Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02605256 2007-10-29
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING TUBULARS
USING A TOP DRIVE
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent Application Serial No.
2,340,994 filed on August 16, 1999.
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating the
connection of
tubulars using a top drive and is, more particularly but not exclusively, for
facilitating the
connection of a section or stand of casing to a string or casing.
It should be understood that the expression "the invention" and the like
encompasses the subject-matter of both the parent and the divisional
applications.
In the construction of wells such as oil or gas wells, it is usually necessary
to line
predrilled holes with a string of tubulars known as casing. Because of the
size of the
casing required, sections or stands of say two sections of casing are
connected to each
other as they are lowered into the well from a platform. The first section or
stand of
casing is lowered into the well and is usually restrained from falling into
the well by a
spider located in the platform's floor. Subsequent sections or stands of
casing are moved
from a rack to the well centre above the spider. The threaded pin of the
section or stand
of casing to be connected is located over the threaded box of the casing in
the well to
form a string of casing. The connection is made-up by rotation therebetween.
It is common practice to use a power tong to torque the connection up to a
predetermined torque in order to perfect the connection. The power tong is
located on
the platform, either on rails, or hung from a derrick on a chain. However, it
has recently
been proposed to use a top drive for making such connection.
Prior to the present invention, pipe handling devices moved pipes to be
connected
to a tubular string from a rack to the well centre using articulated arms or,
more
commonly, a pipe elevator suspended from the drilling tower.
The present invention provides an alternative to these devices.
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Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for
facilitating the connection of tubulars, said apparatus comprising a winch, at
least one
wire line and a device for gripping a tubular the arrangement being such that,
in use, the
winch can be used to winch said at least one wire and said device to position
a tubular
below said top drive.
In one embodiment, a guide can be located on said dynamic part of said
suspension unit. Furthermore, a pulley wheel can be provided on said static
part of said
suspension unit.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method
of facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive and comprising
the steps of
attaching at least one wire to a tubular, the wire depending from the top
drive or from a
component attached thereto, and winching the wire and the tubular upwards to a
position
beneath the top drive.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an
apparatus
for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, said apparatus
comprising an
elevator and a pair of bails, characterised in that said elevator is, in use,
movable in
relation to said pair of bails.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an
apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, said
apparatus
comprising an elevator and a pair of bails, characterised in that said
elevator is, in use,
movable relative to said pair of bails.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for facilitating the
connection of
tubulars using a top drive and comprising a suspension unit for coupling a
tubular to the
top drive, the suspension unit having a static part fixed with respect to a
top drive and a
dynamic part movable relative thereto, and a winch located on the static part
of the
suspension unit, at least one wire, and a device for gripping the tubular, the
arrangement
being such that, in use, the winch can be used to winch the at least one wire
and the
device to position the tubular below the top drive.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for facilitating the
connection of
tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising an elevator, and a pair
of bails
attached to an axle disposed on the top drive and are movable thereabout,
wherein the
elevator is movable along the pair of bails.
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The present invention also provides an apparatus for facilitating the
connection of
tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising an elevator, a pair of
bails attached
to an axle disposed on the top drive and are movable thereabout, wherein the
elevator is
movable along the pair of bails, and at least one piston and cylinder for
moving the pair
of bails.
The present invention also provides a method for facilitating the connection
of
tubulars using a top drive, the method comprising using an elevator to move a
tubular to
a position below the top drive, wherein the elevator is connected to the top
drive using a
pair of bails and wherein the elevator is movable along the pair of bails.
The present invention also provides a method for connecting a first tubular
and a
second tubular using a top drive, comprising gripping the first tubular with a
clamp,
raising the first tubular toward a tool, holding the first tubular with the
tool, connecting
the first tubular to the second tubular, releasing the first tubular from the
clamp and the
tool, gripping the first tubular with an elevator, and lower the first
tubular.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for facilitating the
connection of
a first tubular to a second tubular using a top drive, comprising a first
gripping member
for retaining the first tubular, and a pair of bails, wherein the first
gripping member is
movable along the pair of bails.
The present invention also provides a method for facilitating the connection
of a
first casing to a second casing using a top drive, comprising providing the
top drive with
a first gripping member coupled to a pair of bails, retaining the first
casing, and moving
the first gripping member relative to the pair of bails.
