Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
A8138399CADIV
Extended Range Single-Joint Elevator
BACKGROUND
100011 In the oil and gas industry, wellbores are drilled into the
Earth using drilling
rigs, where tubulars are threaded together to form long tubular strings that
are inserted
into the wellbore to extract the desired fluid. The tubular string is
generally suspended
in the borehole using a rig floor-mounted spider, such that each new tubular
segment
or stand may be threaded onto the end of the previous tubular just above the
spider. A
single-joint elevator is commonly used to grip and secure the segment or stand
to a
hoist to lift the segment or stand into position for threading the tubular
together.
100021 For installing a string of casing, single-joint elevators
generally include a pair
of hinged body halves that open to receive a tubular segment and subsequently
close
to secure the tubular segment within the elevator. Single-joint elevators are
specifically adapted for securing and lifting tubular segments having a
conventional
connection, such as an internally-threaded sleeve that receives and secures an
externally-threaded end from each of two tubular segments to secure the
segments in
a generally abutting relationship. The internally-threaded sleeve is first
threaded onto
the end of a first tubular segment to form a "box end." The externally-
threaded "pin
end" of a second tubular segment is then threaded into the box end to complete
the
connection between the two segments. When the elevator is in the closed
position,
i.e., when the hinged body halves are secured shut, the internal diameter of
the elevator
is less than the outer diameter of the box end. Consequently, the
circumferential
shoulder formed by the elevator engages the tubular segment at a corresponding
shoulder forined by the end of the sleeve, thereby preventing the tubular
segment from
slipping through the elevator.
100031 At least one challenge encountered by typical single-joint
elevators is that they
are designed to catch a very small range (e.g., outside diameter) of casing.
With
numerous integral and upset connections currently being used in the field,
there are
often times variances in the outside diameter of the box end of the casing
that prohibit
the use of a solitary singlejoint elevator. Instead, two or more single-joint
elevators
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are required to accommodate the varying outside diameters of the pipes and/or
connections encountered.
[0004] What is needed, therefore, is a multi-range, single-joint
elevator capable of
being secured to tubulars having a range of deviations in the outside diameter
thereof.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the disclosure may provide an oilfield elevator.
The elevator
may include first and second body halves pivotally-coupled at a hinge and
moveable
between an open position and a closed position, and one or more slips slidably
received within one or more corresponding downwardly-tapered slots defined in
respective inner circumferential surfaces of the first and second body halves,
the one
or more slips being configured to translate vertically within the one or more
tapered
slots and, at the same time, translate radially with respect to the first and
second body
halves. The elevator may also include first and second timing bars coupled to
the one
or more slips, and first and second tension handles pivotally-coupled to the
first and
second body halves, respectively, and moveable between a locked position and
an
unlocked position, the first and second tension handles each having a body
that
terminates at a connection point. The elevator may further include first and
second
biasing members each having a first end coupled to the connection point of the
first
and second tension handles, respectively, and a second end coupled to the
first and
second timing bars, respectively, wherein the first and second biasing members
impart
a downward force on the one or more slips via the first and second timing bars
when
the first and second handles are in the locked position, and wherein the first
and second
biasing members reduce the downward force on the one or more slips via the
first and
second timing bars when the first and second handles are in the unlocked
position.
[0006] Embodiments of the disclosure may further provide a method for
engaging a
tubular segment. The method may include positioning an elevator adjacent the
tubular
segment, the elevator including first and second body halves having slips
slidably
received within corresponding tapered slots defined in the first and second
body
halves, wherein a first timing bar is coupled to the slips in the first body
half and a
second timing bar is coupled to the slips in the second body half, and closing
the first
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and second body halves around the tubular segment. The method may further
include
moving first and second tension handles from an unlocked position to a locked
position, the first and second tension handles being pivotally coupled to the
first and
second body halves, respectively, and each tension handle having a body that
terminates at a connection point, and applying a downward force on the first
and
second timing bars with first and second biasing members having a first end
coupled
to the connection point of the first and second tension handles, respectively,
and a
second end coupled to the first and second timing bars, respectively. The
method may
also include transmitting the downward force from the first and second timing
bars to
the slips, the slips being configured to translate vertically within the
tapered slots and,
at the same time, translate radially with respect to the first and second body
halves in
response to the downward force, wherein the slips translate vertically and
radially
until coming into contact with an outside surface of the tubular segment.
[0007] Embodiments of the disclosure may further provide an apparatus
for engaging
a tubular segment. The apparatus may include first and second body halves
pivotally-
coupled at a hinge and moveable between an open position and a closed
position, one
or more slips slidably received within downwardly and inwardly-tapered slots
defined
in the first and second body halves, the one or more slips being configured to
translate
within the tapered slots, and first and second timing bars coupled to the one
or more
slips. The apparatus may also include first and second tension handles
pivotally-
coupled to the first and second body halves, respectively, and moveable
between a
locked position and an unlocked position, each tension handle having a body
that is
coupled to a connection point, and first and second biasing members, each
having a
first end coupled to the connection point of the first and second tension
handles,
respectively, and a second end coupled to the first and second timing bars,
respectively, the first and second biasing members being configured to impart
a
downward force on the first and second timing bars when the first and second
handles
are in the locked position, thereby forcing the one or more slips to translate
within the
tapered slots until coming into contact with the outside surface of the
tubular segment.
[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure may further provide an elevator
to manipulate
a tubular segment, the elevator including an elevator body with a bore formed
therethrough having an axis therein, the elevator body including a plurality
of openings
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extending from an outer surface of the elevator body to the bore of the
elevator body,
and a base member coupled to a bottom surface of the elevator body, the base
member
having a guide portion that directs the tubular segment into the bore of the
elevator
body. The elevator also includes a plurality of slip assemblies disposed
inside the
plurality of openings and coupled to the elevator body, each of the plurality
of slip
assemblies including an actuator body coupled to the elevator body, a slip,
the slip
including an engagement surface disposed orthogonal to the axis of the bore of
the
elevator body that engages the tubular segment, and a guide surface adjacent
to a bottom
surface of the elevator body that is angled such that the tubular segment
slides through
the bore of the elevator body until the tubular segment is engaged by the
engagement
surface, and a powered actuator coupled to the slip and the actuator body, in
which the
powered actuator is configured to retract the slip from the center of the bore
of the
elevator body.
