U.S. patent application number 12/751331 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for system and method for communicating about a wellsite.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTELLISERV, LLC. Invention is credited to Dean Bennett, Frank Benjamin Springett, Daniel M. Veeningen.
Application Number | 20100243324 12/751331 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42782734 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100243324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Veeningen; Daniel M. ; et
al. |
September 30, 2010 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING ABOUT A WELLSITE
Abstract
A system and method for communicating with a drill string is
provided. The system may have an apparatus including a coupler, a
frame and an actuator. The coupler may be operatively connectable
to a surface system and a downhole system for communication
therewith. The frame may be for supporting the coupler and may be
operatively connectable to a handling system. The actuator may be
for moving the frame with the coupler between an engaged position
operatively connected to an uppermost drill pipe of the downhole
system and a disengaged position a distance from the uppermost
drill pipe whereby the coupler selectively establishes a
communication link between the surface system and the downhole
system.
Inventors: |
Veeningen; Daniel M.;
(Houston, TX) ; Springett; Frank Benjamin;
(Spring, TX) ; Bennett; Dean; (Houston,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Conley Rose P.C
P.O.Box 3267
Houston
TX
77253
US
|
Assignee: |
INTELLISERV, LLC
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
42782734 |
Appl. No.: |
12/751331 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61165232 |
Mar 31, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
175/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 47/12 20130101;
E21B 17/028 20130101; E21B 19/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
175/40 |
International
Class: |
E21B 47/00 20060101
E21B047/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for communicating about a wellsite having a surface
system and a downhole system, the surface system comprising a rig
with a handling system, the downhole system comprising a downhole
tool advanced into the earth on a drill string, the drill string
comprising a plurality of wired drill pipe, an uppermost drill pipe
of the plurality of wired drill pipe being supported by the
handling system, the apparatus comprising: a coupler operatively
connectable to the surface system and the downhole system for
communication therewith; a frame for supporting the coupler, the
frame operatively connectable to the handling system; and an
actuator for moving the frame with the coupler thereon between an
engaged position operatively connected to the uppermost drill pipe
of the downhole system and a disengaged position a distance from
the uppermost drill pipe whereby the coupler selectively
establishes a communication link between the surface system and the
downhole system.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupler may establish the
communication link during tripping of the drill pipe.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises an
elevator bail connector, for coupling the frame to an elevator bail
of the handling system.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises at
least two arms for moving and guiding the coupler into the engaged
position.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a body operatively
coupled to the frame, the coupler positioned in the body.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the body further comprises a
coil stab for moving the coupler into a box end of the uppermost
drill pipe.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a guide for
aligning the coupler in the uppermost drill pipe.
8. A system for communicating about a wellsite, the system
comprising: a surface system at the wellsite, the surface system
comprising a rig and a handling system; a downhole system at the
wellsite, the downhole system comprising a downhole tool advanced
into the earth on a drill string, the drill string comprising a
plurality of wired drill pipe, an uppermost drill pipe of the
plurality of wired drill pipe being supported by the handling
system; and an apparatus for communicating about the wellsite, the
apparatus comprising: a coupler operatively connectable to the
surface system and the downhole system for communication therewith;
a frame for supporting the coupler, the frame operatively
connectable to the handling system; and an actuator for moving the
frame with the coupler thereon between an engaged position
operatively connected to the uppermost drill pipe of the downhole
system and a disengaged position a distance from the uppermost
drill pipe whereby the coupler selectively establishes a
communication link between the surface system and the downhole
system.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the handling system comprises a
top drive, the top drive may communicatively engage the drill
string when the coupler is in the disengaged position.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the frame further comprises an
elevator bail connector, for coupling the frame to an elevator bail
of the handling system.
11. The system of claim 8, further comprising a controller for
communicatively coupling the apparatus to the handling system.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the downhole tool is coupled to
the drill string and in communication with the controller when the
coupler is in the engaged position.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein the frame further comprises an
actuator arm and a guide arm for moving and guiding the coupler
into the engaged position.
14. A method for communicating about a wellsite while tripping, the
wellsite having a surface system and a downhole system, the surface
system comprising a rig and a handling system, the downhole system
comprising a downhole tool advanced into the earth on a drill
string, the drill string comprising a plurality of wired drill
pipe, an uppermost drill pipe of the plurality of wired drill pipe
being supported by the handling system, the method comprising:
supporting the drill string from an elevator of the handling
system; disposing an apparatus for communicating about the wellsite
on the handling system, the apparatus comprising: a coupler
operatively connectable to the surface system and the downhole
system for communication therewith; a frame for supporting the
coupler, the frame operatively connectable to the handling system;
and an actuator for moving the frame with the coupler thereon
between an engaged position operatively connected to the uppermost
drill pipe of the downhole system and a disengaged position a
distance from the uppermost drill pipe whereby the coupler
selectively establishes a communication link between the surface
system and the downhole system; actuating the coupler into
communication with the downhole system; communicating with the
surface system; and communicating with the downhole system while
supporting the drill string from the elevator.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising disconnecting the
coupler from communication with the downhole system by moving the
coupler to the disengaged position.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising engaging the
uppermost drill pipe with a top drive of the handling system.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising establishing
communication with the downhole system through the top drive.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising operating the
apparatus with controls from the top drive.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising connecting the frame
to an elevator bail of the handling system.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising self aligning the
coupler while moving the coupler into the engaged position.
21. The method of claim 14, further comprising monitoring downhole
parameters while tripping.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the downhole parameter is a
dynamic hydrostatic pressure.
23. The method of claim 14, further comprising monitoring the drill
string strain while tripping.
24. A method for communication with a drill string in a wellbore,
comprising: supporting the drill string from an elevator of a
handling system; disposing an apparatus for communicating with the
drill string proximate the handling system, wherein the apparatus
comprises: a coupler, the coupler configured to communicatively
engage with the drill string; a frame for supporting the coupler
from the handling system; and an actuator for moving the coupler to
a communicatively engaged position with the drill string; tripping
the drill string out of the wellbore; and communicating with the
drill string via the coupler while tripping.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/165,232, filed by Applicant on Mar. 31, 2009,
the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety. Applicant has also filed another U.S. Non-Provisional
Application No. (not yet assigned) entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
COMMUNICATING ABOUT A WELLSITE contemporaneously herewith.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a system for
communicating about a wellsite with, for example, subsurface
components. More specifically, the disclosure relates to
bi-directional communication systems for use with wellsite
equipment, such as surface and/or downhole networks and tools.
[0003] Oilfield operations are typically performed to locate and
gather valuable downhole fluids. Oil rigs are positioned at
wellsites, and downhole tools, such as drilling tools, are deployed
into the ground to reach subsurface reservoirs. During such
oilfield operations it may be necessary to communicate about the
wellsite with, for example, surface, downhole and/or offsite tools
and/or equipment. Such communications may be used, for example, to
collect downhole data and/or to send commands to control the
operation of downhole tools.
[0004] Today's wells are often characterized by their increased
reservoir contact. This may be achieved by drilling longer step-out
wells. The expansion of the extended reach drilling practice alone
may push the envelope of the technologies typically deployed. As
more complex oilfield operations are employed, communication about
wellsites is becoming increasingly important and increasingly
complex. Moreover, wellsites have limited bandwidth and limited
data rates for transmitting signals about the wellsite. Typical
data transmission rates with mud pulse telemetry, for example, may
range from about 20 bytes per second (bps) in shallow wellbore
sections to about a few bps for a deep well. With the mud pulse
signal degrading at extreme depths, engineers are often limited to
only a few survey data points for placing their extended reach
wellbores. The limited data transmission from downhole tools may
not only limit the clarity of the subsurface, but also the
mechanical aspects of drilling may remain unknown for adequate
decision making.
[0005] As drilling operations become more challenging, geologists,
operators and engineers need new ways to improve operational
efficiency, increase production, reduce NPT and minimize risks.