The present invention also provides a method for connecting a first tubular
and a
second tubular using a top drive, comprising retaining the first tubular with
a first
gripping member, raising the first tubular toward a second gripping member,
retaining
the first tubular with the second gripping member, connecting the first
tubular to the
second tubular, releasing the first tubular from the first and second gripping
members,
gripping the first tubular with a third gripping member, and lowering the
first tubular.
The present invention also provides a method for connecting tubulars using a
top
drive, comprising providing the top drive with a first gripping member,
providing a
second gripping member coupled to an elongated link, retaining a first tubular
with the
second gripping member, lifting the first tubular relative to the elongated
link, engaging
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2b
the first tubular with the first gripping member, and rotating the first
gripping member,
thereby connecting the first tubular to a second tubular.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for connecting tubulars,
comprising a top drive, a first gripping member adapted for rotation by the
top drive, an
elongated link coupled to the top drive, and a second gripping member coupled
to the
elongated link, the second gripping member movable along the elongated link.
The present invention also provides a method for connecting tubulars using a
top
drive, comprising providing the top drive with a first gripping member,
providing a
second gripping member coupled to an elongated link, moving the elongated link
and the
second gripping member laterally to engage a first tubular, retaining the
first tubular with
the second gripping member, moving the second gripping member and at least a
portion
of the first tubular into substantial alignment with the first gripping
member, engaging
the first tubular with the first gripping member; and rotating the first
gripping member,
thereby connecting the first tubular to a second tubular.
The present invention also provides a method of connecting casing sections by
using a top drive, comprising closing a slip around a first casing section,
engaging an
elevator with a second casing section, operating a bail actuator to move the
elevator and
the second casing section into substantial alignment with the top drive,
gripping an inner
wall of a second casing section and supporting the weight of the second casing
section
with the top drive, rotating the second casing section using the top drive to
join the
second casing section to the first casing section to form a joint and a casing
string,
supporting the weight of the casing string with the top drive, and opening the
slip.
The present invention also provides a top drive assembly for connecting casing
sections, comprising a top drive, at least one elevator, at least one bail
operatively
coupled to the top drive at one end and the at least one elevator at another
end, an
actuator operatively coupled to the at least one bail and configured to rotate
the at least
one bail about a horizontal axis, whereby the at least one elevator is moved
from a first
location substantially below the top drive to a second location out from under
the top
drive, and at least one gripping element operatively coupled to the top drive
and
configured to be radially displaceable for engagement with an inner wall of a
casing.
The present invention also provides a method of connecting casings using a top
drive assembly, comprising providing a top drive assembly having a top drive
and at least
one radially displaceable gripping element for gripping a casing, supporting
an elevator
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2c
from the top drive assembly with at least one bail, the at least one bail
having an actuator
coupled thereto, the actuator adapted to pivot the at least one bail about a
horizontal axis,
closing a slip around a first casing, engaging a second casing with the
elevator, moving
the second casing to a well center by operating the actuator, gripping the
second casing
with the top drive assembly, threading the second casing to the first casing
by rotating an
output of the top drive to form a joint and a casing string, opening the slip,
lowering the
casing string through the slip, closing the slip around the casing string, and
disengaging
the top drive assembly from the casing string.
In another aspect, the invention also provides a method for facilitating the
connection of tubulars using a top drive, comprising connecting an elevator to
the top
drive or a component attached to the top drive using a pair of bails, using
the elevator to
move a first tubular to a position below the top drive, gripping an inner wall
of the first
tubular and supporting the weight of the first tubular with the top drive, and
rotating the
first tubular using the top drive, thereby connecting the first tubular to a
second tubular.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for connecting tubulars
using a
top drive, comprising:
providing the top drive with a first gripping member;
providing a second gripping member coupled to an elongated link;
moving the elongated link and the second gripping member laterally to engage a
first
tubular;
retaining the first tubular with the second gripping member;
lifting the first tubular relative to the elongated link;
moving the second gripping member and at least a portion of the first tubular
into
substantial alignment with the first gripping member;
engaging the first tubular with a first gripping member; and
rotating the first gripping member, thereby connecting the first tubular to a
second
tubular.
In one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for connecting casing
sections
by using a top drive, the apparatus comprising:
at least one elevator;
at least two bails operatively coupled to the top drive at one end and the at
least
one elevator at another end;
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an actuator operatively coupled to the at least two bails and configured to
rotate
the at least two bails about a horizontal axis, whereby the at least one
elevator is moved
from a first location substantially below the top drive to a second location
out from under
the top drive; and
at least one gripping element operatively coupled to the top drive and
configured
to be radially displaceable for engagement with an outer wall of a casing.
