Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SPINNER APPARATUS
The present invention is directed to spinner
apparatus for connecting and disconnecting tubular
members (for example casing, tubing, pipe, or drill pipe)
and, in certain particular aspects to spinners, spinning
wrenches, spinning tongs, iron roughnecks and methods of
their use.
Drill pipe introduced into a well during oil and gas
wellbore drilling is assembled in lengths joined with
threaded joints. As the pipe is fed into a well, the
sections of pipe are threaded together. When removing
pipe, the threaded sections are disconnected and the
sections of pipe stored. Inserting and removing the
sections of drill pipe into a well is called "tripping."
Threading and unthreading sections of pipe on tripping in
and out of the well can be a difficult and cumbersome
job. To make up the threads (or unscrew or break the
threads) requires relatively high torque (rotational
force). "Spinning" the pipe section after breaking (or
before making up) the joints requires much less torque
and is accomplished at much higher speed. Tightening and
breaking joints requires a wrench to be tightly clamped
on the pipe. In the early days, tightening and breaking
was done manually with hand wrenches (more recently with
power assisted wrenches). Spinning is a separate
operation, long ago and in some places today done by
wrapping a chain around a pipe and pulling the chain with
a winch. Today power tong wrenches are used. Certain of
these tongs have an open slot for pipe insertion and
hydraulically powered clamps to grip the pipe. The pipe
is rotated by a motor mechanically attached to the
wrench. Such wrenches can develop high torque and work
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very well for making and breaking thread joints. Usually
these wrenches work in combination with a backup wrench
that holds the other section of threaded joint. A
gripping device known as a spider in a floor of an oil or
gas platform is primarily used to prevent the string of
tubulars from falling down the well. However, in some
circumstances, the spider can be used as a backup to
react against the torque of a wrench making or breaking a
joint and spinning. The wrench is removed after making or
breaking the threads, and a spinner (or top drive unit)
spins out the threaded joint. Such wrenches are
exemplified by the description in U.S. Patent 4,348,920.
Some types of these wrenches lack the capacity of
handling different diameter pipe without changing pipe
clamps. Since drill pipe, couplings, tapered pipe and
joints are of different diameters, some wrenches handle
widely varying diameters from about 9cm to about 25cm
(3.5 to about 9.5 inches) in diameter. It is a great
advantage for a wrench to be able to accommodate a range
of diameters without having to change the clamps. U.S.
Patent 4,979,356 is an example of a power tong wrench
which can not only accommodate the desired range of pipe
diameters, but is also capable of making and breaking
pipe sections and spinning the pipe. The ability to do
both with the same wrench is highly desirable since it
accomplishes with one connection step what previously
required two or more connections with a wrench and
spinner.
"Iron roughnecks," which combine a torque wrench and
a spinning wrench, have been used for connecting and
disconnecting various tubulars, for example drilling
components, such as drill pipe, in running a string of
drill pipe or other pipe into or out of a well. The
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prior art includes a variety of iron roughnecks; see for
example U.S. Patents 4,023,449; 4,348,920; 4,765,401;
6,776,070, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
Various prior art iron roughnecks have a spinning
wrench and a torque wrench mounted together on a
carriage. For making or breaking threaded connections
between two tubulars, for example joints of drill pipe,
certain iron roughnecks have a torque wrench with two jaw
levels. An upper jaw of the torque wrench is used to
clamp onto a portion of an upper tubular, and a lower jaw
clamps onto a portion of a lower tubular, for example
upper and lower threadedly connected pieces of drill
pipe. After clamping onto a tubular, the upper and lower
jaws are turned relative to each other to break or make a
connection between the upper and lower tubulars. A
spinning wrench, mounted on the carriage above the torque
wrench, engages the upper tubular and spins it until it
is disconnected from the lower tubular (or in a
connection operation, spins two tubulars together prior
to final make-up by the torque wrench).
Certain iron roughnecks are mounted for movement
from a wellbore center to a retracted position which does
not interfere with or block performance of other
operations relative to the well and rotating or driving
apparatuses. Such a prior art system can be used for
making and breaking joints in a main string or for
connecting to or disconnecting from a tubular section
located apart from a wellbore center, for example in a
mousehole (or rathole) at a side of a well.
