Weight-Based Tubular Interlock Prevents Accidental Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interlock systems for tubular joints or strings in drilling operations are prone to accidental release due to inaccurate signals or failure to hold the weight of tubulars, leading to potential damage and delays.
Innovation Solution
A weight-based interlock apparatus that measures the actual tubular load and compares it to a predetermined load, releasing the grip only when the load is reduced below the predetermined level and applying a controlled release force, ensuring that a second gripping mechanism is engaging the load before release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional interlock systems are used to control gripping mechanisms, then operator control is simplified, but accidental release occurs due to inaccurate signals or improper latch engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical interlock systems with a weight-based detection system using load cells or force sensors. The system electronically monitors the actual load on gripping mechanisms and automatically controls release based on predetermined weight thresholds, eliminating manual operation errors while maintaining simple operator interface through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual tubular load on gripping mechanisms through weight sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of gripping mechanism states, ensuring release only occurs when weight conditions confirm safe transfer to another gripping device, thereby preventing accidental release while simplifying operator control.
2Device complexity
If manual interlock control is used, then system complexity is reduced, but inaccurate signals lead to premature or failed release detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical signal transmission systems with electronic weight-based detection using load cells, force sensors, or pressure sensors. These electronic sensors provide precise measurement of actual tubular loads, eliminating the signal inaccuracies inherent in mechanical interlock systems while maintaining relatively simple overall system architecture through direct digital sensing.
3Productivity
If gripping mechanism releases tubular without load verification, then operational speed increases, but tubular damage or dropping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary weight verification before allowing release of the tubular. Load sensors detect the actual load on the gripping mechanism, and the control system automatically confirms that weight conditions indicate safe transfer to another gripping device before initiating release. This preliminary check prevents tubular dropping or damage while maintaining rapid operational speed through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time weight feedback to control the release timing. Load sensors continuously monitor the actual tubular weight, and the control system automatically permits release only when feedback confirms sufficient load transfer to another gripping mechanism. This feedback-controlled approach eliminates the need for slow manual verification while preventing harmful release conditions.
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
Minimizes human error and prevents accidental release of tubulars by confirming engagement with a second gripping mechanism before releasing, thereby ensuring safe handling and reducing operational delays and damage.
Implementation Method 1
an interlock system operatively connected thereto that is adapted to measure an actual tubular load on the gripping mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The at least one counterbalance mechanism or cylinder, includes a hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A weight-based tubular interlock apparatus adapted to determine whether a tubular is engagingly gripped by a rig-based hoisting device or a secondary gripping device is described. The apparatus includes at least two gripping mechanisms and an interlock system operatively connected that is adapted to measure a tubular load on at least one of the gripping mechanisms and to compare the tubular load to a predetermined load to deter nine whether the at least one gripping mechanism is gripping the tubular. The gripping mechanism is adapted to release the tubular only when the tubular load meets the predetermined load, upon which a release force sufficient to release the tubular from the gripping mechanism is applied to the tubular relative to the gripping mechanism. Methods of using the interlock apparatus are also described.