U.S. patent application number 10/739559 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for pipe transfer apparatus.
Invention is credited to Spisak, Timothy M..
Application Number | 20050135902 10/739559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34677640 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050135902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spisak, Timothy M. |
June 23, 2005 |
Pipe transfer apparatus
Abstract
A pipe handling apparatus has a substantially horizontal track
and a traveling base member which can travel along the length of
the track. An elongate mast is provided. One end of the mast is
pivotally affixed to the traveling base member, while a pipe
gripper assembly is affixed to the other end of the mast. The pipe
gripper includes opposing arcuate jaws which can be selectively
opened and closed, as desired, around the outer circumference of a
section of pipe or other tubular member. The pipe gripper can be
rotated three hundred sixty (360) degrees, and can also be tilted,
up or down, relative to such mast.
Inventors: |
Spisak, Timothy M.;
(Broussard, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TED M. ANTHONY
PERRET DOISE
Suite 1200
600 Jefferson Street
Lafayette
LA
70501
US
|
Family ID: |
34677640 |
Appl. No.: |
10/739559 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/22.51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 19/00 20130101;
E21B 19/155 20130101; E21B 19/087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/022.51 |
International
Class: |
E21B 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for handling pipe on a drilling rig comprising: a.
a substantially linear track having a first end and a second end;
and b. means for gripping pipe which can be selectively positioned
between the first and second ends of said track.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said track is situated on the
rig floor of a drilling rig.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first end of said track is
located near a wellbore, and the second end of said track is
positioned near the upper end of a v-door.
4. An apparatus for handling pipe on a drilling rig comprising: a.
a substantially linear track having a first end and a second end;
b. a platform slidably received on said track, wherein said
platform can travel between the first and second ends of said
track; and c. means for gripping pipe.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said means for gripping pipe
further comprises: a. a back member; b. a first arcuate jaw
pivotally attached to said back member; and c. a second arcuate jaw
pivotally attached to said back member, wherein said first and
second arcuate jaw members oppose each other.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] NONE
STATEMENTS AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY
SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0002] NONE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus for
transferring tubular goods from a pipe rack v-door to a well bore
on a drilling rig. More specifically, the present invention relates
to an apparatus for transporting tubular goods from a v-door to a
well bore on a drilling rig.
[0005] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0006] Standard drilling rigs typically comprise a supportive rig
floor, a derrick extending vertically above said rig floor, and a
traveling block which can be raised and lowered within said
derrick. During drilling operations, such rig equipment is often
used to manipulate tubular goods (e.g. drill pipe, tubing, casing
and the like) and/or downhole tools in a well bore situated under
such derrick. For example, drill bits and/or other equipment are
often inserted into a well bore and manipulated within such well
bore via tubular drill pipe. Moreover, once a well has been drilled
to a desired depth, large diameter and relatively heavy pipe called
casing is often installed in the well bore and cemented in place in
order to provide structural integrity to the borehole and to
isolate downhole formations from one another.
[0007] When installing casing, drill pipe or other tubular goods
into a well bore, such pipe is typically installed in a number of
sections of roughly equal length. These pipe sections, often called
"joints," are typically installed one at a time, and screwed
together or otherwise joined end-to-end to make a roughly
continuous string of pipe. In order to commence the process of
inserting pipe in a well bore, a first joint of pipe is lowered
into the well bore at the rig floor, and suspended in place using a
set of "slips." Thereafter, a second joint of pipe is connected to
the top of said first joint, the slips are removed, and both joints
are then lowered into the well bore. The slips are then installed
at the rig floor, and the process is repeated until the desired
length of pipe has been run into the well bore.
[0008] In many instances, pipe and other tubular goods are stored
horizontally on one or more pipe racks in the general vicinity of
the rig floor. As such pipe/tubular goods are needed for
installation in a well bore, the desired number of joints are
transferred from such pipe rack(s) into the drilling rig derrick;
thereafter, such joints are either installed directly into the
well, or stored vertically within the derrick. Because most rig
floors and associated derricks are typically elevated above such
pipe rack(s), transferring pipe sections between a pipe rack and an
elevated rig floor requires careful handling of such pipe. Care
must be taken to protect the pipe, as well as the personnel around
the rig. This is especially true with casing and drill collars,
since heavy joints of casing and/or drill collars are frequently
more difficult to handle than smaller and lighter pipe, such as
drill pipe and tubing.
