Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR WEDGE LOCK PREVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus
for
handling tubulars using top drive systems. Particularly, the invention relates
to
methods and apparatus for engaging and disengaging a tubular handling
apparatus
from a tubular. More particularly still, the invention relates to a release
mechanism for
preventing the gripping elements of a tubular handling apparatus from locking
during
operations.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] It is known in the industry to use top drive systems to rotate a
drill string to
form a borehole. Top drive systems are equipped with a motor to provide torque
for
rotating the drilling string. The quill of the top drive is typically
threadedly connected
to an upper end of the drill pipe in order to transmit torque to the drill
pipe. Top drives
may also be used in a drilling with casing operation to rotate the casing.
[0003] In order to drill with casing, most existing top drives require a
threaded
crossover adapter to connect to the casing. This is because the quill of the
top drives
is not sized to connect with the threads of the casing. The crossover adapter
is
design to alleviate this problem. Typically, one end of the crossover adapter
is
designed to connect with the quill, while the other end is designed to connect
with the
casing.
[0004] In some instances, a tubular handling apparatus having movable
gripping
elements can be connected below the top drive to grip a tubular, such as
casing, so
that the tubular handling apparatus and the tubular may be driven axially or
rotationally by the top drive. The tubular handling apparatus may be referred
to as
internal or external gripping tools depending on whether the tool grips an
internal or
external surface of the tubular.
[0005] Some of the tubular handling apparatus may use wedge type slips to
grip
the tubular. In the case of an internal gripping tool, the wedge slips are
moved
downward along a mating wedge surface to urge the wedge slips radially outward
into
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contact with the interior surface of the tubular. To increase the gripping
force on the
tubular, the wedge slips may be provided with teeth on the gripping surface.
Generally, the teeth are arranged to point up in order to prevent the tubular
from
sliding down. This arrangement allows the teeth to "bite" into the tubular in
response
to the weight of the tubular.
[0006] There is a need, therefore, for methods and apparatus for ensuring
effective release of the wedge slips from the tubular.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and methods
for
preventing or resolving a wedge lock condition. In one embodiment, the tubular
handling apparatus is provided with a wedge lock release mechanism that
creates a
clearance to allow movement by the mandrel having mating wedge surfaces
relative
to the tubular to release the wedge slips.
[0008] In one embodiment, a release apparatus for releasing a gripping
element of
a tubular handling apparatus includes an anchor attached to the tubular
handling
apparatus; an engagement member for engaging the tubular; and an abutment
device
disposed between the anchor and the engagement member, wherein a distance
between the anchor and the abutment device is adjustable to allow axial
movement of
the engagement member. In another embodiment, the abutment device is
adjustable
relative to the tubular gripping apparatus.
[0009] In another embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus for handling a
tubular
includes a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel; a gripping element for
engaging
the tubular; an engagement member for engaging an upper portion of the
tubular; and
an abutment device adapted to limit travel of the engagement member, wherein a
length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow movement of the
engagement
member. In yet another embodiment, the tubular handling apparatus includes an
anchor attached to the carrier. In yet another embodiment, the abutment device
is
adjustable relative to the anchor.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method of releasing from a wedge lock
condition
during a tubular handling operation includes providing a tubular handling
apparatus
having a mandrel, a gripping element movable along the mandrel, and an
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engagement member for contacting a tubular and attaching a release mechanism
to
the mandrel, wherein the release mechanism includes an anchor and an abutment
device axially movable relative to the anchor. The method also includes
engaging the
tubular to the engagement member and the engagement member to the abutment
device; moving the abutment device away from the tubular; moving the mandrel
relative to the engagement member; and releasing the gripping element.
[0011] In another embodiment, a release apparatus for releasing a gripping
element of a tubular handling apparatus includes an anchor attached to the
tubular
handling apparatus and an engagement member for engaging the tubular, wherein
the position of the engagement member relative to the anchor is selectively
adjustable
to allow for relative axial movement between the anchor and the tubular.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the
present
invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the
invention,
briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of
which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the
appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and
are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may
admit to
other equally effective embodiments.
[0013] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary internal gripping
tool.
[0014] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of an exemplary hydraulic actuator.
[0015] Figure 3 shows an exemplary wedge lock release mechanism using a
height adjustable stop member.
[0016] Figure 4 shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 3 during
normal operations.
[0017] Figure 5 shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 3
activated to
resolve a wedge lock condition.
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[0018] Figures 6A-6C illustrates another embodiment of a wedge lock release
mechanism having a tapered ring. Figure 6A is a perspective view of the wedge
lock
release mechanism.