In one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for connecting casing
sections
by using a top drive, the apparatus comprising:
at least one elevator;
at least two bails operatively coupled to the top drive at one end and the at
least
one elevator at another end;
an actuator operatively coupled to each of the at least two bails and
configured to
rotate the at least one bail about a horizontal axis, whereby the at least one
elevator is
moved from a first location substantially below the top drive to a second
location out
from under the top drive; and
at least one gripping element operatively coupled to the top drive and
configured
to be radially displaceable for engagement with an inner wall of a casing.
In one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for connecting casing
sections
by using a top drive, the apparatus comprising:
an elevator;
at least one gripping element operatively coupled to the top drive and
configured
to be radially displaceable for engagement with a casing;
at least one extendable member operatively coupled to the top drive at one end
and the elevator at another end, wherein the at least one extendable member is
retractable
to move the elevator closer to the at least one gripping element; and
an actuator operatively coupled to the at least one extendable member and
configured to rotate the extendable member about a horizontal axis, whereby
the at least
one elevator is moved from a first location substantially below the top drive
to a second
location out from under the top drive.
In one aspect, the invention provides a method for handling a pipe in a rig,
the rig
including a spider, a top drive with a pipe, engaging apparatus secured
therebelow, and a
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link arm capable of pivoting relative to the pipe engaging apparatus, the
method
comprising:
coupling the link arm to a track on the rig;
using the link arm to pick up the pipe;
hoisting the top drive in the rig such that the pipe is rotated to a
substantially
vertical position while remaining engaged by the link arm;
positioning a lower end of the pipe onto a joint positioned in the spider such
that
the pipe is supported thereby;
slidably holding an upper portion of the pipe with the link arm;
engaging the upper portion of the pipe using the pipe engaging apparatus;
driving the pipe to connect it to the joint;
lowering the pipe until it is supported in the spider; and
disengaging the pipe engaging apparatus from the pipe.
In one aspect, the invention provides a method for handling a pipe in a rig,
the rig
including a spider, a top drive with a pipe engaging apparatus secured
therebelow to
define a main axis of the rig, the method comprising:
providing a link arm mounted by a pivotal connection to move with the top
drive,
the link arm driven to pivot about its pivotal connection through a plane of
rotation at
least between a lowered position and a raised position;
using the link arm to pick up the pipe;
hoisting the top drive in the rig such that the pipe is rotated to a
substantially
vertical position while remaining engaged by the link arm;
positioning a lower end of the pipe section onto a joint positioned in the
rotary
table such that the pipe is supported thereby;
slidably holding an upper portion of the pipe with the link arm;
engaging the upper portion of the pipe using the pipe engaging apparatus;
driving the pipe to connect it to the joint, wherein the link arm does not
rotate
relative to the pipe while the pipe is being driven;
lowering the pipe until it is supported in the spider; and
disengaging the pipe engaging apparatus from the pipe.
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For a better understanding of the present invention and in order to show how
the
same may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example,
to the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figures 1 a to 1 e are perspective views of an apparatus in accordance with a
first
embodiment of the present invention at various stages of operation; and
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Figures 2a to 2d are perspective views of an apparatus in accordance with a
second embodiment of the invention at various stages of operation.
Referring to Figures 1 a to 1 e there is shown an apparatus which is generally
identified by reference numeral 1.
The apparatus 1 comprises a clamp 2 for retaining a tubular 3. The clamp 2 is
suspended on wires 4, 5 which are connected thereto on opposing sides thereof.
The
wire 5 passes through an eye 6 in lug 7 which is attached to a spherical
bearing in arm 8
of a suspension unit 9 at the point at which the arm 8 is connected to a
hydraulic motor
10. The wire is connected to the hydraulic motor 10 in a corresponding manner.
The
suspension unit 9 is of a type which enables displacement of the tubular 3
when
connected to a tool 17 (see below), relative to a top drive 13, along a number
of
different axes. The wires 4, 5 pass across the suspension unit 9 and over
pulley wheels
11 which are rotatably arranged on a plate 12. The plate 12 is fixed in
relation to a top
drive generally identified by reference numeral 13. The wires 4, 5 then pass
over drums
14 to which the wires 4, 5 are also connected. The drums 14 are rotatable via
a
hydraulic winch motor 15.
