Mobile hardbanding unit
OwnerJames G. Acquayeinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mobile hardbanding system that uses PTA welding to perform hardbanding on drill string sections at the well site. The inventive system allows alternate use of PTA and MIG welding. Both a PTA torch and a MIG torch are provided. Changing from one type of welding to the other is simplified by including separate electrical, gas, and cooling conduits for each torch. The torch not in use is parked in the welding compartment near the weld box. The powder hopper for the PTA welding assembly may be mounted on a swivel arm so that it can be moved out of the way when the MIG torch is in use.
Claims11
A mobile hardbanding unit for applying a wear-resistant metal band to a drill string section, the unit comprising:
- a mobile platform;
- a weld box supported on the platform comprising an opening for receiving a drill string section;
- a PTA torch supportable in the weld box;
- an electrical power source electrically connected to the PTA torch;
- electrical conduits connecting the power source to the PTA torch;
- a PTA powder feed assembly comprising:
- a PTA powder container connectable to a supply of PTA powder gas;
- a PTA conduit for conducting gas-entrained PTA powder to the PTA torch;
- and
- an adjustable feeder for metering the supply of gas-entrained PTA powder to the PTA conduit;
- a conduit configured to connect a center gas supply to the PTA torch;
- a conduit configured to connect a shield gas supply to the PTA torch;
- a cooling system comprising:
- a chiller;
- and
- a conduit for circulating a chilled fluid between the chiller and the PTA torch and the electrical conduits connecting the power source to the PTA torch;
- a pipe management assembly;
- and
- a control system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.