Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TUBULAR HANDLING DEVICE AND METHODS
BACKGROUND
[0001] The drilling of subterranean wells involves assembling tubular
strings, such as
casing strings and drill strings, each of which comprises a plurality of
heavy, elongated
tubular segments extending downwardly from a drilling rig into a wellbore. The
tubular
string consists of a number of threadedly engaged tubular segments.
[0002] Conventionally, workers use a labor-intensive method to couple
tubular
segments to form a tubular string. This method involves the use of workers,
typically a
"stabber" and multiple operators, such as tong operators. The stabber is
placed in an
elevated position within the derrick on a stabbing board to manually align a
single tubular
segment with the existing tubular string. This is an inherently unsafe
position due to the
height at which the stabber is placed, as well as the number and multitude of
moving parts
within the derrick. Various operators ensure the alignment and connection of
the single
tubular segment to the existing tubular string on the floor of the derrick.
The tong
operators engage the tongs to rotate the tubular segment, threadedly
connecting it to the
tubular string. While such a method is effective, it is dangerous, cumbersome
and
inefficient. Additionally, the tongs require multiple workers for proper
engagement of the
tubular segment and to couple the tubular segment to the tubular string. Thus,
such a
method is labor-intensive and therefore costly. Furthermore, using tongs can
require the
use of scaffolding or other like structures, which endangers workers.
[0003] Others have proposed a running tool utilizing a conventional top
drive assembly
for assembling tubular strings. The running tool includes a manipulator, which
engages a
tubular segment and raises the tubular segment up into a power assist
elevator, which relies
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on applied energy to hold the tubular segment. The elevator couples to the top
drive, which
rotates the elevator. Thus, the tubular segment contacts a tubular string and
the top drive
rotates the tubular segment and threadedly engages it with the tubular string.
[0004] While such a tool provides benefits over the more conventional
systems used to
assemble tubular strings, it also suffers from shortcomings. One such
shortcoming is that
the tubular segment might be scarred by the elevator gripping dies. Another
shortcoming is
that a conventional manipulator arm cannot remove single joint tubulars and
lay them
down on the pipe deck without worker involvement.
[0005] Other tools have been proposed to cure these shortcomings. However,
such
tools are often unable to handle tubulars that are dimensionally non-uniform.
When the
tubulars being handled are not dimensionally ideal, such as by having a
varying wall
thickness or imperfect cylindricity or circularity, the ability of tools to
adequately engage
the tubulars is decreased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention can provide distinct advantages, including
eliminating the
need for the use of a stabber, thereby increasing the safety of the oil rig,
as well as limiting
or eliminating the scarring or deformation of the tubulars when placed within
the running
tool of the present invention, as compared to traditional tools.
[0007] The present invention encompasses a tubular handling apparatus
including a
tubular running tool that includes a slotted member having a plurality of
elongated slots
each extending at least partially in a direction substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of
a tubular to be handled, a recessed member operably associated with the
slotted member
and having a plurality of recesses in a surface thereof that each extend
between a deep end
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and a shallow end, and a plurality of sliding members operably associated with
the plurality
of elongated slots and the plurality of recesses adapted to move in the same
direction as a
tubular in contact therewith so that the tool grips the tubular, and a tubular
member elevator
adapted to operatively associate a tubular with the tubular running tool,
wherein the tubular
running tool is adapted to grip each tubular to provide load-bearing capacity
to inhibit or
prevent the tubular or a tubular string attached thereto from dropping
independent of the
operation of the tubular member elevator.
[0008] In a particular embodiment, the tubular member elevator is coupled
to the
tubular running tool and is adapted to transfer one or more tubulars (e.g.,
one, two, or even
three at a time) between a tubular supply and the tubular running tool.
[0009] In further embodiments, the tubular running tool and tubular member
elevator
are coupled through no more than a pair of actuators. In some embodiments, the
no more
than a pair of actuators is operably associated with linking elements that
facilitate
positioning of the tubular within the running tool. In other embodiments,
there may be two
pairs of actuators, a single actuator, or other amounts or even different
types of actuators.
[0010] In one aspect of the invention, the plurality of sliding members
each retract at
least partially into a corresponding recess when the tubular handling
apparatus is in a
gripping position to grip a tubular.
[0011] In one embodiment, the tubular handling apparatus further includes a
pre-load
mechanism that reversibly exerts force on the tubular when engaged in the
tubular running
tool so as to grip the tubular. Release of this pre-load force, optionally
with an additional
release force in a different direction being applied, terminates the gripping.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a
method of handling a tubular during a casing or drilling operation which
includes engaging
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a surface portion of a tubular with a tubular member elevator, operating the
tubular
member elevator to position the tubular to be manipulated by a running tool,
and engaging
at least a second, different surface portion of the tubular with a portion of
the running tool
so as to retain the tubular due to the downward force created by the weight of
the tubular or
a tubular string attached thereto interacting with the portion of the running
tool at the
second, different surface portion.
[0013] In some embodiments, this method further includes disengaging the
tubular
member elevator subsequent to engaging and retaining the tubular with the
running tool. In
some instances, the disengagement of the tubular member elevator occurs
automatically in
automated fashion without further human intervention after a gripping position
has been
achieved by the running tool.
[0014] In some embodiments, this method further includes lowering the
tubular
gripped by the running tool onto a load-bearing surface to further urge an end
of the tubular
into a recess in the running tool. This can advantageously position a gripping
apparatus of
the running tool in an engagement position so as to be able to grip the
tubular.
[0015] In accordance with another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a
method of handling a tubular in a casing or drilling operation, including:
operating the
running tool to interact with and grip a tubular section including one to
three tubulars,
applying a rotational force to the tubular section, at least one surface of
which is engaged
with and gripped by a portion of the running tool, to at least partially
disconnect the tubular
section or a portion thereof, operating the tubular member elevator to
interact with and grip
the tubular section or a portion thereof, and raising the tubular section
relative to the
running tool to separate the tubular section from the tubular string and to
disengage the
engaged and gripped surface of the tubular section from the portion of the
running tool. In
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one embodiment, the method further includes lowering the running tool and
concurrently
raising the tubular section a relatively greater amount than the running tool
is lowered to
ensure separation of the tubular section form any tubular string remaining.
[0016] In accordance with another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a
method of handling a tubular in a casing or drilling operation which includes:
operating the
running tool to interact with a tubular section comprising one to three
tubulars, applying a
rotational force to the tubular section, at least one surface of which is
engaged with and
gripped by a radially-shaped bowl portion of the running tool, to at least
partially
disconnect a tubular section from a tubular string, operating a tubular member
elevator to
interact with and grip the tubular section or a portion thereof, and moving
the bowl portion
of the running tool in a direction having at least an axial component along
the gripped
tubular section to disengage the bowl portion of the running tool from at
least one surface
portion of the tubular section. The radially-shaped bowl portion can include
sections or
portions of each of the rolling or sliding members, the recesses and the
slots. In one
embodiment, the method further includes removing the tubular section entirely
from the
tubular handling apparatus.
[0017] In accordance with another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a
tubular running tool including: a slotted member having a plurality of
elongated slots each
extending at least partially in a direction substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of a
tubular to be handled, a recessed member operably associated with the slotted
member
having a plurality of recesses wherein the recesses extend from a deep end to
a shallow
end, and a plurality of sliding members operatively associated with the
plurality of
elongated slots and the plurality of recesses, wherein a gripping portion of
the running tool
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is configured to frictionally engage at least one surface of a tubular
sufficient to apply a
torque to the tubular solely through the gripping portion.
[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of elongated slots are fixed
relative to the
plurality of recesses. In further embodiments, the running tool is configured
to frictionally
engage an inner surface of a tubular. In some embodiments, the plurality of
sliding
elements each retract partially into a corresponding slot and recess when the
tubular
handling apparatus is in a released position so as not to grip a tubular. In
other
embodiments, the plurality of sliding elements grip a tubular upon the motion
of the tubular
away from the running tool. In yet still other embodiments, the tubular
running tool is
operatively associated with a handling mechanism that is adapted to feed a
tubular into, or
remove a tubular from, the running tool so as to facilitate iterative loading
of the running
tool with a further tubular.
[0019] In accordance with another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a
tubular member elevator, including a slotted elevator component having a
plurality of
elongated slots each extending at least partially in a direction substantially
parallel to a
longitudinal axis of a tubular to be handled, a recessed elevator component
operably
associated with the slotted elevator member and having a plurality of elevator
recesses in a
surface thereof that extend between a deep end to a shallow end, and a
plurality of sliding
or rolling elevator components, or both, operatively associated with a
corresponding one of
the elongated elevator slots and one of the elevator recesses, wherein each of
the plurality
of sliding or rolling elevator components, or both retracts at least partially
within the
slotted elevator member when displaced away from the shallow end of the
corresponding
elevator recess.
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[0020] In some embodiments, the tubular member elevator is a single, double
or triple
joint elevator. In other embodiments, the plurality of sliding or rolling
elevator
components, or both, retracts at least partially into at least one slot of the
slotted elevator
component when the elevator is gripping a tubular. In further embodiments, the
tubular
member elevator is coupled to a running tool through one or more actuators
free of linking
elements. In other embodiments, the tubular member elevator is adapted to move
a tubular
through a linear retraction device.
[0021] In accordance with another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a
floor slip adapted to hold a tubular or tubular string including a slotted
floor slip
component having a plurality of elongated slots each extending at least
partially in a
direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a tubular to be
handled, a recessed
floor slip component operably associated with the slotted floor slip member
and having a
plurality of floor slip recesses in a surface thereof that extend between a
deep end to a
shallow end, and a plurality of floor slip gripping components (e.g., rolling
or sliding, or
both) each operatively associated with a corresponding one of the elongated
floor slip slots
and one of the floor slip recesses, wherein each of the plurality of floor
slip gripping
components retracts within at least a portion of the slotted floor slip
component when
displaced away from the shallow end of the corresponding floor slip recess.