[0019] Figure 6B shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 6A during
normal operations.
[0020] Figure 6c shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 6A
activated
to resolve a wedge lock condition.
[0021] Figures 7A-C illustrate another embodiment of a wedge lock release
mechanism having a ball ring. Figure 7A is a perspective view of the wedge
lock
release mechanism.
[0022] Figures 7B and 7B1 show the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure
7A
during normal operations.
[0023] Figures 7C and 7C1 show the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure
7A
activated to resolve a wedge lock condition.
[0024] Figures 7D and 7D1 show another embodiment of a wedge lock release
mechanism during normal operations.
[0025] Figures 7E and 7E1 show the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure
7D
activated to resolve a wedge lock condition.
[0026] Figures 8A-8E illustrate another embodiment of a wedge lock release
mechanism having an eccentric bolt. Figure 8A is a perspective view of the
wedge
lock release mechanism.
[0027] Figure 8B shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 8A during
normal operations.
[0028] Figure 8C shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 8A
activated
to resolve a wedge lock condition.
[0029] Figure 8D is a perspective view of a bolt of the wedge lock release
mechanism of Figure 8A. Figure 8E is a front view of the bolt of Figure 8D.
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[0030] Figure 9A shows another embodiment of a wedge lock release mechanism
of during normal operations.
[0031] Figure 9B shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 9A
activated
to resolve a wedge lock condition.
[0032] Figure 10A shows another embodiment of a wedge lock release
mechanism of during normal operations.
[0033] Figure 10B shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 10A
activated to resolve a wedge lock condition.
[0034] Figures 11A-11D illustrate another embodiment of a wedge release
mechanism usable with an external gripping tool. Figure 11A shows the external
gripping tool in an unclamped position. Figure 11B shows the external gripping
tool in
a clamped position. Figure 11C shows the external gripping tool applying a
downward force on the tubular. Figure 11D shows an embodiment of a thread
compensator.
[0035] Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a tubular handling apparatus.
[0036] Figure 13 shows another embodiment of a wedge lock release mechanism
installed on the tubular handling apparatus of Figure 12.
[0037] Figure 14 is a partial perspective view of the tubular handling
apparatus of
Figure 12.
[0038] Figure 15 is a partial exploded view of Figure 14.
[0039] Figures 16-19 are partial exploded views of the tubular handling
apparatus
in operation. Figure 16 shows the tubular handling apparatus being lowered
until the
bumper plate engages the casing. Figure 17 shows the tubular handling
apparatus
being lowered further. Figure 18 shows the mandrel relative to the carrier
after the
lowering of the tubular handling apparatus has stopped. Figure 19 shows the
mandrel is contacting the bumper plate.
[0040] Figure 20 shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 13 in the
unreleased position.
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[0041] Figure 21 shows the wedge lock release mechanism of Figure 13 in the
released position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] Tubular handling apparatus may use wedge type slips to grip the
tubular.
To release the tubular, the wedge slips are retracted along the mating wedge
surface
to urge the wedge slips radially inward. However, the retraction may cause
teeth on
the wedge slips to bite into the tubular because the wedge slips are pulled in
direction
of the teeth. Therefore, it is often desired to move the mandrel containing
mating
wedge surface slightly downward relative to the tubular before retracting the
wedge
slips.
[0043] A problem may arise when the tubular handling apparatus is equipped
with
a coupling engagement member such as an engagement plate. In some cases, the
engagement plate is fixed to the mandrel of the gripping tool to limit the
depth of the
insertion of the internal gripping tool into the tubular. If the coupling
abuts the
engagement plate, the mandrel can no longer be moved downward to facilitate
the
release of the wedge slips. The wedge slips are thus locked from release.
[0044] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a release
mechanism for preventing the gripping elements of a tubular handling apparatus
from
locking during operations. In all embodiments, the tools described herein may
be
connected to a top drive, such that rotation of the top drive rotates the tool
and the
tubulars that are gripped by the tool. To better understand the novelty of the
system
of the present invention and the methods of use thereof, reference is
hereafter made
to the accompanying drawings.
[0045] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary internal gripping
tool
100. The internal gripping tool includes the mandrel 110, gripping elements
155, and
a hydraulic actuator 160 for actuating the gripping elements 155. As shown,
the
gripping elements 155 are wedge type slips disposed on a mating wedge surface
of
the mandrel 110. Axial movement of the slips relative to the mandrel 110 urges
the
slips to move radially outward or inward. The internal gripping tool 100 may
optionally
be equipped with a fill-up tool 158.
