U.S. patent application number 11/366188 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-20 for method and system for building modular structures from which oil and gas wells are drilled.
Invention is credited to Ali G. Kadaster, Keith K. Millheim.
Application Number | 20060157275 11/366188 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29399977 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060157275 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kadaster; Ali G. ; et
al. |
July 20, 2006 |
Method and system for building modular structures from which oil
and gas wells are drilled
Abstract
A method and system for building modular platform structures
from which oil and gas wells are drilled and maintained is
disclosed, wherein a plurality of easily transportable,
multifunctional platform modules are interconnected on-site to form
a unitary platform structure. The interconnected platform modules
are elevated above a ground surface on one or more legs coupled to
at least one of the platform modules. The elevated, interconnected
platform modules support both drilling and production operations in
land-based, arctic, inaccessible, near-offshore and environmentally
sensitive locations.
Inventors: |
Kadaster; Ali G.; (The
Woodlands, TX) ; Millheim; Keith K.; (The Woodlands,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARNOLD & FERRERA, L.L.P.
2401 FOUNTAIN VIEW DRIVE
SUITE 630
HOUSTON
TX
77057
US
|
Family ID: |
29399977 |
Appl. No.: |
11/366188 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10434436 |
May 8, 2003 |
|
|
|
11366188 |
Mar 2, 2006 |
|
|
|
10142741 |
May 8, 2002 |
6745852 |
|
|
10434436 |
May 8, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
175/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 15/02 20130101;
E21B 7/12 20130101; E02B 2017/0091 20130101; E02B 17/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
175/005 |
International
Class: |
E21B 7/12 20060101
E21B007/12 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A method of drilling wells, wherein said wells are drilled at
drilling sites have a water depth of less than about eight feet,
said method comprising: constructing a plurality of modular
drilling platforms at a plurality of drilling sites; installing a
set of drilling equipment on a first of said modular drilling
platforms; and drilling a well from said first modular drilling
platform.
22. The method of drilling wells of claim 21, wherein said method
further comprises: transporting said set of drilling equipment from
said first modular drilling platform to a second of said modular
drilling platforms; installing said set of drilling equipment on
said second modular drilling platform; and drilling a well from
said second modular drilling platform.
23. The method of drilling wells of claim 22, wherein said method
further comprises: transporting said set of drilling equipment from
said second modular drilling platform to a third of said modular
drilling platforms; installing said set of drilling equipment on
said third modular drilling platform; and drilling a well from said
third modular drilling platform.
24. The method of drilling wells of claim 21, wherein said
constructing a plurality of modular drilling platforms further
comprises: transporting at least one platform module to at least
one of said plurality of drilling sites; and elevating said at
least one platform module over said at least one of said plurality
of drilling sites.
25. The method of drilling wells of claim 24, wherein said
transporting at least one platform module further comprises
transporting a plurality of mutually interconnectible platform
modules.
26. The method of drilling wells of claim 24, wherein said
transporting at least one platform module further comprises
transporting a plurality of multifunctional platform modules.
27. The method of drilling wells of claim 26, wherein said
transporting a plurality of multifunctional platform modules
further comprises transporting at least one waste retention
platform module.
28. The method of drilling wells of claim 24, wherein said
elevating said at least one platform module further comprises:
transporting at least one leg to said at least one of said drilling
sites; and raising said at least one platform module on said at
least one leg.
29. The method of drilling wells of claim 28, wherein said
elevating said at least one platform module further comprises
inserting said at least one leg into a surface region disposed
beneath said drilling site.
30. The method of drilling wells of claim 29, wherein said
inserting said at least one leg into said surface region further
comprises driving said at least one leg into said surface
region.
31. The method of drilling wells of claim 29, wherein said
inserting said at least one leg into said surface region further
comprises driving said at least one leg into said surface
region.
32. The method of drilling wells of claim 29, said method further
comprising injecting a fluid into said at least one leg.
33. The method of drilling wells of claim 32, wherein said fluid
further comprises cement.
34. A system for drilling wells, wherein said wells are drilled at
drilling sites have a water depth of less than about eight feet,
said system comprising: a plurality of interconnected platform
modules; at least one leg coupled to at least one of said plurality
of interconnected platform modules to support said plurality of
interconnected platform modules above a surface region; and
drilling equipment supported by said plurality of interconnected
platform modules.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein each of said platform modules
is transportable by aircraft.
36. The system of claim 34, wherein each of said platform modules
is transportable by boat.
37. The system of claim 34, wherein each of said platform modules
is transportable by at least one of a truck, a railcar, a
hovercraft, and a helicopter.
38. The system of claim 34, wherein at least one of said plurality
of interconnected platform modules further comprises: a body
portion; and a leg attachment member coupled to said body
portion.
39. The system of claim 38, wherein said leg attachment member is
structurally integral with said body portion.
40. The system of claim 38, wherein said leg attachment member is
separable from said body portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The instant application is a continuation of Ser. No.