[0022] In some embodiments, the floor slip is reversibly coupled to a rig
floor. In other
embodiments, the floor slip is positioned so that it can be permanently
attached to the rig
floor. In further embodiments, each of the plurality of floor slip components
is
configured to retract at least partially into at least one slot of the slotted
floor slip
component when the floor slip is in a gripping position to grip a tubular or
tubular
string, while in other embodiments, the floor slip components only retract
partially
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so that a portion still extends from the recess beyond and through the slotted
floor slip
component. In yet still further embodiments, the floor slip is adapted to
provide load-bearing
capacity for a tubular or tubular string suspended therefrom. In other
embodiments, a portion of
the floor slip is adapted to reversibly couple and rotate when gripping a
tubular or tubular string
being rotated. In some embodiments, the floor slip is hydraulically or
pneumatically operated
between a gripped position and a released position. The floor slips may
further include a latching
mechanism to lock the floor slip around the tubular or tubular string. In some
embodiments, the
floor slip further includes a centering mechanism to facilitate centering of
the tubular string
adjacent the wellbore center. In yet other embodiments, the floor slip further
includes an
interlock system adapted to prevent release of one or more tubulars being
gripped by the floor
slip until the one or more tubulars confirmed as being gripped by an
operatively associated
running tool or tubular member elevator.
[0023] The invention also encompasses methods of connecting and disconnecting
tubulars with a
floor slip that includes the gripping assembly described herein.
[0024] It is to be understood that other aspects of the present invention will
become readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed
description, wherein
various embodiments of the invention are shown and described by way of
illustration. As will be
realized, the invention is capable for other and different embodiments and its
several details are
capable of modification in various other respects. Accordingly the
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drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in
nature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100251 The present disclosure is best understood from the following
detailed description when read with the accompanying
figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in
the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In
fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or
reduced for clarity of discussion.
100261 Fig. IA is a perspective view of at least a portion of an apparatus
according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
100271 Figs. 1B-G are perspective views of the apparatus shown in Fig. IA
in subsequent stages of operation.
100281 Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus shown in
Figs. 1A-G.
100291 Figs. 3A-D are partial sectional views of the apparatus shown in
Figs. 1A-G in a series of operational stages.
100301 Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of apparatus according to one or more
aspects of the present disclosure.
100311 Fig. 5A is a flow-chart diagram of at least a portion of a method
according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
100321 Fig. 5B is a flow-chart diagram of at least a portion of a method
according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
100331 Fig. 5C is a flow-chart diagram of at least a portion of a method
according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
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[0034] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of the
apparatus shown
in Fig. 2.
[0035] Figs. 7A and 7B are perspective views of an embodiment of the
apparatus
shown in Fig. 6.
[0036] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a portion of a floor slip gripping
assembly
according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many
different
embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various
embodiments.
Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to
simplify the
present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended
to be
limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals
and/or letters in
the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and
clarity and does
not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or
configurations
discussed. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second
feature in the
description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second
features
are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which
additional
features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that
the first and
second features may not be in direct contact. Throughout the specification,
the terms
"tubular" and "tubular member" are typically used interchangeably.
[0038] Referring to Fig. 1, illustrated is a perspective view of at least a
portion of a
tubular handling apparatus 100 according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
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The apparatus 100 comprises a tubular running tool 110, a tubular member
elevator 120,
and, in some embodiments, a link tilt assembly 130.
[0039] The tubular running tool 110 is configured to receive and at least
temporarily
grip, frictionally engage, or otherwise retain a tubular 105. For example, the
tubular
running tool 110 may be configured to engage and grip an interior surface of
the tubular
105, an exterior surface of the tubular 105, or both an interior surface and
an exterior
surface of the tubular 105, or portions thereof The extent to which the
running tool 110
frictionally engages and retains the tubular 105 may be able to provide load-
bearing
capacity upon gripping the tubular to inhibit or prevent a tubular or tubular
string from
dropping, independently of the operation of an associated tubular member
elevator or
optional associated floor slips. The running tool 110 may be sufficient to
support a safe
working load (SWL) of about at least 5 tons. Other SWL values for the running
tool 110
are also within the scope of the present disclosure, and it is contemplated
that the running
tool 110 can support an entire tubular string of substantially greater weight
to lower the
tubular string for gripping by one or more floor slips or other gripping
devices. The
gripping apparatus discussed herein with respect to the running tool is also
equally
applicable to, and adapted for operation in connection with, a tubular member
elevator, a
floor slip gripping apparatus, or any combination thereof so that the gripping
apparatus or
gripping assembly herein can form part of the running tool, tubular member
elevator, and
floor slip.
[0040] The extent to which the running tool 110 frictionally engages and
grips (or
retains) the tubular 105 may also but preferably be sufficient to impart a
torsional force to
the tubular 105, such as may be transmitted through the running tool 110 from
a top drive
or other component of the tubular string through the gripped portion of the
tubular or
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otherwise. In an exemplary embodiment, the torque which may be applied to the
tubular
105, preferably via the gripping elements of the running tool 110, is at least
about 5000 ft-
lbs, which may be sufficient to "make-up" a connection between the tubular 105
and
another tubular member. The torque which may be applied to the tubular 105 may
additionally or alternatively be at least about 50,000 ft-lbs, which may be
sufficient to
"break" a connection between the tubular 105 that is gripped by the running
toll 110 and
another attached tubular. Other torque values between about 100 ft-lbs and
80,000 ft-lbs or
greater, preferably from about 1,000 ft-lbs to 50,000 ft-lbs, are also within
the scope of the
present disclosure. In one embodiment, torque values of greater than 50,000 ft-
lbs to about
80,000 ft-lbs, preferably about 55,000 ft-lbs to 75,000 ft-lbs, and in another
embodiment
about 60,000 ft-lbs to 70,000 ft-lbs can be achieved, or any combination of
these values
greater than 50,000 ft-lbs.
[0041] The tubular 105 may be a wellbore casing member, a drill string
tubing
member, a pipe member, a collared tubing member, and/or other tubular elements
or
combinations thereof The tubular 105 may be a single tubular section, or pre-
assembled
double or triple sections. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular 105 may be
or
comprise one, two, or three sections of collared or integral joint or threaded
pipe, such as
may be utilized as a portion of a tubing, casing, or drill string. The tubular
105 may
alternatively be or comprise a section of a pipeline, such as may be utilized
in the transport
of liquid and/or fluid materials. The tubular 105 may alternatively be or
comprise one or
more other tubular structural members. The tubular 105 may have an annulus
cross-section
having a substantially cylindrical, rectangular or other geometric shape.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the running tool
110 is
substantially similar to the tubular running tool or tubular handling
apparatus described in
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commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,445,050, entitled "Tubular Running Tool,"
filed April 25,
2007, and/or U.S. Patent No. 7,552,764, entitled "Tubular Handling Device,"
filed January 4,
2007. For example, one or more operational principles, components, and/or
other aspects of the
gripping apparatus described in the above references may be implemented within
one or more
embodiments of the running tool 110, tubular member elevator, or floor slip
gripping assembly
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0043] The running tool 110 is configured to be engaged by, or otherwise
interfaced with, a top
drive or drill string section or component. For example, as schematically
represented in the
exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, the running tool 110 may comprise an
interface 112
configured to mate, couple, or otherwise interface with the quill, housing,
and/or other
component of the top drive or component of the drill string. In an exemplary
embodiment, the
interface 112 comprises one half of a standard box-pin coupling commonly
employed in drilling
operations. In another exemplary embodiment, the running tool 110 is
operatively associated
with, directly or indirectly, such as by way of other connecting components,
e.g., actuators
and/or linking elements, coupled to the tubular member elevator 120. In some
instances, the
tubular running tool and the tubular member elevator are coupled through no
more than a pair of
actuators. The actuators may be operably associated with linking elements that
allow for
positioning of the tubular within the tubular running tool, and there may be
one or more
actuators. Other interfaces, however, are also within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0044] The tubular member elevator 120 may be a single, double or triple joint
elevator,
depending upon the type of rig and/or drilling or casing condition(s). The
tubular member
elevator 120 is also configured to receive and at least temporarily grip,
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engage, or otherwise retain the tubular 105. For example, the tubular member
elevator 120
may be configured to grip or otherwise frictionally engage an interior surface
of the tubular
105, an exterior surface of the tubular 105, or an interior surface and an
exterior surface of
the tubular 105, or portions thereof The extent to which the elevator 120
frictionally
engages or otherwise retains the tubular 105 may be sufficient to support a
safe working
load (SWL) of at least about 5 tons, or at least about 15 tons. However, other
SWL values
for the tubular member elevator 120 are also within the scope of the present
disclosure,
particularly within the weight for any available tubular.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the tubular member
elevator
120 is substantially similar to the tubular running tool or other handling
apparatus
described in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,445,050, entitled "Tubular
Running
Tool," filed April 25, 2007, and/or U.S. Patent No. 7,552,764, entitled
"Tubular Handling
Device," filed January 4, 2007, or otherwise has one or more similar aspects
or operational
principles. The tubular member elevator 120 may alternatively comprise a
series of shoes,
pads, and/or other friction members such as wheels configured to radially
constrict or
contact a surface of the tubular 105 and thereby retain the tubular 105, among
other
configurations within the scope of the present disclosure. Preferably, this
elevator member
120 contact surface is the outer surface of the tubular.
[0046] In other embodiments, the tubular member elevator 120 may have a
similar
configuration to the tubular running tool 110. The gripping assembly of the RT
110 may
be adapted to and operatively associated with the tubular member elevator 120.