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[0046] Figure 2 is an
enlarged view of an exemplary hydraulic actuator 160. The
actuator 160 includes a housing 162 having a threaded connection to the
mandrel
110. The housing 162 may also be secured to the mandrel 110 using a spline
connection 161. One or more actuator cylinders 164 attached to the housing 162
using bolts 163 are coupled to an actuator pipe 165. The actuator pipe 165 is
connected to the gripping elements 155. Activation of the actuator cylinder
164 urges
the axial movement of the actuator pipe 165. In turn, the actuator pipe 165
moves the
gripping elements 155 relative to the mandrel 110. A coupling engagement plate
170
(also referred to as a "Bumper Plate") may be coupled to the hydraulic
actuator 160.
Contact with the casing coupling may cause axial movement of the engagement
plate
170. A stop member 178 is provided to limit the travel of the engagement plate
170.
Although embodiments of the wedge lock release mechanism will be discussed
with
reference to the internal gripping tool, it is contemplated that the wedge
lock release
mechanisms are suitable for use with an external gripping tool. Exemplary
suitable
internal or external gripping tools are disclosed in U.S. Patent
Publication No.
2009/0274545, filed on May 5, 2009, entitled "Tubular Handling Apparatus" by
M.
Liess, et al.
[0047] Figure 3 shows
an exemplary wedge lock release mechanism using a
height adjustable stop member. As shown, the mandrel 110 and the gripping
elements 155 are disposed in the tubular 102 and the gripping elements 155
have
been actuated into engagement with the tubular 102. In this position, the
actuator
pipe 165 has extended the gripping elements 155 along the mating wedge
surfaces of
the mandrel 110, thereby extending the gripping elements 155 radially outward
into
engagement with tubular 102. A stop member 178 is connected to an anchor 310
for
attachment to the mandrel 110. Alternatively, the anchor 310 may be attached
to the
housing 162 of the hydraulic actuator 160, which in turn is attached to the
mandrel
110. In Figures 3-5, the stop member 178 is a screw that is attached to the
anchor
310. The screw has a first length extending from the anchor 310. The
engagement
plate 170 is positioned at a distance away from the end of the stop member 178
and
is movable relative to the stop member 178. In one embodiment, the engagement
plate 170 is biased away from the anchor 310 using a biasing member such as a
spring. As shown, the coupling 101 of the tubular 102 is in contact with the
engagement plate 170. The clearance between the engagement plate 170 and the
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stop member 178 exists under standard operating conditions. The clearance
allows
the mandrel 110 to move relative to the gripping elements 155 to release the
gripping
elements 155.
[0048] In some instances, it may be desirable to apply a downward force on
the
tubular 102. Application of this force may cause the mandrel 110 and the wedge
slips
to slide down relative to the tubular 102. This relative movement causes the
stop
member 178 to contact engagement plate 170, thereby eliminating the clearance,
as
illustrated in Figure 4. As a result, the mandrel 110 is prevented from moving
downward relative to the tubular 102, and thus, locking the gripping elements
155
from release.
[0049] When this condition occurs, the stop member 178 may be adjusted to
create a clearance. As shown in Figure 5, the screw may be released to adjust
the
height of the screw extending from the anchor 310. For example, the screw may
be
rotated to retract from the engagement plate 170. In this respect, a clearance
is
created to allow the mandrel 110 to move axially relative to the tubular 102
to facilitate
the release of the gripping elements 155. In another embodiment, stop member
may
be a bolt, pin, a retractable elongated member, or other suitable height
adjustable
stop member. It is also contemplated that the stop member is removable. In
this
respect, if the wedge lock condition occurs, the stop member may be removed to
create the clearance.
[0050] Figures 6A-6C illustrates another embodiment of a wedge lock release
mechanism 320. In this embodiment, the wedge lock release mechanism 320 has a
ring shaped anchor 321 attached to the mandrel 110 using a spline connection.
The
anchor 321 may be secured to the mandrel 110 using radially inserted pins or
screws.
The tubular coupling engagement member 323 is also ring shaped and is coupled
to
the anchor 321 using a guide rod 324. The guide rod 324 allows the engagement
member 323 to move axially relative to the anchor 321. A tapered ring 325 is
disposed between the engagement member 323 and the anchor 321. The upper and
lower contact surfaces of the tapered ring 325 have alternating tapers that
mate with
complementary taper surfaces on the anchor 321 and the engagement member 323.