[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure may further provide a method to
manufacture
an elevator that engages a tubular segment, the method including forming a
bore in an
elevator body of the elevator, and forming a plurality of openings in the
elevator
housing that extend from an outer surface of the elevator body to the bore of
the
elevator body, assembling a plurality of slip assemblies. Assembling each of
the
plurality of slip assemblies includes coupling a powered actuator to an
actuator body,
and coupling the powered actuator to the slip, in which the powered actuator
is
configured to retract the slip from the biased position and toward the
actuator body.
The method to manufacture also includes disposing the plurality of slip
assemblies
inside the plurality of openings of the elevator body, and coupling the
plurality of slip
assemblies to the elevator body, wherein the plurality of slip assemblies are
configured to automatically engage the tubular segment.
[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure may further provide a method to
add a tubular
segment to a drilling string of pipe, the method including rotating the
tubular segment
up from a non-vertical position to a substantially vertical position and
grasping the
tubular segment in the vertical position with an elevator. Grasping the
tubular
segment includes lowering the elevator over an upper end of the tubular
segment,
separating a plurality of slips from a closed position to an open position by
the upper
end of the tubular segment, wherein the plurality of slips are biased toward
the closed
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position, and automatically enclosing the plurality of slips about an outer
diameter of
the tubular segment, wherein a shoulder on the upper end of the tubular
segment rests
on upper surfaces of the plurality of slips. The method to add a tubular
segment also
includes lifting the tubular segment with the elevator, positioning the
tubular segment
over the drilling string of pipe, threading the tubular segment onto the
drilling string
of pipe by rotating the tubular segment using the elevator, and releasing the
tubular
segment from the elevator by retracting the slips from the outer diameter of
the tubular
segment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] 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.
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary elevator,
according to
one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the elevator of Figure
1 with tension
handles in the unlocked position, according to one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the elevator of Figure
1 in an open
position, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a close-up view of a throat of the elevator
of Figure 1, with
the tension handle in the unlocked position, according to one or more
embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a close-up view of the throat of the
elevator of Figure 1, with
the tension handle in the locked position, according to one or more
embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
elevator grasping a
tubular segment, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
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[0018] Figure 7 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary elevator
grasping a
tubular segment, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0019] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for engaging a tubular
segment, according
to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0020] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate isometric views of an elevator,
according to one or
more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0021] Figure 10 illustrates a top view of an elevator, according to
one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0022] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate cross-sectional views of an
elevator, according
to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0023] Figure 12A illustrates an isometric view of an elevator,
according to one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0024] Figure 12B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the elevator
shown in Figure
12A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes
several exemplary
embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of
the
invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and
configurations
are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these
exemplary
embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the
scope
of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference
numerals
and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures
provided
herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does
not in itself
dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or
configurations discussed in the various Figures. 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
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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. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below
may be
combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary
embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing
from the scope of the disclosure.
[0026] Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following
description and
claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will
appreciate,
various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as
such, the
naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit
the scope
of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the
naming
convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that
differ
in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the
claims,
the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and
thus
should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to." All numerical
values in
this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise
specifically
stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from
the
numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the
intended
scope. Furthermore, as it is used in the claims or specification, the term
"or" is
intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e.. "A or B" is
intended
to be synonymous with "at least one of A and B," unless otherwise expressly
specified
herein.
[0027] Figures 1-3 illustrate an exemplary oilfield elevator 100,
according to one or
more embodiments disclosed. The elevator 100 is moveable between a closed
position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and an open position, as shown in
Figure 3. In
one embodiment, the elevator 100 may be a single-joint elevator configured to
grasp
onto and position a singular tubular segment, such as a drill pipe or casing,
for
coupling to a tubular string. The elevator 100 may include a first body half
102a and
a second body half 102b pivotally connected at a hinge 104. Each body half
102a,b
may have a lifting ear 106a and 106b, respectively, integrally formed
therewith or
connected thereto and configured to be coupled to or otherwise receive links
(not
shown) in order to position the elevator 100 during tubular makeup operations.
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100281 The elevator 100 is moveable between the open and closed
positions by pivoting
each body half 102a,b about the axis of the hinge 104. To help accommodate
this
movement, one or more positioning handles 111 may be attached to the exterior
of the
first and second halves 102a,b to be grasped by a user to manipulate their
general
position. In other embodiments, the positioning handles 111 may be omitted and
an
automated opening/closing system (not shown) may be implemented to
mechanically
open/close the elevator 100. For example, the elevator 100 may be
opened/closed
using mechanical devices such as hydraulics, servos, gearing, etc., without
departing
from the scope of the disclosure.
100291 The elevator 100 may be secured in the closed position with a
locking apparatus
108 pivotally-coupled to the first body half 102a with a pivotal coupling 110.
In other
embodiments, the locking apparatus 108 may be pivotally coupled to the second
body
half 102b, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In one
embodiment, the
pivotal coupling 110 may be spring loaded. A locking handle 112 projects from
the
locking apparatus 108 and may be grasped by a user to manually bring the first
body
half 102a into proximity of the second body half 102b. Once the first and
second body
halves 1 02a1b are proximally aligned, the locking mechanism 108 may be
configured
to extend over a latch 114 (best seen in Figure 3) integrally-formed with the
second
body half 102b. The latch 114 may define a perforation 116 (Figure 3) adapted
to
receive a pin 118 (partially shown). The pin 118 may be extendable through
corresponding perforations (not shown) defined in the locking mechanism 108
and
into the perforation 116 to secure the locking mechanism 108 in the closed
position.
As illustrated, the pin 118 may be attached to a cord or cable 120 that is
anchored to
the locking mechanism 108 at an anchor point 122.
100301 The first and second body halves 102a and 102b each define an
inner
circumferential surface 124a and 124b, respectively. When the elevator 100 is
in the
closed position, the inner circumferential surfaces 124a,b cooperatively
define a
generally circular opening or throat 126 that may be configured to receive and
secure
a tubular or casing segment. The inner circumferential surfaces 124a,b may
further
define a series of tapered slots 128; one slot is 128 shown in Figures 1 and
2, and two
slots 128 are shown in Figure 3. The term "tapered" as used herein refers to
the slots
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128 being inclined to the axis of the throat 126, such as being downwardly and
inwardly-tapered with respect to the axis of the throat 126.
