U.S. patent application number 09/918233 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive.
Invention is credited to Appleton, Robert Patrick.
Application Number | 20010042625 09/918233 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26314076 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010042625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Appleton, Robert Patrick |
November 22, 2001 |
Apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top
drive
Abstract
An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a
top drive, which apparatus comprises a body (2; 102) connectable to
said top drive, said body (2; 102) comprising at least one gripping
element (5; 105) radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic
fluid to drivingly engage said tubular (30; 110) to permit a screw
connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be
tightened to the required torque.
Inventors: |
Appleton, Robert Patrick;
(Scotland, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William B. Patterson
THOMASON, MOSER & PATTERSON, L.L.P.
Suite 1500
3040 Post Oak Blvd.
Houston
TX
77056
US
|
Family ID: |
26314076 |
Appl. No.: |
09/918233 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09918233 |
Jul 30, 2001 |
|
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09509073 |
Aug 22, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/379 ;
166/381; 166/77.1; 166/77.51; 166/90.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 33/126 20130101;
E21B 19/16 20130101; E21B 19/06 20130101; E21B 43/10 20130101; E21B
23/04 20130101; E21B 31/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/379 ;
166/381; 166/77.51; 166/77.1; 166/90.1 |
International
Class: |
E21B 019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 22, 1998 |
GB |
9815809.0 |
Aug 24, 1998 |
GB |
9818358.5 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a
top drive, which apparatus comprises a body (2; 102) connectable to
said top drive, said body (2; 102) comprising at least one gripping
element (5; 105) radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic
fluid to drivingly engage a tubular (30; 110) to permit a screw
connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be
tightened to the required torque.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one
gripping element (5; 105) has an elastomeric gripping surface
incorporating projecting metal inserts or saw blades capable of
transmitting said torque.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least
one gripping element (5; 105) is movable radially outwardly from
said body (2; 102) to engage the inside wall (31; 111) of said
tubular (30; 110)
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said body
(2; 102) is connectable to a rotor (35) of said top drive in order
to rotate said apparatus.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, further
comprising a sealing packer (107) for engagement with said
tubular.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said sealing packer
(107) can be activated by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said
body (2; 102) is provided with a passage (3; 103) therethrough to
allow excess fluid in said tubular to escape therefrom.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further
comprising a support (12) for supporting the weight of said tubular
during driving engagement of the tubular by said at least one
gripping element (5; 105).
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said support (12) is
connectable to a stator of said top drive.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein said support
(12) is carried by compensating pistons (26, 27) connectable to
said top drive.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said compensating
pistons (26, 27) are pneumatically operable and are adjustable to
compensate for different weights of tubular.
12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an
upper part of said body (2) comprises a splined recess into which a
splined rotor or splined connecting member (20) may be located.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein said
support (12) is arranged circumjacent an upper part of said body
(2) with a bearing (8, 9) arranged therebetween to allow said body
(2) to rotate with respect to said support (12).
14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further
comprising a rotary transmission (7) to allow hydraulic or
pneumatic fluid to pass through said body (2; 102).
15. An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using
a top drive, said apparatus comprising a body (102) connectable to
said top drive, said body (102) comprising at least one gripping
element (105) radially displaceable to drivingly engage a tubular
(110) and a sealing packer (107) to inhibit, in use, fluid in said
tubular from escaping therefrom.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sealing
packer can be actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid.
17. An apparatus (201) for running tubulars (213) into a borehole,
said apparatus comprising a body (202) provided with a wedge lock
assembly (212) and a hydraulically operable grapple (210) to
mechanically grip the inside wall of a tubular (213) to be run
into, or withdrawn from, the borehole, said grapple incorporating
positive locking means to prevent inadvertent release of said
grapple, said body further comprising means (214) to prevent
spillage of drilling fluid when the body is withdrawn from the
tubular, a scaling packer (215) for engagement with the tubular to
permit fluid to be circulated within the tubular, and a stabbing
guide (216).
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the grapple (210)
is connected to a hydraulic piston assembly (204, 207) to permit
engagement of the grapple with the inside walls of the tubular
(213) to enable mechanical lift to be applied to the tubular.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the hydraulic
piston assembly (204, 207) is biased towards a failsafe position by
a compression spring (209).
