Wired Pipe Auto-Stabbing Guide Using Signal Maximization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic pipe joining systems in subterranean drilling operations, such as iron roughnecks, often require human intervention to align pipe segments correctly, which can lead to face damage and connection failure due to inadequate alignment of pin and box threads.
Innovation Solution
A wired pipe joining system that includes a lower clamp, a top rotation arm, a top coupler measurement device, and a controller to maximize signal amplitude between couplers, allowing for precise alignment and automatic joining of pipe segments by moving the new segment in the x and y directions to optimize signal strength and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic pipe joining systems are used, then productivity is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates leading to face damage and connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated system that uses signal transmission through the pipe walls to detect and guide alignment. The alignment system transmits signals through the pipe and uses received signal strength to automatically position the pin end relative to the box end, eliminating the need for human workers to manually align the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system enables the pipe joining process to self-correct and self-align. By continuously monitoring signal strength during the approach and rotation phases, the system automatically adjusts the position of the pin end to achieve optimal alignment with the box end, making the process self-regulating without human intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If human workers manually align pipe segments, then alignment precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated system that uses signal transmission through the pipe walls to detect and guide alignment. The alignment system transmits signals through the pipe and uses received signal strength to automatically position the pin end relative to the box end, eliminating the need for human workers to manually align the components.
3Device complexity
If traditional alignment methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to face damage and connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system incorporates continuous feedback through signal transmission and reception. The system monitors the strength of signals received through the pipe walls in real-time and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the position and orientation of the pin end, ensuring optimal alignment with the box end and preventing connection failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment actions before the actual connection is made. By using signal transmission to pre-position the pin end relative to the box end and verify alignment quality before final engagement, the system prevents face damage and ensures reliable connections before the joining process is completed.
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 enables precise and automatic alignment of pipe segments, reducing the risk of thread damage and connection failure, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of pipe joining operations in drilling and production systems.
Implementation Method 1
The conductors are operably connected between pipe segments by a variety of configurations. One such configuration includes a threaded male-female configuration often referred to as a pin-box connection.
Implementation Method 2
a top coupler measurement device configured to connect to a second end of the new pipe segment and receive a signal from a second coupler in the second end of the new pipe segment
Data Source
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AI summary
A wired pipe joining system for joining wired pipe segments having first end, a second end, a first coupler in the first end, a second coupler in the second end, and a transmission medium in communication with the first and second couplers. The system includes: a lower clamp configured to hold a top pipe segment; a top rotation arm to guide a first end of a new pipe segment into a second end of a top pipe segment; a top coupler measurement device configured to connect to a second end of the new pipe segment and receive a signal from a second coupler in the second end of the new pipe segment; and a controller that causes the top rotation arm to move the new pipe segment to cause the signal received by the top coupler measurement to be maximized.