U.S. patent application number 11/414511 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for tubular running system.
Invention is credited to Pieter Dekker, Antonius D. Krijnen, David B. Mason, Rene Mulder.
Application Number | 20070251700 11/414511 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38164261 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070251700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mason; David B. ; et
al. |
November 1, 2007 |
Tubular running system
Abstract
A tubular running system including a running tool system for
running wellbore tubulars, a tubular handling system connected to
the running tool system, a drive system connected to the running
tool system, and the tubular handling system having two
spaced-apart extensible arms movable toward and away from the
running tool system, in one aspect with an elevator connected to
the arms for releasably engaging a tubular to be moved with respect
to the running tool system.
Inventors: |
Mason; David B.; (Anaheim,
CA) ; Dekker; Pieter; (Baarland, NL) ; Mulder;
Rene; (Etten-Leur, NL) ; Krijnen; Antonius D.;
(Klundert, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Guy McClung
PMB 347
16690 Champion Forest Drive
Spring
TX
77379-7023
US
|
Family ID: |
38164261 |
Appl. No.: |
11/414511 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/379 ;
166/380; 166/77.51; 175/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 19/06 20130101;
E21B 19/165 20130101; E21B 19/087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/379 ;
166/380; 166/077.51; 175/085 |
International
Class: |
E21B 19/00 20060101
E21B019/00 |
Claims
1. A tubular running system comprising a running tool system for
running wellbore tubulars, a tubular handling system connected to
the running tool system, the tubular handling system having two
arms comprising two spaced-apart extensible arms extendable in
length and movable toward and away from the running tool
system.
2. The tubular running system of claim 1 further comprising an
elevator connected to the arms for releasably engaging a tubular to
be moved with respect to the running tool system.
3. The tubular running system of claim 1 wherein the tubular
handling system is a single joint handling system.
4. The tubular running system of claim 1 wherein a tubular to be
handled by the tubular handling system is connected to at least one
additional tubular.
5. The tubular running system of claim 4 wherein the tubular to be
handled is connected to two additional tubulars.
6. The tubular running system of claim 1 further comprising the
tubular running system includes engagement apparatus connected to
the two arms for selectively engaging a tubular.
7. The tubular running system of claim 6 wherein the two arms are
sufficiently extensible and movable to move the tubular up to the
running tool.
8. The tubular running system of claim 1 wherein the wellbore
tubulars are casing.
9. The tubular running system of claim 1 further comprising a body
positioned above the running tool system, the two arms pivotably
connected to the body.
10. The tubular running system of claim 9 further comprising
pivoting apparatus connected to the two arms for moving the two
arms with respect to the running tool.
11. The tubular running system of claim 10 wherein the two arms are
connected to movable shaft apparatus on the body, the tubular
running system further comprising the pivoting apparatus comprising
rotation apparatus for rotating the movable shaft apparatus to move
the two arms toward and away from the running tool system.
12. The tubular running system of claim 9 further comprising
pivoting apparatus having a first end and a second end, the first
end pivotably connected to the body and spaced-apart from the two
arms, and the second end pivotably connected to the two arms.
13. The tubular running system of claim 1 further comprising a
drive system connected to and above the running tool system.
14. The tubular running system of claim 13 wherein the drive system
is a top drive system for wellbore operations.
15. A method for running tubulars, the method comprising engaging a
tubular with a joint engagement apparatus of a tubular running
system, the tubular running system having a running tool system for
running wellbore tubulars, a joint handling system connected to the
running tool system, and the joint handling system having two
spaced-apart extensible arms movable toward and away from the
running tool system with the joint engagement apparatus connected
to the arms for releasably engaging a tubular to be moved with
respect to the running tool system, and moving the tubular to the
running tool system with the joint handling system.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the arms are sufficiently
extendable and movable to move the joint into the running tool
system, the method further comprising moving the joint into the
running tool system.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the joint engagement apparatus
is an elevator.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein the tubular running system
includes a body positioned above the running tool system, the two
arms pivotably connected to the body, the method further comprising
pivoting the arms with respect to the running tool system.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein the tubular running system
further comprises a drive system connected to and above the running
tool system.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the drive system is a top drive
system for wellbore operations.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field Of The Invention
[0002] This present invention is directed to, among other things,
wellbore tubular running systems; tubular handling apparatus for
such systems; and methods of their use.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The prior art discloses a wide variety of wellbore tubular
running systems, including, but not limited to, those disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,443,241; 6,637,526; 6,691,801; 6,688,394;
6,779,599; 3,915,244; 6,588,509; 5,577,566; 6,315,051; and
6,591,916, all incorporated fully herein for all purposes.