[0031] The tapered slots 128 may be equidistantly-spaced from each
other about the
inner circumferential surfaces 124a,b. In one embodiment, each inner
circumferential
surface 124a,b may define a total of two slots 128, but in other embodiments
more or
less than two slots 128 may be provided. Moreover, the number of slots 128
defined
in either inner circumferential surface 124a,b does not necessarily have to be
equal,
but may vary depending on the application.
[0032] Each slot 128 may be adapted to slidably receive a slip 130,
such as slips 130a,
1 30b, 130c, and 130d (only slips 130a,b,c are shown in Figure 1). As
illustrated, the
slots 128 defined in the first inner circumferential surface 124a may slidably
receive
the first slip 130a and the second slip 130b, while the slots 128 defined in
the second
inner circumferential surface 124b may slidably receive the third slip 130c
and the
fourth slip 130d. Each slip 130a-d may be partially cylindrical and configured
to
engage the outside surface of a tubular segment, as will be described in more
detail
below.
[0033] During elevator 100 operation, the slips 130a-d may be able to
translate
vertically within their respective slots 128. To facilitate this vertical
translation, each
slot 128 may include one or more rails 129 (Figures 2 and 3) configured to
seat a
respective slip 130a-d. The rails 129 may be configured to extend through a
portion
of the respective slip 1 30a-d, thereby providing a fixed translation path for
each slip
130a-d. In at least one embodiment, each rail 129 may be encompassed by a
compression spring 152 (Figure 4) adapted to continuously bias the respective
slip
130a-d upward and into an "open" position. In other embodiments, the
compression
springs 152 may be separate from the rails 129 but nonetheless work in concert
therewith to facilitate the vertical translation of the slips 130a-d.
[0034] Each slip 130a-d may be maintained within its respective slot
128 using a
retainer plate 131 fastened to the first or second body halves 102a,b adjacent
the upper
end of each slot 128. The retainer plates 131 may be fastened to the first or
second
body halves 102a,b by any known method including, but not limited to,
mechanical
fasteners.
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[0035] A first timing bar 132a may be used to moveably couple the first
slip 130a to
the second slip 130b, such that when the first slip 130a moves, the second
slip 130b
moves as well, and vice versa. A second timing bar 132b may be used to
moveably
couple the third slip 130c to the fourth slip 130d such that when the third
slip 130c
moves, the fourth slip 130d moves as well, and vice versa. One or more
mechanical
fasteners 134 (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) may be used to secure the timing
bars 132a,b
to the respective slips 130a-d. In other embodiments, however, the timing bars
132a,b
may be attached to the respective slips 130a-d via other attachments, such as
welding,
brazing, adhesives, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope
of the
disclosure.
[0036] The elevator 100 may further include first and second tension
handles 140a and
140b pivotally coupled to the first and second body halves 102a and 102b,
respectively. Figure 1 shows the tension handles 1 40a,b in a "locked"
position, and
Figures 2 and 3 show the tension handles 140a,b in an "unlocked" position. In
the
locked position, each tension handle 140a,b may rest or otherwise be seated
within a
recessed pocket defined in the outer circumferential surface of each body half
102a,b,
respectively. Moreover, each tension handle 140a,b may include a spring-loaded
body
fixture 136 (Figure 1) adapted to bias the tension handle 140a,b into its
respective
recessed pocket.
[0037] To unlock the tension handles 140a,b, a user may pull radially-
outward on the
tension handle 140b (or 140a), as indicated by arrow A in Figure 1, to remove
it from
the recessed pocket. Once removed from the recessed pocket, the tension handle
140b
may swivel downward and back toward the body half 140b, as indicated by arrow
B.
Locking the tension handles 140a,b back in place within the recessed pockets
can be
accomplished by a reversal of the above-described steps.
[0038] Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, with continuing reference to
Figures 1-3,
illustrated are isometric views of the elevator 100 with the tension handles
140a,b in
the unlocked (Figure 4) and locked (Figure 5) positions, according to one or
more
embodiments of the disclosure. Although only the first body half 102a,
including the
first tension handle 140a, is shown in Figures 4 and 5 and described below, it
will be
appreciated that the following description is equally applicable to the
components of
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the second body half 102b, especially including the second tension handle
140b, but
will not be discussed herein for the sake of brevity.
[0039] As illustrated, the first tension handle 140a may include a body
138 that extends
generally into the throat 126 through an opening 139 defined in the first body
half
102a. The opening 139 may generally extend from the outer surface of the first
body
half 102a to the inner circumferential surface 124a. The body 138 may
terminate at a
connection point 142 configured to be coupled to a biasing member 144, for
example,
at a first end 146 of the biasing member 144. In one embodiment, the biasing
member
144 may be a tension spring, as illustrated. In other embodiments, however,
the
biasing member 144 may be any other device capable of providing a biasing
force
such as, but not limited to, pneumatic devices, hydraulic devices, servo
devices,
electromagnets, or combinations thereof.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection point 142 includes
a ring
structure, but in other embodiments the connection point 142 may include any
other
type of structure capable of being coupled to the biasing member 144. The
biasing
member 144 may also include a second end 148 configured to be coupled to the
first
timing bar 132a. In one embodiment, the first timing bar 132a may define one
or more
holes 150 for receiving or otherwise securing the second end 148 of the
biasing
member 144. It will be appreciated, however, that the second end 148 may be
secured
to the first timing bar 132a in any known manner, without departing from the
scope
of the disclosure.
[0041] When the first tension handle 140a is in the unlocked position
(Figure 4), the
biasing member 144 is able to retract, at least partially, and thereby reduce
the
downward force exhibited on the first timing bar 132a. As the downward force
on the
timing bar 132a is removed or otherwise diminished, the compression springs
152 are
able to expand and force the first and second slips 130a,b vertically-upward
and into
the open position within their respective slots 128. Since the slots 128 are
inclined to
the axis of the throat 126, upward axial movement of the slips 130a,b
simultaneously
results in a radial movement of the slips 130a,b away from the center of the
throat
126. Consequently, in the open position the slips 130a,b provide the largest
throat 126
area.
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[0042] When the first tension handle 140a is returned to its locked
position (Figure 5),
the connection point 142 pulls down on and engages the biasing member 144
which
transmits a generally downward force on the first timing bar 132a. As a
result, the first
timing bar 132a conveys a generally downward force on the first and second
slips
130a,b and their accompanying compression springs 152, thereby causing the
axial
downward movement of the slips 130a,b. Moreover, because of the tapered
disposition of the slots 128, downward axial movement of the slips 130a,b
simultaneously results in a radial movement of the slips 1 30a, b toward the
center of
the throat 126. Consequently, in the closed position the slips 130a,b present
the
smallest throat 126 area for the elevator 100.
