Variable Size Coiled Tubing Counter With Floating Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coiled tubing counters are inaccurate due to vibration and require frequent adjustments and component changes to accommodate different tubing diameters, leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A variable-sized coiled tubing counter with tensioned floating rollers that adjust to multiple diameters without changing rollers or configurations, using a flexible axle to absorb vibrations and maintain contact with the tubing, allowing for accurate length measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed rollers are used in coiled tubing counters, then the counter can accurately measure tubing length for a specific diameter, but the counter cannot accommodate different tubing diameters without changing rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is made movable along the counter body, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate different tubing diameters. The roller can move to different locations on the counter to maintain proper contact with tubing of varying sizes, eliminating the need to change rollers while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A single roller assembly is designed to serve multiple functions by accommodating various tubing diameters through its movable positioning capability. This universal design allows one roller assembly to replace multiple diameter-specific rollers, simplifying the overall device while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If traditional metal axle transmission is used, then the counter structure is simple, but the counter cannot absorb vibration and maintain reliable contact with tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission medium is changed from rigid metal axle to flexible cable, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of the transmission element. This flexible cable can bend and absorb vibration while still transmitting rotational motion, allowing the roller to maintain reliable contact with vibrating tubing without compromising the transmission function.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible cable is used instead of a rigid metal axle to transmit rotational motion from the roller to the counter mechanism. This flexible cable can accommodate vibration and movement of the roller while maintaining continuous contact and reliable signal transmission, improving reliability under harsh conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rollers are relocated in different mounting slots for different diameters, then different tubing diameters can be accommodated, but it requires significant time and effort and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is designed to move dynamically along the counter body to different positions that accommodate various tubing diameters. This dynamic adjustment can be made quickly during operation without requiring time-consuming manual relocation of rollers between mounting slots, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining safety.
4Adaptability or versatility
If generic V-rollers are used to accommodate different diameters, then the counter can work with multiple diameters, but the rollers must be changed to meet new circumference formulas for accurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly moves to different positions on the counter body to accommodate various tubing diameters, maintaining consistent circumference contact throughout. This dynamic positioning allows the same roller to accurately measure different diameters without requiring changes to the roller itself or its circumference formula, preserving measurement precision across all tubing sizes.
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 solution provides accurate and reliable length measurement of coiled tubing across various diameters without the need for frequent adjustments, reducing operational time and safety risks by maintaining contact and absorbing vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
Most counters transmit the revolutions of a roller to a mechanical counter using a metal axle. This arrangement lacks the ability to absorb vibration or allow travel of the rollers while maintaining a reliable rotating engagement.
Implementation Method 2
A variable-sized coiled tubing counter with tensioned floating rollers that adjust to multiple diameters without changing rollers or configurations, using a flexible axle to absorb vibrations and maintain contact with the tubing
Implementation Method 3
The system includes rollers that are under tension during operation and are operably linked to a counter and/or display
Data Source
AI summary
A variable sized coiled tubing counter is described herein. The variable sized coiled tubing counter includes a plurality of rollers. At least one roller is a floating roller which is allowed to travel and may be connected to a tension assembly. The variable sized tubing counter typically includes a counter which is rotationally connected to a floating counting roller using a somewhat flexible axle. As coiled tubing passes through the tubing counter, the length of tubing is determined based on the number of rotations of the counting roller. The use of floating, tensioned rollers allows the disclosed tubing counter to be utilized with multiple diameters of coiled tubing without significant adjustment to the tubing counter or changing components of the tubing counter.