10/434,436, filed May 8, 2003, now abandoned, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/142,741, filed
May 8, 2002, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,852 B2, to which
application priority is hereby claimed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of oil
and gas drilling and production. In a specific, non-limiting,
embodiment, the invention comprises a method and system for
building modular platform structures from which oil and gas wells
are drilled and maintained in remote or environmentally sensitive
locations while minimizing ground disturbance beneath the
structures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] The drilling and maintenance of land oil and gas wells
requires a designated area on which to dispose a drilling rig and
associated support equipment. Drilling locations are accessed by a
variety of means, for example, by roadway, waterway or other
suitable access routes. In particularly remote locations, access to
a drilling site is sometimes achieved via airlift, either by
helicopter, fixed wing aircraft, or both.
[0004] Some potential oil and gas exploration and development sites
are constrained by special circumstances that make transportation
of drilling equipment to the drilling site difficult or impossible.
For example, oil and gas may be found in terrain with near-surface
water accumulations, such as swamps, tidal flats, jungles, stranded
lakes, tundra, muskegs, and permafrost regions. In the case of
swamps, muskegs, and tidal flats, the ground is generally too soft
to support trucks and other heavy equipment. In the case of tundra
and permafrost regions, heavy equipment can be supported only
during the winter months.
[0005] Moreover, certain oil and gas drilling sites are disposed in
environmentally sensitive regions, such that surface access by
conventional transport vehicles can damage the terrain or affect
wildlife breeding areas and/or migration paths. Such environmental
problems are particularly acute in, for example, arctic tundra and
permafrost regions. In such areas, road construction is either
prohibited or limited to temporary seasonal access.
[0006] For example, substantial oil and gas reserves exist in the
far northern reaches of Canada and Alaska. However, drilling in
such regions presents substantial engineering and environmental
challenges. The current art of drilling onshore in arctic tundra is
enabled by the use of special purpose vehicles, such as
Rolligons.TM., that can travel across ice roads built on frozen
tundra.
[0007] Ice roads are built by spraying water on a frozen surface at
very cold temperatures. Ice roads are typically constructed about
35 feet wide and 6 inches thick. At strategic locations, the ice
roads are made wider to allow for staging and turn around
capabilities.
[0008] Land drilling in arctic regions is currently performed on
square-shaped ice pads, the dimensions of which are about 500 feet
on a side; typically, the ice pads comprise 6-inch thick sheets of
ice. The rig itself is built on a thicker ice pad, for example, a 6
to 12-inch thick pad. A reserve pit is typically constructed with
about a two-foot thickness of ice, plus an ice berm, which provides
at least two feet of freeboard space above the pit's contents.
These reserve pits, which are also referred to as ice-bermed
drilling waste storage cells, typically have a volume capacity of
about 45,000 cubic feet, suitable for accumulating and storing
about 15,000 cubic feet of cuttings and effluent. In addition to
the ice roads and the drilling pad, an arctic drilling location
typically includes an airstrip, which is essentially a broad,
extended ice road formed as described above.
[0009] Ice roads can run from tens of miles to hundreds of miles in
length, depending upon the proximity or remoteness of the existing
infrastructure. The fresh water needed for the ice to construct the
roads and pads is usually obtained from lakes and ponds that are
typically numerous in such regions. The construction of an ice road
typically requires around 1,000,000 gallons of water per linear
mile. Over the course of a winter season, another 200,000 gallons
or so per mile are required to maintain the ice road. Therefore,
for a ten-mile ice road, a total of 2,000,000 gallons of water
would have to be picked up from nearby lakes and sprayed on the
selected route to maintain the structural integrity of the ice
road.
[0010] An airstrip requires about 2,000,000 gallons of water per
mile to construct, and a single drill pad requires about 1,700,000
gallons. For drilling operations on a typical 30-day well, an
additional 20,000 gallons per day are required, for a total of
about 600,000 gallons for the well. A 75-man camp requires another
5,000 gallons per day, or 150,000 gallons per month, to support.
Sometimes, there are two to four wells drilled from each pad,
frequently with a geological side-track in each well, and thus even
more water is required to maintain the site.
[0011] Thus, for a winter drilling operation involving, for
example, 7 wells, 75 miles of road, 7 drilling pads, an airstrip, a
75-man camp, and the drilling of 5 new wells plus re-entry of two
wells left incomplete, the fresh water requirements are on the
order of tens of millions of gallons.
[0012] Currently, arctic land drilling operations are conducted
only during the winter months. Typically, roadwork commences in the
beginning of January, simultaneous with location building and rig
mobilization. Due to the lack of ice roads, initial mobilizations
are done with special purpose vehicles such as Rolligons.TM.,
suitable for use even in remote regions of the arctic tundra.