In yet a
further embodiment, the floor slips can be operatively associated with a
substantially
similar gripping assembly. For example, the tubular member elevator 120 may
contain a
slotted elevator component having a plurality of elongated slots each
extending at least
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partially or entirely in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of a
tubular to be handled. The slots may be of any configuration such as, for
example, circular,
semi-circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc. In some embodiments, a recessed
elevator
component is operably associated with the slotted elevator member. The
recessed elevator
member may have a plurality of elevator recesses in its surface that extend
between a deep
end to a shallow end. These recesses preferably match up or align with the
slots of the
slotted elevator component. Also included in the tubular member elevator 120
are a
plurality of rolling or sliding elevator components operatively associated
with the plurality
of slots and recesses. The plurality of rolling or sliding elevator components
may retract
within at least a portion of the slotted elevator member when located in the
deep end of a
corresponding elevator recess. Each of the rolling or sliding elevator
components may
retract at least partially, in some instances entirely, within a slot of the
slotted elevator
component when the elevator is gripping a tubular. When partially retracted,
the elevator
gripping components still extend partially from the recess through the slotted
elevator
member to engage, or contact, a tubular having an end disposed therein. In
addition, the
plurality of rolling or sliding elevator components may be exposed to the
tubular surface
when displaced from the deep end of a corresponding elevator recess. It should
be
understood that gripping elevator members may be rolling, sliding, or both.
[0047] Although both the running tool 110 and the tubular member elevator
120 are
configured to engage the tubular 105, the running tool 110 is configured
and/or controllable
to engage typically an end portion 105a of the tubular 105 by the radial
enlargement of the
tubular member elevator and/or the running tool enabling the enlarged tubular
element
105a to pass unimpeded into the running tool 110, whereupon the gripping
elements of the
tool are positioned to engage the pipe in the reduced portion 105c. However,
the tubular
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member elevator 120 is configured and/or controllable to engage an axially-
intermediate
portion 105b of the tubular. For example, the running tool 110 may be
configured to
engage the radially enlarged shoulder often exhibited by conventional drilling
joints,
whereas the tubular member elevator 120 may be configured to engage the
smaller
diameter of the remaining length of the joint.
[0048] In one embodiment, the link tilt assembly 130 comprises a bracket
140, two
actuators 150 each extending between the running tool 110 and the elevator
120, and two
other actuators 160 each extending between the bracket 140 and a corresponding
one of the
actuators 130. An alternative approach could include a rotary actuator on the
end of pivot
150a in conjunction with the linear actuator 150. The ends of each actuator
150, 160 may
be configured to be rotatable, such as by comprising a structural loop or hook
through
which a pin or other coupling means may be secured. Thus, the ends 150a of the
actuators
150 may be rotatably coupled to the running tool 110 or intermediate structure
coupled to
the running tool 110, and the opposing ends 150b of the actuators 150 may be
rotatably
coupled to the elevator 120 or intermediate structure coupled to the elevator
120.
Similarly, the ends 160a of the actuators 160 may be rotatably coupled to the
bracket 140,
and the opposing ends 160b of the actuators 160 may be rotatably coupled to
the actuators
150 or intermediate structure coupled to the actuators 150. In certain
embodiments, there
are pairs of actuators, such as two or four, while in others there is a single
actuator and one
or two pairs of linking elements. Other interfaces, however, are also within
the scope of
the present disclosure. In one embodiment, there are no linking elements
between a lower
portion of the tubular elevator member 120 and the top drive or running tool
110. The
tubular elevator member 120 can operate through a retraction device, such as
one or more
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wheels that can load and/or unload a tubular, or both, within a recess in the
tubular elevator
member 120.
[0049] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, the end 160b of each
actuator
160 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding bracket 155, which is positionally
fixed relative
to the corresponding actuator 150 at an intermediate position between the ends
150a, 150b
of the actuator 150. Each bracket 155 may have a U-shaped profile or otherwise
be
configured to receive and rotatably couple with the end 160b of the
corresponding actuator
160. The brackets 155 may be coupled to the corresponding actuator 150 via one
or more
bolts 156, as shown in Fig. 1A, although other fastening means may also be
employed.
[0050] The end points 160a of the actuators 160 are offset from the end
points 150a of
the actuators 150 such that the extension and retraction of the actuators 160
operates to
rotate the actuators 150 relative to the running tool 110. For example, the
end points 160a
are each offset from the associated end points 150a in both the X and Z
directions
according to the coordinate system depicted in Fig. 1A. In other embodiments,
however,
the end points 160a may each be offset from the associated end points 150a in
only one of
the X and Z directions while still being configured to enable rotation of the
actuators 150
relative to the running tool 110 (i.e., rotation about an axis extending
through both end
points 150a and parallel to the Y-axis of the coordinate system shown in Fig.
1A).
[0051] Each of the actuators 150 and the actuators 160 may be or comprise a
linearly
actuated cylinder which is operable hydraulically, electrically, mechanically,
pneumatically, or via a combination thereof In the exemplary embodiment shown
in Fig.
1A, each actuator 150, 160 comprises a cylindrical housing from which a single
cylindrical
rod (e.g., a piston) extends. In other embodiments, however, one or more of
the actuators
150, 160 may comprise a multi-stage actuator comprising more than one housing
and/or
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cylinder, perhaps in a telescoping configuration, thus enabling a greater
amount of travel
and/or a more compact solution, among other possible advantages. A telescoping
configuration may permit the apparatus to operate with one or more actuators
removed,
preferably a pair of actuators (e.g., 150) (not shown).
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, each actuator 150 comprises a
cylinder coupled
to the running tool 110, wherein a rod extends from the cylinder and is
rotatably coupled to
the elevator 120. In addition, each actuator 160 comprises a cylinder coupled
to the
bracket 140 of the running tool 110, wherein a rod extends from the opposite
end of the
cylinder and is rotatably coupled to the corresponding bracket 155. Each
bracket 155 is
coupled to the cylinder of the corresponding actuator 150 near the end of the
cylinder from
which the rod extends. However, other configurations of the link tilt assembly
130 are also
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0053] The configuration depicted in Fig. lA may be that of an initial or
intermediate
stage of preparing the tubular for assembly into the tubular string. Thus, the
actuators 160
may have been extended to rotate the actuators 150 away from the centerline of
the tubular
string, and the actuators 150 may have been extended to initially position the
elevator 120
around the axially intermediate portion 105b of the tubular 105. In practice,
each tubular
105 may have an elevator gripping limit 105c defining the axially intermediate
portion
105b within which the tubular member elevator 120 should be positioned prior
to gripping
the tubular 105. In some embodiments, operating the tubular member elevator
120 to grip
the tubular 105 beyond the limit 105c (i.e., too close to the end 105a), may
mechanically
damage the tubular 105, thus reducing its operational life. In an exemplary
embodiment,
the limit 105c may be about two feet from the end 105a of the tubular 105, or
perhaps
about 5-10% of the total length of the tubular 105. However, the exact
location of the limit
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105c may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the
distance
separating the end 105a of the tubular 105 from the gripping limit 105c may be
about equal
to or at least slightly larger than the distance to which the tubular 105 is
to be inserted into
the running tool 110, as shown in subsequent figures and described below.
[0054] The actuators 150, 160 may be operated to position the elevator 120
around the
intermediate portion 105b of the tubular 105, as shown in Fig. 1A. The
elevator 120 may
subsequently be operated to grip or otherwise frictionally engage the tubular
105. Then, as
shown in Fig. 1B, the actuators 160 may be operated to rotate the elevator 120
and tubular
105 towards the centerline of the tubular string and/or running tool 110, such
as by
retracting the actuators 160 and thereby causing the actuators 150 to pivot
about their
attach points 150a. This can also be achieved by simply relying on an upward
movement
of the tubular through a retraction device (e.g., disposed in the collar 120).
In another
embodiment, the elevator 120 and gripped tubular may be permitted to fall
towards the
center under the running tool through operation of gravity pulling the tubular
to the lowest
point in the arc of the elevator's range of movement. As this movement
continues, the end
105a of the tubular 105 is positioned in or near the bottom opening of the
running tool 110,
as shown in Fig. 1C. In an exemplary embodiment, this action continues until
the tubular
member elevator 120 and tubular 105 are substantially coaxially aligned with
the running
tool 110, as shown in Fig. 1D.
[0055] During subsequent steps of this procedure, the actuators 150 may be
operated to
insert the end 105a of the tubular 105 into the running tool 110, as shown in
Figs. 1E, 1F,
and 1G. For example, the actuators 150 may be retracted to pull the end 105a
of the
tubular 105 into the running tool 110. As shown in Fig. 1G, the actuators 150
and the
actuator 160 may be fully retracted, such that a significant portion of the
end 105a of the
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tubular 105 may be inserted into the running tool 110. The running tool 110
may be
configured to subsequently engage the tubular 105, such that the tubular 105
is retained
even after the tubular member elevator 120 subsequently disengages the tubular
105.
Alternatively, the tubular member elevator 120 may act to directly connect the
tubular 105
to the tubular running tool 110. In one embodiment, at least a portion of a
surface of a
tubular is engaged by a tubular member elevator 120. The tubular member
elevator 120
may interact with an inner, an outer or both an inner and an outer region of a
tubular, as
may the gripping elements (not shown) of the running tool 110. In a preferred
embodiment, the elevator 120 and the running tool 110 each contact an outside
surface of
the tubular or the elevator 120 contacts an outside surface while the running
tool 110
contacts at least an inside surface of the tubular. The tubular member
elevator 120 can
interact with the tubular along any surface of the tubular, whether near or
distant from the
end of the tubular. The tubular member elevator 120 can then act to position
the tubular to
interact with and be retained by the running tool 110. The running tool 110
may then
engage at least one different surface of the tubular with a portion of the
running tool 110 so
that the tubular is retained solely as a result of the downward force created
by the weight of
the tubular interacting with the portion of the running tool 110, i.e., even
if the elevator 120
fails the RT 110 will grip the tubular.
[0056] Once the end 105a of the tubular 105 is sufficiently or preferably
fully inserted
into and engaged and gripped by the running tool 110, a portion of the running
tool 110
may form a fluidic seal with the end 105a of the tubular 105. For example, one
or more
flanges and/or other sealing components inside the running tool 110 may fit
into and/or
around the end 105a of the tubular 105 to form the fluidic seal. Such sealing
components
may at least partially comprise a rubber or other pliable material, or any
combination
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thereof The sealing components may additionally or alternatively comprise
metallic or
other non-pliable material. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing components
may
comprise a threaded connection, such as a conventional box-pin connection.