[0043] Referring to Figure 6, illustrated is a cross-sectional view of
the exemplary
elevator 100 as it engages a casing or tubular segment 602, according to one
or more
embodiments. In one embodiment, the tubular segment 602 may include a sleeve
604
coupled thereto. In other embodiments, the sleeve 604 may be a collar or other
upset
that is integrally-formed with the tubular segment 602. The sleeve 604 may
include a
circumferential shoulder 606 adapted to engage the elevator 100 at each slip
130a-d
(only the second and third slips 130b and 130d are shown in Figure 6).
[0044] The slips 130a-d may engage the tapered surface 608 of the
respective slot 128
with a corresponding inclined surface 610. Via this sloping engagement between
the
tapered surface 608 and the inclined surface 610, the radial movement of the
slips
130a-d toward or away from the center of the elevator 100 is realized.
Consequently,
the collective radial circumference of the slips 130a-d is able to increase
and/or
decrease over a fixed range, thereby manipulating the radius of the throat 126
and
enabling the elevator 100 to receive and properly secure tubular segments 602
having
a varied and increased range of an outside diameter Od. As will be
appreciated, this
may be achieved without requiring any adjustment to or replacement of the
elevator
100.
[0045] With the elevator 100 in the open position, as shown in Figure
3, the tubular
segment 602 may enter the throat 126. Once the elevator 100 is closed, the
tension
handles 140a,b (Figures 1-3) may be moved into the locked position, as shown
in
Figure 5. Moving the tension handles 140a,b into the locked position applies a
spring
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force on the slips 130a-d that results in the axial-downward and radial-inward
movement of the slips 130a-d. As illustrated in Figure 6, the second and third
slips
130b,d will move axially-downward and radially-inward until eventually
engaging the
outside surface 612 of the tubular segment 602. The weight of the tubular
segment
602 may shift the tubular segment 602 vertically until the circumferential
shoulder
606 engages the slips 130b,d, thereby impeding its further downward progress.
Via
this sloping engagement between the tapered surface 608 and the inclined
surface 610
of each slip 130b,d, any increased force in the downward direction against the
slips
130b,d only tightens the engagement with the slips 130b 1 d on the outside
diameter
Od of the tubular segment 602.
[0046] Once the tubular segment 602 is properly coupled to a tubular
string or
otherwise securely captured by another lifting mechanism, the tension handles
140a,b
may be unlocked in preparation for receiving a new tubular segment 602.
Unlocking
the tension handles 140a,b releases the spring forces on the slips 130a-d and
allows
the slips 130a-d to move axially-upward and into the open position, thereby
releasing
the tubular segment 602 from engagement with the elevator 100.
[0047] Referring to Figure 7, illustrated is an isometric view of the
exemplary oilfield
elevator 100 engaged with a tubular segment 702, according to one or more
embodiments disclosed. As described above, the elevator may be engaged to the
tubular segment 702 at a sleeve 704. Those skilled in the art will recognize
the several
advantages provided by the elevator 100. For example, the elevator 100 is able
to
securely grasp onto multiple outside diameters within a nominal tubular
segment 702
size. As a result, significant savings in money and time may be gained that
would
otherwise be spent in removing and replacing the elevator 100 or adjusting the
settings
for different outside diameters.
[0048] As used herein, the term "single-joint elevator" is intended to
distinguish the
elevator from a string elevator that is used to support the weight of the
entire pipe
string. Rather, a "single-joint elevator" is used to grip and lift a tubular
segment as is
necessary to add or remove the tubular segment to or from a tubular string.
Furthermore, a pipe or tubular "segment", as that term is used herein, is
inclusive of
either a single pipe or tubular joint or a stand made up of multiple joints of
a pipe or
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other tubular that will be lifted as a unit. In the context of the present
disclosure, a
tubular segment does not include a tubular string that extends into the well.
[0049] Referring now to Figure 8, illustrated is a method 800 for
engaging a tubular
segment. In one embodiment, the method 800 may include positioning an elevator
adjacent the tubular segment, as at 802. The elevator may include first and
second
body halves that have slips that are slidably received within corresponding
tapered
slots. The corresponding tapered slots may be defined in the first and second
body
halves. Moreover, a first timing bar may be coupled to the slips in the first
body half
and a second timing bar may be coupled to the slips in the second body half.
The
method 800 may further include closing the first and second body halves around
the
tubular segment, as at 804.
[0050] First and second tension handles may then be moved from an
unlocked position
to a locked position, as at 806. In one embodiment, the first and second
tension handles
may be pivotally-coupled to the first and second body halves, respectively,
and each
tension handle may have a body that terminates at a connection point. The
method
800 may further include applying a downward force on the first and second
timing
bars with first and second biasing members, as at 808. The first and second
biasing
members may each have a first end coupled to the connection point of the first
and
second tension handles, respectively, and a second end coupled to the first
and second
timing bars, respectively. The downward force may then be transmitted from the
first
and second timing bars to the slips, as at 810. The slips may be configured to
translate
vertically within the tapered slots and at the same time translate radially
with respect
to the first and second body halves in response to the downward force.
Accordingly,
the slips may translate vertically and radially until coming into contact with
an outside
surface of the tubular segment.
[0051] Referring now to Figures 9A and 9B, an elevator 900 according to
one or more
embodiments is shown. In one or more embodiments, the elevator 900 may include
an elevator body 910, slip assemblies 920, and a base member 930. The elevator
body
910 may have a bore 913 formed therethrough with a longitudinal axis 950
defined
therethrough. In one or more embodiments, the bore 913 formed through the
elevator
body 910 may receive a tubular segment (not shown), and the elevator 900 may
be
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used to secure and lift the tubular segment. In one or more embodiments, the
tubular
segment may include a tubular segment and may be part of a string of tubular
segments. As such, in one or more embodiments, the elevator 900 may be used to
secure and lift a string of tubular segments.