[0009] When pipe is transferred from a pipe storage rack to an
elevated rig floor, one or more joints of pipe are typically loaded
on a ramp-like member, commonly referred to as a "v-door", which
extends between said pipe rack and said elevated rig floor. Because
of the difference in elevation between the pipe rack and rig floor,
the v-door is frequently inclined at an angle. Once pipe is loaded
on to said v-door, the pipe is thereafter lifted, typically one
joint at a time, from the v-door into a vertical position in the
derrick above the elevated rig floor. Once a joint of pipe is
aligned over the well bore (as well as any pipe which has already
been inserted therein), the suspended section of pipe can then be
connected to the top of the pipe string which is protruding from
the well bore. Thereafter, the pipe string can be lowered into said
well bore, and the process can be repeated until the desired amount
of pipe is inserted into the well.
[0010] This method of transferring pipe between a pipe storage rack
and a derrick has certain limitations. For example, when a section
of pipe is lifted from the v-door into the derrick of a rig, the
pipe will typically ride or slide up the v-door until the bottom of
said pipe reaches the top of said v-door. Once the bottom of said
section of pipe reaches the top of the v-door, the lower end of the
pipe will often swing across the rig floor in a dangerous and/or
uncontrolled manner. This danger increases when the rig is a
floating vessel, such as a drill ship or semi-submersible drilling
rig, which is susceptible to unpredictable rocking and swaying with
wave action.
[0011] One common practice is to place a rope or other line across
the opening in a derrick where the v-door meets the rig floor. This
rope is used as a barrier to hold tension against a section of pipe
as it is lifted from said v-door; once the bottom of a section of
pipe clears the top of the v-door, the rope provides resistence to
prevent the pipe from swinging across the rig floor in a dangerous
or uncontrolled manner. In most cases, at least one worker will
hold on to one end of said rope. Once the bottom of a section of
pipe clears the top of the v-door, the worker can gradually let out
slack in the rope in order to guide the pipe section in the
direction of the well bore in a controlled manner. This practice is
labor intensive, in that at least one worker is required to
maintain tension in the rope and guide movement of said pipe
section. This practice is also dangerous, because one or more
workers must frequently be stationed in awkward or precarious
positions.
[0012] It can be seen that it would be desirable to be able to grip
a section of pipe positioned on a drilling rig v-door, move same
into vertical orientation over a well bore to permit insertion of
the subject pipe in such well bore. Numerous devices have been
proposed to assist in the movement of tubular members between a
pipe storage rack and an elevated rig floor. However, such devices
generally do not address problems associated with moving pipe from
a rig v-door to the well bore within a derrick. Further, existing
pipe handling devices are generally complex in construction,
designed for use with a particular type or style of drilling rig,
and not easily transported from one drilling rig to another. To
this end, a need exists for an improved pipe transfer device which
is simple in construction, easy to transport and operate, and which
is adapted to be used with a variety of different types of drilling
rigs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe
transfer apparatus for transferring pipe between: (1) a drilling
rig v-door; and (2) a vertical position over a well bore. A further
object of the present invention is to allow movement of pipe
sections between a v-door and a drilling rig derrick, such that
said pipe sections can be advanced into a well bore for ultimate
use in the drilling process, or as otherwise desired. It is to be
appreciated that use of the term "pipe" herein encompasses any
elongate element or tubular good which can be inserted into, or
otherwise used within, a well bore.
[0014] The present invention can be easily transported and rapidly
installed on a standard drilling rig without substantial alteration
of the rig. Moreover, the present invention occupies a minimum
amount of space, and does not interfere with other operations
performed on a rig.
