Walking Structure for Workover Rig Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of setting up, deconstructing, moving, and reconstructing workover rigs at different oil and gas well sites is time-consuming and costly, requiring the rigs to be rigged down before moving, which is dangerous and limits operation hours to daylight hours.
Innovation Solution
A transportable workover rig system with a walking structure composed of pony substructures and stompers that allows the workover rig to remain operational during relocation, using a ramp for secure positioning and guide wires for stabilization, enabling continuous operation and reduced setup times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the workover rig is moved using conventional methods (rigged down, transported, and reconstructed), then the rig can be relocated to a new well site, but the process is time-consuming and requires setup and teardown operations
Solution Approach 1:
The workover rig is mounted on a movable platform with stompers that enable the entire rig assembly to walk or move across the terrain to different well sites. This dynamic transportation method eliminates the need for static rigging down and reconstruction, allowing the rig to maintain its operational configuration during relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rig is pre-mounted on the platform with all necessary operational components in place before departure. The platform is prepared with stompers and stabilization systems in advance, so that when the rig needs to move, it can simply relocate without time-consuming setup and teardown operations at each well site.
2Productivity
If the workover rig remains in operational configuration during transport, then setup and teardown times are reduced, but the rig requires specialized transportation equipment and stabilization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The workover rig is merged with the movable platform to form an integrated assembly. The platform includes built-in stompers for locomotion and guide wire attachment points for stabilization, combining transportation and operational functions into a single unified system that eliminates the need for separate rigging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide wires serve as intermediaries between the platform and the workover rig, providing stabilization during movement without requiring complex mechanical restraints. The stompers act as intermediaries for locomotion, allowing the platform to walk across terrain while supporting the operational rig configuration.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the workover rig is moved during daylight hours only, then safety is maintained with conventional rigging methods, but operation hours are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform with stompers enables continuous operation of the workover rig across multiple well sites without interruption for rigging down and reconstruction. The rig maintains its operational configuration throughout nighttime hours and during transportation, eliminating downtime and extending productive operation hours beyond daylight limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
A transportation apparatus for moving a workover rig includes a first and a second pony substructure. A joist connects the first pony substructure to the second pony substructure. At least one stomper is operably connected to each of the first and second pony substructures for moving the transportation apparatus from a first location to a second location. The first and second pony substructures are configured to receive a vehicle that is configured as a workover rig. A proximal end of a first guide wire attaches to the walking structure, and a distal end of the guide wire attaches to the workover rig to stabilize the workover rig atop the transportation apparatus.