Drilling operations typically commence around the beginning of
February, and last until the middle of April, at which time all
equipment and waste-pit contents must be removed before the ice
pads and roads melt. However, in the Alaskan North Slope, the
tundra is closed to all traffic from May 15 to July 1 due to
nesting birds. If the breakup is late, then drilling prospects can
be fully tested before demobilizing the rig. Otherwise, the entire
infrastructure has to be removed, and then rebuilt the following
season.
[0013] From the foregoing, it is seen that there are several
drawbacks associated with current arctic drilling technology. Huge
volumes of water are pumped out of ponds and lakes and then allowed
to thaw out and become surface run-off again. Also, the ice roads
can become contaminated with lube oil and grease, antifreeze, and
rubber products. In addition to the environmental impact, the
economic costs associated with drilling in arctic regions are very
high. Operations may be conducted only during the coldest parts of
the year, which is typically less than 4 or 5 months. Thus, actual
drilling and testing may be conducted in a window of only two to
four months or less. Therefore, development can occur during less
than half the year. At the beginning of each drilling season, the
roads and pads must all be rebuilt, and equipment must again be
transported to and removed from the site, all at substantial
financial and environmental cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] According to one example embodiment, the present invention
provides a method and system for building interconnectible platform
modules from which oil and gas wells are drilled and maintained,
either on land or in relatively shallow water, for example, in
water having a minimum depth of about 8 feet or less. Thus, the
invention admits to practice in many different drilling and
production environments, for example, dry land, swamps, marshes,
tundra, permafrost regions, shallow lakes, near-offshore sites,
etc.
[0015] In one example embodiment, the interconnectible platform
modules and associated drilling facility are disposed above the
surface of the ground. In other embodiments, modular platforms
suitable for accommodating other equipment and structures besides a
drilling facility are provided. In various other embodiments, the
modular platform structures are transportable to a drilling site by
a wide variety of transport means, for example, by truck, railcar,
boat, hovercraft, helicopter, etc. In still other embodiments, the
modular platform structures are multifunctional, and can be
interconnected in a variety of ways to form different portions of a
drilling site, for example, a drilling platform, a storage platform
for auxiliary drilling equipment, a waste retention platform
disposed beneath a drilling platform suitable for accumulating and
storing cuttings and production effluent, etc.
[0016] According to one example of the invention, a modular
platform structure comprises a plurality of expandable,
multifunctional platform modules, which are interconnected to one
another on-site to form a unitary platform structure. In some
embodiments, legs for affixing the interconnected platform modules
have already been embedded in the ground or otherwise installed at
the drilling site prior to delivery of the platform modules. In
other embodiments, modular sections of the platform structure are
assembled in a remote location and then transported to the drilling
site, where the assembled sections are connected to one another and
secured in place by legs that have been embedded in the ground
prior to delivery. In still other embodiments, the legs are driven
or otherwise installed after the modules have been delivered to the
drilling site by, for example, a crane or other suitable
device.
[0017] In other example embodiments, the modular sections are
connected such that portions of the platform structure are affixed
at different elevation levels, so that certain portions of the
structure are isolated for drilling and other operations, while
other portions are disposed for support functions such as material
storage, housing, waste collection, etc. For example, in some
embodiments of the invention, two or more vertical tiers of
platform modules (i.e., one installed above or nearly above the
other) are affixed to common leg members to create platform work
spaces dedicated to various functions associated with oil and gas
drilling and production.
[0018] In various other example embodiments, the interconnected
platform modules are assembled on-site, and then elevated above the
ground surface on one or more legs coupled to at least one of the
platform modules. In still other embodiments, a plurality of
platform modules are connected beneath a main drilling platform,
and support the drilling and auxiliary operations disposed above,
as well as other structures, for example, storage facilities,
living quarters, etc.
[0019] Regardless of whether platform assembly occurs on-site or in
sections from a remote location, the modular platform structures
are of a size and shape capable of being transported to a drilling
site by a variety of means, for example, truck, railcar,
helicopter, hovercraft, etc. According to a further example
embodiment, the modules are also configured to float, so they can
be towed over water to the drilling location by a water-borne
vessel such as a skiff or hovercraft, etc.
[0020] According to one example embodiment, some of the platform
modules comprise structural, weight-bearing members for supporting
derricks and heavy equipment, such as draw-works, engines, pumps,
cranes, etc. In further embodiments, some of the platform modules
comprise special purpose modules, for example, pipe storage
modules; material storage modules for storing materials, for
example, cement, drilling fluid, fuel, water, etc.; and equipment
modules for housing equipment, for example, generators, fluid
handling equipment, etc. Other example embodiments comprise modules
formed with legs affixed in desired locations, whereas in other
example embodiments the platform modules have spaces cut out from
the corners (or elsewhere) where legs can be fastened (or passed
through) and then connected to one or more receiving members
disposed on the platform modules. In some example embodiments, the
legs are attached to the platform modules using the same types of
connectors as are employed to connect the modules to one another,
although in other examples the legs are affixed using a different
connection means, for example, a high-load heavy-duty fastener,
depending on the weight load to which the module will ultimately be
subjected. In other embodiments, the legs themselves are load
bearing, and the load imposed by equipment or a structure installed
above is distributed across both the legs and connected platform
modules; in still other embodiments, the load bearing legs bear the
entire load of equipment or a structure installed above.
