Well Rig Strut Anchoring for Wellhead Alignment Under Snubbing Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well rigs face challenges in securely anchoring to wellheads during high-pressure snubbing operations, posing safety risks for personnel and inadequate resistance to snubbing loads.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead mount and anchoring system is integrated into the rig structure, using structural tie-back points, struts, and tensile members to provide a rigid anchor connection that resists snubbing loads, and includes a strut assembly with adjustable components to align and secure the rig to the wellhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional well rigs are used without integrated anchoring systems, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and safety during high-pressure snubbing operations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchoring system with the rig structure by integrating struts, tensile members, and tie-back points directly into the rig framework. This combination ensures that the anchoring functionality is built-in rather than added as separate equipment, thereby improving reliability during snubbing operations while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated anchoring system serves multiple functions: it secures the rig to the wellhead, resists snubbing loads, maintains alignment, and provides structural support. By making the anchoring system multi-functional, the patent improves safety and operational reliability without requiring additional specialized equipment, thus avoiding excessive complexity increase.
2Strength
If rig weight alone is used for anchoring, then device complexity is minimized, but strength and resistance to snubbing loads deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is segmented into multiple components including struts, tensile members, tie-back points, and alignment guides. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing superior strength and load resistance compared to relying on rig weight alone, without creating an overly complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system is pre-configured and adjusted before snubbing operations begin. The struts and tensile members are positioned and tensioned in advance to ensure optimal resistance to anticipated snubbing loads. This preliminary setup ensures maximum strength and safety while avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed anchoring positions are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different wellhead configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system incorporates adjustable and movable components, including telescoping struts, movable tie-back points, and adjustable alignment guides. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt to different wellhead configurations and positions while maintaining ease of operation through standardized adjustment mechanisms. The system can be quickly reconfigured without requiring complex procedures or specialized skills.
Data Source
AI summary
A well rig can include a mast, and a strut assembly connected to the mast for transmitting a compressive load between the mast and a wellhead assembly, the strut assembly including an anchor that connects to an upper flange of the wellhead assembly. A method of aligning a well rig with a wellhead assembly can include raising a mast of the well rig, and deploying a strut assembly, thereby positioning an anchor relative to the mast. Another well rig can include a mast, and a strut assembly connected to the mast and including struts that transmit a compressive load between the mast and a wellhead assembly, the strut assembly further including an anchor that connects to the wellhead assembly, and the anchor including a rotatable flange body.