U.S. patent application number 12/374768 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-10 for racking module.
This patent application is currently assigned to OHS Group Limited Limited. Invention is credited to Brendan Larkin.
Application Number | 20100143078 12/374768 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37006111 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100143078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larkin; Brendan |
June 10, 2010 |
Racking Module
Abstract
A drilling derrick (2) comprises a lower section (4) and an
upper section (6) separated by a racking module (8). The lower
section (4) of the derrick (2) is constructed from a number of
sections of metal scaffolding (10). The upper section (6) of the
derrick (2) is constructed from a similar number of metal sections
(12).
Inventors: |
Larkin; Brendan; (West
Yorkshire, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOWNS RACHLIN MARTIN PLLC
199 MAIN STREET, P O BOX 190
BURLINGTON
VT
05402-0190
US
|
Assignee: |
OHS Group Limited Limited
|
Family ID: |
37006111 |
Appl. No.: |
12/374768 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
July 25, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2007/050442 |
371 Date: |
December 15, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/22.51 ;
211/70.4; 52/741.1; 52/745.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 15/00 20130101;
E21B 19/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/22.51 ;
211/70.4; 52/745.17; 52/741.1 |
International
Class: |
E21B 19/14 20060101
E21B019/14; E21B 19/00 20060101 E21B019/00; E04G 21/00 20060101
E04G021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 25, 2006 |
GB |
0614744.1 |
Claims
1. A racking module having a unitary construction and comprising a
framework fitted with drilling equipment and drill stand handling
equipment, the module being securable to an upper part of a lower
section of a drilling derrick and defining an interface between the
lower section of the derrick and an upper section thereof.
2. (canceled)
3. A racking module as claimed in claim 1, in which drilling
equipment is installed within the framework of the racking
module.
4. A racking module as claimed in claim 1, in which the racking
module comprises racking boards for storing drill stands.
5. A racking module as claimed in claim 1, in which the racking
module further comprises drill stand handling equipment.
6. A racking module as claimed in claim 5, in which the drill stand
handling equipment is operable to move drill stands into and/or out
of the racking boards.
7. A racking module as claimed in claim 1, in which the drill stand
handling equipment comprises a bridge crane racker.
8. (canceled)
9. A racking module as claimed in claim 1, in which the racking
module also comprises a control station to allow a derrick worker
to control the equipment installed therein.
10. (canceled)
11. A racking module as claimed in claim 1, in which the racking
module has feet on the corners thereof to enable the module to be
secured to a drilling derrick.
12. A racking module as claimed in claim 1, in which the racking
module is between approximately 10 feet and 50 feet tall.
13. (canceled)
14. A racking module as claimed in claim 11, in which the positions
of the feet may be altered to be secured to narrower and/or wider
derrick structures.
15. A method of constructing a drilling derrick comprising the
steps of: a) constructing a lower section of the derrick; b)
securing a racking module to the upper surface of the lower section
of the derrick; and c) securing an upper section of the derrick to
the upper surface of the racking module.
16. The method of claim 15, in which equipment is installed within
the racking module prior to its being secured in place on the lower
section of the derrick.
17. The method of claim 16, in which equipment is installed within
the racking module at ground level.
18. The method of claim 15, in which the upper section of the
derrick is constructed prior to its being secured in place.
19. A method of assembling a racking module including: a)
installing and securing drilling and stand handling equipment into
the racking module framework; and b) securing the fully equipped
racking module to the upper surface of a lower section of a
drilling derrick.
20. The method of claim 19, in which the installation and securing
of the drilling and handling equipment is performed at ground
level.
21. The method of claim 20, in which the equipment is also tested
and commissioned at ground level.
22. The method of claim 21, in which the equipped racking module is
then lifted in one piece to the upper surface of the lower section
of the derrick and secured in place.
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a racking module, more
specifically to a racking module for an oil field/gas field
drilling rig.
[0002] A drilling derrick is a structure which is mounted on a
drilling rig. The derrick sits on the drill floor and lowers/raises
a drillstring down/up a hole for drilling. The drillstring is
usually supplied in sections 30 feet or 45 feet long and is stored
within the derrick in 90 foot lengths known as stands or triples.
Approximately 250 stands may be stored within a derrick.
[0003] The stands are usually stored in the derrick in racking
boards. The racking boards are situated approximately 90 feet up
the derrick and form the interface between the lower section of the
derrick and the upper section thereof. Stands are usually stored in
the racking boards such that the upper end is held by the racking
boards and the lower end rests on the drill floor.
[0004] Stands are removed from and repositioned in the racking
boards by specialised equipment or by a combination of machinery
and manual manipulation. Such machinery and/or equipment must also
be installed within the derrick. The majority of the action which
takes place in the drilling derrick occurs at the racking
boards.
[0005] A drilling derrick structure is typically constructed in a
piecemeal fashion. Typically a derrick will be constructed from
about 150 separate pieces which are fixed together to form a
structure with a great deal of structural integrity. This method of
construction is used for many practical reasons including ease of
repair, avoidance of unnecessary welding and ease of calculation
reasons.