[0021] In one specific embodiment of the invention, the legs are
adapted to be driven or otherwise inserted into the ground to
support the elevated drilling platform. In further embodiments, leg
members terminate at a foot structure, for example, a flat, metal
brace formed either structurally integral with or bracketed to an
outer portion of the leg, used to support the platform structure.
In other embodiments, a foot structure is used in conjunction with
other bracing techniques, for example, by passing a leg through the
body of a foot structure and driving the lower end of the leg into
a shallow hole in which the terminus point is distended.
[0022] In still further embodiments, the legs comprise sections
that are connected together to form legs of a desired length. In
another example embodiment, the legs are all approximately the same
length after the platform structure is assembled, while in still
other embodiments the legs are of different lengths to accommodate
various elevation differences between and amongst various portions
of the platform and/or inconsistent terrain elevations below the
structure.
[0023] In further embodiments, the legs include passageways for the
flow of fluids such as air, refrigerants, cement, etc. In still
further embodiments, the legs comprise a bladder that is inflated
with air or other fluids to provide increased support for the legs.
In other examples of the invention, the bladder extends out of the
bottom of the leg into the ground as it is being inflated to
provide increased support.
[0024] In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the
legs are removable from the ground when drilling is complete, so as
to minimize ground disturbance around the drilling site. In other
embodiments, the legs disassemble at a joint or fastening, etc.,
disposed near ground level, or in a still more preferred
embodiment, beneath ground level, so that the only portion of a leg
that remains when the site is evacuated is embedded in the ground
and can later be covered over with cement, dirt, etc., as
desired.
[0025] According to an example method of the invention, a plurality
of platform modules are transported to a first drilling location
using a known transportation means. The platform modules are easily
transportable by, for example, helicopter, railcar, or hovercraft,
etc., or by a special purpose vehicle adapted to minimize harm to
the environment while in passage when necessary. The platform
modules are suitable for mutual interconnection, and are assembled
either on-site or in sections at a remote location prior to
transport. In one embodiment of the invention, functionally related
portions of the structure are connected prior to transport, so that
sections that will later be adjoining, e.g., housing units,
equipment storage platforms, waste collection units, etc., are
already connected prior to transport.
[0026] According to one example method, a modular structure is
assembled on-site and affixed to legs driven into the ground prior
to delivery of the modules to the drilling site; this portion of
the structure is then elevated over the drilling location.
According to various other methods, drilling equipment is installed
on the elevated modular structure, either prior to or following
elevation over the drilling site. After the drilling equipment is
installed, one or more wells are drilled.
[0027] According to a method of the invention particularly useful
in hostile climates, for example, in arctic regions, the modules
are transported to the drilling site, and a first platform
structure is built and elevated during the winter season, while the
ground can still support the weight of transport vehicles and the
drilling equipment. After the platform structure has been elevated,
drilling continues throughout the year.
[0028] According to a still further method of the invention, a
second platform module is transported to a second drilling
location. The second platform module is affixed to one or more
legs, and elevated to form either a complete second drilling
platform or the nucleus for a second drilling platform. When it is
desired to drill from the second drilling platform, all or some of
the drilling equipment is transported from the first platform
structure to the second platform structure, and then installed on
the second drilling platform. In a further example embodiment, the
drilling equipment is transferred from a nearby storage area, for
example, the first drilling platform or a nearby transport vessel,
etc. According to a still further example embodiment, the drilling
equipment is used to drill wells from the second platform as part
of a multi-season, multi-location drilling program, or as a relief
well for wells drilled from the first platform.
[0029] In other example embodiments, the platform sections are
vertically modular, such that a first elevated platform section is
affixed to the same legs as a second platform section disposed
above (or nearly so). According to further embodiments of the
invention, drilling equipment stored on a lower platform module,
for example, drill bits, drill string, etc., is passed from the
lower platform to an upper platform for use with drilling, while
cuttings and effluent generated by operations on the upper platform
section are allowed to fall through a grating, or drain, etc., so
as to be accumulated and stored either on or within the lower
platform modules, thereby reducing the amount of waste generated
during the drilling and production process that would otherwise
fall to the ground. In other embodiments, the entire platform
structure (or, in certain instances, portions of the platform
structure), has a secondary waste retention device, for example, a
tarpaulin or canvas sheet, etc., disposed beneath it to catch and
store cuttings or effluent, etc., that fall from above. In other
embodiments, the secondary waste retention device can itself serve
as a redundant platform space, suitable for storing equipment that
is not currently in use, or for capturing equipment or other items
that fall from the platform and would otherwise land in the water
below the drilling site. In still further embodiments, the
secondary waste retention device has a perimeter boundary width
greater than the width of the drilling platform, so that waste and
effluent ejected from the site horizontally are also captured.