20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the
hydraulic piston assembly incorporates a cylinder (204) which is
either formed integrally with the body (202) or is attached thereto
by threading or flanging.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the body
(202) is provided with a slip-ring assembly to enable hydraulic
fluid to be supplied to the hydraulic piston assembly (204, 207)
whilst at the same time permitting rotation of the body ad the
tubular (213) thereon.
22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21, which is
adapted to be used with different sizes of tubular.
23. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein
the body (202) is fitted with a bull-nose guide (216) to prevent
damage to the top of the tubular when the body is introduced into
the tubular.
24. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein
the body (202) is provided with a through bore (217) to permit
circulation of fluid.
25. A top drive having an apparatus as claimed in any preceding
claim attached thereto.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for facilitating the
connection of tubulars using a top drive and is more particularly,
but not exclusively, intended for facilitating the connection of a
section or stand of casing to a string of casing.
[0002] If the construction of oil or gas wells it is usually
necessary to line the borehole with a string of tubulars known as
casing. Because of the length of the casing required, sections or
stands of say two sections of casing are progressively added to the
string as it is lowered into the well from a drilling platform. In
particular, when it is desired to add a section or stand of casing
the string is usually restrained from falling into the well by
applying the slips of a spider located in the floor of the drilling
platform. The new section or stand of casing is then moved from a
rack to the well centre above the spider. The threaded pin of the
section or stand of casing to be connected is then located over the
threaded box of the casing in the well and the connection is made
up by rotation therebetween. An elevator is then connected to the
top of the new section or stand and the whole casing string lifted
slightly to enable the slips of the spider to be released. The
whole casing string is then lowered until the top of the section is
adjacent the spider whereupon the slips of the spider are
re-applied, the elevator disconnected and the process repeated.
[0003] It is common practice to use a power tong to torque the
connection up to a predetermined torque in order to make the
connection. The power tong is located on the platform, either on
rails, or hung from a derrick on a chain. However, it has recently
been proposed to use a top drive for making such connection. A "top
drive" is a top driven rotational system substantially used for
drilling purposes, assigned to the drawworks at a higher level than
the elevator, as is previously known.
[0004] Because of the high costs associated with the construction
of oil and gas wells time is critical and it has been observed by
the applicants that the time to connect a tubular to a top drive
using existing equipment could be reduced.
[0005] Accordingly there is provided an apparatus for facilitating
the connection of tubulars using a top drive, which apparatus
comprises a body connectable to said top drive, said body
comprising at least one gripping element radially displaceable by
hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage a tubular to
permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further
tubular to be tightened to the required torque.
[0006] Other features of the invention are set out in claims 2 to
14.
[0007] The present invention also provides an apparatus for
facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, said
apparatus comprising a body connectable to said top drive, said
body comprising at least one gripping element radially displaceable
to drivingly engage said tubular and a sealing packer to inhibit,
in use, fluid in said tubular from escaping therefrom.
[0008] Preferably, said sealing packer can be actuated by hydraulic
or pneumatic fluid.
[0009] One advantage of at least preferred embodiments of the
invention is that the gripping elements transfer the full torque
capacity of the top drive to the casing without damaging the pipe
surface. Elastomeric jaws greatly reduce the marks made by the dies
as compared to simple metal dies. Elastomeric jaws also enable
pipes with differing inside diameters to be clamped with only one
set of jaws.
[0010] The present invention also provides an apparatus for running
tubulars into a borehole, said apparatus comprising a body provided
with a wedge lock assembly and a hydraulically operable grapple to
mechanically grip the inside wall of a tubular to be run into, or
withdrawn from, the borehole, said grapple incorporating positive
locking means to prevent inadvertent release of said grapple, said
body further comprising means to prevent spillage of drilling fluid
when the body is withdrawn from the tubular, a seating packer for
engagement with the tubular to permit fluid to be circulated within
the tubular, and a stabbing guide.
[0011] Further features of the apparatus for running tubulars into
a borehole in accordance with the present invention are set out in
claims 18 to 24.
[0012] In use, such an apparatus may be connected to a top-drive
unit via a treaded connection, or to a kelly driven rig via a pump
joint latched into an elevator. Both systems have available a means
of connecting up to a circulating system that will permit the
casing to be filled or circulated at any time during the running
operation.