[0015] The apparatus of the present invention comprises a
substantially horizontal track having two ends, said track being
situated on, or in general proximity to, the rig floor of a
drilling rig. One terminus of said track is located at or near the
opening of the well bore, while the other terminus of said track
extends near the upper edge of the v-door where said v-door meets
the rig floor. A traveling base member, slidably disposed on said
track, can move along the length of said track. In the preferred
embodiment, said traveling base member is a platform having a
substantially planar upper surface. A means is provided for
advancing said base member along the length of said track. In the
preferred embodiment, said means for advancing said base member
along the length of said track is a ball reverser. Although said
ball reverser can be powered using any number of different power
sources, in the preferred embodiment hydraulic power is used for
this purpose. However, it is to be understood that said ball
reverser can be pneumatically or electrically powered, for
example.
[0016] An elongate mast is provided. One end of said mast is
pivotally affixed to said traveling base member. Said mast can
pivot about a horizontal axis which runs generally perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of said substantially horizontal track. Said
mast can also be rotated three hundred sixty (360.degree.) degrees
about a vertical axis passing through said base member. In the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, said mast is rotated
by a slew drive. Although said slew drive can be powered using any
number of different power sources, in the preferred embodiment
hydraulic power is used for this purpose. However, it is to be
understood that said slew drive can be pneumatically or
electrically powered.
[0017] A pipe gripper is affixed to the distal end of said mast. In
the preferred embodiment of the invention, said pipe gripper
includes opposing arcuate jaws, which can be selectively opened and
closed, as desired, around the outer circumference of a section of
pipe or other tubular member. Said pipe gripper can be rotated
three hundred sixty (360.degree.) degrees by rotating said mast
about a vertical axis passing through said traveling base member
using said slew drive. Further, said pipe gripper can also be
tilted, up or down, relative to said mast. In the preferred
embodiment, said pipe gripper can be tilted relative to said mast
using a cylinder assembly. Although said cylinder assembly can be
powered using any number of different power sources, in the
preferred embodiment said cylinders are powered using hydraulic
power.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts a fragmentary side view of a drilling
rig.
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the pipe transfer apparatus of
the present invention with the mast in a reclined position.
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the pipe transfer apparatus of
the present invention with the mast in an upright vertical
position.
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts the pipe gripper of the present invention in
an open position.
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts the pipe gripper of the present invention in
a closed position.
[0023] FIG. 6 depicts an overhead plan view of the pipe transfer
apparatus of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7 depicts a partially exploded side view of the ball
reverser of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 depicts an end view of the pipe transfer apparatus of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the pipe transfer apparatus of
the present invention with the pipe gripper in a tilted
position.
[0027] FIG. 10 depicts a side view of the pipe transfer apparatus
of the present invention with the pipe gripper in a tilted position
and the mast leaning at an angle from vertical.
[0028] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the pipe transfer apparatus
of the present invention with a section of pipe received within the
pipe gripper.
[0029] FIG. 12 depicts an overhead sequential view of the pipe
transfer apparatus of the present invention transferring a section
of pipe.
[0030] FIG. 13 depicts an overhead sequential view of the pipe
transfer apparatus of the present invention being repositioned to
receive a section of pipe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0031] FIG. 1 depicts a fragmentary side view of a drilling rig
100. Drilling rig 100 comprises derrick 101 which extends
vertically over substantially horizontal rig floor 102. Pipe
section 103 is partially installed in well bore 104, and suspended
in place within such well bore using lower slips 105, so that upper
end 103a of pipe section 103 partially protrudes from well bore 104
and extends above rig floor 102. Although not specifically depicted
in FIG. 1, it is to be understood that well bore 104 can extend a
desired length into the surface of the earth. Furthermore, although
only pipe section 103 is shown as being installed in well bore 104,
it is to be understood that one or more additional sections of pipe
can be connected below section 103, thereby forming an elongate
pipe string which can extend a significant distance into the earth
via well bore 104. Pipe section 106 is suspended from elevators 107
within derrick 101 above well bore 104 prior to being threadably
connected to pipe section 103.
[0032] V-door 108 extends from pipe rack 109 to rig floor 102 which
is elevated above said pipe rack 109. Said v-door 108 essentially
forms an inclined ramp between pipe rack 109 and rig floor 102.