Wired drill pipe is a recent technology transforming current
standards for drilling, and has the potential to unlock wells that
are un-drillable with current technologies. Such networked or wired
drill pipe may be used to provide communication between surface and
downhole oilfield operations at the wellsite.
[0006] Wired pipe telemetry systems using a combination of
electrical and magnetic principles to transmit data between a
downhole location and the surface are described in, for example,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,670,880, 6,641,434 and 7,198,118 (all are hereby
entirely incorporated herein by reference). In these systems,
inductive transducers are provided at the ends of wired pipes. The
inductive transducers at the ends of each wired pipe are
electrically connected by an electrical conductor running along the
length of the pipe. Data transmission involves transmitting an
electrical signal through an electrical conductor in a first wired
pipe, converting the electrical signal to a magnetic field upon
leaving the first wired pipe using an inductive transducer at an
end of the first wired pipe, and converting the magnetic field back
into an electrical signal upon entering a second wired pipe using
an inductive transducer at an end of the second wired pipe.
Multiple wired pipes are typically needed for data transmission
between the downhole location and the surface.
[0007] Wired drill pipe has the capability to transmit data at a
high rate (e.g., 57,000 bits per second). Thus, the wired drill
pipe may be used to make downhole information available in real
time. The vast increase in data volume at higher quality unlocks
the potential for better decisions and further improves drilling
performance. The very high data telemetry rates also provide full
control over downhole tools, such as rotary steerable tool settings
while drilling.
[0008] The high-speed, high-volume, high-definition, bi-directional
broadband data transmission enables downhole conditions to be
measured, evaluated, and monitored, allowing tool actuation and
control in real time.
[0009] The oil rig has a top drive connected to an upper most of a
number of wired drill pipe that form a drill string that extends
from the surface to the downhole tool. The top drive may include a
rotary connector, or top drive coupler, for linking the wired drill
pipe to surface systems, thereby allowing for communication with
the downhole tool(s) during drilling. However, many operational
problems may occur in extended reach wells while the wired drill
pipe is not coupled to the top drive. For example, the top drive is
typically not coupled to the wired drill pipe while tripping.
Tripping is defined as the set of operations associated with
removing or replacing an entire string or a portion thereof
from/into the borehole. Getting stuck is a frequent occurrence
during tripping. Mud pulse telemetry--with its reliance on fluid
flow--doesn't provide downhole measurements while tripping.
[0010] During such `tripping,` the rotary connector is disconnected
from the drill string, resulting in a loss of communication between
the surface equipment and the drill string. It is typically
desirable for the drilling crew to have access to the downhole
information while tripping. Tripping may be necessary for a number
of well operations involving a change to the configuration of the
bottom-hole assembly, such as replacing the bit, adding a mud
motor, or adding measurement while drilling (MWD) or logging while
drilling (LWD) tools. Tripping can take many hours, depending on
the depth to which drilling has progressed. The ability to maintain
communication with downhole tools and instruments during tripping
can enable a wide variety of MWD and LWD measurements to be
performed during time that otherwise would be wasted. This ability
may also enhance safety. For instance, in the event that a pocket
of high-pressure gas breaks through into the wellbore, the crew may
be given critical advance warning of a dangerous "kick," and timely
action can be taken to protect the crew and to save the well.
Maintaining communication during tripping may also give timely
warning of lost circulation or of other potential problems, thereby
enabling timely corrective action.
[0011] With a broadband network that is always on regardless of
flow, drillers may have an insight into the dynamic downhole
hydrostatic pressure with real-time measurements while tripping.
These measurements may accurately reveal the dynamic surge and swap
pressures, instead of relying on conservative rules of thumb or on
mathematical models for determining safe operating ranges for the
trip speed. Excessive surge pressure could result in time-consuming
lost circulation events, while excessive swap pressure could lead
to dangerous and costly well control events. With the broadband
network integrating the downhole measurements with the surface
equipment, a truly closed loop feedback system may be provided.
Downhole measurements (e.g., pressure) can set the optimum tripping
speed by controlling the speed of the drawworks system.
[0012] Connection to the downhole network at surface can be
established in various ways. U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,118 describes a
screw-in communication adapter that provides for removable
attachment to a drilling component when the drilling component is
not actively drilling, and for communication with an integrated
transmission system in the drilling component. The communication
adapter includes a data transmission coupler that facilitates
communication between the drill string and the adapter, a
mechanical coupler that facilitates removable attachment of the
adapter to the drill string, and a data interface.
[0013] Despite the advancements in wellsite communications, there
remains a need to provide techniques for maintaining communication
during oilfield operations. It is desirable that such techniques
enable communication during interruptions, such as tripping. It is
further desirable that such techniques are usable with existing
handling systems at the wellsite. Preferably, such techniques
provide one or more of the following, among others: reduced
communication interruption, increased communication during
tripping, reduced manning during tripping, improved and/or repeat
downhole measurement (e.g., hydrostatic pressure, drill string
strain, inclination, azimuth) while tripping, reduced operational
downtime during tripping (and/or prevention of stuck pipe), the
acquisition of real time distributed downhole measurements and/or
drill string dynamic analysis while tripping, and/or manual and/or
automated adjustment of downhole tools while tripping.
SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for
communicating about a wellsite having a surface system and a
downhole system. The surface system comprises a rig with a handling
system and the downhole system comprises a downhole tool advanced
into the earth on a drill string. The drill string comprises a
plurality of wired drill pipe, an uppermost drill pipe of the
plurality of wired drill pipe being supported by the handling
system. The apparatus comprises a coupler operatively connectable
to the surface system and the downhole system for communication
therewith, a frame for supporting the coupler, the frame
operatively connectable to the handling system, and an actuator for
moving the frame with the coupler between an engaged position
operatively connected to the uppermost drill pipe of the downhole
system and a disengaged position a distance from the uppermost
drill pipe whereby the coupler selectively establishes a
communication link between the surface system and the downhole
system.
[0015] The present disclosure relates to a system for communicating
about a wellsite. The system comprises a surface system and a
downhole system at the wellsite. The surface system comprises a rig
and a handling system. The downhole system comprises a downhole
tool advanced into the earth on a drill string. The drill string
comprises a plurality of wired drill pipe, the uppermost drill pipe
of the plurality of wired drill pipe being supported by the
handling system, and an apparatus for communicating about the
wellsite. The apparatus comprises a coupler operatively connectable
to the surface system and the downhole system for communication
therewith, a frame for supporting the coupler, the frame
operatively connectable to the handling system, and an actuator for
moving the frame with the coupler between an engaged position
operatively connected to the uppermost drill pipe of the downhole
system and a disengaged position a distance from the uppermost
drill pipe whereby the coupler selectively establishes a
communication link between the surface system and the downhole
system.
[0016] The present disclosure relates to a method for communicating
about a wellsite while tripping. The wellsite has a surface system
and a downhole system. The surface system comprises a rig and a
handling system. The downhole system comprises a downhole tool
advanced into the earth on a drill string. The drill string
comprises a plurality of wired drill pipe, an uppermost drill pipe
of the plurality of wired drill pipe being supported by the
handling system. The method comprises supporting the drill string
from an elevator of the handling system and disposing an apparatus
for communicating about the wellsite on the handling system. The
apparatus comprises a coupler operatively connectable to the
surface system and the downhole system for communication therewith,
a frame for supporting the coupler, the frame operatively
connectable to the handling system, and an actuator for moving the
frame with the coupler between an engaged position operatively
connected to the uppermost drill pipe of the downhole system and a
disengaged position a distance from the uppermost drill pipe
whereby the coupler selectively establishes a communication link
between the surface system and the downhole system. The method
further comprises actuating the coupler into communication with the
downhole system, communicating with the surface system, and
communicating with the downhole system while supporting the drill
string from the elevator.
