U.S. patent application number 12/708131 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for apparatus and methods for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive.
Invention is credited to Bernd-Georg Pietras.
Application Number | 20100230092 12/708131 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 10845049 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100230092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pietras; Bernd-Georg |
September 16, 2010 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING THE CONNECTION OF TUBULARS
USING A TOP DRIVE
Abstract
An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a
top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member connectable
to said top drive characterized in that it further comprises an
internal tool for engaging said tubular and an external clamping
device for engaging said tubular.
Inventors: |
Pietras; Bernd-Georg;
(Wedemark, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON & SHERIDAN, L.L.P.
3040 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 1500
HOUSTON
TX
77056
US
|
Family ID: |
10845049 |
Appl. No.: |
12/708131 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11554139 |
Oct 30, 2006 |
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12708131 |
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11230585 |
Sep 20, 2005 |
7128161 |
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11554139 |
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10621971 |
Jul 17, 2003 |
7004259 |
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11230585 |
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09868438 |
Sep 4, 2001 |
6622796 |
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PCT/GB99/03944 |
Nov 29, 1999 |
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10621971 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/77.51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 19/16 20130101;
E21B 21/106 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/77.51 |
International
Class: |
E21B 19/16 20060101
E21B019/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 24, 1998 |
GB |
9828669.3 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a
top drive.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/554,139, filed Oct. 30, 2006, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/230,585, filed
Sep. 20, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,161; which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/621,971, filed Jul. 17,
2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,259; which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/868,438, filed Sep. 4, 2001, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,796; which is the National Stage of
International Application No. PCT/GB99/03944, filed Nov. 29, 1999
and published under PCT Article 21(2) in English, and claims
priority of United Kingdom Application No. 9828669.3, filed on Dec.
24, 1998. Each of the aforementioned related patent applications is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for
facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive and is,
more particularly but not exclusively, intended for facilitating
the connection of a section or stand of casing to a string of
casing.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In the construction of oil or gas wells it is usually
necessary to line the borehole with a string of tubulars known as
casing. Because of the length of the casing required, sections or
stands of say two or three sections of casing are progressively
added to the string as it is lowered into the well from a drilling
platform. In particular, when it is desired to add a section or
stand of casing the string is usually restrained from falling into
the well by applying the slips of a spider located in the floor of
the drilling platform. The new section or stand of casing is then
moved from a rack to the well centre above the spider. The threaded
pin of the section or stand of casing to be connected is then
located over the threaded box of the casing in the well and the
connection is made up by rotation therebetween. An elevator is then
connected to the top of the new section or stand and the whole
casing string lifted slightly to enable the slips of the spider to
be released. The whole casing string is then lowered until the top
of the section is adjacent the spider whereupon the slips of the
spider are re-applied, the elevator disconnected and the process
repeated.
[0006] It is common practice to use a power tong to torque the
connection up to a predetermined torque in order to make the
connection. The power tong is located on the platform, either on
rails, or hung from a derrick on a chain. However, it has recently
been proposed to use a top drive for making such connection.
[0007] Because of the high costs associated with the construction
of oil and gas wells time is critical and it has been observed by
the applicants that the time to connect a tubular to a top drive
using existing equipment could be reduced.
[0008] There is described an apparatus for facilitating the
connection of tubulars using a top drive in co-pending UK Patent
Application No. 9818358.5, which apparatus comprises a body
connectable to a top drive, the body comprising at least one
gripping element radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic
fluid to drivingly engage the tubular. Preferably, the gripping
elements are moveable radially outwardly to engage the inside wall
of the tubular.
[0009] WO98/11322 describes a device for connecting casings and
which comprises a tool for gripping a pipe internally. The tool is
connected to a top drive so that the tool and the pipe can be
rotated.
[0010] It has been observed that torques of up to 95,000 Nm (70,000
lbs/ft) are required to make-up a joint.
[0011] It has also been observed that the apparatus of the present
invention may be used for facilitating rotation of the casing while
running the casing down a wellbore.
[0012] It has also been observed that a drill bit may be placed on
the bottom end of the casing string and used for boring a wellbore.