[0030] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
appropriate arts, the transportable, modular platform sections
disclosed herein can be connected into many shapes and sizes, and
can be employed to form either an essentially unitary drilling
structure or a number of smaller structures erected nearby and
serviced in a hop-scotch fashion (or a combination of the two
approaches), to create a movable series of land-based,
semi-permanent structures that will improve the overall efficiency
of drilling platforms disposed in remote or inaccessible locations,
minimize the environmental impact of associated drilling and
production operations, and which will later be removed without
significantly disturbing the ground surface beneath the operation
site(s). The multifunctional nature of the interconnectible modules
encourages efficient equipment disposition between and amongst
neighboring drilling sites, and reduces the impact of associated
drilling operations on the environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drilling platform
according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of platform
modules and legs awaiting assembly according to the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the platform modules and
legs of FIG. 2 assembled according to the present invention.
[0034] FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective views of examples of special
purpose platform modules according to the present invention.
[0035] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of alternative leg
attachment arrangements according to the present invention.
[0036] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate elevation of assembled platform
modules according to the present invention.
[0037] FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate features of platform legs according
to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates renewable energy production facilities
installed on a platform according to the present invention.
[0039] FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate a multiple well drilling program
according to the present invention.
[0040] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a further multiple well drilling
program according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Referring now to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a
drilling platform 11 is illustrated comprising a plurality of
interconnected platform modules 13 elevated above the ground on a
plurality of legs 15. According to a further embodiment of the
invention, platform 11 is adapted to support various types of
equipment and facilities used in oil and gas drilling or production
operations, for example, a derrick 17, a crane 19, a helicopter pad
21, a drilling fluid handling enclosure 23, bulk storage tanks 25,
and oilfield tubular goods 27. The equipment and facilities
illustrated in FIG. 1 are non-limiting, and those of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that many other types of facilities and
equipment may be included on platform 11 without departing from the
scope or spirit of the present invention.
[0042] According to a further example embodiment, drilling platform
11 is constructed by transporting a plurality of interconnectible
platform modules 13 and a plurality of legs 15 to a drilling site,
and then assembling the various modules 13 and legs 15 into an
essentially unitary structure. Platform modules 13 are of a size
and weight as to be transportable to the drilling site by a wide
variety of transport means, for example, by helicopter, truck,
railcar, hovercraft, etc. In the example embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1, interconnectible platform modules 13 are constructed as
box-like structures made of steel or other materials, for example,
composite metals, etc., and are about 40 feet in length and from 10
to 20 feet in width. However, the shapes and sizes of the modules
described herein are solely for the purpose of example and
illustration, and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that the modules may be of other shapes, sizes and configurations,
without limiting the scope of the invention. For example, platform
modules may be formed without a load bearing bottom member, or even
lacking a bottom entirely, without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, some of the
platform modules comprise structural, weight-bearing members for
supporting derricks and heavy equipment, such as draw-works,
motors, engines, pumps, cranes, etc. In further embodiments, some
of the platform modules comprise special purpose modules, for
example, pipe storage modules; material storage modules for
storing, for example, cement, drilling fluid, fuel, water, etc.;
and equipment modules for storing equipment, for example,
generators, fluid handling equipment, etc.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, legs 15
comprise tubular members with joints at their ends connected
together to form legs of appropriate lengths. However, the legs may
be of other cross-sections or configurations, for example, driven
piles, etc. In one specific example embodiment, the legs are
adapted to be driven or otherwise inserted into the ground to
support an elevated drilling platform or other weight-bearing
structures. In other example embodiments, the load of a
weight-bearing structure is distributed by affixing the structure
to one or more of the legs as well as the modular platform
structures. In still other embodiments, various structures are
entirely affixed to the legs instead of the platform structures as
a matter of convenience, for example, a communications center
affixed at about eye level on a leg that extends vertically between
two or more levels of the platform.
[0045] In further embodiments, the legs comprise sections that are
connected together to form legs of a desired length. In another
example embodiment, the legs are all approximately the same length
after the platform structure is assembled, while in still other
embodiments the legs are of different lengths to accommodate
various elevation differences between and amongst various portions
of the platform and/or inconsistent terrain elevations below the
structure. In further embodiments, the legs include passageways for
the flow of fluids such as air, refrigerants, cement, etc. In still
further example embodiments, the legs comprise a bladder that may
be inflated with air or other fluids to provide increased support
for the legs. In other examples of the invention, the bladder
extends out of the bottom of the leg into the ground as it is being
inflated to provide increased support.
[0046] Still further example embodiments comprise platform modules
formed with legs already affixed in desired locations when the
platform modules are delivered to the drilling site, whereas in
other example embodiments modules have spaces cut out from the
corners (or elsewhere) where legs are fastened (or passed through)
and then connected to one or more receiving members disposed on the
modules. In some example embodiments, the legs are attached to the
modules using the same types of connectors as are employed to
connect the modules to one another, although in other examples the
legs are affixed using a different connection means, depending on
the weight load to which the module will ultimately be
subjected.