[0017] The present disclosure relates to a method for communication
with a drill string in a wellbore. The method comprises supporting
the drill string from an elevator of a handling system and
disposing an apparatus for communicating with the drill string
proximate the handling system. The apparatus comprises a coupler,
the coupler configured to communicatively engage with the drill
string, a frame for supporting the coupler from the handling
system, and an actuator for moving the coupler to a communicatively
engaged position with the drill string. The method further
comprises tripping the drill string out of the wellbore and
communicating with the drill string via the coupler while
tripping.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present embodiments may be better understood, and
numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those
skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. These
drawings are used to illustrate only typical embodiments of this
disclosure, and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, for
the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and
certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or
in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wellsite having a connector
for communicating with a surface system and a downhole system.
[0020] FIG. 2 is another schematic view of a wellsite having a
connector for communicating between a surface system and a downhole
tool, the connector supported by a surface handling system.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the surface handling system of
FIG. 2, the connector being a stab connector supported by the
surface handling system.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the surface
handling system and stab connector of FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing the stab connector of
FIG. 3 in greater detail.
[0024] FIG. 5B is a detailed view of a portion of the stab
connector of FIG. 5A.
[0025] FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the surface
handling system and stab connector of FIG. 4 taken along line A-A,
the stab connector having a stab positioned in a wired drill pipe
of the downhole system. FIG. 6B is a detailed view of a lower end
of the stab of FIG. 6A.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of the stab
connector of FIG. 5A.
[0027] FIGS. 8A-8B are schematic views of the surface handling
system and stab connector of FIG. 5A. FIG. 8A shows the stab
connector in a disengaged position. FIG. 8B shows the stab
connector in an intermediate position.
[0028] FIGS. 9A-9G are schematic views depicting the stab connector
of FIG. 3 as it moves from a disengaged position adjacent an
elevator bail of the surface handling system, to an engaged
position adjacent a wired drill pipe.
[0029] FIGS. 10A-10E are schematic cross-sectional views of the
surface handling system and stab connector of FIG. 4 taken along
line A-A as it moves from a disengaged position adjacent an
elevator bail of the surface handling system, to an engaged
position adjacent a wired drill pipe.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for
communication about a wellsite.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus,
methods, techniques, and instruction sequences that embody
techniques of the present inventive subject matter. However, it is
understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without
these specific details. In the drawings and description that
follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the
specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The
drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of
the disclosure may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat
schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be
shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. It is to be fully
recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments
discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable
combination to produce desired results.
[0032] Unless otherwise specified, any use of any form of the terms
"connect", "engage", "couple", "attach", or any other term
describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit
the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may
also include indirect interaction between the elements described.
The use of pipe or drill pipe herein is understood to include
casing, drill collar, and other oilfield and downhole tubulars. In
the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including"
and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should
be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to . . . ".
[0033] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a wellsite 100 including
a connector 112 for communicating about the wellsite 100. The
connector 112 is preferably configured for communicating with a
surface system 101 and a downhole system 103. The downhole system
103 includes a plurality of pipe 102 that forms a drill string 132
and/or one or more downhole tools 104 connected thereto and
extended into the earth to form a borehole 108. As shown, the
surface system 101 includes a land based derrick or drilling rig
106 and a surface handling system 110. However, it will be
appreciated that the wellsite 100 may be land or water based. The
surface system 101, as shown, includes the surface handling system
110, a surface unit 107 with a controller 114, one or more slips
116, and one or more cables 118. Additionally, the surface system
101 may also include a communication adapter 120. The surface
system 101 may further include a network 122 and one or more
computers 124 (in addition to the controller 114). A portion of the
surface system 101 may be offsite or remote from the wellsite 100
and/or in communication with offsite systems.
[0034] The communication adapter 120, or conventional communication
adapter, may allow the controller 114 and/or an operator to
communicate with the downhole tool 104 while the drill string 132
is suspended from the slips 116. During drilling, a rotary
connector 200 (or a top drive coupler shown as 200 in FIG. 2)
establishes communication between the surface system 101, and the
downhole system 103. The rotary connector 200 is often disconnected
during pauses in the drilling, for example, while tripping the
drill string 132 into or out of the wellbore. During such drilling
pauses, the drill string 132 may be suspended in the wellbore from
the slips 116.
[0035] The communication adapter 120 may be screwed into an
uppermost pipe 133 of the drill string 132 to provide communication
between the surface system 101 and the downhole system 103. The one
or more cables 118 may be linked to the communication adapter 120
to provide communication between the drill string 132 and the
surface system 101. The communication adapter 120 may be configured
so that it does not interfere with the attachment of the elevator
126 to the uppermost pipe 133 of the drill string 132. The
communication adapter 120 may be screwed into and removed from the
uppermost pipe 133 of the drill string 132 for operation therewith.
The communication adapter 120 may optionally be used in conjunction
with the connector 112 and the top drive coupler for nearly
continuous communication with the downhole system 103 during
wellsite operations, such as tripping.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector 112 preferably
allows the controller 114 and/or an operator to communicate with
the downhole system 103 via the drill string 132 while the
uppermost pipe 133 is suspended from an elevator 126 of the
handling system 110. The stab assembly, or component, or connector
112 may be adjustable and may be used with elevator links or bales
208 on pipe connections to maintain an electromagnetic link with
the drill pipes 102 of the drill string 132 while the drill pipes
102 are suspended from the elevator 126. In some aspects, the stab
assembly component, or connector 112, and guide component may be
interchangeable for specific connection sizes. The lower arms and
parallel arm may be adjustable to establish the distance from the
elevator link to the uppermost pipe 133 center. The parallel arm
may used to maintain the vertical position of the unit due to
possible elevator link tilt. In some aspects, the unit is operated
via one or more pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders that act on the
upper arm. In some aspects, the unit may be operated via
electrically activated servo mechanisms, as will be described in
more detail below.
[0037] Conventional components and hardware (e.g., any suitable
fasteners, hydraulic/pneumatic/electric pistons, springs, gaskets,
etc.) may be used to implement aspects of the disclosure. Such
components may also be formed of any suitable materials (e.g.,
plastics, composites, combinations of metal/composite materials,
etc.) as known in the art.
[0038] The pipe 102, or drill pipe 102, or wired drill pipe 102
(and uppermost pipe 132), as shown is wired drill pipe. Examples of
wired drill pipe are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,670,880,
6,641,434 and 7,198,118, previously incorporated herein. The wired
drill pipe 102 may include a conductor 128 and a transducer 130.
The conductor 128 may be an electric conductor, and may extend
substantially along the length of each of the pipe 102 segments.
The transducers 130 may be inductive transducers located at the end
of each pipe segment. The drill string 132 may be formed of
individual wire drill pipes 102 coupled together to form a downhole
network of downhole system 103. The wired drill pipe segments may
be joined using the derrick 106 to form the drill string 132.
Usually two, three or four wired drill pipes 102 forming a pipe
segment of the drill string 132 are added to or removed from the
drill string 132 as a single assembly or stand. These may be leaned
against the side of the derrick 106 and retained in a fingerboard
150. The drill string 132 may form an integrated transmission
system capable of communicating with any number of the downhole
tools 104. Although the pipe 102 is described as wired drill pipe
having the conductor 128 and the transducer 130, it should be
appreciated that the pipe 102 may include any of one or more
suitable data transmission systems, or telemetry, such as those
described herein.
[0039] The surface handling system 110 may be configured for
drilling and tripping the pipe 102 and/or drill string 132 into and
out of the borehole 108. The surface handling system 110 may
include the elevator 126, a top drive 134 (shown schematically),
and a draw works (not shown). The top drive 134 may be configured
to engage the drill string 132 during drilling operations. The top
drive 134 may rotate the drill string 132 to facilitate drilling.