100521 Further, in one or more embodiments, the elevator body 910 may
have a pair of
lifting ears 915 disposed thereon. For example, as shown, the lifting ears 915
may be
formed on a top surface 911 of the elevator body 910, and the lifting ears 915
may be
configured to bear the entire load of the elevator 900 and the tubular segment
(not
shown) when lifting the tubular segment. Additionally, in one or more
embodiments,
the elevator body 910 may have a guide portion 916 formed on the top surface
911 of
the elevator body 910. In one or more embodiments, the guide portion 916 may
be
adjacent to the bore 913 and may direct a tubular segment into the bore 913 of
the
elevator body 910. In one or more embodiments, the guide portion 916 may
include
a tapered surface formed on the elevator body 910 configured to direct a
tubular
segment into the bore 913 of the elevator body 910. In one or more
embodiments, the
guide portion 916 of the elevator body 910 may be a tapered surface that
extends from
a top surface 911 of the elevator body 910 toward a center of the elevator
body 910,
e.g., toward the slip assemblies 920, such that a diameter of the bore 913
decreases
from the top surface 911 of the elevator body 910 to the center of the
elevator body
910.
100531 Still referring to Figures 9A and 9B, in one or more
embodiments, the elevator
body 910 may have a plurality of openings 917 formed therein, in which each of
the
openings 917 may be configured to receive a slip assembly, e.g., a slip
assembly 920.
In one or more embodiments, the plurality of openings 917 may be formed
through
the elevator body 910, e.g, from an outer surface 914 of the elevator body 910
to the
bore 913 of the elevator body 910.
100541 In one or more embodiments, each of the slip assemblies 920 of
the elevator
900 may include an actuator body 921, a powered actuator 922, a biasing member
(not
shown), and slips (not shown). In one or more embodiments, the slip assemblies
920
may be disposed within the openings 917 of the elevator body 910. Further, in
one or
more embodiments, the actuator body 921 of each of the slip assemblies 920 may
be
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coupled to the elevator body 910 to maintain the slip assemblies 920 within
the
openings 917 of the elevator body 910. Furthermore, in one or more
embodiments,
the powered actuator 922 of each of the slip assemblies 920 may be coupled to
the
actuator body 921. In one or more embodiments, the powered actuator 922 of
each
of the slip assemblies 920 may include a hydraulic cylinder and may be
connected to
the actuator body 921. For example, in one or more embodiments, the powered
actuator 922 of each of the slip assemblies 920 may include a hydraulic
cylinder
connected to the actuator body 921 by a pin (not shown). However, other
powered
actuators known in the art may be used. Further, other means of coupling known
in
the art may be used to connect the powered actuator 922 to the actuator body
921.
100551 Further, in one or more embodiments, the base member 930 may be
coupled to
a bottom surface 912 of the elevator body 910, and the base member 930 may
have a
bore (not shown) formed therethrough and a guide portion (not shown) formed
thereon. In one or more embodiments, the bore of the base member 930 may be
substantially aligned with the bore 913 of the elevator body 910. Further, in
one or
more embodiments, the guide portion of the base member 930 may be configured
to
direct the tubular segment (not shown) into the bore 913 of the elevator body
910. For
example, the guide portion of the base member 930 may include a tapered
surface
formed on the base member 930 configured to direct a tubular segment into the
bore
of the base member 930. In one or more embodiments, the guide portion of the
base
member 930 may taper in a direction that is substantially opposite to a
direction the
guide portion 916 of the elevator body 910 tapers.
100561 Referring to Figure 10, a top view of an elevator 1000 having
slips 1024 in a
closed position are shown in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. In
one
or more embodiments, the elevator 1000 may include at least an elevator body
1010
having a bore 1013 formed therethrough and slip assemblies 1020 coupled
thereto.
Further, in one or more embodiments, the elevator body 1010 may have a pair of
lifting ears 1015 disposed on a top surface 1011 of the elevator body 1010
that may
be configured to bear the entire load of the elevator 1000 and the tubular
segment (not
shown) when lifting the tubular segment. Furthermore, in one or more
embodiments,
the elevator body 1010 may have a guide portion 1016 formed on the top surface
1011.
In one or more embodiments, the guide portion 1016 may include a tapered
surface,
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and the guide portion 1016 may be adjacent to the bore 1013 and may direct a
tubular
segment into the bore 1013 of the elevator body 1010.
[0057] Further, in one or more embodiments, the elevator body 1010 may
have
openings (not shown) in which the slip assemblies 1020 may be disposed and
coupled.
In one or more embodiments, each of the slip assemblies 1020 may include an
actuator
body 1021, a powered actuator (not shown), the slip 1024, and a biasing member
(not
shown). As discussed above, in one or more embodiments, the actuator body 1021
may be coupled to the elevator body 1010 such that the slip assemblies 1020
are
maintained within openings (not shown) of the elevator body 1010. Further, in
one
or more embodiments, the powered actuator may be coupled to the actuator body
1021. Moreover, in one or more embodiments, the powered actuator may also be
coupled to the slip 1024 such that the slips may be retracted from the bore
1013 of the
elevator body 1010, e.g. in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 950
shown in
Figure 9A. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the biasing member may be
coupled to the slip 1024 such that the slip 1024 is biased toward the center
of the bore
1013, which is a closed position. In other words, in one or more embodiments,
the
biasing member may be coupled to the slip 1024 such that the slip 1024 is
biased in a
direction toward the longitudinal axis 950 shown in Figure 9A. Alternatively,
one or
more embodiments may not include a biasing member. In one or more embodiments,
the weight of the slip acting on an inclined surface of the opening 1017, in
which the
slip 1024 is disposed, 1024 may cause the slip 1024 to be biased toward a
closed
position without the use of a biasing member. As such, in one or more
embodiments,
the plurality of slips 1024 may be configured to automatically set, e.g.,
engage with a
tubular segment, by way of the biasing member or without the use of the
biasing
member. In one or more embodiments, the slips 1024 may contact adjacent slips
1024.
100581 In one or more embodiments, each slip 1024 may include an
engagement
surface 1025 and a guide surface (not shown). In one or more embodiments, the
engagement surface 1025 may be cut on each of the slips 1024 such that the
engagement surface 1025 is orthogonal to an axis, e.g., axis 950 as shown in
Figure
9A, formed by the bore 1013. In one or more embodiments, the engagement
surface
1025 may be configured to engage a portion of a tubular segment, e.g., a
shoulder of
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a segment of shouldered pipe. The slips 1024 according to one or more
embodiments
will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0059] Referring to Figures II A and 11B, cross-sectional views of an
elevator 1100
according to one or more embodiments are shown. As shown, in one or more
embodiments, the elevator 1100 may include an elevator body 1110, slip
assemblies
1120, and a base member 1130.