Each taper may have a crest 327 and a recess 326. Figure 6B shows the release
mechanism 320 at normal operating height. The crest 327 of the tapered ring
325 is
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engaged with a corresponding crest 327 of the anchor 321 or the engagement
plate
323.
[0051] Figure 6B presents a wedge lock condition in which the coupling 101
is
contacting the engagement member 323. In turn, the engagement member 323 is in
contact with the tapered ring 325, which is in contact with the anchor 321. In
this
respect, a clearance does not exist to allow the mandrel 110 to move relative
to the
coupling 101, and thus, presenting a wedge lock condition. To release the
wedge
lock, the tapered ring 325 may be rotated, in this embodiment, to the left of
the anchor
321 and the engagement member 323, such that the crest 327 of the taper
surface of
the tapered ring 325 mates with a corresponding recess 326 of the taper
surface on
the anchor 321 or the engagement member 323, as shown in Figure 6C. In this
respect, the overall height of the release mechanism 320 may be reduced,
thereby
creating the clearance for movement of the mandrel 110 to release the gripping
elements 155. In another embodiment, the release mechanism 320 has an anchor
coupled directly to the engagement member. The height of the release mechanism
is
adjustable by rotating either the anchor or the engagement member. In yet
another
embodiment, the tapered ring only one tapered surface for engagement with the
anchor 321 or the engagement member 323.
[0052] Figures 7A-C illustrate another embodiment of a wedge lock release
mechanism 330. In this embodiment, the wedge lock release mechanism 330 has a
ring shaped anchor 331 attached to the mandrel 110 using a spline connection.
The
anchor 331 may be secured to the mandrel 110 using radially inserted pins or
screws.
The coupling engagement member 333 is also ring shaped and is coupled to the
anchor 331 using a guide rod 334. The guide rod 334 allows the engagement
member 333 to move axially relative to the anchor 331. A ball ring 335 is
disposed
between the engagement member 333 and the anchor 331. A first set of balls 337
may be disposed between the engagement member 333 and the ball ring 335 to
facilitate relative movement therebetween. A lower groove 338 for retaining
the balls
may be formed on the engagement member 333 and/or the ring 335. A second set
of
balls 337 may be disposed between the anchor 321 and the ring 335. The upper
groove 336 on the ball ring 335 may be segmented such that each segment 336 is
retaining one ball. Each groove segment 336 may have a pocket 332 disposed at
an
end of the groove segment 336. The pocket 332 is recessed from the groove
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segment 336 such that a ball in the pocket 332 is at a lower height than a
ball in the
groove segment 336. The anchor 331 may have a circular groove for interacting
with
the balls 337 in the groove segment 336. Figures 7B and 7B1 show the release
mechanism 330 under normal operating height. As shown, the balls 337 between
the
ball ring 335 and the anchor 321 are disposed in the groove segment 336, not
the
pocket 332.
[0053] Figure 7B presents a wedge lock condition in which the coupling 101
is
contacting the engagement member 333. In turn, the engagement member 333 is in
contact with the ball ring 335, which is in contact with the anchor 331 via
the balls
337. In this respect, a clearance does not exist to allow the mandrel 110 to
move
relative to the coupling 101. To release the wedge lock, the ball ring 335 may
be
rotated, in this embodiment, to the left, such that the balls 337 between the
ring 325
and the anchor 321 are moved from the groove segment 336 and disposed in one
or
more pockets 332, as shown in Figures 7C and 7C1. With the balls 337 sitting
in the
pocket 332, the overall height of the release mechanism 330 is reduced,
thereby
creating the clearance for movement of the mandrel 110 to release the gripping
elements 155. In addition or alternatively, groove segments may be formed
between
the ball ring 335 and the engagement member 333.
[0054] Figures 7D and 7D1 show another embodiment of the wedge lock release
mechanism. The release mechanism may include a spring 338 adapted to push the
ball 337 out of the pocket 332, thereby returning the ball 337 to the top
position on the
groove segment 336. Figures 7D and 7D1 show the ball 337 in the groove segment
337 and the spring 338 in the extended position. Figure 7D also presents a
wedge
lock condition. To resolve the wedge lock condition, the ball ring 335 is
rotated to
move the balls 337 into the pocket 332. As seen in Figures 7E and 7E1, the
balls 337
are sitting in the pocket 332 and have compressed the spring 338, thereby
reducing
the height of the release mechanism. The decrease in height creates a
clearance
between engagement member 333 and the coupling 101 to facilitate the release
of
the gripping elements.