The top drive 134 may also allow for fluid flow into the drill
string 132. Thus, the top drive 134 may be used in conjunction with
a pump (not shown) to pump drilling fluid, and/or cement into the
drill string 132. When the top drive 134 is connected to the drill
string 132, a top drive coupler (see 200 in FIG. 2) in the top
drive 134 may allow for data transmission between the top drive 134
and the drill string 132. When the top drive is disconnected from
the drill string 132, the elevator 126 may support the weight of
the drill string 132. The elevator 126 may be used to trip the
drill string 132 and/or pipe 102 into and out of the borehole 108.
The connector 112 may be configured to allow for communication
between the surface system 101 and the downhole system 103, when a
communication link between the downhole system 103 and the surface
system 101 is interrupted, for example when the drill string 132 is
supported from the elevator 126 during tripping.
[0040] The controller 114 may be configured to control, monitor,
analyze and configure various components of the wellsite 100. The
controller 114 may be in communication with the surface system 101
via one or more cables 118 and/or communication links. Such surface
communication may be between the controller 114 and with various
components and systems associated with the surface system 101, such
as the elevator 126, the connector 112, the top drive 134, the
slips 116, the network 122 and/or the one or more computers 124.
The controller 114 may also be in communication with the downhole
system 103 (e.g., the drill string 132, and/or the downhole tools
104) via the top drive coupler, the connector 112, and/or the
communication adaptor 120. The communication links with the surface
system 101, although shown in some cases as cables 118, may be any
suitable device or combination of devices for communication
including, but not limited to, fiber optics, hydraulic lines,
pneumatic lines, acoustic, wireless transmissions and the like.
[0041] The network 122 is provided for communicating with
components about the wellsite 100 and/or between the one or more
offsite communication devices 124, such as one or more computers,
personal digital assistants, and/or other networks. The network 122
may communicate using any combination of communication devices or
methods, such as telemetry, fiber optics, acoustics, infrared,
wired/wireless links, a local area network (LAN), a personal area
network (PAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN). Connection may
also be made to an external computer (for example, through the
Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
[0042] The communication adaptor 120 may be configured to engage
the drill string 132 and establish communication between the
controller 114 and the downhole system 103 (e.g., drill string
132/downhole tools 104) when the drill string 132 is not supported
by the elevator 126.
[0043] The communication adaptor 120, the connector 112 and the top
drive coupler may be assembled to provide communication with the
controller 114 and/or the drill string 132 while performing
drilling operations and/or tripping.
[0044] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic of the wellsite 100 having a top
drive 134, a connector 112 and an elevator 126. The wellsite 100 of
FIG. 2 may be, for example, the same as the wellsite 100 of FIG. 1.
As shown, the drill string 132 is supported by the elevator 126.
The top drive 134 includes the top drive coupler 200 for
communicating with the drill string 132. The connector 112 includes
a frame 202 (shown schematically), a connector coupler (or coupler)
204, and an actuator 206. The actuator 206 and the frame 202 may be
configured to move the coupler 204 between an engaged position
where the coupler 204 is in engagement and communication with the
drill string 132 (as shown in FIG. 2), to a disengaged position (as
shown in FIG. 3). In the disengaged position of FIG. 3 the
connector 112 may be disconnected from the drill string 132, and
may allow the top drive 134 to couple to the drill string 132.
[0045] The connector 112 may be configured to communicate with the
top drive 134 via the top drive coupler 200. As shown schematically
in FIG. 3, the connector 112 may include a top drive communication
link 302. The top drive communication link 302 may communicatively
couple the connector 112 to the top drive 134 while the drill
string 132 and/or uppermost pipe 133 is supported by the elevator
126. Thus, the controller 112 may communicate with the drill string
132 through the top drive 134 via the top drive coupler 200, the
top drive communication link 302, the coupler 204 and the
transducer 130. The top drive communication link 302 may be any
device and/or devices for communicatively coupling the connector
112 with the top drive coupler 200. For example, the top drive
communication link 302 may include, but is not limited to, a
wireless connection between the top drive coupler 200 and the
connector 112 and/or transducer 130, a wired connection in
communication with the coupler 204 and the top drive 134 via the
top drive controls, and/or the top drive coupler 200, and the like.
The communication link of the top drive communication link 302 may
be made with any communication link described herein, such as
cables 118. The communication link between the coupler 204 and the
top drive 134 may be made using any combination of electrical
and/or mechanical links between the top drive 134 and the coupler
204.
[0046] The frame 202 may be any suitable device for moving the
coupler 204 between the engaged and disengaged positions. The frame
202 may have one or more arms for moving the coupler 204 as
described further herein. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 202 couples
the connector 112 to at least one of the elevator bails 208.
However, it should be appreciated that the frame 202 may couple the
connector 112 to any suitable location at the wellsite 100, or the
handling system 110, so long as the frame 202 may move the coupler
204 between the engaged and disengaged positions. For example, the
frame 202 may couple the connector 112 to the top drive 134 and/or
the elevator 126. Preferably, such movement may be performed
automatically as will be described further herein.
[0047] The coupler 204, as shown, is an inductive coupler
configured to transmit data across a joint or connection as a
magnetic signal. Any suitable inductive coupler for converting an
electrical signal to a magnetic field and vice-versa may be used
such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,880, previously
incorporated. In the '880 patent, the inductive coupler includes a
magnetically-conductive electrically insulating element (MCEI)
having a U-shaped trough in which is located an electrically
conducting coil. A varying current applied to the electrically
conducting coil generates a varying magnetic field in the MCEI. The
coupler 204 may be configured to enter a box end 210 of the
uppermost pipe 133 of the drill string 132 and located proximate
the transducer 130 of the uppermost pipe 133, or drill string
coupler. Having the coupler 204 and the transducer 130 (or two
couplers) proximate one another (as shown in FIG. 2 with the
coupler 204 communicating across the pipe joint) creates a
"transformer." In this example, the transformer is an RF signal
transformer. However, in other aspects of the disclosure, the
coupler 204 may use other methods for transmitting data across the
connector 112, or stab, pipe connection. For example, the coupler
204 may be an acoustic coupler, a fiber optic coupler, or an
electrical coupler for communicating or transmitting a signal
(i.e., an acoustic, optical, or electrical signal) across the
connection. Examples of coupler configurations that may be used to
implement aspects of the disclosure are further described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,670,880 previously incorporated herein.
[0048] The actuator 206 may be any suitable device for moving the
coupler 204 between the engaged position and the disengaged
position. For example, the actuator may be a hydraulic piston and
cylinder, a pneumatic piston and cylinder, a servo, and the like.
The actuator 206 may be further configured to actuate
electronically.
[0049] The connector 112 may include a body 212, or stab. The body
212 may be configured to support the coupler 204 and connect the
coupler 204 to the frame 202. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the body
212 is configured to at least partially move into a box end 210 of
the drill string 132. The body 212 may have any suitable shape, so
long as it is configured to support the coupler 204 and allow the
coupler 204 to move to the engaged position.
[0050] The controller 114 may communicatively couple directly to
the actuator 206 and/or the coupler 204 via a direct cable 118 or
communication link, as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the actuator 206
and/or the coupler 204 may be configured to communicate with the
controller 114 via the top drive 134, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the actuator 206 may be controlled
via a hydraulic control line 300 from the top drive 134 to the
actuator 206, and the coupler 204 may be coupled to the top drive
134 via a cable 118, or communication link. Using the top drive 134
to operate as the communication link between the connector 112 and
the controller 114 enables the operator to use the top drive to
control the connector 112. Although, the actuator 206 is described
as being controlled by the hydraulic line 300, it should be
appreciated that any suitable control line may be used including,
but not limited to, a pneumatic line, an electric line, and the
like.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the surface
handling system 110 and the connector 112 of FIG. 3. This view
shows the connector 112 as a stab unit or assembly mounted on
elevator links or bails 208. The connector 112 as shown includes
the frame 202, the actuator 206, the body 212 (or stab), and one or
more lift eyes 400. The lift eyes 400 may be configured to lift the
connector 112 during transport and/or to mechanically operate the
connecter 112 without using the actuator 206. The connector 112 is
shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The frame 202 as shown
in FIG. 5A includes an elevator bail connector 402, an actuator arm
404, a guide arm 406 and an alignment arm 408. The elevator bail
connector 402 may be any suitable device for coupling the connector
112 to the elevator bails. As shown, the elevator bail connector
402 includes at least one gap 410. The gap 410 may be configured to
fit the elevator bail substantially within the gap 410. With the
elevator bail within the gap 410, the elevator bail may be secured
to the connector 112 using any number of methods including
clamping, bolting, welding, screwing, and the like. Although the
elevator bail connector 402 is shown as the at least one gap 410,
it should be appreciated that any method of securing the connector
112 to the elevator bails may be used.