Certain prior art iron roughneck systems include a
carriage for rolling on the surface of the rig floor
along a predetermined path. In certain prior art systems
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a spinner and torque wrench are mounted for upward and
downward movement relative to a carriage, for proper
engagement with tubulars, and for tilting movement
between a position in which their axis extends directly
vertically for engagement with a vertical well pipe and a
position in which the axis of the spinner and torque
wrench is disposed at a slight angle to true vertical to
engage and act against a pipe in an inclined mousehole.
In certain prior art systems, a spinner is movable
vertically with respect to a torque wrench.
The prior art discloses a variety of tongs and
spinners for use in wellbore operations, for example, but
not limited to, as disclosed in and referred to in U.S.
Patents 6,684,737; 6,971,283; 5,660,087; 5,161,438;
5,159,860; 5,842,390; 5,245,877; 5,259,275; 5,390,568;
4,446,761; 4,346,629; 4,221,269; 3,892,148; 4,023,449;
5,044,232; 5,081,888; 5,167,173; 5,207,128; 5,409,280;
5,868,045; 6,966,385; 6,138,529; 4,082,017; 6,082,224;
6,213,216; 6,330,911; 6,668,684; 6,752,044; 6,318,214;
and 6,142,041 (all said patents incorporated fully herein
for all purposes).
There is a need, recognized by the present
inventors, for an efficient tubular spinning system which
can effectively handle a range of tubulars with varying
diameters.
In accordance with the present invention, there is
provided a spinner apparatus for facilitating connection
and disconnection of threaded tubulars, the spinner
apparatus comprising a first roller and a second roller
characterised in that the first roller has a projection
and the second roller has a recess, when in use, at least
part of the projection is located within at least part of
the recess. In use, the projection contacts the tubular,
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which may be provided with a contact material such as
non-marking material which increases the surface energy
between the roller and the tubular to reduce the chance
of slippage therebetween.
Preferably, the first and second rollers are each
generally cylindrical having a circular cross-section,
the projection projecting around the circumference
thereof. The projection may be a continuous ring around
the roller, preferably forming a ring of constant
diameter and most preferably concentric with the roller.
The projection may be formed by forming a recess in the
roller. The recess may be formed by milling material from
the roller. The projection may have an outer coating
suitable for gripping a tubular to reduce slippage
therebetween to reduce the possibility of marking the
tubular and increase the speed of spinning. The outer
most point of the projection preferably does not touch
the base of the recess, leaving a small gap therebetween.
Advantageously, the outer most point of the projection
touches the base of the recess. Preferably, each roller
has a surface area and the rollers are movable to contact
the tubular with each roller having a similar amount of
surface area in contact with the tubular. Advantageously,
the spinning apparatus has a central axis and the rollers
are positioned parallel to the central axis and are
movable at a right angle to the central axis.
Advantageously, the second roller comprises at least
two projections, the recess formed therebetween.
Preferably, the first roller comprises at least two
recesses and the at least one projection formed between
the at least two recesses. Advantageously, the at least
two projections of the first roller interleave with the
at least one projection of the second roller. Preferably,
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the diameter of the first roller (61,361) is equal to the
diameter of the second roller.
Preferably, the first roller comprises a plurality
of projections and the second roller comprises a
plurality of projections, the plurality of projections of
the first roller interleave with the plurality of
projections of the second roller.
Advantageously, the first roller is arranged on a
bogey. Preferably, the bogey is a passive bogey, in that
it is free-floating, preferably, about a pin and most
preferably free-floating about the pin for ten degrees of
movement. Preferably, the bogey comprises a further
roller. Advantageously, the further roller has at least
one projection interleaving with the at least one
projection of the first roller. Preferably, the bogey is
pivotally arranged on an arm. Preferably , the arm is
movable by activation of a piston and cylinder to move
the bogey towards and away from a tubular to be spun.
Advantageously, the second roller is arranged on a bogey.
Preferably, the bogey is an active bogey. The bogey is
directionally controllable, preferably by a pin arranged
in a slot. Advantageously, the slot controls the angle of
the bogey. Preferably, the slot has a sharp kink.
Advantageously, the bogey comprises a further roller
(62,362). Preferably, the further roller has at least one
projection interleaving with the at least one projection
of the first roller. Advantageously, the bogey is
pivotally arranged on an arm.
Preferably, the arm is movable on a piston and cylinder.
