Automated Layup & Down Machine

The Automated Layup & Down Machine (ALDM), developed by B Robotics W, greatly facilitates tubular handling from ground level to the drilling floor, boosting productivity ane reducing costs.

The ALDM is equipped with two sets of hydraulic clamps that are fastened to an arm on top of a parallelogram frame. The clamps tilt and can grab either one or two tubulars (one from each side of the machine).  The parallelogram frame then unfolds, lifting the tubular(s) to the working flour in one motion.

In a second motion, the arm on the frame pivots upward, aligning a tubular over well center, under the top drive, ready to connect to a pipe.  After connection, the clamps disengage. If there’s a second tubular, it’s connected to a pipe.

The clamps release, the arm pivots downward, resting on the parallelogram, which folds to it’s original position, ready to grab another tubular(s).

The ALDM operates both hands-free and in semi-automatic mode, in which movements are activated by a switch in the driller’s cabin.

The ALDM can lift up to 10,000 lbs. and handles tubulars from 2⅞” to 13⅜” (by changing clamps, it can handle 20″ tubulars).

The ALDM is compatible with any drill floor height. It’s self-unloading and has a skidding system that eliminates the need for a crane.

To offload the ALDM from a trailer, long-stroke, hydraulic cylinders fixed to each corner are rotated to a position beyond the edge of a trailer. The cylinder shafts are extended to the ground, which then lift the ALDM above the trailer bed.  The vehicle drives away and the shafts retract, lowering it to the ground.

The ALDM, once unloaded, is easily moved using a 360° skidding system, at the base of each cylinder shaft.