Pipe section 110 is positioned on said v-door in advance of being
lifted into derrick 101. Because FIG. 1 is for illustration
purposes, it is to be understood that multiple sections of pipe
could be loaded on to v-door 108 at any given time, and individual
sections of pipe could thereafter be lifted from said v-door 108
and into derrick 101 as desired. Furthermore, although pipe
sections 103, 106 and 110 are depicted as being relatively small
diameter pipe (such as drill pipe or production tubing), it is to
be understood that such pipe could also be large diameter pipe,
such as well casing and the like.
[0033] One end of a cable or other line is typically attached to
upper end 110a of pipe section 110, while the other end of said
cable or other line can be attached to movable elevators 107 or,
alternatively, a hoist situated within derrick 101. As pipe section
110 is lifted using said cable or line, upper end 110a of pipe
section 110 is pulled upward into derrick 101, while the remainder
of said pipe section 110 slides up v-door 108 toward rig floor 102.
As pipe section 110 continues to be lifted, eventually bottom 110b
of pipe section 110 will reach the top of v-door 108 and the upper
surface of rig floor 102.
[0034] A common practice utilized in the oil and gas industry is to
secure a rope or other line horizontally across the opening in
derrick 101 a short distance above the area where v-door 108 meets
rig floor 102 and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of pipe section 110. As pipe section 110 is lifted into derrick
101, said pipe section will essentially ride up v-door 108 and
slide against said horizontally-stretched rope. As pipe section 110
continues to ride up v-door 108, eventually bottom 110b of pipe
section 110 will clear the upper surface of v-door 108 and rig
floor 102. The aforementioned rope, which is typically held in
tension across the opening in derrick 101 by a roughneck or other
worker, provides resistance against pipe section 110 and acts to
prevent end 110b of pipe section 110 from swinging freely across
rig floor 102. Thereafter, a worker holding on to said rope will
typically gradually reduce the tension in said rope, so that bottom
110b of pipe section 110 can be guided across rig floor 102 in a
controlled manner. Thereafter, hanging pipe section 110 can be
placed into alignment with pipe section 103 which partially
protrudes from well bore 104.
[0035] The present invention eliminates the need for such a rope
and the dangers that accompany the aforementioned prior art
practice described herein. The pipe transfer apparatus of the
present invention can grip and secure a section of pipe which is
being lifted from a v-door into a derrick in order to prevent the
base of said section of pipe from swinging across a rig floor in a
dangerous or uncontrolled manner. Further, the present invention
eliminates the manpower requirements and safety concerns associated
with existing methods of using a rope or other line to control the
movement of pipe across a rig floor as described above.
[0036] The apparatus of the present invention comprises a
substantially linear horizontal track having two (2) ends, wherein
said track is situated on, or in general proximity to, the rig
floor of a drilling rig. One terminus of said track is located at
or near a well bore such as well bore 104 in FIG. 1, while the
other terminus of said track extends to the upper edge of a v-door
such as v-door 108 in FIG. 1. A traveling base member is slidably
disposed on said track. In the preferred embodiment, said traveling
base member is a platform having a substantially planar upper
surface, with a means for advancing said base member substantially
along the length of said track.
[0037] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the pipe transfer apparatus
200 of the present invention. Said pipe transfer apparatus
comprises substantially horizontal track member 201. Although said
track member 201 can take any number of sizes and/or shapes, in the
preferred embodiment, said track member has lower base 201a and
upper rails 201b. Traveling base member 202 is slidably mounted to
upper rails 201b of track member 201. Slew drive base 203 is
affixed to the upper surface of traveling base member 202, while
mounting bracket 204 is in turn mounted to the upper surface of
said slew drive base 203. In the preferred embodiment, said
mounting bracket 204 is semi-circular in shape, with a curved upper
surface. Said mounting bracket 204 also forms a central channel.
Although said central channel is not visible in FIG. 2, said
channel is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis
of substantially horizontal track member 201 in FIG. 2.