The apparatus of the present invention may be used for facilitating
rotation of the casing for boring a wellbore.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention there is
provided an apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars
using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member
connectable to said top drive, an internal clamping tool for
engaging said tubular and an external clamping device for engaging
said tubular wherein said internal clamping tool and said external
clamping device are moveable with respect to each other,
characterised in that said internal clamping tool comprises
gripping elements suitable for transferring a first torque to said
tubular and said external clamping device comprises gripping
elements suitable for transferring a second torque to said
tubular.
[0014] In another embodiment, said apparatus may comprises a
flexible membrane arranged between said internal clamping tool and
said external clamping device, said flexible membrane containing a
fluid.
[0015] There is also provided a method for facilitating the
connection of tubulars using a top drive, the method comprising the
steps of inserting and activating an internal tool for engaging
said tubular; rotating said tool and tubular to a low torque,
activating an external clamping device for engaging said tubular
and rotating said clamping device and said tubular to a high
torque.
[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a method for facilitating the connection of tubulars,
using a top drive, the method comprising the steps of inserting and
activating an internal clamping tool to engage a first tubular,
rotating said tool and first tubular to threadedly engage said
first tubular with a second tubular at a first torque, activating
an external clamping device for engaging said first tubular and
rotating said clamping device and said tubular to tighten said
connection to a second torque.
[0017] Preferably, the first torque is sufficient to run a pin on
said first tubular into a box and the second tubular is sufficient
to tighten said connection to its designated value.
[0018] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for
facilitating the connection of tubulars, the apparatus comprising a
tool for gripping a tubular and at least one piston and cylinder
for raising and lowering said tool characterized in that, in use,
torque applied to the supporting member is transformed to said tool
through said at least one piston and cylinder. Preferably, three
piston and cylinders are provided.
[0019] In another embodiment, a clamping apparatus for use with a
top drive for gripping and turning a drill string formed of pipe
comprises gripping members positioned to grip and support the pipe;
a drive member for moving the gripping members radially inwardly
into a pipe gripping position and radially outwardly to a pipe
releasing position; and an attachment member for connecting the
clamping apparatus to the top drive for wellbore drilling, wherein
the clamping apparatus is rotatable by the top drive.
[0020] In another embodiment, a gripping apparatus for use in
connection with a top drive assembly comprises a housing defining a
central passageway sized for receipt of a tubular, the housing
being coupled to the top drive assembly for rotation therewith; a
plurality of gripping elements disposed within the housing and
displaceable between disengaged and engaged positions; and a
powered system adapted to selectively drive the plurality of
gripping members between the disengaged and engaged positions.
[0021] In another embodiment, a clamping apparatus for use with a
top drive for gripping and turning a drill string formed of pipe
comprises gripping members positioned to grip and support the pipe;
a drive member for moving the gripping members radially inwardly
into a pipe gripping position and radially outwardly to a pipe
releasing position; an attachment member for connecting the
clamping apparatus to the top drive for wellbore drilling; and a
stabbing spear extending out between the gripping members and
formed to fit within the pipe to be gripped by the clamping
apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0023] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an apparatus according to
the invention, the apparatus being shown in use;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, the
apparatus being shown in use;
[0026] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of parts of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] Referring to the drawings, there is shown an apparatus for
facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive. The
apparatus is generally identified by reference numeral 1.
[0028] The apparatus 1 is shown connected to a rotor 2 of a top
drive 3 via connection 4 to a rotor 5 of the apparatus 1. The top
drive 3 is located on rails on a derrick of a rig (not shown). A
rigid member 6 is fast with a static part of the top drive 3. The
rigid member surrounds the rotor 5. The rigid member 6 has a clamp
therein which, when required, applies jaws (not shown) to the rotor
5 such that, upon rotation of the rotor 2 of the top drive 3, the
apparatus 1 may be connected or disconnected from the top drive 3.
When the jaws are released, the rotor 5 may rotate freely within
the rigid member 6.
[0029] The apparatus 1 is shown with a stand of casing 7 inserted
therein. An elevator 8 is shown gripping the stand of casing 7 with
the use of gripping elements 9. The elevator 8 is suspended from
the top drive 3 on bails 10 and 11. The stand of casing 7 is guided
by a pipe handling arm 12.
