Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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"ADJUSTABLE WORK PLATFORM FOR PIPE AND CASING
STABBING OPERATIONS"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a handling board or platform
and, more particularly, to a stabbing basket assembly mountable on a well
derrick
for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of pipe or casing during running
operations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is common practice in the oil and gas well drilling art to provide
some form of support or platform for accommodating an operator or worker at a
position above the floor of the derrick, particularly during a running of pipe
or
tubulars into the well, in order to assist in properly axially aligning the
tubulars
during the stabbing operation. Typically this is accomplished through the use
of
casing stabbing boards, which are hung or suspended on wirelines held within
the
derrick or drilling rig. Stabbing or casing baskets which travel up and down
along a
vertical track on the inside or outside of a derrick and which have a
telescoping
boom to move a basket away or towards vertical track are also known in the
art.
However, the prior art stabbing boards and stabbing baskets suffer
from a number of disadvantages, such as not provide for sufficient horizontal
movement of the platform to allow an operator to be placed in sufficient
proximity to
the pipe or tubulars during stabbing operations, not being easily stowed away
in
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compact format (so as to reduce interference with rig operations when such a
platform is not needed) and not being able to easily, if at all, move around
the pipe
or tubulars during stabbing operations (so as to allow an operator to reach
the other
side of such pipe or tubular).
Accordingly, there still exists a need to for an improved stabbing
basket that addresses these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides improvements to stabbing boards and
stabbing baskets.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a stabbing basket
for a rig and for supporting a worker while stabbing joints of tubular members
together during running operations, comprising a frame member for mounting the
stabbing basket to the rig, a platform to support the worker, a carriage to
slidably
mount the platform to the frame member, vertical power means for moving the
carriage vertically with respect to the frame member, an articulating boom to
interconnect the platform with the carriage and to facilitate horizontal and
vertical
movement of the platform relative to the carriage and frame member, said
articulating boom comprising a first segment and a second segment and at least
one pivoting actuator positioned between the first segment and the second
segment.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a top-side perspective view of a stabbing basket according
to a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the articulating boom
extended
substantially horizontally away from the frame member and around the tubulars;
Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the stabbing basket of the
embodiment of Figure 1, still showing the articulating boom extended around
the
tubulars;
Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the stabbing basket of the
embodiment of Figure 1, now showing the articulating boom extended
substantially
vertical and downward, positioning the platform at or near the rig floor
allowing ease
of entry or exit of a worker on or off the platform;
Figure 4 is a side perspective view of the stabbing basket of the
embodiment of Figure 1, now showing the articulating boom extended at an angle
relative to the frame member, positioning the platform and worker adjacent the
rig's
top drive;
Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the stabbing basket of the
embodiment of Figure 1, still showing the articulating boom extended at an
angle
relative to the frame member, positioning the platform and worker adjacent the
rig's
top drive;
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Figure 6 is a side perspective view of the stabbing basket of the
embodiment of Figure 1, now showing the articulating boom articulated into a
compact stowing position;
Figure 7 is another side perspective view of the stabbing basket of the
embodiment of Figure 1, still showing the articulating boom articulated into a
compact stowing position;
Figure 8 is a top perspective view of the stabbing basket of the
embodiment of Figure 1, still showing the articulating boom articulated into a
compact stowing position;
Figure 9 is another side perspective view of the stabbing basket of the
embodiment of Figure 1, once again showing the articulating boom extended
substantially horizontally away from the frame member and around the tubulars;
Figure 10 is a side perspective view of the stabbing basket of the
embodiment of Figure 1, similar to that shown in Figure 9, but with the rig
and
tubulars not shown;
Figure 11 is an enlargement of area A in Figure 10;
Figure 12 is an enlargement of area B in Figure 10; and
Figure 13 is an enlargement of area C in Figure 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of
example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary
for
carrying the invention into effect. Reference is to be had to the Figures in
which
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identical reference numbers identify similar components. The drawing figures
are
not necessarily to scale and certain features are shown in schematic form in
the
interest of clarity and conciseness.
FIGS. 1-13 illustrate the configuration of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. In this embodiment, stabbing basket 10 is adapted to be
attached to a derrick or rig 11, from either the inside or outside as may be
desired
(shown in the figures as mounted to the inside), and for supporting a worker W
in
stabbing joints of tubular members T together during running operations.
The stabbing basket 10 of this embodiment comprises a frame
member 12 to attach or mount the stabbing basket 10 to the rig 11, a platform
16 to
support the worker W, a carriage 22 to slidably mount the platform 16 to the
frame
member 12, vertical power means for moving the carriage 22 and platform 16
vertically with respect to the frame member 12, and an articulating arm or
boom 30
to interconnect the platform 16 with the carriage 22 and to facilitate
horizontal and
vertical movement of the platform 16 relative to the carriage 22 and frame
member
12.
Preferably, the platform 16 further comprises a safety basket 16b to form a
working cage for the worker W utilizing the stabbing basket 10 of the present
invention.
Unless otherwise specified, it is preferred that the components of the
invention be made of steel or other suitable high-strength materials capable
of
taking stresses and strains encumbent upon such a stabbing basket 10 during
its
intended use during stabbing operations.