[0038] Elongate mast 205 is pivotally mounted at one end within the
central channel of mounting bracket 204 using pivot pin 206,
thereby allowing elongate mast 205 to pivot within the central
channel of mounting bracket 204 about a horizontal axis passing
through pivot pin 206. Mounting bracket 204 and, thus, elongate
mast 205, can also be rotated about a vertical axis passing through
slew drive base 203; a slew drive (not shown in FIG. 2) connected
to said slew drive base 203 powers such rotation about a vertical
axis. Elongate mast 205 can be locked in place in a reclined
position within the central channel of mounting bracket 204 using
bolt 217 which can be installed through aligned bores in mounting
bracket 204 and elongate mast 205. Alternatively, said elongate
mast 205 can be locked into an upright, vertical position using
bolt 218, or a substantially upright tilted position using bolt
219; in either instance, said bolts can be inserted through aligned
bores in mounting bracket 204 and elongate mast 205. In the
preferred embodiment, bolts 217, 218 and 219 can be locked in place
in aligned horizontal bores extending through mounting bracket 204
and elongate mast 205.
[0039] Pipe gripper 300 is affixed to the distal end of said
elongate mast 205. In the preferred embodiment of the invention,
said pipe gripper 300 comprises opposing arcuate jaws, which can be
selectively opened and closed around a section of pipe, as desired.
Said opposing arcuate jaws can be closed, for example, around the
outer circumference of a section of pipe or other tubular member.
Said pipe gripper can also be tilted up and down relative to said
mast.
[0040] In the preferred embodiment, pipe gripper mounting bracket
207 is located at or near the distal end of elongate mast 205. Pipe
gripper assembly 300 is pivotally mounted to said gripper mounting
bracket 207 using pivot pin 208, thereby permitting said pipe
gripper assembly 300 to pivot about a horizontal axis passing
through said pivot pin 208.
[0041] Pivoting of said pipe gripper assembly 300 about said
horizontal axis passing through pivot pin 208 is powered by
hydraulic cylinder 209. One end of hydraulic cylinder 209 is
anchored to elongate mast 205 using anchor bracket 211 and anchor
pin 212. Hydraulic cylinder 209 further includes piston rod 210,
depicted in the retracted position in FIG. 3. The outer end of
piston rod 210 is connected to mounting bracket 301 of pipe gripper
assembly 300 using anchor pin 213. As piston rod 210 of hydraulic
cylinder 209 strokes, pipe gripper assembly 300 pivots about pivot
pin 208, and can tilt up or down about a horizontal axis passing
through said pivot pin 208, as desired. Although not visible in
FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment, the aforementioned mechanism
for tilting pipe gripper assembly 300 comprises side-by-side tandem
hydraulic cylinders 209.
[0042] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the pipe transfer apparatus of
the present invention with elongate mast 205 in an upright,
vertical position. In this position, said elongate mast 205 pivots
about pivot pin 206 and is lifted upward within the central channel
of mounting bracket 204. When said elongate mast is oriented
vertically within said central channel of mounting bracket 204, it
can be locked in place using bolt 218. Pipe gripper assembly 300
can be rotated three hundred sixty (360.degree.) degrees about a
vertical axis passing through elongate mast 205 via rotation of
elongate mast 205 using a slew drive (not visible in FIG. 3)
connected to slew drive base 203.
[0043] Pipe gripper mounting bracket 207 is situated near the
distal (upper) end of elongate mast 205. Pipe gripper assembly 300
is pivotally mounted to said pipe gripper mounting bracket 207 via
pivot pin 208. One end of hydraulic cylinder 209 is anchored to
elongate mast 205 using anchor bracket 211 and anchor pin 212. The
outer end of retracted piston rod 210 is connected to mounting
bracket 301 of pipe gripper assembly 300 using anchor pin 213.
[0044] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of pipe gripper assembly
300 of the present invention in a substantially open position. Pipe
gripper 300 is comprised of opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b.
Said opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b are pivotally attached to
back member 303 of pipe gripper assembly 300 using pivot pins 304a
and 304b, and can swing about said pivot pins 304a and 304b to
permit opening and closing of pipe gripper assembly 300. In the
preferred embodiment, opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b operate
in synchronized fashion, such that said opposing arcuate jaws 302a
and 302b open and close together.
