Vision-Guided Riser Joint Robotics for Safer Bolt Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling operations face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting riser joints, which poses risks to workers and is time-consuming due to the manual manipulation of riser bolts.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with robotic arms and riser-connection manipulation tools, equipped with cameras and servo motors, is used to automate the process of connecting and disconnecting riser joints by analyzing images to determine bolt locations and orientations and performing tasks such as tightening and loosening bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers manually manipulate riser bolts to connect or disconnect riser joints, then the process can be completed with simple equipment, but the risk of injury to workers increases and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of riser bolts with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm equipped with a manipulation tool can automatically grasp, position, and tighten/loosen bolts on riser joints, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle heavy bolts and dangerous connections, thus improving worker safety while managing equipment complexity through systematic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system enables the riser connection process to be performed autonomously without human intervention. The system includes automated positioning, image recognition for bolt location, and automated manipulation tools that can independently complete the connection or disconnection of riser joints, making the system self-sufficient in performing tasks that previously required human workers.
2Productivity
If workers manually manipulate riser bolts to connect or disconnect riser joints, then the equipment required is simple, but the process becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of riser bolts with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm equipped with a manipulation tool can automatically grasp, position, and tighten/loosen bolts on riser joints, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle heavy bolts and dangerous connections, thus improving worker safety while managing equipment complexity through systematic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system enables continuous operation without the interruptions inherent in manual work. The automated manipulation tools can continuously perform connection and disconnection tasks without breaks, fatigue, or safety interruptions, maintaining steady productivity and eliminating downtime associated with manual bolt manipulation and safety protocols.
3Productivity
If automated robotic arms are used to manipulate riser bolts, then worker safety is improved and efficiency increases, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity. The robotic arm can perform multiple tasks including grasping bolts, positioning them on riser joints, tightening bolts, loosening bolts, and even inspecting connections using integrated sensors or cameras. This universal capability consolidates multiple separate functions into one system, making the complexity worthwhile by enabling faster, safer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates feedback mechanisms to manage complexity through intelligent control. Sensors, cameras, and force feedback systems provide real-time information about bolt positions, connection status, and manipulation forces, allowing the control system to automatically adjust and optimize operations. This feedback loop enables the complex system to operate autonomously and adaptively, improving productivity while reducing the need for human intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The system for making or breaking the riser includes a robotic system. The robotic system includes one or more robotic arms configured to be disposed on a spider deck, and one or more riser-connection manipulation tools each having a camera and being configured to manipulate a riser connection, the camera being configured to capture an image of an object, wherein each robotic arm is configured to couple to one riser-connection manipulation tool. Further the system for making or breaking the riser includes a control system. The control system includes a robot controller in communication with the one or more robotic arms and configured to control the one or more robotic arms. The system for making or breaking the riser is configured to analyze the image to determine the location and orientation of the object and transmit the location and orientation of the object to the robot controller.