Method and system for controlling tongs make-up speed and evaluating and controlling torque at the tongs
US9027416B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53078
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Make-up speed for a tongs drive system is monitored and controlled to maintain the speed within a limited target range either throughout the make-up process or during the final portion of the make-up process, thereby improving make-up consistency and allowing for improved evaluation or torque during the make-up process. An encoder generates speed and position data during the make-up process. The speed data is compared to a target speed, which is based on rod and/or tongs characteristics. If the speed does not match the target speed or is not within a range of the target speed, a signal is transmitted to the tongs drive to adjust the speed accordingly. Furthermore, position data from the encoder, or other position sensors, provide position data for the rod during the make-up process to limit or vary the speed control parameters during different portions of the make-up process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.