[0045] Hydraulic cylinder 305, which is connected to and supplied
hydraulic fluid by hydraulic lines 311, powers the synchronized
opening and closing of opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b.
Hydraulic cylinder 305 has piston rod 306, which can be actuated to
an extended or retracted position. One end of hydraulic cylinder
305 is anchored to extension fingers 309 using anchor rod 310.
Similarly, piston rod 306 is anchored to extension fingers 307
using anchor rod 308. By actuating hydraulic cylinder 305, and
thereby causing piston rod 306 to stroke in and out, opposing
arcuate jaws 302a and 302b can be selectively opened and closed by
pivoting about pivot pins 304a and 304b, respectively.
[0046] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of pipe gripper assembly
300 in a substantially closed position. Opposing arcuate jaws 302a
and 302b are depicted as gripping a section of cylindrical pipe,
such as a joint of large diameter casing 120, around the outer
peripheral surface of said pipe. For illustration purposes, said
cylindrical pipe can be identical to pipe section 110 in FIG. 1, or
a larger diameter pipe section such as pipe joint 120 shown in
outline in FIG. 5. As piston rod 306 extends relative to hydraulic
cylinder 305, opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b pivot about pivot
pins 304a and 304b, respectively, thereby closing together in
synchronized manner and gripping around the outer peripheral
surface of casing section 120, thus gripping and securing said pipe
section 120 within opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b. Said
opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b can be opened by pivoting of
each of said arcuate jaws about their respective pivot pins, 304a
and 304b.
[0047] FIG. 6 depicts an overhead plan view of the pipe transfer
apparatus of the present invention. Substantially horizontal track
member 201 has tandem upper rails 201b; in the preferred embodiment
of the present invention, said upper rails 201b are oriented
parallel to one another, thereby defining central channel 240
between said upper rails 201b. Traveling base member 202 is
slidably mounted to said tandem upper rails 201b of track member
201, and can move substantially along the length of said track
member 201. Bearings 214 reduce friction between said traveling
base member 202 and upper rails 201b of track member 201. Linear
movement of said traveling base member 202 along track member 201
is powered by ball reverser 215. Said ball reverser is rotatably
received at one end of track member 201 in flange bearing 215a and
at the other end of track member 201 in flange bearing 215b. In the
preferred embodiment, said ball reverser is hydraulically powered;
however, it should be noted that other power sources could be
utilized for this purpose.
[0048] Elongate mast 205 is shown in FIG. 6 in the upright
position. When in such a position, elongate mast 205 can be rotated
about its central longitudinal axis by rotation of slew drive base
203. Such rotation of slew drive 203 and, thus, elongate mast 205,
is powered by slew drive 216. In this manner, pipe gripper assembly
300, which is attached to the upper end of elongate mast 205, can
be rotated three hundred sixty (360.degree.) degrees about a
vertical axis passing through said elongate mast 205. Although said
elongate mast 205 is shown in the upright vertical position in FIG.
6, said mast can be tilted from vertical by pivoting said mast 205
about pivot pin 206 within the central channel formed by mounting
bracket 204. Said elongate mast 205 can also be locked in a
vertical position using bolt 218 (not visible in FIG. 6).
[0049] FIG. 7 depicts ball reverser 215 of the present invention.
Ball reverser 215 comprises central shaft 230 having cross-oriented
grooves 231 formed along the surface of central shaft 230. Central
shaft 230 is rotatably received within flange bearing 215a at one
end, and flange bearing 215b at the other end. Motor 232 supplies
torque to central shaft 230 via drive mechanism 233, causing said
central shaft 230 to rotate within flange bearings 215a and 215b.
Traveling collar 234 is movably mounted on central shaft 230. As
central shaft 230 rotates about its longitudinal axis, traveling
collar 234 is directed by grooves 231 and moves substantially along
the length of said central shaft 230. Moreover, because traveling
base member 202 is connected to traveling collar 234, operation of
ball reverser 215 causes said traveling base member 202 to move
along the length of substantially horizontal track member 201.