[0052] The actuator arm 404, shown as an upper arm, may be
configured to move the body 212 and/or the coupler 204 between the
engaged position of FIG. 2 and the disengaged position of FIG. 3 in
response to the movement of the actuator 206. The actuator arm 404
as shown comprises two arms parallel to one another; however, it
should be appreciated that one or more arms may be used. The two
actuator arm 404 may include an actuator end 412, an arm connector
414, and a body end 416.
[0053] The actuator end 412 of the actuator arm 404 may be
configured to engage the actuator 206. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A,
the actuator includes a hydraulic piston and cylinder coupled to
each of the two actuator arms 404. However, it should be
appreciated that one or more of the pistons/cylinders may be used.
Further, although described as a hydraulic piston and cylinder
actuator, it should be appreciated that any actuator 206 may be
used, such as those described herein. The actuator 206 may be
connected to the actuator end 412 using a pin connection, as shown,
or any other suitable connector device. As the actuator 206 is
moved, the actuator end 412 of the actuator arm 404 is moved in
response thereto, thereby moving the body 212, as will be described
in more detail herein.
[0054] The arm connector 414, as shown in FIG. 4, is a fixed pivot
point that the actuator arm 404 may pivot about as the actuator 206
moves the connector 112 between the engaged and disengaged
position. The pivot point may be at a fixed location on the frame
202. For example, as shown, the pivot point is located on a support
member 418 which couples to, or is integral with, the elevator bail
connector 402. Thus, the pivot point may be substantially fixed
relative to the elevator bails 208 (shown, e.g., in FIGS. 2 and 3).
The arm connector 414 may be coupled to the pivot point using a pin
connector as shown, although it should be appreciated that any
method of connecting the actuator arm 404 to the pivot point may be
used including, but not limited to, a bolt connection and the
like.
[0055] The body end 416 of the actuator arm 404 couples the
actuator arm 404 to the body 212 of the connector 112. As shown,
each one of the two arms of the actuator arm 404 couples to
opposing sides of the body 212. The body end 416 may couple to the
body 212 in a manner that allows the actuator arm 404 to move the
body 212 and/or coupler 204 (shown in FIG. 2) between the engaged
and disengaged positions. As shown, the body end 416 couples the
actuator arm 404 to the body 212 with a pin connection similar to
the arm connector 414 connection, although it should be appreciated
that any suitable method of coupling the actuator arm 404 to the
body 212 may be used. As the actuator 206 moves the actuator end
412 of the actuator arm 404 about the pivot point of the arm
connector 414, the body end 416 moves the body 212 and/or the
coupler 204, as shown in FIG. 2 between the engaged and disengaged
positions as will be discussed in more detail below.
[0056] The actuator arm 404 may have an adjustable connection 420
between the body 212 and the actuator arm 404. As shown, the
adjustable connection 420 may comprises a slot on the actuator arm
404 configured to allow the pin coupled to the body 212 to
translate within the slot as the body 212 is moved. The adjustable
connection 420 may allow the body 212 to remain in a substantially
vertical, or in-line with the drill string 132 (as shown in FIGS.
1, 2, 3 and 4), position as the actuator arm 404 moves the body
212. Although the adjustable connection 420 is described as a slot
in the actuator arm 404, it should be appreciated that any suitable
method of making the connection adjustable may be used, such as
allowing a pin fixed in the actuator arm 404 to translate along a
slot on the body 212.
[0057] The guide arm 406, or lower arm as shown on FIG. 5A, may be
configured to guide the body 212 and/or coupler 204 (shown in FIG.
2) between the engaged and disengaged position. The guide arm 406
may include two arms in a similar manner to the actuator arm 404.
The guide arm 406 may be provided with the arm connector 414 and
the body end 416. In a similar manner to the actuator arm 404, the
arm connector 414 allows the guide arm 406 to pivot about a pivot
point on the support member 418 of the frame 202. The body end 416
of the guide arm 406 couples the guide arm 406 to the body 212, and
allows the guide arm 406 to guide the body 212 as the actuator arm
404 moves the body 212. The connections of the guide arm 406 to the
body 212 by the arm connector 414 and the body end 416 may be
similar to the connections described above for the actuator arm
404. The guide arm 406 may include simple pin connections on each
end thereby substantially fixing the distance between the arm
connector 414 and the body end 416. Thus, as the actuator arm 404
moves the body 212, the guide arm 406 allows the body 212 to move
at the fixed distance of the guide arm 406.
[0058] The guide arm 406 may be sized to a fixed length designed
for a specific elevator and/or pipe size. The size of elevators 126
and pipe 102 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) vary in size. The connector
112 may be configured to guide the coupler 204 into the box end of
the pipe 102. Thus, the length of the guide arm 406 may vary
depending on the size of the pipe 102 and/or the elevator 126. The
length of the guide arm 406 may be varied in any suitable manner.
For example, the guide arm 406 may adjust using a threaded clevis
423, shown in FIG. 5A. The threaded clevis 423 may allow adjustment
to the length of the guide arm 406 based on the size of the
elevator 126 and/or pipe 102 used at the derrick 106 (shown in FIG.
1). The length may be adjusted prior to installing the connector
112 on the surface handling system 110, or with the connector 112
on the surface handling system 110. Although described as the guide
arm 406 having an adjustable length, the length may vary by having
several different sized guide arms 406 that may be replaced when
different sized pipes and elevators are used.
[0059] The alignment arm 408, shown as a parallel arm to the guide
arm 406, may be configured to align the body 212 and/or the coupler
204 with the box end 210 and/or the transducer 130 of the drill
string 132 (shown in FIG. 2). As shown, there is one alignment arm
408, although it should be appreciated that there may be any number
of alignment arms. Similar to the guide arm 406, the alignment arm
408 may have an arm connector 414 and a body end 416. The arm
connector 414 and the body end 416 may couple to the support member
418 and the body 212 in a similar manner as the guide arm 406. The
alignment arm 408 may be configured to have a substantially fixed
length in a similar manner as the guide arm 406. The alignment arm
408 may include a threaded collar 422 configured to adjust the
length of the alignment arm 408.
[0060] The alignment arm 408, in combination with the guide arm
406, may be configured to position the body 212 and/or the coupler
204 substantially in alignment with the drill string 132 and/or the
transducer 204 when the connector 112 is in the engaged position
(shown in FIG. 2). As shown, the alignment arm 408 is substantially
parallel with the guide arm 406 as the body 212 pivots between the
engaged and disengaged position. Having the arms substantially
parallel, may allow the body 212 to travel in a substantially
vertical direction, or in line with a longitudinal axis of the
drill string, as the actuator arm 204 pivots the body 212 between
the disengaged and engaged positions. Although, the alignment arm
408 and the guide arm 406 are described as being parallel and
moving the body 212 in a substantially vertical position as it
rotates between the engaged and disengaged positions, it should be
appreciated that the alignment arm 408 and the guide arm 406 may
have different lengths and may not be parallel, so long as the
coupler 204 is positioned in communicative engagement with the
transducer 130, when the connector 112 is in the engaged
position.