[0006] During the construction of the derrick, the equipment
necessary for drilling and handling the drillstring and stands must
be carried up to and installed within the derrick at the racking
boards. The upper section of the derrick can not be completed until
all the necessary equipment is in place at the racking boards. The
area surrounding the racking boards is the area where most of the
action takes place.
[0007] This method of construction is disadvantageous because the
erection of the derrick takes a long time and regulations often
dictate that work cannot continue on the drill floor whilst the
erection of the derrick is ongoing.
[0008] Further disadvantages lie in the fact that individual items
of equipment must be hoisted up and manoeuvred into position at the
racking boards, leading to a difficult, long and expensive
construction process.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to overcome these
or other problems associated with the prior art.
[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a racking module having a unitary construction
comprising a framework fitted with drilling equipment and drill
stand handling equipment, the module being securable to an upper
part of a lower section of a drilling derrick and defining an
interface between the lower section of the derrick and an upper
section thereof.
[0011] Preferably, the framework is constructed from metal. The
metal framework may be coated to prevent corrosion. Preferably,
drilling equipment is installed within the framework of the racking
module.
[0012] Preferably, the racking module comprises racking boards for
storing drill stands.
[0013] Preferably, the racking module further comprises drill stand
handling equipment. The drill stand handling equipment may be
operable to move drill stands into and/or out of the racking
boards. Preferably, the drill stand handling equipment comprises a
bridge crane racker.
[0014] Preferably, the racking module has power supplies and
control systems to control the equipment installed therein. These
systems preferably comprise control solenoids. More preferably, the
racking module also comprises a control station to allow a derrick
worker to control the equipment installed therein.
[0015] The racking module may comprise further equipment or
machinery. Preferably, the racking module contains an elevator.
[0016] Preferably, the equipment installed within the racking
module may be altered depending on individual requirements.
[0017] Preferably, the racking module has feet on the corners
thereof to enable the module to be secured to a drilling
derrick.
[0018] The racking module may be between approximately 10 feet and
50 feet tall, preferably, between 15 feet and 30 feet tall.
Preferably, the racking module may be securable to any size of
drilling derrick. Preferably, the positions of the feet may be
altered to be secured to narrower and/or wider derrick
structures.
[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of constructing a drilling derrick comprising
the steps of: [0020] a) constructing a lower section of the
derrick; [0021] b) securing a racking module to the upper surface
of the lower section of the derrick; and [0022] c) securing an
upper section of the derrick to the upper surface of the racking
module.
[0023] Preferably, equipment is installed within the racking module
prior to its being secured in place on the lower section of the
derrick. More preferably, equipment is installed within the racking
module at ground level.
[0024] The upper section of the derrick may be constructed prior to
its being secured in place. Alternatively, the upper section of the
derrick may be constructed on site above the racking module.
[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of assembling a racking module including:
[0026] a) installing and securing drilling and stand handling
equipment into the racking module framework; and [0027] b) securing
the fully equipped racking module to the upper surface of a lower
section of a drilling derrick.
[0028] Preferably, the installation and securing of the drilling
and handling equipment is performed at ground level. The equipment
may also be tested and commissioned at ground level. The equipped
racking module may then be lifted in one piece to the upper surface
of the lower section of the derrick and secured in place.
[0029] This unitary racking module allows the construction time of
the drilling derrick to be greatly reduced. Individual pieces of
equipment and machinery need not be carried up to the derrick one
at a time as they are all first secured in place in the racking
module which is lifted up to the derrick in one piece. Furthermore,
testing of installed equipment at ground level allows any repairs
and/or replacements to be dealt with before the equipment is raised
up to the derrick.
[0030] All of the features described herein may be combined with
any of the above aspects, in any combination.
[0031] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how
embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic
drawings in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a drilling derrick; and
[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a racking
module.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a drilling derrick 2 comprises a lower
section 4 and an upper section 6 separated by a racking module 8.
The lower section 4 of the derrick 2 is constructed from a number
of sections of metal scaffolding 10. The upper section 6 of the
derrick 2 is constructed from a similar number of metal sections
12.
[0035] The derrick 2 is situated on the drillfloor 14 of a drilling
rig.
[0036] The lower section 4 of the derrick 2 is approximately 80
feet to 90 feet tall when measured from the drillfloor 14.
[0037] The upper section 12 of the derrick 2 extends substantially
upwardly from the upper surface of the racking module 8
(approximately about 100 feet above the drillfloor) to
approximately about 170 feet to 200 feet above the drill floor 14.
The racking module 8 is approximately 20 feet tall.
[0038] The racking module 8 is located at, and forms, the interface
between the lower section 4 and the upper section 6 of the derrick
2. The racking module 8 contains equipment for handling and storing
sections of a drillstring 16.