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As is well known and preferred, the rig 11 has a plurality of braces or
girders 11g connecting its legs 111. Frame member 12 is adapted to be affixed
with
the rig 11, along either the rig's inside or outside periphery, using one or
more of the
rig's girders 11g or legs 111, in a vertical plane substantially parallel with
the tubulars
T. Preferably, the stabbing basket 10 is permanently, or semi-permanently,
attached
to the rig 11, such as by welding or bolting the frame member 12 directly to
the rig's
girders 11g or legs 111. It is preferred that the frame member 12 be of a
rigid
construction, as noted above.
The articulating boom 30 preferably comprises a first segment 31 and
a second segment 32. First and second segments 31, 32 are preferably of a
generally tubular configuration and of a rigid construction, as noted above.
Preferably, the second segment 32 further comprises a telescoping member 32t
which slides longitudinally within the second segment 32 in a conventional
telescoping manner. More preferably, telescoping member 32t is actuated by a
hydraulic ram 32r to further increase the reach of the platform 16 when
required. In
the preferred embodiment shown, the telescoping member 32t can extend, or
telescope, up to 40 inches out from the second segment 32.
First segment 31 is pivotally connected to the carriage 22 to provide
the boom 30 with both luffing L and slewing S ranges of motion. Preferably,
first
segment 31 is connected to carriage 22 through first and second substantially
mutually perpendicular pivoting actuators 33, 34 connected, i.e. connected so
that
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the pivoting axes of pivoting actuators 33, 34 are substantially mutually
perpendicular, as shown in the figures.
First segment 31 is pivotally connected to second segment 32 by
means of at least one pivoting actuator positioned between the distal end 31d
of the
first segment 31 and the proximal end 32p of the second segment 32.
Preferably,
first segment 31 is connected to second segment 32 through more than one
pivoting actuator, such as through third and fourth substantially mutually
perpendicular pivoting actuators 35, 36 connected so that the pivoting axes of
pivoting actuators 35, 36 are substantially mutually perpendicular, as shown
in the
figures. More preferably, second segment 32, at its distal end 32d, is
connected to
platform 16 through fifth and sixth substantially mutually perpendicular
pivoting
actuators 37, 38 connected so that the pivoting axes of pivoting actuators 37,
38 are
substantially mutually perpendicular, as shown in the figures.
Preferably, the first pivoting actuator 33 attaches or mounts to the
carriage 22 in a conventional manner and is oriented to provide pivoting
actuation of
the boom 30 in a generally vertical plane, thereby providing the boom 30 with
an up-
and-down range of motion relative to the rig 11 and acting as the boom's
luffing
mechanism. More preferably, the second pivoting actuator 34 attaches or mounts
to the proximal end 31p of the first segment 31 in a conventional manner and
is
oriented to provide pivoting actuation in a generally horizontal plane,
thereby
proving the boom 30 with a side-to-side range of motion relative to the rig 11
and
acts as the boom's slewing mechanism. In another embodiment (not shown), the
orientation of the first and second pivoting actuators is reversed so that the
first
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pivoting actuator acts as the boom's slewing mechanism, while the second
actuator
acts as the boom's luffing mechanism.
In this embodiment, first pivoting actuator 33 preferably comprises a
double-enveloping worm gearbox, while second pivoting actuator 34 comprises a
rotary hydraulic actuator. Preferably, worm gearbox 33 utilizes a dual
hydraulic
motor drive system and a center to center distance that is favourable for self
locking. More preferably, both pivoting actuators 33, 34 have a hydraulic
brake for
added safety. Advantageously, through the use of a worm gearbox and rotary
actuator, a high degree of freedom of movement of the boom 30, relative to the
rig
ills possible. In the preferred embodiment shown, a circular arc of at least
2000 of
slewing motion S and a circular arc of at least 180 of luffing motion L is
provided.
In an alternate embodiment (not shown), both first and second pivoting
actuators
33, 34 are comprised of rotary hydraulic actuators, providing similarly large
ranges
of luffing and slewing motions L,S to the boom 30. Both the worm gearbox 33
and
the rotary actuator 34 are powered and actuated in a conventional manner.
A suitable hydraulic rotary actuator is an L30 series rotary actuator
manufactured by the Helac Corporation of Enumclaw, Washington, U.S.A. Another
suitable hydraulic actuator is the BV Helical rotary actuator manufactured by
the
HKS Group of Wachtersbach Aufenau, Germany and their North American affiliate,
HKS North America LLC of Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Further in this embodiment, third, fourth, fifth and sixth pivoting
actuators 35, 36, 37, 38 are all preferably comprised of rotary hydraulic
actuators,
such as those manufactured by either the Helac Corporation or the HKS Group
and
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are powered and actuated in a conventional manner. Advantageously, third and
fourth pivoting actuators 35, 36 provide for additional freedoms of movement
of the
boom 30, while fifth and sixth pivoting actuators 37, 38 allow for the
platform 16 to
be kept level while the boom 30 is actuated to a variety of positions through
these
various freedoms of movement. More advantageously, third, fourth, fifth and
sixth
pivoting actuators 35, 36, 37, 38 allow the stabbing basket 10 to be easily
positioned around an obstacle or a tubular member T (see FIGS 1 ¨ 2 and 9) and
allow a worker W to work in a remote area of the rig 11 that would not have
been
reachable using prior art stabbing baskets. For example, the stabbing basket
10 of
the present invention allows a worker W to work on the rig's top drive TD at a
position that is far away from, and opposite to, the side of the rig 11 to
where the
stabbing basket attaches (see FIGS 4 ¨ 5). Even more advantageously, the
pivoting actuators 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 enable the boom 30 to be stowed in a
compact configuration when not in use (see FIGS 6 ¨ 8). Yet even more
advantageously, the pivoting actuators 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 enable the boom
30 to
extended substantially vertical and downward, positioning the platform 16 at
or near
the rig floor allowing ease of entry or exit of a worker W on or off the
platform 16
(see FIG 3).