[0013] Casing is normally run by picking up a joint at a time,
utilising single pickup elevators to bring the joint into the
derrick and connect it to the previously run joint, whether it be
by threaded correction or "mechanical latching or locking". The two
joints are either screwed or locked together and then lowered into
the well bore using elevators.
[0014] With heavy casing strings it is required that very large
elevators are used to be able to handle the load. This often means
that the top of the casing joint must be set 8-10 feet above the
rig floor to permit disengagement to take place. Scaffolding is
often require for the rig crews to be able to stab or connect the
next joint to the string. It is also normal to either utilise a
separate pack-off assembly, or a fillup hose that must be installed
by the rig crew after it has been lowered and set in the slips.
[0015] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will permit
the casing to be picked up by single pickup elevators, connected
either by rotation or mechanical latch, and then the casing running
tool to be "stabbed" into the bore of the top joint without damage,
due to the rubber bull-nose guide. When the tool is at the correct
depth of penetration within the casing bore, the hydraulic piston
is actuated to drive the grapple down onto the wedge lock and
secure the grapple to the casing wall. As the casing string is
lifted, the wedge-lock continues to drive into the grapple bore,
providing an ever increasing wedge lock. The compression spring
installed within the hydraulic piston provides a "positive-lock" or
failsafe should the hydraulic system fail for any reason.
[0016] When the apparatus is engaged, it is then possible to push,
pull, or even rotate the casing string. A seal ring assembly is
required to rotate the casing string, to permit constant control of
the hydraulic actuating piston to be maintained.
[0017] Preferred embodiments of the apparatus are equipped with a
through-bore to permit casing fillup and circulation to take place
at any time. There may also be provided a pack-off that can be
either inflatable or flow pressure operated.
[0018] The present invention also provides a top drive having an
apparatus in accordance with the present invention attached
thereto.
[0019] Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment
of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention inserted
in a section of casing;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 connected to a top
drive and inserted in a section of casing;
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view in perspective of
part of a second embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a third
embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment
of FIG. 4 in use.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown an apparatus which is
generally identified by reference numeral 1.
[0026] The apparatus 1 comprises a cylindrical body 2 which has a
central passage 3 therethrough. The cylindrical body 2 has
circumferentially spaced recesses 4 thereabout in which respective
gripping elements 5 are located.
[0027] The upper part 6 of the cylindrical body 2 is of a reduced
outer diameter. The upper part 6 passes through a rotary
transmission 7 and is rotatably supported by two beatings 8, 9
which are arranged in corresponding channels 10, 11 in an annular
support 12. A circumferentially raised portion 13 between the two
bearings 8, 9 is provided in the upper part 6 to inhibit
longitudinal movement of the cylindrical body 2.
[0028] The rotary transmission 7 is mounted fast on the annular
support 12 and is in sealing tight relation with the upper part 6
which is rotatable relative thereto. The rotary transmission 7 is
provided with a feed passage 15 in the annular support 12 and with
a feed line 16. The other end of the feed passage 14 is in fluid
communication with a radial channel 17. Feed passages 18 are
provided in the cylindrical body 2 to link the radial channel 17
with the circumferential recesses 4 behind each gripping element
5.
[0029] The upper part 6 is provided with internal splines 19 along
the upper part of the passage 3. The lower end of a connecting
member 20 is provided with corresponding external splines and is
located in the upper part of the passage 3. The upper end of the
connecting member 20 is provided with a circulating canal 22 and
threads 23 for connection to a top drive (FIG. 2).
[0030] The support member 12 is provided with two axles 24, 25 to
which compensating cylinders 26, 27 are attached, the corresponding
pistons 28, 29 being, in use, connected to the body of the top
drive (FIG. 2).
[0031] Gripping elements 5 are preferably based on the construction
described in PCT Publication No. WO 94/05894 which is incorporated
herein for all purpose, and sold by the applicants under the trade
mark "MICRO-GRIP".
[0032] The gripping elements 5 comprise a plurality of
longitudinally extending strips (not shown) which are embedded side
by side in an elastomeric base member (not shown). Each strip
projects out from said elastomeric base member, and each strip has
a pipe gripping edge (not shown) facing away from the elastomeric
base member, so that channels are formed between adjacent strips to
accommodate debris from the surface of the casing to be gripped.