[0061] Although the guide arm 406 and the alignment arm 408 are
described as being adjustable in length using the threaded clevis
423 and the threaded collar 422 respectively, it should be
appreciated that any number of devices may be used to adjust the
length of the guide arm and the alignment arm. For example, there
could be several of the guide arms and alignment arms of varying
lengths that may be substituted depending on the size of the
elevator and the pipe, or telescoping arms using a separate
actuator for adjusting the length may be used. It should also be
appreciated that while the length of the guide arm 406 and the
alignment arm 408 are described as being manually adjustable, there
may be an arm length actuator configured to adjust the length of
the arms. The arm length actuator may be configured to operate in a
similar manner as the actuator 206.
[0062] The connector 112 may include a stop 500, or mechanical
stop, configured to limit the movement of the guide arm 406 and/or
the alignment arm 408, as shown in FIG. 5B. The stop 500 may be
configured to stop the body 212 at a position where it is
substantially in line with the drill string 132 (as shown in FIG.
1). The stop 500 as shown is simply a node, or boss, on the support
member 418 configured to stop the rotation of the guide arm 406.
Although the stop 500 is described as being located on the support
frame 418 and engaging the guide arm 406, it should be appreciated
that the stop 500 may be located at any suitable location for
engaging and stopping the travel or the guide arm 406 and/or the
alignment arm 408. Further, the stop 500 may be configured to be
the top of the box end of the pipe (see, e.g., 210 of FIG. 3).
[0063] Although the actuator arm 204 is shown located above the
guide arm 406 with the alignment arm 408 located therebetween, it
should be appreciated that the arms may be located in any suitable
arrangement so long as the arms move the connector 112 between the
disengaged and engaged position.
[0064] The body 212 may include an actuator body portion 426, a
guide body portion 428, a guide 430 (as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B),
and one or more biasing members 432. FIG. 6A shows a
cross-sectional view of the connector 112 of FIG. 4 taken along
line A-A. The body 212, as shown in FIG. 6A, may further include a
coil stab 600, an outer guide stab 602, a coupler stab 604, and the
coupler 204.
[0065] The actuator portion 426 of the body 212, as shown in FIGS.
5-6A is an outer housing coupled to the actuator arm 404. The
actuator portion 426 may be configured to move with the actuator
arm 404 as the actuator arm 404 moves. Further, the actuator
portion 426 may be configured to move the guide body portion 428
and the coil stab 600 as the actuator arm 404 moves. The coil stab
600 may couple to the actuator portion 426. As shown, the coil stab
600 couples to the top of the actuator portion 426. The coil stab
600 may be coupled to the actuator portion 426 using any method
such as bolting, welding, screwing, and the like. The connection
between the coil stab 600 and the actuator portion 426 may be a
rigid connection or a connection that allows the coil stab 600
freedom to move, or adjust in a radial direction relative to the
centerline of the body 212. Because the coil stab 600 is
operatively connected to the actuator portion 426, the coil stab
600 moves with the actuator portion 426. Although the body 212 is
shown having the coil stab 600 that is moved by the actuator
portion 426, it should be appreciated that the coil stab 600 may
couple directly to the actuator arm 404, thereby alleviating the
need for the actuator portion 426.
[0066] The coil stab 600, as shown in FIG. 6A, is a substantially
tubular shaped member. The coil stab 600 may be operatively coupled
to the actuator portion 426 and the coupler stab 604. The tubular
shape of the coil stab 600 may allow for a cable 118, or
communication link to run through the center of the coil stab 600.
The coil stab 600 is configured to move the coupler stab 604, and
thereby the coupler 204 into communication with the transducer 130.
Although the coil stab 600 is shown as a tubular member, it should
be appreciated that the coil stab 600 may be any shape that allows
the actuator 206 to move the coupler 204 into engagement with the
transducer including, but not limited to, a cylindrical, a square
prism, a rod, and/or other shape.
[0067] The actuator portion 426 of the body may be configured to
move relative to the guide body portion 428 of the body 212. As
shown in FIG. 6A, the guide body portion 428 couples to the guide
arm 406 and the alignment arm 408 (as shown in FIG. 5A). The guide
body portion 428 may have a central bore 606, an alignment portion
608, and a base portion 610. The central bore 606 may be configured
to allow the coil stab 600 to move relative to the guide body
portion 428 along the Y-Y axis that is substantially in line with
the body 212. The central bore 606 may be configured to have a
larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the coil stab 600.
The larger diameter may allow the coil stab 600 the freedom to move
and adjust in a radial direction relative to the Y-Y axis as the
coil stab 600 is positioned into the engaged position. Further, the
central bore 606 may be configured to engage the outer diameter of
the coil stab 600 thereby guiding the coil stab 600.
[0068] The alignment portion 608 of the guide body portion 428 may
be configured to allow the actuator portion 426 to move relative to
the guide body portion 428 along the longitudinal Y-Y axis. As
shown in FIG. 6A, the alignment portion 608 has an outer surface
612 configured guide an inner surface 614 of the actuator portion
426. As shown, the outer surface 612 and the inner surface 614 are
substantially cylindrical in shape, thereby operating in a similar
manner to a piston and cylinder. However, it should be appreciated
that the alignment portion 608 and the actuator portion 426 may
have any shape so long as the alignment portion 608 is configured
to guide the actuator portion 426 as the actuator portion 426 moves
relative to the guide body portion 428.
[0069] The base portion 610 may be configured to couple the guide
body portion 428 to the guide 430. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, the
base portion 610 is operatively coupled to the guide arm 406 and
the alignment arm 408. The guide arm 406 and alignment arm 408 may
maintain the position of the base portion 610 as the connector 112
moves into the engaged position as will be described in more detail
below.
[0070] The guide 430 may include the outer guide stab 602, and the
coupler stab 604, or coupler equipped stab. The outer guide stab
602 may be configured to align and/or protect the coupler stab 604
as the connector 112 moves into the engaged position. The outer
guide stab 602 may be configured to allow for axial and radial
alignment of the coupler stab 604 as the body 212 moves into the
engaged position. As shown in FIG. 6A, the outer guide stab 602 has
a pipe guide 616, a coil stab guide 618, and the biasing member
432. The pipe guide 616 may be configured to engage the box end 210
of the uppermost pipe 133 and protect the coupler stab 604 from
damage during operation. The pipe guide 616, as shown, has a
substantially conical outer surface configured to engage the box
end 210 of the uppermost pipe 133. As the body 212 engages the box
end 210 of the uppermost pipe 133, the conical outer surface of the
pipe guide 616 may be the first portion of the connector 112 to
engage the uppermost pipe 133. The conical outer surface allows the
pipe guide 616 to self align the guide 430 and thereby the coil
stab 600 as the body 212 engages the uppermost pipe 133. Further,
the pipe guide 616 may protect the coupler stab 604 by
substantially surrounding, or enclosing, the coupler stab 604 when
the coupler stab 604 is in the retracted pre-engagement position.
To this end, the coupler stab 604 may substantially fit within the
pipe guide 616 when in the retracted position.
[0071] The coil stab guide 618 may be configured to align the guide
430 linearly with the coil stab 600. As shown the coil stab guide
618 is a tubular guide portion having an inner diameter configured
to guide and/or engage an outer diameter of the coil stab 600.
Thus, as the pipe guide 616 engages the box end 210 of the
uppermost pipe 133, the conical shape of the pipe guide 616 aligns
the coupler stab 602 with the axis of the uppermost pipe 133. The
coil stab guide 618 which is coupled to the pipe guide may align
the coil stab 600 with the linear axis of the uppermost pipe
133.
[0072] The outer stab guide 602 may be operatively coupled to the
base portion 610 via the biasing member 432. This allows the outer
stab guide 602 to have an axial and/or radial freedom of movement
while engaging the box end 210 of the uppermost pipe 133. As shown,
the biasing member 432 is a coiled spring, however, it should be
appreciated that the biasing member may be any member suitable for
allowing the outer stab guide 602 to flexibly align with the box
end 210 of the uppermost pipe 133.