[0005] The prior art discloses a variety of tubular handling
apparatuses, including but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,527,493; 6,920,926; 4,878,546; 4,126,348; 4,458,768;
6,494,273; 6,073,699; 5,755,289; and 7,013,759, all incorporated
fully herein for all purposes.
[0006] Certain prior tubular running systems and methods using them
require controlled manipulation of a tubular through a rig V-door
area using rope(s) and/or a tailing arm; stabbing board operations
and other necessary manual handling of tubulars; the use of power
tongs for certain functions; a relatively large number of personnel
with associated expenses and stand-by costs; and a separate single
joint elevator to be mated with a running tool system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0007] The present invention discloses, in certain aspects,
discloses a tubular running system which includes: a tubular
running tool (e.g., but not limited to, a casing running tool and a
pipe running tool); a drive system (e.g. a rotary drive system, a
power swivel system or a top drive system); and a joint handling
system connected between the running tool and the top drive system.
In certain particular aspects the joint handling system is a single
joint system located between a running tool and a top drive. In
other aspects, multiples (e.g. doubles or triples of tubulars) are
handled.
[0008] In certain particular aspects, the single joint handling
system has two spaced-apart extensible arms between whose ends is
pivotably connected an elevator for releasably engaging a tubular.
In one aspect the arms are moved toward and away from the running
tool by mechanical apparatus, e.g., but not limited to, by a rotary
actuator. In other aspects, one, two, or more cylinder apparatus
connected at one end to the extensible arms and at the other end to
the running tool or to a mount body move(s) the arms toward and
away from the running tool.
[0009] Certain prior art running tool systems employ a relatively
long lower stabbing guide to assist in the acquisition and
positioning of a tubular. Certain of such guides use a relatively
wide, relatively long skirt section for guiding a tubular with
respect to the running tool. With certain embodiments of the
present invention, the single joint handling system pulls a tubular
coupling up to or into a running tool so that a relatively short,
smaller stabbing section or bell can be used which results in a
shorter overall system length. A compensator associated with the
running tool can be used to facilitate the introduction ("soft
stab) of a pin/male tubular end into a box/female tubular end.
[0010] In one aspect, after the single joint handling system
elevator is connected to a tubular, the traveling equipment is
raised until the tubular stand is in a vertical position under the
running tool. The extensible arms are then extended to lower and
"soft stab" the tubular stand into a tubular coupling of the
tubular string, e.g. a string held in the slips at a rig floor
rotary table.
[0011] It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred
embodiments of the present invention to provide new, useful,
unique, efficient, nonobvious systems and methods, including, but
not limited to, single joint handling systems, tubular running
systems, and methods of their use.
[0012] Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any
particular individual feature disclosed here, but include
combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their
structures, functions, and/or results achieved. Features of the
invention have been broadly described so that the detailed
descriptions that follow may be better understood, and in order
that the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the
invention described below and which may be included in the subject
matter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art
who have the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and
suggestions will appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure
may be used as a creative basis for designing other structures,
methods and systems for carrying out and practicing the present
invention. The claims of this invention are to be read to include
any legally equivalent devices or methods which do not depart from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0013] The present invention recognizes and addresses the problems
and needs in this area and provides a solution to those problems
and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possible
embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art
who has the benefits of this invention's realizations, teachings,
disclosures, and suggestions, other purposes and advantages will be
appreciated from the following description of certain preferred
embodiments, given for the purpose of disclosure, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detail in these
descriptions is not intended to thwart this patent's object to
claim this invention no matter how others may later attempt to
disguise it by variations in form, changes, or additions of further
improvements.
[0014] The Abstract that is part hereof is to enable the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
scientists, engineers, researchers, and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent terms or legal terms of
phraseology to determine quickly from a cursory inspection or
review the nature and general area of the disclosure of this
invention. The Abstract is neither intended to define the
invention, which is done by the claims, nor is it intended to be
limiting of the scope of the invention or of the claims in any
way.
[0015] It will be understood that the various embodiments of the
present invention may include one, some, or all of the disclosed,
described, and/or enumerated improvements and/or technical
advantages and/or elements in claims to this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A more particular description of embodiments of the
invention briefly summarized above may be had by references to the
embodiments which are shown in the drawings which form a part of
this specification. These drawings illustrate certain preferred
embodiments and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of
the invention which may have other equally effective or legally
equivalent embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 1A is a front view of a tubular running system
according to the present invention with a single joint handling
system according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 1B is a side view of a systems of FIG. 1A.