Preferably, the spinner apparatus further comprises a
further piston and cylinder, the further piston and
cylinder linked to the piston and cylinder with a
flexible union. Preferably, the flexible union comprises
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at least one of a ball and socket and the piston assembly
comprises the other of the ball and socket.
Advantageously, the arm is linked to a body, the free-
floating union movable in relation to the body.
Advantageously, the first and second roller are
driven by motors. Preferably, each rotor is driven be its
own motor.
Preferably, the recess is a groove, may be a
continuous groove about the perimeter of the roller.
The present invention also provides a spinner
apparatus for facilitating connection and disconnection
of threaded tubulars, the spinner apparatus comprising a
first roller on a first arm and a second roller on a
second arm, the first and second arms movably linked to a
body characterised in that, a first and second piston and
cylinders are arranged between the first and second arms,
wherein ends of the piston and cylinders meeting at a
free-floating union, in use the piston and cylinders are
activated to move the arms to move the first and second
rollers into and out of engagement with a tubular to be
spun. The free-floating union is preferably guided by a
guide, which may be attached to the body. The body
advantageously comprises a frame. Advantageously, the end
comprises a hemispherical bearing each first end mounted
on a first, and each second end mounted in a second
hemispherical bearing so that each of the powered
cylinder apparatus is substantially isolated from lateral
loading.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for
facilitating connection and disconnection of threaded
tubulars, the apparatus comprising a spinner apparatus of
the invention and a torque apparatus for torquing a
connection between the threaded tubulars. Preferably, the
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spinner apparatus and the torque apparatus are fixed
together on a upright beam.
The present invention also provides a method for
facilitating connection and disconnection of threaded
tubulars, the method comprising the steps of activating a
spinner apparatus to move at least first and second
rollers into contact with the tubular, the first roller
comprising at least one projection and the second roller
comprising at least one recess, the projection locating
in at least part of the recess of the second roller and
rotating at least one of the first and second rollers to
spin at least one of the threaded tubulars.
The present invention, in certain embodiments,
provides an apparatus for rotating a tubular, the
apparatus including a plurality of adjacent driven
rollers which can be interlaced to accommodate tubulars
with a range of diameters. Such an apparatus may have a
motor for each set of rollers. In certain aspects, this
configuration of motors with interlacing rollers permits
axes of adjacent motors to be relatively closer resulting
in a more compact tool.
The interlacing facilitates maintenance of spacing
apart of the rollers around a tubular and helps prevent
the rollers from slipping on a tubular or from spitting a
tubular out the front of the system. The spinner
apparatus can be made more compact, whilst maintaining
the ability to spin a range of diameters of tubulars.
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For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference will now be made, by way of example, to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a spinner
apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 1B is a rear perspective view of the spinner
apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 1C is a perspective view of a roller of the
spinner apparatus shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 1D is a front view of the spinner apparatus
as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 1E is a side view of the spinner apparatus as
shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 1F is a cross-section view along line 1E-1E
of Figure 1C;
Figure 1G is a top view of part of the spinner
apparatus shown in Figure 1A in a first step in a method
of operation of the invention, with parts cutaway;
Figure 1H is a top view of part of the spinner
apparatus shown in Figure 1A, in a seond step in a method
of operation of the invention with parts cutaway;
Figure 2A is a perspective view of a main frame of
the spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 2B is a perspective view of a left hand bogey
of the spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 2C is a perspective view of a right hand
bogey of the spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 2D is a perspective view of a torque reaction
link of the spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 2E is a perspective view of a right hand arm
of the spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 2F is a perspective view of a bogey limiter
for use in the spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
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Figure 3A is a perspective view of part of the
spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 3B is a perspective view of part of the
spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 3C is a perspective view of part of the
spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 3D is a perspective view of part of the
spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 3E is a perspective view of part of the
spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 3F is a perspective view of part of the
spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 4A is a perspective view of part of the
spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 4B is a perspective view of part of the
spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 5 is a side schematic view of an apparatus in
accordance with the present invention;
Figure 6 is a side schematic view of an apparatus in
accordance with the present invention;
Figure 7A is a front perspective view of a spinner
apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 7B is a top view of the spinner apparatus as
shown in Figure 7A;
Figure 7C is a rear perspective view of the spinner
apparatus as shown in Figure 7A in a first step in a
method of operation of the invention;
Figure 7D is a rear perspective view of the spinner
apparatus as shown in Figure 7A in a second step in a
method of operation of the invention;
Figure 7E is a front perspective view of the spinner
apparatus as shown in Figure 7A in the second step in the
method of operation of the invention;
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Figure 7F is a bottom perspective view of the
spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 7E;
Figure 7G is a top view of the spinner apparatus as
shown in Figure 7E, with parts cut away;
Figure 7H is a top cross-section view of the spinner
apparatus as shown in Figure 7E;
Figure 8A is a perspective view of part of a clamp
apparatus of the spinner apparatus as shown in Figure 7A;
Figure 8B is a top view of the part shown in Figure
8A;
Figure 8C is a top view of part of the clamp
apparatus shown in Figure 8A;
Figure 8D is a cross-section view along line 8D-8D
of Figure 8B in a first step in a method of operation of
the invention;
Figure 8E is a perspective view of part of the clamp
apparatus shown in Figure 8A with hidden parts shown in
dashed line, the clamp apparatus shown secured to a frame
centre mount , shown in a second step in a method of
operation of the invention;
Figure 8F is a side view of the clamp apparatus
shown in Figure 8E, the clamp apparatus shown secured to
a frame centre mount;
Figure 8G is a cross-section view of the clamp
apparatus shown in Figure 8F, the clamp apparatus shown
secured to a frame centre mount;
Figure 8H is a top view of the clamp apparatus shown
in Figure 8A with hidden parts shown in dashed line, the
clamp apparatus shown secured to a frame centre mount;
Figure 81 is a cross-section view of the clamp
apparatus as shown in Figure 8H; and
Figure 8J is a cross-section view of the clamp
apparatus as shown in Figure 8I.
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Figures 1A to 1H show a spinner apparatus 10 in
accordance with the present invention which has a main
frame 12 with a crossmember 13 connecting two spaced-
apart upright beams 14 releasably connected by chains 16
to a hanging bracket 18. Clamping cylinder assemblies 20
disposed between frame members or plates 22, 24 move arms
26, 28 which, in turn, move bogeys 30, 32 to move rollers
mounted thereon (described below) into contact with a
tubular to be rotated. Tubulars can include pipe, drill
pipe, tubing, liner and casing. Each arm 26, 28 includes
a top plate (26a, 28a) and a bottom plate (26b, 28b). It
is within the scope of the present invention for any part
or piece or component that includes multiple items, for
example (but not limited to) a component with multiple
plates, to instead be made as a single integral
component, for example a casting. Thus, for example, a
part with multiple plates connected together, for example
welded together, may be a single manufactured casting.
Chains or cables connected to torque reaction links
34, 36 releasably connect the spinner apparatus 10 to a
support column or other structure (see also link 34,
Figure 2D). Optional covers 41 - 44 shield motors 51 -
54 which rotate rollers 61 - 64. Referring to Figure 6,
the arms 26, 28 are pivotably secured to trunnions 23, 25
of trunnion blocks 27, 29. An end 31, 33 of each
cylinder assembly 20 is rotatably secured by a pin 35 to
a cylinder mount 37. The pin 35 is arranged substantially
vertical, such that each end 31, 33 of the cylinder
assembly is rotatable in a substantially horizontal
plane.
The plates 22, 24 have slots 21a, 21b (respectively
- see Figures 1A, 2A) in which a pin 39 moves. The pin
39 extends through a hole 73 in an upper plate 30a (shown
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in Figure 2B), and a hole 74 in a lower plate 30b of the
left hand bogey 30 to secure the left hand bogey 30 to
the plates 22, 24. The slots 21a, 21b limit movement of
the pin 39 thereby limiting movement of the left hand
bogey 30. This also limits the movement of the rollers
63, 64 rotatably connected to the left hand bogey 30 (as
described in detail below). Cover mount blocks 49 on the
plate 30a provide structure to which the cover 43 is
secured. The cover 44 is secured to the plates 26a, 26b.
The left hand bogey 32 pivots about a pin 48. The pin 48
extends through holes 88 in the plates 26a, 26b.