[0073] The coupler stab 604 may be operatively coupled to the coil
stab 600. Thus as the actuator 205 moves the coil stab 600, the
coupler stab 602 moves. The coupler stab 602 may include the
coupler 204. The coupler stab 602 is configured to locate the
coupler 204 into a position that allows the coupler 204 to
communicate with the transducer 130. The coupler stab 602 may be
any suitable shape, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, the coupler stab
602 is circular or semicircular in shape. The coupler stab 602 may
include a groove 502 (see FIGS. 5B and 6B) at the pipe face of the
coupler stab 602. The coupler 204 may be disposed in the groove
502. The coupler stab 604 may further include a coupler stab guide
620, as shown in FIG. 6B. The coupler stab guide 620 may be
configured to engage an inner diameter of the box end 210 of the
uppermost pipe 133. Thus, the coupler stab guide 620 may further
align the coupler stab 602 and thereby the coupler 204 with the
transducer 204 as the coil stab 600 moves linearly toward the
transducer 204. As shown, the coupler stab guide 620 has a conical
shape, however, it should be appreciated that any suitable shape
may be used.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 6A, the stab assembly, or connector 112 may
be configured with a cable, such as cable 118, that extends from
the coil embedded in the coupler 204 and runs through the coil stab
600 to the upper end of the stab. The cable 118 may couple directly
to any of the cables and/or communication links described herein.
The electrical cable, or the cable 118, may run through the stab
assembly, or connector 112, between the inductive coupler, coupler
204 and the upper end of the stab guide, or body 212. At the upper
end of the body 212, the cable 118 may exit through a conduit and
can be linked to establish communication between the surface system
101, and/or the controller 114, and the downhole system 103 formed
by the coupled pipes 102 in the drill string 132 as shown in FIGS.
1 and 2. The cable 118 may be linked to a transducer, or connector
transducer 650, configured for remote wireless communication.
Further, it should be appreciated that the connector 112 may send
data to the controller and/or surface equipment via wireless
communication.
[0075] In addition to the biasing member 432 located between the
base portion 610 and the outer guide stab 602, there may be a
biasing member 432 configured to bias the coil stab 600 toward the
retracted position. As shown in FIG. 6A, the biasing member 432 may
engage a shoulder 622 of the guide body portion 428 and a top 624
of the actuator body portion 426. Thus the biasing member 432
provides a force on the actuator body portion 426 toward the
retracted position. The actuator 206 may overcome this force to
communicatively engage the coupler 204 with the transducer 130.
[0076] FIG. 7 shows the stab assembly, or connector 112, having the
groove 502, or annular groove, provided at the bottom face of the
guide 430. Inside the groove 502 may be disposed an inductive
coupler (or coupler) 204. The connector 112 may include one or more
alignment marks 700 as also shown in FIG. 7. The one or more
alignment marks 700 may be used to facilitate mounting of the
device on the rig equipment, or surface handling system 110 (as
shown in FIG. 2) for more accurate placement and reliability. Thus,
the alignment marks 700 may be used to establish proper mounting
height of the connector 112 on the elevator bail, or link (see,
e.g., 208 of FIGS. 2-3). The alignment mark 700 may be aligned with
the top of the uppermost pipe 133 in the elevator 126 (see e.g.,
FIG. 2).
[0077] FIGS. 8A-8B provide various views of the connector 112
moving between a disengaged and an engaged position. FIGS. 8A-8B
show schematic views of the connector 112 coupled to the elevator
bails 208 and moving from the disengaged position, shown in FIG.
8A, to an intermediate position, as shown in FIG. 8B. As shown, the
uppermost pipe 133 is supported in the elevator 126. In the
disengaged position, the connector 112 is secured safely out of the
way of the box end 210 of the uppermost pipe 133. In this position,
the top drive 134 (as shown in FIG. 2) may engage the box end 210
without damaging the connector 112. FIG. 8B shows the intermediate
position. In the intermediate position, the body 212 has engaged
the box end 210 of the uppermost pipe 133. However, the coil stab
600 and, therefore, the coupler 204 are in the retracted position
and not communicatively engaged with the uppermost pipe 133. FIGS.
9A-9G show side views of the connector 112 moving from the
disengaged position to the engaged position. In FIGS. 9A and 9B,
the connector 112 is in the disengaged position. In the disengaged
position the connector 112, or stab assembly, is retracted in its
stowed condition against the elevator links 208. In this position,
the actuator 206 may be fully retracted and the arms, the actuator
arm 404, the guide arm 406 and the alignment arm 408, may be
substantially parallel to one another. The connector 112, or unit,
may be then activated via cylinders, or the actuator 206, until the
lower arms reach the mechanical stop 500, as shown in FIG. 9C. At
this point, if the unit mounting height is setup properly, the
guide 430 will be flush with the pipe shoulder and centered in the
pipe connection of the uppermost pipe 133. The operator, or
controller 114 as shown in FIG. 1, may actuate the actuator 206 in
order to move the connector 112 toward the engaged position. The
actuator 206 may extend the piston of the actuator 206, thereby
moving the actuator end 412 of the actuator arm 404. As the
actuator end 412 moves toward the engaged position, or up as shown
in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the actuator arm 404 moves the body 212 of the
connector 112 toward the box end 210 of the uppermost pipe 133. The
actuator arm 404 moves the actuator body portion 426 of the body
212. The actuator body portion 426 may be effectively coupled to
the guide body portion 428 of the body 212. Moving the actuator
body portion 426 of the body 212 may move the guide body portion
428. The guide body portion 426 is coupled to the guide arm 406 and
the alignment arm 408 in order to guide the body 212 into alignment
with the box end 210 of the uppermost pipe 133.
[0078] As shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the actuator has moved the body
212 into axial alignment with the uppermost pipe 133. At this
stage, the mechanical stop 500, for example engaging the guide arm
406 may stop further movement of the guide arm 406, the alignment
arm 408 and/or the guide body portion 428 of the connector 112. The
guide 430 may have aligned the coupler and/or coupler stab with the
pipe transducer as will be described in more detail below. With the
guide body portion 428 of the body 212 fixed, continued movement of
the actuator arm 404 may overcome the biasing force in the body 212
and move the actuator body portion 426 and the coupler toward the
engaged position.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 9E, the actuator arm 404 is no longer
parallel with the guide arm 406 and the alignment arm 408. This is
due to the actuator body portion 426 and thereby the coupler,
moving linearly relative to the guide body portion 428. Continued
movement of the actuator arm 404 moves the connector 112 and
therefore the coupler into the engaged position as shown in FIG.
9F. FIG. 9G shows another view of the connector 112 in the engaged
position. As shown in FIGS. 9F and 9G, the actuator 206 has moved
the coupler 204 into the engaged position. In the engaged position,
the body 212 of the connector 112, engages the box end 210 of the
uppermost pipe 133 and establishes a communication link with the
uppermost pipe 133 and any downhole tools 104, shown in FIG. 1,
coupled to the uppermost pipe 133.
[0080] FIGS. 10A-10E show side views, partially in cross-section,
of the connector 112 moving from the intermediate position into the
engaged position. In the intermediate position, as shown in FIG.
10A, the guide arm 406 has engaged the mechanical stop 500 (FIG.
5B). The outer guide stab 602 has entered the top of the box end
210 of the uppermost pipe 133. The outer guide stab 602 may have
engaged the top of the box end 210 upon entry and radially adjusted
the position of the coupler 204, and/or coil stab 600. The coil
stab 600 is still in the retracted position and thereby the outer
guide stab 602 may still be surrounding the coupler stab 602.
Continued actuation of the actuator 206 may overcome the biasing
force caused by biasing member 432. Upon overcoming the biasing
force, the actuator body portion 426 and thereby the coil stab 600
move linearly relative to the guide body portion 428, as shown in
FIG. 10B.