The pipe gripping edge may, for example, comprise teeth, so that
the strips resemble saw blades, or may comprise particulate
material bonded to the strips. This type of gripping element allows
rotational torque to be applied to the tabular and longitudinal
forces produced by circulating fluid within the tubular and the
weight of the tubular to be taken.
[0033] The cylindrical body 2 is shown in FIG. 1 in a section of
easing 20 with gripping elements 5 in a radially extended position,
engaging the inner wall 31 of the section of casing 30 beneath a
threaded box 32.
[0034] In use, the pistons 28, 29 are connected to the stator 34 of
the top drive 33 (FIG. 2). The rotor 35 of the top drive 33 is
connected to the connecting member 20. The section of casing 30 is
positioned over the upper portion of a casing string using, for
example, a pipe positioning device. The top drive 33 with the
attached apparatus 1 is lowered so that the cylindrical body 2
thereof enters the casing 30. Alternatively, the section or stand
of casing may be brought towards the apparatus 1 using the methods
and apparatus disclosed in co-pending UK Patent Application No.
9818366.8 entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Facilitating the
Connection of Tubulars Using a Top Drive" filed by the applicant
for the present application on Aug. 24, 1998. If the support member
12 hits the top of the threaded box 32, the compensating cylinders
26, 27, which contain compressed air, cushion the impact whilst the
splines 19, 21 in the upper part 6 of the cylindrical body 2 will
allow relative longitudinal movement between the apparatus 1 and
the top drive 33 whilst being able to transmit rotation
therebetween.
[0035] Hydraulic pressure is applied through feed line 16, feed
passage 15, feed passage 14, radial channel 17, and feed passage 18
into recess 4 behind gripping elements 5, forcing the gripping
elements 5 radially outwardly to engage the inner wall 31 of the
casing 30.
[0036] The top drive 33 may now be used to rotate the rotor 35
which in turn rotates the connecting member 20, the cylindrical
body 2 and hence the casing 30. The compensating cylinders 26, 27
will allow a small downward movement as the threaded pin on the
bottom of the casing enters the box on the top of the string, and
may be controlled remotely. The compensating cylinders 26, 27 may
be of the pneumatic compensating type, i.e. their internal pressure
may be adjusted to compensate for the weight of the casing 30 so
that movement of the tubular may be conducted with minimal force.
Pneumatic compensating cylinders also reduce the risk of damage to
the threads of the tubulars. This can conveniently be achieved by
introducing pneumatic fluid into the cylinders 26, 27 and adjusting
the pressure therein. Hydraulic cylinders may, however, be used or
hydraulic cylinders provided with a pneumatic bellows system.
[0037] Once the joint is correctly tightened the elevator 37 is
swung into position and the elevator slips therein (not shown) are
actuated to grip the casing 30 beneath the box 32. The top drive 33
is then raised a small amount using the drawworks to enable the
slips in the spider to be released and the top drive and casing
string is then lowered.
[0038] As the casing is lowered liquid may be introduced into the
casing 30 via the connecting canal 22 and the central passage 3.
The introduction of such liquid is often desirable to facilitate
the lowering of the casing.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown an apparatus in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention which
is generally identified by the reference numeral 101.
[0040] The apparatus 101 is generally similar to that of FIG. 1, in
that it comprises a cylindrical body 102 which has a central
passage 103 therethrough. The cylindrical body 102 has recesses 104
thereabout in which gripping elements 105 are located. The gripping
elements 105 are provided with recesses 106.
[0041] The cylindrical body 102 is also provided with a cylindrical
sealing packer 107 arranged below the gripping elements 105. The
cylindrical sealing packer 107 is provided with a recess 108. The
cylindrical sealing packer 107 which is made from an elastomeric
material is fast with the cylindrical body 102.
[0042] The cylindrical body 102 is provided with a feed passage 109
which is at the upper end connected to a hydraulic fluid supply,
and at the other, to the recesses 106 and 108 in the gripping
elements 105 and the cylindrical sealing packer 107
respectively.