[0019] FIG. 1C is a side view of a systems of FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 1E is a partial perspective view of part of the single
joint handling system of FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 1F is a side view of a system according to the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2A is a schematic view of part of a method according to
the present invention using systems according to the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 2B is a schematic view of part of a method according to
the present invention using systems according to the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 2C is a schematic view of part of a method according to
the present invention using systems according to the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 2D is a schematic view of part of a method according to
the present invention using systems according to the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 2E is a schematic view of part of a method according to
the present invention using systems according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] This is a description of embodiments of the present
invention preferred at the time of filing for this patent.
[0029] FIGS. 1A-1D show a system 10 according to the present
invention which includes a tubular running tool system 20; a drive
system 30 (shown schematically, FIGS. 1A, 1D; e.g., but not limited
to, a top drive system); and a single joint handling system 50
according to the present invention. The tubular running system 20
may be any suitable known tubular running tool apparatus and, in
one particular aspect, is a casing running tool system, e.g., but
not limited to, a known casing running tool Model CRT 14 as is
commercially available from National Oilwell Varco, owner of the
present invention.
[0030] The drive system 30 can be any suitable known top drive
system or power swivel system that can rotate tubulars which is
connectible to a derrick D. Optionally a drive system is used with
an upper IBOP U and a lower IBOP L. In one aspect the drive system
is a National Oilwell Varco TDS 11 500 ton system.
[0031] The single joint handling system 50 has a base 53 with two
spaced-apart beams 51, 52 connected by a crossmember 54. Each beam
51, 52 is pivotably connected to a corresponding shaft 53, 54
(which may be a single unitary shaft through the mount body)
projecting from a mount body 55. Arms 61, 62 are extensibly mounted
on the beams 51, 52, respectively. Cylinder/piston apparatuses 56
(shown schematically) within the beams and arms (and connected
thereto) move the arms 61, 62 with respect to the beams 51, 52.
Hoses 57, 58 provide power fluid to the cylinder/piston apparatuses
56 (e.g. from a typical power fluid source on a rig). A single
joint elevator 60 is pivotably connected to ends 71, 72 of the arms
61, 62. Any suitable known elevator may be used. In one particular
aspect, the elevator is a Model SJH commercially available from
National Oilwell Varco. According to the present invention, such an
elevator is modified to be remotely-operable with a closed feedback
system. In one aspect a tilt system 70 provides selective
controlled tilting of the elevator 60. The tilt system 70 has a
piston-cylinder apparatus 73 interconnected between the arm 61 and
a body 65 of the elevator 60. A line 66 connects the system 70 to a
control system CS (shown schematically, FIG. 1E), e.g., a rig
control system, a TRS (trademark) system, a top drive control
system (e.g., but not limited to, a known National Oilwell Varco
Driller's Control Station, or a stand alone driller's control
system and station that is temporarily or permanently installed on,
with, or into an existing rig control system.
[0032] In one embodiment pivot cylinder apparatuses 81, 82 are
connected between the mount body 55 and the beams 51, 52. Hoses 57,
58 provide power fluid (e.g. from a rig power source PS, shown
schematically, FIG. 1D) to the cylinder apparatuses 56 and 81, 82.
Each cylinder apparatus 81, 82 has one end connected to a shaft 91,
92, respectively, projecting from the mount body 55 and an end of a
piston 83, 84, respectively, connected to one of the beams 51, 52.
Extension and retraction of the pistons 83, 84 results in movement
of the arms 61, 62 with respect to the running system 20.
Optionally, the pivot cylinder apparatuses 81, 82 are connected to
the system 20 or to structure above the system 20. Optionally, only
one pivot cylinder apparatus is used.
[0033] A pin 95 projecting form the mount body 55 projects into a
fixture 32 of the pipe handler 34, e.g. a torque tube of a pipe
handler 34 to react torque generated by the tubular running system
20 into the fixture 32 (and to structure interconnected therewith)
and to prevent rotation of the system 50 with the system 20.
Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2E, a pin 96 (or multiple pins) extend
from the mount body 55 into a stabbing bell 39 of the drive system
30 which prevent the system 50 from rotating with the system
20.
[0034] In certain aspects, a system 50 according to the present
invention falls within a width envelope of a top drive system above
it.
[0035] FIG. 1F shows another embodiment of a system 10a, like the
system 10, and like numerals indicate like parts. The system 10a
has no pivot cylinder apparatuses 81, 82. The beams 51, 52 (one
shown in FIG. 1F; as in FIG. 1A); connected arms (not shown; as in
FIG. 1A); and elevator (not shown; as in FIG. 1A) are moved toward
and away from the running tool system by a mechanical apparatus 74
that rotates the shaft 53a a single shaft extending through the
mount body 55 to which both beams are connected. In one particular
aspect the mechanical apparatus 74 is a rotary actuator apparatus
with parts 74a, 74b interconnected with the shaft 53a (or two
rotary actuator apparatuses if each beam is mounted to a separate
shaft, e.g. shafts 53, 54).