[0060] As discussed above, the elevator body 1110 may have a bore 1113
formed
therethrough and a longitudinal axis 1150 defined therethrough. In addition,
in one
or more embodiments, the elevator body 1110 may include a pair of lifting ears
1115
(only one shown in Figure 11) formed on a top surface 1111 of the elevator
body
1110. Further, the elevator body may have a guide portion 1116 formed on the
top
surface 1111 of the elevator body 1110 adjacent to the bore 1113 that directs
a tubular
segment (not shown) into the bore 1113 of the elevator body 1110. In one or
more
embodiments, the guide portion 1116 may include a tapered surface formed on
the
elevator body 1110 configured to direct a tubular segment into the bore 1113
of the
elevator body 1110.
[0061] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the elevator body 1110
may include
openings 1117 formed therein. In one or more embodiments, the openings 1117
may
be configured to receive the slip assemblies 1120. In one or more embodiments,
the
openings 1117 formed in the elevator body 1110 may extend from an outer
surface
1114 of the elevator body 1110 to the bore 1113. In one or more embodiments, a
cross-section of the openings may be configured to fit an outer profile of the
slip
assemblies 1120. For example, in one or more embodiments, a cross-section of
the
openings 1117 may be relatively square in shape, and the openings 1117 may
start
near the top surface 1111 on the outer surface 1114 and finish near a bottom
surface
1112 in the bore 1113 of the elevator body 1110.
[0062] In one or more embodiments, the slip assemblies 1120A and 1120B
may be
disposed within the openings 1117 and may be coupled to the elevator body
1110. As
discussed above, each of the slip assemblies 1120A and 1120B may include an
actuator body 1121, a powered actuator 1122, and a slip 1124. As discussed
above,
in one or more embodiments, each actuator body 1121 may be coupled to the
elevator
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body 1110 such that the slip assemblies 1120 may be maintained within the
openings
1117. Further, in one or more embodiments, each powered actuator 1122 may be
coupled to the actuator body 1121 such that the powered actuator 1122 may be
maintained within the opening 1117 and such that the powered actuator 1122
extends
toward the bore 1113 of the elevator body 1110. In one or more embodiments, a
pin
1123 may be used to couple the powered actuator 1122 to the actuator body
1121.
However, other means of coupling known in the art may be used to connect the
powered actuator 1122 to the actuator body 1121.
[0063] Furthermore, referring to Figures 11A and 11B, in one or more
embodiments,
the powered actuator 1122 may be coupled to the slip 1124 such that the slip
1124
may move within the opening 1117 of the elevator body 1110 between a closed
position and an open position. In one or more embodiments, the closed position
may
be one in which the slips 1124 are extended from the opening 1117 within the
bore
1113 of the elevator body 1110 until the powered actuator 1122 is fully
stroked. In
one or more embodiments, the open position may be one in which the slips 1124
are
retracted from the bore 1113 of the elevator body 1110 into the openings 1117
such
that the slips 1124 may not retain a tubular segment (not shown). However, in
one or
more embodiments, the closed position may be a position in which the slips
1124 are
extended from the opening 117 within the bore 1113 and contact a portion of a
tubular
segment. As such, the closed position of the slips 1124 according to
embodiments
disclosed herein is not necessarily limited to a position of the slips 1124 in
which the
power actuator 1122 is fully stroked. In one or more embodiments, a pin 1127
may
be used to couple the slip 1124 to the powered actuator 1122. However, other
means
of coupling known in the art may be used to connect the powered actuator 1122
to the
actuator body 1121.
[0064] In one or more embodiments, powered actuator 1122 may include a
hydraulic
cylinder, in which hydraulic fluid may be introduced into/withdrawn on
opposite sides
of a hydraulic piston 1135 through one or more hydraulic ports 1137 and 1139.
For
example, in one or more embodiments, hydraulic fluid may be introduced into
the
powered actuator 1122 through an "opening" port 1137 in order to withdraw the
slip
1124 (connected to piston 1135 through rod 1141) away from bore 1150 and into
one
or more positions between fully open and fully closed. Similarly, hydraulic
fluid may
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A8138399CADIV 20
be introduced into the powered actuator 1122 through an "closing" port 1139 in
order
to extend the slip 1124 toward bore 1150 and into one or more positions
between fully
open and fully closed. As would be understood by those having ordinary skill,
introducing fluid into opening port 1137 may require removal of fluid from
closing
port 1139 and vice versa. In alternative embodiments, a biasing member (e.g.,
a
spring) may bias piston 1135 toward either a fully open or a fully closed
position, such
that loss of hydraulic power to either or both ports 1137 and 1139 may allow
piston
1135 (and slip 1124 connected to piston 1135 through rod 1141) to move in a
default
or "failsafe" direction. Alternatively, the weight of the slip 1124 itself may
bias the
piston 1135 and slip 1124 assembly into a desired failsafe direction within
opening
1117 absent additional biasing members.
10065] For example, as shown in Figure 11B, the slip assembly 1120A
includes a
biasing member 1128. In one or more embodiments, the biasing member 1128 may
be disposed within the powered actuator 1122. In one or more embodiments, the
biasing member 1128 may be disposed outside of the powered actuator but within
the
slip assembly 1120A such that a portion of the biasing member 1128 is engaged
with
the actuator body 1121 and another portion of the biasing member 1128 is
engaged
with the slip 1124. In one or more embodiments, the biasing member 1128 may be
a
coil spring and may be configured to bias the slip 1124 in a direction toward
the bore
1113, e.g., toward a closed position. Alternatively, in one or more
embodiments, the
biasing member 1128 may be configured to bias the slip 1124 in a direction
away
from the bore 1113, e.g., toward a fully open position.
[0066] Additionally, referring to Figures I IA and 11B, in one or more
embodiments,
each of the slips 1124 may include an engagement surface 1125 and a guide
surface
1126. In one or more embodiments, the engagement surface 1125 may be disposed
on an upper surface of the slip 1124. In one or more embodiments, the
engagement
surface 1125 of the slips 1124 may be configured to engage a portion of a
tubular
segment (not shown) and may be configured to hold the tubular segment by a
shoulder
(not shown) of the tubular segment. In one or more embodiments, the engagement
surface 1125 may extend in a direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal
axis 1150
of the bore 1113 of the elevator body 1110. As such, the engagement surface
1125 of
the slips 1124 may be configured to engage a shoulder of a shouldered tubular
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A8138399CADIV 21
segment, which may allow the shoulder of a shouldered tubular segment to be
supported by the slips 1124.