[0057] The process sequentially depicted in Figs. 1A-G may be employed to
remove a
drill string joint or other tubular member (e.g., tubular 105) from a pipe
rack, other storage
structure, handling tool, and/or other structure or tubular supply, and
subsequently install
the joint into a drill string or other tubular string. The process
sequentially depicted in
Figs. 1A-G, or portions thereof, may also be reversed to remove a tubular from
the string
and, for example, set the removed tubulars down onto a pipe rack and/or other
structure.
For example, the process may further include disengaging the tubular member
elevator
after engaging and preferably gripping the tubular with the running tool
and/or lowering
the tubular gripped by the running tool onto a load-bearing surface. These
steps may occur
manually or automatedly through a control device that confirms gripping of the
tubular is
occurring before releasing the tubular member elevator 120.
[0058] Alternatively, the process of at least partially disengaging a
tubular may include
operating the running tool to interact with the tubular, then applying a
rotational force to a
tubular by any means such as, for example, a top drive. At least one surface
of the tubular
would be engaged with a portion of the running tool. Further, the tubular
member elevator
may then interact with the tubular such as, in a reverse manner as when
engaging a tubular,
and the running tool would then be lowered to further eliminate contact
between the tubular
with the tubular string. The tubular would then be raised to disengage at
least one surface
portion of the running tool. In some instances, the lowering of the running
tool and the
raising of the tubular can occur at the same time. These steps may occur
manually or by
automation.
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[0059] In other instances, a tubular may be at least partially disengaged
from a tubular
string by operating the running tool to interact with the tubular, then
applying a sufficient
rotational force to the tubular by any means such as, for example, a top
drive. Preferably,
this rotational force is applied at least, and more preferably only, through
the gripping
elements of the running tool. Further, the tubular member elevator may then
interact with
the tubular such as in a reverse manner as when supplying a tubular to the
running tool
during a make-up operation described herein. Once the tubular member elevator
retains the
tubular being broken out, the gripping apparatus of the running tool is
released. This can
be achieved, e.g., by moving a bowl or segments thereof of the running tool at
least
partially in a direction having an axial component along the tubular being
gripped to
disengage the at least one surface portion of the tubular gripped by a portion
of the running
tool. The tubular could then be removed from the tubular handling apparatus.
Other
operations for releasing tubulars from the gripping apparatus are described
herein.
[0060] During such processes, the running tool 110 may be operated to
engage and grip
the tubular s being installed into or removed from the tubular string.
Referring to Fig. 2,
illustrated is a sectional view of at least a portion of an exemplary
embodiment of the
running tool 110 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
The running
tool 110 includes a recessed member 210, a slotted or otherwise perforated
member 220,
and a plurality of griping elements, i.e., sliding or rolling members 230, or
a combination
thereof
[0061] The tubular 105 may not be dimensionally uniform or otherwise ideal.
That is,
the tubular 105 may not exhibit ideal roundness or circularity, such that all
of the points on
an outer surface of the tubular at a certain axial position may not form a
perfect circle.
Alternatively, or additionally, the tubular 105 may not exhibit ideal
cylindricity, such that
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all of the points of the outer surface may not be equidistant from a
longitudinal axis 202 of
the running tool 110, and/or the tubular 105 may not exhibit ideal
concentricity, such that
the axes of all cross sectional elements of the outer surface may not be
common to the
longitudinal axis 202.
[0062] A portion of the running tool is thus configured to frictionally
engage at least
one surface of a tubular sufficient to grip the tubular and preferably
additionally to apply a
torque to the tubular. The running tool may be configured to frictionally
engage an inner
surface of a tubular, an outer surface, or both as discussed herein. The
recessed member
210 may be or comprise a substantially cylindrical or otherwise shaped member
having a
plurality of recesses 214 formed therein. The recesses 214 may each extend
between a
deep and a shallow end. The perforated member 220, typically slotted and
referred to
herein as a slotted member (but not limited to such a configuration), may be
or comprise a
substantially cylindrical or otherwise shaped annulus member having a
plurality of slots (or
otherwise-shaped apertures) 222 formed therein. The slots may be elongated and
extend at
least partially in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis
of a tubular to be
handled. The plurality of elongated slots may be fixed relative to the
plurality of recesses.
Additionally, the slots may overlap at least partially or entirely with the
recesses.
Preferably, each slot 222 is configured to cooperate with one of the recesses
214 of the
recessed member 210 to retain one of the gripping members 230. Moreover, each
recess
214 and slot 222 are configured such that, when a gripping element 230 is
moved further
away from the maximum depth 214a of the recess 214, the gripping element 230
protrudes
further through the slot 222 and beyond the perimeter 224 of the slotted
member 220, and
when the gripping element 230 is moved towards the maximum depth 214a of the
recess
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214, the rolling or sliding member 230 also moves towards a retracted position
at least
partially within the inner perimeter 224 of the slotted member 220.
[0063] In one preferred embodiment, the sliding and rolling members, or
combination thereof (such members also referred to herein as "gripping
elements") are
retained at least substantially between the slots and the recesses. When in
the shallow end
of a recess, the gripping elements are sized and dimensioned so as to be
retained by the
corresponding slot while extending partially therethrough to contact a tubular
placed
adjacent thereto. The gripping element in the deep end of the recess will
typically extend
less than about 20% of its radius, preferably less than about 10% of its
radius, more
preferably less than about 5% of its radius, and in one embodiment will not
extend at all
through the corresponding opening of the slotted member. It should be
understood that the
plurality of "gripping elements" referred to throughout the application may be
sliding
members, rolling members, or a combination thereof in any given instance.
[0064] The plurality of gripping members 230 can be adapted to move
downwardly,
e.g., partially or solely through the force of gravity applied to a tubular
that is in contact
therewith, so that the running tool can grip the tubular. As the gripping
elements are
moved toward the shallow end of their corresponding recess, this can
effectively pinch a
number of the gripping elements between the corresponding recesses and the
tubular itself
to cause frictional gripping. Preferably, gripping occurs when the tubular
moves
downwards relative to the running tool, and more particularly, relative to the
gripping
apparatus therein. A powered engagement is also feasible, as the gripping
elements can be
pushed into place by, e.g., powered springs or actuation devices associated
with each
gripping element, or a sleeve that is operatively associated with each such
gripping element
(not shown). This gripping is a reversible process so that disengagement of
the tubular can
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take place in the reverse manner by moving the tubular or tubular string
upwards, or
otherwise towards the running tool. Alternatively, the downward motion of the
rolling or
sliding members 230 can result in the disengagement of the tubular, depending
on the
orientation of the tubular running tool and the gripping assembly and its
gripping elements
therein. The plurality of gripping elements 220 can each retract at least
partially into at
least one slot of the slotted member when the tubular handling apparatus is
gripping the
tubular. In some instances, each rolling or sliding member 220 can retract
into one, two,
three or more slotted members. The plurality of gripping members 220 may each
retract
partially, almost entirely, or entirely into at least one slot of the slotted
member and at least
one recess of the recessed member when the tubular handling apparatus is not
present or is
engaged but not gripping a tubular. Preferably, the retraction is only partial
so that the
gripping elements are in contact when the tubular is engaged, as this can
facilitate gripping.
Thus, when partially retracted, the gripping elements still extend partially
from the recess
through the slotted member to engage, or contact, a tubular having an end
disposed therein.
The tubular running tool can be operatively associated with a handling
mechanism or
feeder adapted to place or feed a tubular into, or remove a tubular from, the
tool. This
handling mechanism can be part of an operatively associated tubular member
elevator or an
entirely separate component.
[0065] Each slot 222 may have an oval or otherwise elongated profile, such
that each
slot 222 is greater in length than in width. The length of the slot 222 is at
least
substantially, and preferably entirely, in the direction of the longitudinal
axis 202 of the
running tool 110. The walls of each slot 222 may be tapered radially inward
towards the
deep end of the corresponding recess, and/or the slope of the recess between
deep and
shallow ends can be made steeper, to facilitate faster gripping and
retraction.
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[0066] Each recess 214 may have a width (into the page in Fig. 2) that is
at least about
equal to or slightly larger than the width, or diameter, of each gripping
member 230. Each
recess 214 may also have a length that is greater than a minimum length of the
slot 222.
The width or diameter of the gripping element 230 is at least larger than the
width of the
internal profile of the slot 222.
[0067] Because each slot 222 is elongated along the direction of the taper
of the
recesses 214, each gripping element 230 may protrude from the slotted member
220 an
independent amount based on the proximate dimensional characteristics of the
tubular 105
being contacted or gripped. For example, if the outer diameter of the tubular
105 is smaller
near the end 105a of the tubular 105, the rolling member 230 located nearest
the end 105a
of the tubular 105 protrudes from the slotted member 220 a greater distance
relative to the
distance which the rolling member 230 nearest the central portion of the
tubular 105
protrudes from the slotted member 220.
[0068] Each of the rolling or sliding elements 230 may be or comprise a
substantially
spherical member, such as a steel ball bearing. Other materials and shapes are
also within
the scope of the present disclosure. For example, each of the gripping
elements 230 may
alternatively be a cylindrical or tapered pin configured to roll or slide up
and down the
ramps defined by the recesses 214. The gripping elements need not be the same
shape or
the same material, and can be selected independently, but in one preferred
embodiment
they are the same shape and material at a given axial position, and more
preferably at all
axial positions. For example, the members may be a half-ball or at least
substantially or
entirely rounded on one side or portion, and a different shape on another
portion (e.g., flat,
or sufficiently U- or V-shaped to fit a corresponding recess of that shape).