[0047] According to a presently preferred embodiment of the
invention, said plurality of legs 15 are removable from the ground
when drilling operations have been completed. In a further example
embodiment, the legs are detachable at a joint or fastening
disposed near ground level, and are detached at said joint or
fastener after drilling is complete, leaving only an lowermost
portion of said plurality of legs 15 embedded in the ground, so as
to minimize ground disturbance around the drilling site. According
to a further aspect of the invention, the portions of legs 15 left
embedded in the ground after detachment are covered over by cement
or dirt, etc., when the site is ultimately evacuated.
[0048] In still further embodiments, the entire platform structure
(or, in certain instances, portions of the platform structure), has
a secondary waste retention device (not shown), for example, a
tarpaulin or canvas sheet, etc., disposed beneath it to catch and
store cuttings or effluent, etc., that fall from above. In other
embodiments, the secondary waste retention device can itself serve
as a redundant platform space, suitable, for example, for storing
equipment that is not currently in use, or for capturing equipment
or other items that fall from the platform and would otherwise land
on the ground or in the water below the drilling site. In still
further embodiments, the secondary waste retention device has a
perimeter boundary width greater than the width of the drilling
platform, so that waste and effluent ejected from the site in a
horizontal direction may also captured.
[0049] Referring now to the example shown in FIG. 3, the platform
modules 13 are interconnected and at least partially raised on legs
15. According to one embodiment of the invention, a complete
drilling platform is assembled, formed from modules 13 while the
structure is still on the ground, and then lifted as a unit on a
plurality of legs 15. In another example embodiment, one or more of
modules 13 are interconnected, and then elevated to form a nucleus
about which other modules are elevated and connected together.
[0050] Referring now to the embodiments of the invention
illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, various platform modules according to
the present invention are provided to partially demonstrate the
platform modules' multifunctional nature. For example, in FIG. 4A,
there is illustrated a fluid storage module 13a. In one embodiment
of the invention, fluid storage module 13a includes at its corners
holes 27 for the insertion of legs. In other example embodiments,
fluid storage module 13a is essentially a box-like hollow tank that
includes a port or pipe 29, which is useful for the flow of fluids
or waste into and out of the interior of fluid storage module 13a.
In various other embodiments, fluid storage modules 13a are used,
for example, in place of a conventional reserve pit to drain and/or
store effluent produced by a rig during production, or to flush and
store cuttings and other waste products from the drilling platform.
In one embodiment of the invention especially useful in
environmentally sensitive drilling regions, fluid storage modules
13a are hauled away with the contents, e.g., cuttings, effluent,
etc., contained inside, thereby eliminating the handling of waste
fluids and reducing the risk of spillage into the surrounding
environment.
[0051] Referring now to the example embodiment of FIG. 4B, a
structural, load-bearing module 13b is depicted. In some example
embodiments, load-bearing module 13b is a box-like structure having
leg holes 31 disposed in its corners, though in other embodiments
load-bearing module 13b is constructed without providing receiving
members for legs and is instead adapted only for interconnection
with other modules. According to one example embodiment,
load-bearing module 13b includes internal structural reinforcement
plating 33 to provide greater strength and lend greater structural
integrity to module 13b. Internal structural reinforcement plating
33 is illustrated solely for purposes of example, and other
reinforcement structures, for example, trusses, I-beams,
honey-combs, etc., are utilized as required. In still further
example embodiments, module 13b is constructed into different
shapes to form various types of structures, for example, floors for
housing units, support members for derricks and other heavy pieces
of drilling equipment, etc. In still further embodiments, a variety
of different materials, for example, Aluminum, Titanium, steel,
composite metals, etc., are used to make the platform modules
13.
[0052] Referring now to the example embodiment illustrated in FIG.
4C, a box-like equipment module 13c is provided, wherein various
types of equipment adapted for use in drilling or auxiliary
operations are disposed. According to one example embodiment, the
equipment includes centrifuges 37, powered by motors 39 connected
by various manifolds 41, for controlling solids and fluid flow. In
further example embodiments, equipment modules 13c comprise other
types of equipment, e.g., pumps, hydrocyclones, drilling string,
etc. From the foregoing, it should be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art that the various types of equipment modules 13c
are assembled to provide both a structural platform and a means for
storing basic equipment and services for use during drilling
operations.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there are shown various
example embodiments for the connection of a leg to a platform
module. In FIG. 5A, a module 13d comprises one or more tubular leg
holes 43 disposed in the corners of said module. A leg (not shown)
is simply adapted to slide through leg hole 43. In various example
embodiments, the leg is fixed in place with respect to leg-hole 43
by any suitable means, such as slips, pins, flanges, or the like.