Alternatively, in another embodiment (not shown), the stabbing basket
10 does not have the frame member, the carriage nor the vertical power means.
Instead, in this alternate embodiment, the stabbing basket 10 comprises a
platform
16 to support the worker W and an articulating boom 30 to connect the platform
16
to the rig 11 and to facilitate horizontal and vertical movement of the
platform 16
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relative to the rig 11. Further in this embodiment, the articulating boom 30
comprises a first segment 31, a second segment 32 and at least one pivoting
actuator positioned between the first segment 31 and the second segment 32.
The frame member 12 and carriage 22 facilitate vertical movement V
of the stabbing basket 10, and of the boom 30, relative to the rig 11.
Carriage 22 is
slidably mounted within, and is constrained by, a longitudinal channel 12a
within the
frame member 12 in a conventional manner, allowing the carriage 22 to move
along
the frame's longitudinal axis. Since frame member 12 is mounted in a vertical
plane
substantially parallel with the tubulars T, and carriage 22 is mounted with
the
longitudinal channel 12a of the frame member 12, the stabbing basket 10 and
boom
30 can move vertically along the rig 11. Preferably, a plurality of carriage
rollers
(not shown) are provided to facilitate said slidable vertical movement V of
the
carriage 22 within the longitudinal channel 12a.
The stabbing basket 10 of the present invention further comprises
vertical power means to provide motive force for moving the carriage 22
vertically
with respect to the frame member 12. Preferably, vertical power means is a
leadscrew-based power means, further comprising a leadscrew 40 (threads not
shown) mounted within the frame's longitudinal channel 12a substantially
parallel
with the frame member 12, a motor (not shown) to drive the leadscrew and a nut
member (not shown) mounted on the carriage 22 to receive and treadably mate
with
the leadscrew 40 (leadscrew 40 otherwise passing through carriage through
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appropriate sized openings) and to translate the torque of the leadscrew 40
into
linear vertical motive force on the carriage 22. More preferably, the threads
of the
leadscrew 40 and nut member have an Acme profile. Even more preferably the
motor is a hydraulic motor or may alternatively be an electric, air or any
other
suitable type of motor. The carriage 22 (and the platform 16 and boom 30
mounted
thereto) is movable vertically V along the frame member 12 upon actuation of
the
vertical power means.
Advantageously, the leadscrew-based power means is self-locking
(i.e. when stopped, a linear force on the nut member will not apply a torque
to the
leadscrew 40). More advantageously, the vertical power means is therefore
capable of holding vertical loads (such as the carriage 22, boom 30, platform
16 and
any worker W positioned thereon) when the motor is turned of, thereby
providing
significant safety advantages over a winch and cable based power means such as
that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,602 to Bryant.
During running operations the worker W preferably stands on the floor
of the platform 16 for stabbing the appropriate tubular members T during such
running operations. Should it be necessary that the platform 16 be raised or
lowered, the worker merely actuates the vertical power means. In the preferred
embodiment, the worker W actuates motor to turn in the appropriate direction,
resulting in either upward or downward vertical movement of the carriage 22,
and
hence the platform 16, along the frame member 12 as may be required.
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Should it be necessary that the platform 16 be moved towards or
away from the tubular members T, slew or luff the boom 30 or pivotally adjust
the
second segment 32 relative to the first segment 31, the worker W merely
actuates
the appropriate pivoting actuators 33, 34, 35, 36. Likewise, should it be
necessary
to pivotally actuate the platform 16 relative to the second segment, so as to
keep it
level relative to the ground surface, the worker W merely actuates the
appropriate
pivoting actuators 37, 38.
As will be appreciated, the stabbing basket 10 of the present invention
enables a worker W to efficiently and safely accomplish the stabbing of joints
of
tubular members during running operations. Advantageously, by having a boom 30
comprised of a first segment 31 and a second segment 32, and by having at
least
one pivoting actuator between said first and second segments 31, 32, the
stabbing
basket 10 can efficiently move the worker W around the interior or exterior
space of
the rig 11, including around obstacles such as the tubular members T. Thus,
the
present invention comprehends a stabbing basket 10 that is a new and useful
concept not heretofore known.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various
modifications to the invention as described herein will be possible without
falling
outside the scope of the invention.
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