In use, the clamp 2 is placed around a tubular below a box 16 thereof. The
hydraulic winch motor 15 is then activated, which lifts the tubular 3
(conveniently from
a rack) and towards a tool 17 for gripping the tubular 3 (Fig. lb). The
tubular 3
encompasses the tool 17 at which point the hydraulic winch motor 15 is
deactivated
(Fig. ic). During this operation the elevator 18 is held away from the tool 17
by piston
and cylinders 19, 20 acting on bails 21 and 22. The suspension unit 9 allows
the
hydraulic motor 10 and the arrangement depending therebelow to move in
vertical and
horizontal planes relative to the top drive 13. The eyes 6 in lugs 7 maintain
the wires 4
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and 5 in line with the tubular 3 during any such movement. The tool 17 may now
be
used to connect the tubular to the tubular string. More particularly, the tool
may be of a
type which is inserted into the.upper end of the tubular, with gripping
elements of the
tool being radially displaceable for engagement with the inner wall of the
tubular so as
to secure the tubular to the tool. Once the tool is secured to the tubular,
the hydraulic
motor 10 is activated which rotates the tool 17 and hence the tubular 3 for
engagement
with a tubular string held in a spider.
The clamp 2 is now released from the tubular 3, and the top drive 13 and hence
apparatus I is now lifted clear of the tubular 3. The elevator 18 is now swung
in line
with the apparatus 1 by actuation of the piston and cylinders 19 and 20 (Fig.
id).
The top drive 13 is then lowered, lowering the elevator 18 over the box 16 of
the
tubular 3. The slips in the elevator 18 are then set to take the weight of the
entire
tubular string. The top drive is then raised slightly to enable the slips in
the spider to be
released and the top drive is then lowered to introduce the tubular string
into the
borehole.
Referring to Figures 2a to 24 there is.shown an apparatus which is generally
identified by reference numeral 101.
The apparatus 101 comprises an elevator 102 arranged at one end of bails 103,
104. The bails 103, 104 are movably attached to a top drive 105 via axles 106
which
are located in eyes 107 in the other end of the bails 103, 104. Piston and
cylinders 108,
109 are arranged between the top drive 105 and the bails. One end of the
piston and
cylinders 108, 109 are movably arranged on axles 110 on the top drive. The
other end
of the piston and cylinders 108, 109 are movably arranged on axles 111, 112
which are
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located in lugs 113, 114 located approximately one-third along the length of
the bails
103,109-
The elevator 102 is provided' with pins 115 on either side thereof and
projecting
therefrom. The pins 115 are located in slots 116 and 116a. A piston 117, 118
and
cylinder 119, 120 are arranged in each of the bails 103, 104. The cylinders
are arranged
in slot 121, 122. The piston 117, 118 are connected at their ends to the pins
115. The
cylinders 119, 120 are prevented from. moving along the bails 103, 104 by
cross
members 123 and 124. A hole is provided in each of the cross members to allow
the
pistons to move therethrough.
In use, a tubular 125 is angled from a rack near to the well centre. The
tubular
may however remain upright in the rack. The clamp 102 is placed around the
tubular
below a box 126 (Figure 2). The top drive is raised on a track on a de: rick.
The
tubular is lifted from the rack and the tubular swings to hang vertically
(Figure 2k). The
piston and cylinders 108, 109 are actuated, extending the pistons allowing the
bails 103,
104 to move to a vertical position. The tubular 125 is now directly beneath a
tool 127
for internally gripping and rotating the tubular 125 (Figure 2c). The pistons
117, 118
and cylinders 119, 120 are now actuated. The pins 115 follow slot 116 and the
clamp
102 moves upwardly, lifting the tubular 125 over the tool 127 (Figure 2d). The
tool 127
can now be actuated to grip the tubular 125.
At this stage the elevator 102 is released and the top drive 105 lowered to
enable
the tubular 125 to be connected to the string of tubulars in the slips and
torqued
appropriately by the top drive 105.
The pistons 117, 118 and cylinders 119, 120 are meantime extended so that
after
the tubular 125 has been connected the top drive 105 can be raised until the
elevator 102
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is immediately below the box. The elevator 102 is then actuated to grip the
tubular 125
firmly. The top drive 105 is then raised to lift the tubular string
sufficiently to enable
the wedges in the slips to be withdrawn. The top drive 105 is then lower to
the drilling
platform, the slips applied, the elevator 102 raised for the tubular 125 and
the process
repeated.
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