[0067] Further, in one or more embodiments, the guide surface 1126 may
be a tapered
surface formed on a bottom surface of the slip 1124. The guide surface 1126
may be
disposed such that a tubular segment (not shown) that is inserted into the
elevator
1100 may exert a force on the slip assemblies 1120 in order to overcome the
biasing
force imposed on the slips 1124 and to separate the slips 1124 to allow the
tubular
segment to pass through the bore 1113 of the elevator body 1110. In other
words, the
guide surface 1126 of each of the slips 1124 may be configured to guide a
tubular
segment within the elevator 1100 and may allow the tubular segment to be
secured
and supported within the elevator 1100.
[0068] Still referring to Figures 11A and 11B, in one or more
embodiments, a top
surface 1132 of the base member 1130 may be connected to the bottom surface
1112
of the elevator body 1110 such that the base member 1130 may direct a tubular
segment (not shown) into the bore 1113 of the elevator body 1110. In one or
more
embodiments, the base member 1130 may have a bore 1131 formed therethrough.
Further, in one or more embodiments, the base member 1130 may include a guide
portion 1134 that may be configured to direct a tubular segment into the bore
1113 of
the elevator body 1110. In one or more embodiments, the guide portion 1134 of
the
base member 1130 may be a tapered surface that extends from a bottom surface
1133
of the base member 1130 to the top surface 1132 of the base member 1130 such
that
a diameter of the bore 1131 decreases from the bottom surface 1133 to the top
surface
1132.
[0069] One or more aspects of the present invention are directed to a
method to
manufacture an elevator that engages a tubular segment. In one or more
embodiments,
the method to manufacture may include forming a bore in an elevator body of
the
elevator, forming a plurality of openings in the elevator housing that extend
from an
outer surface of the elevator body to the bore of the elevator body, and
assembling a
plurality of slip assemblies. In one or more embodiments, assembling each of
the
plurality of slip assemblies may include coupling a powered actuator to an
actuator
body, and coupling the powered actuator to the slip, in which the powered
actuator is
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A8138399CADIV 22
configured to retract the slip from the biased position and toward the
actuator body.
In one or more embodiments, the method to manufacture may also include
disposing
the plurality of slip assemblies inside the plurality of openings of the
elevator body,
and coupling the plurality of slip assemblies to the elevator body, in which
the
plurality of slip assemblies are configured to automatically engage the
tubular
segment.
[0070] In one or more embodiments, assembling the plurality of slip
assemblies may
also include coupling a biasing member to a slip such that the slip is biased
away from
the actuator body toward a biased position. Further, in one or more
embodiments, the
method to manufacture may also include coupling a base member to a bottom
surface
of the elevator body, in which the base member is configured to direct the
tubular
segment into the bore of the elevator body.
[0071] In one or more embodiments, a tubular segment having at least
two distinct
outer diameters such that a shoulder exists may be raised to stand vertically
and may
be added to a string of pipes. In one or more embodiments, an elevator, as
described
above, may be lowered over an end of the tubular segment that is standing
vertically.
While the elevator is lowered over the end of the tubular segment, a base
member of
the elevator, e.g., a guide portion of the base member, may direct the tubular
segment
into a bore of an elevator body of the elevator.
[0072] Further, in one or more embodiments, slips that are biased
toward a center of
the bore of the elevator body may be separated away from each other by the
tubular
segment, which may allow the tubular segment to pass through the bore of the
elevator
body. For example, referring back to Figure 10, the slips 1024 may be biased
toward
a center of the bore 1013 of the elevator body 1010. In one or more
embodiments, a
tubular segment (not shown) may be disposed in the bore 1013, which may engage
the slips 1024, e.g., engage with the guide surface of 1126 shown in Figure
11A, which
may cause the slips 1024 to be separated away from each other. Furthermore, in
one
or more embodiments, the biasing force imposed on the slips, e.g., by way of a
biasing
member or by way of the weight of each of the slips disposed on an inclined
surface
of the openings 1117, may cause the slips to collapse around the smaller
diameter of
the outer diameters of the tubular segment. As such, in one or more
embodiments,
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the slips may collapse around the smaller diameter of the outer diameters of
the tubular
segment such that the shoulder on the tubular segment may rest on and be held
by an
engagement surface of the slips.
[0073] In one or more embodiments, the tubular segment grasped by the
elevator may
be lifted by lifting ears, e.g., the lifting ears 915 shown in Figure 9A, on a
top surface
of the elevator body and may be positioned above a string of tubular segments.
Further, in one or more embodiments, the elevator may engage the tubular
segment
with the string of tubular segments and may rotate such that the tubular
segment is
threaded to the string of tubular segments. Once the tubular segment is
connected to
the string of tubular segments, powered actuators may retract the slips away
from the
tubular segment, and the elevator may be raised off of the string of tubular
segments.
[0074] As such, one or more aspects of the present invention are
directed to a method
to add a tubular segment to a drilling string of pipe. In one or more
embodiments, the
method for adding a tubular segment to a drilling string of pipe may include
rotating
the tubular segment up from a non-vertical position to a substantially
vertical position
and grasping the tubular segment in the vertical position with an elevator. In
one or
more embodiments, grasping the tubular segment in the vertical position with
an
elevator may include lowering the elevator over an upper end of the tubular
segment,
separating a plurality of slips from a closed position to an open position by
the upper
end of the tubular segment, in which the plurality of slips are biased toward
the closed
position, and automatically enclosing the plurality of slips about an outer
diameter of
the tubular segment, e.g., by way of a biasing member or by way of the weight
of each
of the slips acting on an inclined surface of the opening in which the slips
is disposed,
in which a shoulder on the upper end of the tubular segment rests on upper
surfaces
of the plurality of slips. In one or more embodiments, the method may also
include
lifting the tubular segment with the elevator, positioning the tubular segment
over the
drilling string of pipe, threading the tubular segment onto the drilling
string of pipe
by rotating the tubular segment using the elevator, and releasing the tubular
segment
from the elevator by retracting the slips from the outer diameter of the
tubular
segment.
