Upset Landing String Running System Wedge Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for lowering heavy tubulars in oilfield applications, such as those used in deep-sea drilling, often result in 'slip crushing' due to inadequate load transmission, requiring special dual-upset tubulars or time-consuming bail switching, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A running system comprising a movable elevator and a stationary spider with interlocking gripping assemblies that engage and disengage tubulars to transfer load without direct contact, using tapered housings and wedges to securely grip the tubulars, allowing for seamless transfer of weight and efficient lowering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional slips or bushings are used to hold the tubular by engaging the outer diameter, then the tubular can be supported, but the tensile load causes slip crushing that damages the tubular body
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular is segmented with an upset (shoulder) feature that separates the load-bearing function from the tubular body. The upset engages with the spider's gripping assemblies to bear the tensile load, while the tubular body remains free from crushing damage. This segmentation allows the load to be transmitted through the upset rather than being distributed across the tubular body by slips or bushings.
2Reliability
If dual-upset tubulars are employed to lower the tubular by engaging one upset with the elevator and the second with the spider, then slip crushing is avoided, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spider is designed with gripping assemblies that can engage upset features on tubulars, making it a universal load-bearing device. The gripping assemblies include movable brackets and wedges that can adapt to different tubular configurations. This multi-functionality allows the spider to handle various tubular types without requiring specialized dual-upset tubulars, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If bails are switched between elevators to ensure only the upset is engaged, then slip crushing is avoided, but the operational time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spider's gripping assemblies are designed to automatically engage and disengage from the tubular upset through the relative motion between the spider and elevator. The movable brackets and wedges self-adjust during the lowering operation, eliminating the need for manual bail switching. The system performs the load transfer function automatically as part of the normal lowering process, significantly reducing operational time.
4Productivity
If the spider's gripping assemblies are positioned and sized to slide axially in channels of the elevator, then seamless load transfer is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spider's gripping assemblies are nested within the elevator's channel structure during the lowering operation. The movable brackets and wedges are positioned within the elevator body, allowing the spider to pass through the elevator while maintaining engagement with the tubular upset. This nesting arrangement enables seamless load transfer without requiring complex external mechanisms, as the gripping assemblies utilize the existing elevator channel space.
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
This solution enables faster and more cost-effective lowering of heavy tubulars by avoiding slip crushing, reducing operational time and equipment damage, while maintaining secure load transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A running system includes a spider including a body and gripping assemblies. The gripping assemblies may include楔s (wedges). The wedge(s) may be configured to engage an upset of a tubular.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods for longitudinally moving or running a tubular, with the system including an elevator suspended from a rig. The elevator includes a body defining a bore to receive a tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween, with the wedges being configured to engage the tubular. The system may also include a spider including a body defining a bore to receive the tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween. The wedges of the spider may be configured to engage the tubular, and the wedges of the elevator may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the spider. The wedges of the spider may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the elevator.