[0050] FIG. 8 depicts an end view of the pipe transfer apparatus of
the present invention. Substantially horizontal track member 201
has tandem upper rails 201b which are aligned parallel to one
another, thereby defining central channel 240 between said tandem
upper rails 201b. Traveling base member 202 is slidably mounted to
said tandem upper rails 201b of track member 201, and can move
substantially along the length of said track member 201. Bearings
214 reduce friction between said traveling base member 202 and
upper rails 201b of track member 201. In the preferred embodiment,
roller bearings 220 are also provided to reduce the friction
between said traveling base member 202 and upper rails 201b of
track member 201. Linear movement of said traveling base member 202
along track member 201 is powered by ball reverser 215 (not shown
in FIG. 8) which extends substantially along the length of track
member 201. Said ball reverser is rotatably received at one end of
track member 201 in flange bearing 215a.
[0051] Elongate mast 205 is shown in the upright position. Said
elongate mast 205, which is received within the central channel
formed by mounting bracket 204, can be rotated about its central
longitudinal axis by rotation of slew drive base 203, which is
powered by slew drive 216. In this manner, pipe gripper assembly
300, which is attached to the upper end of elongate mast 205, can
be rotated about a vertical axis passing through said elongate mast
205. Although said elongate mast 205 is shown in the upright
vertical position, said mast can be tilted from vertical by
pivoting about pivot pin 206. Further, said elongate mast 205 can
be locked in an upright vertical position using bolt 218.
[0052] Still referring to FIG. 8, pipe gripper assembly 300 can be
titled about a horizontal axis using tandem hydraulic cylinders
209. One end of said tandem hydraulic cylinders 209 is anchored to
elongate mast 205 using anchor brackets 211. Hydraulic cylinders
209 further include piston rods 210 (which are depicted in the
retracted position in FIG. 8). The outer end of said piston rods
210 is pinned to mounting brackets 301 of pipe gripper assembly
300. As said piston rods 210 extend, pipe gripper assembly 300 can
be tilted about a horizontal axis passing through pivot pin
208.
[0053] FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the pipe transfer apparatus of
the present invention with elongate mast 205 in an upright position
and pipe gripper assembly 300 in a tilted position. Traveling base
member is shown at approximately the mid-point of substantially
horizontal track member 201. Elongate mast 205 is oriented in a
substantially vertical position within the central channel of
mounting bracket 204; that is, perpendicular to track member 201.
If desired, elongate mast 205 can be secured in a substantially
vertical position using bolt 218. Piston rod 210 is extended from
hydraulic cylinder 209, thereby causing pipe gripper 300 to tilt
about a horizontal axis passing through pivot pin 208. It is to be
observed that the greater the stroke of piston 210, the more that
pipe gripper 300 will tilt and, consequently, the greater angle "x"
in FIG. 9 will be.
[0054] FIG. 10 depicts a side view of the pipe transfer apparatus
of the present invention. Elongate mast 205 is depicted in a
position which is tilted from vertical. As said elongate mast 205
pivots about pivot pin 206 within the central channel of mounting
bracket 204, said mast can tilt from vertical and, if desired, be
locked in this position using bolt 219. It is to be observed that
the more that elongate mast 205 is tilted from vertical, the
greater angle "y" in FIG. 10 will be.
[0055] FIG. 11 depicts the pipe transfer apparatus of the present
invention in substantially the same position as depicted in FIG.
10. Elongate mast 205 is tilted from vertical, and locked in place
within the central channel of mounting bracket 204 using bolt 219.
Piston rod 210 is extended from hydraulic cylinder 209, and pipe
gripper apparatus 300 is itself tilted upward relative to said
elongate mast 205. Opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b of pipe
gripper assembly 300 are in a substantially closed position around
the outer circumference of cylindrical pipe section 110.
[0056] It is noted that opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b are not
completely closed about the outer surface of pipe section 110.
While said pipe section may lean to one side or the other, there is
generally circumferential clearance around much of the outer
surface of said pipe section within said opposing arcuate jaws 302a
and 302b. In this way, pipe gripper assembly 300 can grab and/or
facilitate handling of said pipe section. However, because of such
clearance within jaws 302a and 302b, said pipe section can ideally
be raised and lowered, as well as rotated, even when said opposing
arcuate jaws 302a and 302b are closed around said pipe section 110.