[0039] The drillstring 16 comprises drill stands of 90 feet in
length. The drill stands in turn comprise usually three 30 feet
lengths of drill pipe connected together. The drill stands are
stored in the racking module 8 within the derrick 2 prior to and
after connection to the drillstring 16. This will be described in
more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.
[0040] The drillstring 16 is raised and lowered by handling
equipment located in the upper section 6 of the derrick 2.
[0041] The handling equipment comprises a fast line 18 which is
connected to the upper end of the drillstring 16. The fastline 18
passes over a diverter sheave 20 and a crown block 22 which are
located in the gin pole 24 of the derrick 2. The fastline 18 then
passes down into the derrick structure through a water table 26 and
under a travelling block 28 before returning up to the water table
26 where it is fixedly secured.
[0042] In use, the travelling block 28 is moved down the central
line of the derrick 2 to raise the drillstring 16. The top drill
stand is the removed from the fast line 18 and stored in the
racking module 8, whilst the travelling block 28 moves back to its
initial position and the fast line 18 is connected to the upper end
of the next drill stand.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2, the racking module 8 comprises a
framework 32 within which various equipment is secured.
[0044] On the lower surface of the racking module 8 there are
situated racking boards 34. Drill stands are held in place in the
gaps 36 between the racking boards 34. The racking boards 34 are
controlled by control solenoids 38 located within the framework
32.
[0045] A bridge crane racker 42 is provided in the racking module 8
to perform automated racking of drill stands. The bridge crane
racker 42 is comprised essentially of three parts: a head portion
44, an arm portion 46 and a bridge portion 48.
[0046] The head portion 44 of the racker 42 is shaped to receive
and hold an upper end of a drill stand. The head portion 44 is
mounted on the arm portion 46 of the racker such that it is able to
move in a substantially vertical direction along the arm portion
46, as denoted by arrow Z in FIG. 2.
[0047] The arm portion 46 of the racker 42 is situated
substantially perpendicularly to the bridge portion 48 of the
racker 42 and extends in a substantially vertical manner down from
the bridge portion 48. The arm portion 46 is movably mounted on the
bridge portion 48 such that it is operable to move along the bridge
portion 48 in the direction denoted by arrow Y in FIG. 2,
substantially parallel to the racking boards 34.
[0048] The bridge portion 48 of the bridge crane racker 42 is
movably supported at both ends on the upper surface of the
framework 32 of the racking module 8. The bridge portion 48 lies
across the racking module 8 in a direction substantially parallel
to the racking boards 34. Hydraulic pistons 50 are provided to move
the bridge portion 48 along the upper surface of the framework 32
in a direction denoted by the arrow X in FIG. 2.
[0049] Thus, the bridge crane racker 42 is operable to move a drill
stand from the drill string to the racking boards 34 and vice
versa.
[0050] The bridge crane racker 42 is powered by the control
solenoids 52 situated within the framework 32 of the racking module
8. A derrickman's cabin 54 is provided within the racking module 8
with controls to enable the bridge crane racker 42 and other
equipment to be operated from within the racking module 8. This
allows the operator to control the equipment more accurately than
is possible when controlling it from the ground.
[0051] A monkey board 40 is also provided for manual manipulation
of the drill stands into and out of the racking boards 34 in case
of power failure, machinery breakdown, and the like.
[0052] Other items of equipment, such as an elevator, may be
provided within the racking module 8.
[0053] The lower corners of the racking module framework 32 are
provided with feet 56 which enable the racking module 8 to be
secured to the upper surface of the lower section 4 of a drilling
derrick.
[0054] Similarly, the upper corners are provided with feet 58 which
allow the upper section 6 of a drilling derrick to be constructed
on the racking module 8.
[0055] A wall 60 is provided on the outer surfaces of the racking
module 8 in order to protect the equipment and workers in the
racking module 8 from wind and/or other adverse weather
conditions.
[0056] In operation, the bridge crane racker 42 is moved in such a
way that the head portion 44 engages with the upper end of the
drillstring 16. The top drill stand is then removed from the
drillstring 16 and is held by the racker 42. The bridge crane
racker 42 is then moved such that the drill stand is received in
the racking boards 34. This operation may also be carried out in
reverse to move the drill stands out of the racking boards 34 to be
connected to the drillstring 16.
[0057] The modular construction of the racking module of the
present invention allows for the installation of handling equipment
for drill stands, and/or other items of equipment to be installed
within the racking module whilst it is still at ground level. This
prevents the time consuming and difficult process of hoisting up
individual pieces of machinery to the racking boards for
installation. The present modular system also allows work to be
continuing on the installation of equipment in the racking module
at the same time as work is ongoing on construction of the derrick.
Such concurrent work greatly reduces the length of time required to
erect a derrick construction.
[0058] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are
filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in
connection with this application and which are open to public
inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such
papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0059] All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or
all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be
combined in any combination, except combinations where at least
some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0060] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0061] The invention is not restricted to the details of the
foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or
any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this
specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and
drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed.
* * * * *