Wellsite Servicing System for Drill Pipe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the oil and gas production industry, the processes of tripping in and out of a wellbore result in increased nonproductive time due to the need for lubrication and testing of drill pipe, which is hindered by relative movement between the drill pipe and conductivity testers, disrupting the coupling and conductivity tests.
Innovation Solution
A wellsite system incorporating a support system with an elevator and a servicing system that includes a conductivity tester, lubricator, and thread cleaner, featuring a spindle with ball joints and elastomers to maintain alignment and provide even contact, allowing for concurrent lubrication and testing while minimizing misalignment issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubrication and testing operations are performed on drill pipe during tripping in and out of wellbore, then the reliability of the drill pipe coupling and conductivity is improved, but the nonproductive time increases due to the additional operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The servicing system is positioned and configured in advance to perform lubrication and conductivity testing operations on the drill pipe during the tripping process. The system includes pre-assembled components such as the servicing apparatus with coupling devices, lubrication mechanisms, and conductivity test equipment that are ready to engage with the drill pipe as it passes through the elevator, eliminating the need for separate operational stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous performance of lubrication and conductivity testing operations during the tripping in and out of wellbore process. The servicing system remains engaged with the drill pipe throughout the movement, allowing lubrication of coupling threads and conductivity testing to occur concurrently with the tripping operation, rather than requiring separate discrete operations that would interrupt the drilling process.
2Reliability
If conductivity testing is performed on wired drill pipe, then the reliability of downhole communications network is improved, but the coupling between tester and drill pipe is disrupted by relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that maintains stable coupling between the conductivity tester and the wired drill pipe despite relative movement. The servicing system includes positioning devices and coupling mechanisms that act as intermediaries to compensate for movement between the tester and the drill pipe, ensuring consistent electrical contact and signal transmission throughout the tripping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the servicing apparatus to adapt to relative movement between the drill pipe and the tester. The positioning system can dynamically adjust its location and orientation to maintain optimal coupling alignment with the moving drill pipe, ensuring continuous and reliable conductivity testing during the tripping in and out process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple servicing operations are performed on drill pipe, then the completeness of maintenance is improved, but the complexity of the servicing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple servicing operations into a single integrated servicing apparatus. The lubrication mechanism, conductivity testing equipment, and coupling devices are combined in one unified system that can perform all necessary maintenance operations on the drill pipe simultaneously during tripping. This integration reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The servicing system is designed as a universal multi-functional apparatus that can perform lubrication, conductivity testing, and other maintenance operations on the drill pipe. The single servicing system handles multiple functions through integrated mechanisms, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems and simplifying the overall maintenance process while maintaining completeness of operations.
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 system reduces nonproductive time by enabling efficient lubrication and conductivity testing of drill pipe during displacement, ensuring reliable coupling and accurate testing while maintaining alignment and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an upper elastomer disposed between the upper annular cap and the first flange and a lower elastomer disposed between the lower annular cap and the second flange, wherein the elastomers are configured to bias the second flange into axial alignment with the central axis of the tubular
Implementation Method 2
The spindle may include a first ball joint at the first end of the spindle and a second ball joint at the second end of the spindle
Data Source
AI summary
A wellsite system includes a drilling rig, an elevator, and a support system that includes a housing coupled to the drilling rig, a bracket member pivotably coupled to the housing, an actuatable arm coupled to the bracket member and configured to be moveable along an axis of the bracket member, and a servicing system coupled to the actuatable arm, wherein the servicing system is configured to threadlessly engage a tubular. A wellsite servicing system includes a first flange, a second flange configured to engage a flange of a tubular, and a spindle that is pivotable between the first and second flanges such that a central axis of the second flange remains in axial alignment with a central axis of the tubular when the central axis of the tubular is axially misaligned with a central axis of the first flange.