[0055] Figures 8A-D illustrate another embodiment of a wedge lock release
mechanism 340. In this embodiment, the wedge lock release mechanism 340 has a
ring shaped anchor 341 attached to the mandrel 110 using a spline connection.
The
anchor 341 may be secured to the mandrel 110 using radially inserted pins or
screws.
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A coupling engagement member 343 is also ring shaped and is coupled to the
anchor
341 using a guide rod 344. The guide rod 344 allows the engagement member 343
to move axially relative to the anchor 341. A plurality of eccentric bolts 345
are
rotatably coupled to the anchor 341. Each bolt 345 has a first end and a
second end
rotatably coupled to the anchor 341 and may act as axles for the bolt 345. The
body
348 between the two ends has an eccentric cross-section. In one embodiment,
the
body 348 has a first cross-sectional thickness 346 that is greater than a
second
thickness 347, as illustrated in Figure 8E. As shown, the body 348 has an
arcuate
shape that extends over 180 degrees. The two ends of the arcuate shaped are
connected by a flat surface. During normal operations, the bolt 345 is
positioned such
that the longer first thickness 346 is aligned with the axis of the tubular
and that the
dimension of the first thickness 347 is selected so that a lower end of the
first
thickness 346 extends below the anchor 341, as illustrated in Figure 8B. In
this
respect, the engagement member 343 would contact the bolt 345 instead of the
anchor 341, thereby providing a clearance between the anchor 341 and the
engagement member 343. The dimension of the shorter second thickness 347 may
be selected such that when the bolt 345 is rotated to move the shorter second
thickness 347 in axial alignment with the tubular, the engagement member 343
may
directly contact the anchor 341, as illustrated in Figure 80.
[0056] Figure 8B presents a wedge lock condition in which the coupling 101
is in
contact with the engagement member 343. As show, the coupling 101 is in
contact
with the engagement member 343, which is in contact with the bolt 345. A
clearance
does not exist to allow the mandrel 110 to move relative to the coupling 101.
To
release the wedge lock, the bolts 345 may be rotated such that the shorter
second
side is in the axial position. In this embodiment, the bolts 345 are rotated
such that
the flat surface is facing the engagement member 343, as shown in Figure 80.
In this
respect, the engagement member 343 is allowed to move closer toward the anchor
341, thereby reducing the overall height of the release mechanism 340. In this
manner, a clearance between the engagement member 343 and the coupling 101
may be created for movement of the mandrel 110 to release the wedge.
[0057] Figures 9A-9B illustrate another embodiment of a wedge release
mechanism. In this embodiment, the wedge lock release mechanism is a piston
and
cylinder assembly 350 attached to the mandrel 110. The piston 351 is attached
to the
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anchor 352, and the cylinder 354 is attached to the engagement plate 353.
Alternatively, the lower portion of the cylinder may act as the engagement
plate. A
fluid path 355 exists to introduce or release a fluid in the fluid chamber of
the cylinder
354. In one embodiment, the fluid path 355 may be connected to the release
line 356
of the cylinder 164. As shown in Figure 9A, the cylinder 354 is in the
extended
position and is locked by a check valve 357. A clearance is not present to
allow the
release of the gripping elements 155. To release the wedge lock, fluid in the
cylinder
354 is relieved through the check valve 357. This allows the cylinder 354 and
the
engagement plate 353 to move upward to provide a clearance to release the
gripping
elements 155, as shown in Figure 9B. It can be seen in Figure 9B that the
fluid
chamber has decreased in size. In another embodiment, the check valve 357 may
be
opened by the release of the clamping cylinders 164. Initially, the clamping
cylinder is
released to retract the gripping elements 155 and tubular 102 against the
engagement plate 353. Because fluid path 355 is in communication with the
release
line 356, the pressure inside the release line 356 opens the check valve 357.
It is
contemplated that one or more piston and cylinder assemblies may be positioned
around the mandrel. It is also contemplated that the cylinder may be an
annular
cylinder around the mandrel. It is further contemplated the cylinder is
attached to the
anchor and the piston is attached to the engagement plate.
