Portable Winch Float Assembly Tubular Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

In oilfield tubular-running operations, existing systems for assembling and supporting tubulars in mouseholes often cause damage to Corrosion Resistant Alloy (CRA) tubulars due to slip-type gripping tools, and older rigs lack elevating mechanisms, leading to inadvertent release and damage during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A portable apparatus with a winch and float assembly is introduced, allowing vertical positioning and support of tubulars within the mousehole without modifying the rig or mousehole, using a cable to adjust the float's depth and control the length of pipe protruding above the rig floor, eliminating the need for slip-type gripping tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If slip-type gripping tools are used to support tubulars in the mousehole, then the tubulars can be held and positioned, but the outer surface of CRA tubulars is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubular support stabilityVSAvoidpipe surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A float assembly is introduced as an intermediary device between the tubular and the mousehole bottom. The float assembly provides support through buoyancy and contact without the need for gripping inserts, thereby preventing surface damage while maintaining support stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical gripping system (slips with gripping inserts) is replaced with a float-based support system that uses buoyancy and contact forces. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical gripping action that causes surface damage while maintaining the essential function of supporting the tubular.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If slip-type gripping tools are used to hold tubulars, then vertical support is provided, but inadvertent opening causes tubular release and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubular support stabilityVSAvoidinadvertent release damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The float assembly acts as a passive intermediary that provides continuous support without the risk of inadvertent release. Unlike active gripping tools that can open unexpectedly, the float assembly maintains support through its physical presence and buoyancy, eliminating the risk of sudden tubular release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If a powered elevating mechanism is installed in the mousehole to raise and lower the stop, then precise positioning is achieved, but the rig structure requires modification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubular positioning precisionVSAvoidrig modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The float assembly is designed to be self-positioning through buoyancy and gravity. It automatically adjusts to the correct position based on the tubular length and mousehole geometry, eliminating the need for powered elevating mechanisms and complex rig modifications while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The float assembly is a simple, inexpensive device that can be easily installed and removed without permanent modifications to the rig. It represents a temporary, disposable solution that achieves precise positioning without the complexity and cost of permanent powered elevating mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If the length of pipe protruding above the rig floor is not controlled, then operations are more difficult, but adding control mechanisms increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe operation easeVSAvoidpositioning control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The float assembly automatically positions the tubular at the correct height based on its buoyancy and the geometry of the mousehole. This self-positioning capability controls the protruding length without requiring additional control mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution prevents damage to tubulars by avoiding slip-type gripping and allows for controlled, repeatable positioning of tubulars, enhancing operational efficiency without requiring modifications to the existing rig or mousehole infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

A portable stand building winch apparatus for vertical positioning of tubular pipe joint in an opening on a rig floor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

A float assembly is placed within the rig's mousehole at the bottom of the apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS10883322B2Portable stand building winch

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 FRANKS INT

AI summary

A portable apparatus for vertically positioning tubulars in a mousehole of a drilling rig includes a main body housing a winch and an anchor point. The main body is configured to be radially aligned with the mousehole. The apparatus also includes a float assembly which is suspended within the mousehole below the main body and a cable wound onto the winch. The cable extends downward into the mousehole traversing the mousehole at the float assembly and then extends upward to and attached to the anchor point on the main body.