In the example of FIG. 5B, an example embodiment of module 13e is
shown comprising a right angle cutout 45 formed at one or more
corners of the module. In some embodiments, cutout 45 is adapted to
receive either a blank insert 47 or a leg-engaging insert 49. In
other embodiments, blank insert 47 may be fastened into notch 45 in
the event that no leg needs to be positioned at a corner of module
13. In further embodiments, leg-engaging insert 49 includes a bore
51 having a shape adapted to slidingly engage a leg (not shown). In
still further embodiments, one of either blank insert 47 or
leg-engaging insert 49, as appropriate, is fastened into notch 45
with bolts or other suitable fastening means.
[0054] Referring now to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6A and
6B, a series of interconnected modules 13f-13j are depicted in
structural communication with a plurality of legs 15. According to
one embodiment of the invention, a sufficient number of legs 15 is
selected in order to provide adequate support for both the
interconnected modules 13f-13j and the equipment to be supported
thereby (not shown). According to one example embodiment, modules
13f-13j in FIG. 6 are of the type illustrated in FIG. 5B.
Accordingly, blank inserts 47 or leg-engaging inserts 49 are
affixed at corners of the modules 13, as appropriate. In further
example embodiments, legs of appropriate lengths are inserted
through the leg inserts and then drilled, driven or otherwise
inserted to an appropriate depth in the ground. In still further
embodiments, the legs include passageways for the flow of fluids
such as air, refrigerants, cement, etc. In still further
embodiments, the legs comprise a bladder that is inflated with air
or other fluids to provide increased support for the legs. In other
examples of the invention, the bladder extends out of the bottom of
the leg into the ground as it is being inflated to provide
increased support.
[0055] In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the
legs are removable from the ground when drilling is complete, so as
to minimize ground disturbance around the drilling site. In other
embodiments, the legs disassemble at a joint or fastening, etc.,
disposed near ground level, or in a still more preferred
embodiment, beneath ground level, so that the only portion of a leg
that remains when the site is evacuated is embedded in the ground
and can later be covered over with cement, dirt, etc., as
desired.
[0056] According to one example embodiment, after the legs 15 have
been secured, the interconnected modules 13f-13j are raised, to a
position as shown in FIG. 6B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A,
lifting mechanisms 55 are employed to assist in lifting the
interconnected platform modules. Appropriate lifting mechanisms may
comprise, for example, hydraulic or mechanical lifting mechanisms
to assist in lifting the platform modules. In other example
embodiments, the interconnected modules are lifted with, for
example, cranes, helicopters, or other suitable lifting devices, as
would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Although
legs 15 are illustrated as being tubular in FIGS. 6A and 6B, other
cross-sections and leg structures are also employed according to
further embodiments of the present invention.
[0057] Referring now to the examples of FIGS. 7A-7E, various
details of legs according to the present invention are illustrated.
As seen in the example of FIG. 7A, a portion of a module 13n is
shown elevated with respect to a leg 15. In the illustrated
embodiment, leg 15n is a tubular member having a main flow area 61
and an annular flow area 63. Leg 15n is thus configured to
accommodate a circulating flow of fluids, for example, refrigerants
or water, etc. According to certain embodiments, leg 15n includes a
retrievable section 65 disposed at its lower end to allow the
pumping of cement or the circulation of other fluids down the main
flow area 61. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, cement 67,
or another deposit of material, for example, a combination of water
and stone, is pumped into the ground below retrievable 65. Cement
67 provides a footing for leg 15n.
[0058] As indicated by pipe section 69, additional lengths of pipe
are, in some embodiments, inserted to lengthen leg 15n in order to
provide sufficient support for module 13. According to further
example embodiments, leg 15n may include a separable connection 71,
for example, a fastener, which allows the lower end of leg 15n to
separate and be left in the ground when the platform is ultimately
removed from the site. In certain environmentally sensitive
environments, the lower end of the leg left embedded in the ground
is covered over by, for example, cement or dirt, etc.
[0059] In the example of FIG. 7B, a configuration is shown in which
a leg 15m includes at its lower end an inflatable bladder 73.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the inflatable
bladder 73 is inflated with a fluid, for example, air, cement, or
another suitable fluid, to compact the earth around the lower end
of leg 15m and provide an additional footing for leg 15m.
[0060] In the examples of FIGS. 7C and 7D (top view), an embodiment
is shown in which a leg member 15 is supported by a foot structure
74, for example, a flat, metal brace bracketed to an outer portion
of leg 15, used to support the platform structure. As seen in the
embodiment of FIG. 7E, foot structure 74 can be used in conjunction
with other bracing techniques, for example, the embodiments shown
in FIGS. 7A and 7B, or with a shallow hole in which the terminus
point of leg 15 is distended.