The right hand bogey 32 is "free floating" in the
sense that it is not slaved to anything and can pivot,
for example up to 10 degrees with respect to the center
line of the spinner apparatus 10. The right hand bogey
32 is movable freely about a pin 45. The right hand
bogey 32 has a top plate 32a and a bottom plate 32b. The
pin 45 passes through holes 71, 72 (see Figure 2C) to
secure the right hand bogey 32 to the plates 22, 24. The
cover 42 is secured to mount blocks 75. The cover 42 is
secured to the arms 26, 28.
The motors 53, 54 are on top of the left hand bogey
32 and the motors 51, 52 are on top of the right hand
bogey 30. As shown in dotted line in Figure 1D a flow
divider 170 receives power fluid (for example hydraulic
fluid under pressure from a rig source) . Power fluid
from the flow divider 170 is provided via connections 172
to the motors 51 - 54 and to the clamping cylinders 20.
As shown the motors 51 - 54 are located above
corresponding rollers; but it is within the scope of the
present invention to locate the motors at any convenient
location whether above the rollers or not.
The roller 62 is mounted with portions in the holes
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76a, 76b (see Figure 2C); the roller 61 is mounted with
portions in the holes 77a, 77b; the roller 64 is mounted
with portions in the holes 78a, 78b (see Figure 2B); and
the roller 63 is mounted with portions in the holes 79a,
79b.
The pin 47 extends through a hole 94 in the plate
26a, through a hole (not shown) in the plate 26b and
through a hole 87 in the plate 22 and a hole 88 in the
plate 24 to pivotably connect the arm 26 to the plates
22, 24. The pin 46 extends through a hole 89 in the arm
28, through holes 85, 86 in the plates 22, 24 and through
a lower hole 101 in the plate 28b to pivotably pin the
arm 28 to the plates 22, 24.
Figure 2E shows the arm 28 (the arm 26 is a mirror
image of the arm 28).
Figure 2F shows a bogey limiter 110 (see also in
Figure 1A) which prevents the bogey 32 from rotating more
than a certain amount, for example within a 10 degree
range of motion. In certain aspects, the bogey limiter
is deleted.
Figures 3A to 3F show a roller 120 and associated
parts. The roller 120 may be any of the rollers 61, 62,
63, 64 (or any roller herein). The roller 120 has a body
122 with a plurality of spaced-apart projections 124 -
127. Optionally, the projections have a series of
spaced-apart grooves 128 or 129. It is believed that the
projections with these grooves will function similarly to
the treads of a tire on a wet surface and a surface film
on the projections will be forced into the grooves
thereby increasing friction between the rollers and a
tubular to be rotated.
The roller body 122 has a recess 139 and a slot 131
which receives a corresponding member 132 (into slot 131)
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and a corresponding end (into recess 139) of a drive
spindle 133. The drive spindle 133 passes through an
upper bearing housing 134. The drive spindle 133 is
connected to a drive shaft of a motor (for example a
motor 51 - 54). The motor rotates the drive spindle 133
which in turn rotates the roller 120. The motor can be
bolted to the upper bearing housing 134.
The roller 120 rotates on a lower spindle 135 which
rotates in a lower bearing housing 136 whose bottom is
covered with a cover 137. The upper bearing housing 134
and the lower bearing housing 136 are connected to a
corresponding bogey (see any bogey in the spinner
apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1A).
Between the projections 124 - 127 are a series of
spaced-apart areas 141, 142, and 143 and an area 144
beneath the lowermost projection 127. Projections on an
adjacent roller like the projections 124 - 127 can be
received in and fit within the areas 141 - 144 as two
rollers are moved toward each other. The areas 141 - 144
are recessed with respect to the outer surfaces of the
projections 124 - 127. It is within the scope of the
present invention for a first roller to have one
projection (or at least one projection) and an adjacent
roller to have one groove (or at least one groove), with
the one projection projecting into and received within
the one groove so that the two rollers are interlaced (or
for the at least one projection to project into the at
least one groove or for each of a series of spaced-apart
projections on a first roller to project into and be
received within a corresponding groove of a series of
spaced apart grooves on a second adjacent roller. Also,
a spinning wrench apparatus in accordance with the
present invention can have two pairs of such rollers, the
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two pairs movable to contact each other so that a first
roller of each pair interlaces with each other and a
second roller of each pair interlaces with each other.
Figures 1F to 1H illustrate movement of the arms 26,
28; the bogeys 30, 32; and the rollers 61 - 64 with
respect to the frame 12 and with respect to a tubular T
(see Figure 1H).
In Figure 1F and 1G the pin 39 is at one end 21c of
the slots 21a, 21b (end 21c of the slot 21a) which
positions the rollers 63, 64 at an angle to a central
axis A of the spinner apparatus 10 (for example in one
particular aspect four degrees). The clamping cylinders
have not been actuated to move the arms 26, 28, the
bogeys 30, 32 and the rollers 61 - 64 inwardly toward the
15 tubular T.
As shown in Figure 1H, the clamping cylinders 20
have been actuated, pivoting the arms 26, 28 to move the
bogeys 30, 32 and the rollers 61 - 64 moving the rollers
61, 62 toward the rollers 63, 64. The rollers 61, 63 are
20 interlaced with each other with the projections on one
roller received in the valleys of the other roller. The
rollers 62, 64 are interlaced with each other with the
projections on one roller received in the valleys of the
other roller. As shown in Figure 1F, the rollers 61, 62
are mounted so that they are interlaced with each other
with the projections of one roller received in the
valleys of the other roller; as are the rollers 63, 64.
All of the rollers contact the tubular T and, when
rotated, the rollers rotate the tubular T. The
interlacing facilitates maintenance of spacing apart of
the rollers around a tubular and helps prevent the
rollers from slipping on a tubular or from spitting a
tubular out the front of the system.
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As shown in Figure 1H, the pin 39 has moved to an
opposite end 21d of the slots 21a, 21b guiding the
orientation of the bogey 30 and rollers 63, 64 at a
desired location. The available stroke of the cylinders
stops movement of the bogey 30 at a "clamp off" position
or "clamp on without pipe" position. As shown in Figure
1F, an axis B of the rollers 63, 64 is parallel to the
axis A insuring the rollers are maintained horizontal to
the central axis of the system at all times. In one
aspect, the bogey pivot pins 45, 48 each will move
through an arc while a theoretical pipe center remains in
position relative to the system. This results in a small
variable forward/rearward offset between the bogey pivot
pins 45, 48 and the theoretical pipe center. This offset
can be reduced or eliminated by allowing the bogies to
angle slightly either side of perpendicular to
centreline. This angle is governed by the shape of the
guide slot (slots 21a,21b) acting with the pin 39 of the
bogey 30. The slots 21a, 21b are shaped to "open up" the
angle of the bogey 30 in a "clamp off" position (when the
bogies are moved away from the theoretical pipe center) .
The use of the arms 26, 28 help maintain alignment of the
rollers about the centre line, so that any diameter
tubular within the range of diameters can be handled .
As shown in Figure 1H, each roller 61 - 64 has an
equal amount of contact with the tubular T so that
static clamp forces are applied equally by all four
rollers, including those on the right hand bogey 32
(since the right hand bogey floats free, the left hand
bogey allows all rollers to contact a tubular with equal
force). During spinning, rollers diagonal to each other
have equal clamp force, but the leading and trailing
rollers on each bogey have different contact force onto a
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pipe.
Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of the cover
41.
Figure 5 shows an apparatus 200 in accordance with
the present invention for connecting and disconnecting
tubulars TB and TL while a spinner apparatus 210 (shown
schematically) in accordance with the present invention
spins the tubular TB a wrench 202 (for example any
suitable wrench or tong) holds the tubular TL. A hanger
204 permits connection of the spinner apparatus 210 to
another member or structure. The wrench 202 is connected
to the spinner apparatus 210 with a connection 206 and a
spring 208. The spinner apparatus 210 may include any
spinner apparatus in accordance with the present
invention, including but not limited to, that of Figure
1A or of Figure 7A.
Figure 6 show an apparatus 10 in accordance with the
present invention (like systems disclosed in co-owned
U.S. Patents 7,185,547 and 7,062,991 incorporated fully
herein for all purposes) which has a carriage 25 which is
movably connected for up/down vertical movement to a
column 14 and which can also translate horizontally on a
rig floor RF for movement toward and away from a drill
pipe D of a drill string DS in a well W. Support arms
22, 24 (two each) are pivotably connected at one end to a
base 23 of the carriage 20. Optionally, only one support
arm is used or two arms in parallel are used. A
connector 21 is removably emplaceable in a socket 29 to
mount the system on the rig.
A torque wrench 11 (for example as disclosed in co-
owned U.S. patents 7,185,547 and 7,062,991, or in any
prior art cited therein) and a spinner apparatus 10 (any
in accordance with the present invention) are connected
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to the carriage 20 and are movable by a power mechanism
PM toward and away from the column 14 by moving the
support arms 22, 24. Optionally, a known torque wrench
may be used, for example instead of the torque wrench
100. The spinner is movable up and down on the spin
wrench carriage 25 toward and away from the torque
wrench. A control console CS for the spinner apparatus
is shown schematically in Figure 1B. Optionally, the
console CS communicates by wire or wirelessly with the
10 torque wrench 100 and/or the spinner apparatus 10 and/or
the control console CS is located remotely from it.
Figures 7A to 7H show a spinner apparatus 300 in
accordance with the present invention which has a frame
312 with a crossmember 313 connecting two spaced-apart
beams 314 releasably connected by connectors 316 to a
hanging bracket 318. Clamping cylinder assemblies 320
disposed between frame members 322, 324 are connected to
and selectively move arms 326, 328 which, in turn, move
bogeys 330, 332 to move rollers mounted thereon
(described below) into contact with a tubular to be
rotated. Cylinder yoke bushings 334 of the clamping
cylinder assemblies 320 received and held in
corresponding holes 326h, 328h in plates 326a, 326b,
328a, 328b of the arms 32b, 328, respectively, to
pivotably connect the arms 326, 328 to the clamping
cylinder assemblies 320. A center member 321 connected
to both clamping cylinder assemblies 320 is secured to a
frame center mount 335. It is within the scope of the
present invention to use a single cylinder assembly
instead of the two cylinder assemblies 320.
Each arm 326, 328 includes a top plate (326a, 328a)
and a bottom plate 326b, 328b). These plates 326a, 326b,
328a, 328b are pivotably mounted to and between the frame
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members 322, 324 with pins 325.
Covers 341 - 344 shield motors 351 - 354 and rollers
361 - 364 which are rotated by the motors 351 - 354. The
bogeys 330, 332 are pivotably connected to the arms.
The plates 322, 324 have slots 322a, 324a
respectively in which a pin 339 moves. The pin 339
extends through a hole 373 in an upper plate 332a and a
hole 374 in a lower plate 332b of the bogey 332. The
slots 332a, 332b guide movement of the pin 339 thereby
guiding movement of the bogey 332. This also guides the
movement of the rollers 363, 364 rotatably connected to
the bogey 332 (as described in detail below). Cover
mount blocks 349 on the plate 332a provide structure to
which the cover 343 is secured. The cover 344 is secured
to the arm 328. The bogey 332 pivots about a pin 348.
The pin 348 extends through holes 388 in the plates 328a,
328b.
The bogey 330 is "free floating"" in the sense that
it is not slaved to anything and can pivot with respect
to the arm 326 and can pivot, for example up to 10
degrees, with respect to the center line of the system.
The bogey 330 freely pivots about a pin 345. The bogey
330 has a top plate 330a and a bottom plate 330b. The
pin 345 passes through holes 371, 372 to secure the bogey
330 to the arm 326. The cover 341 is secured to mount
blocks 375. The cover 342 is secured to the arm 326.
The motors 353, 354 are on top of the bogey 332; and
the motors 351, 352 are mounted on top of the bogey 330.
A flow divider 370 receives power fluid (for example
hydraulic fluid under pressure from a rig source). Power
fluid from the flow divider 370 is provided via
connections 372 to the motors 351 - 354. Power fluid
from the flow divider 370 is provided to the clamping
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cylinder assemblies 320 via connections 374. As shown
the motors 351 - 354 are located above corresponding
rollers; but it is within the scope of the present
invention to locate the motors (or a single motor or two
motors) at any convenient location whether above the
rollers or not, below the rollers, or adjacent the
rollers; or to use a single motor for driving multiple
rollers, for example, but not limited to, a first motor
for driving the rollers on one side, for example via
appropriate gearing, and a second motor for driving the
rollers on the other side. One motor can drive multiple
rollers, for example via gearing, in synchronization.
The roller 362 is mounted with portions in the holes
like holes 76a, 76b (see Figure 2C); the roller 361 is
mounted with portions in the holes like 77a, 77b (see
Figure 2C) ; the roller 364 is mounted with portions in
the holes like holes 78a, 78b (see Figure 2B); and the
roller 63 is mounted with portions in the holes 79a, 79b.
A pin 347 extends through holes in the plates 322,
324 and through holes in the plates 326a, 326b to
pivotably connect the arm 326 to the plates 322, 324. A
pin 346 extends through holes in the plates 328a, 328b
and through holes in the plates 322, 324 to pivotably
connect the arm 328 to the plates 322, 324.
The rollers 361 - 364 may be like any roller
disclosed herein in accordance with the present invention
(for example, but not limited to, the rollers shown in
Figures 1A and 3C). For example, the roller 363 has a
plurality of spaced-apart projections 377 and a plurality
of spaced-apart recesses 379. Any of the rollers 361 -
364 may have grooves like the grooves 128 or 129
described above. The rollers 361 - 364 may have the
associated parts as shown in Figures 3A - 3F.
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As shown in Figures 7E to 7H, the clamping cylinder
apparatuses have been activated to move the arms 326,
328, bogeys 330, 332, and rollers 361 - 364 inwardly to
clamp a tubular T for spinning. The pin 339 has guided
the rotation of the bogey 332 about the pivot pin 348.
The pin 337 prevents the bogey from trying to rotate in
the opposite direction to the rollers 363 and 364. The
pin 339 slides along the slots 332a, 324a as the clamp
cylinders are operated, but it is the end stroke of the
clamp cylinders and not the slots that limit the extremes
of clamping movement. The bogey 332 can be considered as
the "master" while the bogey 330 is the "slave". The
bogey 332 aligns the spinner unit precisely with the
tubular centerline irrespective of the tubular diameter.
The bogey 330 then passively self aligns as clamp force
is applied.
The rollers 361 - 364 are interlaced as shown in
Figures 7E - 7 H. The roller 361 interlaces with the
roller 362 and with the roller 363. The roller 362 also
interlaces with the roller 364. The roller 364
interlaces with the rollers 362 and 363.
In certain aspects, interlacing of rollers works
like treads on a tire; i.e. contact area is reduced and
local contact pressure is increased, while surface
contamination tends to be pressed into the grooves.
Any suitable powered cylinder assemblies may be used
for the clamping cylinder assemblies 320. In one
particular aspect, as shown in Figures 7H and 8A to 8D,
each clamping cylinder assembly 320 has a housing 320a
within which a piston 320p is movably mounted. To
accommodate the pivoting of an arm 326 or arm 328 to
which the housing 320a is connected, a pivotable
connector 320c connects the piston 320p to the center
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member 321.
The connector 320c has a first member 320d with a
ball end 320e and a second member 320f with a ball end
320g. A pin 320h pins an end 320i of the second member
320f to the first member 320d. The ball end 320e of the
first member is movable in a first spherical bearing 320j
connected to the piston 320p. The ball end 320g is
movable in a second spherical bearing 320k connected to
the center member 321. The members 320d, 320f act like a
rod connected to the piston 320p. Thus the housing 320a
is pivotable with respect to the housing center member
321, allowing the cylinder to accommodate a certain
amount of both angular and parallel misalignment without
transferring significant loads to the cylinder slides and
seals. Thus the fixed cylinders using the hemispherical
bearings 320e, 320g are substantially or almost totally
isolated from side loads (for example loads perpendicular
to a longitudinal axis of the members 320d, 320f which
could create a moment which would be resisted by sliding
surfaces of the piston) . In certain aspects such side or
lateral loads can be the result of wear of moving parts;
production or installation tolerances; mechanical
deflection under loading; or incorrect operation.
A seal 320m (for example, but not limited to, a
rubber bellows apparatus) seals the housing-320a-center-
mount-321 interface and prevents moisture and
contamination from reaching the connector system and ball
joints. A retaining ring 321a screwed onto the center
member 321 locks the ball end of the connector to the
center member 321 to retain the spherical bearing 320k
and resists cylinder retract loads when pressure is
applied to the return side of the piston (pressure in the
volume space 320x).
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Pressurized oil from the flow divider 370 enters a
cylinder retract port 320w to move the housing inwardly
to unclamp the rollers from a tubular. The rollers are
applied by supplying pressurized oil from the flow
divider 370 to the rear of the piston via one of the two
cylinder extend ports 320r. Channels 320s within the
body of the cylinder lead this oil to the rear of the
piston. Oil within the space 320x is pressed out of the
cylinder retract port as the cylinder extends.