[0036] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate one method according to the present
invention using a system 10 according to the present invention to
move casing on a rig R (e.g. a typical drilling rig system) above a
wellbore W. As shown in FIG. 2A the drive system 30 has been
lowered and the arms 61, 62 have been extended toward a piece or
joint of casing C in the V-door area V of the rig R having a rig
floor FR. The elevator 60 is latched onto the piece or joint of
casing C below a coupling CG of the casing C. Such a step is used
in adding a joint of casing to a casing string either during the
typical casing of an already-drilled bore or in a casing-drilling
operations. Sensors SR (shown schematically) indicate to the
control system CS the extent of extension of the arms 61, 62; the
angle of the beams 51, 52 with respect to the system 20; and the
latch status of the elevator 60.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2B, the joint of casing C has been hoisted
upwardly by raising the system 10 in the derrick. Optionally
tailing rope(s) and/or tailing arms(s) are used to support the
joint C during this movement. In one aspect no such rope(s) or
arm(s) are used and the system 50 supports the joint C.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2C, the joint of casing C has been moved
over the wellbore W in line with a string ST of casing. The
coupling CG has been pulled up within the running tool system 20 by
the single joint handling system 50 by retracting the arms 61,
62.
[0039] FIG. 2D illustrates lowering of the joint of casing C down
to the top joint of the casing string ST for threaded mating and
connection therewith. The system 10 is then lowered so that the
coupling CG is located within the running tool system 20 so that
holding slips 29 within the system 20 can be set on the body of the
casing joint C and not on the coupling (see FIG. 2E, coupling CG
and slips 29 in dotted lines).
[0040] The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not
in necessarily all, embodiments a tubular running system including:
a running tool system for running wellbore tubulars; a tubular
handling system connected to the running tool system; the tubular
handling system having two arms comprising two spaced-apart
extensible arms extendable in length and movable toward and away
from the running tool system. Such a method may have one or some,
in any possible combination, of the following: an elevator
connected to the arms for releasably engaging a tubular to be moved
with respect to the running tool system; the tubular handling
system is a single joint handling system; a tubular to be handled
by the tubular handling system is connected to at least one
additional tubular; the tubular to be handled is connected to two
additional tubulars; the tubular running system including
engagement apparatus connected to the two arms for selectively
engaging a tubular; wherein the two arms are sufficiently
extensible and movable to move the tubular up to the running tool;
wherein the wellbore tubulars are casing; a body positioned above
the running tool system, and the two arms pivotably connected to
the body; pivoting apparatus connected to the two arms for moving
the two arms with respect to the running tool; wherein the two arms
are connected to movable shaft apparatus on the body, the tubular
running system further including the pivoting apparatus including
rotation apparatus for rotating the movable shaft apparatus to move
the two arms toward and away from the running tool system; pivoting
apparatus having a first end and a second end, the first end
pivotably connected to the body and spaced-apart from the two arms,
and the second end pivotably connected to the two arms; a drive
system connected to and above the running tool system; and/or
wherein the drive system is a top drive system for wellbore
operations.
[0041] The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not
in necessarily all, embodiments a method for running tubulars, the
method including engaging a tubular with a joint engagement
apparatus of a tubular running system as any disclosed herein with
a running tool system according to the present invention; and
moving the tubular to the running tool system with the joint
handling system. Such a method may have one or some, in any
possible combination, of the following: wherein the arms of the
tubular running system are sufficiently extendable and movable to
move the joint into the running tool system, and moving the joint
into the running tool system; wherein the joint engagement
apparatus is an elevator;. wherein the tubular running system
includes a body positioned above the running tool system, the two
arms pivotably connected to the body, and pivoting the arms with
respect to the running tool system; wherein the tubular running
system further comprises a drive system connected to and above the
running tool system; and/or wherein the drive system is a top drive
system for wellbore operations.
[0042] In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present
invention and the embodiments disclosed herein are well adapted to
carry out the objectives and obtain the ends set forth. Certain
changes can be made in the subject matter without departing from
the spirit and the scope of this invention. It is realized that
changes are possible within the scope of this invention and it is
further intended that each element or step recited herein is to be
understood as referring to the step literally and/or to all
equivalent elements or steps. This specification is intended to
cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form
it may be utilized. All patents and applications identified herein
are incorporated fully herein for all purposes.
* * * * *