In another
embodiment, a layer may be disposed on a portion of the sliding or rolling
member that
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contacts and grips the tubular, or on a portion that contacts the recess, to
provide for
modified gripping. For example, such a layer might include a material that
increases
friction or gripping power with a much harder material forming the core of
such a sliding
or rolling member. Or the layer may face the recess and be adapted to minimize
friction to
facilitate additional gripping as the gripping elements slide towards the
shallow end of the
recess, while having a higher friction material facing the tubular to maintain
frictional
gripping. The gripping elements can be spring-loaded to urge the gripping
elements
outwards or inwards, as needed, towards the tubular, or could be powered in
another
embodiment to urge the gripping elements into engaging and/or gripping
position as noted
herein.
[0069] Referring to Fig. 3A, illustrated is a partial sectional view of the
apparatus 100
shown in Figs. 1A-G, including the embodiment of the running tool 110 shown in
Fig. 2.
In Fig. 3A, the apparatus 100 is depicted as including the tubular running
tool 110, the
tubular member elevator 120, and the link tilt assembly 130 of Figs 1A-G. Fig.
3A further
illustrates the recessed member 210 and gripping elements 230 of the
embodiment of the
running tool 110 that is shown in Fig. 2. The embodiment of the apparatus 100
that is
shown in Fig. 3A, however, may comprise additional components which may not be
illustrated for the sake of clarity but may be understood to also exist. For
example, floor
slips 102 adapted to hold a tubular may be present, and may operate in
connection with the
tubular running tool. The floor slips 102 may be present adjacent to,
abutting, or on top of,
the rig floor 410. In another embodiment (not shown), the floor slips 102 may
be partially
or entirely below the top surface of the rig floor 410 and within the rig
floor structure,
particularly where the rig itself is portable. The floor slips 102 may be
reversibly coupled
to the rig floor, or may be permanently fixed as needed. As shown in Fig. 8,
the floor slips
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102 may have substantially the same orientation and gripping assembly as the
running tool
noted above. For example, the floor slips 102 may include a slotted floor slip
component
820 having a plurality of elongated slots 822. Each slot 822 could be adapted
to extend at
least partially in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis
of a tubular to be
handled 802. In addition, the floor slips 102 may include a recessed floor
slip component
operably associated with the slotted floor slip component 820 and having a
plurality of
floor slip recesses 814 in a surface thereof that extend between a deep end
814a and a
shallow end. There may also be present a plurality of rolling floor slip
gripping
components 830 operatively associated with the plurality of elongated floor
slip slots 822
and the plurality of floor slip recesses 814. Each of the plurality of rolling
floor slip
gripping components 830 may retract within at least a portion of the slotted
floor slip
component 820 when located in the deep end 814a of a corresponding floor slip
recess. In
addition, each of the plurality of rolling floor slip components may be
configured
to retract at least partially into at least one slot of the slotted floor slip
component
when the floor slip is in a gripping position to grip a tubular or tubular
string. The
floor slips 102 may be adapted to provide load-bearing capacity for a tubular
or
tubular string that is suspended from the floor slips 102. The floor slips 102
may
be able to be reversibly coupled to and rotate a tubular or tubular string
when the
floor slips 102 are gripping the tubular or tubular string. Alternatively, or
additionally, the floor slips 102 may be reversibly coupled to a rotary table.
The
floor slips 102 may reversibly grip a tubular or tubular string and so may be
in
either a gripped or released position. The floor slips 102 may be operated
either
hydraulically, pneumatically or manually. In order to maintain the gripped
position, the floor slip may contain a latching mechanism to lock the floor
slip
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around the tubular or tubular string. The latching mechanism may include,
e.g., a
powered or unpowered mechanism to cause the locking, or gripping, and
optionally but preferably also includes a pre-load member to provide
sufficient
axial force to cause the floor slip components to grip and preferably also be
able to
rotate the tubular or tubular string.
[0070] The floor slips 102, as with the running tool and the tubular member
elevator, may each independently further include a centering mechanism to
facilitate centering of the tubular or tubular string adjacent the wellbore
center.
This centering mechanism may be one or more ramp structures that correspond to
the bowl segments and direct the bowl segments radially inwardly as they are
moved into an engagement position (when the outer surface of a tubular is
contacted). As the bowl segments move into engagement position, the ramps are
angled to direct the bowl segments inwardly toward the tubular so that a
complete
"bowl" can be formed from the multiple bowl segments so that the gripping
elements contact and then engage a tubular. Each ramp at least substantially
surrounds the gripping assembly bowl(s) when they are in engagement position,
and each ramp is preferably a conical section, but may be any shape to
correspond
to a surface of the bowl or bowl section that is opposite the side with the
recessed
slots that is operatively associated with the gripping elements. Each ramp is
typically concentrically arranged around a grouping of bowl segments that form
a
bowl once the bowl segments are moved into engagement position.
[0071] The floor slips 102 can further include an interlock system that is
adapted to prevent the release of one or more tubulars being gripped by the
floor
slip until the one or more tubulars is confirmed as being gripped by an
operatively
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associated running tool or tubular member elevator. Confirmation can occur
automatically, such as by a computer program, or visually by an oil rig
worker, or
a combination thereof. Methods of engaging a tubular or tubular string with
the
floor slips can include engaging a surface portion of a tubular with the floor
slips,
and operating the floor slip into a gripping position to position the tubular
within
the wellb ore and into alignment with a tubular to be added that is engaged by
a
running tool, tubular member elevator, or both. Methods of disengaging a
tubular
or tubular string from the floor slips can include operating or moving the
floor
slips from a gripping position to a released position and disengaging contact
between at least one surface of the tubular or tubular string and the floor
slips.
[0072]
Moreover, Fig. 3A also illustrates that the running tool 110 may comprise a
pre-
load mechanism 310. In one embodiment the pre-load mechanism reversibly exerts
pressure on the end of a tubular when engaged in the tubular running tool 110.
The pre-
load mechanism 310 can be configured to apply an axial force to the end 105a
of the
tubular 105 once the tubular 105 is inserted a sufficient distance into the
running tool 110.
For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the pre-load mechanism 310
includes a
tubular interface 315, an actuator 320, and a running tool interface 325. The
tubular
interface 315 may be or comprise a plate, clamp, claw, piston, dies, and/or
other suitable
structure(s) configured to transfer the axial load supplied by the actuator
320 to the tubular
105, preferably at an end 105a thereof The actuator 320 may be or comprise a
linearly
actuated cylinder which is operable hydraulically, electrically, mechanically,
pneumatically, or via a combination thereof The running tool interface 325 may
be or
comprise a threaded fastener, a pin, and/or other means for coupling the
actuator 320 to the
internal structure of the running tool 110. The pre-load mechanism can be
positioned to
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apply this force (or pressure) anywhere on the tubular, such as at the top, or
even by
grasping an inside diameter or an outside diameter to apply this additional
pre-load force in
association with make-up or break-out. Preferably, the pre-load is applied by
an actuator at
an end of the tubular, typically the top end of the tubular that is inside the
running tool 110.
[0073] In the configuration illustrated in Fig. 3A, the tubular 105 has
been engaged by
the elevator 120 and subsequently oriented in substantial axial alignment
underneath the
running tool 110. The tubular 105 may have a marking 105d which indicates the
minimum
offset required between the end 105a and the longitudinal position at which
the tubular 105
is engaged by the elevator 120.
[0074] After the axial alignment depicted in Fig. 3A is achieved, the link
tilt assembly
130 may be actuated to begin inserting the tubular 105 into the running tool
110, as shown
in Fig. 3B. As the tubular 105 enters the running tool 110, the gripping
elements 230 slide
and/or roll against the outer perimeter of the tubular 105, thus applying very
little radially-
inward force to the tubular 105. (Alternatively, the insert members 210 may be
retracted to
the extent that they and the gripping elements associated therewith do not
touch the tubular
105.) This continues until the end 105a of the tubular 105 nears or abuts the
tubular
interface 315 of the pre-load mechanism 310.
[0075] Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 3C, the members 210 move radially
inward such
that the gripping elements (or rolling or sliding members) 230 contact the
surface of the
tubular 105, and the actuator 320 of the pre-load mechanism 310 depicted in
this Fig. is
actuated to apply an axially-downward force to the end 105a of the tubular
105. This
downward force actively engages the gripping elements 230 with the outer or
inner
perimeter of the tubular 105, or both. Accordingly, the tubular 105 is
positively engaged
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by the running tool 110, and the tool then grips the tubular not only by the
weight of the
tubular 105 but also any optional axial force applied by the pre-load
mechanism 310.
[0076] Consequently, as depicted in Fig. 3D, the running tool 110 may be
rotated,
which thereby rotates the tubular 105. That is, the torque applied to the
running tool 110
(e.g., by a top drive coupled directly or indirectly to the running tool 110)
is transferred to
the tubular preferably via the gripping elements 230 that grip the tubular,
among other
components of the running tool 110. During such rotation, the elevator 120 may
be, and is
preferably, disengaged from the tubular 105, such that the entire weight of
the tubular 105
is supported by the running tool 110 (if not also the weight of a drill string
attached to the
tubular 105 as the tubular is threaded to the tubular string, or when the
break-out of a
tubular from the tubular string is initiated).
[0077] To remove the engaged and gripped tubular 105 from the running tool
110, the
assembly of the tool 100 and the tubular 105 is disengaged from the floor
slips 102. The
assembly of the tool 100 and the tubular 105 is then preferably lowered to the
desired
position, the floor slips 102 are re-engaged to grip the tubular in a position
above (in make-
up) or below (in break-out) the previous floor slip gripping position on the
tubular or
tubular string. The actuator 320 of the pre-load mechanism 310 is then
preferably retracted
to remove the axial force from the end 105a of the tubular 105. The pre-load
can be
removed at any point in the process after being applied, but preferably is
removed after the
rotation has concluded. It can be removed either before or after the floor
slips have again
gripped the tubular nearer the top (in make-up operation) or below (in break-
out operation)
so that the running tool 110 can be released and a further tubular or tubular
string inserted.