[0058] Figures 10A-10B illustrate another embodiment of a wedge release
mechanism. In this embodiment, the wedge lock release mechanism is a piston
and
cylinder assembly 360 attached to the mandrel 110. The piston 361 is attached
to the
anchor 362, and the cylinder 364 is attached to the engagement plate 363. The
assembly 360 includes an extension fluid path 365 for extending the cylinder
364 and
a retraction fluid path 366 for retracting the cylinder 364. As shown in
Figure 10A, the
cylinder 354 is in the extended position and a clearance between the
engagement
plate 363 and the coupling of the tubular 102 is not present to allow the
release of the
gripping elements 155. To release the wedge lock, fluid is supplied through
the
retraction fluid path 366, and the extension fluid path 365 is opened. This
operation
will lift the cylinder 364 up relative to the piston 361 to provide clearance
to release
the gripping elements 155, as shown in Figure 10B. To return to the extended
position, fluid is supplied through the extension fluid path 365 and the
retraction fluid
path 366 is opened. It is contemplated that one or more piston and cylinder
assemblies may be positioned around the mandrel. It is also contemplated that
the
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cylinder may be an annular cylinder around the mandrel. It is further
contemplated
the cylinder is attached to the anchor and the piston is attached to the
engagement
plate.
[0059] Figures 11A-11D illustrate another embodiment of a wedge release
mechanism usable with an external gripping tool 200. The external gripping
tool 200
includes the mandrel 110 coupled to a carrier 250. The mandrel 110 has a load
collar
252 which can engage an interior shoulder 254 of the carrier 250. The mandrel
110
may have a polygonal cross-section such as a square for transferring torque to
the
carrier 250. The external gripping tool 200 also includes a plurality of
gripping
elements 255 and a hydraulic actuator 260 for actuating the gripping elements
255.
The hydraulic actuator 260 may be attached to the carrier 250 using a threaded
connection. In one embodiment, the gripping elements 255 are slips disposed in
the
carrier 250. Actuation of the hydraulic actuator 260 causes axial movement of
the
slips relative to the carrier 250. The gripping elements 255 have wedged
shaped
back surfaces that engage wedge shaped inner surfaces of the carrier 250. In
this
respect, axial movement of the gripping elements 255 relative to the wedge
surfaces
of the carrier 250 causes radial movement of the gripping elements.
pow A thread compensator 220 may be used to couple the carrier 250 to the
mandrel 110. In Figure 11D, the thread compensator is a spring thread
compensator
220 that allows the carrier 250 and its attachments to float independent of
the
mandrel 110. In one embodiment, the compensator 220 includes a nut 221
threadedly attached to the exterior of the mandrel 110 and a base plate 222
attached
to the mandrel 110. In this respect, the nut 221 and the base plate 222 are
fixed
relative to the mandrel 110. A cover 223 is provided above the base plate 222
and
around the nut 221 to support a plurality of pins 224 that extend through
apertures in
the base plate 222. Compression springs 225 are disposed around each pin 224
and
between the upper portion of the cover 223 and the base plate 222. In this
respect,
the springs 225 may exert a biasing force between the cover 223 and the base
plate
222. Because the base plate 222 is fixed to the mandrel 110, the cover 223 is
free to
move up and down relative to the base plate 222 as dictated by the springs
225. The
movement of the cover 223 is also referred to herein as floating relative to
the base
plate 222 or mandrel 110. The end of the pins 224 protruding from the base
plate 222
is connected to the carrier 250. The pins 224 may be connected to the carrier
250
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using a threaded connection. The pins 224 allow the carrier 250 to move with
the
cover 223 in accordance with the biasing force applied by the springs 225. It
should
be noted that the springs may be replaced with hydraulic pistons.
[0061]
Referring to Figure 11A, the carrier 250 is supported by the load collar 252
of the mandrel 110. The wedge slips 255 are in the retracted position. The
tubular is
positioned in the carrier 250 such that the coupling 101 is in contact with
the
engagement plate 270. A gap exists between the load collar 252 and the
engagement plate 270. In Figure 11 B, the clamping cylinders 260 are actuated
to
extend the gripping elements 255 into engagement with the tubular 102. The
gripping
elements 255 are urged inwardly by the corresponding wedge surfaces of the
carrier
250. As shown, the relative position of the engagement plate 270 and the
mandrel
110 has not changed. If a pushing force is desired, the mandrel 110 will lower
down
relative to the carrier 250 and come into contact with the engagement plate
270 to
place load directly on the tubular 102. Figure 11C shows the mandrel 110 in
contact
with the engagement plate 270. In this position, a gap now exists between the
load
collar 252 and the shoulder 254 of the carrier 250. The presence of the gap
prevents
the wedge lock condition from occurring. In one
embodiment, the thread
compensator 220 will lift the carrier 250 up from the mandrel 110, thereby
creating a
clearance between the mandrel 110 and the carrier 250. The clearance provides
the
spacing required for the release of the gripping elements 255.