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[0075] In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of slips are
retracted by a
powered actuator. Further, in one or more embodiments, lifting the tubular
segment
with the elevator may include lifting the elevator by a pair of lifting ears
disposed on
the elevator, in which the pair of lifting ears are configured to bear a load
of the tubular
segment. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of slips may not be engaged
with
the tubular segment in the open position. In one or more embodiments, the
plurality
of slips may be engaged with the tubular segment in the closed position. In
one or
more embodiments, an engagement surface of the plurality of slips may be
engaged
with the tubular segment in the closed position.
[0076] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, grasping the tubular
segment in the
vertical position with the elevator further may include guiding the tubular
segment
along a guide surface of the plurality of slips. Moreover, in one or more
embodiments,
grasping the tubular segment in the vertical position with the elevator
further may
include guiding the tubular segment along a guide portion of a base member of
the
elevator.
[0077] Referring now to Figures 12A and 12B, multiple views of an
elevator 1200
according to embodiments disclosed herein are shown. As shown, the elevator
1200
may include an elevator body including a first elevator segment 1210A and a
second
elevator segment 1210B. In one or more embodiments, the first elevator segment
1210A may be coupled to the second elevator segment 1210B by way of a first
pin
1240 and a second pin 1241. In one or more embodiments, the first pin 1240 and
the
second pin 1241 may connect the first elevator segment 1210A to the second
elevator
segment 1210B. As such, in one or more embodiments, each of the first elevator
segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B may each include bores
formed therethrough, in which the bores formed through the first elevator
segment
1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B are configured to receive the
first pin
1240 and the second pin 1241.
[0078] In one or more embodiments, each of the first pin 1240 and the
second pin 1241
may be removable, which may allow the first elevator segment 1210A and the
second
elevator segment 1210B to be separated from each other. For example, in one or
more
embodiments, the first pin 1240 may be removed from engagement with the first
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elevator segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B, which may result
in
the first elevator segment 1210A being able to pivot relative the second
elevator
segment 1210B about the second pin 1241. As such, in one or more embodiments,
the first pin 1240 may be removed from engagement with the first elevator
segment
1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B, which may allow the first
elevator
segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B to pivot about the second
pin
1241 and receive a tubular segment (not shown) by separating the first
elevator
segment 1210A from the second elevator segment 1210B, and then closing the
first
elevator segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B around the
tubular
segment, and then re-inserting the first pin 1240. In one or more embodiments,
each
of the first pin 1240 and the second pin 1241 may be attached to the first
elevator
segment 1210A and/or the second elevator segment 1210B, e.g., by way of a cord
or
tether.
100791 In one or more embodiments, the elevator 1200 may include
handles 1243
disposed on each of the first elevator segment 1210A and the second elevator
segment
1210B. In one or more embodiments, the handles 1243 may provide a gripping
surface for an operator and may assist the operator in pivoting each of the
first elevator
segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B about a pivot point, e.g.,
about the first pin 1240 and/or about the second pin 1241. As such, the
handles 1243
may assist an operator in opening and closing the elevator 1200 around a
tubular
segment by removing the first pin 1240, pulling/pushing the handle 1243 of one
of the
first elevator segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B to pivot
one of
the first elevator segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B about a
pivot
point, and then pushing/pulling the handle 1243 to close one of the first
elevator
segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B around a tubular segment.
100801 Further, in one or more embodiments, the elevator 1200 may have
a pair of
lifting ears 1215 disposed thereon. For example, as shown, the lifting ears
1215 may
be formed on a top surface of each of the first elevator segment 1210A and the
second
elevator segment 1210B, and the lifting ears 1215 may be configured to bear
the entire
load of the elevator 1200 and the tubular segment (not shown) when lifting the
tubular
segment.
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[0081] Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the elevator body 1210
may have a
guide portion 1216 formed on the top surface of each of the first elevator
segment
1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B. In one or more embodiments, the
guide portion 1216 may be adjacent to a bore 1213 formed between the first
elevator
segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B and may direct a tubular
segment into the bore 1213 of the elevator 1200. In one or more embodiments,
the
guide portion 1216 may include a tapered surface formed on each of the first
elevator
segment 1210A and the second elevator segment 1210B configured to direct a
tubular
segment into the bore 1213 of the elevator 1200.
100821 Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the elevator 1200 may
include a
plurality of slip assemblies 1220. In one or more embodiments, the slip
assemblies
1220 may include a slip 1224 disposed within an opening 1217. In one or more
embodiments, the opening 1217 may include an inclined surface, and the weight
of
the slip 1224 may cause the slip 1224 to be biased toward a closed position,
e.g., in a
direction toward a longitudinal axis 1250 defined through the elevator 1200.
Further,
in one or more embodiments, each of the openings 1217 may include a port 1242
formed therein, in which lubricant may be introduced into the openings 1217
through
the port 1242. Introducing lubricant into the openings 1217 may preserve the
ability
of the slips 1224 to be biased toward the closed position by minimizing the
coefficient
of friction between the slips 1124 and the openings 1217. In one or more
embodiments, the ports 1242 may be sealed, e.g., by way of a cap or plug, such
that
materials are selectively introduced into the openings 1217.
[0083] Optionally, in one or more embodiments, one or more of the slip
assemblies
1220 may also include a biasing member 1228. In one or more embodiments, the
biasing member 1228 may be a spring that may engage a portion of the opening
1217
and a portion of the slip 1224 such that the slip 1224 is biased toward the
closed
position. The biasing member 1228 may reinforce the movement of the slip 1224
induced by the weight of the slip 1224 acting on the inclined surface of the
openings
1217 and may further ensure that the slips 1224 may automatically be biased
toward
the closed position.
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[0084] In one or more embodiments, the slip 1224 may include an
engagement surface
1225 configured to engage with a portion of a tubular segment (not shown). In
one
or more embodiments, the engagement surface 1225 may be cut on each of the
slips
1224 such that the engagement surface 1225 is orthogonal to the longitudinal
axis
1250 of the elevator 1200. In one or more embodiments, the engagement surface
1225
may be configured to engage a portion of a tubular segment, e.g., a shoulder
of a
segment of shouldered pipe.
[0085] The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so
that those skilled
in the art may better understand 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. Those
skilled
in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not
depart from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various
changes,
substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the
present disclosure.
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