[0030] The apparatus 1 comprises a housing 13 which depends from
the rotor 5 via a supporting element 14 and three piston and
cylinders 15. The three piston and cylinders 15 allow small
vertical movements of the apparatus 1 relative to the top drive 3.
The three piston and cylinders 15 may be hydraulically activated or
pneumatically activated or using a combination of both pneumatic
and hydraulic fluids.
[0031] The housing 13 accommodates a hub 16 which is radially and
rotationally moveable therein. The hub 16 has a circumferential
recess 17 into which an inflatable ring 18 is arranged. The
inflatable ring 18 is in frictional engagement with both the hub 16
and an internal wall 19 of the housing 13. The hub 16 has a central
bore 20 into which one end of a mud pipe 21 is inserted. The mud
pipe 21 is provided for carrying mud to the inside of the tubular
7. The mud pipe 21 is mounted in cylindrical sections 22 and 23
which are attached to the hub 16 and the supporting element 14
respectively. The mud pipe 21 is provided with a lobe 24 formed on
the outer surface thereof and is located in a corresponding recess
25 in the cylindrical section 22. A lobe 26 is slidably arranged on
the upper end of the mud pipe 21 with an O-ring seal 27 arranged
therebetween to inhibit fluid from leaking therebetween. The lobe
26 is located in a corresponding recess 28 in the cylindrical
section 23. This arrangement allows a ball and socket type movement
between the supporting element 14 and the hub 16 and relative
longitudinal movement therebetween. The upper end of the mud pipe
21 is allowed to move freely in a spherical recess 29 in the
supporting element 14.
[0032] A circulating tool generally identified by reference numeral
30 is fixed to and depends from the hub 16. The circulating tool 30
comprises a cylindrical body 31 which has a central passage 32
therethrough. The cylindrical body 31 has a plurality of recesses
33 thereabout in which gripping elements 34 are located. The
gripping elements are provided with recesses 35.
[0033] The cylindrical body 31 is also provided with an inflatable
sealing ring 36 arranged below the gripping elements 34.
[0034] The cylindrical body 31 is provided with a feed passage 37
the upper end of which is connected to a hydraulic fluid supply and
at the other end to the recesses 35 in the gripping elements 34. A
feed passage 38 connects the inflatable sealing ring 36 with the
inside of the tubular 7.
[0035] A clamping device 39 depends from the housing 13 on a rigid
cylinder 40. The clamping device 39 comprises two rigid plates 41
and 42 between which is arranged three hydraulic pistons 43 spaced
at 120.degree. to each other. The hydraulic pistons 43 are provided
with gripping elements 44 for engaging with the tubular 7.
[0036] In use, the apparatus 1 is fitted to the rotor 2 of a top
drive 3 via the rotor 5 of the apparatus 1. When it is desired to
connect a stand of tubulars such as casing to a string of casing
already lowered into a wellbore and suspended from a spider in the
rig floor (not shown), the following steps are performed.
[0037] A stand of casing is moved from a storage area to the well
centre, and is gripped by the pipe handling arm 12. The pipe
handling arm 12, if necessary, moves the stand of casing to a
position where the apparatus 1 may be lowered onto the top of the
stand of casing. The apparatus 1 is lowered with the top drive 3 on
the rails on the derrick of the rig. As the apparatus 1 is lowered,
the circulating tool 30 inserts itself inside the stand of casing
and the clamping device 39 passes over the box 45 of the casing
7.
[0038] The gripping elements 34 are moved radially outwardly by the
hydraulic fluid pressure build up through feed passage 37 and into
recess 35. The gripping elements 34 engage with the internal wall
of the casing 7. It should be noted that the weight of the stand of
casing may now be taken by the gripping elements 34. The pipe
handling arm 12 can now move the stand of casing into exact
alignment with the box of the casing string protruding above the
spider in the rig floor. This step is necessary due to the stands
of casing being slightly bent. As the stand of casing 7 moves, the
circulating tool 30 moves with the casing 7. The pneumatic fluid in
the inflatable ring 18 allows relative movement between the
stationary top drive 3 and circulating tool and hence the casing 7.
Once aligned, the stand of casing is lowered ("stabbed") into the
box of the casing string by activation of piston and cylinders 15.