[0062] For
operations involving applying a pushing force, the external gripping tool
200 should be lowered over the tubular 102 until a coupling indicator
indicates that
the coupling 101 has been reached. Then, the gripping elements 255 may be
applied
to grip the tubular 102. The connection is then made up. Thereafter, the
external
gripping tool 200 is lowered until the mandrel 110 reaches the coupling, and
the push
force may now be applied.
[0063] Figure
12 shows an exemplary tubular handling apparatus 600 having a
mandrel 610 coupled to a carrier 650. A swivel 605 is disposed above the
mandrel
610. A link support housing 613 of a link assembly 108 is attached to the
mandrel
610 above the swivel 605, and a thread compensator 520 is attached to the link
support housing 613. In one embodiment, the tubular handling apparatus may be
equipped with a torque measuring device. The torque measuring device includes
a
torque shaft rotationally coupled to the top drive, a strain gage disposed on
the torque
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shaft for measuring a torque exerted on the torque shaft by the top drive, and
an
antenna in communication with the strain gage. As shown, the tubular handling
apparatus 600 has gripped the tubular 601 using gripping elements 255 such as
slips.
The slips are actuated by a hydraulic actuator 620 that moves the slips
axially relative
to the carrier 650. The tubular 101 is in contact with an engagement plate
670, which
is disposed below the load collar 611 of the mandrel 610. A fill-up and
circulation tool
658 may be installed on the tubular handling apparatus 600.
[0064] Figure 13 shows a partial view of another embodiment of a wedge lock
release mechanism 620 installed on the tubular handling apparatus. The tubular
handling apparatus is shown with the mandrel 610 supporting the carrier 650.
The
bumper plate 670 is positioned inside the carrier 650 for engagement with the
tubular.
Engagement with the tubular may cause the bumper plate 670 to move axially
relative
to the carrier 650. In one embodiment, the bumper plate 670 is coupled to the
carrier
650 using guiding elements 675 that are movable in a slot 655 of the carrier
650.
[0065] The release mechanism 620 acts as a stop member for limiting the
upward
movement of the guiding elements 655 and the bumper plate 670. In one
embodiment, the release mechanism 620 includes an anchor 622 attached to the
carrier 650. The anchor 622 may be attached using welding or other suitable
methods of attachment. In another embodiment, the anchor 622 and the carrier
650
may be formed from one piece of steel or other suitable material. An
engagement
member 624 is coupled to the anchor 622 using a connection device 626 such as
a
screw. The engagement member 624 has a wedge surface that is movable along a
wedge surface of the anchor 622. Movement of the engagement member 624 is
controlled by releasing the screw 626. An optional rubber bumper 628
releasably
attached to the engagement member 624 may be provided for engagement with the
guiding element 675. The rubber bumper 628 may be exchanged as it wears down
from use.
[0066] The tubular handling apparatus may optionally include a coupling
detection
system for indicating presence of a coupling. The coupling detection system
includes
a coupling indicator 632 connected to the guiding elements. The coupling
indicator
632 may be an elongated member having tapered portions to indicate the
position of
the tubular coupling. A lower end of the coupling indicator 632 is connected
to the
coupling engagement plate 670 and movable therewith. In one embodiment, the
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coupling indicator 632 has an upper narrow portion and a lower wide portion to
indicate the absence or presence of the coupling. A sensor 635 may be adapted
to
read the coupling indicator 632 to determine the presence or absence of the
coupling
in a similar manner as the sensor 175. Figure 14 shows the position of the
indicator
632 when the guiding element is contacting the rubber bumper 628. Figure 15 is
a
partial exploded view of Figure 14.
[0067]
Figures 16-19 are partial exploded views of the tubular handling apparatus
in operation. In Figure 16, the tubular handling apparatus has been lowered
until the
bumper plate 670 engages the casing 601. In one embodiment, the tubular
handling
apparatus is lowered with the thread compensator 520 activated. In this
respect, a
substantial portion of the weight of the carrier is borne by the thread
compensator
520, while the remainder is borne by the shoulder of the mandrel 610. The
thread
compensator 520 may hold at least 85% of the weight; preferably, at least 95%.
As
shown, the bumper plate 670 is at the lower end of the slot 655 and has not
engaged
the release mechanism 620. In this position, further lowering of the apparatus
will
lower the carrier 650 relative to the bumper plate 670, which is resting on
top of the
casing 601.
[0068] Figure
17 shows the tubular handling apparatus being lowered further. The
carrier 650 has moved relative to the bumper plate 670, thereby causing the
guiding
elements 675 to engage rubber bumper 628 of the release mechanism 620. In this
position, further lowering of the apparatus will lower the mandrel 610
relative to the
carrier 650. Also, a substantial portion of the weight of the carrier
continues to be
borne by the thread compensator 520, while the remainder is now borne by the
bumper plate 670. The thread compensator 520 may hold at least 85% of the
weight;
preferably, at least 95%. In addition, the coupling indicator 632 has moved up
with
the bumper plate 670, which movement is detected by the sensor 635.
[0069] Figure
18 shows the mandrel 610 relative to the carrier 650 after the
lowering of the tubular handling apparatus has stopped and in anticipation of
the
thread compensation. As shown, the mandrel 610 is not in contact with the
bumper
plate 670. The distance between the load shoulder of the mandrel 610 and the
shoulder of the carrier 650 may be used for thread compensation. In one
embodiment, a sensor may be provided to measure the optimal distance (i.e.,
the
minimal distance required for thread compensation) has been reached. In
another
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embodiment, a sensor may be provided to warn the distance is insufficient to
avoid
contact of the mandrel 610 with the bumper plate 670.
[0070] Figure 19 shows the situation where the mandrel 610 is contacting
the
bumper plate 670. This may occur after the casing has been made up and when a
push force is applied to the casing string using the tubular handling
apparatus. This
position allows axial force to be applied to the casing string without loading
the
gripping elements.
[0071] When the situation shown in Figure 19 occurs, the carrier 650 cannot
move
upward to release the gripping elements. This situation may be referred as a
"wedge
lock" condition. To remedy this situation, the screw 626 may be released from
the
anchor 622. Figure 20 shows the screw 626 in the unreleased position. Figure
21
shows the screw 626 in the released position. As the screw 626 is released
from the
anchor 622, the engagement member 624 is moved along the wedge surface and
away from the guiding elements 675, thereby creating a space 660 between the
rubber bumper 628 and guiding elements 675. The space 660 allows the carrier
650
to move axially relative to the gripping elements, thereby releasing the
gripping
elements from the casing.
[0072] Actuation of each mechanism described herein may be manual,
hydraulic,
pneumatic or electric. Actuation may further be initiated locally at the tool
or remotely
from a control panel. Furthermore, actuation may be triggered automatically by
a
control command to release the slips. In all embodiments, the devices may be
reset
to their original positions after the slips have been released from the
tubular.
[0073] In all embodiments, the devices may be reset to their original
positions after
the slips have been released from the tubular. Resetting may be manual,
hydraulic,
pneumatic or electric. Resetting may further be initiated locally at the tool
or remotely
from a control panel. Furthermore, Resetting may be triggered automatically by
a
control command, for example to engage the slips. In all embodiments, the
devices
may be reset to their original positions after the slips have been released
from the
tubular.
[0074] In addition to casing, aspects of the present invention are equally
suited to
handle tubulars such as drill pipe, tubing, and other types of tubulars known
to a
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person of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the
tubular handling operations
contemplated herein may include connection and disconnection of tubulars as
well as
running in or pulling out tubulars from the well.
[0075] In another
embodiment, a release apparatus for releasing a gripping
element of a tubular handling apparatus includes an anchor attached to the
tubular
handling apparatus and an engagement member for engaging the tubular, wherein
the position of the engagement member relative to the anchor is selectively
adjustable
to allow for relative axial movement between the anchor and the tubular. In
yet
another embodiment, the release apparatus is configured to be manually
actuated or
remotely actuated. In yet another embodiment, the release apparatus is
configured to
be hydraulically actuated, pneumatically actuated, electrically actuated, and
combinations thereof. In yet another
embodiment, the release apparatus is
configured to be resettable.
[0076] In one
embodiment, a release apparatus for releasing a gripping element of
a tubular handling apparatus includes an anchor attached to the tubular
handling
apparatus; an engagement member for engaging the tubular; and an abutment
device
disposed between the anchor and the engagement member, wherein a length of the
abutment device is adjustable relative to the anchor.
[0077] In another
embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus for handling a tubular
includes a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel; a gripping element for
engaging
the tubular; an engagement member coupled to the carrier for engaging an upper
portion of the tubular; and an abutment device adapted to engage the
engagement
member, wherein a length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow
movement of
the engagement member. Further, the length of the abutment device may be
adjusted manually or by remote actuation.
[0078] The scope of
the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodi-
ments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest purposive
construction consistent with the description as a whole.
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