As described above, elongate mast 205 and pipe gripper assembly 300
can be tilted, as desired, to facilitate handling of pipe section
110, particularly when said pipe section is located on an inclined
v-door.
[0057] FIG. 12 depicts an overhead sequential view of the pipe
transfer apparatus of the present invention transferring a section
of pipe. In position "a", opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b of
pipe gripper 300 are shown in the substantially open position, and
said pipe section 110 is received within said jaws. In position
"b", said opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b are closed around the
outer surface of pipe section 110. Elongate mast 205, depicted in
an upright, vertical position, is rotated 90.degree. using slew
drive 216. In positions "c" and "d", traveling base 202 travels
along the length of substantially horizontal track member 201 (not
shown in FIG. 12). Said traveling base 202 continues moving along
to substantially horizontal track member 201 until it reaches the
desired position, which is typically the terminus of said
substantially horizontal track member 201. In this position,
position "e" on FIG. 12, elongate mast is rotated an additional
90.degree. using slew drive 216. In position "e", the orientation
of pipe gripper 300 is 180.degree. from its orientation in position
"a". Opposing arcuate jaws 302a and 302b of pipe gripper assembly
300 are then opened, allowing pipe section 110 to be easily removed
from said pipe gripper assembly.
[0058] FIG. 13 depicts an overhead sequential view of the pipe
transfer apparatus of the present invention being reset to receive
another pipe section, such as pipe section 110. In position "e",
elongate mast 205 is in an upright vertical position and opposing
arcuate jaws 302a and 302b of pipe gripper assembly 300 are open.
Pipe section 110 has been removed from pipe gripper assembly 300.
In position "f", said elongate mast 205 rotates 900 and traveling
base 202 slides along the length of substantially horizontal track
member 201 (not shown in FIG. 13). In position "f", said traveling
base member is shown at approximately the mid-point of said
horizontal track member. In position "g", said traveling base 202
has continued along the length of said horizontal track member, and
elongate mast 205 has rotated an additional 90.degree., thereby
presenting pipe gripper assembly 300 in the open position to
receive another section of pipe for transfer.
[0059] In operation, the pipe transfer apparatus of the present
invention can be installed on a drilling rig or other similar
location. Specifically, the substantially linear horizontal track
is situated on, or in general proximity to, the rig floor of a
drilling rig. One end of said track is located at or near a well
bore, while the other end of said track is located at or near the
upper end of a v-door.
[0060] The pipe gripper assembly of the present invention is
positioned at or near the upper end of said v-door, typically in a
fully open position (see position "g" in FIG. 13). As a section of
pipe is lifted off of said v-door, and into the derrick of said
drilling rig, said pipe section is directed into said open pipe
gripper assembly (see position "a" in FIG. 12). After said pipe
section has cleared the top of said v-door, said pipe gripper
assembly is closed around said section of pipe. Thereafter, pipe
gripper assembly swivels 900 (see position "b" in FIG. 12), and
travels along the length of the substantially linear horizontal
track (see positions "c" and "d" in FIG. 12).
[0061] After the pipe gripper assembly reaches the end of said
track and is at or near the well bore, the pipe gripper assembly is
rotated 90.degree. and opened (see position "e" in FIG. 12).
Thereafter, the pipe section can be removed from the pipe gripper
assembly and connected to a string of pipe suspended within the
well bore. Said pipe gripper assembly can be rotated and returned
to its original position (see positions "f" and "g" in FIG. 13).
The process can be repeated until the desired amount of pipe has
been installed in said well bore.
[0062] Although the apparatus of the present invention has been
depicted in a particular form constituting a preferred embodiment,
it will be understood that various changes and modifications in the
illustrated and described structure can be effected without
departure from the basic principles which underlie the invention.
Changes and innovations of this type are deemed to be circumscribed
by the spirit and scope of the invention except as such spirit and
scope may be necessarily limited by the appended claims, or
reasonable equivalents thereof.
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