[0081] As the cylinders, or actuators 206, continue to extend, the
upper arm, or actuator arm 404, continues to rotate the lower arm,
the guide arm 406, and the parallel arm, the alignment arm 408, are
stopped as shown in FIG. 10B. This extends the electrical stab,
coil stab 600, into the pipe connection. The cylinders, or
actuators 206, may continue to extend until the coupler-equipped
stab links electromagnetically with the coupler, or transducer 130,
on the pipe end, or box end 210, completing the transmission
circuit of the wired pipe. In FIG. 10B, the coupler stab 604 has
moved into the box end 210 due to continued movement of the
actuator body portion 426 and thereby the coil stab 600. Continued
actuation of the actuator arm 404 moves the actuator body portion
426, the coil stab 600 and thereby the coupler stab 604, until the
coupler stab 604 engages pipe proximate the transducer 130. The
biasing members 432, along with the internal diameter of the body
212 that allows the coil stab 600 to move, may allow the coil stab
600 and thereby the coupler 204 to self align into communicative
engagement with the transducer 130, as show in FIGS. 10C-10E. Once
the coupler 204 is in communicative engagement with the transducer
130 the controller 114 (as shown in FIG. 1) may communicate with
the drill string 132 and/or the downhole tools 104. This
communication may be substantially maintained during tripping (i.e.
the dynamic movement of the drill string in the substantially
vertical direction) of the drill string 132 and/or downhole tools
104 into and out of the borehole, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 10D, the guide stab, or outer guide stab
602, centers the device, or connector 112, on the pipe end, or box
end 210 of the uppermost pipe 133. The connector 112 may be set
with very loose tolerances compared with the rest of the outer
housing to account for any movement or misalignment with the
tool/pipe joint, or connector 112/box end 210. The inner coil stab,
or the coupler stab 604, has the coupler 204 in it and is driven
down by the upper arm, or the actuator arm 404, once the guide stab
is in place. The inner coil stab, or coupler stab 604, may slide
with relatively tight tolerances to the outer guide stab 602. This
is to ensure the coupler 204 is positioned correctly and is not
damaged during installation. As shown in FIG. 10E, the coil stab
600 is shown misaligned. The biasing members 432, or springs, may
allow for the connection of the coupler 204 with the transducer 130
with the misalignment. The assembly, the connector 112, is equipped
with springs, or biasing members 432. An outer spring, or the lower
biasing member 432, allows for axial misalignment of the guide
stab, or coil stab 600, when mated to the tool/pipe joint,
connector 112/uppermost pipe 133, and the outer housing. A second
(inner) spring, the upper biasing member 432 as shown, keeps the
inner coil stab, coupler stab 604 retracted into the outer guide
stab 602 to ensure the guide stab, or the coil stab 600, is
securely centered on the tool/pipe, connector 112/uppermost pipe
133, before the coil stab 600 is extended into place to keep from
damaging the coupler 204.
[0083] An aspect of the disclosure provides a method for
communicating about a wellsite. Such communication may be with the
surface system 101 and/or the downhole system 103. The method
includes positioning the coupler 204 configured for signal
communication at the borehole surface, linking the coupler 204 with
an end of the tubular configured with a second coupler, or
transducer, and establishing a communication link across the
couplers.
[0084] FIG. 11 is a flowchart depicting a method of communicating
about a wellsite. The method includes supporting 1100 a drill
string from an elevator of a handling system. Disposing 1102 a
connector for communicating with the drill string on the handling
system. The method further includes actuating 1104 the connector
into communication with the downhole system. The method further
includes communicating 1106 with the surface system. The method
further includes communicating 1108 with the downhole system while
supporting the drill string from the elevator. The method may
optionally include determining a downhole pressure while tripping
the drill string into and out of the wellbore, for example
measuring a hydrostatic pressure at the depth of the subsurface
sensor. The method may further include measuring tension and/or
compression in the drill string during wellbore operations, for
example using a strain gauge. Thus, dynamic hydrostatic pressure,
and also the drill string strain (tension and compression)--in real
time while dynamically moving the drill string in the vertical
direction for example while tripping.
[0085] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
systems/techniques disclosed herein can be fully
automated/autonomous via software configured with algorithms to
perform operations as described herein. These aspects can be
implemented by programming one or more suitable general-purpose
computers having appropriate hardware. The programming may be
accomplished through the use of one or more program storage devices
readable by the processor(s) and encoding one or more programs of
instructions executable by the computer for performing the
operations described herein. The program storage device may take
the form of, e.g., one or more floppy disks; a CD ROM or other
optical disk; a magnetic tape; a read-only memory chip (ROM); and
other forms of the kind well-known in the art or subsequently
developed. The program of instructions may be "object code," i.e.,
in binary form that is executable more-or-less directly by the
computer; in "source code" that requires compilation or
interpretation before execution; or in some intermediate form such
as partially compiled code. The precise forms of the program
storage device and of the encoding of instructions are immaterial
here. Aspects of the disclosure may also be configured to perform
the described computing/automation functions downhole (via
appropriate hardware/software implemented in the network/string),
at surface, in combination, and/or remotely via wireless links tied
to the network. Advantages provided by the present disclosure may
include, for example, improved safety by reducing the number of
people required on the rig floor. Field technicians typically
operate a handheld device that they screw into the pipe when
suspended in the slips to `spot check` the network for
connectivity. Many times, their presence at the rotary table
obstructs the rig crews. With aspects of the disclosure mounted on
the rig equipment (e.g., on the bails), there may be no need for
technicians to be on the rig floor, thereby reducing the chance for
crew injuries or obstructions to the rig crews. Improved downhole
measurement availability while tripping is also provided. This may
allow for the following: [0086] Dynamic downhole hydrostatic
pressure measurements in real time while tripping, revealing
accurately the dynamic surge and swap pressures. These pressures
are generally not available in real time and wellsite personnel
rely on conservative rules of thumb or on mathematical models
instead of accurate measurements. Surge pressure could result in
time-consuming lost circulation events, while swap pressure could
lead to dangerous or costly well control events. Closed loop
feedback is now possible with the drawworks controlling the trip
speed in an optimum operating range, based on the downhole pressure
measurements in real time. [0087] Downhole strain measurements on
the drill string can now be measured in real time while the string
is moving in lateral direction. This allows for measuring the
compression or tension stresses on downhole equipment at different
positions in the drill string. Closed loop feedback is now possible
by controlling the drawwork speed based on the acting
compression/tension stress measurements in an optimum range. [0088]
Without the time consuming practice to engage the top drive, now
multipass, time lapse or repeat measurements can be made. This is
useful to qualify the wellbore and compare the measurements with
those at an initial time. [0089] Repeat measurements of the
inclination and azimuth will reduce uncertainty in well placement
by averaging out the abundance of measurements acquired at the same
point in the wellbore [0090] Reduction in the number of trips into
the hole only to find out at a later time at a greater depth that
some component has failed. With measurements all the time during
the trip in, infant tool failure rates will be reduced. [0091]
Stuck pipe prevention: In horizontal and especially in ERD wells,
trouble frequently originates while tripping. For example,
mechanically getting stuck by pulling the drill string into
unstable cutting beds that resulted from poor hole cleaning. [0092]
The acquisition of real-time distributed downhole measurements,
drill string dynamics analysis, manual/automated adjustment of
downhole tools, while tripping.
[0093] While the present disclosure describes specific aspects of
the invention, numerous modifications and variations will become
apparent to those skilled in the art after studying the disclosure,
including use of equivalent functional and/or structural
substitutes for elements described herein. For example, aspects of
the invention can also be implemented for operation in combination
with other known telemetry systems (e.g., mud pulse, fiber-optics,
wireline systems, etc.). All such similar variations apparent to
those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the
disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0094] While the embodiments are described with reference to
various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood
that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the
inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations,
modifications, additions and improvements are possible. For
example, additional sources and/or receivers may be located about
the wellbore to perform seismic operations.
[0095] Plural instances may be provided for components, operations
or structures described herein as a single instance. In general,
structures and functionality presented as separate components in
the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined
structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality
presented as a single component may be implemented as separate
components. These and other variations, modifications, additions,
and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject
matter.
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