[0043] In use, the apparatus 101 is connected to a top drive, such
as that shown in FIG. 2, and is inserted into the top of a section
or stand of casing 110. Hydraulic fluid pressure is applied through
feed passage 109 into recesses 106 and 108 which moves the gripping
elements 105 into engagement with the inner wall 111 and the
cylindrical sealing packer 107 into contact with the inner wall
111. The gripping elements 105 engage with the inner wall 111 of
the casing 110 so that rotational force can be transmitted from the
apparatus 101 to the casing 110. The sealing packer 107
substantially prevents any fluids such as mud from escaping between
the apparatus 101 and the casing 110. This is particularly
advantageous where it is desired to circulate fluid to facilitate
running the casing. In particular, if the casing string becomes
lodged on an obstruction, liquid can be pumped down the casing
string under high pressure to remove the obstruction. The sealing
packer 107 facilitates this operation by inhibiting liquid under
high pressure escaping through the top of the casing 30.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 there is shown an apparatus in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention which
is generally identified by the reference numeral 201.
[0045] The apparatus comprise a cylindrical body 202 with a
threaded connection 203 at the upper end for connection to a top
drive. Attached to the cylindrical body 202, or machined into it,
is a hydraulic cylinder 204, with threaded ports 205, 206 at
opposite ends. These ports 205 and 206 permit hydraulic fluid to be
injected under pressure to manipulate a hydraulic piston 207,
secured within the cylinder by a threaded lock ring 208. A
compression spring 209 is located in the cylinder 204 above the
piston 207.
[0046] A grapple 210, provided with serrated teeth machined into
its outer surface, is provided around the cylindrical body 202
below the hydraulic cylinder 204. The grapple 210 is connected to
the hydraulic piston 207 by a threaded connection 211. A
corresponding wedge lock 212 is provided on the cylindrical body
202. The grapple 210 and corresponding wedge lock 212 are located,
in use, inside a casing 213. The piston 207 and lock ring 208 are
fitted with seal rings (not shown) to prevent hydraulic fluid
leakage.
[0047] A mud-check valve 214 is thread connected at the lower end
of the wedge lock 212. Below this valve is a rubber pack-off
assembly 215. These prevent spillage of drilling fluid when the
apparatus 201 is removed from within the casing joint 213. The
pack-off 215 can be energised by either internal mud pressure or
external mud flow.
[0048] In use, the apparatus 201 is lowered into the casing joint
213 as shown in FIG. 4. The grapple 210 is held out of contact with
the wedge lock 212 by hydraulic fluid injected into port 206.
[0049] When the apparatus 201 is located at the correct
installation depth within the casing 213, the pressure and fluid is
released from port 206, and fluid is injected into port 205. This
pushes the piston 207 downwards, pressing the grapple 210 against
the wedge lock 212. The grapple 210 is forced outwards by the wedge
lock 212, forming a mechanical friction grip against the inner wall
of the casing 213. This is shown in FIG. 5.
[0050] The rig lifting equipment (not shown) raises the apparatus
201, and this causes the wedge lock 212 to be pulled upwards
against the inner surface of the grapple 210, ensuring that
constant outward pressure is applied to the grapple 210. The grip
becomes tighter with increasing pull exerted by the rig lifting
equipment.
[0051] Should hydraulic pressure be lost from port 205, the
compression spring 209 ensures that the piston 207 continues to
press the grapple 210 against the wedge lock 212, preventing
release of the grapple from the wedge lock.
[0052] The apparatus 201 and casing 213 are then lowered into the
well bore and the casing is secured. The apparatus 201 is lowered
so that it supports its own weight only, and hydraulic fluid is
then pumped out of port 205 and into port 206 to release the
grapple 210 from the wedge lock 212 and the release the apparatus
201 from the casing 213. The apparatus is then removed from the
casing joint 213 and the process is repeated.
[0053] It is envisaged that the apparatus as described above could
be used in conjunction with any of the apparatus and used with any
of the methods as described in the co-pending International
Applications based on GB Application Nos. 9818360.1, 9818363.5 and
9818366.8 entitled "An Apparatus for Facilitating the Connection of
Tubulars Using a Top Drive", "Method and Apparatus for Facilitating
the Connection of Tubulars using a Top Drive" and "Method and
Apparatus for Facilitating the Connection of Tubulars using a Top
Drive" respectively.
* * * * *