[0061] Referring now to the example embodiment of FIG. 8, renewable
energy sources, for example, solar panel array 75, wind mill power
generators 77, etc., are supported by the platform. In further
embodiments, renewable power sources 75 and 77 provide energy for a
variety of drilling-related equipment, for example, pumps,
compressors, centrifuges, etc. According to still further
embodiments, renewable power sources 75 and 77 also provide energy
for hydrate production. When so employed, renewable energy sources
minimize fuel requirements for the drilling platform while also
minimizing air pollution and conserving production fluids.
[0062] Referring now to the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9B, there is
illustrated a multi-year, multi-seasonal drilling program according
to the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, three
platforms 11a-11c are transported to and erected at various,
suitably spaced, locations. In embodiments comprising an arctic
drilling program, platforms 11a-11c are transported and installed
during the winter using aircraft, for example, helicopters; or
surface vehicles on ice roads, for example, trucks or
Rolligons.TM.; or a combination thereof. In a specific,
non-limiting, example embodiment, platform 11b is positioned 100
miles from platform 11a, and platform 11c is positioned 300 miles
from platform 11b. The distances recited herein are solely for
purposes of illustration, and other spacings and numbers of
platforms can also be provided as desired.
[0063] As shown in the example of FIG. 9A, platform 11a has
installed thereon a complete set of drilling equipment, for
example, a derrick 17, a crane 19, and the other equipment
described with respect to FIG. 1. In the example embodiments shown
in FIGS. 9A-9B, platforms 11b and 11c do not have a complete set of
drilling equipment installed thereon, instead, comprising only
structural platform features and other sets of fixed equipment, for
example, pumps, manifolds, generators, etc. According to one
example embodiment, platforms 11b and 11c await installation of
additional drilling equipment. According to the present invention,
one or more wells are drilled from platform 1, while platforms 11b
and 11c remain idle.
[0064] Referring now to the example embodiment of FIG. 9B, after
the well or wells drilled from platform 11a are complete, the
necessary drilling equipment is transported from platform 11a to
platform 11b. In the illustrated embodiment, the drilling equipment
is transferred using aircraft such as helicopters. Since the
transport is by air, the transfer may occur during a warm season.
Also, since platform 11b is elevated above the ground surface on
legs that are supported below the fall thaw zone, operations on
platform 11b can be conducted during the warm season. The transport
by air is for purposes of illustration, and those of ordinary skill
in the pertinent arts will appreciate that in differing terrains
and seasons, equipment transport may be by a variety of transport
means, for example, truck, railcar, hovercraft, Rolligon.TM.
vehicle, barge, surface effect vehicle, etc.
[0065] According to a further embodiment of the invention, after
the drilling equipment has been transported to and installed upon
platform 11b, the remaining structural assembly of platform 11a is
left idle. In other embodiments, after drilling equipment is
completely installed on platform 11b, drilling of one or more wells
commences, as shown, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 9C.
[0066] In a still further embodiment, after drilling from platform
11b has been completed, drilling equipment is transferred from
platform 11b to platform 11c as illustrated, for example, in FIG.
9D. Again, in the depicted embodiment, the drilling equipment is
preferably transported from platform 11b to platform 11c by
aircraft, though differing terrain and operating environments will
call for other transport means as described above. In each of the
example embodiments, transportation of drilling equipment may occur
during any season of the year. Thus, according to the invention
illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B, installation and operation of drilling
equipment is also performed during any season of the year and not
only during the coldest parts of the year. Thus, the time spent
drilling may be doubled or even tripled according to the method of
the present invention without substantial additional environmental
impact. Also, the method and system of the present invention enable
wells to be drilled and completed in the normal course of
operations without the possibility of having to transport equipment
to and from a drilling site multiple times.
[0067] Referring now to the example embodiment depicted in FIG.
10A, a primary platform 11a is transported to and erected at a
first location, and a secondary platform 11b is transported to and
erected at a second location geographically spaced apart from the
first location. In the example of FIG. 10A, platform 11a is a
complete drilling platform, while platform 11b comprises only a
single module erected on legs. According to some embodiments,
platform 11b provides a nucleus about which a second complete
platform is erected when the need arises. The system illustrated in
FIGS. 10A-10C is well adapted, for example, to the drilling of a
relief well for another well drilled from platform 11a.
[0068] Referring to the example embodiment of FIG. 10B, when it is
necessary or desired to drill a well from the location of platform
11b, platform modules are transported to the location of platform
11b by aircraft, for example, by helicopter. According to a further
embodiment, workers use previously installed modules as a base for
installing new modules. According to a still further embodiment, a
crane is positioned on the installed modules and skidded about to
drill or drive legs and position new modules. As shown in the
example embodiment of FIG. 10C, after the second platform 11b is
completed, drilling equipment is transported thereto by helicopter
or another suitable transport means.
[0069] The foregoing specification is provided for illustrative
purposes only, and is not intended to describe all possible aspects
of the present invention. Moreover, while the invention has been
shown and described in detail with respect to several exemplary
embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the pertinent arts will
appreciate that minor changes to the description, and various other
modifications, omissions and additions may also be made without
departing from either the spirit or scope thereof.
* * * * *