Low torque rotation of the stand of casing now begins by rotation
of the top drive rotor 2. It should be noted that the inflatable
ring 18 helps accommodate non-linearity in the casing 7 since it
allows the top of the casing 7 to float with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the top drive 3 whilst being rotated to engage
the pin of the casing 7 in the box of the casing string held in the
spider in the rig floor. The low torque is transferred from the
rotor 2 of the top drive through the piston and cylinders 15,
through the housing 13 and via the inflatable ring 18 to the
circulating tool 30 and hence to the stand of casing 7 via the
gripping elements 34. The threaded pin of the stand of casing 7 is
now partially made up with the threaded box of the casing string.
The pipe handling arm 12 may now be removed from the casing 7 and
swung into an inoperative position. The three piston and cylinders
43 of the clamping device are now activated evenly which moves the
top of the stand of casing 7 and the circulating tool 30 into exact
alignment with the top drive. The top drive may now be used to
complete make-up by rotating the stand of casing typically up to
95,000 Nm (70,000 lb/ft) of torque. The high torque is transferred
from the top drive 3 through piston and cylinders 15 through the
housing 13, the rigid cylinder 40 and the clamping device 39 and
hence to the stand of casing 7.
[0039] The spider may be used to hold the casing string 7 against
rotation while this operation is carried out.
[0040] The elevator 8 may now be swung around the top of the casing
7. Circulation may now take place. Any pressure build up in the
casing 7 would force the inflatable sealing ring 36 out and into
engagement with the casing wall due to pressure build up through
the feed passage 38. Circulating fluid may be pumped into the
casing string through mud pipe 19, central bore 20 and central
passage 32.
[0041] The spider may be released allowing the elevator 8 to take
the weight of the casing string. The elevator 8 may lower the
casing string into the wellbore. During lowering the top drive 3
may continue to rotate the apparatus 1 and hence rotate the casing
string at up to 95,000 Nm (70,000 lbs/ft) of torque, if required.
The apparatus 1 may be removed by deactivating the piston and
cylinders 43 of the clamping device 39, the gripping elements 34 of
the circulating tool 30, deflating the inflatable sealing ring 36
and lifting the apparatus 1 by raising the top drive 3.
[0042] A reverse sequence may be used to disconnect stands or
single pieces of casing from a casing string.
[0043] It is envisaged that various modifications or variations may
be made to the above described embodiment. In particular, the
inflatable ring 18 may contain pneumatic fluid and be sealed.
Alternatively, the inflatable ring 18 may be provided with a
pneumatic supply line for controlling the pressure of the pneumatic
fluid therein, for example for lowering the pressure when aligning
the casing. The inflatable ring 19 may contain hydraulic fluid and
be provided with a waste gate or a supply line for controlling the
quantity of hydraulic fluid therein. A combination of both
hydraulic and pneumatic fluids may be used preferably using
hydraulic fluid in the inflatable ring and pneumatic bellows.
[0044] The inflatable ring may be a vehicle tyre.
[0045] It is envisaged that in certain embodiments the apparatus 1
may not be directly linked to the top drive 3. In particular, a
motor, advantageously a hydraulic motor, may be inserted between
the top drive 3 and the apparatus 1 for providing accurate speed of
rotation and control for making up the casing.
[0046] It is envisaged that the apparatus 1 could be used for
rotating the casing while lowering the casing. Reciprocation of the
casing may also be provided simultaneously by raising and lowering
the elevator.
[0047] It is envisaged that the casing string may be provided with
a drilling bit as its lower end. The apparatus 1 may be used, with
the clamping device 39 actuated, to rotate the casing and hence the
drill bit, for drilling a wellbore.
[0048] It is conceivable that the clamping device 39 could be
dispensed with and the entire torque from the top drive transmitted
through the inflatable ring 18, particularly if highly pressurized
with hydraulic fluid at the time it is desired to transmit high
torque.
[0049] It is also envisaged that any suitable mechanism and method
of actuation could be used for external clamping. For example, the
mechanism could comprise cam surfaces with rough material thereon.
The method of actuation could be mechanical, electrical, pneumatic,
hydraulic or chemical. A design from a power tong may be suitable
for this purpose.
[0050] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *