Wrench Assembly Eccentricity Sensing Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing spinner and wrench tools in the oil and gas industry often experience misalignment during tubular connections, leading to improper torque application and potential leaks due to offset center axes, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A wrench assembly with an upper and lower clamp assembly, an alignment device that allows lateral movement to adjust the torque axis, and an eccentricity sensing mechanism to ensure maximum torque is applied along the tubular center axis, using a wedge and groove engagement to correct misalignment and stop torque application when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the grippers grip the tubular, then the wrench can apply torque to the tubular connection, but the center axis of the tubular may be offset from the center axis of the wrench causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device allows the upper clamp assembly to move laterally relative to the lower clamp assembly during torque application. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to eccentricity conditions automatically, maintaining proper torque application while compensating for misalignment between the tubular center axis and wrench center axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentricity sensing mechanism provides feedback about the alignment state to the control system. When misalignment is detected, the system can adjust the lateral position of the upper clamp assembly or stop torque application to prevent damage, ensuring proper alignment is maintained throughout the torque application process.
2Device complexity
If the upper clamp assembly is fixed relative to the lower clamp assembly, then the structure is simple, but the wrench cannot compensate for eccentricity between tubular center axis and wrench center axis
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device introduces controlled mobility between the upper and lower clamp assemblies, allowing lateral movement to compensate for eccentricity. This dynamic feature enables the wrench to adapt to various alignment conditions without requiring a completely redesign of the clamp assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the upper clamp assembly relative to the lower clamp assembly to compensate for eccentricity. By allowing lateral movement and adjusting the relative position, the system maintains proper torque application even when the tubular center axis is offset from the wrench center axis.
3Power
If the wrench applies torque along the wrench center axis, then maximum torque can be applied, but misalignment causes improper torque application to the threaded connection
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device enables the upper clamp assembly to move laterally to align the torque application axis with the tubular center axis. This dynamic adjustment ensures that maximum torque is applied along the correct axis, preventing misalignment-induced damage and ensuring reliable threaded connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentricity sensing mechanism monitors the alignment state and provides feedback to the control system. When misalignment is detected, the system can adjust the lateral position of the upper clamp assembly or reduce/stop torque application to prevent improper loading of the threaded connection, thereby maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wrench assembly comprising an upper clamp assembly, a lower clamp assembly coupled to the upper clamp assembly, an alignment device disposed between the upper and lower clamp assemblies to allow the upper clamp assembly to move laterally relative to the lower clamp assembly when rotated relative to the lower clamp assembly, and an eccentricity sensing mechanism coupled between the upper clamp assembly and the lower clamp assembly.