head sizes and shapes, which are required for handling coiled tubing units, leading to a substantial investment in equipment and increased operational time for switching between different adapters.
Innovation Solution
A universal injector head system that includes a rotating adapter with locator arms and locking pins, allowing for the secure coupling and alignment of different injector head sizes and shapes without the need to remove and replace the adapter, thereby reducing the number of adapters required and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used to accommodate different injector head sizes and shapes, then the system can handle various coiled tubing units, but the cost and operational time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple injector head sizes and shapes through a single standardized coupling mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates adjustable locator arms with slots and locking pins that can be repositioned to match different injector head configurations, allowing one adapter to serve multiple functions dynamically
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are maintained for different injector heads, then various equipment configurations can be supported, but the investment cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal adapter design replaces the need for multiple specialized adapters, reducing equipment inventory requirements and associated costs while maintaining compatibility across different injector head types
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter integrates multiple coupling functions into a single unified structure, combining the functionality of what would traditionally require separate adapters into one cost-effective component
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used for different injector heads, then various tubing configurations can be handled, but the time required for switching adapters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter features adjustable locator arms with slots and locking pins that can be quickly repositioned to accommodate different injector heads without requiring complete adapter replacement, reducing switching time
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design anticipates different injector head configurations through pre-configured slot positions and adjustable locator arms, allowing for rapid adaptation without time-consuming reconfiguration procedures
Data Source
AI summary
An injector head adapter can include a frame member adapted to couple to an injector head table, an opening in the frame member, a plurality of locator arms coupled to the frame member, each locator arm having a slot, a plurality of pins comprising a pin engaged with the slot of each locator arm, and a plurality of lock nuts comprising a lock nut coupled with each of the plurality of pins. A pin can be adapted to couple to a slot at one or more locations relative to the opening. An injector head system can include an injector head platform, an injector head table, which can be movable, and an injector head adapter.