The gripping elements 230 are then typically disengaged. The inserts 210 can
be retracted
to allow the upward movement of the tool 100, clearing it from the enlarged
element 105a.
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The slotted member of the running tool (shown in Fig. 2 but not in Figs. 3A-D)
may also be
translated by one or more actuators coupled thereto in one embodiment, such as
upwardly,
or to radially contract or expand, such that the gripping elements 230 may
become free to
release from gripping the tubular 105 (although they may still be in contact
therewith) or to
release from gripping and disengage from contact with the tubular or tubular
string (not
shown).
[0078] In varying embodiments not necessarily depicted, the slotted member
is
typically adapted to be fixed, to slide or rotate, or to radially expand or
contract, relative to
the recessed member. Typically, the slotted and recessed members form a "cage"
to retain
the gripping elements therebetween. In an embodiment where the gripping occurs
on an
outer surface of a tubular, the slotted member is preferably fixed, or may be
adapted to
expand radially. In this embodiment, the entire gripping assembly of slotted
and recessed
members, along with the gripping elements, is moved to release the tubular
from gripping.
This movement preferably is axially at least substantially along, or entirely
along, the
length of the tubular or tubular string, and preferably upwards, to release
the frictionally
pinched gripping elements. Concurrently or immediately thereafter, the
gripping assembly
(also referred to as a "bowl", and including at least the recessed member,
slotted member,
and gripping elements) is moved at least radially away from the tubular or
tubular string to
permit the end 105a to clear the gripping assembly. The bowl segments may be
moved
into position for engagement and disengagement of a tubular by the use of
ramps. Similar
to those described above, the ramps at least substantially surround the bowls
and are
preferably cylindrical, but may be any shape. When gripping and then engaging
an outer surface of a tubular with the bowl, the ramp structure typically
moves in a
downward direction to move the bowl sections inwardly to form the bowl. As it
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does so, the ramps move inward towards the bowl sections so that the bowl can
contact and engage the tubular. The gripping assembly may be formed in
multiple
radially oriented parts, such as preferably two to five segments, and more
preferably three
to four segments, around the circumference of the tubular. More than one,
e.g., two,
three, four, or even five, gripping assemblies can be stacked axially through
the
running tool so that a tubular or tubular string may be engaged and then
gripped by
multiple gripping assemblies. Preferably, the gripping assembly is also moved
axially
upwards to facilitate release of the tubular or tubular string. This radial
movement is
typically outwards to release (when the gripping occurs on an outer surface of
the tubular)
and inwards to release (when the gripping occurs on an inner surface of the
tubular). In an
embodiment where the gripping occurs on an inner surface of the tubular, the
slotted
member is preferably adapted to slide, or to contract radially inwards, to
facilitate release
of the tubular from gripping. It should be understood that when the slotted
member
contracts or expands, a collapsible mandrel may be used, and when the slotted
member is
in sliding arrangement the actuator may be adapted to move the slotted member
up (which
is preferred), down, or both in symmetric or asymmetric fashion, to release
the gripping of
the tubular. It should also be understood that the gripping and any other
embodiments
herein can be on an outside surface, inside surface, or both, of the tubular
to be made-up or
broken-out.
[0079] Referring to Fig. 4, illustrated is a schematic view of apparatus
400
demonstrating one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The apparatus 400
demonstrates an exemplary environment in which the apparatus 100 shown in
Figs. 1A-G,
2, and 3A-D, and/or other apparatus within the scope of the present disclosure
may be
implemented.
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[0080] The apparatus 400 is or includes a land-based drilling rig. One or
more aspects
of the present disclosure are, however, applicable or readily adaptable to any
type of
drilling rig, such as jack-up rigs, semisubmersibles, drill ships, coil tubing
rigs, and casing
or casing drilling rigs, among others.
[0081] Apparatus 400 includes a mast 405 supporting lifting gear above a
rig floor 410.
The lifting gear includes a crown block 415 and a traveling block 420. The
crown block
415 is coupled at or near the top of the mast 405, and the traveling block 420
hangs from
the crown block 415 by a drilling line 425. The drilling line 425 extends from
the lifting
gear to draw-works 430, which is configured to reel out and reel in the
drilling line 425 to
cause the traveling block 420 to be lowered and raised relative to the rig
floor 410.
[0082] A hook 435 is attached to the bottom of the traveling block 420. A
top drive
440 is suspended from the hook 435. A quill 445 extending from the top drive
440 is
attached to a saver sub 450, which is attached to a tubular lifting device
452. The tubular
lifting device 452 is substantially similar to the apparatus 100 shown in
Figs. 1A-G and
3A-D, among others within the scope of the present disclosure. As described
above with
reference to Figs 1A-G and 3A-D, the lifting device 452 may be coupled
directly to the top
drive 440 or quill 445, such that the saver sub 450 may be omitted.
[0083] The tubular lifting device 452 is engaged with a drill string 455
suspended
within and/or above a wellbore 460. The drill string 455 may include one or
more
interconnected sections of drill pipe 465, among other components. One or more
pumps
480 may deliver drilling fluid to the drill string 455 through a hose or other
conduit 485,
which may be connected to the top drive 440.
[0084] The apparatus 400 may further comprise a controller 490 configured
to
communicate wired or wireless transmissions with the drawworks 430, the top
drive 440,
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and/or the pumps 480. Various sensors installed through the apparatus 400 may
also be in
wired or wireless communication with the controller 490. The controller 490
may further
be in communication with the running tool 110, the elevator 120, the actuators
150, and the
actuators 160 of the apparatus 100 shown in Figs. 1A-G and 3A-D. For example,
the
controller 490 may be configured to substantially automate operation of the
elevator 120,
the actuators 150, and the actuators 160 during engagement of the elevator 120
and a
tubular 105. The controller 490 may also be configured to substantially
automate operation
of the running tool 110, the elevator 120, the actuators 150, and the
actuators 160 during
engagement of the running tool 110 and a tubular 105.
[0085] Referring to Fig. 5A, illustrated is a flow-chart diagram of at
least a portion of a
method 500 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The
method 500
may be substantially similar to the method of operation depicted in Figs. 1A-G
and 3A-D,
and/or may include alternative or optional steps relative to the method
depicted in Figs.
1A-G and 3A-D. The system 400 shown in Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary environment
in
which the method 500 may be implemented.
[0086] For example, the method 500 includes a step 505 during which the
tubular
running tool (TMRT) is lowered relative to the rig, and the link tilt assembly
(LTA) is
rotated away from its vertical position. Additional positioning of the TMRT
and LTA may
be performed such that the elevator of the LTA is adequately positioned
relative to the
tubular so that the LTA elevator can be operated to engage the tubular in a
subsequent step
510. Thereafter, the TMRT is raised and the LTA and tubular are rotated into
or towards
the vertical position, substantially coaxial with the TMRT, in a step 515.
[0087] The TMRT is then lowered during a step 520 such that the tubular is
stabbed
into or otherwise interfaced with the stump (existing tubular string suspended
within the
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wellbore by floor slips and extending a short distance above the rig floor),
or a plate or
other structure over the stump, or any other load-bearing structure to urge
the tubular
towards the TMRT. In a subsequent step 525, the TMRT is further lowered, or
the tubular
raised relative to the TMRT, to engage the upper end of the tubular with the
gripping
mechanism within the TMRT. The running tool is then preferably moved away from
the
load-bearing surface, preferably in an upwards direction, to cause the engaged
gripping
elements to grip the tubular. Alternatively, or during an optional but
preferred step 530, a
pre-load and/or other force may then be applied to the tubular as discussed
herein, such as
to "set" the gripping mechanism within the TMRT and thereby rigidly engage and
grip the
tubular with the gripping mechanism. The TMRT may then be rotated during a
step 535 to
make up the connection between the tubular and the stump.
[0088] The method 500 then typically proceeds to step 540 during which the
TMRT
can be raised a short distance if needed to release the floor slips and then
lowered to
position the tubular as the new stump. In a subsequent step 545, the gripping
mechanism
of the TMRT may be disengaged to decouple the tubular as discussed herein, and
the
TMRT may be raised in preparation for the next iteration of the method 500.
[0089] Referring to Fig. 5B, illustrated is a flow-chart diagram of at
least a portion of a
method 550 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The
method 550
may be substantially similar to the method of operation depicted in Figs. 1A-
G, 3A-D, and
5A, and/or may include alternative or optional steps relative to the method
depicted in Figs.
1A-G, 3A-D, and 5A. For example, the method 550 may be performed to add one or
more
tubulars (singles, doubles, or triples) to an existing drill string that is
suspended within a
wellbore. The system 400 shown in Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary environment in
which the
method 550 may be implemented.
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[0090] The method 550 includes a step 552 during which the top drive (TD)
is lowered,
the tilt link actuator (TLA) is extended, the tilt link load actuator (TLLA)
is extended, and
the tubular elevator member is opened. Two or more of these actions may be
performed
substantially simultaneously or, alternatively, step 552 may comprise
performing these
actions in series, although the particular sequence or order of these actions
of step 552 may
vary within the scope of the present disclosure. The actions of step 552 are
configured to
orient the elevator relative to the tubular being installed into the string
such that the
elevator can subsequently engage the tubular.
[0091] The TD may be or comprise a rotary drive supported above the rig
floor, such as
the rotary drive 440 shown in Fig. 4. The TLA comprises one or more components
which
tilt the TLLA and elevator out of vertical alignment with the TD, such as the
actuators 160
shown in Figs. 1A-G. The TLLA comprises one or more components which adjust
the
vertical position of the elevator relative to the TD, such as the actuators
150 shown in Figs.
1A-G. The elevator may be or comprise a grasping element configured to engage
the
tubular being assembled into the drill string, such as the tubular member
elevator 120
shown in Figs. 1A-G and 3A-D.
[0092] After orienting the elevator relative to the new tubular by
operation of the TD,
TLA, and TLLA, as achieved by the performance of step 552, step 554 is
performed to
close the elevator or otherwise engage the new tubular with the elevator.
Thereafter, step
556 is performed, during which the TD is raised and the TLA is retracted. The
actions of
raising the TD and retracting the TLA may be performed substantially
simultaneously or
serially in any sequence. The TD is raised a sufficient amount such that the
lower end of
the new tubular is positioned higher than the drill string stump protruding
from the rig
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floor, and the retraction of the TLA brings the new tubular into vertical
alignment between
the stump and the TD.
[0093] In a subsequent step 558, the running tool actuator (RTA) is
retracted. The
RTA may be or comprise a linearly actuated cylinder which is operable
hydraulically,
electrically, mechanically, pneumatically, or via a combination thereof The
RTA couples
to a portion of the running tool (RT) such that the RT is able to grip the
tubular when the
RTA is extended but is prevented from gripping the tubular when the RTA is
retracted.
[0094] The TLLA is then retracted during step 560, such that the end of the
tubular is
inserted into the RT. In a subsequent step 562, the RTA is extended, thereby
allowing the
RT to grip the tubular. The method 550 also includes a step 564 during which a
pre-load
actuator (PA) is extended to apply an axial force to the end of the tubular
and thus forcibly
cause the engagement of the tubular by the RT. The PA comprises one or more
components configured to apply an axial force to the end of the tubular within
the RT, such
as the actuator 320 and/or pre-load mechanism 310 shown in Figs. 3A-D. The PA
may be
a plate or cap that is configured to apply force to an end of the tubular in
one preferred
embodiment.
[0095] The method 550 may also include a step 566 during which the elevator
may be
opened, such that the tubular is only retained by engagement with the RT.
However, this
action of opening the elevator may be performed at another point in the method
550, or not
at all until after the gripping assembly is to be released to lower the RT.
[0096] During a subsequent step 568, the RT is rotated such that a
connection is made
up between the new tubular and the stump. To be clear, this and many of the
embodiments
discussed herein are with respect to the make-up operation, and these can be
reversed to
achieve a suitable break-out operation. In the present example, such rotation
is driven by
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the rotational force provided by the top drive. Other mechanisms or means for
rotating the
RT are also within the scope of the present disclosure so long as the gripping
assembly
engages and grips the tubular or tubular string, but preferably this rotation
occurs at least
partially, preferably entirely, through the gripping elements gripping the
tubular.
[0097] After the connection is made up by performing step 568, the floor
slips are
released during step 570. The TD is then initially raised during step 571 to
fully disengage
the stump from the slips, and then lowered during step 572 to translate the
newly-joined
tubular into the wellb ore such that only an end portion of the new tubular
protrudes from
the rig floor, forming a new stump. The floor slips are then reset to engage
the new stump
during a subsequent step 574.
[0098] Thereafter, the PA can be retracted during step 576, and the RTA can
be
retracted during step 578, such that the new tubular (the top of which is now
the stump) is
engaged only by the floor slips and not any portion of the RT or elevator. The
TD is then
free to be raised during subsequent step 580. As indicated in Fig. 5B, the
method 500 may
then be repeated to join another tubular to the new stump.
[0099] Referring to Fig. 5C, illustrated is a flow-chart diagram of at
least a portion of a
method 600 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The
method 600
may be substantially similar to a reversed embodiment of the method of
operation depicted
in Figs. 1A-G, 3A-D, and 5A-B, and/or may include alternative or optional
steps relative to
the method depicted in Figs. 1A-G, 3A-D, and 5A-B. For example, the method 600
may
be performed to remove one or more tubulars (singles, doubles, or triples)
from an existing
drill string that is suspended within a wellbore. The system 400 shown in Fig.
4 depicts an
exemplary environment in which the method 600 may be implemented.
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[00100] The method 600 includes a step 602 during which the elevator is
opened, the
TLA is retracted, the TLLA is retracted, the PA is retracted, the RTA is
retracted, and the
TD is raised. Two or more of these actions may be performed substantially
simultaneously
or, alternatively, step 602 may comprise performing these actions in series,
although the
particular sequence or order of these actions of step 602 may vary within the
scope of the
present disclosure. The actions of step 602 are configured to orient the
elevator and RT
relative to the protruding end (stump) of the tubular being removed from the
drill string
such that the RT can subsequently engage the tubular.
[00101] Thereafter, during step 604, the TD is lowered over the stump, such
that the
stump is inserted into the RT. The RTA is then extended during step 606, and
the PA is
then extended during step 608. Consequently, the stump is engaged and gripped
by the RT.
The floor slips are then released during step 610. During step 611, the
elevator is closed to
engage and grip the removed tubular, which is still engaged and gripped by the
RT. The
TD is subsequently raised during step 612, such that the entire length of the
tubular being
removed from the drill string is raised above the rig floor and the end of the
next tubular in
the drill string protrudes from the wellbore. The floor slips are then reset
to engage and
grip the next tubular during step 614. In a subsequent step 616, the RT is
rotated to break
out the connection between the tubular being removed and the next tubular that
will form
the new stump. After breaking the connection, the TD is raised during step
618, thereby
lifting the tubular off of the new stump.
[00102] The PA is then retracted during step 622, and the TLLA is then
retracted during
step 624, such that the tubular can be released from gripping and become
disengaged from
the RT, yet it is still engaged and gripped by the elevator.
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[00103] The TLLA is then extended during step 626. Because the tubular is no
longer
engaged or gripped by the RT, the extension of the TLLA during step 626 pulls
the tubular
out of the RT. However, step 626 may include or be proceeded by a process to
fully
disengage the RT from the tubular, such as by lowering the TD to lightly set
the removed
tubular down onto the stump or a protective plate positioned on the stump,
after which the
TD is raised once again so that the removed tubular vertical clears the stump.
[00104] Thereafter, the TLA is extended during step 628 to tilt the removed
tubular
(currently engaged and gripped by the elevator) away from vertical alignment
with the TD.
The TD is then lowered during step 630. The steps 628 and/or 630 may be
performed to
orient the removed tubular relative a pipe rack or other structure or
mechanism to which
the tubular will be deposited when the elevator is subsequently opened. The
method 600
may further comprise an additional step during which the elevator is opened
once the
tubular is adequately oriented. Alternatively, iteration of the method 600 may
be
performed such that the removed tubular is deposited on the pipe rack or other
structure or
mechanism when the elevator is opened during the second iteration of step 602.
As
indicated in Fig. 5C, the method 600 may be repeated to remove additional
tubulars from
the tubular string.
[00105] Referring to Fig. 6, illustrated is an exploded perspective view of at
least a
portion of an exemplary embodiment of the gripping mechanism of the RT 110
shown in
Figs. 1A-G, 2, and 3A-D, herein designated by the reference numeral 700. One
or more
aspects of the gripping mechanism 700 is substantially similar or identical to
one or more
corresponding aspects of the gripping mechanism of the RT 110 shown in Figs.
1A-G, 2,
and 3A-D. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 700 shown in Fig. 6 is
substantially
identical to at least a portion of the RT 110 shown in Figs. 1A-G, 2, and/or
3A-D.
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[00106] The apparatus 700 includes a recessed member 710, a perforated member
720
whose apertures may be round or elongated, and a plurality of rolling or
sliding members
730. One or more aspects of the recessed member 710 is substantially similar
or identical
to one or more corresponding aspects of the recessed member 210 shown in Fig.
2. One or
more aspects of the perforated member 720 is substantially similar or
identical to one or
more corresponding aspects of the slotted member 220 shown in Fig. 2. The
rolling or
sliding members 730 may be substantially identical to the rolling or sliding
members 230
shown in Fig. 2.
[00107] As shown in Fig. 6, however, the recessed member 710 and the slotted
member
720 each comprise three discrete sections 710a, 720a, respectively. The
apparatus 700 also
includes in this embodiment a holder 740 which also comprises three discrete
sections
740a. Other functionally equivalent configurations may combine section 740a
and 710c to
create an integral member. Each holder section 740a may include a flange 745
configured
to be coupled with a flange 745 of another of the holder sections 740a, such
that the holder
sections 740a may be assembled to form a bowl-type structure (holder 740)
configured to
hold the sections 710a of the recessed member 710, the sections 720a of the
slotted
member 720, and the rolling or sliding members 730.
[00108] Figs. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the apparatus 700 shown in
Fig. 6 in
engaged and disengaged positions, respectively. Referring to Figs. 7A and 7B
collectively,
with continued reference to Fig. 6, the apparatus 700 may include multiple
segments 700a
stacked vertically. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, the
apparatus
700 includes four vertical segments 700a. In other embodiments, however, the
apparatus
700 may include fewer or more segments. The gripping force applied by the
apparatus 700
to the tubular is at least partially proportional to the number of vertical
segments 700a, such
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that increasing the number of vertical segments 700a increases the lifting
capacity of the
apparatus 700 as well as the torque which may be applied to the tubular by the
apparatus
700. Each of the vertical segments 700a may be substantially similar or
identical, although
the top and bottom segments 700a may have unique interfaces for coupling with
additional
equipment between the top drive and the casing string.
[00109] The external profile of each holder 740 is tapered, such that the
lower end of
each holder 740 has a smaller diameter than its upper end. Each vertical
segment 700a of
the apparatus 700 also includes a housing 750 having an internal profile
configured to
cooperate with the external profile of the holder 740 such that as the holder
740 moves
downward (relative to the housing 750) towards the engaged position (Fig. 7A)
the holder
740 constricts radially inward, yet when the holder 740 moves upward towards
the
disengaged position (Fig. 7B) the holder 740 expands radially outward. The
housing 750 is
also called a ramp or ramp structure in the present application.
[00110] The top segment 700a of the apparatus 700 may include an interface 760
configured to couple with one or more hydraulic cylinders and/or other
actuators (not
shown). Moreover, each holder 740 is coupled to its upper and lower
neighboring holders
740. Consequently, vertical movement urged by the one or more actuators
coupled to the
interface 760 results in simultaneous vertical movement of all of the holders
740.
Accordingly, downward movement of the holders 740 driven by the one or more
actuators
causes the gripping elements 730 to engage and grip the outer surface of the
tubular,
whereas upward movement of the holders 740 driven by the one or more actuators
causes
the gripping elements 730 to release and then disengage from the tubular. The
force
applied by the one or more actuators to drive the downward movement of the
holders 740
to engage the gripping elements 730 with the tubular and cause frictional
retention thereof
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is one example of the pre-load or other force described above with regard to
step 530 of the
method 500 shown in Fig. 5A, the step 564 shown in Fig. 5B, and/or the step
608 shown in
Fig. 5C. The holders 740 may be open-faced, e.g., to minimize their weight, as
shown in
Figs. 6, 7A and 7B, but in other embodiments (not shown) may be closed-face so
as to
accommodate load-bearing and weight distribution requirements or preferences.
[00111] In one preferred embodiment in the make-up aspect according to the
invention,
the gripping elements may be moved initially in an angled downward direction
towards a
tubular to engage (or contact) the tubular, which has been disposed in a
recess in the
running tool, typically by operation of the tubular elevator member. The
gripping elements
will typically inherently be pulled downwards in their corresponding recesses
by gravity
until they either reach the shallow end of the recess or contact the tubular.
As the tubular
and the gripping assembly are moved towards each other, the gripping elements
in the
gravity-fed embodiment will be forced further towards the shallow end of each
recess by
gravity and therefore radially towards the tubular to grip it, but towards the
deeper end of
each recess by contact of the tubular therewith. Eventually, the movement of
the gripping
elements, typically downwards in part and always radially towards the tubular,
will be the
stronger force and the gripping elements will move to a sufficiently shallow
part of the
recess to grip the tubular. As discussed herein, the weight of the tubular
will cause
gripping even without providing power or actuation to the engaged gripping
elements, but
preferably a pre-load axial force is applied to the tubular to increase the
gripping strength
of the gripping assembly. By moving the tubular and running tool apart from
each other
once the tool engages the tubular, it is contemplated this can be done in any
available
manner, such as having the elevator simply release the tubular into free-fall,
or by having
the elevator move downwards to pull the tubular downwards, by applying an
actuator at the
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end or along another radius of the tubular (e.g., the pre-load noted herein),
or the like, or
any combination thereof, so as to cause the tubular to be gripped by the
engaged gripping
elements. After make-up, the gripping elements are pulled away from the
shallow end or
adjacent thereto towards the deeper end of their respective recesses by a
release pressure or
force that is sufficient to cause the gripping assembly to release from
gripping. In one
embodiment where the gripping occurs on an outside surface of the tubular, the
gripping
assembly or at least the slotted member is lifted from the gripping position
so that radial
portions can be separated, e.g., through a spring-loaded mechanism between
radial wedges
so that the larger end collar of the tubular can be released through the
gripping assembly.
Thus, the gripping elements of this embodiment typically move upwards and
radially away
from the gripping position adjacent the previously-held tubular to release the
tubular to a
merely engaged position with no gripping and then to a fully released
position. It should
be understood that the break-out version operates in an essentially reversed
manner by
taking off one tubular from the string, having the tubular elevator grip it,
then releasing the
gripping assembly, etc. Other release operations can be conducted as described
herein,
such as by moving a sliding slotted member to release the gripping elements
particularly
when the gripping occurs on an inner surface of a tubular.
[00112] In view of all of the above and the exemplary embodiments depicted in
Figs.
1A-1G, 2, 3A-D, 4, 5A-C, 6, 7A and 7B, it should be readily apparent that the
present
disclosure introduces various embodiments as follows, including an apparatus
adapted to
handle a tubular, comprising: a tubular running tool; a tubular member
elevator; a plurality
of first actuators each extending between the running tool and the elevator;
and optionally a
plurality of second actuators each extending between the running tool and a
corresponding
one of the first actuators, wherein each of the actuators is independently
hydraulically- or
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electrically-operable. The running tool comprises: a slotted or perforated
member having
a plurality of apertures which may be elongated slots each extending in a
direction; a
recessed member fixed, rotatably, radially expandably or contractably, or
slidably, coupled
to the slotted member and having a plurality of recesses each tapered in the
direction from
a shallow end to a deep end; and a plurality of rolling or sliding members (or
gripping
elements) each retained between one of the plurality of recesses and one of
the plurality of
apertures. Each of the plurality of gripping elements partially extends
through an adjacent
one of the plurality of elongated slots when located in the shallow end of the
corresponding
one of the plurality of recesses, and each of the plurality of gripping
elements retracts to
within an outer perimeter of the slotted member, or preferably partially
within the outer
perimeter so as to extend less, when displaced from the shallow end toward a
deep end of
the corresponding one of the plurality of recesses.
[00113] The elevator may comprise: a slotted elevator member having a
plurality of
apertures which may be elongated slots each extending in a direction; a
recessed elevator
member slidably coupled to the slotted elevator member and having a plurality
of recesses
each tapered in the direction from a shallow end to a deep end; and a
plurality of rolling
elevator members each retained between one of the plurality of recesses and
one of the
plurality of elongated slots. Each of the plurality of rolling elevator
members partially
extends through an adjacent one of the plurality of elongated slots when
located in the
shallow end of the corresponding one of the plurality of recesses, and each of
the plurality
of rolling elevator members retracts to within an outer perimeter of the
slotted elevator
member when located in a deep end of the corresponding one of the plurality of
recesses.
A floor slip including a substantially similar gripping apparatus for gripping
a tubular
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string may be provided, preferably in association with the RT, but preferably
adapted to
hold the entire tubular string without further support.
[00114] The running tool may be configured to frictionally engage an outer
surface of
the tubular sufficient to apply a torque to the tubular. In an exemplary
embodiment, the
torque is at least about 5000 ft-lbs. In another exemplary embodiment, the
torque is at least
about 50,000 ft-lbs.
[00115] In one embodiment, each first actuator may comprise a first cylinder
having a
first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatably coupled to a
first attachment
point of the running tool, and wherein a first rod extends from the second end
and is
rotatably coupled to the elevator. Each second actuator may comprise a second
cylinder
having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second
cylinder is rotatably
coupled to a second attachment point of the running tool, and wherein a second
rod extends
from the second end of the second cylinder and is rotatably coupled to the
first cylinder.
[00116] The tubular may be selected from the group consisting of: a wellbore
casing
member; a drill string tubing member; a pipe member; and a collared tubing
member. The
running tool may be configured to frictionally engage the tubular, wherein a
portion of the
running tool forms a fluidic seal with an end of the tubular when the running
tool is
engaged with the tubular.
[00117] The apparatus may further comprise a controller in communication with
the
running tool, the elevator, and the first and second actuators. The controller
may be
configured to substantially automate operation of the elevator and the first
and second
actuators during engagement of the elevator and the tubular. Thus automation
may include
but is not limited to the counting of rotations, the measurement and
application of torque,
and the control of the rotations per unit of time of the apparatus, among
other possible
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automated aspects. The elevator may be configured to engage an outer surface
of an
axially-intermediate portion of the tubular. The controller may be configured
to
substantially automate operation of the running tool, the elevator, and the
first and second
actuators during engagement of the running tool and the tubular. The running
tool may be
configured to engage and grip an outer surface of another axially-intermediate
portion of
the tubular.
[00118] The present disclosure also introduces a method of handling a tubular,
comprising: engaging an outer surface of an axially-intermediate portion of
the tubular with
a tubular member elevator, and operating a plurality of links extending
between the
elevator and a tubular running tool to thereby position an end of the tubular
within the
running tool. The method further comprises engaging an outer surface of
another portion
of the tubular with the running tool, including applying an axial force to the
end of the
tubular within the running tool. Applying an axial force to the end of the
tubular may
comprise actuating a hydraulic cylinder or other hydraulic or electric device
to move a
recessed member of a gripping mechanism relative to a housing of the gripping
mechanism, thereby causing a plurality of rolling or sliding members of the
gripping
mechanism to each engage the tubular.
[00119] The method may further comprise disengaging the tubular member
elevator
from the tubular; and disengaging the running tool from the tubular.
Disengaging the
running tool from the tubular may comprise removing the axial force applied to
the end of
the tubular within the running tool. The method may further comprise rotating
the tubular
by rotating the running tool while the tubular is engaged by the running tool,
including
applying a torsional force to the tubular, wherein the torsional force is not
less than about
5000 ft-lbs.
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[00120] The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for handling a
tubular,
comprising: means for engaging an outer surface of an axially-intermediate
portion of the
tubular; means for positioning the engaging means to thereby position an end
of the
engaged tubular within a running tool; and means for applying an axial force
to the end of
the tubular within the running tool to thereby engage an outer surface of
another portion of
the tubular with the running tool.
[00121] The ability to grip a tubular at a position distal from the end (e.g.,
within an
intermediate portion defined by a gripping limit), coupled with the ability to
lift the tubular
without damaging the tubular, and subsequently insert the tubular into a
handling tool, all
with no or minimal human handling of the tubular, is something that has not
been done
before, and satisfies and long-felt need in industry. One or more aspects of
the present
disclosure may facilitate gripping techniques which may allow an elevator to
grip and lift
or lower a tubular without damaging its sensitive outer surface. One or more
aspects of the
present disclosure may also significantly improve the time it takes to add
each new tubular
into the wellbore string, such as may be due to reducing the process time
previously
required for evaluating and handling each tubular and making the connections.
The cycle
time per tubular tripped in or out can be as low as about 2 minutes to about 4
minutes,
typically as low as about 2.5 minutes to about 3 minutes. However, other
benefits and
advantages may also be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[00122] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those
of
ordinary skill in the art may better understand the aspects of the present
disclosure. Those
skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present
disclosure as a
basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying
out the same
purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced
herein.
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Those of ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent
constructions may make
various changes, substitutions and alterations herein.
